One more thing ! ......

'Let it be explained to me' - Parikshit

 

An intelligent man should follow those actions that are consistent and within his realm of action” .

This of course is a universal truth , but not as easily understood.

This comes out in the dialog between Parikshit and the Suka Deva. At one point Parikshit questions the episode of Krishna's Raslila.

Hearing the story of the Gopis and the descriptions of Raslila , Maharaj Parikshit was troubled . So he asks Sukadeva who is narrating the stories of Bhagavatam “O Brahman! The supreme God descended on this earth for establishment of religious principles and subduing the enemies. How could he as the original speaker, the executor and protector of Dharma behave to the contrary by touching others wives? The self satisfied master of Yadu dynasty certainly performed that which is contemptible. With what purpose the Lord behaved in this way please explain” .

Sukadeva goes on to explain.

The question and answer are part of critique elsewhere and the corresponding philosophical issues also have been articulated elsewhere ( one such reference is “Srimad Bhagavatam” pp 11-15 vol 3 , brought out by Ramakrishna Math).

The purpose here is to note that questioning and dialog is part of our heritage. Blind obedience is never part of the requirement .

By way of cautioning the reader and followers that all that is attributed to the Supreme being cannot be automatically be assumed as possible for others . The Poet adds “ An intelligent man should follow those actions that are consistent and within his realm of action” .

Everybody cannot play "Raslila" !!

That is the truth.