Living and Dying for Krishna: Emperor Parikshit’s example

For our benefit
Krishna arranged the curse
so Shukadeva could speak
Parikshit would inquire
all could hear Krishna katha
which destroys materialistic life
giving a higher taste
maturing into Krishna Prema.

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Emperor Parikshit
a first class devotee king
of wonderful birth
glorious life of service
auspicious exemplary death
is a worthy person
to inquire & hear about
by spiritual seekers.

An amazing leader
with all kingly opulences
increasing Pandu dynasty’s prestige
appearing to have everything–
why did he renounce the world
sitting on the Ganges bank
to learn and perform his
duty at impending death?

Such a powerful ruler
his enemies bowing down
surrendering their wealth
to receive blessings;
full of youth, strength
unsurpassed kingly wealth
how could he give up everything
especially his very life?

Great souls devoted
to the Lord’s cause
live only to help others
without personal benefit—
this Emperor was free
from any worldly attachment
so why did he need to renounce
when his body sheltered others?

Such questions are excellent
most glorious, being related
to Shri Krishna & his devotees
which are beneficial to all
elevating material consciousness
contrasted to ordinary talks
which only continue
birth, death, and miseries.

Having been cursed
for a minor offense
the king joyfully accepted it
thinking himself offender
seeing Krishna’s mercy
to disentangle him—an opportunity
for perfection by saintly association
mind absorbed in Krishna!

Krishna with his devotees
have done their part
to exemplify the ideal–
now our responsibility
to use time properly
hearing and chanting
living our lives by
the Bhagavat philosophy.