Krishna and Janmashtami: The Journey to Our True Self - As I See It

Krishna and Janmashtami: The Journey to Our True Self

The name "Krishna" carries profound significance. It means black or dark, a concept that has intrigued and inspired countless generations. As a student of physics, the name "Krishna" immediately evokes thoughts of black holes, one of the most fascinating phenomena in the universe. But what exactly is a black hole, and how does it connect to the essence of Krishna?

In the realm of general relativity, a black hole is a region of space where gravity is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape its grasp. At the very centre of a black hole lies what is known as a gravitational singularity—a point where the curvature of spacetime becomes infinite. In the case of a non-rotating black hole, this singularity is a single point with zero volume, yet it contains all the mass of the black hole. This means that within this point exists infinite density, holding the essence of a star, stripped of its form and visible features.

This idea resonates deeply when contemplating the figure of Krishna. Just as a black hole contains the essence of a star, Krishna represents the essence of being. He embodies the core of who we are beyond the superficial layers of our existence. Each of us harbours our own "Krishna"—our true, essential self, waiting to be realised.

Janmashtami: The Birth of the True Self

Janmashtami, the celebration of Krishna's birth, is not merely a religious festival; it is a symbolic representation of the birth of our true self. The celebration falls on Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada. But why the eighth day? The number eight holds deep symbolic meaning across various cultures and religions. In the Bible, the number eight appears 73 times and is associated with resurrection, regeneration, and new beginnings. In biblical numerology, it represents a new order or creation and signifies the "born again" experience when one transcends the old self and is resurrected into a new, eternal life.

The story of Krishna's birth is filled with struggles and divine intervention, reflecting the challenges we face in realising our true selves. Devaki, Krishna's mother, endured the tragedy of losing six sons, each killed by Kansa, the tyrant who feared a prophecy that her child would be his downfall. These six deaths represent the obstacles we face in giving birth to our authentic selves. We are often trapped within the confines of our own thoughts, societal norms, and dogmas. These internal prisons prevent us from realising our true potential, and even when we do begin to recognize it, our ego—our false sense of self—often tries to suppress or destroy this new identity, feeling threatened by the change.

Yet, the story of Krishna's birth teaches us persistence in the face of adversity. When Devaki was expecting her seventh child, Vasudev, her husband, prayed fervently to Vishnu, seeking protection for the unborn baby. In response, Vishnu transferred the child into the womb of Rohini, Vasudev’s other wife, who gave birth to a son named Balram. This part of the story highlights the importance of external support and a nurturing environment in our journey towards self-realisation. Sometimes, when we conceive a new version of ourselves, it may need to be nurtured in a different environment to ensure its survival and growth.

Finally, when Krishna was born, he was secretly transported to a safe place to protect him from Kansa's wrath. This journey symbolises the necessity of a safe and supportive environment where our true self can thrive. Just as Krishna needed protection and care in his early life, our authentic selves require a space free from judgement, fear, and hostility to grow and flourish.

Lessons from Krishna and Janmashtami

The celebration of Janmashtami, therefore, is not just a commemoration of a divine birth but a reminder of the journey we all must undertake to realise our true selves. It teaches us that within each of us lies a core essence—our own Krishna—that represents who we truly are. This essence, however, is often buried beneath layers of societal expectations, fears, and ego-driven desires.

The story of Krishna's birth reminds us that the path to self-realisation is fraught with challenges. We may face numerous setbacks, and our efforts to bring forth our true selves may be met with resistance from both within and without. But just as Devaki and Vasudev persevered despite their trials, we too must persist in our journey. We must seek the support and guidance we need, and create or find a safe space where our true self can emerge and thrive.

Janmashtami encourages us to reflect on our lives and ask ourselves: Are we living in alignment with our true essence? Have we given birth to our inner Krishna, or are we still trapped in the prisons of our own making? The festival is an invitation to embark on the journey of self-discovery, to transcend our limitations, and to nurture the divine essence within us.

In celebrating Janmashtami, we are reminded that the birth of Krishna is not just a historical or mythological event—it is a timeless metaphor for the birth of the true self within each of us. As we honour Krishna's birth, we also honour the potential for transformation, renewal, and the realisation of our deepest truths. This is the essence of Krishna, and this is the lesson of Janmashtami for me.