Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.2.17
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Supreme Lord Honors His Parents
“Lord Kṛṣṇa begged pardon from His parents for Their [Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma’s] inability to serve their feet, due to being away from home because of great fear of Kaṁsa. He said, “O mother, O father, please excuse Us for this inability.” All this behavior of the Lord gives me pain at heart.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa was never afraid of Kaṁsa. He accepted the appearance of fear to please His father and preserve his intense affection.
- The Lord, whose lotus feet are worshiped by Brahmā and Śiva, begged His parents’ pardon for being unable to serve them. His example teaches that a son should serve his parents, however great he may be.
- Kṛṣṇa’s behavior also teaches respect for the Supreme Father. Uddhava was filled with wonder at the Lord’s conduct and sorrow that he could not go with Him.
Try this today
Offer your parents one small act of service or a sincere expression of gratitude today.
Ask yourself
How does Kṛṣṇa’s example deepen my appreciation of serving and respecting my parents?
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.