Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.45.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa Protects His Parents’ Intimate Love
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Understanding that His parents were becoming aware of His transcendental opulences, the Supreme Personality of Godhead thought that this should not be allowed to happen. Thus He expanded His Yoga-māyā, which bewilders His devotees.”
What the purport teaches
- Seeing Kṛṣṇa as almighty God would have spoiled Vasudeva and Devakī’s intense love for Him as their son. Kṛṣṇa wanted to enjoy their parental love, called vātsalya-rasa.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead expanded His Yoga-māyā, His internal illusory potency. Through this potency, His parents would again love Him as their dear child.
- Although we normally think of God as the supreme father, in Kṛṣṇa consciousness devotees can serve Him as His parents. This relationship intensifies their love for Him.
Try this today
Spend one minute reflecting on Kṛṣṇa’s wish to receive loving care, not only reverence.
Ask yourself
How does Kṛṣṇa’s desire for parental love deepen my understanding of devotion?
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.