Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 16.145
Kṛṣṇa Acts to Fulfill Bhīṣma’s Promise
“ ‘Intending to make my promise true, Lord Kṛṣṇa broke His own promise not to take up a weapon at Kurukṣetra. With His outer garment falling off, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa jumped from His chariot, picked up a wheel and came running at me to kill me. Indeed, He rushed at me like a lion going to kill an elephant, and He caused the whole earth to tremble.’
What the purport teaches
- Lord Kṛṣṇa promised not to fight in the Battle of Kurukṣetra or even take up a weapon.
- Bhīṣma wanted to keep his own promise to break the Lord’s promise. To make Bhīṣma’s promise true, Kṛṣṇa immediately got down from the chariot and picked up a chariot wheel.
- Kṛṣṇa rushed forward to kill Bhīṣma, with His outer garment falling off. He rushed like a lion going to kill an elephant, causing the whole earth to tremble.
Try this today
Reread the passage and identify the purpose behind Kṛṣṇa’s taking up the wheel.
Ask yourself
How does Kṛṣṇa’s immediate action deepen your understanding of His wish to fulfill Bhīṣma’s promise?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.