Text 258] Explanations of the Atmarama Verse 227

PURPORT

The source of our income is not actually the source of our maintenance. Every
living being —from the great Brahma down to an insignificant ant—is being main-
tained by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Eko bahtinam yo vidadhati kaman.
The one Supreme Being, Krsna, maintains everyone. Our so-called source of in-
come is our own choice only. If | wish to be a hunter, it will appear that hunting is
the source of my income. If | become a brahmana and completely depend on
Krsna, | do not conduct a business, but nonetheless my maintenance is supplied
by Krsna. The hunter was disturbed about breaking his bow because he was wor-
ried about his income. Narada Muni assured the hunter because he knew that the
hunter was not being maintained by the bow but by Krsna. Being the agent of
Krsna, Narada Muni knew very well that the hunter would not suffer by breaking
the bow. There was no doubt that Krsna would supply him food.

TEXT 258

ug Sie’ asia Sta pace fer |
Sica Bhtaal ara Brtcw*t CHAT 2ev-

dhanuka bhangi’ vyadha tanra carane padila

tare uthafid narada upadesa kaila

SYNONYMS

dhanuka bhangi’—breaking the bow; vyadha—the hunter; tafra—his (Narada
Muni’s); carane—at the lotus feet; padila—surrendered; tare—him; uthafia—
raising; ndrada—the great saint Narada Muni; upadesa kaila—gave instruction.

TRANSLATION

“Being thus assured by the great sage Narada Muni, the hunter broke his
bow, immediately fell down at the saint’s lotus feet and fully surrendered.
After this, Narada Muni raised him with his hand and gave him instructions for
spiritual advancement.

PURPORT

This is the process of initiation. The disciple must surrender to the spiritual
master, the representative of Krsna. The spiritual master, being in the disciplic suc-
cession stemming from Narada Muni, is in the same category with Narada Muni. A
person can be relieved from his sinful activity if he surrenders to the lotus feet of a
person who actually represents Narada Muni. Narada Muni gave instructions to
the hunter after the hunter surrendered.
