The Ultimate Valentine!

As nations today experience increasing globalization, different ideas, faiths and philosophies from around the world are melding together. In many countries there is understandable resistance to becoming Americanized, since our western ways tend to overrun older cultures; often clashing with more traditional systems. India has remained especially steadfast in eschewing western influence, but once a year Valentine’s Day creates a curious stir throughout major Indian cities as people are pressured to buy gifts, cards and candy like their western counterparts. A holiday urging people to celebrate love for one day only seems as odd to Hindus as Mother’s Day, Secretary’s Day or Father’s Day. Instead, Hindu philosophy encourages us to be consciously loving on a daily basis through such notions as the reverence for elders, the attention to right action and the importance on nonviolence. The most complete energy of love in the Hindu tradition is personified in Lord Krishna, perhaps the ultimate Valentine; who demonstrates the highest concept of love – the love between the soul and the divine.

Lord Krishna is generally regarded as the eighth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preservation aspect of the Hindu trinity. Krishna is revered for his bravery and dedication to righteousness (dharma) which he eloquently explains to the warrior Arjuna in the great epic The Bhagavad Gita. The Gita opens with two armies about to do battle, and Arjuna expressing distress over the prospect of killing his own family and friends, who are on the opposing side. The rest of the Gita is basically Krishna’s lengthy response to Arjuna, in which he counsels the warrior about life and the struggles we encounter on earth. Throughout the Gita, Krishna emerges as the supreme crusader for justice, inspiring us to dedicate ourselves to good causes and to face difficult situations with courage, surrendering the results to a higher power. By the end of Krishna’s discourse, Arjuna has changed his mind and vows to act against evil.

Outside of the Gita, Lord Krishna is pictured as a child, as a young cowherd with his pet cow or as the supreme lover. In his childhood he was known for performing both mischief and miracles and everywhere he went he was adored. Krishna is also depicted playing his flute, representing his ability to spread the irresistible melody of love. No matter what his age, Krishna is undeniably appealing with beautiful black hair and a handsome face, wearing opulent gold clothing and peacock feathers adorning his hair. He is infamous for being surrounded by thousands of women (called gopis) who are so enamored with Krishna’s loving nature that they forego everything and follow him into the forest to dance ecstatically. Of all the gopis, Krishna’s favorite is his childhood companion Radha The two are often worshipped together as Radha-Krishna, symbolizing not merely love between a couple, but the everlasting love between humans and God- the highest devotion.

Despite being revered as a deity, Krishna is accessible, with a lightness of being that makes us delight in his energy. Scores of paintings, musical pieces and verse have been devoted to Krishna and powerful Krishna temples abound throughout the world. Hindu grandmothers are known for chastising children when they look morose saying, “Bring some Krishna in you!” or in other words, “Lighten up! Don’t worry – be happy!” Krishna reminds us that our divine nature is never depressed or gloomy; instead we are meant to be playful and joyful, bringing light to those around us. If we could all access just a fraction of Krishna’s bliss, our spiritual growth would accelerate and life would truly become a celebration.

This Valentine’s Day, when you find yourself peering at all the cards in the drugstore, searching for just the right sentiment, just the right words, remember Krishna; patient, playful and caring, with an unwavering focus on right action- he embodies the spirit of true love. Lord Krishna’s energy is all around us– if only we can tap into it more than just one day a year. Hare Krishna and Happy Valentine’s Day!


-by Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani & Professor Sasi Velupillai, psychic palmist of India