Second example of performing duties as a leader — “Krishna also performs prescribed duties” although He has no material desires
33 are included as some of the sub-points below; as such there is no individual Focus of Learning section for these texts; This is however, a separate Focus of Learning section for Text 3.24
Why He has no prescribed duties (Bg. 3.22)
There is no work prescribed for Me within all three planetary systems
Nor am I in want of anything; Nor have I the need to obtain anything
Srila Prabhupada gives a supporting reference – Ref Svetasvatara Upanisad Bg. 6.7-6.8 – Describes Krishna as Supreme self-sufficient, beyond all the prescribed duties
Conclusion – Since everything is in full opulence in the Personality of Godhead and is existing in full truth, there is no duty for the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Why He still carefully performs prescribed duties (Bg. 3.23)
To keep social tranquility for progress in spiritual life (Bg. 3.23)
To establish religion (purpose of descent) (Bg. 3.23)
What if He does not follow (Bg. 3.24)
All the worlds would be put into ruination, because all would follow My path
Unwanted population (Varna-sankara) will be created
“I would thereby destroy the peace of all living beings”
aThis verse shows ‘varna-sankara’ is caused by ‘not fighting’ and not by ‘fighting’ (refutes Bg. 1.40)
This refutes Arjuna’s argument based on “Destruction of family” as given in Text 1.37 – 1.43
b‘Imitating’ and ‘following’ are not on the same level. The examples are
We cannot imitate Krishna’s Rasa Lila or lifting Govardhana Hill, but one should follow the instructions
Many pseudo devotees of Lord Shiva indulge in smoking ganja and other drugs, but one cannot imitate Lord Shiva’s drinking the ocean of poison
cSuggestion to prevent us from imitating — One should consider the position of the Ishvaras (controllers) who can actually control the movements of the sun and moon; therefore we cannot imitate the Ishvaras who are super powerful; one should simply follow their instructions