Krishna

Definition

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, recognized as the eighth avatar of the god Vishnu. Revered for his playful and mischievous nature as a child, and his role as a divine lover and a supreme teacher in texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna's character embodies both divine and human qualities. His teachings and life story significantly influence the practices of devotion in Bhakti, the esoteric traditions of Tantra, and classical philosophical schools.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krishna is often depicted playing the flute, surrounded by cows and female devotees, symbolizing his connection to nature and pastoral life.
2. The teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize concepts like dharma (duty), yoga (path to realization), and devotion.
3. Krishna's life stories include significant events like his childhood exploits in Vrindavan, his role in the Mahabharata war, and his divine love for Radha.
4. In Bhakti traditions, Krishna is worshipped through various forms of devotional practices including singing hymns, dance, and rituals.
5. Tantric practices sometimes incorporate Krishna as a symbol of cosmic energy, linking him with spiritual awakening and transformation.

Review Questions

• How does Krishna's portrayal in the Bhagavad Gita reflect the relationship between Bhakti and classical schools of thought?
  • In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna serves as both a divine guide and a teacher, illustrating the integration of Bhakti with philosophical discourse. His teachings promote the idea that personal devotion can coexist with intellectual understanding, bridging the emotional aspects of Bhakti with the rational inquiries typical of classical philosophical schools. This relationship shows how Krishna's character allows followers to engage with both heartfelt worship and deep philosophical contemplation.
• Discuss the significance of Krishna's childhood narratives within the context of Tantra practices.
  • Krishna's childhood stories are rich with symbolism that resonates within Tantric practices. His playful nature, especially in tales involving Radha and other gopis (cowherd girls), embodies themes of divine love and union. In Tantra, these stories can represent deeper spiritual truths about transcendence and the merging of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. The playful interactions also highlight how Tantra often seeks to awaken latent energies within practitioners through imagery and symbolism drawn from these narratives.
• Evaluate how Krishna's teachings in relation to duty (dharma) inform modern interpretations of ethical behavior across different spiritual paths.
  • Krishna's emphasis on dharma in the Bhagavad Gita has profound implications for modern ethical frameworks across various spiritual paths. By encouraging individuals to fulfill their responsibilities with integrity while remaining detached from outcomes, Krishna's teachings inspire a sense of duty that transcends religious boundaries. This universal message resonates within contemporary discussions on ethics, suggesting that true righteousness involves selflessness and alignment with higher principles, thereby fostering a more inclusive understanding of morality that can unite diverse traditions.

Related terms

Bhakti: A devotional movement within Hinduism emphasizing love and devotion to God, particularly through personal relationships with deities like Krishna.

Vishnu: The preserver god in Hinduism, part of the Trimurti, which also includes Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer.

Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, containing a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on duty and righteousness.