The Most Famous and Infamous People I’ve Ever Met: A Journey Through Krishna’s Wisdom and the Self
When asked, “Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?” it may seem like a straightforward question, yet the answer is anything but simple. The concept of meeting someone transcends physical proximity. It’s not only about meeting someone in the conventional sense, face-to-face. It can also be about a spiritual encounter, a meeting through wisdom, through thoughts, through teachings that change the very fabric of one’s existence. It is this type of meeting I wish to reflect on.
The most famous and the most infamous individuals I’ve ever met are not figures of history, and certainly not celebrities. Rather, they are the divine presence of Lord Krishna and the various aspects of myself that I encounter every day through introspection. Both these meetings—one with the divine and the other with the self—have changed me in profound ways. Allow me to take you on a journey of understanding the meeting with the most famous person, Lord Krishna, and the most infamous person—myself.
The Most Famous Person I’ve Ever Met: Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna, the supreme deity of the Bhagavad Gita, is perhaps the most famous person anyone could ever meet. Yet, meeting Krishna does not require physical proximity; it requires a heart open to wisdom and a mind eager to learn. I meet Krishna daily through the pages of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna imparts the most profound spiritual teachings, guiding humanity through the complexities of life, just as he guided Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Krishna’s presence in my life is not just as an external force but as a living, breathing reality in the form of divine wisdom, love, and guidance. His teachings have been passed down through generations, and his words have remained unchanged, timeless, and eternally relevant. Through his divine discourse with Arjuna, I have found guidance for every facet of life—be it the pursuit of knowledge, the understanding of my duties (dharma), or the deep understanding of the soul’s purpose in the material world.
Krishna’s Divine Presence and Descriptions
Krishna’s presence is often described in the Bhagavad Gita, not only in terms of his actions but also through vivid descriptions of his divine nature—his vastness, his infinite form, and his transcendent qualities. Let’s explore some of these descriptions to understand more deeply who Krishna is and why he is the most famous and revered figure in spiritual history.
- Bhagavad Gita 10.20
“I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.” Here, Krishna reveals that he is the very essence of all living beings, the consciousness within every soul. He is not just an external god or force but resides in the hearts of all creatures. This intimate connection with every living being makes Krishna not just a distant deity but a presence that is close to each of us. - Bhagavad Gita 11.8
“You cannot see My cosmic form with your present eyes. I give you divine sight; behold My majestic universal form!” Krishna offers Arjuna a glimpse of his divine, cosmic form, a vision that reveals the infinite and boundless nature of the universe. This form is beyond time, beyond space, and beyond human comprehension. The significance of this is that Krishna is not merely a human figure—he is the Supreme Being, encompassing all of existence, all creation, and all destruction within him. - Bhagavad Gita 10.34
“I am the strength of the strong, devoid of passion and desire. I am the desire in all beings, that which is free from sin.” Krishna speaks of his supreme nature here, describing himself as the source of all strength, free from the worldly attachments and desires that often bind us. He is both the force that drives action and the purity that transcends the limitations of the material world. - Bhagavad Gita 10.42
“I am the goal, the support, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge, the dearest friend. I am the creation and the annihilation of the entire universe.” Krishna’s role in the universe is multifaceted. He is the beginning and the end, the creation and the destruction. He is both the support that sustains all beings and the refuge in which we find peace. This comprehensive description shows that Krishna is not just a deity but the very foundation of existence itself. - Bhagavad Gita 9.11
“Fools deride Me when I take on a human form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all beings.” Krishna acknowledges that many fail to understand his divine nature. They mistake him for just another human, not realizing that he is the eternal, transcendental Supreme Being who has manifested in the world for the benefit of humanity. - Bhagavad Gita 7.7
“O scion of Bharata, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.” Krishna reveals that he is the highest truth, the foundation of all creation, the ultimate reality that holds all things together. Like pearls on a thread, the universe and everything within it is connected to him. - Bhagavad Gita 15.19
“I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.” This verse again emphasizes Krishna’s omnipresence and his connection with every living being. His divine essence is present within all of us, making him both immanent and transcendent.
Krishna’s Role in the Universe
Krishna’s teachings in the Gita are not just philosophical; they offer a practical guide for living a life of righteousness, fulfillment, and spiritual growth. He is both a personal God and a universal force, showing us how to balance our duties in the material world with our connection to the divine.
As the supreme personality of Godhead, Krishna is beyond dualities such as good and bad, birth and death, creation and destruction. He is the eternal, unchanging truth behind all phenomena. His teachings in the Gita aim to guide us toward understanding this ultimate reality and living in harmony with it.
The Most Infamous Person I’ve Ever Met: Myself
While Krishna is undoubtedly the most famous person I have met, the most infamous person I meet daily is not someone else but myself. It may sound strange, but when I reflect on this, I realize that it is within myself that I encounter the greatest challenges.
I am not one singular personality. Like everyone, I am a complex blend of emotions, desires, fears, strengths, weaknesses, and contradictions. Every day, I meet different versions of myself—the angry person, the fearful one, the joyous one, the selfish one, the compassionate one, and even the lost one. These different versions of me reveal themselves in different situations, and every encounter brings with it a new lesson.
The Inner Struggle: Understanding the Infamous
The most infamous parts of me are not inherently bad, but they represent areas of growth and transformation. The anger I feel in difficult situations, the doubts I have about my path, the moments of frustration and impatience—these are the “infamous” parts of my nature. Yet, they are not permanent. They are a part of the human condition, and they provide me with the opportunity to grow.
Through Krishna’s teachings, I learn that these parts of myself are not to be rejected or suppressed but understood and transformed. Krishna teaches us that the material world is a place where we face challenges, and it is through these challenges that we evolve. The infamous versions of myself, the darker aspects of my personality, are like the shadow that helps define the light. Without the contrast, I would not fully understand the need for growth, for discipline, and for spiritual awakening.
Krishna’s Wisdom in Transforming the Self
Krishna teaches us to transcend the ego and the limitations that keep us bound to the material world. He guides us toward understanding our higher nature—the eternal soul (Atman)—and teaches us to identify less with our transient, fleeting emotions and more with the eternal truth of who we truly are. He tells Arjuna to rise above his doubts, to fight for what is right, and to act selflessly without attachment to the results.
In my daily practice, I read the Bhagavad Gita to understand not only Krishna’s teachings but also to reflect on my own behavior, thoughts, and actions. Each verse provides me with new insight into how to live in harmony with the divine and how to reconcile the inner struggles I face.
Surrendering to Krishna: The Path to Inner Peace
One of the most profound teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of surrender. Krishna advises Arjuna to surrender all his actions and desires to the divine. This surrender is not an act of weakness but of strength. It is a way of aligning oneself with the cosmic order, with the divine will, and embracing the peace that comes from living in harmony with the universe.
In my journey of self-reflection, I too surrender—surrender my doubts, my fears, my desires, and my imperfections. By surrendering to Krishna’s will, I invite the divine presence into my life and create space for transformation. Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up—it means aligning my will with a higher purpose, trusting in the divine guidance that Krishna provides. It is through this surrender that I find freedom from the limitations of the self and can truly start to experience peace, joy, and a sense of divine connection.
Krishna’s Teachings: The Path to Self-Realization and Liberation
Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita are not simply philosophical; they are practical tools for living a life of purpose, truth, and spiritual growth. Let’s dive deeper into these teachings to understand how they can help us transcend our ego, face our inner struggles, and walk the path of self-realization.
1. Selfless Action (Karma Yoga)
One of the key teachings of Krishna is the concept of Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action. In Bhagavad Gita 3.16, Krishna tells Arjuna, “One who does not follow the wheel of creation set of going in this world, sinful and sensual; he lives in vain.” He explains that every action, no matter how small, is an offering to the divine when done selflessly, without attachment to the outcome.
Krishna urges us to perform our duties with a sense of detachment. This means acting not for personal gain or recognition but as a service to the divine. The mind should be free from expectations about the results of our actions. By adopting this approach, we cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction in our work, knowing that we are contributing to the cosmic order.
Selfless action is liberating because it frees us from the bonds of desire and attachment. Krishna teaches that when we do our work as an offering to the divine, without expecting anything in return, we experience a deeper connection to the universal flow of life.
2. Detachment and Renunciation (Vairagya)
Krishna explains in Bhagavad Gita 2.47, “Your right is to perform your duties, but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.” Detachment doesn’t mean renouncing the world or withdrawing from life. It means not allowing worldly attachments to control your actions, thoughts, or emotions. It’s about living in the world but not being of the world.
Krishna asks us to detach ourselves from the outcomes of our efforts and focus only on our duty. This way, we can live in peace, free from anxiety, and with a clear sense of direction. Detachment allows us to experience the world with greater clarity and understanding, as we stop clinging to temporary results and instead, focus on our spiritual growth and inner peace.
3. The Importance of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga)
Krishna stresses the importance of knowledge, particularly self-knowledge, in achieving liberation. In Bhagavad Gita 4.33, he says, “The knowledge of the Self is superior to all other forms of knowledge. Through this, the mind is purified and the soul becomes one with the divine.”
Krishna reveals that true knowledge is not just intellectual; it is the knowledge of one’s own divine nature. The more we understand who we truly are—not our temporary identities or roles, but our eternal soul—the closer we come to experiencing Krishna’s presence. This knowledge purifies the mind and removes the darkness of ignorance, allowing the light of wisdom to shine through.
4. Bhakti: The Path of Devotion
One of the most profound teachings Krishna offers in the Bhagavad Gita is the path of Bhakti, or devotion. Krishna himself declares in Bhagavad Gita 9.22, “To those who are constantly devoted and who always remember Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”
Through devotion, we cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the divine. Bhakti is not about rituals or external displays of worship but about an inner connection to Krishna. When we devote ourselves to him with pure love and humility, Krishna assures us that he will guide us, protect us, and lead us to ultimate liberation.
5. Surrender to the Divine Will
Finally, Krishna’s most profound teaching is that of surrender. In Bhagavad Gita 18.66, Krishna says, “Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.”
Surrendering to Krishna means relinquishing our own limited will and aligning ourselves with the higher, divine will. It is not about giving up on life or resigning to fate; rather, it is about recognizing that the divine plan is far greater than our individual desires and fears. Surrendering means trusting that Krishna will guide us on the right path, even if we don’t always understand the journey.
This surrender leads to liberation because it frees us from the false sense of control and opens us up to divine guidance. It is through this deep trust in Krishna that we find peace, joy, and the strength to overcome all challenges.
Meeting Krishna Every Day: The Spiritual Practice
The most powerful way I meet Krishna daily is through the practice of reading and reflecting on the Bhagavad Gita. Each day, I read a verse and allow it to settle deeply in my heart, to speak to the challenges I face, the desires I have, and the questions I seek to answer. Krishna’s words are like a mirror, reflecting the truth of my own nature, guiding me toward a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
Every verse of the Gita has its own unique significance, but what makes them truly transformative is their ability to speak to me personally. Through Krishna’s wisdom, I am able to look at the famous and infamous parts of myself—those aspects of my personality that are both divine and flawed—and understand that they are part of a greater whole.
Reflecting on the Inner Struggles
Each day, as I meditate on Krishna’s words, I realize that the so-called “infamous” parts of me—the flaws, the doubts, the fears—are not my true nature. They are only temporary aspects that arise due to my ignorance of my own divine essence. Krishna teaches me that these imperfections are not to be fought or suppressed but understood and transcended. They are like clouds in the sky that momentarily obscure the light of the sun.
The famous part of me—the higher, enlightened self—is my true identity, the Atman, the eternal soul that is one with Krishna. By embracing the teachings of the Gita, I begin to see that the famous and infamous aspects of myself are not separate; they are simply two sides of the same coin, part of the journey toward self-realization and liberation.
Conclusion: The Meeting with Krishna and the Self
As I meet Krishna in the pages of the Bhagavad Gita, I also meet the many versions of myself—both the divine and the human, the famous and the infamous. Krishna’s wisdom and presence guide me through the challenges of life, helping me to understand my own nature and to navigate the complexities of the world. By surrendering to his will, I align myself with the divine order and find peace in the midst of chaos.
The most famous person I’ve ever met is Krishna, whose wisdom continues to shape my life. And the most infamous person I meet every day is myself—the person who is constantly learning, growing, and evolving. In Krishna’s teachings, I find the guidance to transform the infamous into the divine, and to become the person I am destined to be.
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