1.8 Prayers by Queen Kunti and Pariksit Saved with Radhika Raman Das
In this episode of the Bhagavata Podcast, Bhrigupada Dasa (Dr. Måns Broo) is joined by scholar and teacher Radhika Ramana Dasa (Dr. Ravi Gupta) for an in-depth exploration of Chapter 8 of the First Canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. As Krishna prepares to leave Hastinapura for Dwaraka, the chapter unfolds as a deeply emotional and theological moment—marked by silence, prayer, memory, and transformation.At the heart of this episode are the profound prayers of Queen Kunti, whose reflections on suffering, divine presence, and detachment have become some of the most beloved verses in the Bhagavatam. The discussion touches on the nature of prayer, the transition from fear to faith, the unique sweetness of Krishna’s Vrindavan pastimes, and the silent power of Krishna’s smile. We also witness King Yudhishthira’s inner conflict over violence, sacrifice, and remorse, setting the stage for Bhishma’s guidance in the next chapter.Together, the speakers guide listeners through a tapestry of bhakti theology, poetic imagery, and practical insights that illuminate how the Bhagavatam speaks both to historical kings and to seekers today.00:00 – Introduction and context: Krishna prepares to leave Hastinapura01:50 – Chapter overview: Setting the stage for Krishna’s departure05:09 – Krishna listens but says nothing: The silence of divinity06:16 – Untangling the timeline: Chronological fluidity in the Bhagavatam09:27 – From sacrifice to samsara: Uttara, Parikshit, and the unfolding story10:55 – Kunti’s transformation from queen to bhakta15:43 – What makes a prayer? Arjuna, Uttara, and Kunti’s unique voices17:12 – Fear, devotion, and divine intimacy: Prayers as relational revelations22:06 – Prayers as theology: Learning Krishna through the words of his devotees23:46 – Verse 25: “Let calamities come again”—Kunti’s faith through suffering27:03 – Writing our own Bhagavatam: Seeing Krishna through life’s trials33:49 – Verse 31: The bewildering beauty of Krishna’s Vrindavan lila38:59 – Hearing as seeing: Relating to Leelas we’ve never witnessed43:52 – Krishna’s vulnerability and the secret of Vrindavan’s love47:18 – Krishna’s own bewilderment: Waves of divinity and intimacy50:04 – Verse 42: The Ganges metaphor and the flow of devotion56:24 – Krishna’s smile: Silence, affection, and unspoken blessing58:30 – Beyond words: Bhakti at the edge of language1:01:43 – Yudhishthira’s grief and rejection of violent sacrifice1:04:34 – The Mahabharata as an argument against war1:10:13 – Why Krishna chooses silence: Letting Bhishma speak instead1:11:31 – Closing reflections: Glory shared with the devoteesKeywords: Bhagavata Purana, Queen Kunti, Radhika Ramana Dasa, Krishna, Vrindavan, Prayer, Devotion, Bhakti, Suffering, Theology, Srimad Bhagavatam, Arjuna, Uttara, Yudhishthira, Mahabharata, Sacrifice, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Smaranam, Vandana, Divine Silence, BhishmaSend us a text
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