Krishna's Relationships

August 30, 2008

Krishna savors diversity from various kinds of pure,

transcendental love. As we enjoy a variety of

relationships in our families and society, so does

Krishna, but all of His relationships are eternal,

transcendental, and completely free of material

contamination.

Each of krishna's devotees interacts with Him in one

of five primary relationships. In ascending order of

intimacy, these five are neutrality, servitude, friendship,

parental affection, and conjugal love. Each includes the

primary sentiments of the ones before it, and then adds

its own flavor. Pure love of God reaches its summit in

romantic exchanges with Krishna.

Each devotee eternally feels one of these main moods predominantly:

Devotee in the mood of neutrality witness and support krishna's

pastimes by their presence as plants, animals, streams, and so on,

as well as normally inanimate objects like houses-all of which are

fully conscious in Goloka.

Devotees in the service mood run errands for Krishna, pack His

lunch, wash His clothes, and perform other demonstrations of Love

for Him as the moment indicates.

Devotees in the fraternal mood serve Krishna by being His friends.

They are sometimes boastful, considering themselves equal to

Krishna. In His company, they herd cows and enjoy games in the

beautiful country setting.

Devotees in the parental mood see themselves as Krishna's

provider and protector. Krishna behaves with them like a

dependent child. His mother cuddles Him, carefully prepares

His meals, and thinks only His protection. His father sees that

He has all the comforts of a normal home.

Devotees in the conjugal, or romantic, mood, offer services as

Krishna's girlfriends, relating with Him in the intimacy of lover

and beloved.

"The Supreme Lord has nothing to do, and no one is found to be

equal to or greater than Him, for everything is done naturally and

systematically by His multifarious energies." --Svetashvatara Upanishad 6.8

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