Balarama’s Warning at Kambi Hill
Every day, Krishna, Balarama, and the cowherd boys would take their cows and calves to various pasturing grounds in the forests of Vrindavan. One day, they arrived at the southernmost tip of Vrindavan, a small hillock called Kambi. The Acharyas describe how Lord Balarama was particularly fond of this hill because the boys would have great fun sliding down its grassy slopes while their cows grazed below.
On this particular day, as the boys were playing on the hill, Balarama suddenly stood up and called them to gather around. He had something serious to share. “My dear friends,” Balarama said, “Vrindavan ends here at Kambi. If you venture beyond this point, you will be under the jurisdiction of the modes of material nature. Never go further than Kambi.”
To make His warning clear, Balarama drew a line on the hill with a stick and pointed to it, saying, “Here is Krishna, and over there is Maya.” He explained that while they were within this line, they were protected by the spiritual atmosphere of Vraja, but beyond it, they would be victimized by Maya.
Hearing Balarama’s words, the boys started trembling. Under the influence of Yoga Maya, who facilitates these loving pastimes, they thought of themselves as ordinary boys and Krishna as their best friend. They believed that if they crossed the line, they would become like the demons they had heard about—Denakasura, Shishupala, or even Kamsa.
The Boys’ Daring Venture
Despite Balarama’s serious warning, the boys, being young and enthusiastic, couldn’t resist testing His words. After Balarama left to look for a stray calf, they began daring each other to cross the line. Eventually, they all crossed over, laughing and joking, but soon returned, nervous yet thrilled by their little adventure.
After crossing the line a few more times, they finally ventured 100 meters into what they believed was Maya’s territory. One boy even taunted Maya Devi, daring her to come and get them. However, feeling uneasy, they quickly ran back to the safety of Vrindavan.
When Balarama returned with the stray calf, He overheard the boys discussing their little escapade. Some were boasting that they had crossed the line without being affected by Maya. Balarama then stood up to give them another lesson. He reassured them that they were not affected by Maya because they were Krishna’s fully surrendered devotees, and wherever they went, Krishna protected them. But for those who are not favored by Krishna, venturing beyond Vrindavan would lead to forgetting everything about the Lord.
The boys, stunned by the thought that anyone could forget Krishna, vowed never to go beyond the line at Kambi again. In their innocence and love, they asked Balarama to warn everyone in Vrindavan never to cross the boundary He had drawn.
Balarama’s Stone Column
To mark the boundary, Balarama took His plow and carved out a stone column from the hill, placing it at the top of Kambi. He declared, “This is the border between the kingdom of Krishna and the kingdom of Maya.” This column still stands today as a reminder of the divine protection within Vrindavan and the dangers of venturing beyond.
Lessons to Be Learned
- The Importance of Boundaries: Just as Balarama set a physical boundary at Kambi, we too must recognize and respect the spiritual boundaries in our lives. Staying within the “safety zone” of spiritual practices keeps us protected from the influence of material energy.
- Krishna’s Protection: As Balarama reassured the boys, Krishna protects His fully surrendered devotees wherever they go. This teaches us that sincere devotion and surrender to the Lord safeguard us from the temptations and dangers of the material world.
- Innocence and Faith: The innocence of the cowherd boys, who genuinely feared crossing into Maya’s territory, reflects the pure and simple faith that devotees should have in the instructions of their spiritual guides.
- The Role of Yoga Maya: Yoga Maya facilitates the loving pastimes of the Lord and His devotees, allowing them to experience and relish their unique relationships with Krishna. Understanding this divine arrangement deepens our appreciation for the Lord’s pastimes.
Prayer
O Lord Balarama, please guide us as You guided the cowherd boys at Kambi Hill. Help us to recognize the boundaries between the spiritual and material worlds, and grant us the strength to stay within the protective embrace of Your divine presence. May we always remain under Krishna’s protection and never fall victim to the illusions of Maya.
Quote from Shastra
Bhagavad Gita 7.14: daivi hy esha guna-mayi mama maya duratyaya mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te
“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.”
This verse beautifully encapsulates the protection Krishna offers to His devotees. Just as the cowherd boys were safeguarded from Maya’s influence by staying within Vrindavan, we too can overcome the challenges of the material world by surrendering to Krishna and staying within the boundaries of His divine protection.
from a lecture of Indradyumna Swami
