Hare Krsna,
Our scriptures offer rich guidance on communication, persuasion, and the art of convincing others – but they do so within a deeper spiritual context.
In Bhagavad Gita, convincing is not just about winning arguments; its about communicating truth with compassion, purity of purpose, and alignment with scriptures. The entire Bhagavad Gita is in essence Krsna persuading Arjuna to perform his ksatriya duty of fighting. Kṛṣṇa does not force Arjuna but patiently explains using logic, philosophy, examples, and personal realization. Krsna finally ends with vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa yathecchasi tathā kuru – Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do. (BG 18.63) The lesson here is that the best persuasion respects the other person’s free will and encourages reflection, not blind acceptance. In my last forum post, I gave reference of BG 17.15 to highlight that real persuasive power lies in truth spoken sweetly and wisely, grounded in śāstra.
Even in Srimad Bhagavatam, we see examples of great devotees convincing others not by debate, but by purity of their consciousness, sweetness of their speech, and deep realization. Sukadeva Goswami convinces Pariksit Maharaja to absorb his mind in Krsna instead of being absorbed in fear of death. His speech was full of nectar, and many exalted devotees listened with rapt attention for seven days and seven nights. Similarly, we see Narada Muni travelling the universe inspiring transformation – from hunter Mrgari to kings such as Dhruva Maharaja and Citraketu Maharaja. He never imposes; he reveals the beauty of devotional life so powerfully that the listener naturally feels inspired. The lesson is that when one speaks with conviction from realization and compassion, even kings become eager listeners. When Srila Prabhupada spoke (and still speaks to us through his voice recordings), it changed the lives and consciousness of thousands and thousands of people across the world. Such power of conviction arises from bhakti and personal realization – not age or status.
Krsna is merely a child by age, but He spoke with logic and philosophy. Basically, Krsna did not ask Nanda Maharaja to stop the sacrifice (Indra-yajna). Ratherhe proposed dovetailing. Whatever arrangement and paraphernalia Nanda Maharaja made should be engaged in worshiping Govardhan Hill.
Kṛṣṇa replied, “My dear father, don’t delay. The sacrifice you propose for Govardhana and the local brāhmaṇas will take much time. Better take the arrangement and paraphernalia you have already made for sacrificing Indra-yajña and immediately engage it to satisfy Govardhana Hill and the local brāhmaṇas.” (Krsna book, 24-30)
“After everyone has eaten to his satisfaction, you should all dress and decorate yourselves handsomely, smear your bodies with sandalwood paste and then circumambulate the cows, the brāhmaṇas, the sacrificial fires and Govardhana Hill. This is My idea, O father, and you may carry it out if it appeals to you. Such a sacrifice will be very dear to the cows, the brāhmaṇas and Govardhana Hill, and also to Me.” (SB 10.24.29-30)
Krsna’s instruction to Nanda Maharaja and cowherd men aligns with His teachings in BG 9.27: “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform – do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to Me.”
Thus, Krsna is instructing that whatever sacrifice they perform must be performed for Him in the form of Sri Govardhana Hill. This will satisfy Him. They don’t need to do anything differently.
“Therefore may a sacrifice for the pleasure of the cows, the brāhmaṇas and Govardhana Hill begin! With all the paraphernalia collected for worshiping Indra, let this sacrifice be performed instead.” (SB 10.24.25)
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 