Surrendering to Krishna’s Protection
Introduction
Fear is one of the most common emotions we encounter—fear of failure, loss, rejection, uncertainty, and even death. It holds us back, paralyzes us, and clouds our judgment. Fear arises when we feel alone, vulnerable, and disconnected from a higher purpose. But what if we could let go of fear and live with unwavering confidence, knowing we are protected and guided by the Supreme?
In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna repeatedly assures us that He is the ultimate shelter for those who surrender to Him. By taking refuge in Krishna, we can transcend all fears and face life’s challenges with peace, courage, and clarity. Krishna’s teachings provide us with the tools to overcome fear—not by ignoring it but by transforming it into faith and surrender.
This blog will explore the root causes of fear, Krishna’s teachings on surrender, and practical steps to let go of fear and experience His divine protection.
Understanding the Root of Fear
Fear stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of who we are and our relationship with Krishna. Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita that fear arises due to:
- Attachment to the Material Body and Possessions
We fear loss because we identify with temporary things—our body, relationships, wealth, or status. - The Illusion of Control
We often try to control situations, outcomes, and people. When we realize our limitations, fear sets in. - Forgetting Our Eternal Nature
We forget that we are spirit souls, eternal servants of Krishna, and we mistakenly look for security in a temporary world.
Krishna, however, teaches us that true security lies in surrendering to Him. By remembering that we are under Krishna’s loving care, we can let go of fear and embrace peace.
Krishna’s Teachings on Letting Go of Fear
1. Surrender to Krishna for Complete Protection
One of the most powerful and reassuring verses in the Bhagavad-gita is 18.66:
“sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ”
Translation:
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
Insight:
Krishna gives us the ultimate promise—when we surrender to Him, He takes complete responsibility for our protection. Surrender doesn’t mean inaction or weakness; it means placing our trust in Krishna’s plan, understanding that He is in control and will always do what is best for us.
When we surrender, we realize that there is no need to fear because Krishna is our eternal well-wisher.
2. Krishna is Always with Us
Krishna reminds us that He is not far away—He is always present in our hearts as the Supersoul (Paramatma). In Bhagavad-gita 15.15, Krishna says:
“sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo
mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca”
Translation:
“I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness.”
Insight:
No matter where we are or what we face, Krishna is with us. When we feel lost, fearful, or alone, we can turn to Him through prayer and chanting. By remembering Krishna’s presence, fear begins to dissolve.
3. Develop Detachment Through Knowledge
In Bhagavad-gita 2.13, Krishna explains the temporary nature of the material body:
“dehino ’smin yathā dehe
kaumāraṁ yauvanaṁ jarā
tathā dehāntara-prāptir
dhīras tatra na muhyati”
Translation:
“As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.”
Insight:
When we understand that we are eternal souls and not the temporary body, we begin to detach ourselves from material fears. Death, loss, and uncertainty lose their power because we know our real self cannot be harmed.
By cultivating spiritual knowledge, we develop the courage to face any situation with wisdom and calmness.
4. Krishna Carries What We Lack and Preserves What We Have
In Bhagavad-gita 9.22, Krishna promises to personally care for those who worship Him with love and devotion:
“ananyāś cintayanto māṁ
ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ
yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham”
Translation:
“But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.”
Insight:
Fear often arises when we worry about our needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Krishna assures us that when we depend on Him, He will take care of everything. This promise frees us from anxiety and fills our hearts with confidence and trust.
Practical Steps to Let Go of Fear
1. Chant Krishna’s Holy Names
Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra connects us directly with Krishna, dispelling fear and filling our hearts with peace:
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
The more we chant, the more we feel Krishna’s presence and protection.
2. Offer Your Worries to Krishna
In moments of fear or anxiety, offer your thoughts and struggles to Krishna through prayer:
“Krishna, I surrender this situation to You. Please guide and protect me. I trust in Your plan.”
3. Study the Bhagavad-gita Regularly
Reading Krishna’s words strengthens our faith and reminds us of His promises. Verses like 18.66 and 9.22 assure us that Krishna is always with us, protecting and guiding us.
4. Associate with Devotees
The company of devotees helps us stay strong in our faith and reminds us to depend on Krishna. Their encouragement and wisdom give us courage during difficult times.
5. Serve Krishna with Love
Engage in devotional activities such as offering food, reading scriptures, or helping others. Service redirects our focus from fear to Krishna, filling us with joy and purpose.
The Story of Gajendra: A Perfect Example of Surrender
In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the story of Gajendra beautifully illustrates Krishna’s protection for those who surrender. Gajendra, the king of elephants, was caught by a crocodile and struggled to free himself. When he realized his strength was insufficient, he surrendered to Lord Vishnu and called out for help with complete faith.
Hearing Gajendra’s prayers, the Lord immediately appeared and saved him. This story teaches us that when we call out to Krishna with sincerity and surrender, He personally comes to protect us.
Conclusion: Replace Fear with Faith
Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gita remind us that fear arises when we forget Him and rely on our limited abilities. By surrendering to Krishna, remembering His constant presence, and trusting His promises, we can let go of fear and experience true peace and protection.
Fear may knock at our hearts, but when we fill our lives with Krishna’s holy names, His teachings, and loving service, we find the courage to face any challenge with faith and joy.
Krishna promises: “Do not fear.” When we surrender to Him, there is truly nothing to fear.
Hare Krishna! 🌸
Call to Action
- Chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily to connect with Krishna’s protection.
- Reflect on Bhagavad-gita 18.66 and remind yourself of Krishna’s promise: “Do not fear.”
- Offer your fears to Krishna through prayer, trusting that He is in control.
Stay tuned for the next blog in the “Spiritual Resilience” series, where we’ll explore “Simplifying Life: Finding Peace Through Krishna’s Teachings.”
Hare Krishna! 🌿✨
