SB 1.9.12 purport--Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was disturbed due to the great massacre in the Battle of Kurukṣetra. Bhīṣmadeva could understand this, and therefore he spoke first of the terrible sufferings of Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira. He was put into difficulty by injustice only, and the Battle of Kurukṣetra was fought just to counteract this injustice. Therefore, he should not regret the great massacre. He wanted to point out particularly that they were always protected by the brāhmaṇas, the Lord and religious principles. As long as they were protected by these three important items, there was no cause of disappointment. Thus Bhīṣmadeva encouraged Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira to dissipate his despondency. As long as a person is fully in cooperation with the wishes of the Lord, guided by the bona fide brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas and strictly following religious principles, one has no cause for despondency, however trying the circumstances of life. Bhīṣmadeva, as one of the authorities in the line, wanted to impress this point upon the Pāṇḍavas.
SB 1.9.14 purport- Even the most pious has to suffer the condition of material nature. But a pious man is faithful to the Lord, for he is guided by the bona fide brāhmaṇa and Vaiṣṇava following the religious principles. These three guiding principles should be the aim of life. One should not be disturbed by the tricks of eternal time. Even the great controller of the universe, Brahmājī, is also under the control of that time; therefore, one should not grudge being thus controlled by time despite being a true follower of religious principles.
Some Conclusions- Sometimes we see that some devotees become very opulent by the grace of God. And they use that God given wealth in the service of the Lord. We also see sometimes that these same devotees misuse our God given independence and think they can change things either grossly or even ever so slightly because they feel they are "empowered" by God to do so. This theme of "change and empowerment" has been repeated innumerable times in the history of the world. And today we are no different than those of the past. The message Srila Prabhupada is giving us above is that unless we are guided and protected by the brahmanas, the Vaisnavas and the instructions of scripture, then our "good fortune" days will be numbered. And Canakya pandit tells us that..."if one does not take good advice when given then he perishes soon."
Therefore is one can remain at least a little humble and hear what others are saying, especially the brahmanas, Vaisnavas and Sastras, then Krsna will protect him. None of our activites in this world should ever be enacted without the blessings of these 3 persons mentioned above.
Hare Krsna
Damaghosa das
