Which One for You? From Chubby Baby to Romantic Dancer to Commander in Chief…

The most colourful and lovable divine figure in Indian mythology is Lord Krishna. The word ‘Krishna’ means the one who attracts, one who is like a magnet and one whose presence immediately creates love in thousands of people.Lord Krishna’s flute indicates celebration, love, song and dance but he has many sides to his identity. Seven of these aspects were selected for a recent survey for a few hundred Osholovers who know of Lord Krishna. Here are the outstanding responses which highlight their personal perception of Lord Krishna. Most women imagine to be Krishna’s Radha. This is the most interesting outcome of this survey. But they overlook two major qualities to follow Radha: total and utter surrender and spiritual progress to identify the divinity instead of just romance, song and dance. These responses make spicy reading.

Next comes Krishna of the Geeta. Their answers displayed their intellect and understanding of the Gita, the song celestial; and, of course, their spiritual quotient. Thus, these answers are enlightening.The most unusual response was from a senior citizen with great knowledge of the Geeta and has delivered many discourses to explain this scripture to others. Most unconventionally, he opted for teenage Krishna who wanted to glimpse the bare breasts of the bathing Gopis.

Osho says, “Krishna is utterly incomparable; he is so unique. Firstly, his uniqueness lies in the fact that although Krishna happened in the ancient past he belongs to the future, is really of the future. Man has yet to grow to that height where he can be a contemporary of Krishna's. He is still beyond man's understanding; he continues to puzzle and battle us. Only in some future time will we be able to understand him and appreciate his virtues.

Which one of these six Krishna personality is YOUR favourite? And why?

‘Baby’ Krishna, the cutest, chubby infant, who stole butter so innocently…

Urvashi: Baby Krishna for his mischief and mischievous looks.

Shweta: The little Krishna as his naughtiness is very infectious. Yet he is so aware.

Archna: As I never thought to like one out of all seven. Basically, I am fascinated by Bal Gopal and also impressed by Krishna who has given Geeta from which I and humanity learn a lot.

Note: All mothers.

‘Cowboy’ Krishna who herded cows and saved them from a massive storm by lifting up a mountain…

Second-year university student, Rhea: My favourite side of Krishna is the cow herding Krishna. I am able to relate to the bond of love between Krishna and the cows, the attachment is really heart-warming. He knew them like the back of his hand, and would go searching in case anyone went missing. When I visualise Krishna in the green meadows with the cows, it fills me with a sense of joy and tranquillity. The silent exchange of humans with animals and nature in general is delicate and blissful. It has the power to take us to a higher plane

‘Teenager’ Krishna who grabbed the clothes of young girls bathing in River Yamuna and returned them only when they exposed their breasts to him?

Rajnish: The Teenager. In all other roles, there is an element of divinity. In the role of a teenager, he is totally human like you and me.

 ‘Romantic’ Krishna who played his flute and his female friends, including Radha, came running to dance the night away in divine ecstasy?

The first to respond, Richa, a senior surgeon, wrote: Romantic Krishna, of course.

A dialogue followed: Why? Way to samadhi.

Yes, but you go for Romantic Krishna as a woman in love with him... Every woman yearns for a god to love who can completely fulfil her. Does every woman first surrender totally like Radha or Meera?

Does every woman rise to His spirituality to discover his divinity?

A medical student in final year, Kiran: Romantic Krishna is my favourite. In Indian mythology, gods are always seen with seriousness and with pious eyes that make them appear far from human. Lord Krishna's romantic side makes it fun and lively and human yet godly. It’s refreshing.

Can you surrender totally to Lord Krishna to become a Gopi? I don’t think so. Not everyone can let go of the ego and entanglements to totally surrender oneself. But no one is immune to the charms of Krishna. Meera and Radha and many, many women who surrendered were lovers and devotees to him...that devotion is uncommon.

Dance instructor and chorographer Ruchi: Hahaha....it’s hard for someone who understands the intricacies of the human relationships.... but if I had to choose one.... then I would choose.... Krishna as a lover .... as also romance and shringaar (adornment ) is considered the mujadara of human relationships...Krishna's love is spiritual not emotional. Obviously, we know that.... but he is as human (gross)and as spiritual (subtle)......Spirituality is for those with antennae.

Sufi whirling expert Meera: Tough to select the best one.. but if you insist.... Gopis gave him their hearts... with their total surrender. May we dissolve completely. All is Osho. Our Krishna Buddha Jesus is Only Osho. Nothing left of us as we know…

A committed Krishna devotee, Priti: All.... Seems he had done these Lilas. He was just present .... His presence...his love. Manifested in these lilas.. he did nothing.

Mukta: Romantic Krishna. I see my lover in Romantic Krishna. Are you his Radha? I wish.

Yajna: Romantic Krishna because of his charm because women like to be pampered. Krishna's charm is so good.

Keirti: Romantic Krishna… sending lots of love and happiness.

Shraddha: Romantic Krishna. Are you Radha? Not always, some times.

Ameera: I think the Romantic Krishna is my favourite.... Why?? Because of the celebration, the laughter, the dance, the music and the joy.... All so beautiful...

The only male in this category, Rajpal: Romantic Krishna, I think this is your favourite also.

‘Diplomat’ Krishna who delivered messages between two warring groups of cousins to try and avert a war?

Full of laughter, Hasya: My favourite diplomat Krishna. Because in this era, we need diplomat Krishna... His words are like a pep talk. Energetic and shows us how to handle tough situations

‘The Supreme Lord’ Krishna who delivered the eternal unparalleled message of Gita on the battlefield to inspire seekers for the ensuing ten thousand years?

Journalist and author Aekta: For me, Krishna is always the Supreme Lord who knows all, sees all and guides me through my hands and eyes and words -- everything I think, speak and do is a manifestation of His Divine Grace. For me, the most challenging dharma has been to surrender to His Will even if it demands supreme effort and sacrifice from me, because as a mere mortal I sometimes shy away from my own true purpose and pretend to 'unsee' what He wants of me. Eventually He wins, of course!

Medial professional Neelam: The answer to this (survey) changes with age. I would have liked romantic Krishna in my younger years but now I like the Supreme Lord.

Medical doctor Sangeeta: Don't know.... He seems to me my beloved. Also, diplomat Krishna... Best one is Geeta’s Krishna....

Chirag: All of them are lovely but if I have to choose one then sixth one is my favourite because in this one, he completes a human journey.

Goldy: ‘The Supreme Lord’ Krishna who delivered the eternal unparalleled message of Gita on the battlefield to inspire seekers for ten thousand years because his teachings are the best way to live life in today’s circumstances.

Written a post-graduate thesis on Osho on education Nidhi: As a seeker, I relate to this and Osho’s intense commentary on him gave me many insights to live my life. As a woman, I don’t like Romantic Krishna at all. I need a lover who is simply

mine, not attracting many women with his flute or anything else. As a woman, I like Shiva.

Manda: ‘The Supreme Lord’ Krishna for me because he inspired the seekers for thousands of years. Simple!

The males - Jain: The Supreme Lord Krishna because here he says, ‘I am the beginning, middle and end of the creation’. And many greater great things he said in the Gita. And I also love the romantic form of him where he keeps up his promises to love female friends which he claims to be the females which want him in the past births and promised them all to be with them all in the future (and fulfilled their wishes by doing Raas Leela).

Devotional singer Charanjeet: I love all roles, but to choose the best, it is

‘Romantic’ Krishna. Because of course! there is ecstasy there. In this role, he is not rolling, he is as he exists, but in other roles he is in role due to others. I love

Krishna within me while acting all roles. He is continually playing his Anhad Naad flute within me. I always try to keep listening this flute. Osho made me aware me about the real portrait of Krishna. Later, the same explanation about Krishna I found in shapad of Guru Nanak. Today, I will sing a particular shabad about Krishna.

‘Commander in Chief’ of Pandava army who led it to victory without taking active part in fighting, and despite much lower number of soldiers and less outstanding fighters?

No one appreciated Lord Krishna in this role because it is not widely known. Going beyond truth and falsehood, Krishna wins the war. Why? Because he is beyond duality and witnesses the world as a ‘leela’ or a play.

To conclude: Lord Krishna is all these seven identities and many more. He walked this earth at least 5,000 years ago, says Osho, and it will take another 5,000 years to understand him!

Osho has talked extensively on Krishna, particularly in his path-breaking book ‘Krishna: The Man and His Philosophy’ wherein he has answered every possible question on Krishna.

Which One for You? From Chubby Baby to Romantic Dancer to Commander in Chief…

The most colourful and lovable divine figure in Indian mythology is Lord Krishna. The word ‘Krishna’ means the one who attracts, one who is like a magnet and one whose presence immediately creates love in thousands of people.Lord Krishna’s flute indicates celebration, love, song and dance but he has many sides to his identity. Seven of these aspects were selected for a recent survey for a few hundred Osholovers who know of Lord Krishna. Here are the outstanding responses which highlight their personal perception of Lord Krishna. Most women imagine to be Krishna’s Radha. This is the most interesting outcome of this survey. But they overlook two major qualities to follow Radha: total and utter surrender and spiritual progress to identify the divinity instead of just romance, song and dance. These responses make spicy reading.

Next comes Krishna of the Geeta. Their answers displayed their intellect and understanding of the Gita, the song celestial; and, of course, their spiritual quotient. Thus, these answers are enlightening.The most unusual response was from a senior citizen with great knowledge of the Geeta and has delivered many discourses to explain this scripture to others. Most unconventionally, he opted for teenage Krishna who wanted to glimpse the bare breasts of the bathing Gopis.

Osho says, “Krishna is utterly incomparable; he is so unique. Firstly, his uniqueness lies in the fact that although Krishna happened in the ancient past he belongs to the future, is really of the future. Man has yet to grow to that height where he can be a contemporary of Krishna's. He is still beyond man's understanding; he continues to puzzle and battle us. Only in some future time will we be able to understand him and appreciate his virtues.

Which one of these six Krishna personality is YOUR favourite? And why?

‘Baby’ Krishna, the cutest, chubby infant, who stole butter so innocently…

Urvashi: Baby Krishna for his mischief and mischievous looks.

Shweta: The little Krishna as his naughtiness is very infectious. Yet he is so aware.

Archna: As I never thought to like one out of all seven. Basically, I am fascinated by Bal Gopal and also impressed by Krishna who has given Geeta from which I and humanity learn a lot.

Note: All mothers.

‘Cowboy’ Krishna who herded cows and saved them from a massive storm by lifting up a mountain…

Second-year university student, Rhea: My favourite side of Krishna is the cow herding Krishna. I am able to relate to the bond of love between Krishna and the cows, the attachment is really heart-warming. He knew them like the back of his hand, and would go searching in case anyone went missing. When I visualise Krishna in the green meadows with the cows, it fills me with a sense of joy and tranquillity. The silent exchange of humans with animals and nature in general is delicate and blissful. It has the power to take us to a higher plane

‘Teenager’ Krishna who grabbed the clothes of young girls bathing in River Yamuna and returned them only when they exposed their breasts to him?

Rajnish: The Teenager. In all other roles, there is an element of divinity. In the role of a teenager, he is totally human like you and me.

 ‘Romantic’ Krishna who played his flute and his female friends, including Radha, came running to dance the night away in divine ecstasy?

The first to respond, Richa, a senior surgeon, wrote: Romantic Krishna, of course.

A dialogue followed: Why? Way to samadhi.

Yes, but you go for Romantic Krishna as a woman in love with him... Every woman yearns for a god to love who can completely fulfil her. Does every woman first surrender totally like Radha or Meera?

Does every woman rise to His spirituality to discover his divinity?

A medical student in final year, Kiran: Romantic Krishna is my favourite. In Indian mythology, gods are always seen with seriousness and with pious eyes that make them appear far from human. Lord Krishna's romantic side makes it fun and lively and human yet godly. It’s refreshing.

Can you surrender totally to Lord Krishna to become a Gopi? I don’t think so. Not everyone can let go of the ego and entanglements to totally surrender oneself. But no one is immune to the charms of Krishna. Meera and Radha and many, many women who surrendered were lovers and devotees to him...that devotion is uncommon.

Dance instructor and chorographer Ruchi: Hahaha....it’s hard for someone who understands the intricacies of the human relationships.... but if I had to choose one.... then I would choose.... Krishna as a lover .... as also romance and shringaar (adornment ) is considered the mujadara of human relationships...Krishna's love is spiritual not emotional. Obviously, we know that.... but he is as human (gross)and as spiritual (subtle)......Spirituality is for those with antennae.

Sufi whirling expert Meera: Tough to select the best one.. but if you insist.... Gopis gave him their hearts... with their total surrender. May we dissolve completely. All is Osho. Our Krishna Buddha Jesus is Only Osho. Nothing left of us as we know…

A committed Krishna devotee, Priti: All.... Seems he had done these Lilas. He was just present .... His presence...his love. Manifested in these lilas.. he did nothing.

Mukta: Romantic Krishna. I see my lover in Romantic Krishna. Are you his Radha? I wish.

Yajna: Romantic Krishna because of his charm because women like to be pampered. Krishna's charm is so good.

Keirti: Romantic Krishna… sending lots of love and happiness.

Shraddha: Romantic Krishna. Are you Radha? Not always, some times.

Ameera: I think the Romantic Krishna is my favourite.... Why?? Because of the celebration, the laughter, the dance, the music and the joy.... All so beautiful...

The only male in this category, Rajpal: Romantic Krishna, I think this is your favourite also.

‘Diplomat’ Krishna who delivered messages between two warring groups of cousins to try and avert a war?

Full of laughter, Hasya: My favourite diplomat Krishna. Because in this era, we need diplomat Krishna... His words are like a pep talk. Energetic and shows us how to handle tough situations

‘The Supreme Lord’ Krishna who delivered the eternal unparalleled message of Gita on the battlefield to inspire seekers for the ensuing ten thousand years?

Journalist and author Aekta: For me, Krishna is always the Supreme Lord who knows all, sees all and guides me through my hands and eyes and words -- everything I think, speak and do is a manifestation of His Divine Grace. For me, the most challenging dharma has been to surrender to His Will even if it demands supreme effort and sacrifice from me, because as a mere mortal I sometimes shy away from my own true purpose and pretend to 'unsee' what He wants of me. Eventually He wins, of course!

Medial professional Neelam: The answer to this (survey) changes with age. I would have liked romantic Krishna in my younger years but now I like the Supreme Lord.

Medical doctor Sangeeta: Don't know.... He seems to me my beloved. Also, diplomat Krishna... Best one is Geeta’s Krishna....

Chirag: All of them are lovely but if I have to choose one then sixth one is my favourite because in this one, he completes a human journey.

Goldy: ‘The Supreme Lord’ Krishna who delivered the eternal unparalleled message of Gita on the battlefield to inspire seekers for ten thousand years because his teachings are the best way to live life in today’s circumstances.

Written a post-graduate thesis on Osho on education Nidhi: As a seeker, I relate to this and Osho’s intense commentary on him gave me many insights to live my life. As a woman, I don’t like Romantic Krishna at all. I need a lover who is simply

mine, not attracting many women with his flute or anything else. As a woman, I like Shiva.

Manda: ‘The Supreme Lord’ Krishna for me because he inspired the seekers for thousands of years. Simple!

The males - Jain: The Supreme Lord Krishna because here he says, ‘I am the beginning, middle and end of the creation’. And many greater great things he said in the Gita. And I also love the romantic form of him where he keeps up his promises to love female friends which he claims to be the females which want him in the past births and promised them all to be with them all in the future (and fulfilled their wishes by doing Raas Leela).

Devotional singer Charanjeet: I love all roles, but to choose the best, it is

‘Romantic’ Krishna. Because of course! there is ecstasy there. In this role, he is not rolling, he is as he exists, but in other roles he is in role due to others. I love

Krishna within me while acting all roles. He is continually playing his Anhad Naad flute within me. I always try to keep listening this flute. Osho made me aware me about the real portrait of Krishna. Later, the same explanation about Krishna I found in shapad of Guru Nanak. Today, I will sing a particular shabad about Krishna.

‘Commander in Chief’ of Pandava army who led it to victory without taking active part in fighting, and despite much lower number of soldiers and less outstanding fighters?

No one appreciated Lord Krishna in this role because it is not widely known. Going beyond truth and falsehood, Krishna wins the war. Why? Because he is beyond duality and witnesses the world as a ‘leela’ or a play.

To conclude: Lord Krishna is all these seven identities and many more. He walked this earth at least 5,000 years ago, says Osho, and it will take another 5,000 years to understand him!

Osho has talked extensively on Krishna, particularly in his path-breaking book ‘Krishna: The Man and His Philosophy’ wherein he has answered every possible question on Krishna.