Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.9.35
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa’s Loving Actions Benefit Everyone
“In obedience to the command of His friend, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa entered the arena of the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra between the soldiers of Arjuna and Duryodhana, and while there He shortened the life spans of the opposite party by His merciful glance. This was done simply by His looking at the enemy. Let my mind be fixed upon that Kṛṣṇa.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Lord is never anyone’s servant by obligation. Yet out of causeless mercy and affection, He takes pleasure in carrying out His pure devotee’s order.
- Kṛṣṇa’s glance shortened the lives of Arjuna’s opponents, but this was mercy rather than ordinary partiality. The fighters attained salvation by seeing the Lord at death.
- The Lord is absolute and all good at all times. What appeared to serve only Arjuna’s victory also brought good to his enemies.
Try this today
Recall Kṛṣṇa placing Arjuna’s chariot between the armies, and offer a brief prayer for a loving relationship with Him.
Ask yourself
How does this account deepen my understanding of Kṛṣṇa’s affection for His devotees and mercy toward others?
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.