Shloka 15
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
चिरं विमृश्य मुनय ईश्वरस्येशितव्यताम् । जनसङ्ग्रह इत्यूचु: स्मयन्तस्तं जगद्गुरुम् ॥ १५ ॥
ciraṁ vimṛśya munaya īśvarasyeśitavyatām jana-saṅgraha ity ūcuḥ smayantas taṁ jagad-gurum
For some time the sages pondered the Supreme Lord’s behavior, which seemed like that of a subordinate being. They concluded He was acting for jana-saṅgraha—to instruct and uplift the people. Smiling, they then spoke to Him, the spiritual master of the universe.
Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī explains the word īśitavyatā as referring to one’s not being a controller, or in other words, to being under the law of karma, obliged to work and experience the results of one’s work. While addressing the sages, Lord Kṛṣṇa accepted the role of a subordinate living being to emphasize the importance of hearing and serving saintly Vaiṣṇavas. The Personality of Godhead is also the supreme teacher of spiritual surrender.
FAQs
This verse explains that the Lord’s actions are ultimately meant for jana-saṅgraha—uplifting, guiding, and spiritually benefiting the people by His example and arrangement.
Because Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Lord who teaches the world—directly and indirectly—through His words, presence, and līlā, and thus functions as the universal spiritual master.
Act with responsibility and spiritual intention—use one’s position, work, and influence to support others’ welfare and moral clarity, rather than acting only for personal gain.