The Essence of ISKCON's Lord Krishna and the Original Lord Krishna

Many are often intrigued by the differences between ISKCON's Lord Krishna and the original Lord Krishna. To clarify, both refer fundamentally to the same divine figure. In ISKCON, Lord Krishna is celebrated as the source of all avatars. Interestingly, the original Lord Krishna is considered a poornavatar (complete avatar) of the Supreme Narayana. This understanding encapsulates the essence of their relationship, portraying Them as one and the same.

As mentioned in a Vedic verse, 'Of the Adityas luminescent great gods, I am Vishnu. Of the Vrishnis, a Yadava tribe, I am Krishna.' This statement distinctly signifies the intrinsic connection between the two. Both honor Krishna as an almighty God.

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) treats Krishna as Bhagavan (God). This means that for the devotees of ISKCON, Krishna is not just a deity but a supreme being worthy of worship. However, it is essential to note that worshiping Krishna isn't exclusive to ISKCON. The same Lord Krishna is revered by many saints and devotees across the world, such as Mirabai, Leela, Shuka, Aravindananda Yogi, and many others who have been inspired by Krishna’s teachings and devotion.

The perception that ISKCON’s Lord Krishna differs from the original Lord Krishna is a common misconception. Both are seen as the same entity, but the perspective often differs. For ISKCON devotees, Krishna represents their chosen Ishta Devata (personal deity). This concept plays a fundamental role in their spiritual practice. The term Ishta Devata implies a personal god that one considers supreme based on their individual understanding and devotion. Unlike the homogeneity implied by 'the single divine,' Ishta Devata reflects the unique nature of each individual's spiritual journey and the unique attributes they ascribe to the divine.

Ishta Devata is highly personalized, varying from person to person. Every individual, being unique, associates specific attributes with their chosen deity. For example, Krishna is often associated with love, wisdom, and playful nature, while Shiva is often linked with realization, power, and spiritual transformation. These attributes are symbolically represented through various forms or masks, such as Krishna, Shiva, and more.

These symbols, like Krishna, are tools to channel our devotional energy. Just as numbers and alphabets are symbols for numeric and linguistic concepts, Krishna is a symbol for the divine. The essence of these symbols lies in the mind they create and the attributes they evoke. Whether we call the divine Krishna, Shiva, or any other name, the core truth is that the symbols are but different expressions of the same underlying divine energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone worship Krishna outside of ISKCON? Yes, Krishna is revered in many forms and worshipped by numerous devotees and spiritual practitioners worldwide. What is the significance of Ishta Devata? Ishta Devata is a personal deity that represents specific attributes unique to an individual’s devotion and spiritual path. Is the concept of Ishta Devata limiting in any way? No, it is a personalized approach that empowers individuals to focus on attributes that resonate with their personal beliefs and practices.

Ultimately, the essence of Lord Krishna remains the same, whether approached through ISKCON or any other spiritual tradition. The difference lies in perspective and the personal connection one establishes with the divine through their chosen deity.