A”
13/ The Stealing of the Boys
and Calves by Brahma

Sukadeva Gosvami was very much encouraged when Maharaja -Pariksit
asked him why the cowherd boys did not discuss the death of Aghasura
until after one year had passed. He explained thus: “My dear King, you
are making the subject matter of the transcendental pastimes of Krsna
fresher by your inquisitiveness.” ,

It is said that itis the nature of a devotee to constantly apply his mind,
energy, words, ears, etc., in hearing and chanting about Krsna. This is
called Krsna consciousness, and for one who is rapt in hearing and
chanting Krsna, the subject matter never becomes hackneyed or old. That
is the significance of transcendental subejct matter in contrast to material
subject matter. Material subject matter becomes stale, and one cannot hear
a certain subject for a long time; he wants change. But as far as transcen-
dental subject matter is concerned, it is called nityanavanavayamana. This
means that one can go on chanting and hearing about the Lord and never
feel tired but will remain fresh and eager to hear more and more.

It is the duty of the spiritual master to disclose all confidential subject
matter to the inquisitive and sincere disciple. Thus Sukadeva Gosvami
began to explain why the killing of Aghasura was not discussed until one
year had _ passed. Sukadeva Gosvami told the King, “Now hear of this
secret with attention. After saving His friends from the mouth of Aghasura
and after killing the demon, Lord Krsna brought His friends to the bank
of Yamuna and addressed them as follows: “My dear friends, just see how
this spot is very nice for taking lunch and playing on the soft sandy
Yamuna bank. You can see how the lotus flowers in the water are
beautifully blown and how they distribute their flavor all around. The
chirping of the birds along with cooing of the peacocks, surrounded by
the whispering of the leaves in the trees, combine and present sound-
vibrations that echo one another. And this just enriches the beautiful

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