Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 19.199-200
Arjuna Asks His Friend for Forgiveness
“ ‘Thinking of You as my friend, I have rashly addressed You “O Kṛṣṇa,” “O Yādava,” “O my friend,” not knowing Your glories. Please forgive whatever I may have done in madness or in love. I have dishonored You many times, jesting as we relaxed, lay on the same bed, or sat or ate together, sometimes alone and sometimes in front of many friends. O infallible one, please excuse me for all those offenses.’
What the purport teaches
- Arjuna addressed Kṛṣṇa while He exhibited His universal form on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra.
- Not knowing Kṛṣṇa’s glories, Arjuna had addressed Him familiarly and joked with Him while resting, sitting and eating together.
- Arjuna asked Kṛṣṇa, the infallible one, to excuse all these offenses, whether committed alone or before friends, in madness or in love.
Try this today
Read Arjuna’s prayer slowly, giving special attention to his words asking Kṛṣṇa to forgive him.
Ask yourself
What do you notice about the honesty and detail of Arjuna’s request for forgiveness?
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.