“The Personality of Godhead heard the appealing voices of His friends, and casting a pleasing glance over them, He began to answer. By speaking through His eyes, He impressed His friends that there was no cause for fear. Then Krishna, the supreme mystic, the powerful Personality of Godhead, immediately swallowed up all the flames of the fire. The cows and boys were thus saved from imminent danger.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 19)

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1. Stop the rain

“Oh man, not again! The traffic is going to be terrible, now. I will surely be stuck on the road for hours. This could not have happened at a worse time. Hey, do you mind helping a brother out? Can you just make the rain go away? I think it should be easy for you, considering your abilities and all.”

2. Help me sleep

“Oh man, I am way too wired. It is going to take me a while to settle down. I really need a good night of sleep, for all that I have to do tomorrow. Hey, do you mind helping a brother out? Can you make it so that I fall asleep right away? Basically, as soon as my head hits the pillow. This should be nothing for you, given all that you have accomplished thus far.”

3. Top off my bank balance

“Oh man, how is it this low? I know I have been spending a lot lately. I guess I didn’t keep track. That check I just sent out will surely bounce now. Hey, do you mind helping a brother out? Can you add some funds to my account? Just fill it up so that I don’t have to worry about anything for a while. Thanks.”

4. Jump to a task like a rabbit

“Oh man, I am way too nervous. The clock is ticking. I cannot figure out the problem. Everyone is counting on me. I will be too embarrassed to show my face at the office if I fail. Hey, do you mind helping a brother out? Can you take care of this one for me? I know that you don’t work here, but you are so smart. I know you can solve the problem in a few minutes. Thanks.”

5. Give me the answers to the test

“Oh man, there is a pop quiz today. Why didn’t the teacher tell us? I guess that is the point, to see if we have been paying attention. I certainly have not been. I haven’t attended class in weeks. I spent last night playing video games. Hey, do you mind helping a brother out? Can you give me the answers to the test? That will help me avoid failing out. Thanks.”

…

It is a mystery. It makes no sense, when comparing against the landscape established since long before anyone can remember. The pursuit since birth has been ascension. Rise to the top. Dominate others. Reach a position where you no longer have to beg. Rather, others approach you for favors. You want to be the benefactor or the donor. You don’t want to face rejection, ever again. Let others think of ways to please you. Let others serve. You will oversee everything.

The mystery is that if there is a God, then He would have to be the topmost person. Why would a person sitting on the highest perch ever descend to the level of the mortals? More than a brief period of inspection, to set others straight and to make sure everyone is properly aligned, this person who is supposed to be God is actually playing. He is in a village of all places. He follows whatever sports are popular at the time. He sometimes loses in matches with His friends. Just why would He do such a thing?

The above review provides a glimpse into understanding the one whose potencies are beyond comprehension. In our hypothetical examples, people have discovered the amazing abilities of a particular individual. They have decided to exploit that individual, in taking advantage of the close relationship. In their haste to extract benefit after benefit, they have not given any thought to the feelings of the benefactor. They have not considered just what would please that person the most. Rather, based on the obvious disparity in ability, it must be that the benefactor is ready, willing, and able to provide. At all times and for all purposes. From repeat offenders, no less. There is no justification for failing to deliver, you see. They are special. They are amazing. They should want to help those who are not as special.

That is the view that looks to exploit, but the cowherd boys of Gokula-Vrindavana are different. We begin with the same premise. We have an individual who is amazing. He is known as Krishna, since He is all-attractive and of a dark complexion, resembling the raincloud. He is Govinda since He gives pleasure to the cows and to the senses. He is Gopala since He protects the cows. He is Yashodanandana since He is the beloved son of mother Yashoda. He has so many other names, which are endearing to the heart and pleasing to the ear.

This Krishna has done amazing things already. He lifted a gigantic hill in order to protect His friends and family. In one case, it was only a few moments in the past where Krishna battled a poisonous serpent all by Himself. Everyone was relieved that the danger was over. They were happy to have Krishna back, safe and sound, out of the water. The serpent named Kaliya left. The people decided to take rest in the forest area, after the harrowing experience.

Soon thereafter, another emergency. A fire appeared out of nowhere. The intensity grew such that the people were again in danger. They knew who could save them. They knew Krishna could help. He did just that by effortlessly devouring the entire fire. Crisis averted. Time to return to the normal way, where Krishna was just like one of them. He was a cowherd boy. He was their friend. He was everything to them.

The cowherd boys did not intentionally create danger in order to have Krishna work His magic. The boys did not worship in awe and reverence. They did not ask Krishna to produce one gift after another, like a vending machine dispensing items from behind the glass. They were not intentionally lazy, expecting someone else to take up key responsibilities. The boys just wanted Krishna. They did not want His abilities, though they were not afraid to ask for help when needed. This behavior is most endearing. This behavior indicates pure devotion. This behavior is one of the reasons the Almighty would choose to appear in an area and stay for some time.

मच्-चित्ता मद्-गत-प्राणा
बोधयन्तः परस्परम्
कथयन्तश् च मां नित्यं
तुष्यन्ति च रमन्ति च

mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca

“The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are surrendered to Me, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 10.9)

In Closing:

Indicative devotion’s way,
No wonder with them to stay.

That despite of abilities aware,
Steady in friendship there.

Even after the serpent to release,
And rescued from fire relief.

The boys simply as friend to call,
Krishna who most reliable of all.

Categories: the five

Tags: dailyprompt, god, hare krishna, krishna lila, poem, poems, poetry