It Is His Greatest Mercy
In the material world, people consider loss as misfortune. When wealth, health, relationships, or prestige are taken away, people lament, thinking it to be a punishment. But in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7.18), we learn a profound truth that overturns our worldly perspective—when the Lord takes away one’s material possessions, it is His special mercy. Why? Because He is liberating the soul from false attachments that keep it bound to suffering. When the Lord takes away, He is not depriving—He is giving something infinitely greater: Himself.
The Lord’s mercy is beyond human calculation. A devotee who understands this sees loss as a gain, poverty as a treasure, and detachment as the highest wealth. This is the supreme realization that leads to eternal bliss and freedom.
The Story of King Yadu and the Avadhūta Brāhmaṇa
King Yadu once met a great renunciate, an Avadhūta brāhmaṇa, who was laughing, dancing, and singing with no material possessions at all. Curious, Yadu asked, “How can you be so happy without wealth, power, or possessions?”
The Avadhūta replied, “I have no possessions, and that is why I am truly rich. The Lord has taken everything from me, and in return, He has given me Himself.”
This is the secret of spiritual wealth—when Kṛṣṇa removes material attachments, He frees the soul from illusion and fills the heart with transcendental happiness.
Why the Lord Takes Away Everything from His Special Devotees
People often misunderstand why suffering comes into their lives. But Bhagavad-gītā (10.10) reveals that the Lord personally directs the lives of those who surrender to Him:
“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”
For most people, material prosperity creates pride and illusion, making them forget the Lord. But for His special devotees, Kṛṣṇa removes external comforts to deepen their dependence on Him.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7.18) states:
“When the Lord snatches away one’s hard-earned material possessions and favors one with His personal transcendental service for eternal life, bliss, and knowledge, such taking away by the Lord should be considered a special favor upon such a pure devotee.”
Instead of cursing their fate, great devotees thank Kṛṣṇa for such mercy. They understand that the Lord is rescuing them from the illusion of ownership and giving them eternal, imperishable wealth.
Examples of the Lord’s Special Mercy
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa: Losing Everything to Gain Everything
Sudāmā was a poor brāhmaṇa and a childhood friend of Kṛṣṇa. He never asked Kṛṣṇa for anything, but his wife insisted he approach Kṛṣṇa for help. When Sudāmā met Kṛṣṇa in Dvārakā, he offered just a handful of dry rice, which Kṛṣṇa accepted with great love.
Sudāmā returned home expecting nothing, but when he arrived, his old, broken hut had transformed into a golden palace. His family was now wealthier than kings, but Sudāmā’s heart was detached—he only desired Kṛṣṇa’s devotion.
This is Kṛṣṇa’s way—He may take away, but He always gives back in a way that liberates the soul.
The Story of Bali Mahārāja: Losing the Universe to Gain Kṛṣṇa
Bali Mahārāja was the emperor of the three worlds. When Lord Vāmanadeva appeared as a brāhmaṇa dwarf, He begged for three steps of land. Bali surrendered everything, and in return, Kṛṣṇa personally became his eternal protector in Sutala-loka.
Bali Mahārāja realized that owning the universe meant nothing, but owning the Lord meant everything.
The Wealthy Merchant Who Lost Everything
There was once a rich merchant who lost all his fortune overnight. Devastated, he cried out to the Lord. A saint told him, “The Lord has taken your false shelter to bring you to the true shelter—Himself.”
This realization changed the merchant’s life. He surrendered to Kṛṣṇa, and though his material wealth never returned, he gained peace, wisdom, and deep inner joy.
How to See the Lord’s Mercy in Difficult Times
✅ Understand That Nothing Truly Belongs to Us – The greatest illusion is thinking “This is mine.” In reality, everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa (īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam). The sooner we accept this, the sooner we find peace.
✅ Accept Every Situation as Kṛṣṇa’s Arrangement – The Lord never punishes His devotees—He purifies them. Even suffering is Kṛṣṇa’s embrace. The greatest devotees thank Kṛṣṇa even in pain.
✅ Develop Detachment – When Kṛṣṇa takes something away, He is inviting you to take shelter in Him. Detachment from material possessions leads to spiritual wealth.
Kṛṣṇa’s mercy is beyond material calculations. What seems like loss is actually the greatest gain, because in return, the Lord gives Himself—the most precious gift of all.
