Krishna's Secret

by Devdutt Pattanaik

What seems a good thing in Ram’s yuga becomes a bad thing in Krishna’s yuga. Ram’s unquestioning obedience of his father transforms him into God. But Puru’s unquestioning obedience results in the collapse of society.

This is the world of Krishna, a world where what matters more than the deed is the thought behind the deed.

Devaki represents all the qualities one is born with. Yashoda represents all the qualities one acquires in life. Thus Krishna’s divinity, rooted in Devaki’s blood and Yashoda’s milk, acknowledges both nature and nurture.

Krishna is by varna a nobleman but by jati a cowherd. Though nobleman, he can never be king. Though cowherd, he can always lead.