Shloka 33
The Kātyāyanī-vrata, the Stealing of the Gopīs’ Garments, and Kṛṣṇa’s Teaching on Purified Desire
अहो एषां वरं जन्म सर्वप्राण्युपजीवनम् । सुजनस्येव येषां वै विमुखा यान्ति नार्थिन: ॥ ३३ ॥
aho eṣāṁ varaṁ janma sarva-prāṇy-upajīvanam su-janasyeva yeṣāṁ vai vimukhā yānti nārthinaḥ
Oh, how blessed is the birth of these trees, for they sustain every living being. Like great saints, whoever asks something of a tree never goes away disappointed.
This translation is quoted from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Caitanya-caritāmṛta ( Ādi 9.46) .
FAQs
This verse praises those who sustain others and do not turn away the needy—comparing such generosity to the nature of saintly persons who give shelter and benefit to all.
In the Vraja setting of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, Śukadeva highlights how Vraja’s nature embodies selfless service—trees offer shade, fruits, flowers, and wood without discrimination—mirroring the ideal devotee’s compassion.
Cultivate a giving spirit—offer time, resources, and kindness to those who approach sincerely, and try to become a dependable shelter for others without expecting return.