Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.35.18-19
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Remembers Every Group of Cows
“Now Kṛṣṇa is standing somewhere counting His cows on a string of gems. He wears a garland of tulasī flowers that bear the fragrance of His beloved, and He has thrown His arm over the shoulder of an affectionate cowherd boyfriend. As Kṛṣṇa plays His flute and sings, the music attracts the black deer’s wives, who approach that ocean of transcendental qualities and sit down beside Him. Just like us cowherd girls, they have given up all hope for happiness in family life.”
What the purport teaches
- In the afternoon, Śrī Kṛṣṇa dresses in fresh clothing and goes out to call the cows home. He counts their 108 groups, distinguished by color and form, on a string of 108 jewel-beads.
- As He calls the cows by name, each group comes forward. He counts them so that none will be forgotten when it is time to return from the forest.
- His flute-playing and singing attract the female deer, who approach and sit beside Him. The gopīs compare them to themselves, having given up hope for happiness in family life to approach Kṛṣṇa, the ocean of transcendental qualities.
Try this today
Spend one minute remembering Kṛṣṇa calling and counting His cows so that none is left behind.
Ask yourself
What does Kṛṣṇa’s care that no cow be forgotten reveal to you about Him?
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.