Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.7.34-35
Mukti· LiberationEven Kṛṣṇa's Enemies Receive Spiritual Benefit
“All demonic personalities like Pralamba, Dhenuka, Baka, Keśī, Ariṣṭa, Cāṇūra, Muṣṭika, Kuvalayāpīḍa elephant, Kaṁsa, Yavana, Narakāsura and Pauṇḍraka, great marshals like Śālva, Dvivida monkey and Balvala, Dantavakra, the seven bulls, Śambara, Vidūratha and Rukmī, as also great warriors like Kāmboja, Matsya, Kuru, Sṛñjaya and Kekaya, would all fight vigorously, either with the Lord Hari directly or with Him under His names of Baladeva, Arjuna, Bhīma, etc. And the demons, thus being killed, would attain either the impersonal brahmajyoti or His personal abode in the Vaikuṇṭha planets.”
What the purport teaches
- All manifestations in the material and spiritual worlds demonstrate Lord Kṛṣṇa's different potencies. Baladeva is His immediate personal expansion, while Arjuna and Bhīma are His personal associates.
- Those killed by the Lord or His associates attained release from material existence. Those who recognized Him entered Vaikuṇṭha; those who regarded Him only as powerful entered His impersonal brahmajyoti.
- Their spiritual destination depended on their state of mind at death. If even those who opposed the Lord received such benefit, consider the position of those who devoutly serve Him.
Try this today
Spend one minute reflecting on the purport's closing comparison, and renew your intention to serve Kṛṣṇa devoutly.
Ask yourself
What does the benefit received by the Lord's enemies suggest about the value of serving Him with devotion?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.