Srimad Bhagavatam 10.88.35-39 - Rising Above Grabbing Mentality Spiritualism Over Ritualism (download mp3)
by Nanda Dulal Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.com
SB 10.88.35
ittham bhagavatas citrair
vacobhih sa su-pesalaih
bhinna-dhir vismrtah sirsni
sva-hastam kumatir nyadhat
Translation:
[Sukadeva Gosvami continued:] Thus bewildered by the Personality of Godhead’s enchanting, artful words, foolish Vrka, without realizing what he was doing, placed his hand on his head.
SB 10.88.36
athapatad bhinna-sirah
vajrahata iva ksanat
jaya-sabdo namah-sabdah
sadhu-sabdo ’bhavad divi
Translation:
Instantly his head shattered as if struck by a lightning bolt, and the demon fell down dead. From the sky were heard cries of “Victory!” “Obeisances!” and “Well done!”
SB 10.88.37
mumucuh puspa-varsani
hate pape vrkasure
devarsi-pitr-gandharva
mocitah sankatac chivah
Translation:
The celestial sages, Pitas and Gandharvas rained down flowers to celebrate the killing of sinful Vrkasura. Now Lord Siva was out of danger.
SB 10.88.38-39
muktam girisam abhyaha
bhagavan purusottamah
aho deva maha-deva
papo ’yam svena papmana
hatah ko nu mahatsv isa
jantur vai krta-kilbisah
ksemi syat kim u visvese
krtagasko jagad-gurau
Translation:
The Supreme Personality of Godhead then addressed Lord Girisa, who was now out of danger: “Just see, O Mahadeva, My lord, how this wicked man has been killed by his own sinful reactions. Indeed, what living being can hope for good fortune if he offends exalted saints, what to speak of offending the lord and spiritual master of the universe?”
Purport:
According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti, this statement of Lord Visnu’s implies a mild scolding: “My dear possessor of unlimited vision, O you of clear intelligence, benedictions should not be given to wicked demons in this way. You could have been killed! But you were only concerned about saving this poor soul, so you disregarded what would happen to you as a result.” Thus, Acarya Visvanatha Cakravarti points out, Lord Narayana’s mild rebuke also highlighted Lord Siva’s exceptional compassion.
