Is Krishna with me? Am I with Krishna?

Devotion centers on arriving at an affirmative answer to two questions: Is God with me? And am I with God?

The Bhagavad-gita (6.29) and (6.30) declare that the yogi’s vision is to see Krishna in everyone and everything in Krishna. To see everything in Krishna means realizing that Krishna isn’t just large enough to contain everything. The universal form’s revelation showed that the universe was within him. It also means realizing that everything happening is within Krishna’s control and sanction. This is indicated in the Bhagavad-gita (9.10) and (13.23).

Krishna is always with us because his plan operates continuously, even with adjustments due to free will misuse. He remains resourceful enough to ensure his plan prevails, whether we act in cooperation or defiance. Krishna is also with us in another way: he resides in our hearts, closer than anyone could ever be, even in the tightest hug. His indwelling presence is highlighted in the Bhagavad-gita (15.15) and (18.61). The latter verse emphasizes his controllership, indicating that while Krishna is with us and within us, we are also within Krishna. Everything happening to and around us is within his divine plan.

Answering “Is God with me?” can be reassuring, but the transformative question is, “Am I with God?” The first question involves realization, acknowledging an existing reality that requires purification to fully appreciate. The second question involves a conscious decision on our part. We must redirect our intentions and actions to align with Krishna’s will, making our consciousness more attuned and receptive to his presence. Every moment and action we take can reorient us toward Krishna. Even thinking about Krishna can bridge the experiential distance between us and him. As we do this, we begin to sense his presence more. Visually, Krishna and we are always close in the heart.

While Krishna faces us, beholding us, we have turned away, focusing on worldly pleasures and troubles. By turning back toward Krishna, we draw closer to him. This is the transformation Arjuna experienced, as expressed in his concluding words in the Bhagavad-gita (18.73): “I will do Your will.”

Summary:

• God is always with us in two senses: first, everything that happens to us and around us is within his controllership and plan; second, he is always present within us as the indwelling Supersoul.
• We are not always with Krishna because our consciousness is often fixated on the world, with its promises of pleasure and fears of trouble.
• By conscientiously redirecting our intentions and actions toward Krishna through internal efforts to think about him and external efforts to serve him, we can all be more with Krishna.

Think it over:

• How is Krishna always with us?
• How is arriving at an affirmative answer to the question, “Is Krishna with me?” primarily a matter of realization?
• How is arriving at an affirmative answer to the question, “Am I with Krishna?” primarily a matter of redirection?

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06.30 For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.