Three Instances Of Jati-Smara

“My dear Lord, I had a great desire that someday I might be able to see You personally. I think that my tendency to perform ritualistic and charitable activities, combined with this great desire to see You personally, has enabled me to retain the memory of who I was in my former life, even though I became a lizard.” (King Nriga, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 2, Ch 9)

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Upon learning of the truth of reincarnation, as beautifully explained in the Bhagavad-gita by Shri Krishna, it is natural to wonder about past experiences.

“Where was I in a past life? How many of them were there exactly? I am assuming they all weren’t in the human species. Is this the first time in the human form for me? That would be something.”

To ponder the future next:

“Wait a second. What will happen moving forward? Will I be able to remember everything from this life? So many important principles. So many worthwhile experiences. What will become of my memory?”

The living entity is spirit soul [atma]. This is an important distinction to state because the tendency is to think in the opposite direction. My hand. My leg. My body. My family, my neighborhood, etc.

At the time of death, the atma carries forward. It actually never ceases to exist and neither is there a date of inception. This is the meaning to sanatana. Without beginning and without end.

Shri Krishna explains that the conceptions come along for the ride. They are part of the entourage in the spirit soul’s travels. This accounts for the variety in tendencies and abilities at the time of birth. One child learns to walk rather quickly, while another requires more practice. One person is adept at musical composition, while another excels at sports.

शरीरं यद् अवाप्नोति
यच् चाप्य् उत्क्रामतीश्वरः
गृहीत्वैतानि संयाति
वायुर् गन्धान् इवाशयात्

śarīraṁ yad avāpnoti
yac cāpy utkrāmatīśvaraḥ
gṛhītvaitāni saṁyāti
vāyur gandhān ivāśayāt

“The living entity in the material world carries his different conceptions of life from one body to another as the air carries aromas.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 15.8)

The three aspects of the subtle body tag along with the spirit soul. These are mind, intelligence and ego. Still, seldom are the past experiences remembered. We see evidence based on our present witnessing capacity. We can’t remember everything from this lifetime, so how would the selectivity apply to past lives, if that memory were possible?

From consulting Vedic literature, we see that there are certain cases where a person remembers the past. There is always a high purpose served by this gift from nature known as jati-smara.

1. King Bharata as a deer

Previously a king, Bharata developed strong affection for a deer. The conception in the mind was fixed to the point that the future life was in the form of a deer, proving the truth presented in the Bhagavad-gita.

यं यं वापि स्मरन् भावं
त्यजत्य् अन्ते कलेवरम्
तं तम् एवैति कौन्तेय
सदा तद्-भाव-भावितः

yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ
tyajaty ante kalevaram
taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya
sadā tad-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ

“Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.6)

The memory was helpful since it reminded the individual of the proper focus in life. After retiring from working life, as an ascetic the proper focus should be on the needs of the soul. Attachment to the Almighty, which qualifies as liberation if maintained through the end of life.

2. The two sons of Kuvera as trees

They were in a high position. Sons to one of the important demigods managing the creation, Nalakuvara and Manigriva were one time so intoxicated that they failed to show proper respect to a visiting Narada Muni. Showing his mercy upon them, Narada declared a curse. The brothers would have to take birth as trees.

The punishment was proper, since they would now be free to remain naked for a long period of time. No intoxication required to remove the shame from the situation. They would remember the past transgression because of the future meeting with the Supreme Lord.

Shri Krishna knocked down those two trees as part of His Damodara-lila, which is glorified particularly in the month of Kartik in the annual Vedic calendar. The past mistake turned out to be a fortunate occurrence. It is not every day that a person meets Shri Krishna and gets to offer Him heartfelt prayers.

3. King Nriga as a lizard

This was an accident. The king had the right intentions. He was not trying to offend anyone. He accidentally got the property of brahmanas mixed up. A cow belonging to one was donated to another. The priestly figures were so angry that they cursed him.

Nriga was born as a lizard in the next life. Stuck in a well, he had the good fortune of meeting the Supreme Lord. Shri Krishna liberated him, and so the past mistake was actually a blessing.

From these incidents we see that there is a way to sort of time-travel. Not that we revisit a past situation in person, but we can change the nature of a mistake. What was once a regrettable incident turns into part of the successful journey of meeting life’s objective.

In Closing:

When to bhakti life taking,
Fixing past mistakes making.

Sometimes even to recall,
Like demigods in tree to fall.

Or Bharata appearing as deer,
Inspired for consciousness clear.

Whether many or just one birth,
In bhakti taking its worth.

Three Takeaways From The Image Of Baby Krishna Next To Radha

“To perform devotional service means to follow in the footsteps of Radharani, and devotees in Vrindavana put themselves under the care of Radharani in order to achieve perfection in their devotional service. In other words, devotional service is not an activity of the material world; it is directly under the control of Radharani.” (The Nectar of Devotion, Ch 1)

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“Forgive me for asking such a random question, especially with regards to the source. I see pictures floating around the internet now and then. Obviously, some of them are not suitable for children, but within the bhakti tradition they can make a significant positive impact on my day.

“In this instance someone shared a photo of what appears to be the top decoration on a cake. I’m assuming it was done for a special occasion. There is baby Krishna seated on the floor. He is looking innocent and cute, like a beautiful child should. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is so affectionate in this way; He allows us to understand Him to a degree, even though He is beyond the range of the senses.

“Next to baby Krishna is a sleeping baby, of a fair complexion. I believe it is Shrimati Radharani. I am assuming the designers decided to depict the bed as a lotus flower. She is sleeping comfortably, with her eyes closed. Krishna is looking at her. Would you happen to know what pastime this is in relation to? I’m not sure of the tie in to a special occasion, either. Thanks.”

1. Unique way of her appearance

The goddess of fortune is someone special. In the spiritual world she is known as Lakshmi Devi. It makes sense that she is married to the Supreme Lord, as He is the controller and protector of fortune. Vishnu is automatically the richest person in the universe because He has Lakshmi always by His side.

Just as Vishnu sometimes descends to this world, the goddess of fortune has corresponding appearances. The word “appearance” is important to stress, because it is not an ordinary janma. The birth process is painful and forced upon a living entity, in the same way that death later arrives.

In a long ago era, Lakshmi Devi appeared as the daughter of King Janaka. That pious leader found her one day while ploughing a field. Radharani’s appearance is similar. Vrishabhanu finds her one day and brings her home. Radha does not have the typical entryway associated with janma.

There is great symbolism to this historic event. As the poor person dreams of one day stumbling upon wealth, as if by accident, so the pious leaders get the greatest fortune in the world through the literal meeting with a baby girl. Vrishabhanu holds tremendous affection for his daughter, and the entire family is blessed.

2. Worried parents

As the story goes, the happy mother and father have one concern. It is quite serious. Radha will not open her eyes. Maybe she has been attacked by evil spirits. Perhaps a birth defect. The parents call for outside help, but the decision is to let time run its course.

3. Eyes only for Krishna

The image depicted on the cake is of the eventual meeting between Krishna and Radha. Vrishabhanu and family invite over Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda Devi of Gokula. Those parents bring their darling child named Krishna with them.

When no one is around, Krishna crawls over to where sleeping Radha is. Upon looking at her, Radha opens her eyes for the first time. This is not surprising behavior, as the goddess of fortune has eyes only for the Supreme Lord. She is the most chaste companion in this way. Her devotion is pure.

It is for this reason that in formal worship the Supreme Lord is not alone on the altar. The goddess of fortune is by His side. This is her preferred place, and to see them together is a blessing for the eyes. Occasions like Radhashtami, the birth anniversary of Vrishabhanu’s daughter, give time for further blissful reflection on the matter.

In Closing:

Time for blissful reflection,
Eyes in their direction.

Like Radharani for the first time,
Opening for Shri Krishna to find.

That goddess of fortune appearing,
Relieved parents previously fearing.

Preferred next to beloved standing,
God and His energy understanding.

The Four Principal Defects Of Man, With Examples

“Vedic knowledge is not a question of research. Our research work is imperfect because we are researching things with imperfect senses. We have to accept perfect knowledge which comes down, as is stated in Bhagavad-gita, by the parampara disciplic succession. We have to receive knowledge from the proper source in disciplic succession beginning with the supreme spiritual master, the Lord Himself, and handed down to a succession of spiritual masters.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)

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1. Commit mistakes

“It is a double-edged sword, for sure. The technology recruiter helps in finding people to fill the position. I don’t have to post the listing myself. The incentive for the recruiter is money. They charge a fee if they place someone. It is in their best interest to conduct a thorough review, to make sure the candidate is the right fit.

“For us, the deciding line is three months. We recently hired this person to work in the programming area. Software development. Writing code in a specific language. Adhering to our standards. Proficiency in the area.

“The resume seemed good. They claimed to know the technology. At the three month marker after hiring them, we had to make the decision. We had been too busy to review their code, so we decided to keep them. This meant a hefty payment going to the recruiter. No going back now.

“But oh do we wish a time machine exists. This was the wrong hire. We made a terrible mistake. They can barely do anything. We not only lost three months, but that extra fee, as well. Hopefully we have learned our lesson.”

2. Tendency to cheat

“I am not a bad student in the least. I do my homework on time. I complete assignments and get decent grades. Others in my friend-circle are not as attentive. They would rather play video games when the school day ends. They talk back to the teacher and don’t worry so much when the report card arrives in the mail.

“We had final exams approaching. I was put into a dilemma because some of my classmates got their hands on what would be the answer sheet to the test. There was no way to know for certain, but they weren’t going to take any chances. They not only looked at the sheet, but memorized what options to fill in for the multiple-choice questions.

“I was already prepared. I knew the material. Still, I couldn’t help but take a peek at the answers. I didn’t get caught. I did well on the exam. I feel bad, however. I wish I hadn’t indulged this particular desire. As they say, a guilty conscience needs no accuser.”

3. Imperfect senses

“You hear about people having enhanced perception when losing a particular sense. For instance, a blind man becomes adept at hearing. They can discern their surroundings through sound. A deaf person may learn how to read lips.

“But I think the senses are still limited. No one can see through a concrete wall. I can’t hear that sound produced thousands of miles away. This means that the senses are not perfect. I agree with the conclusion of the Vedas in this regard.”

4. Easily illusioned

“Why am I so upset today? I can’t believe the outcome to that movie which played in the theaters last night. It was terrible. Favorite characters killed off; bad guys getting away with things; none of the puzzling questions answered. This is the worst.

“I have the same feeling sometimes when one of my favorite players loses a match. It was so close that one or two points the other way and they would have won. I understand that it is silly to be affected by such things, but I can’t help it. In the end, it doesn’t matter who wins games or what happens in fictional films, but there is always some effect on me.”

…

The Vedic teachings are that man has these four defects from the time of birth. The imperfect senses is especially significant with respect to understanding the Absolute Truth. The common lament is the inability to see God, to get confirmation of His existence through sight.

The senses are actually not capable of making this measurement. Even if the Divine were to appear before us, there is no way to validate His status through basic measurements involving the senses. If I can mistake a rope for a snake, how valuable is my perception?

The recommendation is to connect with the parampara process. Tap into authorized knowledge descending from a chain of teachers. Not that blind faith is the only way. There is certainly sense interaction, but it is for experience instead of discovery. Rather than testing who is God and discerning spiritual life through analytical study, there is practical realization of the principles presented through dedicated practice.

In Closing:

In practice by guru inspired,
For practical realization acquired.

Senses for experience just,
In higher awareness trust.

That God in truth have found,
To realize even from sound.

Not demanding vision before me,
With confidence always to see.

If We Have Imperfect Senses How Can We Realize God

“Vedic knowledge is not a question of research. Our research work is imperfect because we are researching things with imperfect senses. We have to accept perfect knowledge which comes down, as is stated in Bhagavad-gita, by the parampara disciplic succession. We have to receive knowledge from the proper source in disciplic succession beginning with the supreme spiritual master, the Lord Himself, and handed down to a succession of spiritual masters.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)

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Friend1: One of the four defects of man is imperfect senses.

Friend2: Like mistaking a rope for a snake. Thinking that in the distance in the desert is a reservoir of water, when really the visual is the result of heat on the surface of the sand.

Friend1: It makes sense to me, no pun intended. We can’t see through walls. We can’t talk to people far away without the assistance of technology. I understand that the relevance is for understanding God, ultimately.

Friend2: Don’t try to measure Him. He is Adhokshaja, which means that blunt instruments will not register a proper reading. We see the deity in the temple and know that it is a certain height and weight. Yet that is not accurate in assessing the Supreme Lord. He is this entire universe and more. He is the atom and also the entire creation. Ponder that for a second.

Friend1: The idea is to consult Vedic authority. The parampara system. Learn about God from someone who knows. They know because they similarly heard from someone who was realized. Ascend the chain and you eventually reach Bhagavan.

Friend2: That is also how you know the parampara is valid. If at some point you reach a teacher who says that they just figured everything out on their own, there is a defect.

Friend1: Listen, we can go down the skeptical route and try to argue each point along the chain, but today I want to focus on the senses aspect.

Friend2: Alright.

Friend1: If my senses fail me, if they are not perfect, how am I supposed to understand God?

Friend2: Umm, I think we just covered that.

Friend1: If I hear from the guru, the spiritual master, is that not using the senses? If I taste prasadam, sanctified food offered before the deity, is that not also sense interaction? If these senses are imperfect, then how is the engagement helping me?

Friend2: These are good questions. Think of it like the difference between body and spirit. We are spirit soul, atma. We are not the body, which is maya. It is the material energy, and we are originally part of the spiritual energy.

Friend1: Right.

Friend2: Yet we have this body right now. We cannot discard it. Suicide doesn’t help in gaining liberation. The idea is to use what we have for the right purpose. A change in direction. Then the nature of the elements changes. The maya goes to Brahman. It is difficult to understand; it can only be realized, and with great effort at that.

Friend1: So the nature of the senses will change, also?

Friend2: Absolutely. They are still imperfect in the way of taking measurement, but they are the conduit for interacting with the world around us. The senses engaged in bhakti-yoga will get to experience genuine spiritual life, which is beyond the senses.

Friend1: Okay, but because of my defects can’t I get cheated easily? Won’t I be prone to following a pretender?

Friend2: That is why the only way to truly know Bhagavan is to get His favor first. He sends the proper guru when there is a sincere desire. The guru then shows the way towards understanding the Supreme Lord, for keeping Him always with you through consciousness.

Friend1: Krishna consciousness.

Friend2: Chanting the holy names, which though involving the senses is not a material activity: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Imperfect senses a defect,
Not properly to detect.

That rope looking like snake,
Mirage in desert appearing as lake.

How to understand Bhagavan then,
Since relying on senses when?

Parts of body used but not in illusion,
Guru and God for proper conclusion.

Four Things We Might Get Offended Over

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Prahlada, O most pure, O great saintly person, your father has been purified, along with twenty-one forefathers in your family. Because you were born in this family, the entire dynasty has been purified.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.10.18)

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श्री-भगवान् उवाच
त्रिः-सप्तभिः पिता पूतः
पितृभिः सह ते ’नघ
यत् साधो ’स्य कुले जातो
भवान् वै कुल-पावनः

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
triḥ-saptabhiḥ pitā pūtaḥ
pitṛbhiḥ saha te ’nagha
yat sādho ’sya kule jāto
bhavān vai kula-pāvanaḥ

1. Someone cutting in line

“I was taking an international flight the other day. It was during the return trip to the United States where I got a look at how things operate differently elsewhere. In the home country, whenever the announcement for boarding starts, there is an orderly arrangement. Passengers go to their assigned queues.

“With this experience, it was as if the announcement never happened. Everyone rushed towards the gate. I was at the front already and these other people tried to cut ahead of me. I noticed similar behavior at restaurants, when ordering at the counter. I was thinking to myself that if the same should happen back home, it could lead to a physical altercation.”

2. Someone making a racial or ethnic joke

“I mean I guess people can’t help themselves. They are accustomed to living within a certain community, where their exposure to outside cultures is limited. Whenever they see me they feel the need to make a remark that has nothing to do with the situation. I notice the same with my friends, as well. The comments are very offensive, but what can we do? Just shrug it off and move on. At least that is the approach I take.”

3. Someone telling you to go back to your country

“Similar to the racially insensitive comments, here someone sees that my complexion is not the same as the majority of the population. Though I’ve lived in this country for longer than they have been alive, and though I don’t speak with an accent they sometimes make the derogatory remark about leaving for home. This is my home, but arguing with someone who has no intelligence is a losing battle.”

4. Someone cheating us out of money

“I told this person that I did not want the extended warranty. I have purchased cars before. I have never used the warranty. I think it’s a rip-off. Even after the fact, the salesperson ended up adding it to my total for the purchase. The amount was rolled into the loan, so it was difficult to notice the additional expenditure.

“Anyway, right now I am so upset. I hate being cheated like this. I don’t mind spending the extra money, but don’t lie to me. It makes me never want to buy a new car again.”

…

These experiences are representative of the daily struggle involved with living amongst other individuals. The spirit soul is separate and distinct from other living beings. Though the quality is the same, the identity is different.

As that individuality will be exercised, there are sure to be clashes. There is much over which to be offended, but we get an idea on the saintly nature from a historical person named Prahlada. The son of a Daitya king, he diverged from the path of his forefathers by choosing the side of pure goodness.

The result was the worst kind of punishment. Prahlada had to face lethal force applied by his own father, who was the greatest atheist. In this regard, the child of five years of age had the most justification for taking offense. It would be understandable if he held a grudge against the lowest among mankind.

Yet when the final blow of justice arrived, Prahlada was not vengeful. The Supreme Lord dedicated a special descent for that situation, appearing as the half-man/half-lion named Narasimha. He did away with Hiranyakashipu, while the king’s son was offering a garland to the victor.

Prahlada was not jumping for joy, but he was pleased to see God in that amazing form. Afterwards, Prahlada asked for pardon for the sinful father. Though Hiranyakashipu was now departed, the ever-forgiving son wished the best for him.

This compassion was not due to ignorance. It was not misapplied, either. Rooted in intelligence, Prahlada understood that his father was under the sway of ignorance and that uncontrolled lust will cause a person to do the worst things.

That lust is conquered through the shelter of the Divine, who is always willing to forgive, in the same way as the saints who represent Him, like Prahlada Maharaja.

In Closing:

Cutting in front of the line,
Remarks about skin color of mine.

Cheated of my money to earn,
Telling me to country to return.

So offended easily can be,
In Prahlada different behavior to see.

Though to him worst father gave,
Later asking God for soul to save.

Why Would Someone Be Offended At Krishna Being Called A Magician

“My dear Krishna, Your Lordship has protected us from a poisoned cake, from a great fire, from cannibals, from the vicious assembly, from sufferings during our exile in the forest and from the battle where great generals fought. And now You have saved us from the weapon of Ashvatthama.” (Queen Kunti, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.8.24)

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विषान् महाग्नेः पुरुषाद-दर्शनाद्
असत्-सभाया वन-वास-कृच्छ्रतः
मृधे मृधे ऽनेक-महारथास्त्रतो
द्रौण्य्-अस्त्रतश् चास्म हरे ऽभिरक्षिताः

viṣān mahāgneḥ puruṣāda-darśanād
asat-sabhāyā vana-vāsa-kṛcchrataḥ
mṛdhe mṛdhe ‘neka-mahārathāstrato
drauṇy-astrataś cāsma hare ‘bhirakṣitāḥ

Friend1: One time I was at an assembled gathering and someone was explaining the Draupadi sari incident.

Friend2: You were with devotees?

Friend1: Sat-sanga. Discourse on topics related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan. The speaker was of the proper qualification, if that is what you are asking.

Friend2: Alright.

Friend1: In their lengthy discourse, they casually mentioned that Krishna is something like a magician in the way He can help people.

Friend2: Yes, the sari on the body of the princess became ananta. The limited transformed into unlimited. The people witnessing had no idea. They could not believe that Draupadi was wearing such a garment.

Friend1: It was because she called out to Govinda for help. He is the well-wisher of the devotees, though He stands in a neutral position at first:

समो ऽहं सर्व-भूतेषु
न मे द्वेष्यो ऽस्ति न प्रियः
ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या
मयि ते तेषु चाप्य् अहम्

samo ‘haṁ sarva-bhūteṣu
na me dveṣyo ‘sti na priyaḥ
ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā
mayi te teṣu cāpy aham

“I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.29)

Friend2: The other side was aligned with adharma, irreligiosity. That is why Govinda did not favor them.

Friend1: An odd thing occurred at this meeting. One of the audience members took offense. They aggressively questioned the speaker in response:

“Are you saying that Krishna is a magician? Do you think that is a proper comparison to make? What are you trying to say, then?”

Friend2: I see.

Friend1: Why would someone take offense to that, though?

Friend2: A magician is a master of illusion. They aren’t really sawing that person in half. They didn’t actually produce a bunny rabbit from a hat.

Friend1: And that coin wasn’t really behind my ear the entire time.

Friend2: Yes, so they can create illusions very nicely. The audience understands this going in. They want to be entertained in that manner.

Friend1: Isn’t maya illusion, though? Isn’t Krishna responsible for maya’s potency? Aren’t most of us enthralled in this show that carries on in virtually every aspect of our lives?

Friend2: Absolutely. He is a magician in that way, for sure. I think maybe the person was offended because Krishna didn’t actually fool anybody with the sari incident. He is capable of producing something out of nothing. That is the origin of the world, in fact, except what we think of nothing is known as the unmanifest. Just because we can’t perceive it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.

Friend1: It is therefore something created from something, but we don’t know what that original something is.

Friend2: Exactly. Krishna is Yogeshvara, the master of all mystic power. He can save Draupadi from shameful harassment from the Kauravas. He can enter the womb of Uttara and protect King Parikshit from danger. He can show the entire universe inside of His mouth to a concerned mother Yashoda. Best of all, the illusion that has full control over me right now can be eliminated through Krishna’s help in the form of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Womb of Uttara entering,
And Parikshit sheltering.

Sari for Draupadi extending,
That magic of illusion pretending.

But potency from Him real,
Depending on desire to reveal.

For understanding to get,
That always above maya set.

Three Aspects Of Narasimhadeva That Did Not Create Fierceful Havoc Before Prahlada

“My Lord, who are never conquered by anyone, I am certainly not afraid of Your ferocious mouth and tongue, Your eyes bright like the sun or Your frowning eyebrows. I do not fear Your sharp, pinching teeth, Your garland of intestines, Your mane soaked with blood, or Your high, wedgelike ears. Nor do I fear Your tumultuous roaring, which makes elephants flee to distant places, or Your nails, which are meant to kill Your enemies.” (Prahlada Maharaja, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.9.15)

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नाहं बिभेम्य् अजित ते ’तिभयानकास्य-
जिह्वार्क-नेत्र-भ्रुकुटी-रभसोग्र-दंष्ट्रात्
आन्त्र-स्रजः-क्षतज-केशर-शङ्कु-कर्णान्
निर्ह्राद-भीत-दिगिभाद् अरि-भिन्-नखाग्रात्

nāhaṁ bibhemy ajita te ’tibhayānakāsya-
jihvārka-netra-bhrukuṭī-rabhasogra-daṁṣṭrāt
āntra-srajaḥ-kṣataja-keśara-śaṅku-karṇān
nirhrāda-bhīta-digibhād ari-bhin-nakhāgrāt

“You probably get this question a lot. I am new to bhakti-yoga. I was drawn in by the sound of the chanting of the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“I enjoy visiting the temple, taking offerings known as prasadam, and reading authorized translations of sacred texts like Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam. One thing is that the image of Narasimha seems a little out of place to me.

“We are here to learn about the difference between matter and spirit. I am not the body and neither are you. The temple is supposed to be a peaceful atmosphere. I am wondering why we celebrate and honor such a ghastly image. It instills fear, and I thought bhakti is supposed to be about love.”

The true force to fear in this world is maya, which is illusion. The person who does not have a healthy respect for this energy sourced in the Supreme Lord will be overcome by dualities such as attraction and aversion.

इच्छाद्वेषसमुत्थेन द्वन्द्वमोहेन भारत।
सर्वभूतानि संमोहं सर्गे यान्ति परन्तप।।

icchādveṣasamutthena dvandvamohena bhārata।
sarvabhūtāni saṃmohaṃ sarge yānti parantapa।।

“O scion of Bharata [Arjuna], O conqueror of the foe, all living entities are born into delusion, overcome by the dualities of desire and hate.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.27)

From the exemplary behavior of Prahlada Maharaja, we see that there is nothing to fear from the image of Narasimha, who is a special manifestation [avatara] of Bhagavan descending for the destruction of the Daitya leader named Hiranyakashipu.

1. The big jaw and nails

Though God never takes a material form, the images He shows are not accidental. There is a purpose to the amazing visual that is Narasimha, the half-man/half-lion. Hiranyakashipu previously received special boons offering him protection against fatal attack. It was not an ironclad promise, but more with respect to specific situations and sources.

The jaw and nails were outside of the scope. Hiranyakashipu never thought to ask protection from these, since what can nails really do? They are typically not used as weapons, especially against a powerful king.

The jaw was ready to devour that great offender to the saintly class. Kala, a word that means both time and death, applies to every person, but here Bhagavan arranged a special kind of departure for Prahlada’s father.

2. The fiery tongue

As His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says, this did not create any “fierceful havoc” before Prahlada. The tongue would enjoy digging into the stomach of the slain leader. While this kind of death is certainly gruesome, it was befitting punishment for having tortured Prahlada for so long. Hiranyakashipu was merciless in his attempts to kill his five year-old son, and so Narasimha would only repay the favor.

3. The gigantic lion head

It is not every day that I run into a lion. If I should spot one, noticing first its head, I will try my best to escape the situation. Without special weapons, I am no match for that king of the jungle.

Prahlada was not afraid, since he knew this was Vishnu. The child was not much interested in the destruction of his father, either, but he understood the work that the Supreme Lord has to do from time to time.

Hiranyakashipu should have been afraid of maya, but he wasn’t. He should have respected Prahlada, but he didn’t. He should have changed his ways, as advised by the son, but he had no plans to. Instead, he had to face the most fearful image while quitting the body. Yet that image was auspicious for everyone involved, and it continues to be for those who meditate on it today.

In Closing:

Though lion mouth ferocious,
Image for everyone auspicious.

Since the Supreme Lord found,
Who giving punishment sound.

To Hiranya God never detected,
And thought always protected.

Fear only from maya should be,
And not from Narasimha to see.