14.12: Satyabhama’s doubt about Krishna dispelled

182. As Satyabhama thus spoke, Narad [Narada] replied, ‘Listen, O mother, to what I am going to tell you. You must regard it as true.

183. This Being without form, this Life of the world, had as His only reason for becoming an avatar, the purpose of protecting His bhaktas through many forms of activities. And for this reason He came in bodily form.

184. It was as if the earth took form in order to bear the weight of things animate and inanimate; or it was as if the sun descended to give light to men;

185. or as if the internal digestive fire descended to burn and digest the food; or as if grass was made to grow for the purpose of removing the hunger of the cow;

186. or as if Hrishikeshi (the Lord of the heart) had created the space for birds to fly about in; or as if He had created the night in order to give mankind rest;

187. or as if divine jewels had been formed to provide the bodies of the beautiful ones with ornaments; or as if nectar had been created to save the life of those whose life has come to an end; 188, so Adhokshaja (the Pervader of earth and sky) became a Being with qualities that He might carry out the purpose of His bhaktas. In dropping His greatness He is not ashamed and he manifests His lila (sports) with ease.

189. O you wise one, you know that this Helper of the helpless, Lover of the bhaktas, Ocean of compassion, Merciful to the lowly, this dark-complexioned One, preserves His reputation by so doing.

190. The Lord of the heart personally suffered births in Ambarishi’s place and at the same time being indifferent to earthly things He guarded the door of Bali without feeling ashamed of doing so.

191. He became a slave, and with body, mind and speech this merciful Husband of yours protected the Pandavas.

192. Becoming the son of Nanda He protected the cows in Gokul [Gokula], and taking the food left on the plates by the cowherds He tasted it in love.

193. Seeing a great danger approaching, He threw Himself into the midst of it and broke the bondage of His bhaktas. Such are His praiseworthy deeds,

194. All we His bhaktas are entirely portions of Him, but today He has become a complete avatar [avatara] for Nama’s sake, in a visible form, with qualities.’

195. The Muni Narad, having explained these things to Satyabhama, quickly left.