Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.13.33
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Awakens Deep Paternal Love
“At that time, all the thoughts of the cowherd men merged in the mellow of paternal love, which was aroused by the sight of their sons. Experiencing a great attraction, their anger completely disappearing, they lifted their sons, embraced them in their arms and enjoyed the highest pleasure by smelling their sons’ heads.”
What the purport teaches
- After Brahmā stole the original boys and calves, Kṛṣṇa expanded Himself to become them again.
- Because the boys were Kṛṣṇa’s expansions, the cowherd men felt especially attracted to them. Their anger completely disappeared.
- Their thoughts became absorbed in paternal love. Lifting their sons, embracing them and smelling their heads brought the men the highest pleasure.
Try this today
Spend one minute recalling the cowherd men embracing Kṛṣṇa in the forms of their sons.
Ask yourself
What does the disappearance of the men’s anger show me about Kṛṣṇa’s attraction?
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.