The birth of Krishna occurred to restore cosmic order in the universe. Janmashtami means celebrating the birth (janma) of Krishna on the eight (Ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August – September) Janmashtami represents the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of Dharma. The evil king Kansa and his allies were defeated. Krishna is seen as symbol of love, righteousness and divinity.

Krishna is atman personified. One’s spirit cannot be limited by matter. One cannot be identified by body, mind and intellect. Becoming aware of one’s atman liberates one. Krishna’s birth in prison was a magical event. The guards were fast asleep and the prison doors were flung open. Krishna’s skin was blue and he wore yellow. Blue represents infinity, yellow is the color of the earth.

Krishna played the flute and the whole cosmos was drawn to his divine music. The flute is hollow with seven apertures, representing our personality with seven windows to the world. The five senses, mind and intellect are the seven windows. When one learns to deal with the seven windows, one can listen to the enchanting music within.

Focus on spirituality

Krishna said that there was no place for sorrow in life. If one is unhappy, it is because of wrong identification with the senses. One’s mind is polluted with desires and one has to turn inwards and focus on spirituality.

Before the great war Mahabharat Krishna gave Arjun and Duryodhana a choice. They both sought his help. Krishna told them that he would split his resources equally. One would get the army and weapons and the other would have Krishna as his guide, unarmed. Since Krishna saw Arjuna first, Arjuna unhesitatingly asked for Krishna. Duryodhana chose the weapons and army and he was elated with his choice.

It was Krishna’s counsel which won the war for the Pandavas. Krishna helped Arjuna with his wisdom to overcome his grief and win the war.

In the Gita, Krishna guides us to understand our life and reflect upon it. The message of Janmashtami is to understand, who one is? Krishna is within you, recognize him.

Aim Hrim Klim