Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.85.21
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Supreme Lord Cherishes Parental Love
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Having heard His father’s words, the Supreme Lord, leader of the Sātvatas, replied in a gentle voice as He bowed His head in humility and smiled.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Lord replied to His father gently, bowing His head in humility and smiling.
- Vasudeva holds the honored, eternal role of Kṛṣṇa’s father. Kṛṣṇa did not want him absorbed in thoughts of His divine majesty.
- Kṛṣṇa wished to preserve His parents’ pure parental love for Him and Balarāma. Vasudeva’s reverence embarrassed Him rather than strengthening that intimate relationship.
Try this today
Read Kṛṣṇa’s gentle response slowly, and spend a moment appreciating His affection for His father.
Ask yourself
What does Kṛṣṇa’s gentle response show you about the value He places on loving relationships?
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.