Krsna: A friend who never cheats

The modern man can download HD movies in seconds from the comfort of his home. He may choose to not cook and order food from his smartphone, thereby receiving warm food at his doorstep. But at the end of the day, he is alone.

Any showcase of talent as well as mindless entertainment on social media is tainted with derogatory comments – done by people to look cool but are again those on the platform to seek attention: an escape out of their lonely lives.

Why life has come to a stage where man who was once a social animal is now living a life of seclusion; when everyone learns to make friends right from nursery days.  Then what happens years later where man is no longer interested in friendships. After all to err is to human. Everyone makes mistakes. But is it that there have been so many mistakes by each one of us that in modernity, isolation is embraced?

When we think of the word friend- many beautiful quotes come to our mind. Such as:

"A friend in need is a friend indeed."

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

From a realistic standpoint, such definitions of friendships make us realize that it indeed is a matter of luck to have a true friend. In today's world how many people will leave their work and come for a friend's distress. Even we may not make it up and be readily prepared when called upon in such situations. And how many of us actually have roles like governing a whole kingdom? Krsna despite being a very responsible king left his positional duties to help the Pandavas upon coming to know of their situation. This is what friendship looks like. Pandavas won the war but can they ever repay Krishna? Hence, it is evident that Krsna's friendship includes no expectations. It is very important for us to make friendships that enlighten us and help us grow spiritually. We cannot call it a friendship if two people are discussing their opinions on politics, sports, etc. and get into conflicts if there is any difference in viewpoints.

Its very common for people these days to pretend a luxurious life while having suicidal tendencies in real.

Had Kauravas been a good friend to the Pandavas then they wouldn't have coerced the Pandavas into gambling. The whole instinct comes into picture where its observed that such friendships has selfishness and ill motives behind it.

Only in association of Krsna conscious devotees we can get such a liberation where there is no conflicts because there is only one universal truth. And friendship with Krsna- the ultimate bliss.

In Bhagavat Gita 12. 7, Lord Krsna says

तेषामहं समुद्धर्ता मृत्युसंसारसागरात् ।

भवामि न चिरात्पार्थ मय्यावेशितचेतसाम् ॥ ७ ॥

"But those who worship Me, giving up all their activities unto Me and being devoted to Me without deviation, engaged in devotional service and always meditating upon Me, having fixed their minds upon Me, O son of Pṛthā – for them I am the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death."

A friend like Him who never falls short of his commitments, deserves our dedication and best of efforts. Out of pure innocence, when we were small children we felt immense joy on shouting our achievements loudly. Slowly with the progression of time, it occurs to our realization that not everyone becomes happy when we progress in life. However, our friendships influence us to a great extent which is why it's easier to sight a group of smokers from the same batch together. Similarly association of devotees influences us to become more and more Krsna conscious.

When we view Krsna's friendship with Sudama, there is utmost respect and recognition in purest form. A friendship where attire, wealth, rank and none of these matter - its not easy to fathom the depth of such goodness.

Krsna is our best friend. As our duty and responsibility, we must give back our devotion and prayers to Him. The mind won't deviate to anything negative  if its attracted to Krsna's divine qualities.

Therefore, above all the friendships, is the friendship with Krsna Himself. A friend from whom you can never have any insecurity, who never cheats.