When beggars approach us, they don’t demand. They don’t specify what they want. With folded hands or open palms, they simply request: “Can you give me something?” If the person they approach is eating, the beggar doesn’t ask for pizza, pasta, or some exotic dish. They simply accept whatever falls in their hands. They have no choice.
In the same way, we too are beggars. We beg Krishna daily. When we chant the holy names of Krishna, we are not performing a business transaction; we are begging for something invaluable: His mercy and love.
Do we really fall in line with the beggars of this world when we are in front of Krishna, demanding nothing but His grace?
Are We Beggars or Demanders?
Sometimes, while standing before Krishna, we come with a wishlist: “Please help me pass this exam,” “Please give me this post or position,” “Please fulfill this particular desire of mine.”
We may say we are praying, but are we really begging, or are we simply demanding, in a “modest” manner?
A beggar asks with humility and accepts whatever is given. A demander expects a specific result.
Is there a problem in being a Demanding Beggar?
Of course, there is no harm in placing our petitions before Krishna. He is our father, we are his sons. A child may be given many things by his father without asking, yet he may ask something specific from his father on some occasions.
But whether He fulfills them or not is completely up to the father. He is our master; we are His servants.
What are the different kinds of beggars or demanders mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam?
Types of Beggars in Bhāgavatam
1. The Surrendered Beggar :
King Pṛthu begged Lord Viṣṇu not for material things, but only that the Lord do what He feels is best for His devotee. He compared himself to a child who trusts his father’s decision.
2. The Beggar of Love:
Caitanya-caritāmṛta says: “Prema-dhana vinā vyartha daridra jīvana – Without the wealth of love for Krishna, life is poverty-stricken and useless.” Pure devotees beg for this love alone, not for control over the three worlds, not for celestial pleasures, but only for the chance to serve Krishna with affection.
3. The Demanding Beggar
Dhruva has a huge ambition to have a kingdom greater than his great grandfather. He begged Krishna for the same. Krishna fulfilled Dhruva’s desire, but also gave him shelter at His lotus feet which made Dhruva lament his desire for attaining material acquisitions.
4. Demands of a Beggar already in Love
Śrīdhara Kolaveca was approached by Lord Caitanya Himself, who offered him immense wealth, even the position of Indra. But Śrīdhara refused. All he wanted was to see that same small boy who would come to him daily to bargain for banana leaves and stems. He was already in love with the Lord, and begged for the opportunity to relive and repeatedly taste that love.
Having discussed this, what kind of beggars should we be?
Even Beggars Must Be Careful What They Ask
Krishna’s creation is so abundant and merciful that in one sense, even beggars can become choosers. Whatever we desire may manifest, if not now, then in future lives.
Take the example of Ratnāvalī. She desired to have Vāmana as her child when she first saw Him in the form of a cute little boy and also desired to harm Him when He took everything from Bali. Both desires were fulfilled when she became Pūtanā. She came in the form of a mother but with the ghastly motive to poison Krishna.
This is why we must be very careful in what we ask for. Our desires shape our future.
Worldly Desires Can Delay Krishna’s Love
If we keep asking Krishna for worldly things, He may supply them, but we will miss the main thing — His love. That is the only thing that can give true satisfaction to the soul.
We may get what we want, but we might not get Him. That’s a heavy price to pay.
So while begging from Krishna, we must choose wisely. What do we really want?
It should not happen that we increase our vices while supposedly surrendering. Of course, surrender to Krishna never leads to a degradation. Prabhupada would say that once begun, Krishna will drag is to perfection. But if our desires remain worldly, it may take us a very long time to reach Him. Krishna may keep giving us what we ask for, lifetime after lifetime, but we won’t get what we really need — His love.
Only Krishna’s Love Truly Satisfies
Ultimately, it is Krishna’s love that matters. Apart from that, there is nothing in existence that can truly satisfy the living entity.
Wealth, fame, power, comfort will come and go. But without Krishna’s love, even the best life is empty. And with His love, even the worst life is meaningful.
Therefore, with all our hearts, we must strive beyond the transient, and take shelter of his lotus feet, which is the abode of all perfection.
