There are some in the world who enjoy good health, material prosperity and joys of every kind. Some are blessed in some respects, but lack in others. Some experience nothing but sorrow. What can be the reason for this? It is all due to the past karma of the person.
Another question that arises is why did some people recognise His greatness during His avataras, but others failed to do so. Lord Krishna answers this question in the Bhagavad Gita, said V.S. Karunakarachariar in a discourse. Krishna, while explaining bhakti yoga, says that only those with daivIm prakrtim — a divine disposition — recognise Him. Thirumangai Azhvar expresses the same idea when he says that only those with godly qualities can go to Ahobila. Those with noble qualities know His greatness, but those like Duryodhana do not see that He is different from others. Just because He has taken on the appearance of a human being, they assume that He too has the same limitations as a human being. Is a mud pot that can hold a litre of water as valuable as a gold pot with the same capacity? Clearly not. How then can we think that the Lord is like any other mortal, just because He happens to look like the rest of mankind? He is unique, for He chooses the manner and time of His appearance, and also decides when His avatara should end. Who else but He can have such choices and options? Those who understand His greatness have great love towards Him. They want to be in His presence always. They worship Him constantly, chanting His many names. They prostrate before Him; they engage mind and body in worship of the Lord. If we take one step towards Him, He takes many steps towards us. People like Duryodhana insulted Him because of their demonic qualities, and hence, their hopes did not materialise.