Krishna Leela Itself Is The Essence Of All Shastras

This audio tells you about - 1. Relationship between Bhagavan's name and his physical form 2. What is behind Ganga's power to purify 3. The power of the stories of his leelas.

Krishna Leela Itself Is The Essence Of All Shastras

Suta, the narrator of the Puranas, inherited all his knowledge from Sage Vyasa. His father, Lomaharshana, was a direct disciple of Vyasa. However, Lomaharshana was killed by Lord Balarama in Naimisharanya due to a misunderstanding. Once the rishis made Balarama realize his error, he transferred Lomaharshana's knowledge and qualities onto his son, Ugrashrava (the current Suta), who then continued his father's role.

After hearing all the Puranas, the Rishis, led by Sage Shaunaka, asked Suta for their essence. With Kaliyuga approaching, the rishis understood that people would lack the interest or patience to absorb all Puranic knowledge. Anticipating objections from Suta, Sage Shaunaka reassured him, suggesting that Vyasa, his revered teacher, must have shared the essence with him, given Suta’s favored disciple status. Shaunaka even hinted that if Suta hesitated, he could begin with his understanding of the essence and allow Suta to correct him, emphasizing that he believed Lord Krishna was the ultimate essence, embodying Parabrahma and Paramatma.

Shaunaka delved further, addressing a potential question from Suta—whether it was the name 'Krishna' or the Lord's form that represented the essence. Shaunaka clarified that Krishna’s name and form were inseparable, as interconnected as sound and image. For example, hearing Suta’s name, 'Ugrashrava,' would instantly bring his physical form to mind, and vice versa. Thus, he argued, Krishna’s name and form could not be separated. Yet, Shaunaka also acknowledged that Krishna’s essence was not confined to a single name or form, as he possessed countless names and forms. The rishis, however, were particularly eager to hear about his earthly life as the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, believing it embodied the essence of all shastras.

At the close of Dwapara Yuga, with Lord Krishna still present on earth, the Rishis at Naimisharanya had witnessed his brother Balarama visiting them. In this context, Shaunaka expressed that Krishna’s *leelas* (divine plays) in his current avatara were a profound source of teachings, guiding humanity on how to live and learn. Reflecting on a verse, he emphasized the power of Krishna’s name: 'Even one remembrance of Govinda can burn away sins accumulated over a hundred lifetimes, just as fire consumes a stack of hay.' The troubles people face, Shaunaka explained, often result from past misdeeds, though they may be unaware of these actions from previous lives. Taking Krishna’s name, however, has the power to remove these karmic burdens.

Shaunaka went further, explaining the greater power in repeatedly listening to Krishna’s leelas, which magnified the benefits of his remembrance. He noted that countless Rishis, Munis, Siddha-purushas, and Saints had dedicated their lives to listening to Krishna’s stories, for his greatness was immeasurable. The merit of even the slightest association with Krishna extended to objects he had touched, such as Ganga Mata (the River Ganges). Known for its power to purify sinners, Ganga Mata derived her strength as the charanamrita (holy foot-wash) of Sri Hari. When one of Krishna's toes pierced the cosmos, Ganga Mata emerged, blessing the three worlds with her presence and power. Sage Shaunaka thus implored Suta to narrate Krishna’s stories, which bring purity and relief to all who listen.

Through this dialogue, Shaunaka conveyed that listening to Krishna’s tales was more than a desire—it was a necessity for the purification and upliftment of all beings.

Knowledge Bank

What does Lila mean in Hinduism?

Anything done by a divinity playfully, joyfully, and without effort is called a Lila. Lord Rama destroyed Ravana and his Rakshasa-army effortlessly. Lord Krishna destroyed millions of Asuras in Naimisharanaya in a second. These are examples of Lilas.

Where can you find the stories of leelas of Sri Krishna?

Two main sources of Sri Krishna stories are 1. Tenth skandha of Srimad Bhagavatam 2. Garga Samhita.

Why is it important to listen to Sri Krishna leelas?

You can understand his greatness only after listening to his leelas. The stories of his leelas have got great power to spiritually uplift you.

What is the relationship between nama and rupa?

Name and physical form-nama and rupa-are two sides of the same coin. If you hear the name of a person or an object, the image of the physical form comes to mind. If you see the physical form, the name comes to mind.

How Ganga got the power to purify?

During Vamanavatara when the Lord was measuring the sky with his foot, his thumb pierced the top of the universe. Through that hole descended Ganga touching his thumb. That gave Ganga the power to purify all.