Krishna's Role In The Mahabharata War

"Krishna told Arjuna, 'Although I have no desire and am not bound by Karma (action), I undertake work. I have entered this battle and become your charioteer not because I do not have horses of my own to look after, but because I have vowed to restore Dharma. Arise Arjuna! For the peace and prosperity of the world, the clash of arms and the shower of arrows are inevitable." Sai Baba, Summer Showers in Brindavan-1979, p. 45

Date of The Mahabharata Battle And The Gita Message

"The battle of Mahabharata took place in the year 3141 B.C., when Krishna was 86 years old." Sai Baba, Summer Showers in Brindavan-1979, p. 159

"The Bhagavad Gita contains the sacred lore of the spirit. Krishna gave unto mankind through Arjuna, the core of the Gita message on the battlefield at 10.30 a.m. on the 'Kaartika Bahula Amaavasya' day. This was the day on which the great Mahabharata war was commenced." Sai Baba, Summer Showers in Brindavan-1979, p. 158

Age Of Arjuna And Krisna At The Time Of The Mahabharata War

"At the time of the war, Arjuna was eighty-four year-old and Krishna was eighty-six, the difference in their ages being only two years." Sai Baba, Summer Showers in Brindavan-1979, p. 48

Symbolism Of The Wicked Quartet

"In the Mahabharata, Shakuni represents doubt (Anumaana). Kama symbolizes lack of faith (Avishwaasam). When these two come together, envy (Asuuya) in the fprm ofDuryodhana emerges. Envy is accompanied by wickedness in the form of Dushaasana. When the four come together, the fate of the Kauravas is sealed. The Kauravas represent bad thoughts, bad intentions, and bad attachments. Krishna clearly foresaw the fate of the Kauravas long before the Kurukshetra war. He told Arjuna: 'Get up. Be prepared for war. Justice will prevail. Selfishness will suffer disaster. This is the Dharma of every age." Sai Baba, SS, 9/93, p. 229

No Escape From The Consequences Of One's Bad Actions

"Over the ages, the wicked have behaved in the manner of the Kauravas and have met with the fate they deserved. There is no escape for anyone from the consequences of his actions. Death may come at any time, in any place, in any form. No one can tell the time or manner of anyone's death. It is preordained. There is no meaning in analyzing the pros and cons of such happenings. Even the good devotees sometimes develop doubts and argue over trifles." Sai Baba. SS, 9/93, p. 230

Difference Between The Kauravas And The Pandavas

"The difference between the Kauravas and the Pandavas was this: the Kauravas had no faith in the Divine and turned away from Krishna. They believed only in worldly pleasures. The Pandavas had implicit and unwavering faith in Krishna and did not care for anything else. In the conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, the Kauravas were utterly destroyed, while the Pandavas were victorious. The Mahabharata reveals the difference between the Kauravas and the Pandavas in their attitude toward Krishna and what reliance on Krishna as the divine means for believers. The Pandavas placed God first, the world next, and 'I' (themselves) last. The Kauravas placed 'I' (self-interest) first, the world next, and God last. Whoever places God first and foremost is bound to be successful in life. This was the lesson, which Sanjay gave to Dhritarashtra at the end of the Bhagavad Gita. Faith in God is the guarantee of victory." Sai Baba, SS, 9/89, pp. 231 & 232

Doubts About The Krishna Avatar

"While Parikshit was listening to Suka's narration of Krishna's Leelas, many doubts occurred to him. Shuka resolved all the doubts. 'Parikshit! You are viewing things from a worldly point of view and missing the truth. No one can determine the form of the Divine. He can assume any form at any time. But, when He has to demonstrate the nature of the Divinity to mankind, He has to come in human form. But man, because of his polluted mind, is unable to recognise the Divine in human form.'

Even Yashoda, despite many occasions in which Krishna demonstrated his divinity, continued to regard him as a human child and frequently thanked the Lord for saving her child from many dangers. But Krishna tried to change her view by the words he used on different occasions. Once when Yashoda asked Krishna whether it was true, as alleged by Balarama, that he was in the habit of eating of mud, Krishna replied: "Mother! Am I a child, or a naughty boy or madcap to eat mud? People are mad about me. I am here to cure the world of its madness." From these words Yashoda began to realise that Krishna was no longer an ordinary child but a manifestation of the Divine." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 259

There are many subtle truths relating to an incarnation, which cannot be easily understood. Merely to describe the various sports and exploits of Krishna as a child is only a pastime. God's ways are infinite and inscrutable. No one can determine or dictate to God how he should act. He can transform anything in a moment." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 259

Prayers To Krishna

Kunti's prayer

"Krishna was leaving Hastinapura for Dwarka. He was bidding farewell to all his kinsfolk and taking leave ofDharmaraja and others. Everyone silently accepted his decision. The chariot was ready for Krishna's departure. But the Divine can change his mind at any moment. After taking leave of all others, he went to Kunti. Kunti told him: "Krishna! All the troubles we experienced were due to our delusions. If Dharmaraja had not been lured by the game of dice, would we have been subject to exile in the forest and all the troubles we went through? Hence, my children were the root cause of all our troubles. You are always our protector. During all our troubles I always remembered you. In the world people remember God only in the times of trouble and not when they are happy. Therefore, Krishna! As long as I have the body, give me always difficulties. However, having had with us all these years, we are deeply distressed to see you part from us. I have no power to change your mind. I only pray do not forget this aunt of yours." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 261