Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.16.31
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize and Support Genuine Repentance
“When Kāliya’s wives saw how the serpent had become so fatigued from the excessive weight of Lord Kṛṣṇa, who carries the entire universe in His abdomen, and how Kāliya’s umbrellalike hoods had been shattered by the striking of Kṛṣṇa’s heels, they felt great distress. With their clothing, ornaments and hair scattered in disarray, they then approached the eternal Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Kāliya’s wives had been disgusted by his demoniac activities. They were prepared to accept widowhood and engage in worship of the Supreme Lord.
- Seeing his humility, remorse, regret and doubt, they understood that he had taken shelter of the Lord within his mind. They considered themselves fortunate that their husband had become a Vaiṣṇava.
- Affection for their repentant husband moved them to seek his protection. Distressed by his condition, they approached the eternal Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Reflect on one person’s sincere effort to change, and offer a prayer for that person’s progress in serving Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to recognize sincere repentance rather than see someone only through past wrongdoing?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.