Rising Above Grabbing Mentality Spiritualism Over Ritualism

2016-12-28 Srimad Bhagavatam 10.88.35-39 - Rising Above Grabbing Mentality Spiritualism Over Ritualism (download mp3) by Nanda Dulal Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty www.iskcondesiretree.com SB 10.88.35ittham bhagavatas citrair vacobhih sa su-pesalaihbhinna-dhir vismrtah sirsni sva-hastam kumatir nyadhat Translation:  [Sukadeva Gosvami continued:] Thus bewildered by the Personality of Godhead’s enchanting, artful words, foolish Vrka, without realizing what he was doing, placed his hand on his head. SB 10.88.36athapatad bhinna-sirah vajrahata iva ksanatjaya-sabdo namah-sabdah sadhu-sabdo ’bhavad divi Translation: Instantly his head shattered as if struck by a lightning bolt, and the demon fell down dead. From the sky were heard cries of “Victory!” “Obeisances!” and “Well done!” SB 10.88.37mumucuh puspa-varsani hate pape vrkasuredevarsi-pitr-gandharva mocitah sankatac chivah Translation: The celestial sages, Pitas and Gandharvas rained down flowers to celebrate the killing of sinful Vrkasura. Now Lord Siva was out of danger. SB 10.88.38-39muktam girisam abhyaha bhagavan purusottamahaho deva maha-deva papo ’yam svena papmanahatah ko nu mahatsv isa jantur vai krta-kilbisahksemi syat kim u visvese krtagasko jagad-gurau Translation: The Supreme Personality of Godhead then addressed Lord Girisa, who was now out of danger: “Just see, O Mahadeva, My lord, how this wicked man has been killed by his own sinful reactions. Indeed, what living being can hope for good fortune if he offends exalted saints, what to speak of offending the lord and spiritual master of the universe?” Purport: According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti, this statement of Lord Visnu’s implies a mild scolding: “My dear possessor of unlimited vision, O you of clear intelligence, benedictions should not be given to wicked demons in this way. You could have been killed! But you were only concerned about saving this poor soul, so you disregarded what would happen to you as a result.” Thus, Acarya Visvanatha Cakravarti points out, Lord Narayana’s mild rebuke also highlighted Lord Siva’s exceptional compassion.