Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Krishna Book | Part [KB.CH38.04]

Akrura's journey to Vrindavana is exemplary. One who intends to visit Vrindavana should follow the ideal footsteps of Akrura and always think of the pastimes and activities of the Lord. As soon as one reaches the boundary of Vrindavana, he should immediately smear the dust of Vrindavana over his body without thinking of his material position and prestige. Srila Narottama dasa Thakura has sung in a celebrated song, vishaya chadiya kabe suddha habe mana: "When my mind will be purified after leaving the contamination of material sense enjoyment, I shall be able to visit Vrindavana." Actually, one cannot go to Vrindavana by purchasing a ticket. The process of going to Vrindavana is shown by Akrura.

When Akrura entered Vrindavana, he saw Krishna and Balarama engaged in supervising the milking of the cows. Krishna was dressed in yellow garments and Balarama in bluish. Akrura also saw that Their eyes were exactly like the beautiful lotus flower that grows during the autumn season. He saw Krishna and Balarama in the spring of Their youth. Although They had the same bodily features, Krishna was blackish in complexion, whereas Balarama was whitish. Both were the shelter of the goddess of fortune. They had well-constructed bodies, beautiful hands and pleasing faces, and They were as strong as elephants. Now, after seeing Their footprints, marked with flag, trident, thunderbolt and lotus, Akrura actually saw Krishna and Balarama face to face. Although They were the most influential personalities, They were glancing at him with smiling faces. Akrura could understand that both Krishna and Balarama had returned from tending cows in the forest; They had taken Their baths and were dressed with fresh clothing and garlanded with flowers and with necklaces made of valuable jewels. Their bodies were smeared with the pulp of sandalwood. Akrura greatly appreciated the aroma of the flowers and sandalwood and Their bodily presence. He considered himself very fortunate to see Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and His plenary expansion, Balarama, face to face, for he knew that They were the original personalities of the creation.

As stated in the Brahma-samhita, Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead and the cause of all causes. Akrura could understand that the Supreme Personality of Godhead had appeared personally for the welfare of His creation, to reestablish the principles of religion and to annihilate the demons. With Their bodily effulgence the brothers were dissipating all the darkness of the world, as if They were mountains of sapphire and silver. Without hesitating, Akrura immediately got down from his chariot and fell flat, just like a rod, before Krishna and Balarama. Upon touching the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he became overwhelmed with transcendental bliss; his voice choked up, and he could not speak. Due to his transcendental pleasure, incessant torrents of tears fell from his eyes. He remained stunned in ecstasy, as if devoid of all powers to see and speak. Lord Krishna, who is very kind to His devotees, raised Akrura with His hand and embraced him. It appeared that Lord Krishna was very much pleased with Akrura. Balarama also embraced Akrura.

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Written by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

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