Understanding Krishna: Devotion and Divine Interactions

1050 Words3 Pages

In Hindu ideology, culture, and thought, Krishna is revered as a lighthearted and exuberant deity who is eternally at play with himself. As the master of play, the master of līlā, Krishna is said to delight in the elements of his own nature symbolically through his cosmic and earthly divine interaction with his śaktis manifested as a dance with the gopīs. This abstract relationship truly unfolds with an understanding of the nature of Krishna with respect to his līlā, an analysis of the four modes of devotion, or bhāvas, through which the devotee may approach Krishna, and, as an example, with a look into the most intimate kind devotional relationship attainable with Krishna using his relationship with the gopīs and with Rādhā as a module. Krishna’s …show more content…

In order of increasing intimacy, they are dāsya-bhāva, sakhya-bhāva, vātsalya-bhāva, and mādhurya-bhāva. Dāsya-bhāva, as the servant/master relationship between devotee and deity, highlights Krishna’s heroic, royal, and princely characteristics. Vasudeva Krishna, as the supreme lord of the universe, slayer of demons, and protector of the people, is the best representation of Krishna in this bhāva. Arjuna, who is awestruck by lord Krishna’s brilliant appearance in manifest form in the battle of the Mahabharata, is the best icon as the devotee following this model. Sakhya-bhāva describes a kindred, friendly relationship between deity and devotee. This model reveals Krishna’s adventurous, charismatic, playful, and amiable nature as a cherished friend. The gopas, or cowherd boys, are the iconic figures in Krishna’s līlā who best exhibit this bhāva. Vātsalya-bhāva relates a parental bond as a means of devotional service. As the sacred cow (go) cares for her calf (vatsa), a devotee following vātsalya-bhāva cares for Krishna. In vātsalya-bhāva, Krishna is celebrated as the playfully mischievous, beloved, endearing, and adorable butter thief, while his parents Nanda and Yasoda emulate the role of the iconic devotees. Mādhurya-bhāva, as the lover/beloved portrayal of devotion, highlights Krishna’s passionate, erotic, enticing, blissful, and charming aspects. Pairing with these elements of his nature are the models for this devotional service: the gopīs and most essentially Rādhā. Due to the nature in which the paradigm of erotic love has found expression, mādhurya-bhāva divides into two contrasting forms: the more broad, collective love-līlā of Krishna with the gopis, and the more private expression of Krishna’s love for

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