Janmashtami is the day when we remember the appearance of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. But to truly celebrate Janmashtami, Srila Prabhupada taught us that we must first understand who Krishna is.
Krishna is not an ordinary historical personality, nor is His appearance like the birth of an ordinary living being. Srimad Bhagavatam establishes, “Krishnas tu Bhagavan svayam” Krishna is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, Janmashtami is not simply the celebration of the birth of a great person; it is the celebration of the Supreme Lord personally appearing in this world.
Although Krishna is unborn and transcendental, He appears by His own internal potency. Unlike us, who are forced to take birth according to karma, Krishna appears by His own will.
Krishna Himself explains that whenever there is a decline of dharma and an increase of irreligion, He appears to protect His devotees, vanquish the miscreants and reestablish the principles of religion.
Srila Prabhupada repeatedly emphasized, Krishna does not need to come personally simply to destroy demons. His appearance is especially meant to give pleasure and protection to His devotees and to revive our forgotten relationship with Him.
This is beautifully seen at the time of His appearance. The world around Vasudeva and Devaki was filled with fear because of Kamsa, but in the midst of that darkness, Krishna appeared. His appearance gives us a timeless assurance that however difficult the circumstances may be, when we turn toward Krishna and take shelter of Him, there is always hope.
Therefore, Janmashtami is not only a festival to be celebrated externally. It is an opportunity to ask ourselves whether Krishna is actually becoming the centre of our lives.
J — Joy of devotion A — Awakening of spiritual consciousness N — Nectar of Krishna’s name M — Mercy of the Supreme Lord A — Abandoning material illusion S — Service to Krishna H — Hearing His glories T — Taking shelter of Him A — Awakening love for Krishna M — Making Krishna the centre of our life
Srila Prabhupada gave us a simple process: hear about Krishna, chant His holy name, remember Him and serve Him. By sincerely following this process, Krishna consciousness gradually awakens within the heart.
So, as we wait for the midnight appearance of Krishna, let us also pray for another appearance: the appearance of devotion, surrender and remembrance of Krishna within our own hearts.
That is the deeper celebration of Janmashtami.
