Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.8.45
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLoving Service Wins the Independent Lord
“Thus accepting the prayers of Śrīmatī Kuntīdevī, the Lord subsequently informed other ladies of His departure by entering the palace of Hastināpura. But upon preparing to leave, He was stopped by King Yudhiṣṭhira, who implored Him lovingly.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord accepted Kuntīdevī’s prayers and prepared to depart. King Yudhiṣṭhira then lovingly asked Him to remain.
- No one could otherwise make Kṛṣṇa stay, but the King’s simple, affectionate request was immediately effective. The almighty God is conquered only by loving service.
- The Lord remains fully independent in all His dealings. Yet He voluntarily accepts obligations through the loving affection of His pure devotees.
Try this today
Offer one simple prayer today as an expression of affection, without making a demand.
Ask yourself
Am I approaching the Lord with loving affection or with a wish to control the outcome?
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.