Krishna

Krishna is the name of God in Vaishnava Hinduism, the largest sect of Hinduism.

One of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and is one of the most revered Hindu deities. Lord Krishna born is the embodiment of love and divine joy is the destroyer of all pain, sin and suffering; in Vaishnava Hinduism He is God Himself.

## Life Story[edit]

Krishna came to earth in the human form as one of the children of Devaki, sister of the cruel and harsh demon king Kamsa. The sage Narada had predicted that Kamsa would be killed by his nephew, so the king killed Devaki´s first six children. The seventh, Balarama escaped, and the eighth, Krishna, was secretly exchanged for the daughter of a cowherd couple, Nanda and Yashoda.

Krishna was brought up in that cowherd's family in the cities of Gokula and Vrindavana, with this cowherd couple taking the role of parents. As a child, Krishna had great love for these foster parents, especially Yashoda.

Krishna loved to play the flute and danced with the cowherd girls of the village known as gopis, the primary gopi being Radha.

Kamsa made a series of murders and murder attempts with the intent of murdering Krishna and harassing the village in which He lived. For the protection of this village, during a final battle against Kamsa and his henchmen Krishna killed Kamsa.

After this final battle, Krishna became king of Dwaraka. In the great Mahabaratha epic, during the critical final battle of cousin rival brothers the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Krishna spoke memorable words on the essence of religion, later known as Bhagavad Gita.

## Teachings[edit]

In Gokula and especially in Vrindavana, Krishna - although actually the all-powerful God, who needs no one to serve Him - permitted His associates to take on such roles as His parents and friends, in demonstration of what is actually pure selfless love and service to the Lord.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches the essence of religion, especially clearly explaining the proper manner of undertaking one's routine and spiritual duties, and also of the path of total surrender and loving devotional service to the Lord, which is the ultimate ideal in faith. The Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the most widely known and read, most prominent and famous Hindu text available; while it is Hindu by origin, however, many of its teachings are broadly considered to be of universal interest and applicability.

## Hare Krishna[edit]

Hare Krishna (Hare, pronounced "Há-ray") is a mantra, known as the maha-mantra or "great mantra" in the Sanskrit language, which is sung, chanted, recited, or even just remembered by followers. This mantra reflects literally the names of Krishna, taken as a prayer to Krishna, as a (and is interpreted as a) cry out to Krishna for the devotee to be engaged in His loving service.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare