The word Krishna means the all-attractive reservoir of pleasure. Everything in this world that gives us pleasure has it’s origin in Krishna.
Krishna is not only the origin of pleasure, but everything material or physical, as well everything spiritual. When we desire to understand or connect with the Universe, or Universal energies, we are indirectly connecting with Krishna. Just like when we connect with the light and heat of the sun, we indirectly connect with the sun.
The spiritual writings of ancient India teach us that we are all inherently spiritual by nature and that Krishna is the supreme spirit. Whereas we forget our spiritual nature and therefore strive for enlightenment through many spiritual practices, Krishna never forgets his spiritual nature. This is one symptom that makes Krishna supreme. Krishna is also not subject to the great laws of material nature, being the origin and controller of Mother Nature. On the other hand we are always subject to the stringent laws of nature such as time that takes away everyone’s duration of life.
Krishna is understood in three phases. Some spiritual seekers perceive Krishna as the energy of the Universe, as the spiritual nature or force within everything, or as the Supreme Person.
Complete understanding of Lord Krishna is given in India’s spiritual texts. Srila Prabhupada, founder of The Hare Krishna Movement writes:
“The pastimes of the Lord Krishna are generally heard and relished by liberated souls. Those who are conditioned souls are interested in reading stories of the material activities of some common man. Although similar narrations describing the transcendental activities of the Lord are found in Srimad – Bhagavatam and other Puranas, the conditioned souls still prefer to study ordinary narrations. They are not so interested in studying the narrations of the pastimes of the Lord, Krishna. And yet the descriptions or the pastimes of Lord Krishna are so attractive that they are relishable for all classes of men. There are three classes of men in this world. One class consists of liberated souls, another consists of those who are trying to be liberated, and the third consists of materialistic men. Whether one is liberated or is trying to be liberated, or is even grossly materialistic, the pastimes of Lord Krishna are worth studying.”
Srila Prabhupada has given a full description of Krishna in his book entitled Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Any person desiring peace, prosperity, happiness, and ultimately enlightenment, will find perfection in their understanding of Krishna, the Supreme Person.