Balancing Our Lives by Taking Shelter of Krishna

In a temple courtyard, a simple yet profound scene unfolded—a wife gently held her husband’s hand for support as she balanced herself while putting on her footwear. This seemingly ordinary moment carries a deep spiritual lesson. Just as the wife instinctively reached out to her husband for balance, we too must learn to reach out to Krishna, the Adipurusha—the Original Supreme Person—for balance, strength, and support in our lives.

In our daily struggles and uncertainties, we often rely on temporary supports—family, wealth, career, and even our own strength. While these may offer momentary stability, they are fleeting. True and lasting balance comes when we recognize Krishna as our ultimate protector, guide, and well-wisher.

Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita:

“Aham sarvasya prabhavo mattah sarvam pravartate”
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me.” (Bhagavad-gita 10.8)

When we align ourselves with this truth and accept Krishna as the supreme enjoyer and the ultimate support in our lives, everything begins to fall into place.

The Need for Support in Life

Life is like walking barefoot on uneven ground—filled with obstacles, challenges, and moments of imbalance. Just as the wife naturally reached out for her husband’s hand to steady herself, we instinctively seek support when life becomes difficult.

Often, we turn to material solutions:

• Wealth for security,
• Relationships for comfort,
• Achievements for validation, and
• Technology for convenience.

But these supports are temporary and unreliable. The Bhagavad-gita reminds us:

“Dukhalayam ashashvatam”
“This material world is full of miseries and is temporary.” (Bhagavad-gita 8.15)

The material world, being temporary, cannot provide the perfect support our soul seeks. Only Krishna, the eternal and infallible Lord, can offer that unshakable shelter.

Krishna: The Original Support and Supreme Enjoyer

Krishna is described in the scriptures as the Adipurusha (the Original Person) and the Bhukta (the ultimate enjoyer). Recognizing Krishna as the ultimate enjoyer of all our activities and offerings shifts our perspective from self-centered living to God-centered living.

Krishna declares:

“Bhoktāram yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram”
“I am the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, and I am the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods.” (Bhagavad-gita 5.29)

When we acknowledge Krishna as the enjoyer, we no longer carry the burden of trying to control everything. We begin to offer our work, relationships, and actions to Him, and in doing so, our lives naturally become more peaceful and balanced.

Examples from Scriptures: Taking Shelter of Krishna

1. Draupadi’s Surrender

When Draupadi was dishonored in the Kaurava court, she initially sought support from her husbands and elders. When no one could help, she raised both hands and called out to Krishna. Immediately, Krishna protected her honor.

Her story teaches us that while worldly support can fail, Krishna’s support never does. When we surrender to Krishna, He becomes our shield and protector.

2. Gajendra’s Cry for Help

Gajendra, the king of elephants, was caught by a crocodile and struggled for years to free himself. Only when he surrendered and offered a heartfelt prayer to the Supreme Lord did Krishna immediately descend and save him.

This example shows that Krishna is always waiting for us to call upon Him for help. His support is just a sincere prayer away.

3. Arjuna on the Battlefield

At the beginning of the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna was overwhelmed and confused. Recognizing his weakness, he surrendered to Krishna as his charioteer and spiritual master. By taking shelter in Krishna’s guidance, Arjuna found clarity, strength, and victory.

Krishna’s words to Arjuna echo to all of us:

“Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja”
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” (Bhagavad-gita 18.66)

How to Take Shelter of Krishna in Daily Life

Like the wife taking support from her husband, we too can practically take shelter of Krishna in every aspect of our lives. Here’s how:

1. Chant the Holy Names
   Krishna has mercifully descended in this age as His holy name. Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is the simplest way to connect with Him:
   Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
   Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
2. Offer Everything to Krishna
   Before eating, offer your food to Krishna with love. Dedicate your work, relationships, and successes to His pleasure. This shifts the focus from self-enjoyment to pleasing Krishna.
3. Study Bhagavad-gita and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
   Krishna speaks directly to us through these scriptures. By regularly reading and reflecting, we can find guidance and balance in life.
4. Seek Association of Devotees
   Just as the wife found support in her husband, we can find strength in the company of Krishna’s devotees who inspire us to stay steady on the spiritual path.
5. Engage in Service (Seva)
   Serving Krishna—whether by helping in a temple, distributing books, or sharing prasadam—connects us to Him and brings fulfillment.

The Result of Taking Shelter in Krishna

When we consciously take support from Krishna, our lives transform. We experience:

• Inner Peace: Trusting Krishna removes anxiety and fear.
• Strength in Challenges: Krishna empowers us to face difficulties with grace.
• Fulfillment: Material achievements cannot satisfy the soul, but Krishna’s love does.
• Balance and Clarity: Krishna’s guidance brings purpose and direction.

Call to Action: Hold Krishna’s Hand Today

Just as the wife instinctively reached out for her husband’s hand to steady herself, let us instinctively reach out to Krishna in all aspects of life. Whether in joy or sorrow, success or struggle, let us make Krishna our ultimate support.

Pause and reflect:

• In moments of imbalance, do I turn to Krishna or rely solely on myself?
• How can I offer more of my life and actions to Krishna today?

Let this be our prayer:
“O Krishna, please be my guide, my protector, and my eternal support. Help me surrender to You fully and balance my life in Your loving care.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda beautifully reminded us:

“Hold tightly to Krishna’s lotus feet. Then there will be no danger.”

Krishna is always extending His hand toward us. All we need to do is reach out and hold on.

Are you ready to take shelter of Krishna, the eternal support of all living beings?

Take the first step. Call His name. Offer your heart. And find the perfect balance in His divine embrace.