QA on humility 5 – What is it about humility that attracts Krishna?

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QA on Humility 5 – What Is It About Humility That Attracts Krishna?

Question:
I also have another question related to humility.

What you were just saying reminded me of something we often hear in Krishna consciousness: that what attracts Krishna the most—what draws His mercy the most—is our humility. I often take that to mean that if we’re not humble—if we are filled with our own ideas and speculations—we may not be open to truly accept the philosophy of Krishna consciousness.

Is that a correct understanding? And beyond that, what is it about humility that specifically attracts Krishna? Are there other qualities that attract His mercy as well?

Answer:
That’s a thoughtful and deep question. Let’s explore it from a relational perspective first.

In any personal relationship, what sustains and deepens the bond is how much one person genuinely cares about the other. If someone is constantly self-absorbed—always talking about themselves, their feelings, their needs—while being unconcerned about us, we may feel used rather than valued. We feel like an object in their narrative, not a person in their life.

So, humility is what frees our consciousness from self-obsession—from the constant drive for self-promotion and self-glorification. That freed-up space in the heart is what allows us to genuinely turn toward others—including Krishna. In that sense, humility is foundational for any meaningful relationship.

Now, when it comes to Krishna, there are two aspects we need to consider:

1. Krishna’s greatness (mahimā), and

2. Krishna’s sweetness (mādhurya).

Humility arises naturally when we become aware of Krishna’s greatness. And as that humility deepens, it creates an openness that allows us to approach and relish Krishna’s sweetness.

But does humility itself attract Krishna?

Yes, but only in a certain context. Humility alone, as a personality trait, is not what Krishna is most drawn to. After all, even atheists can be humble. Some people may be modest, generous, and respectful, yet have no interest in God at all. So their humility, while noble, doesn’t necessarily attract Krishna’s attention in the same way devotion does.

What truly attracts Krishna is bhakti—loving devotion.

Let’s take Bhagavad-gita 9.26, where Krishna says:

“patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ, yo me bhaktyā prayacchati…”
“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I will accept it.”

Krishna is not looking at what we offer; He’s looking at how we offer it. That “how” is the key—it’s our devotion that attracts Him. And humility clears space in our heart so that this devotion can take root and flourish.

So, to put it simply:

• Humility is not the ultimate goal; it’s the foundation.

• It creates the inner space for devotion, which is what truly attracts Krishna.

• And devotion is most powerfully expressed through a desire to serve.

This is why devotional service (bhakti-yoga) is the essence of our practice. It’s not just a feeling of love; it’s love expressed in action—with a humble and surrendered mood.

Consider Radharani—She is the embodiment of devotion, and She attracts Krishna more than anyone else. Is it Her humility that attracts Krishna? That’s part of it, but more precisely, it’s Her devotional service—Her complete absorption in serving Krishna—that draws Him irresistibly.

So yes, humility is essential, but only insofar as it allows devotion to manifest. If humility exists without devotion, it doesn’t serve the purpose of bhakti. Krishna loves all living beings, even atheists, but what draws His reciprocation is our willingness to love and serve Him.

In summary:

• Humility creates the openness for devotion.

• Devotion is expressed through service.

• And it is this devotional service that truly attracts Krishna.

Questioner:
Yes, it does. Thank you.