Inquiries into the Absolute: Digest 81

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Digest 81, February 2nd, 2004

Answers by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja

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Bali Maharaja and Lord Vamana

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Question)

 

I would like to ask about Vamana avatar. Mahabali is a pure devotee of

Krishna and he ruled with all the qualities of a king; all of his people

were happy with him. But Krishna came as Vamana and removed him from the

earth. Why did He do so?

 

In Kerala, a southern state of India, people are celebrating Onam festival

to celebrate the arrival of Mahabali to visit his people. All the people

are getting together to celebrate this occasion with one mind. The

Christian community is utilizing this particular festival to preach

against Krishna by speaking of Mahabali's greatness. Please clarify all

doubts about this particular avatar of Krishna.

 

Answer)

 

Bali Maharaja was indeed a pure devotee. In fact he is glorified in

Srimad Bhagavatam as one of the 12 mahajanas or great authorities in

the devotional line. Despite the glorious nature of Bali Maharaja,

by external analysis it seems as if the Lord treated Bali unjustly.

Actually, however, Vamanadeva's dealings with Bali Maharaja were

completely transcendental and the apparent punishment of Bali is

simply a glorification of both the Lord and His pure devotee. Lord

Vamana explicitly explains this Himself in Srimad Bhagavatam. He

expresses His appreciation and love for Bali, and discloses that He

orchestrated this whole lila just to show to the world the depth of

Bali's wonderful qualities.

 

Although a devotee, Bali who was the grandson of Prahlad Maharaja, was

the king of the asuras. As a matter of his kingly duty, he led the demons

in battle against the demigods and conquered Indra, thus becoming the

ruler of the universe.

 

It is stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (1.3.28) that Lord Krishna always

protects the pious demigods, and He incarnates to vanquish the enemies

of Indra, the demons. Thus, by the prayers of Aditi, the mother of Indra,

He incarnated as Vamana, to divest the asuras of their control over the

heaven and give it back to Indra.

 

Vamanadev came to Bali Maharaja's sacrificial arena in the form of a dwarf

brahmana, begging him simply for three paces of land. Bali's guru,

Sukracharya, knowing Vamanadev's real identity and mission, induced Bali

not to promise charity. But Bali Maharaja was very happy to offer

something to Vishnu, even if He came in the role of an enemy. Thus he

transgressed the order of his guru. Nobody can check the worship of Lord

Vishnu, and if one does, even if they may be one's guru, they should be

rejected. For showing this example, Bali is considered one of the 12

mahajanas.

 

Bali knew that by asking for three paces of land, Vamanadev will take the

whole universe. Yet he agreed to be so-called "cheated" by the Lord. This

is the symptom of a devotee. A devotee agrees to any action of the Lord.

When the Lord expanded Himself as Trivikrama and covered the whole universe

with two steps, he offered his own head for the third pace. Thus by giving

everything to Lord Vishnu, he purchased the Lord. Even under extreme

tribulation -- having lost everything and being humiliated and rejected

by his own guru and even family members - Bali was not resentful in the

slightest towards Vamana nor did his mind budge from the disposition of

complete surrender to the Lord's will. Vamana demonstrated this glorious

character of Bali by this lila with him.

 

Of the nine processes of bhakti, Bali Maharaja is the example for one who

achieved perfection by complete self-surrender; sarvasvatma nivedane bali.

 

In the end, Vamanadev was so satisfied that He awarded Bali the Sutala

planet to rule and personally remained there as his doorkeeper!

 

In general when great devotees appear to be subjected to trials and

tribulations, such pastimes simply magnifies their own glory and the glory

of devotional service. In addition, tribulations experienced by great

souls and the Lord's consequent protection nurture our own faith and

impart deep lessons and inspiration to us on how to face adversities in

our own lives. Ultimately this pastime is a glorification of Krishna and

not otherwise, for it demonstrates how Krishna becomes conquered by

unflinching surrender of His devotee and even subordinates Himself to them.

 

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----- Festivals over the next week ------

Feb 02 2004, Monday Appearance Varaha Dvadasi: of Lord Varahadeva

(The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.)

(Feasting is done today.)

Feb 03 2004, Tuesday Appearance Nityananda Trayodasi: of Sri Nityananda

Prabhu (Fast)

(Fasting till noon)

Feb 05 2004, Thursday Appearance Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura

Sri Krsna Madhura utsava

 

*** NOTE: All times are for Washington D.C, USA, EST ***

For festival information for your city please go to http://www.iskcondc.org and

click on 'Calendar'

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