Kṛṣṇa as Yogeśvara the Master of All Mystic Power
Lord Kṛṣṇa is celebrated throughout the Vedic literatures as Yogeśvara, the supreme master of all mystic powers. While ordinary yogis may acquire minute fragments of mystic perfection (siddhis) after lifetimes of arduous practice, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa possesses all potencies naturally, eternally, and in full. He is the reservoir from which all other powers are derived. This article explores Kṛṣṇa's unique position as the controller of all mysticism, His ability to manifest inconceivable forms, and the ultimate shelter He provides to His devotees through these unlimited potencies.
Definition of Yogeśvara
The term Yogeśvara specifically denotes Kṛṣṇa as the master of all yogic powers. In the material world, yogis strive to achieve some level of control or power, but Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Kṛṣṇa is the source of all such power. He requires no endeavor to maintain His existence or to exhibit wonderful feats, for He is the proprietor of all energies.
- He (Krsna) is known as Yogesvara, or the master of mystic power, or in other words the all-powerful.
- Mystic yogis want to acquire some power by practicing the yoga system, but Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is known as the Supreme Lord of all mystic power.
- Krsna, however, is Yogesvara, the master of all yogic powers. If we get a little mystic power we become important, but Krsna is the master of all mystic powers.
- The word sankhya-yogesvaraya is also significant herein (SB 4.24.42), for Krsna is described in Bhagavad-gita as Yogesvara, the master of all mystic powers. Without possessing inconceivable mystic powers, one cannot be accepted as God.
Manifestations of Inconceivable Power
It is through His inconceivable mystic potency that Kṛṣṇa manifests the Universal Form (virāṭ-rūpa) and expands Himself into unlimited forms. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that these displays are not magic tricks but the revelation of His absolute nature, often shown to bless His devotees like Arjuna or to bewilder those who doubt His supremacy.
- If You (Lord Krsna) think that I (Arjuna) am able to behold Your cosmic form, O my Lord, O master of all mystic power, then kindly show me that unlimited universal Self.
- Sanjaya said: O King, speaking thus, the Supreme, the Lord of all mystic power, the Personality of Godhead, displayed His universal form to Arjuna.
- He (Krsna) is the master of all mystic powers, Yogesvara. So He can expand Himself in multiforms. That is explained. Advaita acyuta anadi ananta-rupam.
- Lord Sri Krsna is the Absolute Supreme Personality of Godhead (Para-brahman). He is omnipotent by His inconceivable energies, and therefore He is the Yogesvara, or the supreme master of all mystic powers.
Superiority Over Demigods and Elements
Even the greatest demigods, such as Lord Brahmā, are baffled by Kṛṣṇa's mystic potency. As confirmed by Śrīla Prabhupāda, since every power in the universe is derived from Kṛṣṇa, no external power can act upon Him. This was practically exhibited in His Vṛndāvana pastimes, such as when He swallowed the forest fire to save the cowherd boys.
- Brahma might have possessed some power, but what is that power in comparison to Krsna? Every power is derived from Him; so Brahma's mystic power cannot act on Krsna.
- Brahma says: O my dear Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O Supersoul, O master of all mystic powers, no one can know or explain Your expansions, which You manifest by Your yogamaya energy. These expansions extend throughout the three worlds.
- Then Krsna, the supreme mystic, the powerful Personality of Godhead, immediately swallowed up all the flames of the fire. The cows and boys were thus saved from imminent danger.
- Talking with Akrura about all these affairs, she (Kunti) felt herself helpless and exclaimed, "My dear Krsna, my dear Krsna! You are the supreme mystic, the Supersoul of the universe. You are the real well-wisher of the whole universe."
Guarantee of Victory and Morality
The ultimate conclusion of the Bhagavad-gītā is that victory is not a matter of military strength alone, but of the presence of Yogeśvara. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that wherever Kṛṣṇa is present, there is guaranteed success, opulence, and morality. Thus, for a devotee, the perfection of life is not to acquire mystic power, but to take shelter of the Master of all mystic power.
- Wherever there is Krsna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.
- In Bhagavad-gita (BG 18.78) it is said: "Wherever there is Krsna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion."
- In the Eighteenth Chapter (18.78), Krsna is described as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, who is the master of all mystic power (yatra yogesvarah krsnah). Yogesvara is also described at the end of the Sixth Chapter (6.47): sa me yuktatamo matah.
- One who is attracted by Krsna attains liberation from material bondage because Krsna is the transcendental master of all mystic power.
Conclusion
Kṛṣṇa's identity as Yogeśvara establishes Him as the ultimate source and controller of all phenomena. His mystic powers are not acquired achievements but are inherent aspects of His divinity, used to display His supremacy and protect His surrendered devotees. Understanding Kṛṣṇa as the master of all mystic power leads the devotee to surrender fully, knowing that the ultimate power lies not in the yoga-siddhis, but in the hands of the Lord of all mystics.
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