Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.28.2
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesUnderstand the Devotee’s Intention
“Because Nanda Mahārāja entered the water in the dark of night, disregarding that the time was inauspicious, a demoniac servant of Varuṇa seized him and brought him to his master.”
What the purport teaches
- Nanda Mahārāja entered the water before dawn because little time remained for breaking his fast on Dvādaśī. His intention was to follow the instructions of scripture.
- Varuṇa’s servant foolishly arrested him on technical grounds. He did not understand Kṛṣṇa, Nanda Mahārāja’s position as the Lord’s pastime father, or devotional service.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa wanted to give His personal audience to Varuṇa. Through this pastime, He also intended to teach.
Try this today
Before criticizing one devotional action today, pause and consider the person’s intention.
Ask yourself
Do I try to understand someone’s intention to serve the Lord before judging their actions?
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.