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----- bhagap268.html
THE STEALING OF CLOTHES.
SKANDHA X. CHAP. 22.
In the first month of the DEWY SEASON (Agrahayana), the
girls of Vrindavana worshipped Katyayani (a name of the Goddess
Durga, wife of Siva). The observances lasted for a month. The
girls prayed to Katyayani that they might get Krishna for their
husband. They bathed early in the morning every day in the river
Yamuna. One day they left their clothes on the bank and went
down into the river to bathe. Krishna took away their clothes.
He asked the girls to come up and take them. They did so and
the clothes were returned. Krishna then addressing the Gopis said:
"O virtuous girls, I know your resolve. It is to worship me. I
also approve of it and you must succeed. The desires of those that are
absorbed in me do not bear Karmic fruits. For fried or burnt paddy
does not germinate. Go back to Vraja. Your object in worshipping
Katyayani is gained. These nights (/. e. on nights to come. Stidhdra)
you shall enjoy with me."
KRISHNA AND VEDIC YAJNA (SUMMER AGAIN.)
SKANDHA X. CHAP. 23.
Krishna went over to a distant forest driving cattle with his
companions. The summer sun was fierce and the trees gave shade.
"Look, O companions" said Krishna, "how noble minded these trees
are. They live for others. Themselves they suffer from the winds,
the rains, from the sun and frost but they protect us from these.
They do not send away one disappointed. They offer their leaves,
their flowers, their fruits, their shade, their roots, their bark, their
fragrance, their juice, their ashes, their fuel, their buds, and what not.
Of all living beings, such only justify their birth as do good to
others by their lives, their wealth, their wisdom and their words.
(This is introductory as an attack upon the selfish performances of
Vedic Brahmanas. Stidhata.}
The boys became hungry and they complained to Rama and
Krishna.
Krishna said: "The Brahmanas are performing Angirasa
Yajna. Take our names and ask them for food."
The boys did as they were told but the Brahmanas heeded
them not. Narrow were their desires which did not extend beyoud
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