SHRI KRISHNA, THE ORIGINAL PROPAGATOR OF FREEDOM

Starting at His very birth, just as He was born, He inspired His father Vasudeva to bring Himself (Krishna) to Vrindavana. Thus breaking Vasudeva’s promise to bring his children to Kamsa right after their births. Krishna freed His father from the bondage of his promise. Additionally, Krishna wandered all around the free lands of Vraja, gracing His happily moving cows. Similarly, Krishna played His flute to free the Gopis of Vraja from mundane connections and obligations.

Just like how a dying person has to give up everything when the call of death comes. The Gopis demonstrated the power of love by sacrificing all their connections to meet with Sri Krishna, similar to advanced Yogis. Moreover, Sri Krishna also fought the sluggish behavior of Arjuna, who had become bound by attachment to his relatives at the cost of Dharma. He was increasing their bondage and his bondage by not taking action against the evildoers. Hence, Sri Krishna spoke the greatest of knowledge to teach the lesson of freedom, the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna eventually chose to fight the Kurus and sought the blessing of Sri Krishna. Once Arjuna chose his freedom, Sri Krishna blew His conch as an invitation for everyone to join Him in experiencing that liberty. While some, like the Pandavas, chose to experience sovereignty, others chose to enslave their comrades. Therefore, whether Sri Krishna is blowing His flute or His conch, whether He holds His flute or His whip, He is the forever beneficiary of the Jivas; He taught us that freedom is our birthright.

The land of Bharata has always taught us through its Dharmic scriptures that we are constitutionally full of knowledge, bliss, and eternality. Bondage, slavery, and stupidity are like ropes that serve as nooses around the neck. However, understanding the Gita and its core principle is actual freedom.

– Govind Das (ISKCON MEMBER)