The Full Moon of the Autumnal Season
One night, Lord Krishna looked up at the sky and saw the full moon of the autumnal season. On this day, the Vrajavasis (residents of Vrindavan) celebrated with a festival, cooking sweet rice for the Lord.
Krishna’s Curiosity
Seeing the moon, Krishna asked Mother Yasoda, “What is that, mother?”
Mother Yasoda replied, “That is the moon, the toy of God.”
Krishna’s Demand
Hearing the word “toy,” Krishna demanded it. Although His mother gave Him all sorts of worldly toys, Krishna did not care for them. He wanted the moon as His toy.
Yasoda’s Loving Response
Mother Yasoda spoke with great love and affection, “Krishna, this toy is of God.”
To this, Krishna responded, “Why, do you think I am less than God? I am the Almighty God. Give Me the toy.”
Yasoda’s Concern
Hearing this from Krishna, whom she considered her son, Mother Yasoda said, “O Krishna, do not speak like this. You may offend God.”
Krishna’s Determination
Krishna, wanting to perform a specific pastime, showed His determination to have the moon as His toy. Mother Yasoda, not knowing what to do, took shelter in the Lord.
Divine Inspiration
The Lord, who was demanding the moon as His toy, heard her prayer and planted in her mind the idea of His future marriage. Therefore, she told Krishna, “When You grow up, we will get a nice wife for You, and by having her, You will become a king.”
Krishna’s Acceptance
Hearing this, Krishna stopped troubling His mother for the moon. In this way, He created many pastimes to please His devotees.
Mother’s Joy and Earth’s Blessing
Mother Yasoda was relieved, and Mother Earth was pleased to have the opportunity for Krishna and Balarama to walk upon her with Their small and soft lotus feet.
Moral of the Story
This story illustrates the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna and His interactions with His devotees, showing His playful and loving nature. It also highlights the importance of faith and devotion in resolving challenges and experiencing the Lord’s mercy.
Reflection
- Divine Playfulness:
- Krishna’s demand for the moon as a toy shows His playful nature and His interactions with His devotees, bringing joy and divine experiences into their lives.
- Mother’s Devotion:
- Mother Yasoda’s loving responses and her concern for offending God reflect her deep devotion and faith in divine principles.
- Pastimes of the Lord:
- Krishna’s pastimes are meant to please His devotees and deepen their love and devotion towards Him.
Conclusion
Krishna’s childhood pastimes, like His demand for the moon, bring joy and divine insights to His devotees. These pastimes illustrate the deep bond between the Lord and His devotees, filled with love, playfulness, and divine blessings.
Prayer
Let us pray for the grace to experience the joy of Krishna’s pastimes and deepen our devotion:
“O Supreme Lord Krishna, guide us to find joy in Your divine pastimes. Help us to deepen our devotion and experience Your loving presence in our lives.”
