Understanding the Relationship: Lord Krishna and the Birth of Samba

Lord Krishna's decision to ensure that the Yadavas diminished after his demise was a crucial aspect of his plan to secure the Age of Dharma post the Kurukshetra war. This paramount objective aimed to prevent the new thoughts, philosophies, and rules from bending under the pressure of outdated norms. However, it is through the story of Samba, his mischievous son, that we can delve deeper into the theological and philosophical implications of Lord Krishna's intentions.

How and Why Samba was Born

To fully comprehend the relation between Samba and Lord Krishna, one must understand the context of Samba's birth. When Lord Krishna wished to ensure that the Yadavas would not participate in the Kurukshetra war, he sought a strategy to accomplish this goal. He turned to Lord Shiva for aid and, through his prayers, was blessed with a son named Samba. The very name Samba literally means With Amba, as Devi Amba accompanied Lord Shiva to bless Krishna with his child.

The Purpose and Nature of Samba

The ultimate purpose of Samba's birth was attributed to the destruction of the Yadavas. This preordained destiny made Samba exactly as he was, endowed with a mischievous nature. This nature led to multiple curses from sage Rishis, indicating the consequences of such a divine purpose.

The Role of Free Will and Divine Providence

The story of Samba is an epitome of the relationship between free will and divine providence. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that the Almighty provides the Vedas for theoretical knowledge and the guidance of an Acharya for practical application. However, the freedom to choose one's course of action remains with the individual.

In the case of Samba, although he was guided to fulfill a divine purpose, his individual actions and misdeeds were a result of his own free will. His mischievous nature and subsequent curses underscore the importance of individual responsibility, even when guided by the divine.

Conclusion: The Beauty of the System

The impartiality of the Almighty is further highlighted by the story of Samba. The divine system allows beings to exercise their free will and engage in actions, even if those actions may lead to consequences. It is only when beings seek guidance from the divine humbly that they receive it, as exemplified in the instances of Arjuna and Sage Sabara.