The Charm in Krishna’s Beauty
Eye contact is the biggest source of causing attraction and distraction. It is but natural, in our movements and actions, we touch upon objects and people not merely by hands, but by all our senses. Human mind is naturally drawn to beauty, pleasure and love.
In some way or the other, we tend to develop an attachment. Sometimes we keep thinking of what we touched. Sometimes even to the extent of imagining, owning, being with and dreaming. Maya, as they call it!
In the Vaishnava Bhakti tradition, this takes a profound meaning. We have to charter an effective way to overcome attachment to the worldly desires. They are all said to be Temporary, even if not totally false. While this world is said to be a sensory lower world, most exhibiting behaviours akin to other species; human life is to realize superior attachment. A sense of belongingness to the eternal, the divine.
Like Hath Yoga, Bhakti does not propose forced suppression of desires. A forced renunciation will leave unfulfilled-ness. Ungratified person would not succeed. His huge efforts would turn fragile. Eventually leading to indulgence all over again. Knowing this, Bhakti alternately proposes this remedy which is considered to be a powerful tool in spiritual practice.
Substitution: Through easy and gradual practice of Dhyana and Jnana, (not with the intent to perform Pranayam or Asanas), one has to begin to substitute by filling the senses and the mind with a higher divine beauty. Once tasted, this will make passion for mundane and illusory attractions fade away.
This world is just a reflection of the higher spiritual world. Then why run after a reflection? Why not fall in love with the original? The storehouse of unlimited beauty, knowledge and energy is Krishna himself. Best way is to think of Krishna’s body and beauty as has been authoritatively personified by saints and scriptures.
Krishna is very close to our imagery. Though meditation could begin simply by chanting his holy name, since we are discussing how an object can be substituted to provide higher alternative food to the senses; one may just stare at the lotus feet of Krishna. This would make senses to immediately surrender, destroy ego and live with humility.
Whatever our senses need, the form of Krishna offers that. Be it his Pitambar clothing contrasting his cosmetics and perfumery; his ornaments and garlands, from curly hair to the peacock feather adorning his forehead. His smile, the Tribhang Mudra and his flute. All these elements are so exquisite, yet purifying. His beauty surpasses any other beauty in the world.
Worldly beauty may have some virtues too since it is also a reflection of Krishna. But once the original has been tasted, one no longer yearns for the temporary substitutes found in the material world.
The gist of the article is captured in a Hindi message which I flash to my devotee WhatsApp group in India every morning. Translation of this message already forms the conclusions formed in this article.
A very Hare Krishna to all readers.
Substituting desire. Image generated on Gemini.
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