1.8 Prayers by Queen Kunté and Parékñit Saved
CHAPTER BREAKDOWN
Verses 1-16
Just after Lord Kåñëa and the Päëòavas perform the funeral
rituals for their relatives killed in the Battle of Kurukñetra,
Kåñëa prepares to leave for Dvärakä. Suddenly Uttarä approaches
Kåñëa in great fear. Açvatthämä has hurled a brahmästra to kill
the unborn child within her womb. Kåñëa, as the Supersoul,
covers the embryo from within and saves Uttarä.
Verses 17-43 Prayers by Queen Kunté.
Çrématé Kuntédevé approaches Kåñëa along with her sons and
offers obeisances. After glorifying the Lord, Kuntédevé
describes His descent and greatness, and wonders how she can
possibly understand His unfathomable position. Kuntédevé retells
how the Lord protected her and her family during their
calamitous years of exile. She then explains that only one who
has no material shelter can easily approach Kåñëa. Kuntédevé
explains the mysterious nature of Kåñëa's birth and activities,
as well as the reason for His advent. She begs Kåñëa to remain
in Hastinäpura, as the welfare and opulence of the Päëòava
kingdom depend upon His presence. Finally, Kuntédevé expresses
her desire to sever her affection for all but Kåñëa and she
declares her complete dependence upon Him.
Verses 44-52
After Kuntédevé ends her prayers, Kåñëa again attempts to leave
Hastinäpura. Mahäräja Yudhiñöhira, overwhelmed by the death of
his kinsman, approaches Kåñëa in a dejected mood and is filled
with lamentation.
Important topics for discussion
• The brähmaëas,cows,women,children and old men were properly
given protection (5)
• He preferred to continue as bhakta-vatsala than to be a
worldly moralist who never breaks his solemn vow. (13)
• Kåñëa endows more favor to a devotee who is in greater
dangers (17, 23)
• Material advancement are disqualifications for progress on
the path of spiritual advancement (25-27)
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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• The Lord is never partial (29)
• Lord accepts the loving service of His devotees more
relishably when rendered spontaneously out of pure
affection, without anything of reverential admiration. (31)
• The whole prayer of the Queen is to try to persuade the
Lord to stay with them (38)
• Human prosperity flourishes by natural gifts. (40)
• To cut off all family affection means to broaden the field
of activities (41-42)
• Mahäräja Yudhiñöhira’s dejection. (42-53)
1.8 PRAYERS BY QUEEN KUNTÉ AND PARÉKÑIT SAVED
Important Questions for memorization
1. Why were the unscrupulous kings who joined with Duryodhana
killed by the Lord? (5)
2. List and briefly explain the 5 groups of people who were
properly given protection. (5)
3. What was the reason the Lord established the rule of
Mahäräja Yudhiñöhira? (11)
4. Why did Uttarä, Abhimanyu's widow, not follow the path of
her husband? (10)
5. What does Çré Kåñëa taking up His Sudarçana cakra indicate?
(13)
6. Describe the nature of a chaste devotee of the Lord. (17)
7. Why are demons reluctant to accept the Lord as the Absolute
Truth? (19)
8. Explain why women generally assemble in great number in
religious functions. (20)
9. Why does Queen Kunté specifically adore the incarnation of
Kåñëa? (21)
10.
What does the name Govinda indicate? (21)
11.
What general principle can be drawn from Kåñëa’s
treatment of Kuntédevé & Devaké? (23)
12.
Explain why so-called calamities are welcome. (25)
13.
Explain the meaning of akiïcana-gocaram (26)
14.
Explain why the four principles of material
advancement are disqualifications. (26)
15.
Why is the specific example of Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé
and the touchstone given? (27)
16.
Draw general principles from Kunté‘s expression of
bewilderment in verse 31.
17.
Explain the import of the words anätha & sanätha. (3738)
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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18.
Why did Kuntédevé pray to cut off the affectionate tie
from her own kinsmen? (41-42)
19.
Identify reasons for Yudhiñöhira’s dejection (8.46-51)
Analogies:
1.8.25: A man may see a tiger swallowing him in a dream,
and he may cry for this calamity. Actually there is no
tiger and there is no suffering; it is simply a case of
dreams. In the same way, all calamities of life are said
to be dreams
1.8.29: He is never partial, as much as the sun is never
partial to anyone. By utilizing the sun rays, sometimes
even the stones become valuable, whereas a blind man
cannot see the sun, although there are enough sun rays
before him.
1.8.32: He is known as Yädava, Yaduvéra, Yadunandana,
etc., although the Lord is always independent of such
obligation. He is just like the sandalwood that grows in
the Malaya hills. Trees can grow anywhere and
everywhere, yet because the sandalwood trees grow mostly
in the area of the Malaya hills, the name sandalwood and
the Malaya hills are interrelated.
1.8.44: No amount of chosen words is sufficient to
enumerate the Lord's glory, and yet He is satisfied by
such prayers as the father is satisfied even by the
broken linguistic attempts of the growing child.
Chapter 8
Prayers by Queen Kunté and Parékñit Saved
Introduction to chapter 8
Kåñëa had saved Arjuna, His devotee & friend, from
Açvattämä’s brahmästra. Then he artfully reconciled the Päëòavas
family struggle as they tried to settle Açvattämä’s fate. After
the funeral rites had been performed, Kåñëa and the grieving
members of the Kuru dynasty went to bathe, while the many sages
in the entourage attempted to pacify those who were mourning.
Thus the Bhägavatam reveals Kåñëa’s sweet exchanges with His
devotees. While reciprocating with Kåñëa , the devotees reveal
their minds to Him through their prayers and we are able to
witness this. Their devotional mentalities, expressed through
both their lotus-like mouths and their deeds, instruct us on our
own journey back to Godhead
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1)
Offering to the deceased - Päëòavas deliver Ganges water to
the relatives
2)
Purificatory bathing in Ganges – Päëòavas bathe in sanctified
Ganges which is mixed with dust of Lord’s lotus feet
Pacification of Pandavas (Texts 3-6)
3)
Kåñëa pacifies aggrieved family members
4)
Pacification by awakening to the platform of knowledge –
Lord& and the Muni cite the stringent laws of the almighty and
their reactions upon living beings

Insurmountable laws –No living entity can alter the
stringent laws of nature which works under the order of the
Lesson 4a – Follow Lord and His order (as given in BG) – Only
way to real happiness, materially and spiritually


Lord
Blind material conception – Material conception of life
prevents us from seeing ourselves and the Lord clearly,
thus we are overcome by material affection, lamentation and
illusion
Role of transcendental knowledge – Cultivating spiritual
Lesson 4b – Human life is specifically meant for qualifying
ourselves for spiritual liberty with a clear vision of
ourselves
and the
Lord
face
knowledge
frees
oneface
fromtoall
material attachments
Lesson 4c – Association of Lord and his devotee deeply inject
transcendental sound into the bewildered hearts and thus at
once, make one practically liberated from all lamentation and
illusion
Link
4 to 5 – An example of the stringent laws of Lord is
given in text 5
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5)
Decreased life-span for insulting innocent beings –
Duryodhana and other miscreants died untimely, especially for
insulting Draupadé

Study the importance of protecting brähmaëas, women, cows,
Lesson 5 – In the age of Kali brähmaëas, women, cows, children
and old men are not properly protected, and therefore the
duration of life of the present generation has shortened
considerably.
children and old men
Link
5 to 6 – In comparison to miscreant, Kåñëa’s favor to
YudhisthirMaharaj is exhibited
6)
Ashwamedha yajïas performed – Kåñëa inspired Yudhisthira
Maharaj to perform three Ashwamedha yajïas to increase his fame
and piety, like that of Indra’s


YudhisthirMaharaj ’s fame is compared to Indra’s fame, to
establish the power of being a pure devotee
Analogy – Sun rays and receptive power of an area
Lesson 6 – That is the prerogative of the devotee of the Lord.
The Lord is equal to everyone, but a devotee of the Lord is
more glorified because he is always in touch with the allgreat.
Lord departing to Dvärakä (Text 7)
7)
7a. Lord prepares for His departure
7b. Lord follows social etiquettes – Lord diligently follows all
customary usages of His social order as a kñatriya

Accepts worship by brähmaëas being Himself the Lord and
reciprocates greetings as an obedient kñatriya to the
brähmaëas
Uttarä cries out for help and Lord responds (Texts 811)
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8)
Fearful Uttarä runs to the Lord’s shelter

Päëòavas’ family member were completely dependant on the
Lord – Thus Lord assured complete protection
Lesson 8 – The Lord protects everyone, but one who depends
completely upon Him is especially looked after by the Lord.
The father is more attentive to the little son who is
exclusively dependent on the father.
9a. Addressing the Lord – Uttarä addresses the Lord as Lord of
the Lords, Lord of the universe and greatest of mystics
9b. Only Lord can be a true savior – Uttarä cries out for Lord’s
protection, considering that no one else is qualified to save in
this world of duality

Differences between material world and absolute world
o Material world is full of dualities, spiritual world
is without any tinge of matter
o In material world everyone is trying to be the Lord,
in absolute world, Supreme Lord is the absolute Lord
and all other are is absolute servitors
Lesson 9 – One cannot save himself from the cruel hands of
death in the material world without having surrendered himself
at the lotus feet of the Lord.
o In material world everyone is envious of all others,
and death is inevitable
10)
Uttarä Begs for the protection of child – Addresses the
Lord as ‘all powerful’


A responsible mother – Uttarä fulfills the responsibility
of a mother to protect her child, in two way
o Did not undergo Sati rites with Abimanyu’s death
o Frankly asked Kåñëa for protectionof the child,
without any shame
A very fortunate lady – Uttarä was the daughter of a great
king, the wife of a great hero, student of a great devotee,
and later she was the mother of a good king also
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11)
Lord is bhakta-vatsala – He patiently hears and understands
the cause, that is, Açvattämä’s Brahmästra

Impartial Lord is specially inclined to his devotees –
Because there is great necessity of such a rule, for every
one’s wellbeing
Protection of the Päëòavas (Texts 12-14)
12)

Targeted Päëòavas took up their weapons
Brahmästra, unlike atomic bombs discriminate target from
the innocent
13)
Lord decided to help – Lord took up Sudarçana to offer
protection to the Päëòavas


Power of Brahmästra v/s modern nuclear weapon – Former has
more radiation and heat, works on sound(mantras), and is
very target specific, it can penetrate even the most hidden
areas
Importance of ‘ananya-viñayätmanäm– Päëòavas were fully
surrendered souls and fully dependent on Lord’s protection
o Lord broke His vow to protect them, and thus prefer to
be renowned as bhakta-vatsala than be a worldly
Lesson 13 – Lord behaves according to the quality or degree of
the devotional service rendered by the devotees.
moralist
14)


Lord covers the embryo by His personal energies
Lord Kåñëa is the Lord of supreme mysticism, by exhibiting
Paramätmä features
Growing embryo is the last son of Kurus
Lord has inconceivable powers to protect (Texts 15-16)
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15)

Lord’s energies can counteract most irresistible energies –
e.g, Brahmästra’s effulgence
Even effulgence of Supreme Brahmajyoti rests on Kåñëa (BG
Lesson 15 – Lord does not wait for any one's help because He
is absolute
14.27)

Link 15 to 16 – Q. How to understand this apparently
impossible task
Ans. Lord is most inconceivable and wonderful, for our mundane
brain to understand
16)
16a. Lord’s activities are mysterious and infallible
Link
16a to 16b – Example of Lord’s Inconceivable energy is
given below in 16b
16b. Managing cosmic manifestation – Lord is the maintainer and
annihilator by His own transcendental energy although He himself
is unborn

Lord is the all-perfect, all-powerful Personality of
Lesson 16 – The Lord is cent percent perfect, whereas others,
namely Näräyaëa, Brahmä, Çiva, the demigods and all other
living beings, possess only different percentages of such
perfection. No one is equal to or greater than Him. He is
Godhead
unrivaled
Kuntédevé begins to offer prayers to the departing Lord
(Texts 17-36)
17)
Kuntédevé’s chaste devotion glorified – Kuntédevé, being a
chaste devotee approaches the departing Kåñëa after all the
crisis is over

Chaste devotion as one of the prominent characteristics of
the family of Päëòavas
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
Transcendental nature of the Lord – He reciprocates with
the dependence of a devotee, helping in all respects & all
Lesson 17 - One should not, therefore, look for help from
imperfect living beings or demigods, but one should look for
all help from Lord Kåñëa, who is competent to save His
devotees. Such a chaste devotee also never asks the Lord for
help, but the Lord, out of His own accord, is always anxious
circumstances
to render
it.
Link
17 to 18 – Kuntédevé had observed how Kåñëa had
simultaneously protected the Päëòavas from the outside and King
Parékñit from the inside. Kuntédevé was astonished by Kåñëa’s
power, and she understood that He was the Supreme Personality of
Godhead. Aside from that His imminent departure caused her
overwhelming pain. She who is described as supremely chaste in
her devotion to Kåñëa began to express her devotion in heartfelt
prayers
18)
18a. Kuntédevé offers obeisances unto Lord Kåñëa
Link
18a to 18b&18c – Offering obeisances to her nephew was
not a mistake on her part, she clarifies her understanding about
Kåñëa being the Supreme Lord and different from ordinary living
entities
Lord is different from other living beings (18b&18c)
18b. The original Supreme personality – You are the original
personality (puruñaà), unaffected by the material nature
(Prakåteù param)



Living entities are also transcendental but Lord is the
original person(puruñaà ädyam)
Lord is the chief of all living entities (Ref. Kaöha
Upaniñad 2.2.13 nityo nityänäà ….)
Living entity are also transcendental to material nature
but tends to fall down, Lord is infallible
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18c. The Supreme controller – “You are the Éçvara/controller”
(Lord is the param éçvara)

Others can be small éçvara/controller but not the supreme
Link
18c to 18d – Recently Kuntédevé experienced the same
personality Sri Kåñëa present before her and also at the same
time entering Uttarä’s womb. So she expresses 18d
Lord’s inconceivable all-pervasive yet all-powerful
localized feature (18d&18e)
18d. You are existing both within and without everything (antar
bahir avasthitam) – Same personality, being all-pervasive and
also localized, is a bewildering concept and confusing

Supporting reference for Lord being the Super soul
(Ref.Bg.15.15 sarvasya cähaà….)
Link
18d to 18e – How someone who is all-pervasive and also
unlimitedly powerful can not be recognized as Supreme
Personality of Godhead
18e. “You are invisible to all”
Link
18e to 19 – Q) What makes the Lord invisible to all –
Lesson 18 – Lord reserves the right of not being exposed to
persons who are not surrendered souls. This checking curtain
is called the mäyä energy of the Supreme Lord, and it controls
the is
limited
vision
the19
rebellious soul
This
explained
inof
text
Trying to approach the inconceivable and irreproachable
(Texts 19-22)
19)
Lord’s irreproachability is compared to a dressed actor
(analogy) – He is beyond the limited sense perception of foolish
observer being covered by the deluding curtain

Foolish or less intelligent persons deride Him who is
proved to be Supreme as follows:
o By His superhuman activities – killing Pütanä, lifting
Govardhan
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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
o By His wonderful instructions as BG
o By His marvelous capacities as hero, householder,
teacher and renounces
o On the basis of past authorities like Vyäsa, Närada
etc.
o On the basis of His personal declarations
Various factors cover the intelligence of demoniac and less
intelligent people
o Poor fund of knowledge
o Stubborn obstinacy resulting from past and present
misdeeds
o Dependence on one’s imperfect senses e.g. Modern
scientists
 Refutation of Modern science – Lord is told here
as Adhokñaja, beyond experimental knowledge
Lesson 19 – For less intelligent men there must be such things
as temples, mosques or churches so that they may begin to
recognize the authority of the Lord and hear about Him from
authorities in such holy places
Link
19 to 20 – Kuntédevi accepts the limitation of sense
perception of conditioned soul, to perceive the unlimited Lord.
She especially considers this deficiency of women class, the
less intelligent, in text 20
20)
Mood of humility exhibited – Kuntédevé’s expresses the need
of Lord’s special mercy for any revelation. Lord descends to
further the advancement of enlightened soul, so what is the hope
for innocent women
• Lord sees the sincerity of purpose, either philosophers or
simple women
Lesson 20 – This simplicity of acceptance of the Lord's
authority is more effective than showy insincere religious
fervor.
• Women have the simplicity of acceptance of Lord’s authority
without reservations
Link
20 to 21 – Kuntédevé expertly evokes compassion by
adoring the Lord’s descent as Çré Kåñëa and His relationships
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with unalloyed devotees in Vraja, thus invoking His mood of
bhakta-vatsala, and thus softening His heart to attract some
mercy
21)
Kåñëa as lover of devotees – Kuntédevé calls out Kåñëa by
His names in relation to his most intimate devotee - Väsudeva,
Devaké-nandana,Nanda-gopa-kumär, Govinda



Lord Kåñëa being approachable then Lord ram
Childhood pastime in vrajabhümi are prototypes of His
eternal affairs
LCM worshiped the resident of vrajabhümi, especially gopis
Lesson 21 – Lord Kåñëa as Govinda is more inclined to the
brähmaëas and the cows, indicating thereby that human
prosperity depends more on these two items, namely brähmaëical
culture and cow protection. Lord Kåñëa is never satisfied
where these are lacking
22)
Further glorification of Lord’s bodily feature – lotus
navel, lotus garland, cooling glance like lotus, feet engraved
with lotus
 Lord’s specific symbols distinguish him from other living
entities
 Inaccessible Lord can become accessible in the form of
Archa Vigraha(Deity form)
o Archa Vigraha can be in different elements – form
within mind, form of wood, form of earth, form of
metal, jewel, paint, sand etc.
o Archa Vigraha worshipers are not idolaters
o Establishing temple Deity worship is a great favor of
Acharyas to less intelligent class
o Taking Darshanof the Lord in the correct order – lotus
feet to His face
 Kuntédevé completes the cycle , but starts from
navel, to avoid embarrassment to the Lord who is
in the role of nephew
Link
22 to 23 – Lord’s glorification in comparison to the
lotus feet is very appropriate because lotus being covered by
wax is never touched by water. Similarly Lord is never touched
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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by material nature, although He descends to protect His pure
devotees
Kuntédevé’s personal experience of Lord’s grace – The
most intimate shelter
(Texts 23-27)
23)
23a. Addressing the Lord – Lord is addressed as master of senses
& the Lord of Lords
23b. Lord showered more mercy on Kuntédevé - Lord released
Devaké & Vasudeva from imprisonment, but saved all children of
Lesson 23 – The conclusion is that Kåñëa endows more favor to
a devotee who is in greater dangers. Sometimes He puts His
pure devotees in such dangers because in that condition of
helplessness the devotee becomes more attached to the Lord.
The more the attachment is there for the Lord, the more
Kuntédevé from constant danger
success is there for the devotee.
24)
Recalls the Lord’s protection at various times – 7
incidents mentioned
25)
Prays for repeated calamities – This gives a chance to
experience the presence of most intimate shelter, Çré Kåñëa



Lotus feet of the Lord are the only shelter for a pious
soul
Constant remembrance of the Lord prepares one for
liberation
o Analogy – Lotus feet compared to a most suitable boat,
ocean of nescience is reduced to calf’s hoof print
(Ref.SB 10.14.58 “samäçritä ye pada…….”)
Anyway worldly calamities are unavoidable, spirit soul is
transcendental to them
Focus of human mission – spiritual realization
o Analogy : Material miseries are as illusory as tiger
swallowing in dream
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Lesson 25 – Therefore, even though there are so-called
calamities, they are welcome because they give us an
opportunity to remember the Lord, which means liberation.
Contact with the Lord by any one of the nine devotional
processes is always a forward step on the path going back to
Link 25 to 26 – Text 25 shows the value of Kåñëa’s
Godhead
association, that one is ready to accept any calamity to get
that association. Text 26 elaborates on the price one has to
pay, to approach the supreme Lord

Qualifying to approach the Lord (Texts 26-27)
26)
Material advancement can be an impediment – Only materially
exhausted (akiïcana-gocaram) can approach the Lord with sincere
feeling. Material advancement (birth, opulence, beauty,
education) can be an impediment and disqualification for
Lesson 26 – Grossly illusioned persons are quite unfit for
entrance into the kingdom of God.
spiritual progress

Analogy : Decrease the fever of material advancement
27)
27a. Lord is the property of materially impoverished



In real sense of term, one cannot be a complete renouncer –
One can only give up something lower to gain more valuable
o Devotee renounces material world for spiritual assets
e.g. Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswam & Raghunath das
Goswami
Material advancement is a stumbling block on spiritual path
It is called Anartha (unwanted) Lipstick and moon travels,
etc
o It entangles one in material body followed by miseries
o Material assets are products of the three modes, and
Lesson 27 – Material hankerings and spiritual advancement go
ill together
they foil spiritual energy
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Link
27a to 27b – To satisfy or approach Lord, one does not
need the material assets which are a product of 3 modes, because
Lord has nothing to do with the material modes as explained in
27b
27 b. Lord is beyond modes – Lord has nothing to do with actions
and reactions of the material modes (nivåtta-guëa-våtti)


Lord’s birth and deeds are transcendental(ref BG 4.9)
Lord’s and his unalloyed devotees are nivåtta-guëa-våtti,
which implies free from 3 modes
o Interaction of material modes produce material
hankering
27c. Lord is self-satisfied (ätmäräma) & thus the most gentle
(çäntäya)


Lord & His unalloyed devotees are transcendentally attached
to one another
Lord has nothing to reciprocate for others & therefore He
is called ätmäräma, self- satisfied
Three phases of Absolute truth (Brahman-27thd,
Paramätmä-28th &29th, and Bhagavän-29th)
27d. He is the master of the monists (kaivalya-pataye) who
aspire for brahmajyoti (Kåñëa is cause of brahmajyoti as per
Bg.14.27)

This shows that Lord’s activities are absolutely
transcendental and free from all material conceptions
Link
27 to 28 – Kuntédevé knew that Kåñëa was neither her
nephew nor an ordinary family member of her parental house, but
He is the primeval Lord. Following words confirm this (28a-28b)
28)
28a. Recognizing Him as the Super soul of everyone’s heart –
“You are the eternal time, the supreme controller without and
end, the all- pervasive one”
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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



As eternal time, He is the witness of all actions
As supreme controller, He destines all action & reaction
Being eternal käla, He has no beginning or end
Being all pervasive, He can see everyone’s activities
28b. Recognizing the Lord as equal to everyone – He is no one’s
friend or enemy

Do not blame the Lord – Living entity cause their own
suffering, by misuse of their freedom. one’s destiny is
decided by one’s own action and reaction
Link
28 to 29 – Although text 28 makes it very clear that
Lord is equal to everyone and is no one’s friend or, one may
doubt that Lord’s pastimes and descent as a human appears to be
full of partiality. Text 29 makes it very clear that although
apparently human and partial, but He is completely
transcendental and free from all material conception
29)
Lord’s pastimes are fully transcendental, though appear to
be human & misleading



Lord’s mercy is equally distributed to the fallen souls
o Analogy : He is as impartial as the rays of sun,
capacities of receptacles differ
Partiality in receiving Lord’s mercy is relative to the
recipient
o Pure devotees fully receive, mixed devotees receive
partially and atheists do not receive any mercy
Example of Lord’s impartiality – All who died in the
Battlefield of Kurukshetra received Lord’s mercy and got
Lesson 29 – Somehow or other if someone puts himself open in
the sun rays, he is sure to get the requisite benefit both by
heat and by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the conclusion is
that the Lord is never partial. It is wrong for the people in
general to think of Him as partial.
salvation
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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Inconceivable nature of the Lord’s birth and activities
(30 – 31)
30)
Contradictory and bewildering nature of Lord’s
transcendental pastimes – Although unborn but takes birth;
although all-pervasive but appears in different species;
although inactive but works,


Inconceivable – Lord’s activities form and deed are
inconceivable to the limited thinking power of human being
Lord cannot even be known by Vedic knowledge, but by pure
devotees only

Link 30 to 31 – Text 31 raises a fact which is even more
inconceivable than the concept of unborn taking birth. Text 31
shows the power of pure devotion that the omnipresent,
omniscient and omnipotent Supreme Absolute Truth becomes a
plaything in the hands of a pure devotee
31)
More bewildering nature of Lord’s pastimes – Lord, being
fearful of mother Yaçodä, although fear personified is fearful
of the Lord


Spirit of pastimes in Goloka Vrindavan– Devotee considers
the Lord less important than himself, no reverential
attitude, only spontaneous love – study examples in purport
Yaçodä was more unalloyed than Kuntédevé, because Yaçodä
was not conscious of Kåñëa supremacy
Link
31 to 32 – Kuntédevé further describes Kåñëa’s mysteries
birth and activities by citing other thoughts. Because the
Lord’s appearance in this material world is bewildering, there
are different opinions about the birth of the unborn
Q) But how can unborn take birth
Ans) There cannot be any doubt that ‘unborn’ takes birth in
material world because Lord Himself established that truth in BG
4.6
Several opinions on Lord’s birth (Texts 32-35)
32)
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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32a. To glorify the pious kings like Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja


This is in agreement with the mission of the unborn
mentioned in Bg.4.7- 4.8 “yadä yadä hi dharmasya…..”
o To protect the pious and annihilate the miscreants
Pious king is very important for the happiness of the
masses
32b. To glorify and please king Yadu, in whose family Lord
appeared
Link
32b to 32c – Although Lord may appear to please these
kings; He is always independent of such obligations. This is
explained by an example in 32c
32c. Lord’s appearance is like sandalwood appearing in Malaya
hills – Although sandalwood can grow anywhere, but because of
prominence in Malaya hills, the two names are interrelated
Lesson 32 – The conclusion is that the Lord is ever unborn
like the sun, and yet He appears as the sun rises on the
eastern horizon. As the sun is never the sun of the eastern
horizon, so the Lord is no one's son, but He is the father of
33)
everything that be
33a. To answer the prayers of Väsudeva and Devaké – They prayed
in their previous birth as Påçni and Sutapä
33b. To kill asuras and for the welfare of all people
34)
In response to Brahmä’s prayers, to relive the burden of
the earth


Brahmä is born from Näräyaëa (in form of Garbhodakaçäyé
Viñëu)
o Without spiritual contact, matter cannot create –
Viñëu enters the universe for creation to begin
o Brahmä is called ätma-bhü – Born without Näräyaëa’s
contact with lakshmiji, this indicates the omnipotency
of the supreme Lord
Brahmä prays to Kñérodakaçäyé Viñëu in Çvetadvépa, during
any problem, e.g. Problem caused by Kaàsa
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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35)
To rejuvenate the devotional service of hearing etc. so
that conditioned souls can take advantage & gain liberation



Reason for Lord’s repeated descent – to reestablish real
religion
What is real religion – To accept the Lord as the real
master and render service out of spontaneous love
Avidyä or Nescience is the cause of all miseries –To not
serve the Lord, but serve the senses by material desire
centered around perverted sex life is called avidyä Lord’s
causeless mercy – he descends to renovate the principle of
devotional service to liberate the living entities out of
nescience
Link
35 to 36 – Text 36 emphasizes on the potency of hearing
about the Lord
Potency of Devotional Processes to reveal the
inconceivable and irreproachable (Text 36)
36)
Process of devotional service qualifies one to see the Lord
– Continuously hear, chant & repeat the Lord’s transcendental
activities




Lord cannot be seen by our present condition vision, based
on material assests
o Many failed to recognize the Lord’s personal presence
e.g. Kaàsa, ravana etc
Process of devotion service makes one qualified to see the
Lord
Hearing or ‘Çravaëaà’ from a bonafide competent speaker is
of foremost importance, of all the processes
Any of the transcendental pastime of the Lord, either with
Päëòavas in canto 1 or with gopés in canto 10 are competent
to give the desired result – Do not jump to tenth canto
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Lesson 36 – When the hearing process is perfect and complete,
the other processes become automatically perfect in their own
way. There are different transcendental activities of the Lord,
and each and every one of them is competent to bestow the
desired result, provided the hearing process is perfect.
Link
36 to 37 – After glorifying Lord Kåñëa for being
unperceivable to anyone other than His devotees, for adventing
Himself in this world, and for enacting wonderful humanlike
pastimes, Kuntédevé now expresses her deepest fear: the Lord,
after guiding the Päëòavas through innumerable difficulties will
soon depart
Desperately persuading the Lord for more association
and staying longer
(Texts 37-40)
37)
Kuntédevé expresses her complete dependence and deepest
fear of being separated from the Lord – Kuntédevé expresses
complete dependence of Päëòavas on the Lord & no one else to
protect them with all kings at enmity with them (Päëòavas)
Underlined points below focus on the “Concept of complete
dependence on the Lord”



Päëòavas were fortunate – Because they were entirely
dependent on Lord’s mercy
o Materially, dependence on someone is considered
misfortune
Material disease – False attempt of becoming independent of
stringent laws of material nature ,e.g.
o Rävaëa trying to build staircase to heaven
o To approach distant planets by electronic mechanical
arrangement
Highest goal of humans – Work hard under Lord’s guidance
and become completely dependant on Him
o Work with valor, at the same time, completely
dependant on Lord’s mercy
o Ideas executors of this standard – Päëòavas
o Such fully dependent beings are called ‘Sanätha’ (cf.
Those who claim false independence are called anätha)
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




Such dependence does not mean idle parasites – Päëòavas
were highly qualified by personal character & physical
activities
Rarity of such surrender – Mahatmas come to this
realization after many many births (Ref BG 7.19).Päëòavas
were such mahatmas
Separation from Lord was intolerable
o Analogies of fish separating from water & thunderbolt
falling on Kuntédevé
Purpose of Kuntédevé’s prayers – To try to persuade the
Lord to stay with them
Reason given by Kuntédevé – Sons and grandsons are still
there, with all their enmity, to deal with Päëòavas
Lesson 37 – It is not only the Päëòavas who were put into the
condition of enmity, but all of us are always in such a
condition, and the best way of living is to become completely
dependent on the will of the Lord and thereby overcome all
difficulties of material existence.
Link
37 to 38 – From the affection in Kuntédevé’s heart come
further words of attachment and dependence (Text38-40)
38)
Existence of Päëòavas is due to Kåñëa only – No existence
of the fame and activities of Päëòavas and Yadus without Kåñëa ,
Lesson 38 – No one should be proud of his prestige, power and
fame without being guided by the favor of the Supreme Lord.
The living beings are always dependent, and the ultimate
dependable object is the Lord Himself
just like there is no value of a body without the living spirit
39)
Absence of Lord will bring ill-luck – Whole kingdom was
marked by beautiful impressions of Lord’s feet in His prescence
40)
All prosperity depends on Lord’s mercy – Kingdom is
prosperous because of the impressions the Lord’s lotus feet

Prosperity is based on natural gift and not by industrial
enterprises
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


Industrial enterprises are condemned – They are product of
godless civilization, destroy noble aims of society squeeze
out all vital energy and causes unrest & dissatisfaction
among general masses
Avoid exploitative attempts based on Lording over mentality
and flourish based on godly gifts of nature
Nature’s gifts depend on Lord’s mercy which depends on our
obedience to the laws of god and specifically practice of
devotional service(Kuntédevé knows this formula and pleads
for Lord’s mercy)
Link
40 to 41 – a) By asking favor for Päëòavas, Kuntédevé was
keeping Våñëis the member of her paternal family, bereft of
Kåñëa association, Therefore she was in an emotional conflict
and makes the following prayer
b) Also, a pure devotee of the Lord is ashamed to ask anything
in self-interest from the Lord. But the householders are
sometimes obliged to ask favors from the Lord, being bound by
the tie of family affection
Categorical change in Kuntédevé’s prayers, giving up
selfish concerns and making Lord’s satisfaction as a
priority (Texts 41-43)
41)

Sever my ties of family affection
A pure devotee cuts off the limited ties of affection for
his family and widens his activities of devotional service
for all forgotten souls e.g. Six goswamis , Lord Rämcandra
Lesson 41a – To cut off all family affection means to broaden
the field of activities. Without doing this, no one can be
qualified as a brähmaëa, a king, a public leader or a devotee
of the Lord
Lesson 41b – Therefore, it is sometimes experienced that the
Lord, out of His special affinity towards a weak devotee,
breaks the family affection by force of circumstances arranged
by His all-powerful energy. By doing so He causes the devotee
to become completely dependent on Him and thus clears the path
 Significance
of to
addressing
for
his going back
Godhead the Lord as Lord of the
universe, or Lord of the universal mind – It signifies His
BHAKTI VAIBHAV CHAPTER 8
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all-powerful ability to cut the hard knot of family
affection
42)
Prays for incessant attraction towards the Lord without any
diversion– Like the Ganges towards the sea


Feelings like desire and affection cannot be negated but
the object must be the to satisfaction of Lord(Para 1)
Prayers of Kuntédevé indicate the same categorical change
in activities, as Arjuna did in the Battlefield of
Lesson 42a – Perfection of pure devotional service is attained
when all attention is diverted towards the transcendental
loving service of the Lord
Kurukñetra for Lord’s satisfaction(Para 2)
 Attachment to Päëòavas, although indicates attachment to
pure devotees, but for Kuntédevé, it was a case for family
affection and therefore Kuntédevé wants to cut off such
ties of affection (Para 3)
Lesson 42b – Our attention is usually diverted to the service
of something which is non-godly or not in the program of the
Lord. When the program is changed into the service of the
Lord, that is to say when the senses are purified in relation
with the service of the Lord, it is called pure unalloyed
43)
Kuntédevé
summarizes the glories of Supreme Lord
devotional
service




Proprietor of His eternal transcendental abode
Descends in material world to reclaim His devotees and
annihilate the disturbing elements
Creates, maintains and annihilates by His unlimited
energies
Cows, Brähmaëas and devotees are objects of His special
affection
Lord’s enchanting response to the prayers (Text 44)
44)
Lord smiles in response to Kuntédevé’s prayers – His smile
is as enchanting as His mystic powers
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

Anything that is enchanting in the world is said to be a
representation of the Lord – Materialists are enchanted by
His mystic powers and devotees by His mercy
o Analogy of different manifestations of electrical
energy – Heat of a heater and coldness of a
refrigerator
Lord is known as uttama-çloka – Glorified by chosen words
Lesson 44 – No amount of chosen words is sufficient to
enumerate the Lord's glory, and yet He is satisfied by such
prayers as the father is satisfied even by the broken
linguistic attempts of the growing child
Lord’s interactions with aggrieved YudhisthirMaharaj
(Texts 45-52)
Lesson 45 – The almighty God is thus conquered only by loving
service and nothing else. He is fully independent in all His
dealings, but He voluntarily accepts obligations by the loving
affection of His pure devotees
45)
Nobody could stop the Lord from going except
YudhisthirMaharaj
46)
Aggrieved Yudhisthir could not be pacified by great sages,
by historical evidence or by Kåñëa Himself


Cause of Yudhisthir’s grief – Mass Killing was done just to
place him as the king
Kåñëa as a supersoul of sages and of Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja
does not allow him to be pacified by anyone other than
Bhismadev – Because
o
He wanted Bhismadev to see Kåñëa and all the Päëòavas
during his final moments
o He wanted the world to see that Bhismadev excelled all
in knowledge, including the Lord Himself
47)
Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja is aggrieved like a common
materialistic man, deluded by worldly affection
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
YudhisthirMaharaj , although a man of perfect knowledge
being the son of Dharma, gets bewildered by the will of
Lord
o Lord wanted him to be instructed by Bhismadev
48)
Body is meant for others – Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja feels
personally responsible for such a huge massacre. This body is
ultimately meant for others welfare
Lesson 48 – While there is life in the body, it is meant for
the service of others, and when it is dead it is meant to be
eaten by dogs and jackals or maggots
49)
Innocent beings killed – Fears the sinful reaction caused
by mass killing of innocent beings like boys, brähmaëas, women,
etc
50)
Only for my selfish cause – Especially feels responsible,
because killing was done not in the course of administration,
but for the sake of self -aggrandizement
51)
No welfare act can help to atone for this – Feels
implicated in the cycle of action and reaction to such an extent
that welfare works like Ashwamedha yajïas cannot help

Refutation : Actually action on Kåñëa’s behalf cannot incur
sin (Ref. BG 9.27)
52)
Uses analogies to refute the potency of any welfare work to
purify the sins – Feels that he cannot be purified of this mass
killing by any amount of horse sacrifices, e.g.


One cannot filter muddy water through mud
One cannot purify wine stained pot with wine
Lesson 52 – In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy there is no
possibility of performing the yajïas perfectly for want of
expert brähmaëas who are able to conduct such yajïas. Mahäräja
Yudhiñöhira therefore gives a hint to performing sacrifices in
the age of Kali. In the Kali-yuga the only sacrifice
recommended is the performance of hari-näma-yajïa inaugurated
by Lord Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu
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--------------------------------------End of
Chapter eight----------------------------------
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