What Krishna taught

While access to secular knowledge is available in the educational sector, spiritual knowledge that focuses on the Self is transmitted only through a guru or preceptor who is also a realised soul. The goal is far away and has to be pursued relentlessly through many births. Every jivatma is in the midst of this quest; while some know or know partially about it, some are not even aware of it.

Krishna avatar’s greatness lies in its invaluable lessons for humanity. The term Jagadguru is the most appropriate to Him whose life and teachings instil the value of human birth as an opportunity to realise the purpose of life and also show the way to tread this path, said Srimati Prema Pandurang in a lecture.

The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of the teachings of the Upanishads and, in simple terms, Krishna explains the way to salvation through the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti.

He tells Arjuna about the time-bound quality of the universe and describes Himself as Time (Kal), “I am Time that finally seals and destroys people.” All beings and objects get a chance to manifest for a brief period and ultimately succumb to the effects of Time. He explains that whether Arjuna fights this war or not, the warriors assembled for battle will die at any cost since He had slain them. Arjuna is merely an instrument in the war.

Apart from this teaching, His own life provides many lessons for us. He accepts Kuchela, His childhood companion as an elder brother when the former, who lives in abject poverty, visits Him at Dwaraka. Without any thought of His wealth or status, Krishna spontaneously and warmly welcomes Kuchela, treats him with respect and love due to a guest and performs Pada Puja to him.

His entire retinue watches spellbound when He pays such respectful attention to Kuchela. This act of Krishna has a humbling effect on us as well.

Brahma and Indra become jealous of the popular cowherd, Krishna; He teaches them the truth of His supreme status. His flute notes carry a divine message. He proves to be an ideal friend of Arjuna and Uddhava and an unfailing protector of the Pandavas.