How Krishna is much bigger than our understanding of Krishna – Krishna may be thought by some as as an image in a temple or as a historical figure. Gita wisdom reveals how he is actually a far, far bigger reality. Consider three ways to appreciate him. 

The ultimate reality: We live amid various levels of realities, which have varying degrees of longevity. Among these realities, there’s an ultimate reality, which is the source and sustenance of all such realities. That reality is Krishna, as the Bhagavad-gita (10.39) indicates. He is the unconditioned existence that makes all other existences possible.

The ultimate reality seen through yogic vision: How Krishna is both a person and the all-pervading ultimate reality is difficult for our finite minds to conceive. Yet he can be appreciated through his self-revelation that is granted to us as we seek a higher vision through consistent yogic practice. When such practice and the resulting purification reaches its zenith, we perceive Krishna’s position — he is present in everything, and everything is present in him (06.29). And those who perceive him thus are never lost to him nor is he ever lost to them (06.30).

The embodiment of immortal love: The ultimate reality, perceived partially as the all-pervading spiritual effulgence (brahman) or the indwelling Divinity (Paramatma), is relished the most as the embodiment of immortal love (15.19) — as the all-attractive person (Bhagavan). For him, embodiment refers not to a form ascribed or assigned to an abstract concept, but to the intrinsic nondifference of form and substance in the ultimate reality. As the all-loving ultimate reality, he delights only in the reciprocation of love, even subordinating his omnipotence so that love reigns supreme. 

Such is Krishna’s expansive glory that even the enlightened keep eternally enlightening each other about him (10.09)

One-sentence summary: 

Krishna is the yogic vision of the ultimate reality as the embodiment of immortal love.

Think it over:

  • How is Krishna the ultimate reality?
  • How is Krishna the yogic vision of the ultimate reality?
  • How is Krishna the embodiment of immortal love?   

***

15.19: Whoever knows Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without doubting, is the knower of everything. He therefore engages himself in full devotional service to Me, O son of Bharata.