Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.47.61
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHumility Before the Gopīs’ Love
“The gopīs of Vṛndāvana have given up the association of their husbands, sons and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Kṛṣṇa, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers or herbs in Vṛndāvana, because the gopīs trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet.”
What the purport teaches
- The gopīs gave up attachments very difficult to leave and took shelter of Mukunda, Kṛṣṇa. His lotus feet are what one should search for through Vedic knowledge.
- Uddhava shows the perfect Vaiṣṇava attitude of humility. He does not pray to equal the gopīs in their exalted love.
- He wishes to become a plant in Vṛndāvana and receive the dust of their feet. The shy gopīs would never agree to give such blessings directly to a great personality like him.
Try this today
Read Uddhava’s prayer once slowly, reflecting on his wish for mercy rather than equal standing.
Ask yourself
How can Uddhava’s humility shape my appreciation of devoted service?
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.