Questions and Answers
What emotional trauma did Uddhava experience, and what instructions did Krishna give him before departing?
Uddhava experienced significant emotional trauma due to his close relationship with Krishna and the impending separation. Krishna instructed Uddhava to go to Badrikashram and imparted to him the science of devotional service, as detailed in the 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, also known as Uddhava Gita. Krishna’s guidance aimed to help Uddhava cope with the separation and continue his spiritual journey.
Why did Krishna descend to the mortal world, and what does this reveal about His accessibility?
Krishna descended to the mortal world at the request of Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) and the demigods, who were burdened by demonic forces. Despite residing in Goloka Vrindavan, Krishna hears the sincere prayers of devotees and reciprocates in due course of time. He is always close to every soul as the Supersoul (Paramatma), ready to help when needed, demonstrating His constant presence and accessibility to those who seek Him sincerely.
How does Krishna sometimes allow His devotees to take credit for actions He could perform Himself?
The Lord sometimes engages His devotees to take credit for actions, even though He is capable of doing them Himself. This is a way for the Lord to share the glory and exhibit the prowess of His devotees. The example of Arjuna in the battle of Kurukshetra is given, where Arjuna was made the ‘nimitta-matra’ (instrument) and given the chance to be the hero, even though the battle was designed by Krishna.
How does Vidura demonstrate humility when seeking knowledge from Uddhava, and what message was Uddhava tasked with delivering?
Vidura, despite being older than Uddhava, humbly seeks knowledge about Krishna from him, recognizing Uddhava’s close association with the Lord. This demonstrates the principle that spiritual knowledge should be received regardless of the speaker’s age. Uddhava was tasked with communicating Krishna’s message and carrying out His mission, even amidst his own emotional turmoil, showing the importance of prioritizing service over personal feelings.
How did Kamsa’s fear of Krishna manifest, and what is unique about Krishna’s family?
Kamsa was so fearful of Krishna that he was constantly thinking of Him, even in his dreams, highlighting the intensity of his fear. Krishna’s family is described as the biggest family, beyond comparison, with a blissful environment free from anxiety. It is mentioned that Krishna’s family had 38 million tutors just to teach Krishna’s children and grandchildren, illustrating the vastness and opulence of Krishna’s household.
Summary points
Reading from Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto Third, Chapter Third, Text Nine
The Lord expanded Himself according to His transcendental desire.
He begot offspring, each equal to Him in all respects.
He created them all at once.
Translation: Kālayavana, the King of Magadha, and Śālva attacked the city of Mathurā. But when the city was encircled by their soldiers, the Lord refrained from killing them personally, just to show the power of His own men.
Purport: The Lord wanted to kill the attackers through His devotees like Mukunda and Bhima, exhibiting their prowess.
The Lord sometimes engages His devotees to take credit for actions He could do Himself, showing mercy and giving them a chance to become heroes.
The Lord appears through His various potencies, including Arca-vigraha and sound vibrations of the Holy Name.
The conversation between Uddhava and Vidura.
They met at the banks of the Yamuna in Vrindavan.
Both had undergone great emotional trauma.
Vidura’s Trauma and Inquiry
Vidura wandered as a mendicant, seeking to understand suffering and the existence of a higher power.
Uddhava’s Intimacy with Krishna
Uddhava was Krishna’s cousin and very close confidant.
He was so similar to Krishna that he could pacify the residents of Dwarka in Krishna’s absence.
Krishna often sought Uddhava’s guidance.
Krishna’s Departure and Uddhava’s Instructions
Krishna came to Earth at the request of Bhumi Devi and the demigods to alleviate the burden of demonic forces.
Krishna’s abode is Goloka Vrindavan, beyond the material world.
Uddhava was instructed to go to Badrikashram after Krishna’s departure.
The Importance of Prayer and Devotional Service
Krishna hears the prayers of sincere devotees and reciprocates in due course.
The purpose of devotional practices is to realize how close the Supreme Lord is.
Uddhava’s Separation and Remembrance of Krishna
Uddhava felt great separation from Krishna and was absorbed in thoughts of Him.
He remembered Krishna’s pastimes since childhood.
Vidura’s Inquiry and Uddhava’s Response
Vidura, having heard of events at Prabhas, sought authentic information from Uddhava about Krishna.
It was painful for Uddhava to speak about Krishna due to the separation.
Uddhava gathered himself and began to relate Krishna’s pastimes.
Vidura’s Humility
Vidura, though older, humbly approached Uddhava to hear about Krishna, demonstrating the importance of receiving knowledge even from someone younger.
Uddhava’s Narration of Krishna’s Pastimes
Uddhava began to speak about Krishna’s childhood pastimes.
He spoke about Krishna’s large family.
Krishna’s Family and the Fear of Demonic Forces
Krishna’s family was the biggest family.
The Yadu dynasty’s growth threatened demonic forces like Jarasandha and Kamsa.
Kamsa was always thinking of Krishna due to fear.
Kamsa’s Death and Jarasandha’s Vow
Krishna killed Kamsa.
Jarasandha, Kamsa’s father-in-law, vowed to wipe out the Yadu dynasty.
Jarasandha’s Attack on Mathura
Jarasandha attacked Mathura with a vast army.
Krishna and Balarama prepared for battle.
The Battle and Krishna’s Victory
Krishna and Balarama fought fiercely, killing Jarasandha’s soldiers.
Jarasandha was defeated and captured but later released by Krishna.
Jarasandha’s Subsequent Defeats
Jarasandha was defeated 17 times.
Uddhava’s Recounting of Krishna’s Pastimes
Uddhava shared memories of Krishna with Vidura.