28 May 2015 - QA 2

Gurudev, why was Arjuna petrified seeing Krishna’s viraat roop? Is it because he wasn’t ready? Why would God’s form invoke fear?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

Anything new or unfamiliar causes fear. When children see a new person, or face a new situation, they are afraid. After the age of three, a child does not want to go to a new person, it takes a couple of days to adjust to a new person.

Our nervous system also takes a little time to adjust, to hold the knowledge; that is why a teacher is essential, and a Guru is absolutely essential. It is like jumping into a swimming pool without a coach or a lifeguard, you feel more fearful. Even if a lifeguard is there, people are scared to jump into a swimming pool, because it can take your life away. Similarly, when a huge bolt of energy shakes the small mind, it shakes the ego, then fear comes up; it is but natural.