SRI KRISHNA JANMASTAMI

Birth day of Lord Krishna

Krishna and Rama are two great avatars or incarnations within Hinduism, both believed to be manifestations of Lord Vishnu. The concept of avatara, signifying the descent of God into human form, remains a fundamental belief in Vaishnava theism. "Avatara" translates to "descent," representing a direct manifestation of the Divine in humanity, aiding the human soul's ascent toward divine realization. It signifies a manifestation from above to guide what we must develop from below.

The avatara bestows an inner meaning upon the outer religion of humanity, facilitating its transformation into divine status. While ordinary individuals must evolve and ascend to attain godhood, the avatara embodies a direct descent into human form. The former is a birth from ignorance into ignorance under the shroud of maya, the cosmic veil of illusion, while the latter is a birth from knowledge into knowledge, with all powers intact and full awareness and consciousness of their supreme status. The avatara is a dual phenomenon, appearing human yet being divine. This duality serves to show that human birth, despite its limitations, can be a means for divine unfolding.

Krishna is unique because even in the depths of sorrow and travail, he demonstrated complete mastery of the situation, exemplifying how one in unity with the Divine can remain unaffected amidst pain and sorrow. Thus, this avatara in the form of Krishna is known as purnavatara, the complete descent of divinity into humanity.

Krishna was born at midnight on the 8th day (ashtami) of the dark phase of the lunar month of Bhadra, under the star known as Rohini, about five thousand years ago. The traditions of the Hindu faith have persevered for thousands of years, and even today, his birthday is celebrated throughout India on this very day.

No single individual has influenced the course of India’s religion, philosophy, art, and literature as profoundly as Krishna. The Sanskrit word "krishna" holds two meanings: "dark" and "to entice or enchant." Both these meanings aptly describe the great incarnation known as Krishna. He possessed a dark complexion and had the capacity to enchant everyone. The story of his life continues to thrill the hearts of those fortunate enough to have heard it. Despite his existence more than five thousand years ago, his tale remains as delightful and exciting as it was during his lifetime. In fact, his devotees are increasing worldwide.

Krishna was born on the eighth lunar night at midnight in a dungeon belonging to Kamsa, the king of the Yadavas, in the city of Mathura. He was the eighth son of his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, who were scions of the Yadava clan. The number eight holds great significance in his life as well as for all his devotees.

Kamsa, a wicked king, had been warned that he would meet his end at the hands of the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva. Consequently, he imprisoned the parents. However, when the baby was born, Vasudeva received divine guidance to take him to the cow-herd settlement called Gokula. Miraculously, the dungeon doors opened on their own, allowing Vasudeva to transfer the baby to the house of Nanda, the chief of the cow-herds, whose wife Yashoda had just delivered a baby girl. The babies were exchanged, and Vasudeva brought back the girl-child to the dungeon in the same miraculous fashion.

Krishna grew up in Gokula and later in Vrindavana until the age of twelve. Kamsa sent many people to kill him, but he defeated them. At the age of twelve, he went to Mathura, where he killed his uncle Kamsa, thus freeing the Yadavas from the tyrant's rule. He became a heroic and invincible figure, gradually assuming leadership of the Yadava and Vrishni clans, even though he did not accept the title of king. He defeated many tyrant kings, making the Yadavas one of the most powerful forces of his time. He established his new capital on the island of Dwaraka, on the western seacoast of India, then known as Bharatavarsha, and played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and political life of his era. Though he did not take up arms, he played a decisive part in the great Mahabharata war.

As a man, he was a Mahayogi, the greatest of all yogis, completely unattached, possessing mastery over himself and nature, even capable of controlling the elements when necessary. His miracles were an outflow of his perfect unity with God and, therefore, with nature. The spiritual gospel he taught is known as the Bhagavata Dharma, chiefly expounded in the Bhagavad Purana, Bhagavad Gita, and the Uddhava Gita. The simplicity of his teachings allowed them to be followed by anyone, regardless of age or gender, unlike the Vedic teachings meant only for the elite.

His most famous teaching is found in the Bhagavad Gita, where he offered guidance to his friend and cousin, Arjuna, at the commencement of the great Mahabharata war. Arjuna implored Krishna to help him overcome his dilemma, a problem related to his unique circumstances. Krishna's response constitutes the entirety of the Bhagavad Gita, addressing the root of the human problem - ignorance. He taught Arjuna the technique of action, known as Karma Yoga, essential for daily life. This is why the Bhagavad Gita remains as fresh and applicable to modern life as when it was first given to Arjuna five thousand years ago.

The charm of his avatara lies in the perfection with which he embraced every role required of him - a staunch friend, a dutiful son, an exciting lover, and a model husband, not to one but to all women who desired him. None who called to him with intensity went unanswered, regardless of their emotion - hatred, fear, or love. All who approached him, be they saints or sinners, experienced liberation. The difference between a Kamsa, who sought to kill him, and a Kuchela, who worshipped him, was slight. One approached with hatred, the other with love, but both constantly thought of him, ultimately rewarded with moksha, liberation.

Krishna embodies not only sat-chit-ananda, the "existence-knowledge-bliss" of the Absolute, untainted and unblemished, but also Uttama Purusha, the perfect person, amidst imperfect situations. He remains the eternal boy, the paragon of masculine beauty, retaining spiritual nobility, untouched and unperturbed in every situation - be it amidst the poverty of the cowherd settlement, the rigors of a hermitage, the seductive charms of dancing beauties, the gory scenes of the battlefield, the self-destructive holocaust of his kin, or the peaceful moments with his friends. As he taught, Krishna lived in this world of duality as the lotus leaf in water - untouched and unaffected by the environment, a perpetual witness of the situation, never a

victim.

The story of divine manifestation is shrouded in mystery, defying human analysis. Time, the ultimate test of truth, filters fact from fiction. In the rich tapestry of details woven around the Lord's life through the centuries, the story retains its breathtaking beauty. It's dominated by Krishna's enchanting personality, where the wisdom of the seer intertwines with the charm and simplicity of a child, and the glory of God flows in an inexhaustible fountain of love and wisdom.

All Hindu festivals aim to foster bhakti (devotion to God) and mukti (liberation from mortal existence). On Janmashtami, we typically begin the day with a morning bath and worship of Lord Krishna. Fasting is observed throughout the day until midnight when he was born. The main pujas commence in the evening and continue until midnight. A small cradle is traditionally set up, with the idol of baby Krishna placed within, covered until midnight when the cover is removed to reveal the baby. Special pujas, using his 108 names (Krishnashtotara), are performed throughout the evening. Various preparations thought to be relished by the Lord are offered, including butter, milk, and curds in mud pots, his favorites. Following this, the account of his birth from the Bhagavad Purana is read, and bhajans are sung until midnight. At that moment, the cover is lifted from the cradle, and everyone has the opportunity to gaze at the precious baby inside. The fast is broken at midnight, and prasad is distributed.

On this day, the day of his birth, let us all pray to him to take away our negative qualities and lead us to eternal bliss, as he did for so many during his lifetime.

Jai Sri Krishna!