12 December 2014 - QA 7

Gurudev, we sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. But back home, the people there consume Bhaang (a type of Indian narcotic incorrectly thought to please Lord Shiva) while they sing praises of Lord Shiva. And then there are stories of Lord Krishna getting married to 16,000 ladies. How should one understand all this?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, if Lord Shiva consumed Bhaang, then he also consumed the poison that came from churning the cosmic ocean. So should we also drink poison first, and then see if we stay alive to drink Bhaang? Do not misunderstand all these things. Lord Shiva never consumed Bhaang. The essential point to understand is that the Shiva Tattva (the most fundamental all-pervading element in creation) resides in each and every one. An intoxicant like Bhaang too cannot do anything to Lord Shiva’s bliss, because he is above and beyond all such trivial influences. But chanting his name can have a positive influence on us and elevate us.

It seems like you have not read the whole story behind Lord Krishna dancing and being merry with so many ladies. If you read the Srimad Bhagvatam, you will find that he performed this Raas Leela (meaning: a pastime of the Lord) when he was just 14 years old. He was dear to everyone and would play with everyone. So do not emulate his ways but absorb all the knowledge that he has given through his life.
It is very difficult to be like Lord Krishna because he is Yogeshwar (Supreme among the Yogis). He could get away with hiding someone’s clothes while they were bathing! (Laughter).
If you carefully read about the leelas of Lord Krishna, you will not find that it is limited to one place or has only one kind of flavor. You will find every kind of flavor and color of emotion in the stories of Lord Krishna’s pastimes. There is humor, love, and even the pain of longing in his stories.
So he simply went through his pastimes to bring out each and every color and nectar of human emotion. It is impossible to completely understand the personality of Lord Krishna. From whichever angle or perspective you see him, you will find that he is complete and perfect in every way.