In The Paradise Of Krishna By Klaus Klostermaier

“In the Paradise of Krishna” is one of the greatest books that provides concise yet detailed insight into various aspects of the very diverse Indian culture such as traditions, way of living, rituals, saints, Gods (specifically Krishan) etc. I have lived in a similar environment as Klaus Klostermaier for almost 12 years, thus I can confirm the validity of the content provided in the book. This book has provided me with an opportunity to look at Hinduism, a religion that I have followed so closely, with a different perspective. I have learned new things about Krishna’s life previously unknown to me along with the importance of interreligious dialogues. This book has allowed me to gain an understanding of how people with different religious

He mentions important aspects of life in Vrindaban such as the sadhus, beautiful animals, pilgrimage places, festivals and environment. Along with the positive things of Vrindaban, Klostermaier also talks about the negative aspects as well. For example, he states that “the disappointment and the bitterness of life, suffering and misery, loneliness and illness, death and old age are realities even here…” (Klostermaier, 1969). The unique relationship between Lord Shiva and Krishna stands out the most in the little story told by Klostermaier. In the story, Shiva in hope of tricking Krishna enters the forbidden place where Gopis used to meet Krishna. However, because of his complexion Shiva gets caught and Krishna lovingly says, from now on no one can reach Krishna without first honoring Shiva. This is sort of shocking since normally we would expect Krishna to get upset and curse Shiva. It seems as if this event was purposefully brought forward by Krishna to make the people aware of the importance of Shiva as an incarnation of Lord

He states, “Had I myself understood yet what it was all about?”. This is a common question that I always run into when it comes to understanding some concepts of Hinduism. I find myself in the same predicament as Klosermaier in situations where I am not able to answer certain questions about my own faith. Nevertheless, as the Swamiji explains in the book, “…one would have to rise towards a knowledge of God step by step- that the lower steps would still be littered with misunderstanding, opposition, dispute.” I am most certainly at the lower steps on the ladder to knowledge of