Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.13.31
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Cows’ Overflowing Affection
“The cows had given birth to new calves, but while coming down from Govardhana Hill, the cows, because of increased affection for the older calves, allowed the older calves to drink milk from their milk bags and then began licking the calves’ bodies in anxiety, as if wanting to swallow them.”
What the purport teaches
- Although the cows had given birth to new calves, their affection for the older calves had increased.
- Coming down from Govardhana Hill, they allowed the older calves to drink their milk.
- They eagerly licked the calves’ bodies, as if wanting to swallow them. Their affection was expressed through feeding and tender care.
Try this today
Read the translation slowly once, noticing the cows’ acts of feeding and licking their calves.
Ask yourself
What strikes me about the cows’ eagerness to care for their older calves?
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.