Envying Those Who Are Entangled

“A man must elevate himself by his own mind, not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.5)

Download this episode (right click and save)

उद्धरेद् आत्मनात्मानं
नात्मानम् अवसादयेत्
आत्मैव ह्य् आत्मनो बन्धुर्
आत्मैव रिपुर् आत्मनः

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ
nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur
ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ

“I am keenly aware that I should know better. These teachings are making an impact; don’t get me wrong. I see clearly now; better than I ever have in my life. Previously, it was as if the years were on repeat. Do the same thing, day after day, week after week, month after month.

“I had no purpose. I was in despair. Hope was lost. Then, like a ray of Divine light, the knowledge arrived in my hands. I hadn’t specifically asked for it, but perhaps the man upstairs was watching the entire time and knew something was wrong.

“I get the basic difference between body and spirit. I am Brahman, part of the spiritual energy. The body is ever-changing and does not represent me. This human life is meant for inquiring into spiritual matters. I should be conscious of the personal God at the time of quitting; the departure for the next life.

“The place where I get stuck sometimes is envy. I cannot help it. It looks like others have more than me, that they are advancing in life, while I have not moved. I am not so much upset at their happiness as I am disappointed in my lack of progress.

“To give more specifics, say that everyone around me is married, has children, and owns a home. If I have none of those things, then I will surely feel pressured. My peers are living a certain way, and I have been focused on spiritual life the entire time. I am so thankful for that awakening, but it looks like there has been a price to pay.

“You don’t have to take that situation necessarily to understand the dilemma. Peer pressure, in general. How does the Vaishnava cope? What if they lack the proper association, where they don’t have others to validate the kind of life being lived?”

It is only natural to have these misgivings, to feel inferior in the face of an alternative way of life. Others are enjoying at the night club, consuming adult beverages. They don’t have to request a special diet when dining out at the restaurant. They don’t have to explain their beliefs; a certain way of life is assumed. They are not the odd ones out.

At the same time, to get over the envy is not difficult. I am essentially jealous of how entangled someone else is. Everything that they have which is in the category of material advancement is another source of entanglement.

That house looks beautiful on the outside, but imagine the upkeep. The pressure of making the monthly mortgage payment, of knowing that if something goes wrong inside the owner has to fix it. It is not so easy to simply abandon the home and live someplace else.

That couple looks to be living the life, with their beautiful children in toe, but behind the curtain there is tremendous strife and tension. Daily arguments to the point that the police sometimes need to intervene. These are adult human beings, after all, and if you put any independently-thinking people together there are bound to be conflicts.

That person we see enjoying out on the town night after night does not show their doubts and fears when arriving home late. They seek something more in life, an answer to the mystery of this great existence, but they will never reveal that weakness to others.

As Shri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita, the mind can be the greatest enemy if not controlled. When pointed in the proper direction, it can act as the greatest friend. The Supreme Lord, the all-attractive one, is capable of acting as our peer in the sense that He will be someone to validate the decision for devotional life.

The example of the acharyas is full of sacrifice and austerity, for bucking the trend, for rebelling against the standard way that causes so much misery and heartache. They have done so much to clear the path for us, to ensure that we can always blissfully chant the holy names and return to Godhead: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

From acharyas’ favor to earn,
Booked trip ticket return.

To Godhead and Krishna to see,
Who wishing always best for me.

With this goal the world to view,
Not in competition chart to review.

Advancing others or not where,
Only on highest objective to care.

Truth Is Treason In An Empire Of Lies

“The Lord is the protector of cows and the brahminical culture. A society devoid of cow protection and brahminical culture is not under the direct protection of the Lord, just as the prisoners in the jails are not under the protection of the king but under the protection of a severe agent of the king.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.14.34 Purport)

Download this episode (right click and save)

“Seeing the situation in the world today, I am that much more appreciative of the teachings of the acharyas. Especially the one who came to rescue me, though I wasn’t specifically seeking it. The one who taught me, though we never met in person. The one who continues to inspire me, to push me, though I have no way of knowing if he is directly pleased by my efforts.

“I am speaking of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He cuts to the chase. He tells it like it is. He is not afraid of anyone. I get the feeling that he is simply following tradition, that the teachers in the line have always been like this. They don’t really care if anyone gets offended or not.

“Speaking of that, it seems in the modern world you cannot describe the truth of any situation. Say the wrong thing, even in jest, and you could lose your job. The term for it is ‘cancel culture.’. You’ve got volunteer monitors everywhere, with their cameras. Today, they are even wearing masks.

“I see what we are living through and I think I am experiencing a nightmare, that it cannot be real. How did this happen? What should we do? How do we rescue others from the darkness of ignorance when you cannot even shine the light on basic deficiencies, like killing of cows and lack of a brahmana society?”

The acharyas say that the multiplied effect of rampant sinful life must manifest. That is to say we can only ignore the problem for so long. Eventually, the horrible fruits of the initial deeds manifest, to the dismay of those in the dark.

One of the names for the Supreme Personality of Godhead is Govinda. He gives pleasure to the cows and to the senses. For whatever reason, the cows are dear to Him. We can try to understand logically, but then so much about this temporary world is contradictory.

Better to follow the guidelines first and assess the results later. See if society is indeed happier when this loveable animal is protected and not sent to the slaughterhouses. See if the consciousness becomes purified through affection offered to an animal that is a mother in the same way as the human version is.

Of course, there could not be any correction in behavior without someone to offer guidance. This is one of the purposes of the brahmana class. People trained to follow certain behaviors, to exhibit certain qualities, like cleanliness, tolerance, self-control, and knowledge.

शमो दमस् तपः शौचं
क्षान्तिर् आर्जवम् एव च
ज्ञानं विज्ञानम् आस्तिक्यं
ब्रह्म-कर्म स्वभाव-जम्

śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ
kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ
brahma-karma svabhāva-jam

“Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness—these are the qualities by which the brahmanas work.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.42)

The properly trained brahmana, the one who is qualified, speaks the truth. Sometimes that is unpalatable. I do not want to hear that my way of life is an illusion, that it will dissipate in the manner of a cloud moving through the sky. I am not favorable to the idea of austerity, control over sense gratification. I certainly might not want to dedicate my life to devotion, to worshiping someone I have been subtly competing with since before I can remember.

Yet it is vital that I hear this information. I should come across it at some time in my life. The message is for my benefit; the acharya is my greatest well-wisher. Their benevolence spans the entire society, from young to old, man to woman, and pious to sinful.

In a time when others may not be receptive, when they denounce anything that challenges their worldview, there is always the option to change hearts and minds through transcendental sound. Catch the attention through sacred mantras, repeated from the realized souls and travelling to those with the potential to escape from the cycle of birth and death: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Immediate doom to spell,
When the real truth to tell.

Though best to be accepted,
As intolerant rejected.

How then the society to save,
When grossly sinful to behave?

Possible to rescue just through sound,
This magic potion from acharya found.

Three External Factors Kamsa Could Rely On To Help Him

“While Vasudeva was carrying his son Krishna in the falling rain, Lord Shesha in the shape of a serpent spread His hood over the head of Vasudeva so that he would not be hampered by the rainfall. Vasudeva came onto the bank of the Yamuna and saw that the water of the Yamuna was roaring with waves and that the whole span was full of foam. Still, in that furious feature, the river gave passage to Vasudeva to cross, just as the great Indian Ocean gave a path to Lord Rama when He was bridging over the gulf.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 3)

Download this episode (right click and save)

If he were a contestant on a reality television show, Kamsa would have it made. Though the challenge might seem difficult, he would have everything at his disposal. No expense spared. No corner ignored. No resource under-utilized.

The goal was to prevent destiny, as previously proclaimed by a voice in the sky. The akasha-vani warned Kamsa that his sister Devaki’s eighth child would be his doom. Death and destruction. A forced exit from this world. Though it is guaranteed for every person, who would prefer to remain conscious of this underlying principle of an existence on a daily basis?

Kamsa thought that his life was too important. It had to be preserved; never mind the cost. Forget dharma for a second. The highest form of piety for him, at the local level, was self-preservation. The king wielded his authority and power to the severest extent.

We know that he had the prison walls keeping Devaki and her husband Vasudeva under a watchful eye. There were the prison guards. There was the knowledge that every child born up until that point had been detected by the state.

Since daivam [destiny] was to be delivered through the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna, Kamsa required extra protection. There were other forces at play, not directly under his control, that would seem to aid his cause.

1. The dark of night

The eighth child finally did appear. It was the personal God, Narayana, who displayed His four-handed manifestation to the loving parents. Though Krishna was their newborn, He was Divine. That child assigned an important mission to the father.

Take Krishna to Gokula. Make sure no one finds out. In other words, escape from the prison, walk past the guards, and find your way to the other side of town, all by yourself, while carrying an infant.

Though Kamsa and everyone else in the kingdom were fast asleep, they had the dark of night on their side. Vasudeva did not get any help in seeing. He had to manage his way around the area, with limited vision, making sure not to trip over anything that would cause a noticeable sound. If Kamsa found out that Krishna had appeared, there would be severe consequences.

2. Pouring rain

Though Kamsa was asleep, he could count on nature to put obstacles along Vasudeva’s path. How do you combat pouring rain? You are carrying an infant. You can’t expose them to the elements. It would defeat the entire purpose.

3. A raging Yamuna River

Vasudeva managed to make it to the banks of the Yamuna River. Unfortunately, he found that the river was anything but calm. How was the father going to cross? All of this hard work and it would go for naught. At this point it was not humanly possible to continue.

Despite the many conditions favoring Kamsa and his life of adharma, Shri Krishna is the great purifier. He provides to the devotees what they lack and preserves what they have.

अनन्याश् चिन्तयन्तो मां
ये जनाः पर्युपासते
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां
योग-क्षेमं वहाम्य् अहम्

ananyāś cintayanto māṁ
ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ
yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham

“But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form - to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.22)

The effulgence from the transcendental body of Krishna was enough to see through the darkness. The trusted servant from Vaikuntha, Anantadeva, provided shelter from the pouring rain. He used his many hoods to create a makeshift umbrella, protecting the newborn.

The Yamuna River allowed Vasudeva to pass, in the same way that the ocean had previously let Shri Rama and friends cross to reach the island of Lanka. Though it looked like everything was favorable, anukula, for Kamsa, it was actually the other way around. By Krishna’s grace, the inauspicious can become auspicious.

In Closing:

Despite much attention paid,
Change in conditions made.

By Shri Krishna the one,
Who to Vasudeva to come.

Previously king anukula thought,
But child the unfavorable brought.

And father succeeding where,
Past every obstacle there.

What Is The Best Response To The Bigotry Problem

“People should first be taught what they are. Are they their bodies, or something else? That is the beginning of education. Now everyone is educated to think he is his body. Because someone accidentally gets an American body, he thinks, ‘I am an American.’ This is just like thinking, ‘I am a red shirt,’ just because you are wearing a red shirt. You are not a red shirt; you are a human being. Similarly, this body is like a shirt or coat over the real person—the spirit soul. If we recognize ourselves simply by our bodily ‘shirt’ or ‘coat,’ then we have no spiritual education.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Science Of Self-Realization, Ch 2a)

Download this episode (right click and save)

Friend1: I think the definition of “offensive speech” is rapidly expanding.

Friend2: What do you mean? What are you basing this opinion on?

Friend1: In general, the kind of statement which can get a person fired. Namely, a person of prominence.

Friend2: Like a television star?

Friend1: Right, or an athlete. They have endorsements, after all. It’s gotten ridiculous. The modern term for it is “cancel culture.”

Friend2: I am offended and never listening to you again. How dare you say such a thing.

Friend1: Meanwhile, most of the offended are not patrons. That is to say I am outraged over what someone said and I demand that they be fired, but I never actually heard of this person until now.

Friend2: Another aspect to the illusion that is maya. I’ve read where many of these cancel campaigns are really run by a handful of people. They develop algorithms to post messages to make it look like millions of people are outraged.

Friend1: The offensive speech usually relates to gender, ethnicity or race. It seems the divisions run deep and date back many years.

Friend2: Since the beginning of time. Shastra teaches that this is the real skin disease. A person identifies with their gross body, which is temporary.

Friend1: I know that spiritual education is the only cure, but is there a kind of quick hit that can get a person’s attention right off the bat? You know, without going into the difference between matter and spirit, the Brahman energy, seeing the spiritual equality of all beings, etc.

Friend2: To me, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says it best. If you are bigoted towards another race today, know that there is every chance you will end up taking birth as a member of that race in the future. Moreover, you might have been in your adversary’s position in a previous birth.

Friend1: You know, that is really important to realize. Because people tend to identify with their ancestors of many generations prior. They look back in history and the treatment of a particular race and then demand restitution.

Friend2: Fixing the wrong, even though neither you nor I were living during that time. They may not even be my ancestors, since members of my family came to the country via immigration. I might share the same race with people from one hundred years ago, but my family history is different.

Friend1: The concept would be, “Don’t hate your enemy, because one day you might become them.”

Friend2: Oh, for sure. It is a way to view life in their shoes, as well. A different perspective. Truly understanding both sides. An intelligent person makes their decision after considering the various points of view. Otherwise, the easiest thing to do is hate.

Friend1: Point the finger of accusation. “You are a sinner,” however a sinner is defined.

Friend2: There is the additional complication that the differences are in one sense real. People inhabit different body types, and those have different qualities. We are the same on the inside, but obviously there are tendencies depending on the type of body you accept. There should be unity in diversity. Everyone working towards a common cause. Strength through peace and love, directed at the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the source of the material and spiritual energies.

In Closing:

Hatred from this side to see,
Thinking that different from me.

But in future possibly to become,
Change through reincarnation done.

Understanding the proper way,
Hearing what others have to say.

Since a single father everyone to share,
Only from spiritual education aware.

Like Winning After Losing The Entire Time

“And whoever, at the time of death, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.5)

Download this episode (right click and save)

अन्त-काले च माम् एव
स्मरन् मुक्त्वा कलेवरम्
यः प्रयाति स मद्-भावं
याति नास्त्य् अत्र संशयः

anta-kāle ca mām eva
smaran muktvā kalevaram
yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ
yāti nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ

In some competitions it is the intentional strategy. Don’t bother setting the pace. Why expend energy when someone else has reserves to tap into towards the finish line? Remain just far enough away that you feel comfortable making a push when the time is right.

In other sports, it just happens to work out that way. You spend the entire time behind. It looks like the other team is winning. They are on the verge of victory. Then, at the last moment, when there is no time remaining, you come back. You snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The analysts don’t know what to say. They review the statistics. Over an extended series consisting of seven matches, your side hardly ever was in front. Either even or behind. But you won in the end. None of the other numbers really matter.

A similar achievement is possible with life and death itself. From shastra we learn that the jiva soul, the conditioned living entity, has been spinning on the wheel of suffering, samsara-chakra, since before anyone can remember. Birth after birth, life after life.

Memory gets reset with each entry into the world. This explains why I can’t remember my previous existences. Even from within this lifetime, I have no recollection of the very beginning, the time spent in the womb. This proves that memory is not the sole determining factor for establishing a truth. There has to be an element of faith and trust involved; extended to authority figures.

In this human birth, specifically, I hope to stop the cycle. The choice is mine. It is up to me. I have complete control, though it seems otherwise. The three sources of misery and illusion surrounding me jerk the consciousness in different directions.

I am upset over what a celebrity has said. I peruse the comments section on website stories, looking for an argument. I am upset at how everyone around me buys into whatever the government leaders tell them, not thinking for themselves. I feel trapped, though I really have a great degree of freedom.

Despite significant time spent in illusion, up until the very last moment there is the opportunity for liberation. I could be fighting a losing battle, but if I hold on to the lotus feet of the all-attractive one, I will emerge victorious. I will be saved.

For confirmation, there is the direct promise from the Bhagavad-gita, spoken by Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. There is additional evidence through the example of saints already dedicated to a life of service in devotion. They provide a visual model of what life in liberation is like, i.e. what awaits on the other side.

If that opportunity is there for the taking until the very end, I should seize upon it immediately. Why wait? Take advantage of the chance and never look back. Others have made significant sacrifices for a clear path today.

Parikshit heard for seven days at the very end of life. Ajamila found liberation through a name, and Dasharatha never forgot his son. Let us remember in the same way, starting today, with the chanting of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

After losing entire time,
Suddenly victory to find.

Potential was always there,
Of reversal’s chance aware.

With end to life the same,
Where chanting holy name.

And remembering Him so,
Into liberation to go.

Radhashtami 2020

“Shrimati Radharani is the center of all Vrindavana's activities. In Vrindavana, Krishna is the instrument of Shrimati Radharani; therefore all the inhabitants of Vrindavana still chant ‘Jaya Radhe.’” (Shrila Prabhupada, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 13.150 Purport)

Download this episode (right click and save)

Friend1: I know that Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is not alone. He has Radharani by His side.

Friend2: In certain depictions, yes.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: Well, sometimes, you have Krishna alongside the Queen of Dvaraka, Rukmini Devi. In some temples He will be with Satyabhama, another queen.

Friend1: Oh, right. I see what you mean. The focus today is on Radha-Krishna. I know they are factual personalities; not figments of the imagination. But there is also some symbolism to the image.

Friend2: How so?

Friend1: In what they represent. The male and female aspects of the Divine.

Friend2: True. God is one, but here you have two different sides to that one. Neither is necessarily inferior or subordinate.

Friend1: Radharani is also known as the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi. In this way, Krishna is the husband of the goddess of fortune.

Friend2: Which is the reason for another name, Madhava. You also have Shripati and Lakshmipati.

Friend1: That is so nice. I like how there are many forms of address. You can choose one to your liking and be equally as benefitted.

Friend2: The Supreme Lord is unlimited, after all. He could never be restricted to a single name, a single point of view, a single perspective, or a single tradition of spirituality. Sort of like how the sun goes by different names depending on which part of the world you live. Yet the sun is still the same; there aren’t multiple versions of it.

Friend1: One thing that a person might find odd is that in their earthly pastimes, Radharani appears in a part of the world that wouldn’t be considered fortunate.

Friend2: Why would you say that?

Friend1: It is a rural community. She is the daughter of Vrishabhanu. These are villagers, in essence. If she is the goddess of fortune, is there not a contradiction?

Friend2: An incompatibility of sorts?

Friend1: Yes; she is supposed to be the embodiment of fortune. Well then, where is it? Why is she living in some farmhouse? No electricity. No underground sewage system. No indoor plumbing. No high-speed internet.

Friend2: These are good questions. Radharani as goddess of fortune is one point of view. It is one perspective in honoring and worshiping her. It is an important view to have, since we should respect the Almighty and those dear to Him.

Friend1: What are you saying? She is not really the goddess of fortune?

Friend2: No; I am saying she is much more than that. In the temple, we dress the deities opulently because we look upon them as Vishnu and Lakshmi. The mood of worship is awe and reverence. This is the explanation of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Friend1: Okay.

Friend2: Radharani’s actual position is difficult to understand. The love between the two, Radha and Krishna, is so amazing that there is the Divine descent as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in an attempt to understand.

Friend1: The golden avatara who teaches specifically about madhurya-rasa. In other words, reaching the pinnacle of bliss in bhakti life.

Friend2: And so the setting is a component to that love. Vrindavana is where Radha and Krishna enjoy the most. They are already the wealthiest people in the universe. It is not like Nanda and Vrishabhanu are poor. Just see how everyone is dressed, based on the paintings and depictions. Limitless cows. No economic problem. No lack of fresh air. Plenty of sunshine and exercise, without worrying about stock prices and your retirement account.

Friend1: Oh, absolutely. I know what you mean. Jewels everywhere. The finest dresses. No one walks around like that today. It is the best fashion sense. The men, the women, the children – everyone looks amazing.

Friend2: Which is not by accident. To this day, in Vrindavana people are more attached to Radha than Krishna. They celebrate her appearance anniversary day, Radhashtami, with so much love, affection, and joy.

Friend1: Provided the tyrannical, atheist government allows people to congregate for such celebrations. Not giving some bogus excuse as to prevent the onset of disease, which is a risk at every second of an existence.

Friend2: That kind of worship is the embodiment of good health. It is the most beneficial for everyone involved. Radharani as the goddess of fortune showers her blessings on the fortunate inhabitants, who always remember and honor her.

In Closing:

As goddess of fortune known,
But how in Vrindavana shown?

Where living in rural setting,
And not highest standard getting?

The most joy deriving in that place,
Krishna and She of moonlike face.

Radharani countless blessings giving,
Attached those on bhakti path living.

The Business Of The Demons Is To Nullify God

“While Vasudeva was carrying his son Krishna in the falling rain, Lord Shesha in the shape of a serpent spread His hood over the head of Vasudeva so that he would not be hampered by the rainfall. Vasudeva came onto the bank of the Yamuna and saw that the water of the Yamuna was roaring with waves and that the whole span was full of foam. Still, in that furious feature, the river gave passage to Vasudeva to cross, just as the great Indian Ocean gave a path to Lord Rama when He was bridging over the gulf.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 3)

Download this episode (right click and save)

“Ain’t no one gonna come save you now. Pray to the heavens all you want. Say it loud and clear. Scream it, for all I care. Won’t do you no good. There isn’t anyone on the other end. They hung up while you were on hold. They didn’t want to take this issue. Too hard for them to handle.

“Actually, I’m just messing with you. There was never anyone there to begin with. God is a myth. A figment of the imagination. A way for less intelligent people to try to explain what they can’t understand. If there really was somebody out there, witnessing everything, wouldn’t they step in and answer your prayers?”

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says that the business of the demons is to nullify God. They are relentless in this pursuit. They don’t let up. A defeat is not a cause for shame. An honest person reacts differently to a setback. They reassess the situation. They consider what they might have done wrong. They vow to change course in the future.

The demon, described as asura in Sanskrit, will not let go of their idea. Case in point Kamsa. He heard directly from Narada Muni that there was a previous birth. In that existence, Kamsa was known as Kalanemi. The Supreme Lord Vishnu had killed him.

Though he should have, Kamsa did not take this as evidence of the existence of the Almighty. He was living in fear of potential death at the hands of the eighth child of his sister, Devaki. Kamsa knew that the same Vishnu would arrive, but he thought he could nullify destiny.

His justification was that appearance takes place through birth, janma. Every person starts out as an infant, and in that state they are completely helpless. Kamsa would thereby take advantage of Vishnu’s position of dependency to pounce. Something like striking while the enemy is in a compromised position.

Such a fool was the leader of Mathura that he did not realize that for Vishnu to be Almighty, He would have to retain full potency in every state of being. No matter the visual He displayed for everyone else, He would stay in the superior position.

The infant child did eventually arrive. For all of Kamsa’s planning, he was not awake when the events went down. Everyone in charge of protecting the jail cell, for keeping an eye out for any funny business, was asleep.

The birth father, Vasudeva, escaped and took baby Krishna with him. It was indeed Vishnu, as Bhagavan showed moments prior. Vishnu’s trusted assistant, Anantadeva, was also there. Vasudeva reached a crossroads at the banks of the Yamuna River. How was he to make it to Gokula, the place to which Krishna asked to be transported?

As asuras are trying to nullify God, the suras are always supporting Him. As a reward for this devotion, Vishnu enables them to reach new heights of ability and accomplishment. Amazingly, Vasudeva crossed the river, holding Krishna above him. He completed the mission as assigned, and Kamsa’s vigilance proved for naught.

The nullification attempt is a silly one since every person is destined to meet with God; at least in the awe-inspiring and devouring form known as kala. This has two meanings which are essentially identical. Kala is time, and kala is also death. Death is just another moment in time, but a more striking and noteworthy one.

Kamsa had the great fortune of meeting kala in the form of the fist of Shri Krishna, who exacted revenge for the terror inflicted on the saintly people of the world for too long. Just as Kalanemi before, Kamsa would have to wait for another time to try again at eliminating God. For his brothers and sisters in spirit that attempt continues to this day, but the same son of Vasudeva works His magic and protects the saintly people devoted to Him.

In Closing:

Since on sinful life bent,
Many a nullification attempt.

Kamsa trying wide awake,
With numerous precautions to take.

But at moment asleep at the wheel,
Vasudeva with new son to steal.

And destiny never to deny,
No matter how much to try.