Learn the true meaning of friendship from Lord Krishna
People often complain that there are no truly genuine people in the world. They find solace in poems and songs that touch the heart, often mentioning the cracks in relationships. Not only that, but a cinematic song about friendship becomes everyone's favorite. But does everyone truly want a good friendship or relationship? It is believed that relationships are inherited, and friendships are coincidental. However, relationships are about expectations, while friendship is about striving for equality.
While everyone desires good friendships or relationships, wanting it requires hope from the other party. They say that a friendship is tested by need. People always scrutinize others. This will only be revealed when the reality of our honesty is tested, showing how good and genuine we can be. Abraham Lincoln believed that if friendship is someone's greatest weakness, then he is the best person.
When the lives of two different individuals intertwine, the significance of this connection cannot be explained, nor can its mystery be understood. One should understand that there is a divine power behind a good friendship that brings two strangers closer. It requires a depth of sacrifice and love. Although the tradition of celebrating Friendship Day came to India from Western countries, its purpose is to express gratitude towards one's friends. However, if you look beyond this modern era and focus on the ancient culture of your country, you will see that its people are dedicated to true friendship, equally respecting their friends and maintaining unbreakable bonds with them for ages.
Today, let's talk about Lord Krishna of the Dvapara Yuga, who not only valued friendship but also fulfilled every relationship selflessly. In modern times, when people are failing to maintain relationships even with their close relatives, we need inspiration from Lord Krishna's life. Let's learn about Lord Krishna's friends who not only received help from him when needed but also earned lifelong respect.
Krishna-Sudama
Among Lord Krishna's friends, Sudama is remembered first. While Lord Krishna was the king of palaces and Sudama a poor Brahmin, Lord Krishna never allowed this difference to come between their friendship. When Krishna's childhood friend Sudama arrived in Dwarka seeking financial assistance, he had doubts whether Krishna would recognize him. But as soon as Lord Krishna heard Sudama's name, he ran barefoot to meet him. He respectfully brought him to the palace, where Sudama became emotional and wept. Sudama not only ate the rice he brought as if it were a special delicacy, but Lord Krishna understood his concern and gave him everything without asking, making him prosperous.
Krishna-Arjuna
Arjuna is considered a brother of Lord Krishna, but he considered him a friend. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna became Arjuna's charioteer and taught him the path of dharma, encouraging him when Arjuna felt weak. It was through Lord Krishna's guidance that Arjuna could fight against injustice, ultimately leading to the Pandavas' victory.
Krishna-Draupadi
Draupadi considered Lord Krishna her brother and friend. Lord Krishna addressed Draupadi as 'sakhī'. When Draupadi remembered Lord Krishna during her disrobing, he came to her rescue and saved her from being disrobed. This teaches us that we should always help our friends during times of adversity.
Krishna-Akrura
Akrura was Lord Krishna's uncle, but he was also his ardent devotee. It was Akrura who brought Lord Krishna and Balarama from Vrindavan to Mathura. On the way, Lord Krishna revealed his true form to him. After learning the truth about Lord Krishna, Akrura dedicated himself to him. Even though it was a relationship between God and devotee, Lord Krishna naturally treated it like a friendship. Today, observing Lord Krishna and Akrura, one can understand that if the mind is pure and sincere, God and devotee can also become true friends.
