Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.65.4-6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesPersonal Care Within Devoted Relationships
“Lord Balarāma then paid proper respects to the elder cowherd men, and the younger ones all greeted Him respectfully. He met them all with smiles, handshakes and so on, dealing personally with each one according to age, degree of friendship, and family relationship. Then, after resting, the Lord accepted a comfortable seat, and they all gathered around Him. With voices faltering out of love for Him, those cowherds, who had dedicated everything to lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa, asked about the health of their dear ones [in Dvārakā], and Balarāma in turn asked about the cowherds’ welfare.”
What the purport teaches
- Balarāma respected the elder cowherds, and the younger ones respectfully greeted Him. He dealt personally with each according to age, friendship and family relationship.
- He greeted them with smiles, handshakes and other affectionate gestures. After He rested, they gathered around His comfortable seat.
- The cowherds had dedicated everything to lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa, and their voices faltered with love. They asked about their dear ones’ health, while Balarāma asked about their welfare.
Try this today
Ask one person how they are doing and listen carefully to their answer.
Ask yourself
How can your concern for others become more personal and attentive?
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.