Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.15.17
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Supreme Lord Becomes His Devotee’s Friend
“It was by His mercy only that my enemies neglected to kill me when I descended from my chariot to get water for my thirsty horses. And it was due to my lack of esteem for my Lord that I dared engage Him as my chariot driver, for He is worshiped and offered services by the best men to attain salvation.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet He perfectly played the part of Arjuna’s friend and chariot driver.
- By the Lord’s internal potency, a devotee in an intimate relationship may forget His supreme position. The purport explains that Arjuna made no mistake and did not truly underestimate the Lord.
- By Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, Arjuna’s enemies did not attack him when he left his chariot to supply water to his thirsty horses.
Try this today
Spend one minute reflecting on Kṛṣṇa’s friendship with Arjuna as an expression of His loving care.
Ask yourself
What touches you about the Supreme Lord’s willingness to serve as His devotee’s friend?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.