SB 10.13.50
candrikā-viśada-smeraiḥ
sāruṇāpāṅga-vīkṣitaiḥ
svakārthānām iva rajaḥ-
sattvābhyāṁ sraṣṭṛ-pālakāḥ
Those Viṣṇu forms, by Their pure smiling, which resembled the increasing light of the moon, and by the sidelong glances of Their reddish eyes, created and protected the desires of Their own devotees, as if by the modes of passion and goodness.
Purport:
“Their smiles resembled the mode of goodness, protecting all the desires of the devotees, and the glancing of Their eyes resembled the mode of passion. Actually, in this verse the word rajaḥ means not “passion” but “affection.” In the material world, rajo-guṇa is passion, but in the spiritual world it is affection.”
Taking darsana of the Lord is extremely essential. It invokes newer and newer desires to serve the Lord, and it also protects the spiritual desires of a devotee. The glance of the Lord creates desires, and His smile provides encouragement to the devotee.
Similarly, the glance and smile of a devotee has a special potency. Because pure devotees of Krishna think of Krishna at every moment, their heart and mind is non-different from Vrindavan. And Krishna never leaves Vrindavan. That means Krishna never leaves their hearts. The glance of a devotee can infuse a devotee with spiritual desires, and the smile of a devotee gives inspiration to continue ahead in devotional service.
After mischievously trying to kidnap Krishna’s calves and cowherd friends, Brahma realizes his mistake and begs forgiveness to Krishna. He begs Krishna just for one glance that can keep him enthused for one kalpa! Srila Vishwanatha Cakravarti Thakura depicts Brahma’s feelings,
“If you don’t want to speak to me because I am an offender, then at least show mercy by giving the nectar of your glance. By this meal I will be able to maintain my life for the rest of the kalpa.” SB 10.14.40
Exalted devotees of the Lord may not be able to speak personally to us due to the limitations of time, and their personal engagements. But if we just get their darsana, or receive their compassionate glance and smile, that can help us not only last in bhakti, but also contribute in the mission of Prabhupada for the whole life.
Devamrita Maharaja mentions in his book “Bhakti Bhava.” He was in America, taking care of Shrila Prabhupada’s books godown. Prabhupada came unexpectedly one day, and someone introduced him. Prabhupada just let a huge expression of approval uttering a long “Hmmmmmm” glancing at Devamrita Swami Maharaja. And that was it!!! That has kept Maharaja going on and on in the service of Prabhupada. One glance of Prabhupada filled with compassion, grace and empowerment was enough to surcharge Maharaja’s devotion for whole life!
Kuntidevi talks about Krishna’s glance in SB 1.8.40. “All these cities and villages are flourishing in all respects because the herbs and grains are in abundance, the trees are full of fruits, the rivers are flowing, the hills are full of minerals and the oceans full of wealth. And this is all due to Your glancing over them.”
Similarly, our life flourishes when devotees glance on us! Prabhupada disciples would be eager to just see a smile on the face of Shrila Prabhupada, and they would be ready to do anything to get that smiling darsana of Prabhupada!
Our glance at a pure devotee must be that of respect, service and surrender, whereas a pure devotee glances on us with compassion, concern and love.
