Shloka 35
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa: Divine Friendship, Guru-bhakti, and the Lord’s Grace
अपि न: स्मर्यते ब्रह्मन् वृत्तं निवसतां गुरौ । गुरुदारैश्चोदितानामिन्धनानयने क्वचित् ॥ ३५ ॥ प्रविष्टानां महारण्यमपर्तौ सुमहद् द्विज । वातवर्षमभूत्तीव्रं निष्ठुरा: स्तनयित्नव: ॥ ३६ ॥
api naḥ smaryate brahman vṛttaṁ nivasatāṁ gurau guru-dāraiś coditānām indhanānayane kvacit
O brāhmaṇa, do you remember what happened when we were living at our guru’s āśrama? Once the guru’s wife sent us to bring firewood.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī explains that this storm arose during winter and was therefore unseasonal.
FAQs
This verse recalls Kṛṣṇa and Sudāmā serving in their guru’s home, showing that sincere service—such as gathering firewood on instruction—is integral to spiritual training and humility.
Kṛṣṇa rekindles their shared memories of disciplined service and simplicity, deepening affectionate friendship while highlighting the sanctity of guru-centered life.
Cultivate humility and obedience by offering practical help to one’s teacher/mentor, supporting spiritual study, and serving without pride—seeing service as character-building devotion.