Hare Krsna all
In a debate we seek to defeat the opponent through logic and argumentation but if Krsna says you do this or you do that, or it should be like this or like that, should you debate with Him?
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In lila a devotee can debate with Krisna and win. See Saksi Gopala lila (CC 2.5).
CC 2.5.95-7:
Lord Krishna said, “I’ve never heard of a Deity’s walking from one place to another.”
The brahmana replied, “That is true, but how is it that You are speaking to me, although You are a Deity?
“My dear Lord, You are not a statue; You are directly the son of Maharaja Nanda. Now, for the sake of the old brahmana, You can do something You have never done before.”
Sri Gopalaji then smiled and said, “My dear brahmana, just listen to Me. I shall walk behind you, and in this way I shall go with you.”
Hari Hari
ys J.
Hare Krsna Prabhu
Wonderful!
'The old brahman had promised his daughter in marriage to the young brahmin making Gopal as witness. As such, both the young brahmin and the old brahmin were seriously wronged when the promise was broken due to the old brahmin's family pressure.'
Actually debate can only happen in Lila. How else is it possible!
Hari Bol
Great example ! I would definitely love to fight and argue with Krishna just for fun
Hare Krsna Mataji
It seems you are following in the footsteps of the gopis.
I hope Krsna enjoys your fighting skills. :)
Hari Bol
Hare Kṛṣṇa! Your question is indeed profound and touches the very essence of devotional service. In the matter of surrendering to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, debate or argumentation has no place. The Supreme Lord, being the ultimate authority, is the source of all knowledge, and His instructions are divine and infallible.
The Bhagavad-gītā (4.11) clearly states:
"ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham"
"As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā."
Śrī Kṛṣṇa does not require us to debate His words but to accept them with faith and humility. The conditioned soul, bound by false ego, may try to argue, but a true devotee submits to the Lord’s will without hesitation.
In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.14.29), Lord Kṛṣṇa says:
"mat-karma-kṛn mat-paramo mad-bhaktaḥ saṅga-varjitaḥ
nirvairaḥ sarva-bhūteṣu yaḥ sa mām eti pāṇḍava"
"One who works for Me, who is devoted to Me, free from material association, and free from enmity toward all beings—such a devotee certainly comes to Me, O son of Pṛthā."
A devotee does not waste time in unnecessary arguments but engages in loving service. Śrīla Prabhupāda often emphasized that "Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and His words are law."
Arjuna initially debated with Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā, but ultimately, he surrendered (Bg. 18.73):
"kariṣye vacanaṁ tava"
"I shall act according to Your instruction."
This is the perfect example of how a sincere soul submits to Kṛṣṇa’s will rather than engaging in fruitless arguments.
Śrīla Prabhupāda says:
"A pure devotee does not challenge the authority of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He accepts whatever the Lord says without argument."
Therefore, in devotional service, faith (śraddhā) and surrender (śaraṇāgati) are paramount. Logic and argumentation may be useful in dealing with atheists or non-devotees, but when Kṛṣṇa Himself speaks, the only proper response is "Yes, my Lord."
Conclusion: A true devotee does not debate Kṛṣṇa’s words but accepts them with love and gratitude, knowing that the Lord’s instructions are for our ultimate benefit.
Hare Kṛṣṇa! 🙏
Hare Krsna Prabhu
You have captured the essence of the question and answered nicely.
Hari Bol
Thanks, Hari Hari.