THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT

Every major religion that lives in the world today is based on the life and teachings of a founder messiah, a prophet or a saint. And understandably, certain days that are earmarked to celebrate the lives of these great souls are celebrated with much gaiety and reverence.

Sanathana Dharma, however, as pointed out by Bhagawan on many occasions, has no founder. But it is believed that the Lord Himself incarnates from time to time to revitalise this ancient path to Divinity. And the days associated with these divine incarnations are considered highly auspicious. Lord Krishna is one such Avatar, and Janmashtami, the day the Lord chose to take this form is considered highly sacred.

This day is celebrated in many different ways across the land of Bharath, most of which are means of recreating events from the Krishnavatar. Young men come together, to form huge human pyramids and break pots of curd and butter. Or in homes, the tiny feet of Balakrishna are drawn from the entrance to the shrine, reminding all of the Lord’s mischievous leelas. Some dress up little children as Lord Krishna and as Gopalas and Gopikas of Brindavan and make them dance the ‘Raas’ trying to relive the magical moments that they have only read or heard about.

When it is indeed good to remember the Lord and His deeds on such festive occasions, one must also delve into the principle behind the actions of the Lord. Why does the infinite Lord take a finite physical form? Why does He perform certain actions, and were these meant only for His contemporaries? If not, what can we learn from these events?

What better way is there to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami than to try and understand the purpose behind this Avatar or for that matter any Avatar! And what can be more fulfilling than listening to our Lord explain these ethereal truths?

We bring to you excerpts from the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan on the occasion of Janmashtami on 3 September 1988, where Baba explains the purpose for which the Lord takes a human form, and how He achieves that purpose. We strongly recommend that you listen to the discourse clips, for the English translation do little justice to the nectarous narration of Bhagawan.

When the Divine comes down as Avatar – be as Rama or as Krishna, Matsya (fish), Varaha (boar) or Vamana (dwarf) – it is only for one purpose. You recognise only the momentary results of the advent. But you should note that the Divine comes as Avatar only to teach mankind the truth about love. ‘Oh man, it is because you lack love and are filled with selfishness that the world is plunging in so much conflict and chaos. It is only when you develop love and the spirit of sacrifice that you will realise the divinity that is in the human.’ The man who has no spirit of thyaga (sacrifice) will be a prey to all ills.

A man without love is a living corpse. It is love and sacrifice which make man divine. Love alone is the fruit of love. Love is its own witness. There is no trace of self-interest in it. Because love exists for its own sake, it has no fear. It is to teach humanity the way of love that Avatars come in the world. The world displays the diversity that has emanated from the One. The Divine demonstrates the unity that subsumes the diversity. Recognition of this ‘Unity in Diversity’ can be learnt only from the Divine.

The Krishna Avatar has been described in various ways: As a sport of the Divine in human form, as an ideal for the world, as a sacred ruler, as a manifestation of the Atma. The Divine comes as Avatar to proclaim the pure and unsullied love of devotees towards God. People may consider that the Avatar’s activities include punishment of the wicked, protection of the good, weeding out of unrighteousness and restoration of righteousness. This is how they may look at the Avatar’s doings. But that is not the way the Lord sees things. There is nothing bad in God’s view. Hence there should be no hatred or ill-will towards any being. It is only when you love all, that you can be said to love God.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT – divine wisdom for positive living

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT is the sacred message of divine love, dharma, wisdom, and spiritual awakening. Lord Krishna did not appear merely to perform wonders or to become a historical figure admired by generations. His advent carried a deeper purpose: to guide humanity toward righteousness, devotion, selfless action, and the realization of the eternal truth within every heart.

Krishna’s life shows that the Divine comes close to humanity when dharma begins to decline and confusion spreads in society. When people become trapped in ego, greed, injustice, and attachment, divine guidance becomes necessary. Krishna came to remind the world that life must not be ruled by selfish desire, but by truth, compassion, duty, and love for God.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT can be understood through his childhood itself. In Gokul and Vrindavan, Krishna filled every heart with joy, innocence, and devotion. His playful actions were not ordinary mischief; they carried hidden spiritual meaning. He taught that God is not distant or frightening. The Divine can be loved as a child, friend, protector, beloved, and guide.

His flute became a symbol of divine attraction. The sound of Krishna’s flute represents the call of God to the human soul. When the heart becomes pure, it hears this call through prayer, silence, devotion, and inner longing. The gopis of Vrindavan showed complete surrender, where love for God becomes greater than worldly attachment. Their devotion teaches that the highest relationship with the Divine is based on pure love, not selfish expectation.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT is also seen in his role as protector of the innocent. He destroyed evil forces not out of anger, but to protect dharma and remove fear. Every demon in Krishna’s life can be understood as a symbol of inner weakness. Pride, jealousy, cruelty, greed, and ignorance are the real enemies within us. Krishna’s victory over them reminds us that divine strength can overcome every negative quality.

The most powerful expression of Krishna’s mission appears in the Bhagavad Gita. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna became confused, sorrowful, and weak. Krishna did not allow him to escape from duty. Instead, he gave him the wisdom to act with courage, clarity, and surrender. This teaching is not only for warriors. It is for every person facing the inner battlefield of life.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT teaches that action is necessary, but attachment to results creates bondage. We must perform our duties sincerely, honestly, and lovingly, but we should offer the results to God. This attitude removes anxiety and pride. When work becomes worship, the mind becomes peaceful even in challenging situations.

Krishna also taught the eternal nature of the soul. The body changes, ages, and finally disappears, but the soul remains untouched. This wisdom gives strength during sorrow and balance during success. When we know that our real identity is spiritual, we stop living only for temporary pleasures. We begin to live with higher purpose, purity, and devotion.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT reminds us that devotion is not weakness. True devotion gives courage, discipline, humility, and inner power. A devotee does not run away from responsibility. A devotee performs every duty as an offering to God. Such devotion purifies the heart and makes ordinary life sacred.

Krishna’s life also teaches balance. He was playful, yet deeply wise. He was loving, yet firm in dharma. He lived among people, yet remained inwardly free. This shows that spirituality does not mean rejecting life. It means living in the world without being controlled by ego, desire, and attachment. A person can work, serve, love, and lead while remaining connected to the Divine.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT is especially important in modern life. People today are surrounded by stress, competition, distraction, and emotional restlessness. Krishna’s message gives a clear path: control the mind, perform duty, love God, serve others, and remain steady in success and failure. His wisdom brings peace where there is confusion and hope where there is fear.

Krishna’s friendship with Arjuna also shows the importance of divine companionship. When the mind is guided by God, even the hardest battlefield becomes manageable. Without divine guidance, even comfort can become confusing. With Krishna as the inner guide, the seeker learns to choose truth over convenience and courage over weakness.

The advent of Krishna finally teaches that God comes not only to destroy evil outside, but to awaken goodness inside. Every heart has a Kansa of fear, a Kurukshetra of conflict, and an Arjuna of confusion. But every heart also has the possibility of hearing Krishna’s wisdom. When we listen with faith, our life begins to change.

THE GRAND ESSENCE OF KRISHNA’S ADVENT is the call to live with love, righteousness, surrender, and divine awareness. Krishna’s message is eternal because human struggles are eternal. Whenever the heart becomes confused, his teachings bring light. Whenever ego becomes strong, his love softens it. Whenever duty feels heavy, his wisdom gives strength.

To honor Krishna’s advent, we must not only celebrate his birth or praise his name. We must bring his teachings into daily life. We should speak truth, act with compassion, serve without pride, control desires, and remember God in every situation. When Krishna’s wisdom becomes our way of living, life becomes peaceful, purposeful, and filled with divine grace.