Divine Play and Wisdom Beyond Human Emotions

By Vraj Vihari dasa - 13.11 2024

How can grief, confusion, or fear be ascribed to the Supreme Lord Krishna, who embodies infinite perception, knowledge, and power? These attributes, after all, belong to conditioned souls, bound by material limitations. In contrast, Krishna is beyond such conditioning, capable of expressing emotions without being affected by them.
To clarify this, we can consider how the Lord, for the sake of his lila (divine play), sometimes assumes human-like behavior. For example, Srila Prabhupada and other great commentators explain that, during his pastimes, Krishna appears to experience ordinary emotions, such as fear or astonishment, to make his divine interactions relatable to his devotees. This is never a sign of ignorance or weakness; rather, it is part of Krishna's intricate pastimes meant to deepen his relationship with his devotees.
Sri Jiva Goswami gives examples from Krishna's own life to illustrate this. When Krishna’s friends, the cowherd boys, were swallowed by a demon, Krishna seemed visibly concerned. Similarly, when Brahma took the cowherd boys and calves, Krishna appeared to search for them, behaving just as any human would. Through these actions, Krishna allows his devotees to connect with him on a personal level, even though he remains the Supreme and unaffected.
Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of my early days in Krishna consciousness. I first encountered Srila Prabhupada in New York in 1976. At that time, I was torn between joining the temple and completing my college studies. My mother, understandably worried, even threatened to take drastic measures if I moved into the ashram. A senior devotee advised me that my mother would benefit spiritually from my dedication, and with that encouragement, I joined the ashram. This led me to experience the joys and challenges of a life dedicated to devotional service.
In the early days of our movement, we placed great emphasis on detachment from the material world. We were taught that lamentation, fear, and attachment stem from ignorance and that true knowledge (jnana) is realizing the difference between the body and the soul. But often, in the process of cultivating knowledge, the heart would sometimes grow hard. Knowledge is crucial, as Krishna emphasizes in the Bhagavad Gita, but knowledge alone isn’t enough for bhakti. We need both jnana and a softened heart open to divine love.
This balance is captured beautifully by Rupa Goswami, who advises renunciation without attachment to worldly pleasures while maintaining compassion and love in our hearts. I often use the analogy of finding a lost wallet: the selfish person keeps the money; the indifferent person leaves it where it is; but the devotee returns it to the rightful owner, knowing it ultimately belongs to Krishna. This act of loving service encapsulates bhakti.
In cultivating our devotion, we can take inspiration from the life of Bilvamangala Thakur, whose journey is an example of transformation from attachment to spiritual surrender. Initially a devout Brahmin, Bilvamangala’s life took a dramatic turn when he became captivated by a courtesan named Chintamani. Her words of wisdom jolted him awake spiritually, reminding him of his previous life's spiritual aspirations and encouraging him to embrace a path of pure devotion.
We all have unique journeys in spiritual life. Bilvamangala’s story, like many others, reminds us that our past attachments do not define us. Spiritual progress requires sincerity - being present in each mantra, in each prayer, and each act of service. This sincerity is what ultimately attracts Krishna's grace.
Finding balance is especially challenging in today’s age of constant demands from family, career, and the digital world. Yet, it’s essential to set aside time for undistracted chanting, reading, and serving Krishna with devotion. If we chose a family life, we should remember that family life too can be part of our service to Krishna.
An anecdote shared by Srila Prabhupada often comes to mind: imagine a person finding a lost wallet. They could use the money selfishly, abandon it out of detachment, or return it to the owner, knowing that everything belongs to Krishna. Such is the principle of true renunciation - not turning away from the world, but engaging it in service.
In closing, a verse in the Srimad Bhagavatam reminds us of the blessings of spiritual teachers who guide us through material life, illuminating the path to Krishna. By their mercy, we can overcome worldly challenges, refine our intentions, and live lives of meaningful, sincere devotion.
Let us approach our spiritual path with humility, sincerity, and dedication, knowing that Krishna, through his grace, guides us at every step. Thank you.