Krishna: The Living Contradiction

Among the many edicts and tales in Hindu Mythology, are those of the stories of the avatars of the
Lord Mahavishnu. Lord Vishnu is ordained to arrive in 10 incarnations for the deliverance of the
planet at its tipping points, before the end of our known reality. Lord Vishnu’s 8th avatar – Lord
Krishna is perhaps the most beloved god to the Indian people.

A curious observation on the life of Lord Krishna, reveals the nature of his very existence as a walking
antithesis to societal conforms. A study of his lifestyle and principles reveal a continued effort to
challenge norms and stereotypes in the most literal of senses.

Krishna’s skin is dark. Darker than the new moon in a starry sky. His not-so-fair complexion results in
his depictions on idols, sculptures and paintings on temple walls being jet black. The colour black is
primarily associated with the skin of asuras and rakhshasas while the other colours are reserved to
show the Gods and Devas alike. However, considering the limited colour scheme that is permitted
when drawing in brick or stone, our dark Krishna is shown in indigo blue. This break in visual norm
instantly hints at Lord Krishna being a polarising figure, highlighting his fickle and fluid state of
character.

Much of Krishna’s years growing up in the house of a cowherd at Vrindavan has been punctuated
with his mischievous activities. Krishna is a naughty child and is always up to mischief. He doesn’t
behave; but don’t good boys behave? Yet here is the prime example of a “good boy” – champion to
the gods and a saviour of the human race in the making – disobeying his elders for the sole purpose
of jest.

In his later years, Krishna’s philosophy during the Mahabharata war was to beat the Kauravas at their
own game, fighting fire with fire – and using tricks to vanquish and kill the enemy. What most devas
or even honourable fighters would consider as ‘cheating’ was fair game for Lord Krishna. After
berating Duryodhana and the Kauravas for their unjust methods, continued lies,hatred towards their
brethren, and deceitful tactics in usurping the Pandavas’ kingdom; Krishna put no time to waste in
stoking Arjuna’s fire and hatred before the war started. Put no time to waste in urging Yudhistira to
lie and disarm a powerful enemy, Dronacharya. Put no time to waste orchestrating a decisive victory
for the Pandavas to win their kingdom back. This is because Krishna always saw the bigger picture
and had the valuable skill of remaining a pragmatic person who saw their karma and action as a
means to a dharmic end – while viewing the actions of the Kauravas as karma for selfish and unjust
causes.

 The Kauravas lied to consolidate power. Krishna & Yudhistira lied to claim their birthright.
 The Kauravas used their hatred to plot the destruction of their innocent brothers. Krishna & Arjuna
used theirs to avenge Draupadi’s self-respect.

The eighth avatar of Vishnu is perhaps the polar opposite in his methods to the seventh – Lord Rama.
While Rama operated on the basis of “doing the right thing” almost certainly to a fault; Krishna
operated on the basis of achieving the right ends, through bitter means.

If children are not naughty, would their childhood be complete? How can we ever know if
children’s future will be propitious based on how they behave, interact and get exposed to, in their
very young age? These were the issues that formed the basis of my conversation with Amma
today, with reference to Isha’s Next school. A few kids being a bit mischievous and unruly
shouldn’t be the only reason to move Isha, I am not too kicked about Next either, but if there are
other issues which are also not as per your expectations then, definitely, look for a better school.