On this sacred occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, we celebrate Lord Krishna's divine birth and reflect on His profound declarations in the Bhagavad Gita, where He unequivocally asserts His position as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unlike any other figure in history or religious scripture, Krishna leaves no doubt about His divine nature, making it clear that He is the ultimate reality, the source, and sustainer of all that exists.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares, "मत्तः परतरं नान्यत् किञ्चिदस्ति धनञ्जय। मयि सर्वमिदं प्रोतं सूत्रे मणिगणा इव॥" (Bg 7.7) - "O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread." These words are not just a proclamation of divinity but a universal truth that underscores the very fabric of existence. Krishna is not just a deity to be worshipped; He is the essence of all life, the ultimate God, whose rules govern the cosmos and provide a roadmap for our spiritual journey.
Sanatan Dharma, often understood as "a truth" rather than "the truth," offers a vast and inclusive approach to spirituality. However, within this framework, Krishna stands out as the supreme guide whose teachings offer the "Divya Drishti" (divine vision) to look within and perceive the true nature of the self. Through His guidance, we are invited to explore the depths of our being, to witness the interplay of the soul (Atma), the body, and the mind (Chitta), and to recognise the divine Leela (cosmic play) that unfolds around us.
Krishna's teachings are philosophical musings and practical guidelines for living a life of truth, righteousness, and self-realisation. He says, "ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठति। भ्रामयन्सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया॥" (Bg 18.61) - "The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy." This verse highlights Krishna's omnipresence and His role as the inner guide, leading us toward our ultimate purpose.
By following Krishna's rules, we gain the clarity to see beyond the illusions of the material world and understand the true nature of the soul. Realising the Atma, the eternal self, is the key to unlocking the mysteries of life and attaining spiritual liberation. Krishna invites us to look within, practice self-discipline and devotion, and transcend the physical world's limitations.
As He states, "यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥" (Bg 4.7) - "Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself on earth." Through these words, Krishna assures us that the divine is always present, ready to guide us back to the path of righteousness.
The ultimate goal of following Krishna's teachings is not just to live a virtuous life but to attain the state of "Satchidananda" (सच्चितानन्द). This term encapsulates the essence of being: Sat (existence), Chit (consciousness), and Ananda (bliss). This is the state of being that Krishna embodies, and it is the highest aspiration for any spiritual seeker. By aligning our lives with Krishna's teachings, we open ourselves to the possibility of becoming one with the divine and realising our true nature as Satchidananda, the Supreme Lord that the world is searching for.
On this auspicious day of Krishna Janmashtami, let us immerse ourselves in the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and strive to embody the principles that Krishna so articulated. Let us seek the divine within, cultivate a deep understanding of the Atma, and live a life reflecting Satchidananda's eternal truth. In doing so, we honour not just the birth of Lord Krishna but the eternal presence of the Supreme God within and around us.
May this Krishna Janmashtami bring you closer to the divine, illuminating your path with the light of truth, wisdom, and boundless joy.
Jai Shri Krishna!
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