Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.2.22
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGentle Conduct Does Not Diminish Supremacy
“Therefore, O Vidura, does it not pain us, His servitors, when we remember that He [Lord Kṛṣṇa] used to stand before King Ugrasena, who was sitting on the royal throne, and used to submit explanations before him, saying, “O My lord, please let it be known to you”?”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa stood before King Ugrasena and respectfully submitted explanations to him. Remembering this humble conduct caused pain to His loving servitors.
- His gentle dealings with elders and affectionate dealings with companions do not bewilder pure devotees like Uddhava. They know that His humanlike behavior does not diminish His supreme position.
- Those who do not know His exalted position belittle Kṛṣṇa as an ordinary person. Pure devotees are not misled by interpretations that fail to recognize Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Reread Kṛṣṇa’s respectful words to Ugrasena while remembering that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ask yourself
Can I appreciate Kṛṣṇa’s gentleness without mistaking Him for an ordinary person?
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.