Why Does Krishna Not Save Everyone Instantly? The Intricacies of Karma, Love, Liberation
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Law of karma, autonomy, leela, liberation, Bhagavata wisdom, FAQs
Table of Contents
Each chapter of Krishna’s life is an ocean of love, compassion, mystery and deep wisdom. In the lanes of Gokul, he steals butter with mischief. He becomes the matchless warrior who tames Kaliya, emerges as a rescuer during Draupadi’s despair and as the Supreme Guide before a despondent Arjuna in Kurukshetra. Even so, Krishna’s most profound lesson is found in his deliberate silences-moments when, despite his divine might, he does not intervene to relieve every trial or end every pain. The lingering question remains: If Krishna is all-powerful and filled with mercy, why does he not save all beings from suffering? Why do so many endure pain, struggle or loneliness even in the presence of God?
This question is not only for devotees. It echoes in Vedic philosophy, scriptural schools, karma doctrine and the subtle teachings of the Gita. The answer is not in a superficial denial but in a profound, multi-layered understanding rooted in ancient texts: Krishna never overrides the soul’s freedom, the results of karma or the alchemy of awakened love. He points the way, gives support but entrusts the actual path and experience to each soul.
Which Principles Guide Krishna’s Response and Actions?
1. “As Is Your Feeling, So Is My Grace”-The Gita’s Central Clue
In the Bhagavad Gita (4.11) Krishna says, “As people approach Me, so do I respond.” Each soul’s feeling, faith and intention determine what grace flows. One may seek prosperity, liberation or only Krishna. In every direction, the response matches the quest.
This rule applies everywhere: in family, career or spiritual practice. Krishna never imposes grace on anyone beyond their desire, karma or openness.
2. The Fruits of Karma Are Inescapable-Even God Submits to Law
In the Mahabharata, Gandhari, broken by the loss of her sons, asks Krishna how this could happen if he is truly God. Krishna answers, “No law breaks the justice of karma. Not even I violate that law.” If all results of karma were wiped away, life would lose its meaning, growth, adventure and capacity for self-realization. Karma is not punishment but the catalyst for maturity, wisdom and evolution of the soul.
| Type of Karma | Effect | How Growth Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Good/virtuous action | Peace, prosperity, advancement | Strengthens character |
| Negative/erroneous act | Suffering, block, reversal | Awakens and reforms |
3. Freedom to Choose: The Heart of Spiritual Progress
In the Bhagavad Gita (18.63) Krishna says, “I have revealed all this wisdom and every secret; now, reflect and do as you choose.”
Freedom is the true gift of God. He never compels, never forces affection or action. Krishna invites every seeker, society or family to change or to resist, to learn by living. Only when love and practice are freely chosen, do they carry real weight and meaning.
| Domain | Power of Freedom | Divine Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual | Pursuit of practice | Honors sincere will |
| Practical | Decision and discipline | Supports reform and effort |
| Personal | Openness, vulnerability | Encourages trust, dialogue |
4. Leela: Teaching by Experience, Not by Immediate Rescue
Every action of Krishna is a “leela”-a free, loving and purposeful play. Lifting Govardhan, subduing Kaliya, guiding in war-each is an enduring lesson:
- Simplicity brings dharma; discipline is grounded in love and adversity hones patience
- “Leela” is never merely about correcting a situation instantly. It unfolds personal and collective consciousness over time
If every problem or pain were always removed immediately, life would lose its tension, learning, authenticity and power for profound experience.
5. Liberation: Not a Command but a Relationship of Love
The Bhagavata Purana poetically reveals-Krishna’s path is not about escaping pain but creating a dynamic, living bond with the soul. He is tied by Yashoda’s rope, summoned by Draupadi’s tears, moves the universe for the gopis’ devotion.
He wants the seeker to feel his presence in every emotion, action and surrender. Togetherness in hardship, encouragement in struggle and humility in victory-this is a true “Krishna-experience.”
Can Every Soul Attain Krishna’s Grace?
The seed of freedom, consciousness and compassion lies in every being. Krishna opens the doors of liberation to all. But the key to enter is in your own hands. His greatest blessing is the endless flow of love, discipline and self-improvement; not a blanket order but a private dialogue, constant guidance and deep soul-to-soul realization.
FAQs: Krishna, Karma, Liberation and Leela-Eternal and Modern Insights
Q1: If Krishna wishes, why does he not remove all suffering from everyone’s life?
A: The purpose of life is learning, growth and inward transformation. Even pain and struggle are as essential as joy. Krishna provides the path but it is the seeker who must choose and act.
Q2: Is it possible for God to alter our karma?
A: God upholds the eternal law of karma. Yes, through love and complete surrender, he gives strength and grace to persevere but never violates the basic law.
Q3: Why did Krishna only counsel Arjuna and never compel his choice?
A: Bhakti and understanding only take root when freely accepted by the soul, not compelled from the outside.
Q4: What practical relevance do Krishna’s leelas have for life today?
A: Their meaning is to live every hour with love, awareness and improvement; to treat adversity as the means for personal and spiritual progress.
Q5: Can every soul receive God’s grace in the end?
A: Absolutely. Whenever the individual seeks with authenticity and love, Krishna’s presence answers from within. This is the very core of Bhāgavat philosophy.
Krishna’s journey and fate reflect the balance of love, karma, autonomy and wisdom. He guides but does not control; protects but does not force. His life and message are a reminder that every soul must discover its own relationship, destiny and freedom. The divine is always near; but it is only within love, action and self-awareness that we meet him.
