Falling in love with the divine through a single image
I love a painting of Lord Krishna in His youth, which is indescribably beautiful. I have never seen anyone, male or female, as beautiful as this painting of Lord Krishna. He simply mesmerises me. A similarly beautiful painting caught my attention in a large calendar many years ago. I cut it out, got it framed and then hung it on the right side of my bed. This was the start of my real love for the Lord, and this emotion has helped me to take His shelter.
Similar emotions are expressed by devotees when God incarnates. Vibhishanji describes the beauty of Lord Ramachandra when he first saw the Lord: “God has huge hands. His eyes are like red lotuses. His complexion is dark, which removes the fear of those who take His shelter. The shoulders are like those of a lion. The chest is broad and looks very beautiful. The Lord’s face is more beautiful than that of innumerable Kamadevas (Cupids).”
Poor Shurpanakha lost her nose, having been completely smitten by the beauty of the Lord. What happened to whoever saw Lord Krishna from His childhood? We are aware of cowherd women going crazy about the beauty of the Lord.
Let us compare the beauty or handsomeness of human females and males. At first glance, you may feel attracted or impressed. But soon faults will be noticed in the features, bodily shape, etc.
Even if all these are excellent, the emotions behind the face can spoil it all. An angry look from a beautiful face repels. Similarly, a hateful glance destroys everything. In any case, everyone ages and the charm reduces unless there is an aura.
Now, the message of this article. Not only beauty but all opulences impress. A person who is famous shows confidence. The same is true of knowledgeable people. Powerful people have the look of invincibility. Renounced persons attract, as do wealthy persons. As this article is about beauty, and that too of God, let me recount how I have made good use of my attraction to my Lord in His photo. I habitually look at my Lord, and chanting of ‘Krishna, Krishna, Krishna’ starts automatically. Whenever something good happens, I go and touch my head to the photo of my Lord. A similar reaction occurs when something unpleasant happens; I pray sincerely for guidance and help. Believe me, I am not really impressed by the looks of any person any more, because I compare them with my Lord’s beauty.
I respectfully offer namaskar to my Lord several times a day. In short, I have fallen in love with my Lord. This makes taking shelter of God easy, and benefits of all kinds keep coming (Bhagavad Gita 9.22). I sincerely wish that one and all can and should get started on their spiritual journey. Just scan a few large calendars and choose a photo of God’s incarnation, whichever attracts you the most. Get it framed nicely and hang it next to your bed. Start looking at Him, and you will be on your way.
The writer is a spiritual teacher; views are personal
