Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.4.33
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa’s Pastimes Have No Beginning or End
“Vidura also heard from Uddhava about the appearance and disappearance of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supersoul, in the mortal world, which is a subject matter sought after with great perseverance by the great sages.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is never an ordinary living being: He is paramātmā, the Supersoul. His appearance and disappearance are mysteries even for great sages.
- By His inconceivable potency, Kṛṣṇa eternally resides with His associates in Goloka while also being present everywhere. He exhibits His pastimes in the mortal world in different universes, one after another.
- The Lord’s eternal pastimes have no beginning or end. Like Vidura hearing from Uddhava, we should learn about them from a pure devotee rather than rely on speculative research.
Try this today
Reread this purport slowly, focusing on how Kṛṣṇa remains in His eternal abode while also being present everywhere.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that Kṛṣṇa is the Supersoul change the way I hear about His appearance and disappearance?
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.