Krishna

Definition

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, revered as the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu and considered the supreme God in his own right by many devotees. He is often depicted as a young man playing a flute, surrounded by cowherds and female companions, embodying love, compassion, and divine joy. Krishna's life and teachings are chronicled in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting his role as a divine guide and protector.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krishna's childhood exploits, known as 'Lilas,' include miracles like lifting a mountain to protect his friends from storms and defeating demons.
2. The festival of Janmashtami celebrates Krishna's birth, marked by fasting, singing, and reenacting his childhood adventures.
3. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna serves as Arjuna's charioteer and imparts profound spiritual wisdom that addresses duty, righteousness, and devotion.
4. Krishna is often associated with the theme of divine love and relationships, particularly through his interactions with the gopis (cowherd maidens) and Radha.
5. The teachings of Krishna emphasize Bhakti (devotion), highlighting the importance of personal relationship with the divine over ritualistic practices.

Review Questions

• How does Krishna's role in the Bhagavad Gita reflect his teachings on duty and righteousness?
  • In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's dharma or duty while remaining detached from the fruits of action. He guides Arjuna, who is torn between personal feelings and his responsibilities as a warrior. Through this dialogue, Krishna teaches that one should act according to their duty without being influenced by emotional turmoil, highlighting the significance of righteousness in one's life.
• Discuss the significance of Krishna's childhood stories in conveying key values within Hinduism.
  • Krishna's childhood stories serve to illustrate essential values such as courage, playfulness, love, and compassion. His miraculous deeds demonstrate not only his divine nature but also teach lessons about devotion and moral integrity. These narratives resonate with devotees, encouraging them to embody similar virtues in their own lives while fostering a deep emotional connection with Krishna as a beloved figure.
• Evaluate how Krishna's teachings influence modern Hindu practices and beliefs.
  • Krishna's teachings continue to profoundly influence modern Hindu practices and beliefs by emphasizing Bhakti or devotional worship. This focus on personal connection with the divine encourages individuals to express their faith through love and devotion rather than just rituals. Additionally, concepts from the Bhagavad Gita regarding duty and selflessness have shaped ethical frameworks for countless followers. Overall, Krishna embodies ideals that remain relevant in contemporary spiritual discourse within Hinduism.

Related terms

Vishnu: One of the principal deities of Hinduism, Vishnu is known as the preserver and protector of the universe and is often worshipped in his various avatars, including Krishna.

Radha: Radha is considered the supreme goddess and the beloved consort of Krishna, symbolizing divine love and devotion within Hindu tradition.

Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, it consists of a conversation between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, covering key philosophical concepts and ethical dilemmas.