Some critics (and even internal doubters) point out what they consider to be logical contradictions in Krishna’s teachings: e.g., Krishna is both “acting” and “non-acting,” “personal” and “impersonal.”
How do we reconcile Krishna’s role as a teacher, as a divine person, and as an impersonal cosmic principle all at once?
If Krishna is “everything,” why does he still maintain a distinct personal form with desires, pastimes, and relationships?
Replies
Hare Krsna
How do we reconcile Krishna’s role as a teacher, as a divine person, and as an impersonal cosmic principle all at once?
There is no need of any reconcilation. But there is great need to surrender to at least one of these manifestations of Sri Krsna.
If Krishna is “everything,” why does he still maintain a distinct personal form with desires, pastimes, and relationships?
It doesn't matter WHY
He is THE supreme personality of Godhead and source of all power. He does whatever He wills. Including reciprocating with the loving service of His dear most devotees.
what they consider to be logical contradictions in Krishna’s teachings e.g., Krishna is both “acting” and “non-acting,” “personal” and “impersonal.”
That is NOT a logical contradiction in Sri Krsna's teaching. That is a logical contradiction in Sri Krsna Himself.
Sri Krsna is the origin of all logic and contradictions. He is beyond logic and hence is abode of all contradictions.
However there is no contradictions in His teachings or instructions.
There is certainly no contradiction in the understanding of why living beings are suffering in this world. and there is aclear and consistent understanding of what they should do to be freed from their suffering.
Hare Krsna
Hare Krishna,
Krishna is both acting and non- acting.
Krishna designed this Universe. He is the doer. YES. But in this world are we all acting as per Krishna's rules? We made our own house, our own family and our own careers and in every place we are employing our free will and doing as per our convinence. isn't it? So he is not the doer when it comes at this level when you are employing your free will.
For suppose.. Krishna gave you every raw material in the world- Sunlight, water, food crops .. you made use of these and enjoying the baap ka maal. and also going against Him and breaking the rules and regulation laid by Lord ( Sanathana Dharma ) You will be the sufferer when you break rules.. How can you say Krishna is the doer so He should be sufferer?
Krishna is just the provider ( so He is the acting) but yet He is not bound by any karma ( so He is inacting)
Krishna guides Arjuna gave him all advice and wisdom.. isn't it? He is the doer? But whatever is the result of karma done by each person who was in the war how is he responsible? He is non doer at that point.
Krishna gave advice to Duryodhana also but He chose his freewill and did whatever he felt was right. . so reaped the results. HHAAHA !!
Krishna provided HIS NARAYANI SENA also to Duryodhana. So Krishna doer but not doer at the same time.
How do we reconcile Krishna’s role as a teacher, as a divine person, and as an impersonal cosmic principle all at once?
Water that you see in rivers and ocean ... where does it come from?
you will say the clouds?
where do the clouds get water from?
you will say from the ocean and sea, river bodies.
So the endless source of energy that you see which is renewable is provided by some force that is running this watercycle procedure isn't it?
That who is running this whole procedure Let us say some divine plumber is not seen to our naked eyes. Can we deny that there is no operator doing this function?
No, there must be someone operating this day in and out.. so this is Krishna ( in Sarva Vyaapi impersonal form)
But when you drink the water... it is quenching the thirst.. you are able to feel the taste of water with your senses... You can see, touch feel and taste it and hear the flow of water as well isn't it?
That which is visible to our senses we call it also Krishna ( that is the personal form).. We made use of the...water, clay, etc. the 5 elements to make the deity form of the Lord ( so Lord became to have a personal form now).
Vigraha swaroopa
The same Lord Krishna whom you made a deity form can appear to you and do pastimes and make relationships with you if the devotee desires to have some personal relationships also.
Is it so difficult for the Lord who is running the whole universe to take a form and come to you to please your desire ?
It is not difficult because Lord is all powerful. Can do anything for the sake of His devotees.
Hare Krishna