Krishna

Definition

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, revered as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and known for his role in the epic Mahabharata, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita. He embodies divine love, wisdom, and guidance, influencing various aspects of Hindu philosophy and practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the importance of righteousness (dharma) and selfless action (karma yoga).
2. He is often depicted playing the flute and dancing, symbolizing joy and divine love.
3. Krishna's childhood exploits, known as 'Lilas', include stories like lifting Mount Govardhan to protect his devotees.
4. His relationships with the gopis reflect deep spiritual themes of love and devotion in Bhakti traditions.
5. Krishna's influence extends beyond texts into various art forms, music, dance, and cultural celebrations across India.

Review Questions

• How do Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita influence the concept of Dharma in Hinduism?
  • In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna about the significance of dharma, or righteousness. He emphasizes that fulfilling one's duty without attachment to the results is essential for spiritual growth. This concept shapes how followers perceive their responsibilities in life, making Krishna a central figure in discussions about moral and ethical conduct within Hindu thought.
• Analyze the role of Krishna as an avatar of Vishnu and its implications for understanding divine intervention in Hindu beliefs.
  • As an avatar of Vishnu, Krishna represents divine intervention in human affairs, particularly during times of chaos and moral decline. His incarnation signifies Vishnu's commitment to restoring balance and righteousness in the world. This role highlights the belief that divinity can manifest in multiple forms to guide humanity, reinforcing the idea of a personal connection with God through figures like Krishna.
• Evaluate the impact of Krishna's life stories on Bhakti movements and contemporary Hindu devotional practices.
  • Krishna's life stories have significantly influenced Bhakti movements by emphasizing personal devotion over ritualistic practices. His playful interactions with devotees and deep love for the gopis serve as powerful symbols of divine love. This has led to vibrant expressions of faith through music, dance, and festivals dedicated to Krishna, shaping contemporary Hindu devotional practices by encouraging intimate relationships between worshipers and the divine.

Related terms

Vishnu:

One of the principal deities of Hinduism, Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe, known for his ten avatars, including Krishna.

Bhakti: A devotional movement in Hinduism that emphasizes loving devotion to a personal god, with Krishna being one of the most widely worshiped deities.

Gopis: The cowherd girls who are devoted to Krishna, representing the ideal of divine love and devotion in his life stories.