Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.78.17
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesBalarāma Departs While Remaining Neutral
“Lord Balarāma then heard that the Kurus were preparing for war with the Pāṇḍavas. Being neutral, He departed on the pretext of going to bathe in holy places.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Balarāma heard that the Kurus were preparing for war with the Pāṇḍavas. Remaining neutral, He departed on the pretext of bathing in holy places.
- Both Duryodhana and Yudhiṣṭhira were dear to Him. His departure avoided an awkward situation.
- Kṛṣṇa had put aside His weapons after killing Vidūratha. Balarāma still had to kill Romaharṣaṇa and Balvala to finish relieving the earth of her burden of demons.
Try this today
If drawn into a disagreement today, pause before taking sides and consider whether you can respectfully step back.
Ask yourself
What can I learn from Balarāma’s decision not to take sides between those dear to 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.