Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.1.24
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesBaladeva Appears to Please Kṛṣṇa
“The foremost manifestation of Kṛṣṇa is Saṅkarṣaṇa, who is known as Ananta. He is the origin of all incarnations within this material world. Previous to the appearance of Lord Kṛṣṇa, this original Saṅkarṣaṇa will appear as Baladeva, just to please the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa in His transcendental pastimes.”
What the purport teaches
- Saṅkarṣaṇa, known as Ananta, is Kṛṣṇa’s foremost manifestation and the origin of all incarnations within this material world.
- Śrī Baladeva is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself and is equal in supremacy. Wherever Kṛṣṇa appears, Baladeva appears as His brother.
- This time Baladeva would appear before Kṛṣṇa as His elder brother. His purpose was to please Kṛṣṇa in His transcendental pastimes.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, pause and remember Baladeva’s desire to please Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
What can Baladeva’s desire to please Kṛṣṇa teach you about the purpose of service?
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.