Krsna’s Personality 202
Dhira-prasanta

A person who is very peaceful, forebearing, considerate and oblig-
ing is called dhira-prasanta. This dhira-prasanta trait of Krsna was
exhibited in His dealings with the Pandavas. On account of the
Pandavas’ faithful devotion to the Lord, He agreed to become their
charioteer, their advisor, their friend, their messenger and sometimes
their bodyguard. Such is an example of the result of devotional ser-
vice towards Visnu. When Krsna was speaking to Maharaj Yudhisthira
about religious principles, He demonstrated Himself to be a great
learned scholar, but because He accepted the position of younger
cousin to Yudhisthira, He was speaking in a very gentle tone which
enhanced His beautiful bodily features. The movements of His eyes
and the mode of His speech proved that He was very, very expert in
giving moral instruction. Sometimes, Maharaj Yudhisthira is also ac-
cepted by learned scholars as dhira-prasanta.

Dhiroddhata.

A person who is very envious, proud, easily angered, restless and
complacent is called dhiroddhata by learned scholars. Such qualities
were visible in the character of Lord Krsna because, when He was
writing a letter to Kalayavana, Krsna addressed him as a sinful frog. In
His letter Krsna advised Kalayavana that he should immediately go
and find some dark well for his residence, because there was a black
snake named Krsna who was very eager to devour all such sinful frogs.
Krsna reminded Kalayavana that He could turn all the universes to
ashes simply by looking at them.

The above statement by Krsna seems apparently to be of an en-
vious nature, but according to different pastimes, places and times
this quality is accepted as a great characteristic. Krsna’s dhiroddhata
qualities have been accepted as great because Krsna uses them only
to protect His devotees. In other words, even undesirable traits may
also be used in the exchange of devotional service.
