“Shri Krishna: The Eternal Teacher of Humanity – Life, Philosophy, and Legacy”
By Cdr Alok Mohan
1. Various Opinions on Krishna Conscious
Across cultures and centuries, thinkers, scientists, poets, and leaders have been deeply influenced by Krishna’s philosophy and personality. While saints saw him as an incarnation of divinity, modern intellectuals admired him as a teacher of universal truth, balance, and detachment.
Shri Krishna is thus not only the central figure of Hindu spirituality but also a global symbol of wisdom and eternal guidance.
When doubts haunt us, when depression and disappointments stare on our faces, and we don’t see a single ray of hope on the horizon.
We all turn to the Bhagavad Gita and find a verse which guides us.
Krishna’s words have sustained us the hindus, during the darkest hours of our life.
2. Opinions of
Indian Saints and Scholars
Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902)
“Krishna is the most rounded man I know of, wonderfully developed equally in brain and heart, in action and thought alike. Shri Krishna is the most attractive personality that ever lived on earth.”
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950)
“Krishna is not only a historical figure but the eternal symbol of divine love and delight. His flute calls to the deepest soul of India.”
3. Western Thinkers and Writers
Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
“When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect about how God created this universe, everything else seems so superfluous.”
He admired Krishna’s teachings as a way to inner peace and universal order.
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
“The philosophy of the East, and especially Hinduism, is the religion of the learned. One day the West will have to embrace Krishna’s wisdom, for it is eternal truth.”
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)
“Hinduism and Hindus will one day rule the world because it is a mixture of knowledge and wisdom.” He particularly appreciated Krishna’s emphasis on love, duty, and renunciation.
Herbert Wells (1846–1946)
“How many generations are going to face atrocities and murders until Hinduism is well understood? But the world will one day be inspired by Krishna’s message. Only on that day will the world become a place for humans to live.”
Aldous Huxley (1894–1963)
“The Bhagavad Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution ever given. Krishna’s words provide the foundation of humanity’s inner progress.”
4. Modern Thinkers
Oppenheimer (1904–1967) – Father of the atomic bomb
Quoted Krishna after the first nuclear explosion: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds” (from Bhagavad Gita 11.32).
This reflected his awe at the profound spiritual vision of Krishna’s cosmic form.
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952)
“In Krishna, we see the perfect blend of sweetness and greatness, humanity and divinity. He is both the playful cowherd and the supreme teacher.”
Life and Legacy of Lord Shri Krishna
Introduction
Lord Shri Krishna stands as one of the most revered and influential figures in world history, philosophy, and spirituality. His life, as narrated in the Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Harivamsa, and the Bhagavad Gita, reflects not only divine wisdom but also the struggles of a human life faced with challenges, responsibilities, and moral dilemmas.
According to traditional chronology, Krishna was born 5,252 years ago, on the 18th of July, 3228 BCE, in Mathura, on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Shravan month, under Rohini Nakshatra, at midnight (00:00 A.M.), a Wednesday. His life spanned 125 years, 8 months, and 7 days, and he passed away on 18th February 3102 BCE, marking the beginning of the Kali Yuga.
5. Family and Birth
Biological Father: Vasudeva
Biological Mother: Devaki
Adoptive Father: Nand
Adoptive Mother: Yashoda
Elder Brother: Balarama
Sister: Subhadra
Born in Mathura, Krishna’s early life was threatened by the cruel king Kansa, his maternal uncle. To save him, Krishna was raised in Gokul and later in Vrindavan, where he spent his childhood amidst cowherds and divine pastimes.
6. Childhood and Early Life
Krishna’s childhood was filled with dangers, ridicule, and challenges.
Being dark-skinned, short, and adopted, he was often called Kanha (“the dark one”).
Krishna initially grew up in Gokul, and it was the fear of Kansa’s continued attacks on Gokul that prompted his foster father Nanda and other elders to move the entire community to Vrindavan. They sought a safer place for Krishna and the other residents.
7. Kansa’s Threat:
Kansa, Krishna’s maternal uncle, was determined to kill Krishna, as he had been warned that Krishna would be his demise.
Continuous Attacks:
Kansa sent various demons to Gokul to try and harm Krishna.
Relocation:
Nanda, along with other elders of Gokul, decided that it was no longer safe for them to remain in Gokul due to the constant threat from Kansa.
New Home:
They decided to relocate to Vrindavan, a nearby village, which they believed would offer them more security.
Nandgaon:
They eventually settled on Nandishwar hill, and named their new village Nandgaon, after Nanda
Between ages 14–16, Krishna killed Kansa, freed his parents, and restored peace in Mathura.
He never returned to Vrindavan again, symbolizing the transition from childhood innocence to worldly responsibilities.
Youth and Education
Krishna migrated from Mathura to Dwaraka, due to the threat from Kala Yavana.
He defeated Jarasandha with the help of the Vainatheya tribe at Gomantaka hill (modern-day Goa).
He established the fortified city of Dwaraka and ruled as a wise king.
He pursued his education at Sandipani’s Ashram in Ujjain, where he rescued his teacher’s son from African pirates near Prabhasa port (Gujarat).
Family Life
Krishna married eight principal queens: Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, and Lakshmana. Beyond these, scriptures mention many other marriages symbolizing the union of divine consciousness with multiple aspects of life.
8. Role in Mahabharata
At the age of 89, Krishna played a pivotal role in the Kurukshetra War (3139 BCE).
The war began on 8th December 3139 BCE (Mrigashira Shukla Ekadashi) and ended on 25th December 3139 BCE.
On 21st December 3139 BCE, a solar eclipse from 3–5 PM coincided with the slaying of Jayadratha.
Bhishma departed on 2nd February 3138 BCE (Uttarayana Ekadashi).
Krishna did not wield weapons; instead, he served as Arjuna’s charioteer, guiding him with the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which remains one of the greatest spiritual texts known to humanity.
9. Later Life and Death
After the war, Krishna ruled Dwaraka, but he foresaw its eventual destruction.
His beloved city, Dwaraka, was submerged into the sea.
At the age of 125, Krishna was fatally struck by an arrow from a hunter named Jara, near Prabhasa.
His departure on 18th February 3102 BCE marked the beginning of Kali Yuga.
10. Philosophy and Teachings
Krishna emphasized Dharma (righteous duty), Karma (selfless action), and Bhakti (devotion).
He lived unattached, fulfilling responsibilities without personal desire.
He was aware of past, present, and future, yet always lived in the present moment.
His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize equanimity, self-realization, and the pursuit of truth.
11. Temples and Worship Forms
Krishna is worshipped in diverse forms across India:
Kanhaiyya in Mathura
Jagannath in Odisha
Vithoba in Maharashtra
Srinathji in Rajasthan
Dwarakadheesh and Ranchhodrai in Gujarat
Krishna of Udupi in Karnataka
Guruvayurappan in Kerala
12. Historical and Cultural Influence
Western thinkers also recognized the depth of Hinduism and Krishna’s philosophy:
Leo Tolstoy admired Hindu wisdom as a blend of knowledge and spirituality.
Herbert Wells predicted that the world would one day be inspired by Hinduism and adopt hindutva as way of life.
George Bernard Shaw, Albert Einstein, and Bertrand Russell acknowledged the universality of Hindu philosophy.
13. Conclusion
The life of Shri Krishna was filled with struggles, challenges, and responsibilities. He faced ridicule, loss, and constant opposition, yet lived with grace, wisdom, and detachment. Unlike the myth of a miracle-performing deity, like many religious beliefs, Krishna was a leader, philosopher, friend, military strategist, and a divine teacher who showed humanity how to live a meaningful life, amidst most difficult times.
His message in the Bhagavad Gita continues to guide millions worldwide, making Krishna not just a figure of the past, but a timeless teacher of humanity.
Shri Krishna’s life is not only divine—it is a mirror of human struggle, courage, and wisdom, offering eternal guidance to mankind.