Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, born in 1929 in Ayodhya, embraced sanyas in 1950. He humbly declined the offer to become Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath because he longed only to remain absorbed in loving devotion to Radha-Krishn. For nearly 20 years, he isolated himself in secluded places of Braj, immersing himself in divine love. In 1972, inspired by Radha, he began teaching raganuga bhakti to souls longing for God realization.
He founded the International Society of Divine Love and Barsana Dham in the USA and the International Society of Divine Love and Rangeeli Mahal Pratishthan in India. Swami Prakashanand authored 11 books on God’s realization. His seminal work, “The True History and the Religion of India,” serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of authentic Hinduism. It offers logical, scriptural, scientific, philosophical, and historical insights vital for preserving and sharing the essence of Hindu scriptures worldwide.
In his discourse titled “Why do we need God in our Lives,” H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati discusses the path to becoming an authentic seeker of the divine.
In philosophy, loving worship of God transcends the boundaries of Form. Whether you kneel before Shiv’s mighty trident or offer prayers to the gentle Krishn playing his flute, the essence remains unchanged. Every deity is a manifestation of the singular divine essence.
God, with His limitless powers and infinite bliss, takes on myriad forms to cater to the diverse aspirations of His devotees. Each form, unique in its function, attributes, and symbolism, offers a path to divine communion and spiritual fulfilment.
According to Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, when Krishn appeared in Gokul, even the great Lord Shiv felt the cosmic shift in his meditative trance atop Kailash. Upon learning of Krishn’s arrival, Shiva was compelled to seek his divine darshan.
As their eyes met, a wave of love surged through Shiv’s being, igniting a dance of pure ecstasy that seemed to transcend time. Here was the God of liberation, the sovereign of Vaikunth, enraptured by Krishn’s love—a profound yet mysterious revelation.
In Krishn (with Radha as His soul-Beloved), the supreme essence of bliss finds its ultimate form. And in that divine union, even the mightiest of gods cannot resist the irresistible charm of Krishn’s love.
During Krishn’s divine descension, a celestial pilgrimage unfolded as gods and goddesses flocked to witness his divine play and blessings. Among them, Maha Lakshmi graced Braj with her eternal presence, serving Krishna with devotion and bestowing prosperity upon his abode.
“This celestial procession underscores the enchanting love of Krishn—a sweetness so profound that even the highest deities yearn for its embrace. In Krishn’s love lies the epitome of divine affection, coveted by all, for it represents the summit of bliss in the celestial spheres,” expounds Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.
In the domain of the divine, limitations fade away, and distinctions between big and small disappear. All forms of God transcend boundaries, embodying boundless magnificence and absolute perfection. Yet, amidst this infinite expanse, Krishna’s love holds a unique allure.
Swami Prakashanand Saraswati illustrates, “Consider two devotees, one beholding the form of Vishnu and the other enraptured by Krishn’s divine presence. Though Vishnu and Krishn share striking similarities in appearance—same visage, complexion, eyes, nose, and height—one crucial distinction sets them apart: Vishnu’s four arms and Krishn’s two. When a devotee gazes upon Vishnu, a profound joy fills their heart, saturating them with happiness beyond measure. Yet, for the devotee immersed in Krishn’s presence, this joy transcends into an intimate bliss, a love so tender and close that they yearn to embrace Krishn with all their being. In Krishn’s love, there exists a depth of intimacy that surpasses mere admiration, drawing the devotee into a profound connection that transcends distance and fills their soul with boundless joy.”
Swami Prakashanand Saraswati explains, “Imagine a scenario in the world where a strikingly beautiful woman, aged 40, captivates the attention of two young boys. Both are awestruck by her beauty, but one boy adds a unique perspective, saying, “She is not only beautiful, but she is also my mother.” Here lies the distinction: beauty intertwined with a profound relationship.”
Similarly, in Braj, Mother Yashoda adored Lord Krishn as her own beloved child. The inhabitants of Braj cherished Krishn as their playmate, while the Gopis poured their hearts, minds, and souls into loving Krishn as the very essence of their existence.
In this analogy, the depth of love and connection elevates Krishn beyond mere admiration, making him the loved center of their universe.
In Krishn’s love, intimacy surpasses all other forms of devotion to deities like Vishnu, Durga, Shiv, or Ganesh. This intimacy is truly exceptional, representing the pinnacle of divine connection.
Furthermore, in our worship of God, we must prioritize seeking His love over worldly desires. While we often turn to various forms of God—Shiv, Durga, or Ganesh—in our prayers, requesting material wealth or happiness, the ultimate treasure lies in selflessly seeking God’s love.
Instead of merely asking for worldly possessions, let us shift our focus to yearning for God’s divine love. After all, the truest and most fulfilling riches are found in the embrace of the divine, transcending the fleeting desires of this mortal world.
In the journey of life, we encounter the ebb and flow of joy and sorrow, success and failure. Yet, amidst these fluctuations, have you ever experienced enduring contentment? Perhaps fleeting moments, but seldom lasting.
This transient nature of worldly happiness underscores a fundamental truth: the pursuit of fulfilment in material realms is inherently fleeting and bound to disappointment. The world’s cycle of life and death continues ceaselessly, offering only temporary solace.
Swami Prakashanand Saraswati concludes by saying, “To break free from this cycle, we must shift our perspective. Instead of chasing fleeting pleasures, let us aspire for the eternal love of God. True fulfilment lies not in worldly acquisitions but in seeking the divine embrace.”
Embrace this shift in thinking, and you embark on the path of a true seeker—one who yearns not for fleeting treasures but for the everlasting love of the divine.
