Religion and Theology: Lord Krishna - Research Paper Example

Religion and Theology: Lord Krishna "To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium" Lord Krishna, in The Bhagwad Gita: Chapter 2, verse 47 Lord Krishna, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, and is regarded as the eighth incarnation or 'avatar' of Lord Vishnu - the preserver of the universe, according to Hindu religious philosophy. In various Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna, is described as the embodiment of divinity and love, and the ultimate destroyer of all sins.

His birth, life and philosophies are described in various Hindu religious scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita – as a prince who guides Arjuna in the war against the Kauravas; the Bhagavat Purana, which describes his childhood and youth as a young and charming cowherd who plays flute and protects the villagers from all evils; the Harivamsa – which describes the genealogy of Hari i.e., Vishnu (who is also known to be an avatar of Lord Krishna); and the Vishnu Purana - which contains a detailed description of the four yugas (eras/ ages) (Steven, 2006).

He is a mythical legend, who is believed by the Hindus, to have saved human kind by destroying all the demons and protecting dharma, spreading the virtues of morality and establishing righteousness in the world. He is the perfect embodiment of human and divine love (Kishore, 1999: pp.3). Birth & childhood: Lord Krishna was born to Vasudev and Devki, in the city of Mathura, over 5200 years ago in a prison where his parents were captured by Devki's tyrant brother Kansa. According to mythological tales, surrounding his birth, it is believed that a sage named Narad, predicted that Kansa will be slayed by Devki's eighth child (Sawhney, 2003).

According to the Bhagavat Purana, the birth of Lord Krishna is said to have taken place, without the sexual union of Devki and Vasudev, through divine intervention, by Lord Vishnu himself who, moved by the devotion and chastity of the two, promised to be born as Devki's son, and destroy the evils on earth. The entire story of his conception and birth is described in the holy scripture, the Bhagavata Purana in Chapter 3 verses 23 to 45 (Srimad Bhagavatam, 2012). Lord Krishna – The supreme personality of Godhead: “I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds.

Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts." Bhagavad Gita 10.8 It is argued by religious scholars that understanding Lord Krishna in entirety - i.e. his forms or his qualities, through mental speculation alone, is an impossible task, since understanding the supreme lord, can only be achieved through selfless devotion. Some of the scriptures which describe him as a charming cowherd who is admired by many "Gopis" have led to interpretations which indicate that the Lord represents 'maya' or as having a fascination for materialistic pleasures.

But according to the Bhagavad Gita, the description is far removed from facts, which state that the Lord is and represents ultimate truth. Furthermore, scholars have also argued that contrary to the popular opinion, Gods or demigods are impersonal and formless, Lord Krishna is described as a person - a human being, and he is the supreme personality of godhead. He is the reservoir of unending qualities, and virtues (Swami Prabhupada, 1986). Lord Krishna is also described to represent the ultimate / absolute truth and is described as the Supreme person, in the Vedic literature.

He is known to have imparted knowledge on spiritualism and philosophy through his various avatars and discourses which help guide humanity on the right path. His teachings and spiritual truths are mentioned in various Vedic scriptures, which contain a comprehensive description of his life and philosophies, as well as his various incarnations and its purposes and goals. It is through these philosophies and teachings that the ultimate knowledge of spirituality is imparted and passed on (Knapp, 2005).

Conclusion: Lord Krishna, is described in various Hindu scriptures in various avatars, ranging from the humble cowherd to a mighty warrior, and from a philosopher and guide to a teacher. His life and teachings are composed and mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, and is one of the most celebrated deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is both - worshipped as an independent god of his own might as well as worshipped and known as one of the many avatars of Lord Vishnu, and worshipped in various forms and although he is described as a human king, but he is widely worshipped by Hindus as a divine soul, the God almighty.

References: Kishore, B. R., (1999). Lord Krishna. Diamond Pocket Books (P). Ltd. Knapp, S., (2005). The heart of Hinduism: the Eastern path to freedom, empowerment and illumination. iUniverse Publication, pp. 241-242 Sawhney, C., (2003). The world's greatest seers and philosophers. Pustak Mahal Publication, pp. 133 Steven, S., (2006). Essential Hinduism. Greenwood Publishing Group, pp. 107-110 Swami Prabhupada, A. C. B., (1986). Bhagavad-Gita as it is: With the Original Sanskrit Text, Roman Transliteration, English Equivalents, Translation and Elaborate Purports.

The Bhaktivedanata Book Trust, pp. 356-357 Primary Sources: Srimad Bhagavatam, (2012). The story of the fortunate one [Online] Available at: http://bhagavata.org/canto10/chapter3.html [Accessed: April 17, 2012]