rishna and Arjuna’s Arrival in Dwarka:
One time, Krishna and Arjuna returned to Dwarka after a long journey. Arjuna, handling the chariot, was tired upon their arrival and went to the Guest House to sleep.
Krishna’s Hospitality:
After a while, Mother Rukmini came to Krishna and announced that food was ready. Krishna said, “We have a guest at home, and I will not eat until he is ready.”
Rukmini’s Discovery:
So Mother Rukmini went to wake up Arjuna. When she got to his room, she was amazed to see that each and every part, each and every pore of his body was chanting “Krishna Krishna” even as he was sleeping! Transfixed by this sight, she started clapping her hands in joy.
Narada Muni’s Arrival:
Narada Muni then showed up and told Krishna, “Your food is getting cold.” He went to wake up Arjuna but was equally amazed by the sight. He too got transfixed and started playing his Veena.
Satyabhama’s Turn:
Satyabhama then came to call the Lord to eat and said she would wake up Arjuna. When she saw Arjuna chanting in his sleep, Rukmini clapping, and Narada Muni playing the Veena, she forgot about the food and started dancing.
Krishna’s Loving Gesture:
Finally, Lord Krishna decided to wake up Arjuna himself. When He reached there and saw all of them, His heart overflowed with love. He sat on the bed and started massaging the feet of Arjuna. Arjuna woke up with a start and said, “Lord, what are you doing?”
The Lord’s Response:
The Lord said, “You love me with each and every pore of your body, and this is why you are so dear to me!” Saying this, He warmly embraced Arjuna.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Unwavering Devotion: Arjuna’s unwavering devotion to Krishna, evident even in his sleep, exemplifies the highest form of love and dedication a devotee can have for the Lord.
- Lord’s Compassion: Krishna’s actions show that the Lord reciprocates the love and devotion of His devotees in the most heartfelt and personal manner.
- Transcendental Joy: The joy and amazement experienced by Rukmini, Narada Muni, and Satyabhama highlight the transcendental bliss that comes from witnessing pure devotion.
- Selfless Service: The story emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord and His devotees with love and sincerity.
Teachings from Srila Prabhupada’s Books:
Srila Prabhupada often emphasized the importance of constant remembrance and chanting of the Lord’s holy names. In the purports of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, he repeatedly mentions that true devotion involves remembering Krishna at all times, under all circumstances.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says:
man-mana bhava mad-bhakto / mad-yaji mam namaskuru mam evaisyasi yuktvaivam / atmanam mat-parayanah (BG 9.34)
“Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.”
Prayer:
“O Supreme Lord Krishna, please bless us with the unwavering devotion that Arjuna had for You. May we always remember You with every breath and every pore of our body. Help us to serve You and Your devotees with love and sincerity. May our hearts overflow with love for You and may we always remain close to You. Hare Krishna.”
