While describing four kinds of people who approach him, Krishna appreciates them as pious and large-hearted. They are large-hearted in the sense that they are aware of bigger realities including the supreme reality, Krishna, and they have some devotion for him. 

The Sanskrit word ‘udadarah’ also means charitable, which is a curious word to use for describing someone coming to seek help. Normally, the giver of help is considered charitable, not the receiver of help. Why is that? That’s because he is so eager to receive the love of all living beings. 

Consider a parenting metaphor. Suppose a beloved child has been estranged from their parent for a long time. After many years of no communication at all, during which the parent is eager to help but is unable to, finally, the child contacts the parent for some help. Though the primary purpose is to seek some help, still, the child expresses some affection to the parent. And the parent feels overjoyed that the child has at least contacted them and wants to revive a relationship with them, even if the impetus is a situational necessity. 

What makes Krishna’s appreciation of those who approach him so endearing is his position and his disposition. Being the supreme, he controls everything in existence, except one thing: our heart. Why? Because he has given us all free will and he never takes it away from us. Still, our heart is the one thing he longs for because he loves us and wants our love. That’s why if anyone approaches him with even a hint of devotion, he feels so grateful to them as to think he has been given a great gift. Hence, the usage of the word ‘charitable.’

One-sentence summary:

Krishna loves us so much that he considers us charitable even if we approach him for our own purposes with just a little devotion. 

Think it over:

  • Why is Krishna’s usage of the word ‘udarah’ curious?
  • What metaphor explains that usage?
  • What makes that usage especially endearing? 

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07.18: All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal.

Why does Krishna call those who approach him charitable?

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