Kṛṣṇa Is the Supreme Witness Situated in Everyone's Heart
In the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, it is explained that Kṛṣṇa, in His localized Paramātmā feature, accompanies every living entity within the heart. He acts as the eternal and impartial witness, observing the actions and desires of the soul without becoming entangled in them. This understanding establishes that the living entity is never alone and that all actions—whether good or bad—are noted by the Supreme Lord, who awards the corresponding results.
Analogy of the Two Birds
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites the Vedic analogy of two birds perched on the same tree to illustrate the intimate yet distinct relationship between the soul and the Supersoul. While the individual soul is captivated by the fruits of material enjoyment, the Lord sits as the observing friend, waiting for the living entity to turn towards Him.
- In the Vedic literature you find that two birds are sitting on the same tree. One bird is eating the fruit of the tree, and the other bird is witnessing. That witnessing bird is Krsna, and the eating bird is myself.
- Two birds, namely the Supersoul, Krsna, and the living entity, individual soul, they are sitting together. And one is eating the fruit of the tree and the other is simply witnessing. This is our position.
- Of these two birds - although they are the same in quality - one is captivated by the fruits of the material tree, while the other is simply witnessing the activities of His friend. Krsna is the witnessing bird, and Arjuna is the eating bird.
- Both Krsna and the living entity are sitting in one tree. That is stated in the Upanisad. Two birds are sitting in one tree. One is eating the fruit of the tree and other is simply witnessing.
The Paramātmā as the Aloof Observer
The Supreme Lord is the ultimate seer of all events, yet He remains transcendentally situated and unaffected by the material activities He observes. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that although Kṛṣṇa witnesses the actions of the living entities, He maintains His independence and is not entangled by their choices.
- Although He (Krsna) is the seer of everything, He is not afflicted with faulty vision. Therefore, although He is the witness and seer, He is aloof from all affection for the activities He sees. He is always unattached and separate; He is only a witness.
- He (Krsna) is the witness of everything that is happening, and yet He has nothing to do with anything. He is independent in every respect. Maharaja Pariksit desired to know more perfectly, for a pure devotee ought to know well.
- One bird is eating the fruit of the tree, and the other bird is witnessing. That witnessing bird is Krsna, and the eating bird is myself. I am eating, I am enjoying the fruits of my work in this material world, and Krsna is simply observing.
Sanctioning Desires and Karma
Acting as the overseer within the heart, Kṛṣṇa notes the desires of the living entities and provides the necessary facilities for them to act out their material propensities. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the Lord awards the results of these actions, good or bad, serving as the sanctioning authority behind the workings of karma.
- Krsna bhuliya jiva bhoga vancha kare, we wanted to enjoy, to lord it over this material world, He has given us chance, "All right, enjoy. Enjoy to your best capacity." But He is witnessing. Witnessing means you want something, Krsna is supplying.
- Krsna is the supreme witness sitting within the heart, and He not only notes what one is thinking and doing, but He also gives the living entity facility. If one wants to do something in order to satisfy his senses, Krsna gives all facility.
- Eternal time is the witness of all our actions, good and bad, and thus resultant reactions are destined by Him (Krsna).
Impossibility of Deception
It is foolish to think one can commit sinful activities secretly, for Kṛṣṇa is always present within as the constant witness. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that no action goes unnoticed by the Supreme Lord, who knows the past, present, and future of every living being.
- We cannot hide anything from Him, and we receive the results of our karma because the witness is Krsna Himself within the heart. How, then, can we avoid Him? Without Krsna's permission, we cannot do anything.
- It is very difficult because there are many witnesses: the daylight is witness, the moonlight is witness, and Krsna is the supreme witness. Thus one cannot say - I am committing this sin, but no one can see me.
- He is witness. You cannot cheat Krsna. Be sincere, and try to serve Him. He'll accept your service. And He will give you intelligence. Your life will be successful.
- King Nrga said, "My Lord (Krsna), You are the supreme witness. You are aware of every bit of work done by the living entities - past, present and future."
Conclusion
In summary, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Kṛṣṇa's presence as the witness in the heart is the ultimate reality of our existence. He sees every thought and deed, sanctioning our material wanderings while awaiting our return to Him. By recognizing Kṛṣṇa as the supreme witness, one is inspired to live a life of honesty and devotion, understanding that the Lord is always near, observing and guiding the living entity toward the ultimate goal.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Krsna Is The Witness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.