Is Ignorance Really Bliss?

There is a common saying, "Ignorance is bliss." And in many cases people see ignorance as a pleasant alternative to knowing the harsh reality. But is this really an intelligent way to approach life? Is it better to hear the doctor's unpleasant report that you have cancer so that you can immediately adopt stringent remedial measures? Or is it better that he lies to you and tells your that you are okay, so you can have a pleasant day? It is obvious that it would be useless to have a doctor who always tells you that your health is okay. We need a doctor who always tells us the truth.

The bona fide spiritual master is like that. He does not gloss over the harsh reality of material existence. He tells it just as it is. But at the same time he does not leave us hanging in limbo. He mercifully gives us the cure, how we can regain our original spiritual forms, which are eternal, full of knowledge, and full of bliss.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Why Is Krishna Black?

Pranam,

I am a regular reader of your daily "Thought for the Day" and I get peace, satisfaction and inspiration from your daily emails.

Yesterday my husband asked me the following question:

Is Krishna black? If so, why?

As we both believe everything that Krishna does is for a reason, I would like to know the real reason. I shall be looking forward for your reply.

I pray for your good health,
Hare Krishna

Sarmila Sinha

Answer: Because He Likes It

I am very happy to learn that you are finding peace, satisfaction, and inspiration from our "Thought for the Day."

Krishna is all powerful. He can manifest any color for His form that He would like to. As Krishna is the supreme enjoyer, we can understand that He chooses to manifest the bluish-blackish complexion because He likes it.

Even an ordinary person, when he goes to purchase some clothing, will pick out his favorite color. This tendency is in us because we are part and parcel of Krishna. Krishna originally has this tendency to choose His favorite color. This is why we have this tendency. So because of His personal taste He has chosen this bluish-blackish complexion like a rain cloud. Normally a cloud is white. But when it becomes very dark with bluish-blackish hue it is about ready to give rain. This is the most beautiful color of Krishna's transcendental form. That sweet form is wonderfully described as follows in the Brahma-samhita:

veṇuṁ kvaṇantam aravinda-dalāyatākṣam-
barhāvataṁsam asitāmbuda-sundarāṅgam
kandarpa-koṭi-kamanīya-viśeṣa-śobhaṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

"I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is adept in playing on His flute, with blooming eyes like lotus petals with head decked with peacock's feather, with the figure of beauty tinged with the hue of blue clouds, and His unique loveliness charming millions of Cupids."
--Brahma Samhita 5.30

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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