Omnipotence of Kṛṣṇa's Desires
This article explores the theological nature of Kṛṣṇa's desires. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains how the Supreme Lord, though self-sufficient and requiring nothing, manifests the material and spiritual worlds simply through His will. The text contrasts the laborious efforts of humans with the effortless potency of God, whose desires are instantly fulfilled by His manifold energies.
Creation by Simple Desire
The power of Kṛṣṇa is such that He need not physically labor to create the cosmos. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that unlike a human architect who requires materials and contractors, Kṛṣṇa simply desires, "Let there be creation," and His energies immediately execute the task. The entire cosmic manifestation is a product of His glance and will.
- As it is materially possible, that a man of this world can work so wonderfully simply by pushing some button, so how much great is God, or Krsna, simply by His desire, "Let there be creation," immediately everything is there.
- All energies and powers are derived from the supreme source, Lord Krsna, and they act as long as He desires and cease to function as soon as He withdraws.
- When He (Krsna) does something, He desires only. By His desires, the energies are there. Immediately the energy works. Just like you have got some energy. If you desire, immediately it begins to work. You have got experience.
Desire in the Complete Whole
A common misunderstanding is that desire implies imperfection or lack. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that Kṛṣṇa is pūrṇam, complete. His desires are not for acquiring something He lacks, but for enjoying His own opulences. Just as a multi-millionaire has different desires than a pauper, the Supreme Lord's desires are transcendental and limitless.
- A poor man may desire to have a thousand dollars in the bank, but a rich man who has millions has no such desire. If Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, why should He have desires.
- He (Krsna) fulfills the desires of others. Man proposes and God disposes. If Krsna had any desire, He would be imperfect, for He would be lacking something. Therefore He says that He has no desire to fulfill.
- Whatever He (Krsna) desires is perfectly lawful, and whatever He decides cannot be changed by anyone. These are the eight transcendental qualities of Krsna. Besides that, Krsna is known as Yogesvara.
Contrast with Human Effort
In the material world, a living entity must undergo great struggle to fulfill their desires. In contrast, Kṛṣṇa's activities are free from such exertion. For example, He lifted Govardhana Hill not by physical strain, but by His will, although He appeared to lift it like an ordinary child to exchange love with His devotees.
- In the material world, the external potency can act only after one endeavors at great length, but when the Supreme Lord desires, everything is performed automatically by the internal potency.
- He (Lord Krsna) can lift millions of Govardhana Hills by His simple desire; He does not need to lift it with His hand. But He imitates the ordinary living entity by this lifting, and at the same time He exhibits His supernatural power.
Conclusion
Kṛṣṇa’s desire is the supreme law and the origin of all existence. While He is completely independent and self-satisfied, He maintains His personality through spiritual desires. Understanding the omnipotence of Kṛṣṇa's will—that He can create, maintain, and destroy simply by desiring—helps the devotee understand the greatness of the Master they serve.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vāṇī
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Krsna's Desires. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.