Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.8.46
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Arranges His Devotee’s Honor
“King Yudhiṣṭhira, who was much aggrieved, could not be convinced, despite instructions by great sages headed by Vyāsa and the Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, the performer of superhuman feats, and despite all historical evidence.”
What the purport teaches
- Yudhiṣṭhira was deeply distressed by the mass killing in the battle fought to place him on the throne. Even the explanations of Vyāsa and Kṛṣṇa did not satisfy him.
- This was not a failure of Kṛṣṇa’s power. As the Supersoul, He did not allow the King to be convinced because He wanted him to hear Bhīṣmadeva.
- The Lord wanted Bhīṣmadeva to see Him and his beloved grandchildren before passing away peacefully. He also wanted the world to witness His devotee’s exceptional knowledge.
Try this today
Reread the purport’s explanation of Kṛṣṇa’s purpose and write one sentence about His care for Bhīṣmadeva.
Ask yourself
How does the Lord’s wish to honor Bhīṣmadeva shape my respect for His devotees?
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.