Do you Idealise or Idolise!

Recently, the festival of Janmashtami passed, a celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. If we examine how he is typically venerated, we find that people often revere the infant Krishna or the adolescent figure holding a flute, adorned with a peacock feather in his crown, accompanied by his beloved Radha. The festival concludes amidst the monsoon season with devotional songs, the vibrant Dahi Handi celebrations, and an abundance of sweets.

Yet, Krishna’s life was far more multifaceted than the image of the playful divine youth might suggest. He was not just a figure of worship but a person who lived an extraordinary life, shaping his journey with profound wisdom and agility. Imagine, then, how transformative it could be if, instead of simply idolizing Krishna, we endeavored to imbibe the ideals and conduct that defined his existence. With this thought, I am eager to explore the concept of agility through the lens of Krishna’s life in today’s context.

Beyond his most adored forms, Krishna was also a formidable wrestler who fought and triumphed in a fierce contest before slaying Kansa. Wrestling, a discipline that demands not only physical strength but also mental agility and indomitable courage, contrasts sharply with the tender image of Krishna that is most commonly circulated.

When the city of Mathura was repeatedly besieged by Jarasandha after Kansa’s death, Krishna showcased remarkable strategic acumen. Understanding that the only way to safeguard his people was through relocation, he led them to establish Dwarka, a city that became a marvel of architecture, culture, and commerce. Here was the same shepherd boy who, as a king, mobilized an entire civilization.

Krishna was also known by one of his adversaries as “Ranchod,” a name signifying one who flees the battlefield. Yet, this was no act of cowardice. Krishna’s decision to retreat was driven by his commitment to preserving the lives of his people rather than safeguarding his personal reputation. By choosing to live and fight another day, he exemplified a masterful understanding of situational agility.

Krishna’s handling of Shishupal is lesson in balanced approach to Forgiveness. While patience, tolerance and forgiveness are great virtues, it shouldn’t allow for indefinite perpetual injustice.

Krishna’s relationships further underscore his unparalleled agility in human interactions. He was a steadfast friend to Draupadi and a brother and matchmaker to Subhadra, both of whom married Arjuna. His wisdom shone brightly when he mediated between Duryodhana and Arjuna, offering them his assistance impartially.

The relationship between Krishna and Radha offers a lesson in love without attachment. When they parted and married others, they did so without regret, envy, or vengeance. Instead, they embraced their new partners with integrity, demonstrating that where true love resides, attachment cannot take root.

As a negotiator, Krishna’s approach to conflict resolution was equally nuanced. He sought to negotiate with Duryodhana, proposing the return of just five villages to the Pandavas in exchange for peace, a negotiation tactic grounded in the principles of BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and WATNA (Worst Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). Krishna’s wisdom lay in knowing when to hold firm, when to compromise, and when a battle was unavoidable.

In his role as a charioteer to Arjuna, Krishna guided his friend with unparalleled insight into situational awareness, enabling him to confront formidable warriors like Karna and Bhishma.

However, it is Krishna’s role as a coach that remains his most enduring legacy. Through the Bhagavad Gita, he imparted timeless lessons on focus, duty (dharma), and detachment from outcomes. He taught the power of the present moment, the importance of accountability, the futility of guilt, and the profound freedom of choice. He encouraged Arjuna—and by extension, all of us—to realize our highest potential through the paths of Samkhya Yoga and Karma Yoga. The notion that nothing is permanent is a profound truth, and it can evoke different responses depending on how we perceive it. On one hand, the impermanence of life might lead to a sense of futility—why invest in anything if everything eventually fades? But on the other hand, this very impermanence can be seen as a compelling reason to engage fully with life. The transient nature of everything makes our actions, relationships, and experiences all the more worthy our effort, attention, and love.

Krishna seamlessly transitioned between roles, cultivated diverse skills, and anchored his awareness firmly in the present moment. So, why limit our admiration to the image of the tender, youthful Krishna when we can aspire to realize our highest potential by emulating his extraordinary life!

Similarly, we often become ardent admirers of many individuals. But rather than merely displaying their images or purchasing their merchandise, we should strive to absorb and embody their virtues in a way that meaningfully enriches our lives.