Chapter XXXIV - 124 Home | Index | Previous | Next

"When that superhuman divine manifestation is taken to be merely human, lasciviousness and thievishness may be attributed; but, consider, which human can achieve even an iota of what He did? He saved the world from the harassment of such monstrous evildoers as Pralamba, Dhenuka, Kesi, Banasura, Arishta, Mushtika, Kuvalayapida, Kamsa, Naraka, Poundraka, Dwividha, Jarasandha, Dantavakra, Sambara, Kambhoja, Kuru, Matsya, Kaikaya and many such powerful heroes. Can it be said that all this is within the capacity of a mere man?"

"In this unique Avatar, every act is an amazing miracle. Even when angry, He could not but evince His overflowing Prema. In love His compassion flowed unhindered. Through His Darsan, Sparsan and Sambhashana, one could earn liberation. He granted immortality to those who reminded themselves of His name. The cowherds among whom He lived and moved tasted the nectar of ecstasy whenever they witnessed His deeds or remembered them."

"O king! The Bhagavatha is not merely the narrative deeds done by them during, not one, but, three previous lives!"

The sage's eyes closed again. He was in Samadhi, tasting the sweetness of the Krishna incarnation; there was a beautiful smile beaming on his lips. Parikshith was astounded at the sight of the waves of joy that overpowered the great sage, whenever he allowed his mind to dwell on the divine career of Krishna. He too yearned with enthusiastic impatience to listen to those enrapturing incidents and activities of the Lord.

When Suka resumed, Parikshith too lost all consciousness of his surroundings; he was so struck with wonder, that he could not believe that some of the incidents could ever have happened! This gave him immense pain, and caused unbearable agony, at the thought of his own inconstancy. So, he placed his problem before the sage and won peace of mind, after hearing his explanation and elaboration. While proceeding thus, on one occasion, the king developed serious doubts about the Bhakthi (devotion) of the Gopis; he argued within himself and sought remedial assurances through his own understanding and faith. But, the doubts would not vanish. Nor had he the courage to ask the sage who might consider them as too childish. So, he was suffering and smothering the suffering. This became evident to the sage and, so, he asked the king with a smile, "It is evident that some insane idea is distracting you. In this crisis, it is not beneficial to suffer from repressed emotions. If some doubt is simmering in you, or if a thirst to know about something is hurting you, do not hesitate to ask me; I shall resolve the doubt, I shall quench the thirst and ensure joy and contentment of mind."

When the sage encouraged the king in this manner, the king spoke, "Master! You know the past, the present and the future. You have the vision and the capacity to cure me of the doubt that is pestering me. Therefore, please do not misunderstand me; hear me and resolve the doubt. Cure me of the anguish I have on account of it. Restore the peace of mind I had, before it entered my heart".

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