Krishna

Definition

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, revered as the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu and a key figure in various texts, including the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. He embodies love, compassion, and divine playfulness, often depicted as a young boy playing the flute or as an adult delivering profound teachings on duty and righteousness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krishna is often depicted as a divine lover and is particularly associated with the 'Rasa Lila', which is a dance of love with his female devotees known as the gopis.
2. The teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize concepts such as Dharma (duty) and Bhakti (devotion), influencing millions of followers worldwide.
3. In art and culture, Krishna is celebrated through various festivals like Janmashtami, which marks his birth, showcasing vibrant rituals and storytelling.
4. The concept of 'Leela' refers to Krishna's playful and mischievous activities, illustrating his role as a god who engages with devotees in a personal and intimate manner.
5. Krishna's influence extends beyond Hinduism, impacting various cultural expressions in dance, music, literature, and philosophy across India and beyond.

Review Questions

• How does Krishna’s portrayal in Hindu texts reflect his role as a guide for moral and ethical dilemmas?
  • Krishna's portrayal in texts like the Bhagavad Gita highlights his role as a spiritual guide during moral dilemmas. When Prince Arjuna hesitates to fight in battle due to ethical concerns about killing relatives and teachers, Krishna provides counsel that emphasizes duty (Dharma) over personal feelings. His teachings advocate for action aligned with righteousness while remaining detached from the outcomes, showcasing how divine wisdom can resolve complex human conflicts.
• Discuss the significance of Krishna’s playful nature (Leela) in understanding his character and appeal among devotees.
  • Krishna’s playful nature, or Leela, is significant because it makes him relatable to his devotees. Through stories of his childhood antics with the gopis and his interactions with friends, he exemplifies joy, love, and compassion. This approachability encourages deep emotional connections between Krishna and his followers, promoting devotion (Bhakti) as an essential path to spiritual fulfillment. His playfulness invites engagement rather than reverence alone, allowing followers to experience spirituality in a more personal manner.
• Evaluate the impact of Krishna's teachings on contemporary practices within Hinduism and their relevance to modern societal issues.
  • Krishna's teachings from the Bhagavad Gita have a profound impact on contemporary Hindu practices by emphasizing principles such as duty (Dharma), selfless action, and devotion (Bhakti). These concepts provide ethical frameworks for navigating modern societal issues like social justice and environmental responsibility. As practitioners seek relevance in their daily lives, Krishna’s guidance continues to inspire movements that address contemporary challenges while fostering a sense of purpose grounded in ancient wisdom.

Related terms

Vishnu: One of the principal deities of Hinduism, Vishnu is known as the preserver of the universe and is believed to incarnate in various forms, including Krishna.

Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, it is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and imparts spiritual wisdom.

Rasa: In the context of Hindu art and literature, Rasa refers to the emotional flavors or aesthetic experiences derived from devotional practices, often associated with Krishna's playful nature.