The Non-Violent Incarnation

Interestingly, in Kali-yuga, Krishna comes in the non-violent form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He does not kill the demons (asuras) using weapons and violence, but rather kills the demoniac mentality (asura-bhava) through the sublime and joyful process of sankirtana. Once, when Sri Chaitanya did become furious at the mistreatment of His devotee, He exhibited His violent nature and awakened His Sudarshan Chakra. Nityananda Prabhu reminded Him of His mission to deliver the hopelessly fallen souls of the age, of whom Jagai and Madhai were classic examples. Ninety-nine percent of the population in Kali-yuga resemble these brothers, who, despite their high birth and cultural respectability, had become degraded and uncivilised in their behaviour. Sri Chaitanya thus withdrew His anger and bestowed His kind mercy upon the miscreant brothers, who vowed to reform their ways.

The Srimad-Bhagavatam explains: “In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions.” (SB 11.5.32)

The verse indicates that Sri Chaitanya also appears with weapons (astra). What are those weapons? Some teachers explain the weapon is the holy name, which can penetrate anyone’s heart and create a powerful consciousness shift even in unwilling living entities. Others explain the weapons are His associates who exude compassion and love, and can transform people by their holy association. Some say that the molten golden complexion and unparalleled beauty of the Lord is His weapon. Simply by seeing that divine form people were naturally drawn towards Him.