Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.9.37
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Fulfills His Devotee’s Promise
“Fulfilling my vow and sacrificing His own promise, He got down from the chariot, took up its wheel, and ran towards me hurriedly, just as a lion goes to kill an elephant. He even dropped His outer garment on the way.”
What the purport teaches
- Bhīṣmadeva vowed that Kṛṣṇa would have to take up weapons or Arjuna would die. He wanted to see the Lord take up a weapon to save His friend.
- Kṛṣṇa considered fulfilling Bhīṣmadeva’s promise more important than keeping His own promise to remain without weapons. He took up a chariot wheel and rushed toward Bhīṣmadeva to protect Arjuna.
- Bhīṣmadeva laid down his weapons and stood ready to be killed by his beloved Lord. Arjuna’s danger was only apparent, for the Lord Himself was present to protect him.
Try this today
Spend one minute remembering Kṛṣṇa taking up the wheel to protect Arjuna and fulfill Bhīṣmadeva’s promise.
Ask yourself
What does Kṛṣṇa’s eagerness to please Bhīṣmadeva reveal about His affection 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.