Vedic scriptures provide profound guidance for elevating our existence and transforming our lives by awakening the Krishna consciousness that lies dormant within each of us.
Consciousness is the most fundamental and remarkable characteristic that sets living beings apart from non-living objects. Unlike inert matter, we possess consciousness because we are individual spirit souls residing within our bodies; consciousness is a symptom of the soul. When a person is alive, their consciousness indicates the presence of the soul, whereas a dead body lacks consciousness due to the absence of the soul.
The significance of Krishna Consciousness?
The Bhagavad-gita (15.7) elucidates our special relationship with the Supreme Lord Krishna. The Lord declares that all living beings are His eternal parts, akin to sparks from a vast fire. In other words, every individual soul is a fragmental part of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Soul.
Krishna consciousness involves centring our consciousness on Lord Krishna and leading a life according to His teachings as mentioned in sacred texts such as the Bhagavad-gita. It is the original, pure consciousness of the soul, liberating us from karma.
Lord Krishna is the owner of the entire creation. He is the master, maintainer, protector, and well-wisher of all beings. As His eternal parts, we have an everlasting loving relationship with Him as His servants. Though, at present, we have forgotten this relationship, it can be revived by awakening our Krishna consciousness, which is the ultimate goal of life.
How to cultivate Krishna Consciousness
Krishna consciousness lies dormant within us. The various rules, regulations, and practices prescribed in different religious scriptures are designed to gradually awaken this consciousness.
Approximately 500 years ago, Lord Krishna descended on the earth as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and initiated the practice of congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord, known as Harinama Sankirtan. This is the easiest, most sublime, and universal method for reviving our Krishna consciousness. Through participation in Sankirtan or daily chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can feel one’s progress in Krishna consciousness.
In addition to chanting, reading sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, activities like worshipping the Lord, honouring Krishna prasadam, and associating with devotees of Krishna can expedite our spiritual advancement. Avoiding certain detrimental activities—namely, eating meat, intoxication, illicit relationships, and gambling—also aids in maintaining a pure consciousness.
The Bhagavad-gita assures that even a little progress in Krishna consciousness is a permanent asset, persisting through our lifetimes until we attain perfect Krishna consciousness, which is when we return to the spiritual abode of the Lord for an eternal, blissful existence in His association. This Sri Krishna Janmashtami, we invite you to visit our temple, engage in the devotional festivities, and receive the blessings of Lord Krishna. May this festival foster your growth in Krishna consciousness.