In Hinduism and Indian mythology Krishna is the eighth avatar or reincarnation of the god Vishnu.Also Krishna is one of the most popular Hindu gods.Krishna was saved when exchanged by his parents for the daughter of a herdsman Nanda and his wife Yasoda (the daughter was also a divine being, an incarnation of Maya).With his foster parents Krishna spent a happy life playing boyish pranks and seducing the gopis (cow girls) and other rustic maidens.They found his flute playing irresistible.Krishna is the speaker of the Bhagavad-gita, which is recognized throughout the world as one of mankind’s greatest books of wisdom. In the Gita, as it is also known, Krishna says repeatedly that He is God Himself, the source of everything. Arjuna, to whom Krishna is speaking, accepts Krishna’s words as true, adding that the greatest spiritual authorities of that time also confirm that Krishna is God.The Vedas describe Krishna in this way: He is a beautiful youth with a glowing complexion the color of rain clouds. He plays a flute, attracting the hearts of all. His cheeks are brilliant, His smile enchanting. He wears a peacock feather in His curly black hair and a flower garland around His neck. His beautiful garments are the color of lightning. His toenails resemble the light of the moon.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Gita is Universal; Sincere Seeker's Quest Fulfilled by God's Grace

Gita does not give as much importance to external rules, ordinances and outward transformations, as much as, internal sentiments and expressions (bhaava), discrimination (vivek), wisdom (boddh), deep seated spiritual quest (jigyaasa), and the spirit of sacrifice (tyaag). If Gita valued only external ordinances and outward changes, along with Master – disciple relationships, then Gita would not be so useful and respected by all religious sects. Rather the spiritual practices described in the Gita, if it were aligned with only one religious group, then it would be considered only belonging to that particular group or sect. In that case, Gita would not be useful to diverse religious and spiritual groups. And with certainty, the other groups would have no interest in reading, learning, contemplating, internalizing, and imbibing the words of Gita. However, Gita's message is Universal. It is not only for a particular sect or for a particular individual, it is for all of mankind.In the exposition of knowledge (jnana), in the following verses, "pranipaaten pariprashshren sevayaa" (Gita 4:34) and "Aachaaryoupaasenam ," (Gita 13:7) Gita has talked about serving the teachers and worshipful reverence. The significance of these Gita verses is that, in the path of knowledge (Jnana marg), there is a greater tendency to develop pride, that "I am Brahma" (I am that Supreme Reality). In order to alarm the spiritual aspirant, there is the stipulation expressed or need for a realized spiritual master. However, even this is only essential if the spiritual aspirant is lacking in intense quest. Also if he is of the deep belief that only through the instructions of a spiritual master, he can attain knowledge then a realized spiritual master becomes essential. But on having intense inner longing, an ardent desire, the spiritual aspirant will not feel satisfied in any condition without having attained the divine knowledge. He will not get stuck in any religious organization, and he will not consider any special qualities inhimself, causing him to become egoistical. Such a sincere spiritual seeker's quest will be fulfilled by God's divine grace.
Posted by Ishani Goel at 3:57 AM
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