Shloka 41
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa Receives Kṛṣṇa’s Mercy
The Gift of Flat Rice
एतद् ब्रह्मण्यदेवस्य श्रुत्वा ब्रह्मण्यतां नर: । लब्धभावो भगवति कर्मबन्धाद् विमुच्यते ॥ ४१ ॥
etad brahmaṇya-devasya śrutvā brahmaṇyatāṁ naraḥ labdha-bhāvo bhagavati karma-bandhād vimucyate
Hearing this account of Brahmaṇya-deva’s special favor toward the brāhmaṇas, one awakens love for the Lord and becomes freed from the bondage of karma.
In the introduction to the chapter of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead that describes this pastime, His Divine Grace Śrīla Prabhupāda comments: “Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Supersoul of all living entities, knows everyone’s heart very well. He is especially inclined to the brāhmaṇa devotees. Lord Kṛṣṇa is also called brahmaṇya-deva, which means that He is worshiped by the brāhmaṇas. Therefore it is understood that a devotee who is fully surrendered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead has already acquired the position of a brāhmaṇa. Without becoming a brāhmaṇa, one cannot approach the Supreme Brahman, Lord Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is especially concerned with vanquishing the distress of His devotees, and He is the only shelter of pure devotees.”
FAQs
This verse says that by hearing about the Lord and developing devotion (bhāva) for Bhagavān, one becomes freed from karma-bandha, the binding reactions of fruitive work.
Because He is devoted to dharma and especially honors and protects the brāhmaṇas; hearing of these qualities strengthens faith and devotion in the listener.
Regularly hear and study Krishna-kathā (with attention and respect), and let that hearing shape your intentions—devotion grows, and karmic entanglement reduces as actions become offered to Bhagavān.