The Bhagavad Gita (9.13–14) describes the external and internal characteristics of those whose lives are totally devoted to Krishna. These characteristics, which can inspire us seekers to deepen our consciousness, can be summarized in the acronym WIT: With, In, and Through Krishna.

Live with Krishna

Krishna is our constant companion through His indwelling manifestation in our hearts, as explained in Bhagavad Gita (18.61, 15.15). The more we remember this reality and attune our consciousness to Him, the more we will feel inspired to reciprocate with Him. He is already with us; it is up to us to be with Him.

Our situation is like traveling with a close friend while being so absorbed in watching the in-flight TV that we become oblivious to our friend’s presence. Similarly, due to our desire to enjoy material nature, as mentioned in Bhagavad Gita (13.22), our consciousness is locked into materialism, making us oblivious to the Lord and our own spiritual identity.

In Bhagavad Gita (13.25), it is stated that through various yoga processes, we can perceive the spiritual dimension of reality and eventually start living with the Lord, who has forever been living with us.

Live in Krishna

Krishna is not like any other companion—He is the Supreme Lord, uniquely related to existence. Bhagavad Gita (6.29–30) poetically describes Krishna as residing in everything and everything residing in Him.

The more we live with Krishna and shift our consciousness toward Him, the more we realize that He is not just one component of our consciousness but the shelter of all existence.

Just as the residents of Vrindavan found shelter in Krishna when He lifted Govardhan Hill, we too can find shelter in Him by immersing our consciousness in Him. This immersion leads to sublime safety and satisfaction that transcends all worldly desires and disturbances (Bhagavad Gita 6.22). In such a state of divine absorption, all pains pale in comparison to the joy of His presence and shelter.

Live through Krishna

Living through Krishna means recognizing that our immersion in Him does not necessitate detachment or apathy toward the world. Instead, we see the world as a means to serve Him.

We stop seeing the world either as a source of enjoyment or as a cause of entanglement. Instead, we view it as rich with potential for service to Krishna. By perceiving the world through His eyes, we accept what is favorable for His service and avoid what is unfavorable.

Those who achieve this essence-seeking vision are known as paramahamsas (supreme swans), capable of extracting spiritual essence from worldly experiences while discarding what is unnecessary.

Conclusion

By living with, in, and through Krishna, our lives become enriched in our relationship with Him.

Summary:

Live with Krishna: Become aware and appreciative of His indwelling presence. Disentangle your consciousness from the world’s dualities to relish the joy of His companionship.

Live in Krishna: Immerse your consciousness in Him, realizing His greatness and shelter-giving potency, and finding sanctuary and satisfaction.

Live through Krishna: Engage with the world through Krishna’s perspective, accepting what is favorable for His service and rejecting what is unfavorable.

Think it over:

  • What does living with Krishna mean? Have you ever experienced becoming aware of Krishna as your indwelling travel partner in your life journey?
  • What does living in Krishna mean? Do you have any experiences of finding sublime shelter through immersing your consciousness in Krishna?
  • What does living through Krishna mean? Have you ever experienced seeing things from Krishna’s perspective rather than your own self-centered perspective, and how did that perspective alter your view of reality?

18.61 The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.