Krishna

Krishna , Rama , and their relationship with nature

2006

Indian epics are thousands years old . They were written at a time when man was living in close relationship with Nature . Naturally , this relationship is reflected in the Indian sacred texts . We will analyse here how close Krishna and Rama , both incarnations of the God Vishnu were with Nature . Based on this analysis , we will try to see how both Krishna and Rama were reflecting different characteristics of Vishnu

Krishna as an incarnation has two main facets : the young prodigy , who performed miracles

in his fight against his Uncle Khamsa , and the wise man who guided Arjuna in the Mahabaratha . From his early years Krishna was close with animals , as he was originally a cowherd . He spent his childhood playing with his friends and numerous Gopis in the banks of the Yamuna River . Krishna is an unpredictable , mischievous boy who likes to romp in the forest , playfully teasing all he encounters . With the irresistible call of his flute , he lures his players into the forest to experience his essential nature , which is declared to be Ananda - `Joy , or `Bliss ' Krishna also advised agricultural workers to seek the blessings of the land they were cultivating , instead of praising a remote God , Indra . The farmers started worshipping the Govardhan Hill and he protected them from Indra 's wrath . His relationship with nature is made from innocence and intimacy . The childish aspect of Krishna helps simple people to identify with him , as one does not need to be literate to be attracted by a nice-looking facetious little child Despite the important role that he plays in guiding the Pandavas to war in the Mahabaratha , Krishna adult retains the image of someone playful and not so concerned about the seriousness of life . He married simultaneously 16000 princesses to them , and the event is still celebrated throughout India in a colourful and popular feast of lights Deepavali

Rama 's August presence , however , contrasts the winsome wiliness of Krishna . The differences in personality and approach to life , despite a common essence (Vishnu , are attributed to the different ages they lived in . Rama walked on the earth at an earlier time , when dharma was more respected and the world was less corrupt ' Rama 's contacts with Nature were in line with his `austere ' characteristics . He left for a fourteen years exile in the forest to keep the words of his father , the king Dasaratha . Here , he was fed and protected by animals and trees . Those same animals concluded a pact with him and helped him in his war against Ravana . Hanuman , the monkey deity , had close links with Rama , and characterizes the relationship Rama had with animals and Nature : a relationship based on love , but also honor and duty . Hanuman was the character that enabled Rama to get his wife Sita back

But despite their different natures , Krishna and Rama have similar features . Like Nature , they are strong and magnificent . The omniscience sovereignty , energy , strength , vigour , and resplendence...