Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.3.22
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesMercy and Devotion Amid Opposition
“O my Lord, Lord of the demigods, after hearing the prophecy that You would take birth in our home and kill him, this uncivilized Kaṁsa killed so many of Your elder brothers. As soon as he hears from his lieutenants that You have appeared, he will immediately come with weapons to kill You.”
What the purport teaches
- Kaṁsa is called uncivilized because he killed his sister’s children. The purport contrasts merciless sense gratification with the protection owed to cows, women, children, old men and brāhmaṇas.
- The duty of the mahātmās is to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra and spread it to the best of their ability. Opposition does not remove this devotional duty.
- Although Kṛṣṇa cannot be killed, Vasudeva trembled out of affection for his son. Similarly, devotees may fear opposition even though the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not different from Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Set aside two minutes today to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, even if your day is difficult.
Ask yourself
How can I continue my devotional practice with both mercy and steadiness when difficulties arise?
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.