Devaki and Vasudeva, the parents of Krishna exemplify love, sacrifice and selfless service. On the wedding day of Devaki, It was foretold that her eighth child would be the cause of death of Kamsa. Kamsa had imprisoned them and would kill each child as soon as it was born. Devaki was terribly shattered to see her infant being mercilessly killed by wicked Kamsa right in front of her eyes. Yet, knowing it to be the Lord’s will to appear through her, she displayed unparalleled sacrifice and perseverance; she tolerated the distress and became pregnant again, waiting patiently for the Lord to appear.
When the Lord appeared as her eighth child, He immediately ordered Vasudeva to take Him to Vrindavan and exchange with Nanda’s daughter. Although Vasudeva and Devakihad made tremendous sacrifices all these years so that they could get the Lord as their child, now the Lord wished to leave them. They didn’t protest or demand justice; despite undergoing years of distress, they readily complied with the Lord’s desire. Vasudeva and Devaki now exemplified selflessness by agreeing to take Krishna to Vrindavan.
Our hearts, although essentially pure, have also become a darkened prison cell due to Kamsa like negativities of this world. Many lives are filled with lamentation and regret, being shackled with the chains of innumerable desires. But every dark cloud has a silver lining; although our consciousness may be filled with the most embarrassing and obnoxious desires, we have hope of freedom and happiness. Just as Lord Krishna appeared in the dark prison cell of Kamsa, God can appear even within our dark prison like heart and light up our lives with love, wisdom and purity.
For the light of Krishna to appear in the womb of our consciousness, we can take inspiration from Vasudeva and Devaki, and internalize the spirit of selfless service and sacrifice. Let us resolve on this day to cultivate the mood of being a servant and add love and meaning to others’ lives. This way we can truly please Lord Krishna and also fill our own hearts with spiritual happiness.
