Extreme Compassion of Lord Krishna

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Hare Krishna,

One among the mistakes committed by a few highly placed men is to entertain a belief that Krishna can be pleased by an extravagant display of wealth and power in their possession. They fail to realise that Krishna can be approached by devotees by their genuine prayers and acknowledging the several methods shown by Him to reach Him. It is for each individual to thank Krishna for the opportunities so provided and pursue the path of his choice. No doubt, it is not possible to repay the debt of gratitude for Krishna's benevolent gestures but certainly devotion will gladden His heart.

Scriptures describe the countless auspicious qualities of Lord Krishna and one among them is His affability. He will be ready to carry out any task when a devotee needs it. An episode mentions how a cobbler was suddenly asked to stitch 100 pairs of footwears overnight and deliver them next morning, failing which he would have to face the consequences. Lord Krishna visited the poor man's dwelling and even as he was immersed in his prayers, completed this stupendous task. How can anyone describe Krishna's mercy?.

The Mahabharatham refers to the extreme compassion of Lord Krishna by accepting to be an envoy of Pandavas, who relied on Him totally and try to bring about peace through parleys with their opponents. To receive Him and hoping to win Him over to their side, the Kauravas had made elaborate arrangements with all fanfare. Each one, even the grandsire Bhishma who was aware of His identity, claimed that the respective mansions belonged to them whereas Vidhura alone said ``It is yours''. Krishna stayed with him demonstrating how God is not concerned with wealth, status, caste or other considerations of a devotee. Arrogant Duryodhana, proud of his position, failed to recognise what powers Krishna possessed. At one stage when Krishna was due to arrive at the assembly hall to plead on behalf of the Pandavas, the wicked man even ordered that no one should get up and show reverence to the ``cowherd representative.''

Regarding Duryodhana's complaint to Krishna as to why He was indifferent to his hospitality when there was no enmity between them, Krishna's reply was stunning : ``I am the soul of the Pandavas but you have been hating them without reason for the last so many years and are inimical to them. They are dear to Me. So, the food which you offer to Me is that of an enemy. It should not be eaten. Your lunch is not welcome to Me and I have hence chosen to eat with Vidhura who is dear to Me.''

The manner in which Krishna extends His grace on those who pin their faith on Him will always remain a mystery. But it is definite that timely help will be forthcoming in some form. Since He may not appear in person, He will depute someone. Or instructions to avert the possible (impending) danger will be conveyed through His representatives, invariably in an indirect way. If He decides to protect one and if He feels that the person concerned does not deserve it, His decision cannot be questioned by anyone. Krishna will make the evil forces realise that if they try to harm the pious, their actions will recoil on themselves.

An illustration of Divine mercy to escape from a sinister attempt to destroy righteous men is contained in the Mahabharatam. Unaware of the hideous plot, the dependents on Krishna were sincere in obeying the suggestion of the emperor, their uncle. The purpose behind the scheme was unfolded to them by a well wisher in code words which could be understood by the eldest among the victims. In days of princely rule, top men connected with administration were taught to annotate such baffling statements, containing a message. In this case, the words were ``The

conflagration that devastates a forest cannot hurt a rat which shelters itself in a hole. Wise men should try to understand any danger by forestalling it.'' This was meant to indicate that the plan was to roast them alive in flames and that they should escape through a tunnel. The men to be affected were the Pandavas while the arrangement to make them stay in a palace, specially built with highly combustible material, was by their cousins, the Kauravas, who were inimical to them because of their popularity, strength and intelligence.

The Pandavas could decode the statement and escape even as they spent sometime in the wax palace. They made a miner dig out a tunnel without anyone's knowledge and escaped. There were also sly methods, when they were staying there, to poison the food or cause bodily burns. Sensing this, the valiant Bhima brought a rare species of monkey that can smell and reject any type of adulteration in food. So too, he obtained a swan which could smell the sandal paste to be applied on the body. Cold tears from it would mean that the scent is genuine and bloodred tears would indicate that it is poisoned and so if used, would cause burning sensation.

Overcoming all these trials, with Lord Krishna's protection, they themselves set the palace on fire and escaped through the tunnel. Lord Krishna's guidance is always available for such souls devoted to Him.

Please Chant:Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare HareAnd Be Happy.