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Svarga. But for these, they went through elaborate Karma. Igno-
rant as they were, they thought themselves to be wise. Yajna was
all in all to them but they disregarded the Lord of Yajnas, the direct
manifestation of Parama Purusha. They looked upon Krishna as an
ordinary man and as Brahmanas they deemed themselves to be
superior to Him. They said neither yea nor nay. So the boys re-
turned unsuccessful to Krishna and Rama. Krishna smiled and asked
them to go to the wives of the Brahmanas. This they did. The
Brahmana women had heard of Krishna and they were eager to see
him. Notwithstanding the protests of their husbands, brothers, sons
and friends, they hastened to Krishna with dishes full of eatables of
all sorts. The ears had heard and the eyes now saw. And it did
not take the Brahmana women long to embrace Krishna and forget
their grievances.
Knowing that the women had given up all desires for the sake
of seeing Atma, Krishna said smilingly: "Welcome O you noble-
minded ones, take your seats. What can we do for you? It is meet
that you have come to see us. I am Atma and therefore the most be-
loved. Those that care for their Atma or self bear unconditional
and unremitting Bhakti towards me. The Pranas, Buddhi, Manas,
the relatives, the body, wife, children and riches all become dear for
the sake of self or Atma. What can be therefore dearer, than Atma?
Now that you have seen me, go back to your husbands. They have
to perform the sacrifices with your help."
The Brahmana women replied: "Lord, thou dost not deserve
to speak so cruelly to us. Make good thy words (" My Bhakta does
not meet with destruction " or " He does not again return " Sridhara^)
We have taken the shelter of thy feet, throwing over-board all friends,
that we may bear on our heads the Tulasi thrown from Thy feet.
Our husbands, parents, sons, brothers, and friends will not take us
back. Who else can? Grant us, O conqueror of all enemies, that we
may have no other resort but Thee. (We may not have such resorts
as Svarga ??c. for which our husbands are striving. We want to
serve Thee. Sridhara)."
Sri Krishna replied: "Your husbands will not bear any
grudge against you. By my command all people, even the Devas (in
whose honor the sacrifices are made) shall approve of your conduct.
Direct contact is not necessary for love. Think of me with all your
heart and you shall speedily obtain me."
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