Reading Notes Week 11: Krishna Part B

Summary of Part B of the Krishna series of the Epified Videos series.

(Photo of Balram, Krishna's brother. There were honestly not many images of him as you would expect considering he accompanied Krishna during the Mathura journey and was a large part of his life. Image can be sourced here)

Episode 11: Krishna is out enjoying his day when Brahma appears. Brahma finds it funny a god would share his food with mere commoners (elitist much). Krishna then decides to do a social experiment where he creates cows and their herders from himself. No one notices and Brahma was impressed. Brahma realized Krishna is omnipotent and had respect (this is a kind of fundamental part of Hinduism, divine omnipotence).

Episode 12: Krishna's brother wanted to kill a bull named Hastin (it would be a feat and a benefit for the community). I guess the bull was not nice so the reader is supposed to be on Balram's side (Krishna) to kill which I thought was interesting because a lot of Hindus are vegetarian (evoking this sympathy was intentional). Yet, Krishna told him not to kill the bull. Krishna also had a soft spot for Hastin and the two bond- so much that when Krishna rode him (unthinkable bc the bull was bad) everyone was shocked. Balram wanted to "ride" Hastin out of domination but Krishna earned his respect out of love.

Episode 13: Krishna and Radha are in love and Krishna wants to marry her but his mother won't let him. Krishna eventually had to go to the family priest because he did not want to listen to his parents who told him he couldn't marry her because he had another destiny (do we control our own destiny?) and finds out about his real birth. Krishna still loved his village and people.

Episode 14: Krishna grows up, even more, who is quite strong and able to defend himself well. Kansa knows of Krishna's existence and his "final" trick was to try to get Krishna and Balram to come over. He sent Akrur but realized the cowherder Vrindayan was actually a reincarnation of Vishnu, who he was a strong devotee for. Akrur also was entranced by Krishna's divine self. He told Krishna of the real reasons he was invited (Kansas behalf).

Episode 15: No one wants Krishna to leave because they love him, but Krishna goes. They met with Akrur who is just in awe being in the presence of these divine figures.

Episode 16: Krishna and Balram finally make it. People take notice to who they are and notice their miraculous, good deed work. They heal a woman with deformities who was apparently waiting for her "healer". This story basically emphasizes why they are divine and reiterates how loved they were.

Episode 17: Word of Krishna's miraculous works spread, eventually reaching Kansa. He comes up with *another* plan of sending a angry elephant to them but Krishna kills the elephant. I guess Kansa's second final plan backfired and he realizes how screwed he is.

Episode 18: Krishna and Balram enter a stadium to show they can lift a bull. Kansa orders his army to kill Krishna and Balmram but finish the army and eventually kill Kansa. Why did Kansa ever think an army attack would work considering all his other plans worked and also Krishna is literally a God?

Episode 19: Everyone is happy Kansa is dead but there is some chaos because there is no ruler. Krishna and Balram restore order. They free Kansa's father- Kansa actually imprisoned his own father- and tell his dad of what happened. Understandably, his dad is happy and is the new king.

Episode 20:There are people who liked Kansa and want to avenge his death. Krishna knew by killing Kansa this would happen, so he was aware . He moves the cities for safety which is good because one of Kansas allies burns down an empty city. Krishna becomes a king. It is insinuated there is more to happen but this is where the story ends.

Bibliography:

Title: Epified: Krishna Series Part B. The Epified series has more videos but  all the ones designated for Part B were used for this assignment.

Authors: Epified TV