Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.3.29
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionAffection Overshadows Awareness of the Lord’s Power
“O Madhusūdana, because of Your appearance, I am becoming more and more anxious in fear of Kaṁsa. Therefore, please arrange for that sinful Kaṁsa to be unable to understand that You have taken birth from my womb.”
What the purport teaches
- Devakī addressed the Supreme Personality of Godhead as Madhusūdana. She knew He had killed demons far more powerful than Kaṁsa.
- Yet affection for the transcendental child made her think that Kaṁsa could kill Him. Her attention rested on loving concern rather than on the Lord’s unlimited power.
- In her anxiety, Devakī asked that Kaṁsa remain unaware of His birth. Out of affection, she requested the transcendental child to disappear.
Try this today
Reread Devakī’s prayer once, pausing to reflect on her affection for the Lord.
Ask yourself
How does Devakī’s prayer show the difference between knowing the Lord’s power and loving Him?
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.