"Krishna breaks His own promise"

Krishna breaks His own promise

Everyone is aware of the fact that when there was a declaration of war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Lord Krishna, took the decision not to fight or lift arms. Yet this example shows how Krishna sometimes breaks His promise. Duryodhana once incited Bhismadeva that the grandsire was not fighting to his best ability as the opposing party were his pet grandsons. This charge infuriated Bhishma, who took out five arrows and made a commitment to Duryodhana that the next day he would kill all the five brothers. Duryodhana, being a wily diplomat requested Bhishma that he would keep those arrows safely for the fight next day.

Krishna, who is all knowing reminded Arjuna of a promise, which Duryodhana had given him some time back. Arjuna was told that the time was ripe to ask for that promise by taking back the five arrows. Duryodhana had no option but to give back the arrows to Arjuna. Bhishma, this time gave another commitment that he would kill Arjuna that day or he would end up giving up his life. He fought with such fervour and spirit that at one point in the fight, Arjuna’s chariot was broken down and when he was completely unarmed and helpless, Krishna took up the chariot wheel and went straight to Bhishma, who happily threw his weapons away and welcomed him. By this act of breaking his promise he saved two of his great devotees from perishing.

So Krishna tells Arjuna, kaunteya pratijanihi. "You promise so I shall protect your promise." Someone could question, why didn’t he declare this himself and why did Arjuna have to declare? The understanding is that even Krishna could break his promise, he would never break his devotee’s promise. ‘Na me bhaktah prayasyati’: Anyone who has taken to Krishna consciousness, he will never be destroyed.

The vow that Sri Krishna would not take to arms was thus broken!! Later Sri Krishna was reminded of his vow by Arjuna, Arjuna quickly ran and fall into God’s feet and prayed him involved in war. Then God threw away the wheel and retreated back to his chariot. For his Bhakta - devotee - the Lord had broken his vow!!

But most of the time, Human has to do work and face challenges on their own. God can’t do each and everything. However when what God does there must have been some purpose that we can’t realize with our limited intelligence. After all God helps those who help themselves and God’s work only God knows.