October 14, 2015

Pierced by an arrow

Srimad Bhagavatam 4.25.25:

Pierced by the arrow shaft of her affectionate glance and the lusty movement of her brow, the brave King spoke to that beautiful woman with a shy smile.

Commentary by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura:

The jiva by his free will becomes bound by the function of ignorance. To show that the Lord does not bind the jiva with ignorance by force, how they establish a relationship is explained. Because of her affection she continually glanced at him. The arrow pierced him up to its shaft. Because he was courageous he did not grow tired. He was energetic to obtain enjoyment. The meaning is this. Ignorance shows itself to be the object of enjoyment. The jiva, accepting himself as the enjoyer, thinking that there is some enjoyment in ignorance, pursues enjoyment. The Lord, knowing there is nothing to enjoy in ignorance, remains aloof.