Meditations on Transcendence

Viṣa-Jalāpyayād: Krishna as the Savior from All Fears The Gopis' heartfelt invocation in the Gopi Gita highlights Krishna's role as the ultimate protector from vishwato bhaya—fear from all directions. The śloka, viṣa-jalāpyayād vyāla-rākṣasād varṣa-mārutād vaidyutānalāt vr̥ṣa-mayātmajād viśvato-bhayād r̥ṣabha te vayaṁ rakṣitā muhuḥ (Bhagavata Purana, 10.31.12), proclaims how Krishna repeatedly saved the Gopis and Vrajavasis from poisonous waters, wild beasts, demons, storms, and other dangers. These dangers symbolize the six fundamental fears: loss, failure, pain, disease, death, and uncertainty. The Gopis’ unwavering faith reveals Krishna’s omnipotence and compassion, emphasizing that He alone eradicates all perils. Chanting this verse eight times daily is a spiritual remedy, invoking Krishna’s divine shelter. It aligns with the Gopis’ plea to the Lord, reminding devotees of His transcendental protection, which liberates them from worldly and spiritual fears alike. By remember...

  त्रिविध-प्रार्थना: सर्वत्र संरक्षणाय Threefold Prayers for Universal Protection Protection from the Agni Element (Fire): arjuna uvāca kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa mahā-bāho bhaktānām abhayaṅkara tvam eko dahyamānānām apavargo 'si saṁsṛteḥ Translation: Arjuna said: "O Krishna, Krishna, mighty-armed one, you are the source of fearlessness for your devotees. You alone are the deliverer of those who suffer in this material existence, the liberator from the cycle of samsara." Protection from Kleśas (Miseries and Afflictions): kṛṣṇāya vāsudevāya haraye paramātmane praṇata-kleśa-nāśāya govindāya namo namaḥ Translation: "Obeisances unto Krishna, son of Vasudeva, the Supreme Soul and Lord, who removes the sufferings of the surrendered souls. I bow again and again to Govinda." Protection from Vāyu (Wind) and Āpa (Water): kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa mahā-bhāga tvan-nāthaṁ gokulaṁ prabho trātum arhasi devān naḥ kupitād bhakta-vatsala Translation: "O Krishna, Krishna, most exalted one, O Lord of Goku...