Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.65.24-25
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRespect Lord Balarāma’s Command
“Intoxicated with joy, Lord Balarāma sported flower garlands, including the famous Vaijayantī. He wore a single earring, and beads of perspiration decorated His smiling lotus face like snowflakes. The Lord then summoned the Yamunā River so that He could play in her waters, but she disregarded His command, thinking He was drunk. This angered Balarāma, and He began dragging the river with the tip of His plow.”
What the purport teaches
- Intoxicated with joy, Lord Balarāma wore flower garlands, including Vaijayantī, and a single earring. Perspiration decorated His smiling lotus face like snowflakes.
- He summoned the Yamunā so He could play in her waters. Thinking He was drunk, she disregarded His command.
- Her disregard angered Balarāma, and He began dragging the river with the tip of His plow.
Try this today
Read the description of Balarāma’s smiling lotus face slowly, giving it your full, respectful attention.
Ask yourself
How might judging by appearances weaken my respect for the Lord?
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.