Happy Krishna Janamashtami! ૐ “Of course, it is bewildering, O soul of the universe, that You take birth, though You are the vital force and the unborn.”—Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.8.30) Krishna is the source of brahman, the all-pervading spiritual energy which includes everything and everyone. We are all one with Krishna, in the sense that we are all parts of the supreme whole. He is also present in every atom, as well as in the hearts of all living things as Paramatma, the Supersoul. But ultimately, Krishna is Bhagavan, the Supreme Person who possesses all opulences—wealth, strength, fame, knowledge, beauty, and detachment—to the fullest degree. Realization of Krishna progresses in three stages; first comes an understanding of His all-pervading brahman feature, then one realizes His presence within one's self and others as Paramatma, and finally one comes to appreciate Krishna as He is, as Bhagavan, the all-attractive Supreme Person, the ultimate cause of all causes, the source of all of us and of being itself. Story of the Birth of Krishna It was a dark and stormy night. Deep in the prison cells of Mathura, Vasudev and Devaki waited anxiously for the birth of their eight child. Outside, the winds wailed and the rain fell in torrents. Inside the prison walls a terrible foreboding filled the hearts of the expectant parents. The moment of truth was upon them. Although Devaki had no reason to doubt the divine prophecy, her heart trembled with fear. King Kamsa, her brother, had already killed her seven children by smashing their heads against the prison walls. What was to say he would not do the same again? A great sadness enveloped her. Soon the auspicious hour drew close. The storm quietened and the night stilled. The star Rohini shone brightly. And as was foretold, at the stroke of mid-night, Devaki bound in chains, gave birth to her eight child, a baby boy. Instantly a soft light filled the dark cell. In the glow Devaki and Vasudev saw Vishnu in his divine form with lotus eyes and four arms bearing the conch, disc, mace and lotus. They recognized at once the Supreme Lord and bowed before him. But soon the moment passed; the veil of Maya descended upon Sunny_Shingolia
