Krishna

Definition

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, recognized as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and a key figure in the Bhagavad Gita. He embodies divine love, wisdom, and righteousness, playing a central role in the dialogue with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he imparts profound spiritual teachings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krishna is often depicted as a young man playing a flute, symbolizing his role as a divine lover and shepherd.
2. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna serves as Arjuna's charioteer and counselor, guiding him through his inner turmoil about participating in war.
3. Krishna emphasizes concepts like karma (action) and bhakti (devotion) in his teachings to highlight the paths to liberation.
4. The teachings of Krishna in the Gita address fundamental philosophical questions about life, duty, and the nature of reality.
5. Krishna's playful and mischievous childhood exploits, known as his 'lila,' are celebrated in various stories and folklore, further enhancing his role as a beloved deity.

Review Questions

• How does Krishna’s role as Arjuna’s charioteer influence the themes presented in the Bhagavad Gita?
  • Krishna's position as Arjuna's charioteer is crucial as it symbolizes divine guidance and support during moments of moral confusion. This dynamic sets the stage for deep philosophical discussions about duty, righteousness, and the nature of life. Through their dialogue, Krishna imparts wisdom that addresses not only Arjuna's immediate concerns but also broader existential questions relevant to all humanity.
• Evaluate how Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita reflect core principles of Hindu philosophy such as dharma and karma.
  • Krishna’s teachings emphasize dharma as an essential duty that individuals must fulfill according to their role in society. He instructs Arjuna to engage in battle not for personal gain but to uphold righteousness. Additionally, Krishna explains karma's significance by highlighting that actions should be performed selflessly without attachment to outcomes. This approach reinforces the importance of moral integrity and responsibility in Hindu philosophy.
• Assess the impact of Krishna’s character on the perception of divinity within Hinduism, particularly regarding concepts of love and devotion.
  • Krishna’s character significantly shapes the perception of divinity within Hinduism by embodying both playful intimacy and profound wisdom. His interactions with devotees showcase divine love that transcends mere worship, inviting personal relationships with God. This duality encourages practices like bhakti (devotion), which emphasize emotional connection and surrender to God. Consequently, Krishna redefines how followers engage with divinity, promoting an understanding of God as accessible and intimately involved in human affairs.

Related terms

Vishnu: One of the principal deities of Hinduism, Vishnu is known as the preserver and protector of the universe, with Krishna being one of his most celebrated avatars.

Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, consisting of a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, addressing the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna.

Dharma: A key concept in Hindu philosophy referring to duty, morality, and the ethical path one must follow in life; Krishna emphasizes the importance of dharma in his teachings to Arjuna.