Hare Krsna,
A few important principles stand out in this lesson.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, can be attained or seen only by the mercy of His pure devotees. One may not even be on the platform of devotional service but a pure devotee’s causeless mercy can do all wonders. We have seen the examples of Nalakuvera/Manigriva and Mrgari.
“Nalakūvara and Maṇigrīva actually had nothing to do with devotional service or seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face, for this is not an ordinary opportunity. It is not that because one is very rich or learned or was born in an aristocratic family one will be able to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face. This is impossible. But in this case, because Nārada Muni desired that Nalakūvara and Maṇigrīva see Vāsudeva face to face, the Supreme Personality of Godhead wanted to fulfill the words of His very dear devotee Nārada Muni. If one seeks the favor of a devotee instead of directly asking favors from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one is very easily successful… Thus without the favor of a devotee, one cannot directly approach Kṛṣṇa, what to speak of engaging in His service. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore sings, chāḍiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā nistāra pāyeche kebā: unless one becomes a servant of a pure devotee, one cannot be delivered from the material condition of life. In our Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava society, following in the footsteps of Rūpa Gosvāmī, our first business is to seek shelter of a bona fide spiritual master (ādau gurv-āśrayaḥ).” (SB 10.10.23 P)
- It is impossible to understand Krsna with our material senses and intelligence. One can understand Him only by executing devotional service. bhaktyā mām abhijānāti.
“Kṛṣṇa’s name, attributes and form are Absolute Truth, existing before the creation. Therefore, how can those who are created — that is, those entrapped in bodies created of material elements — understand Kṛṣṇa perfectly? This is not possible. But, sevonmukhe hi jihvādau svayam eva sphuraty adaḥ: Kṛṣṇa reveals Himself to those engaged in devotional service… Therefore, the best course by which to know Him is to engage oneself in pure devotional activities. The more one advances in devotional activities, the more one can understand Him as He is.”
- We need empowerment to offer suitable prayers to the Supreme Lord. Dhruva Maharaja could offer beautiful prayers to the Lord only after the Lord touched the conch shell on his forehead. Here too we see Nalakuvera and Manigriva offering prayers to the Lord by the mercy of Narada Muni. I personally liked their last prayer. It beautifully sums up our devotional goals and aspirations. This is also the essence of bhakti yoga and Krsna consciousness.
Henceforward, may all our words describe Your pastimes, may our ears engage in aural reception of Your glories, may our hands, legs and other senses engage in actions pleasing to You, and may our minds always think of Your lotus feet. May our heads offer our obeisances to everything within this world, because all things are also Your different forms, and may our eyes see the forms of Vaiṣṇavas, who are nondifferent from You. (SB 10.10.38)
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 