PLATE FOUR

After running throughout the material universes in fear of the Sudar-
Sana disc, Durvasé Muni finally went to Vaikunthadhama, where the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Narayana, resides with His consort, the
goddess of fortune. Falling at the lotus feet of Narayana, Durvasa spoke
as follows: “‘O infallible, unlimited Lord! I have greatly offended your
dear devotee King Ambarisa. Please give me protection.” Lord Narayana
said to the brahmana: “‘I cannot protect you, for I am completely under
the control of My devotees. Indeed, I am not at all independent. Because
my devotees are completely devoid of material desires, I sit only within
the cores of their hearts. As chaste women bring their gentle husbands
under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone
and completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under
their full control. O brahmana, let Me now advise you for your own pro-
tection. By offending Maharaja Ambarisa, you have acted with self-envy,
for one’s so-called prowess, when employed against a devotee, certainly
harms he who employs it. Therefore you should go to him immediately,
without a moment’s delay. If you can satisfy Maharaja Ambarisa, then
there will be peace for you.” (pp. 134-147)
