Honoring Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna is widely worshiped as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the divine power that sustains the universe and takes birth whenever dharma, or righteousness, is in decline. The name Krishna literally translates as the “dark-hued one,” in reference to the blue-black color of his complexion.

Lord Krishna is especially revered as the supreme Guru in the ancient scripture Shri Bhagavad Gita, guiding his disciple Arjuna in fulfilling his own dharma, or righteous duty, as a warrior. In so doing, the Lord is also imparting the knowledge of yoga for the upliftment of all humanity. To this day Lord Krishna’s teachings in Shri Bhagavad Gita continue to guide countless seekers of the Truth. Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and Baba Muktananda have often included and expounded on these teachings in their books and talks throughout the years.

The annual celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth is Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Jayanti. It occurs, according to the Indian lunar calendar, at midnight on the eighth day of the waning moon during the month of Shravana. In 2019 this date falls on Friday, August 23, in the Western Hemisphere or Saturday, August 24, in Asia and Australia.

According to the Indian lunar calendar, there are three and a half days and three nights in a year in which every minute is considered auspicious. The night of Lord Krishna’s birth is one of these three most auspicious nights. This is an especially powerful time to perform mantra japa, to chant Lord Krishna’s name, and to meditate.

Lord Krishna, the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva, was born at midnight in a prison. Krishna’s parents had been imprisoned by his mother’s evil brother, Kamsa, who had heard a prediction that the eighth son born to his sister would kill him. Fearing his own death, Kamsa planned to kill the newborn child.

The prison guards were poised to end the infant’s life, but as soon as Krishna was born, they fell unconscious. Vasudeva escaped with his newborn son, carrying him away to the house of his friends Nanda and Yashoda in the village of Gokul. Krishna spent his childhood among the village’s gopas and gopis (cowherds and milkmaids).

Here you will find several ways to honor Lord Krishna and engage with his timeless teachings. These resources are intended to support you in celebrating Krishna Janmashtami, including stories of Lord Krishna and his devotees that give insight into the teachings embedded in his stirring life story and illumine the power of devotion in the seeker’s quest for Self-knowledge. And you can revel in the bliss of the Self through reciting the Krishna Gayatri mantra and chanting the namasankirtana Krishna Govinda with Gurumayi.

You are invited to share your experience of connecting with the presence of Lord Krishna in your heart and your understanding of his teachings.