My Eternal Paramour Krishna

 

In the year 3228 BCE, in the city of Mathura, India, was born a child whose destiny was to profoundly transform the spiritual and temporal course of humanity—Sri Krishna. Over the span of his 125 years, Sri Krishna left an indelible mark upon the collective consciousness of mankind, illuminating the path of devotion, dharma, and the ultimate reality. His life serves as an example for people of the past, the present age, and indeed for future generations. He is revered as the perfect embodiment of divinity, with hundreds of millions continuing to revere him through prayer, chanting, meditation, and the practice of his teachings. His life has given rise to an immense body of artistic expressions, including poetry, music, painting, sculpture, and other fine arts.

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In the 6^th decade of the Twentieth century was born, Ashutosh, i.e. me. My father named me on Lord Shiva, and so true to the Kybalion principle of polarity, the Shiva Tattva seeks the Vishnu Tattva and vice versa. So intense is this seeking that at times even I am dumbstruck by the sheer quality of this pole (his virtues). While the material body seeks its gender opposite for completion, in my case it’s much more than that. My soul, which is governed by the Shiva – Shakti energy dynamism (having been blessed by the Kundalini energy) is dismayed by the mystic opulence of Lord Krishna. I am clear that the void in me seeks completion through his life’s lessons and Leela.

One Life, Multiple Roles

Throughout his earthly existence, Krishna manifested numerous roles: that of a child, a brother, a charioteer, a warrior, a disciple, a guru, a cowherd, a messenger, and the beloved of the gopis. In each of these roles, Krishna remained ever-aware that they were but roles, and that his true essence was eternal, ever-blissful consciousness. His ability to remain detached and perform his roles flawlessly, with an ever-present smile, stands as one of his greatest teachings.

Very rarely have a few have been able to find joy in both victory and defeat. Sri Krishna celebrated both life and death with equanimity, which is why he was always able to maintain a radiant smile. From his birth to his departure, Krishna exemplified a life imbued with joy and laughter. Krishna teaches that this is perhaps his most profound lesson.

Renunciation and Ever Mobile

The full narrative of Krishna's life is vast and can be primarily found in the Srimad Bhagavatam, Garga Samhita, Vishnu Purana, Brahmavaivarta Purana, Mahabharata, Harivamsa, and various other Puranas. Briefly, Krishna's birth occurred under dire circumstances: he was born in a prison cell, as King Kamsa, driven by a prophecy, had imprisoned his sister Devaki and killed her previous children. Yet, Devaki and her husband Vasudeva managed to save Krishna, who was subsequently sent to Vraja and raised by the foster mother Yasoda. In Vrindavan, Krishna captured the hearts of the gopis through his playful and endearing actions, earning him the name “Chitta Chora” or “the Stealer of Hearts.” Despite numerous attempts on his life by Kamsa’s assassins, Krishna ultimately vanquished Kamsa and restored dharma to Mathura(source Amma).

Krishna never returned to Vrindavan, leaving the gopis in profound anguish. This separation led to an intense yearning where they perceived Krishna in all aspects of existence—trees, rivers, mountains, skies, and in themselves. This realization was Krishna’s intended outcome from the outset. You will not believe it but in my deep states of Kundalini meditation, when the I drops and time drops, I have traveled back into many lives. In one, I was Krishna’s gwala, astride the banks of Yamuna in Mathura. This pang of separation has run through my DNA over thousands of years and even in this life it is hard to quench its thirst. If Shiva could live like a hermit over many millenniums in separation trauma of Sati and only later uniting back with Parvati to find closure, so can I.

Krishna is the Future Ready SI(Spiritual Intelligence)

Osho said Krishna stands unparalleled in the annals of history; his uniqueness is profound. Though Krishna’s emergence is rooted in ancient times, his essence is inherently futuristic, reflecting a state of being that humanity has yet to fully grasp. He remains a source of profound mystery and continues to challenge and elude our comprehension. It is only in a distant future that we may come to truly understand and appreciate his divine attributes.

One of the most striking aspects of Krishna’s uniqueness is his embodiment of the ultimate heights of spiritual realization without the attendant somberness typically associated with such achievements. Traditionally, spiritual figures have been characterized by their seriousness and sorrow, as if vanquished by the trials of life. In stark contrast, Krishna represents a joyous and playful presence. He is distinguished by his dance, laughter, and song, diverging from the prevailing trend of life-denying and masochistic religions that have historically exalted suffering and sorrow. While past religions have often been marked by their austere and sorrowful dispositions, Krishna’s approach to spirituality is a celebration of life in its entirety. It is this aspect which has found maximum resonance with my heart. In some ways, I am living a Krishna life.

Again as per Osho, the historical record reveals that Jesus, for instance, is said to have never laughed, and his portrayal often emphasizes suffering and sacrifice. Similarly, Mahavira and Buddha, though noble, advocate for transcendence from worldly existence, envisioning liberation from this life rather than embracing it. Previous religious doctrines have often split life into dualistic categories, accepting one aspect while rejecting the other. Krishna, however, embraces the totality of life, making his acceptance of existence complete and unparalleled. This holistic approach led to Krishna being regarded in India as the most perfect incarnation of the divine, surpassing even other revered figures such as Rama, who is considered an incomplete incarnation.

Krishna stands as a beacon of joy and celebration amidst the pervasive sorrow and negativity of our world. Unfortunately, Krishna’s influence has not permeated our collective life as fully as it could have, due to our own inadequacies and inability to fully embrace his teachings. Krishna remains an isolated figure of joyous celebration in a broader context often characterized by suppression and despair.

Similarly, Zarathustra, another notable figure, is said to have been born laughing, symbolizing a nascent humanity yet to fully realize its joyful potential. This contrast highlights the potential for a future where a joyous and accepting humanity can fully embrace Krishna's teachings.

Krishna faced countless crises throughout his life, yet his demeanor remained unclouded by sorrow. He embodied bliss and brought joy to those around him, imparting the experience of the Self. Even now, the very thought of Krishna continues to fill us with profound bliss.

The Divine Love

The devotional fervor experienced by the gopis is exemplified in the rasa-leela dance, where each gopi felt Krishna’s presence exclusively with them. This divine dance transcended ordinary sensory perception, allowing the gopis to experience the union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul. Krishna’s divine love enabled each gopi to have a vision of the Self. Among the gopis, Radha's devotion is celebrated as the highest form of love (being the spiritual expansion of his internal potency), serving as a beacon for spiritual aspirants. Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhana Mountain as a child was not the true miracle; rather, the gopis’ love for Krishna was the true marvel.

The Military Strategist and a Life/Soul Coach

Krishna’s subsequent role as a friend and guide to the Pandavas, particularly during the Great War against the Kauravas, is central to his legacy. As Arjuna’s charioteer, Krishna imparted the wisdom of the Bhagavad-Gita, the essence of which has been described as Krishna’s supreme gift to humanity. The Gita presents spiritual wisdom in an accessible manner, effectively bringing the esoteric knowledge of the Upanishads to the common person. 

I am at the near end of my Gita Diploma course. I have a collection of over 15 Gita(s) in my library. I started my first one in NDA and IMA. This time, I have written down the meaning of each verse (700) in my own hand. You will be glad to know that its deep science has finally penetrated the thick armour of my mind (ignorance) and revealed the true nature of the self, prakriti and the Lord himself.

Universal in His Appeal

Krishna’s teachings are universal, encompassing all aspects of society, including those often marginalized. He instructed everyone—regardless of their station—to adhere to their true dharma, persist steadfastly, and progress towards the ultimate goal. His guidance was not limited to ascetics but extended to all, advocating for the fulfillment of one's duties while remaining detached.

Krishna departed from his earthly form at the age of 125, struck by a hunter’s arrow, but he did so with the same beatific smile with which he was born and lived. His final act was to bless the hunter, epitomizing his boundless love. He told him that his(Krishna's) Karma has caught up post the slaying of Bali by Lord Rama.

As we mark another occasion to celebrate his birth this Janamashtami, I urge all of you to study more about his mysticism and teachings. Trust me, they are transformative. Hare Krishna.

Ashutosh Tewari

 

PS – Ref : Books of  respected/ Acharyas/Swamis/Authors Osho, Amma, Yogananda Paramhansa, Prabhupada, Shankaracharya, Chinmayananda, Devdatt, JB Patro, Madhvananda

                         From My Library 

                           My Painting 

                       My Painting 

                           My Painting 

                              My Painting