Recently, a devotee asked me, “Prabhu, how is your relationship with Kishore-Kishori? Do you feel connected to Them?”
Hearing his question made me think. I certainly do not have the realization to claim that I am connected to Kishore-Kishori. In fact, I do not feel that I am completely connected to Them in my mind and heart.
I was wondering how to respond to this sincere question from such an innocent devotee.
Finally, I replied, “Prabhu, I have never really thought about it. I take photographs of Kishore-Kishori every single day, but I cannot say that I feel a deep connection with Them. Then I mentioned him about the pictures in front of my desk. I have photographs of disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda and of Śrīla Prabhupāda.”
I told him, “At this stage of my spiritual development, these are the personalities with whom I feel I can connect.”
From Balarama Pūrṇimā to Janmashtami
Interestingly, Lord Balarama embodies the guru-tattva. It is through His mercy, which comes down through the guru-paramparā, that we receive the opportunity to approach Krishna.
In the early stages of spiritual life, therefore, cultivating a sincere relationship with the guru and sādhus is often the first step in awakening our relationship with Krishna. Although we may not yet feel a direct or deep connection with Krishna, service to, remembrance of, and heartfelt attachment to the guru and devotees gradually purifies the heart and prepares it to receive Him.
This is why the sequence of Balarama Pūrṇimā followed by Janmashtami is so meaningful.
Balarama appeared just 7 days before Krishna. This has been proven by some of our acaryas. If the mercy of Guru is present in our hearts, Krishna does not have to wait very long to appear there.
Balarama is the one who cleanses the womb of Devaki so that Krishna can take birth. Similarly, Krishna has to take birth within our hearts. But Krishna cannot simply appear there directly. We need the mercy of the spiritual master.
From Doership to Divine
Recently, I heard my spiritual master speak about the glories of Lord Balarama. It was one of the most profound Balarama Pūrṇimā classes I have ever heard—not only for its deep philosophical insights, but also for the depth of spiritual realization that permeated his words.
He described how, while chanting japa on Balarama Pūrṇimā, he had been gazing at a painting of Krishna and Balarama surrounded by Their cowherd friends. The painting had been made by a particular devotee and is displayed in the front room of his home; I remember having seen it there myself.
He explained that pictures can offer us only a small glimpse of the extraordinary depth and beauty of life in Vṛndāvana. As he spoke, it became evident that he was immersed in a deep experience of Vṛndāvana consciousness.
My spiritual master also mentioned that the devotee who had painted that picture was no longer in the movement. From this, he drew a significant lesson: when we are sincere, Guru and Krishna may empower us to perform wonderful service for a particular period of time.
Ultimately, however, we are not the doers. Whether we have accomplished something meaningful or achieved something extraordinary, we should understand that we are simply instruments in the hands of Guru and Krishna.
The sense of doership begins when we think, “I have done this. I have achieved this. I am capable of doing this.” But in truth, it is Guru and Krishna who accomplish all things through us. When we remain sincere and become suitable instruments, wonderful things may happen through us. Therefore, there is no reason to become proud of anything we achieve.
Overcoming the Obstacles
We see this principle in the pastimes of Lord Balarama.
Balarama killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta because of his pride and improper behavior. He also chastised and killed Dvivida, the gorilla, who had become excessively proud and thought himself to be immensely powerful.
In His pastimes, Balarama repeatedly demonstrates how false pride and the mentality of being the independent doer stand in the way of spiritual advancement.
As long as we think, “I am the doer,” we remain bound by false ego. But when we relinquish that mentality and act only on behalf of Guru and Krishna, our spiritual journey changes completely.
By the grace of Śrī Guru, false ego gradually dissolves. By his mercy, worldly pursuits lose their importance, and we come to understand that devotional service is the only lasting treasure.
Lord Balarama gives us this realization: we are not independent doers, but humble assistants of Śrī Guru in his service to Krishna.
To live in that understanding is itself a perfection of life.
Guru’s Infinite Grace
My spiritual master also explained that Lord Balarama serves Krishna in innumerable ways, making Krishna ever more attractive through His loving service.
He even becomes Krishna’s ornaments and paraphernalia, assuming countless forms simply to enhance Krishna’s pleasure and beauty. Thus, even in śānta-rasa, Balarama serves Krishna in a way that helps others become attracted to Him.
In the same way, through his words, dealings, conduct, and entire life, our spiritual master lovingly helps us become attracted to Krishna.
The important thing is not how advanced we think we are. The important thing is whether we are sincerely placing ourselves under the shelter of Guru and trying to become instruments of his service.
This can be one of our meditations this coming Janmashtami:
Balarama comes first. Through His mercy, through the mercy of Guru, the heart is cleansed and prepared. And then Krishna takes birth within that purified heart.
So the journey from Balarama Pūrṇimā to Janmashtami can also become an inner journey—from false doership to humble service, from independence to dependence upon Guru, and ultimately from Guru’s mercy to Krishna’s presence within our hearts.
Perhaps this is the answer to the question, “Do you feel connected to Kishore-Kishori?” By humbly and sincerely serving Śrī Guru and the devotees who carry Their mercy, our connection with them gradually deepens—and, through that connection, we come to establish a genuine relationship with Kishore-Kishori.
