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Sri Krishna Lila
Lord Narayana is the Supreme Reality known as Brahman. Narayana is the Highest Self. Narayana is the Supreme Light. Narayana is the Infinite Self. Narayana is the greatest Mediator as well as the Supreme Object of Meditation". May we be able to know Narayana. For that do we meditate on Vaasudeva. May Vishnu guide us. Narayana Suktam I know of no Reality other than Lord Krishna, whose face is as radiant as the full moon, whose colour is that of the full laden rain cloud, whose eyes are large and lustrous as the petals of a lotus, whose lips are red as the bimba berry, whose hands are adorned with the flute, and who is clad in resplendent garments. Madhusudana Saraswti This is the first attempt perhaps ever made by a scholar-devotee to present in one compact volume the multifaceted and majestic life of the Great Incarnation!
150 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1995
133 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 20, 2021
This book gets you closer to Krishna. Had bought this book to psychoanalysis Krishna's personality as per my project and it turned out to be a huge help! Hopefully, would be reading this again in this year, but completely as a devotee. This is a must book for those who want to know about Krishna and get closer to him.
Reading this takes you to a different level of bliss.
Reading this takes you to a different level of bliss.
March 21, 2017
What Can I say? As with many others who were fortunate enough to read it, I agree this to be one of the best books I have ever read. Before reading, I was only expecting it to contain many of the numerous stories about Krishna, of his adventures, exploits, pranks, love, his words, deeds, of his part in the great epic Mahabharata, till his final ascension to his own abode at the end of his worldly sojourn. In other words, I was expecting to read many of the stories which we already know and few others which form a part of Indian tradition and as a part of Hindu spiritual life, in which I happen to born.
The book nevertheless contain all these but it goes a step further in describing many of the essential points of Hindu philosophy and ways of life as a part of the wisdom which makes the book much more important as a source of the essence of Hindu religion. The book begins with the author trying to establish the validity of Hindu religion and factual accuracy of the major events described in the principal Hindu scriptures. She has made an effort in the book to make the word “mythology” associated with the religion and mostly given by Western historians, irrelevant, and to establish the religion as a philosophy based on factual grounds. There is much more to learn from the book than simply written and oral traditions of Krishna, which itself are a great source of joy and devotion.
Lord Krishna was born nearly 5,000 years ago in a small place called Mathura, located approximately 145 kilometre south-east of India’s modern capital Delhi. Being one of the most recognizable and beloved gods of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Krishna is widely perceived in most traditions as the very incarnation of the Supreme God, who, according to Hindu philosophy takes birth in the human form for the spiritual benefit and salvation of His devotees.
The vivid details with which the various traditions are described and the associated purports and their significance glues one to the book. I will highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the subtleties of Hindu philosophy along with enjoying the wonderful literary, sacred and tender rendition to the Supreme Lord.
Find more reviews at
www.themayankchawla.com
The book nevertheless contain all these but it goes a step further in describing many of the essential points of Hindu philosophy and ways of life as a part of the wisdom which makes the book much more important as a source of the essence of Hindu religion. The book begins with the author trying to establish the validity of Hindu religion and factual accuracy of the major events described in the principal Hindu scriptures. She has made an effort in the book to make the word “mythology” associated with the religion and mostly given by Western historians, irrelevant, and to establish the religion as a philosophy based on factual grounds. There is much more to learn from the book than simply written and oral traditions of Krishna, which itself are a great source of joy and devotion.
Lord Krishna was born nearly 5,000 years ago in a small place called Mathura, located approximately 145 kilometre south-east of India’s modern capital Delhi. Being one of the most recognizable and beloved gods of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Krishna is widely perceived in most traditions as the very incarnation of the Supreme God, who, according to Hindu philosophy takes birth in the human form for the spiritual benefit and salvation of His devotees.
The vivid details with which the various traditions are described and the associated purports and their significance glues one to the book. I will highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the subtleties of Hindu philosophy along with enjoying the wonderful literary, sacred and tender rendition to the Supreme Lord.
Find more reviews at
www.themayankchawla.com
March 25, 2018
This book is a precious gem. With a pleasant narrative style, Vanamali narrates the life of this great incarnation of the Lord, Sri Krishna in a graceful manner, adding a few reflections about the lilas (stories) that are inspiring for the devotees.
The book is split in 3 sections (books): Bala-Lila - The play of the child, with 10 chapters; Raja-Lila - The Royal game, with 10 chapters; and Uttama-Lila - The Game Supreme, with 13 chapters.
I found it highly uplifting, therefore I recommend it.
"Till My advent O Uddava, a dip in the Ganga was supposed to eradicate all sins, but now a dip in the holy story of My Life is enough to cleanse the sins of a thousand life-times. He who listens to the story of My Life sanctifies himself." - Lord Krishna
The book is split in 3 sections (books): Bala-Lila - The play of the child, with 10 chapters; Raja-Lila - The Royal game, with 10 chapters; and Uttama-Lila - The Game Supreme, with 13 chapters.
I found it highly uplifting, therefore I recommend it.
"Till My advent O Uddava, a dip in the Ganga was supposed to eradicate all sins, but now a dip in the holy story of My Life is enough to cleanse the sins of a thousand life-times. He who listens to the story of My Life sanctifies himself." - Lord Krishna
December 23, 2012
Vanamali's love for Krishna is contagious as it shines through these stories covering the whole of the avatar's life. Whether you're meeting Krishna for the first time or have known him for years, this book is a delightful way to spend time with him. One thing I particularly enjoyed about the stories was that absolutely everyone who came into contact with Krishna was blessed by him. He even had enemies that were so one-pointedly concentrated on (killing) him that they were liberated at death (at the hands of Krishna himself, no less). Krishna loves all equally and is all things to all beings, perfectly fulfilling all roles throughout his "divine play" of existence.
December 30, 2024
This book was FANTASTIC! It was so lovely to read so much of Krishna's life in one book. The chapter on the Srimad Bhagavad Gita was a summary as the Gita is best understood in it's entirety, however, the summation was beautiful and poignant. I loved this book. Picked it up from the library and will be adding it to my list of home library books.
January 30, 2013
Vanamali, being a devotee of Krishna, is the perfect one to tell Krishna's story. Her love shines through every page. A wonderful, wonderful book!!
The biography of Krishna pulls together from all the Indian Holy Scriptures the legends of the most beloved and powerful God of India. The story begins with the Birth of Krishna, includes the story of the Mahabharata War and ends as Krishna dies by his own choice. You will read about the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the two cousins that created the Mahabharata War.
I have read the book many times. My friends often ask me to read to them from this book. Each chapter stands on its own as a great inspirational story.
I am so grateful that Vanamali wrote this book! It is truly a great book. Since it is out of print here in the USA, I have been buying copies from India for gifts for my friends!
The biography of Krishna pulls together from all the Indian Holy Scriptures the legends of the most beloved and powerful God of India. The story begins with the Birth of Krishna, includes the story of the Mahabharata War and ends as Krishna dies by his own choice. You will read about the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the two cousins that created the Mahabharata War.
I have read the book many times. My friends often ask me to read to them from this book. Each chapter stands on its own as a great inspirational story.
I am so grateful that Vanamali wrote this book! It is truly a great book. Since it is out of print here in the USA, I have been buying copies from India for gifts for my friends!
May 29, 2019
I read this book with one purpose: To discoverer the similarities between Christ and Krishna. There are MANY similarities between these two incarnations of the Supreme Being known as God. The author of this book gives mention of this in the book. It is said that like Christ Krishna might assume human sorrow and suffering because in that suffering may be the cause of redemption. It is the story of the birth of God as man. Krishna is called the God of love. Ironically the author says that there is no tale comparable to it when in fact the story of Christ is in many ways extremely similar. It must be said that there are great differences as well. The conservative Christian will most likely not be able to acknowledge any spiritual meaning to the story of Krishna. Devotees of Krishna however consider Christ to be the son of Krishna.
July 11, 2015
It is a good read, if you sift through the praises and over the top presentation of the protagonist.
Some of the stories give you rare insight to times gone by. Some of the stories are worth the read. But..be warned,this is a book for people who are well versed with Hindu mythology (at least intermediate level).
Some of the stories give you rare insight to times gone by. Some of the stories are worth the read. But..be warned,this is a book for people who are well versed with Hindu mythology (at least intermediate level).
April 22, 2012
This book is my favorite book on the life of Lord Krishna. Devi Vanamali writes in such a way that each word seems chosen from place of devotion and love. Highly recommended!
January 7, 2015
Inspiring and I learned so much about how life works and what it is to be awake and aware.
November 6, 2014
Best book I've ever read, eventhough there are lots of words that I didn't know.
February 13, 2019
This book always fills me with joy!
March 3, 2019
I was familiar with many of the episodes of Krishna's life, but this filled in some blanks for me, especially details of the Mahabharata War. Well worth reading.
August 7, 2019
Used to have a copy. Boy do I miss it! The first book I read about Lord Krishna.
Vanamali's writings are above the price of rubies and more precious ghan diamonds!
Vanamali's writings are above the price of rubies and more precious ghan diamonds!
December 6, 2021
Superb
I totally enjoyed but also learnt a lot from this retelling of the life of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, the Lord of my heart.
I totally enjoyed but also learnt a lot from this retelling of the life of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, the Lord of my heart.
June 9, 2023
Couldn’t complete this, I had picked this book to better understand about Krishna’s contribution to systems he built like governance, farming, and others but this is straight out of puranas which just glorify him as god only and nothing less
April 16, 2020
Vanamali includes the stories of Krishna from babe through his Yogi Teachings to Arjuna. Included are Mantras and glossary. What makes it a wonderful spiritual addition to any library is Vanamali whom maintains the teachings of the allegorical dramas. Details are important symbolically to the underlying lessons. Her writing in concert with Krishna is evident. The book should be studied in smalls parts after meditation to achieve a better understanding. It can be read repeatedly as you grow in spiritual wisdom to obtain new incites.
January 1, 2020
I re-read this book every 3 or 4 months. It is always fresh and relevant . A deep spiritual treatise into understanding Eastern culture.
January 16, 2022
Krishna's stories are always sweetest and can be read any number of times without feeling boredom. Pure blissful read!
It paints a complete picture of krishna's life from birth to death. It contains high level accounts of Mahabharata and details Krishna's role throughout it.
It paints a complete picture of krishna's life from birth to death. It contains high level accounts of Mahabharata and details Krishna's role throughout it.
April 14, 2022
A well-detailed account of the stories of Krishna based on literary sources, accompanied by the author's occasional bursts of sermonising.
October 31, 2020
This was my second book by Vanamali and like previous one, "The Complete Life of Rama", this was also a great read. As title suggests, the book tells about the life of Krishna - his childhood, youth, his role in Mahabharata and his lessons for the posterity. This is a gem not to be missed by all the devotees and lover of lord Krishna! A must read.
April 21, 2022
Amazing compilation of Lord Krishna's Life." Vasudev Sarvam ". So many life lessons learnt and takeaways highlighted through different phases of Krishna's Life.
March 26, 2021
I started reading this book to find some answers about the life of Sri Krishna, finished it as his devotee. A good source to start to know about the GOD.
October 14, 2021
Completely Enthralling
A tsunami that takes the reader’s breath away, and a magician who explains the magic of the circus. Inspiring read.
A tsunami that takes the reader’s breath away, and a magician who explains the magic of the circus. Inspiring read.
August 2, 2022
4.5 stars.
August 27, 2024
Have you guys watched the 1994, Star Trek: Generations movie?
Dr. Soran was looking forever for a place called Nexus. Picard would experience the Nexus as well. Now, this Nexus was a place of pure bliss. You could almost touch ‘happiness’ with your fingers and feel it.
To quote Dr. Soran: “Time has no meaning there. The predator has no teeth.”
This is exactly what Krishna Consciousness is all about. Krishna is ‘elemental bliss’.
And you forget everything once you are with Him, you are in Him, and He is into you.
The greatest adversary of Man, so to speak, is ‘Time’. Time wears you down. Time stalls the fire of your youth. As the poet says: The garlands wither on your brow; / Then boast no more your mighty deeds! / Upon Death's purple altar now / See where the victor-victim bleeds.
Getting back to the Soran-Picard dialogue…
Dr. Soran says: It's (Time is) like a predator; it's stalking you. Oh, you can try and outrun it with doctors, medicines, new technologies. But in the end, time is going to hunt you down... and make the kill.
Picard answers: It's our mortality that defines us, Soran. It's part of the truth of our existence.
Soran retorts:
To quote Dr. Soran: “What if I told you I found a new truth? Time has no meaning there. The predator has no teeth.”
To be able to merge into Krishna is your one-way ticket to become Timeless. To get the chance of sitting by his Lotus Feet is your passport of getting beyond the realities of the Kaalachakra.
That is what this four-part narrative, beginning from his Vaala Leela to his Mahaprasthanam teaches us.
The best part of this narrative, according to me is His spiritual teachings to Uddhava. He teaches Udddhava the essence of the Vedas, a knowledge that even the devas (demi-gods) find very difficult to acquire.
Krishna says that, in His view, this path of seeing and worshipping Him in all living beings using one’s mind, speech and body is the best path to deliverance. He states that using one’s life in this perishable world to realise one’s true immortal nature as being one with Him, demonstrates the highest intelligence and wisdom.
Om Narayanam namaskritya, Naram chaiva Narottamam,
Devim Saraswatim Vyasam, Tato jayam udirayet.
[Om, Salutations to Lord Narayana, rishi Nara,
Goddess Saraswati and the divine sage Vyasa.]
Dr. Soran was looking forever for a place called Nexus. Picard would experience the Nexus as well. Now, this Nexus was a place of pure bliss. You could almost touch ‘happiness’ with your fingers and feel it.
To quote Dr. Soran: “Time has no meaning there. The predator has no teeth.”
This is exactly what Krishna Consciousness is all about. Krishna is ‘elemental bliss’.
And you forget everything once you are with Him, you are in Him, and He is into you.
The greatest adversary of Man, so to speak, is ‘Time’. Time wears you down. Time stalls the fire of your youth. As the poet says: The garlands wither on your brow; / Then boast no more your mighty deeds! / Upon Death's purple altar now / See where the victor-victim bleeds.
Getting back to the Soran-Picard dialogue…
Dr. Soran says: It's (Time is) like a predator; it's stalking you. Oh, you can try and outrun it with doctors, medicines, new technologies. But in the end, time is going to hunt you down... and make the kill.
Picard answers: It's our mortality that defines us, Soran. It's part of the truth of our existence.
Soran retorts:
To quote Dr. Soran: “What if I told you I found a new truth? Time has no meaning there. The predator has no teeth.”
To be able to merge into Krishna is your one-way ticket to become Timeless. To get the chance of sitting by his Lotus Feet is your passport of getting beyond the realities of the Kaalachakra.
That is what this four-part narrative, beginning from his Vaala Leela to his Mahaprasthanam teaches us.
The best part of this narrative, according to me is His spiritual teachings to Uddhava. He teaches Udddhava the essence of the Vedas, a knowledge that even the devas (demi-gods) find very difficult to acquire.
Krishna says that, in His view, this path of seeing and worshipping Him in all living beings using one’s mind, speech and body is the best path to deliverance. He states that using one’s life in this perishable world to realise one’s true immortal nature as being one with Him, demonstrates the highest intelligence and wisdom.
Om Narayanam namaskritya, Naram chaiva Narottamam,
Devim Saraswatim Vyasam, Tato jayam udirayet.
[Om, Salutations to Lord Narayana, rishi Nara,
Goddess Saraswati and the divine sage Vyasa.]
February 18, 2023
Hi,
I hope all is progressing well.
The Complete Life of Krishna: Based on the Earliest Oral Traditions and the Sacred Scriptures by Mataji Devi Vanamali is about Krishna in totality narratively from beginning to end (though does Brahman/Krishna really have an end?) from/through all, if not most, narratives one may find Krishna's presence. I decide to buy then read the text after meeting an attractive woman with the name Krishna. I ask her if she knows the immensity and profundity of her name to which she replies in a way indicating she doesn't. When I then think of my awareness of Krishna, I really recall the Bhagavad Gita (more so of Arjuna's epic presence) so I proceed to discover more of Krishna. I find the correlation stylistically between the narratives and a film like Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva (and other Bollywood films I've come to watch) consistently-poignantly parallel (especially narratively—storytelling wise). The text is moralistically insightful. One may learn a lot from narratives prior to one's physical existence (to develop well from learnings toward/in a good/better life rests greatly on one's decision making). I thoroughly enjoy the text. I really appreciate the glossary, index, and appendices in the back of the book. Exploring karma, dharma, adharma, svadharma, and atman (amongst many other conceptual terms) can be helpful toward becoming more self-aware and sound with the universe.
Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest
I hope all is progressing well.
The Complete Life of Krishna: Based on the Earliest Oral Traditions and the Sacred Scriptures by Mataji Devi Vanamali is about Krishna in totality narratively from beginning to end (though does Brahman/Krishna really have an end?) from/through all, if not most, narratives one may find Krishna's presence. I decide to buy then read the text after meeting an attractive woman with the name Krishna. I ask her if she knows the immensity and profundity of her name to which she replies in a way indicating she doesn't. When I then think of my awareness of Krishna, I really recall the Bhagavad Gita (more so of Arjuna's epic presence) so I proceed to discover more of Krishna. I find the correlation stylistically between the narratives and a film like Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva (and other Bollywood films I've come to watch) consistently-poignantly parallel (especially narratively—storytelling wise). The text is moralistically insightful. One may learn a lot from narratives prior to one's physical existence (to develop well from learnings toward/in a good/better life rests greatly on one's decision making). I thoroughly enjoy the text. I really appreciate the glossary, index, and appendices in the back of the book. Exploring karma, dharma, adharma, svadharma, and atman (amongst many other conceptual terms) can be helpful toward becoming more self-aware and sound with the universe.
Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest
July 4, 2024
Essentially what the title says, detailing Krishna's life from his time in Gokul and Vrindavan to his role in the Mahabharata.
Spoilers ahead.
This was exactly the kind of book I was looking for! I had attempted to read the Bhagvata Purana (translated into English) but there were a lot of sages and names that weren't Krishna. Krishna has been the God I've prayed to for as long as I can remember. I always asked my family to tell me stories about Krishna and, when their wells emptied, begged them for all the Krishna books and movies. Most stories weren't new to me but were a nice refresher. Others were a little disconcerting. For instance, I couldn't really get behind the relationship Krishna had with the gopis. They weren't physically intimate but they were??? And grown women loved a 12-year-old boy as a lover? My mother reckons this was probably a later addition to the established lore but there really is no way of knowing. I wish the oldest version of this story had been recorded by hand rather than passed orally. :-/ I also didn't like how Vanamali made it seem like a woman's only role was to care for her husband and see to his needs. A docile wife was considered the "perfect woman" which doesn't sit well with me.
I'm glad I read this book now of all times. I've felt my faith to be waning even though I still do my prayers every day. It was a nice reminder of all the things I love about Hinduism. I was able to reflect on various aspects of my life and reevaluate what I value. I also feel closer to God which is always a plus.
Spoilers ahead.
This was exactly the kind of book I was looking for! I had attempted to read the Bhagvata Purana (translated into English) but there were a lot of sages and names that weren't Krishna. Krishna has been the God I've prayed to for as long as I can remember. I always asked my family to tell me stories about Krishna and, when their wells emptied, begged them for all the Krishna books and movies. Most stories weren't new to me but were a nice refresher. Others were a little disconcerting. For instance, I couldn't really get behind the relationship Krishna had with the gopis. They weren't physically intimate but they were??? And grown women loved a 12-year-old boy as a lover? My mother reckons this was probably a later addition to the established lore but there really is no way of knowing. I wish the oldest version of this story had been recorded by hand rather than passed orally. :-/ I also didn't like how Vanamali made it seem like a woman's only role was to care for her husband and see to his needs. A docile wife was considered the "perfect woman" which doesn't sit well with me.
I'm glad I read this book now of all times. I've felt my faith to be waning even though I still do my prayers every day. It was a nice reminder of all the things I love about Hinduism. I was able to reflect on various aspects of my life and reevaluate what I value. I also feel closer to God which is always a plus.
March 9, 2025
I was excited to read the life story of Krishna. But half of the book is just praising him. How everyone’s life revolves around him, his lilas with Gopis is especially very difficult to read.It is written by a devotee rather than a historian or a writer. It becomes a story again when Mahabharat starts and then again it just ends. It was a difficult book to complete. May be I could not understand it as a normal person, may be I am not religious enough or spiritual enough. But as a reader who was interested in learning more about Hindu Indian history, it was indeed interesting to know the details. However, story writing was definitely the weakest part.
February 22, 2023
Lovely retelling of so many stories of Krishna's life...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews