Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.32.20
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionApparent Neglect Can Deepen Devotion
“But the reason I do not immediately reciprocate the affection of living beings even when they worship Me, O gopīs, is that I want to intensify their loving devotion. They then become like a poor man who has gained some wealth and then lost it, and who thus becomes so anxious about it that he can think of nothing else.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa may not immediately reciprocate fully with a devotee because He wants to intensify loving devotion. He compares this absorption to a poor man who can think only of wealth he gained and then lost.
- The Lord’s apparent neglect is actually thoughtful reciprocation. It fulfills the sincere devotee’s prayer: “Please help me to love You purely.”
- As Kṛṣṇa spoke, the gopīs began to understand that He was bringing them to the highest perfection of loving service. Their deepest desire was being fulfilled.
Try this today
Pray slowly today: “Please help me to love You purely.”
Ask yourself
How might praying for pure love change what I seek from Kṛṣṇa?
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.