Kṛṣṇa and His Surrendered Souls
The bond between Kṛṣṇa and His surrendered souls is the most confidential aspect of spiritual life. While God is the neutral supplier for the general masses, for the surrendered soul, He becomes a personal protector, friend, and guide. Śrīla Prabhupāda elucidates that Kṛṣṇa is "controlled by love" and is always eager to serve those who have surrendered to Him. This article explores the unique characteristics of this divine relationship, where the Supreme Lord voluntarily becomes the property of His devotee.
Supreme Protector
The primary feature of Kṛṣṇa in relation to His surrendered souls is His role as protector. The scriptures describe His lotus feet as an umbrella that shields the devotee from the scorching heat of material existence. Whether it is the gopīs in Vṛndāvana or the kings imprisoned by Jarāsandha, Kṛṣṇa is the "ocean of mercy" who removes all distress. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that when Kṛṣṇa sees great danger befalling His unalloyed devotees, He immediately takes up His Sudarśana disc to defend them.
- The demigods said: O Lord, Your lotus feet are like an umbrella for the surrendered souls, protecting them from all the miseries of material existence.
- The almighty Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, having observed that a great danger was befalling His unalloyed devotees, who were fully surrendered souls, at once took up His Sudarsana disc to protect them.
- Krsna is the protector of all surrendered souls.
Kṛṣṇa's Personal Qualities
To the surrendered soul, Kṛṣṇa reveals qualities that remain hidden from the rest of the world. He is not just the majestic Creator; He is described as simple, liberal, humble, and even bashful. He is the "well-wisher" who is "submissive to love." These qualities make Him very dear to the surrendered soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda lists specific transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa, noting that He is "controlled by love" and "the protector of surrendered souls."
- Krsna is very simple and liberal, He is humble and bashful, and He is the protector of the surrendered souls. He is very happy, and He is always the well-wisher of His devotees. He is all-auspicious, and He is submissive to love.
- The transcendental qualities of Krsna as follows: 1) beautiful features of the entire body; 2) marked with all auspicious characteristics; 3) extremely pleasing; 4) effulgent; 5) strong; 6) ever-youthful; 7) a wonderful linguist; 8) truthful; 9) talks pleasingly; 10) can speak fluently in all languages; 11) highly learned; 12) highly intelligent; 13) a genius; 14) artistic; 15) extremely clever; 16) expert; 17) grateful; 18) firmly determined; 19) an expert judge of time and circumstances; 20) sees and speaks on the authority of Vedas, or scriptures; 21) pure; 22) self-controlled; 23) steadfast; 24) forebearing; 25) forgiving; 26) grave; 27) self-satisfied; 28) possesses equilibrium; 29) magnanimous; 30) religious; 31) heroic; 32) compassionate; 33) respectful; 34) gentle; 35) liberal; 36) shy; 37) the protector of surrendered souls; 38) happy; 39) the well-wisher of devotees; 40) controlled by love; 41) all-auspicious; 42) most powerful; 43) all-famous; 44) popular; 45) partial to devotees; 46) very attractive to all women; 47) all-worshipable; 48) all-opulent; 49) all-honorable; 50) the supreme controller..
Attitude of the Devotee
The surrendered soul reciprocates Kṛṣṇa's love with complete dependence. They do not calculate material gain or loss. For a devotee, a dangerous position is not seen as a calamity but as a demonstration of Kṛṣṇa's mercy. Whether it is a "festival" or "danger," the surrendered soul welcomes both, knowing that Kṛṣṇa is absolute. Their conviction is that Kṛṣṇa is their real protector, not their material acquisitions or abilities.
- A devotee never takes dangerous position as very reverse position or very calamitous position. He welcomes. Because a surrendered soul, he knows either danger or festival, they are all different demonstration of Krsna. Krsna is absolute.
- The surrendered soul must accept the fact that his real protector is Krsna, not his material acquisitions.
- A surrendered soul serves Krsna without material considerations.
Revelation vs. Concealment
This intimate relationship is exclusive. Kṛṣṇa reserves the right not to expose Himself to those who are not surrendered. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the "curtain" of māyā covers the vision of the rebellious soul. However, for the surrendered soul like Arjuna, who declared, "I am Your disciple and a soul surrendered unto You" (śiṣyas te 'haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam), Kṛṣṇa becomes the spiritual master and reveals the highest truths.
- Kunti herself was puzzled about whether Sri Krsna is all-pervasive or localized. In fact, He is both, but He reserves the right of not being exposed to persons who are not surrendered souls.
- This checking curtain (Krsna reserves the right of not being exposed to persons who are not surrendered souls) is called the maya energy of the Supreme Lord, and it controls the limited vision of the rebellious soul. It is explained as follows.
- When Arjuna saw that friendly talks would not make a solution to his problems, he surrendered unto Krsna, saying, sisyas te 'ham sadhi mam tvam prapannam: "Now I am Your disciple and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me." This is the process.
Conclusion
The ultimate instruction of the Bhagavad-gītā is simply to surrender. In return, Kṛṣṇa promises to liberate the soul from all sinful reactions. The life of a surrendered soul is successful because they know their only duty is to serve Kṛṣṇa and their only safety lies in His protection. As Śrīla Prabhupāda asks, "Who other than Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa can bestow love of God upon the surrendered souls?"
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Krsna and His Surrendered Souls. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.