Hari Promises Only the Highest Good
Bala Kanda, Doha 132
Doha 132 · Movement 2 of 2
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The Lord answers Narada with a promise exact enough to contain the whole approaching Leela. Whatever brings the sage's highest good, that alone will be done. Nothing else will be given.
Narada hears consent to the beauty he desires. Hari speaks of the welfare that uproots pride. The same words hold both understandings for a moment, clear in the Lord and veiled in the devotee.
Vishnu seals the promise by declaring that his word is never false. What follows may feel like denial, ridicule, and loss, yet none of it will depart from this vow. Grace has chosen a form severe enough to reach the hidden root.
Hari gives his unfailing word, and mercy takes the shape Narada does not expect.
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AI-created devotional illustration · Doha 132
Lord promises whatever Narada's highestgood, nothingelse; His words notfalse
Source reference and artistic choices
Gita Press code81 undated · PDF pages 144 · printed pages 142. Reader passage: bala-kanda-doha-133. Printed numbering may differ.
Source facts
- Lord says listenNarada: whateverwillbeYOUR HIGHESTGOOD Iwilldothat notanythingelse, Hiswordsnotfalse
- This promise concernsNaradawelfare, not automaticgrantdesiredbeauty or voluntaryhumanincarnation indevoteehouse
Artistic choices
- Approved samebatchLord/Narada imaginedappearance blue-lotusfourarms darkhair goldcrown creamgoldgarland/jewels conch/disc/lotus and naturalbrownclean-shaven Narada hairknot Vaishnavcreamochrerose/darkbeads retained; exactagesfacespropsrobes artistconventions
- Lordstandingleft changeswaisthandtolowopen conversationalpalm earnestquietexpression, Naradakneelingright listeningnamaste; exactgestures/postures artchoices no literalpromiseeffect
- Minimalflat rustochre creamcityarch/simplefloralaccents currentMaya-citycontext andcustomaryvina besideNarada artsetting notauthenticatedgeography, no formtransfer/monkeyface/houseincarnation
An imaginative interpretation, not a historical portrait or documentary evidence.
जेहि बिधि होइहि परम हित नारद सुनहु तुम्हार। सोइ हम करब न आन कछु बचन न मृषा हमार।।132।।
"Listen, Narada: whatever will bring you the highest good, that alone We shall do. Nothing else. Our word is never false."