This is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Krishna. For centuries together, the story of Krishna has been repeated on this day in our country.

The significance of the story is very great. Everything is so very scientific and logical. It gives a straight answer to the question, "Who am I?" There is a Higher Power pulsating in us. It is the Light of Intelligence. It illumines the thoughts and feelings in us. It is represented as Sri Krishna, the Infinite Wisdom. He was born in the prison. That prison is the bosom of the Rishis, who were contemplating on the mysterious problem of Life. We know that scientific Truths are discovered in the quiet caves of the rare Intellectuals. In the quiet silence of the Himalayas, they rediscovered the Truth.

Krishna is Truth. He was born in the quiet heart-caves of the Rishis. Those Rishis gradually transmitted their knowledge to their disciples; thus Krishna was removed from the prison to Yashoda's house – the disciples' heart. While sleeping in fatigue and exhaustion, wearied in production and destruction, we know not, that there is born a baby called Knowledge – Krishna – in our bosom.

As long as we are engaged in outer activities, the Scriptures do not open their secrets to us. When we get fed up with these and go to sleep to forget them, in meditation, this child is born. When we have fully enjoyed life in all aspects and find no peace out of them – in that quiet sleep, the maturity of understanding, the Light dawns. The Scriptures are taught to such a heart. The Intellect cannot reach there – it is like a dark-screen. We cannot penetrate it. So there is a screen between man and the Infinite; the body, mind and intellect cannot penetrate the darkness.

That Darkness is this night of Krishna's birth. When everybody is sleeping in the prison of his Ego; when the sense organs are all asleep the mysterious Light shines forth during meditation, and in that darkness the Blue-Boy of Brindavan is born.

Yashoda looks after that child-baby, the Blue Boy. She thinks it is her own child because he was supposed to be born to her while she was asleep. Material prosperity terminates into spiritual progress. We have to look after that Baby. It is not an easy job, with a mischievous baby. Try any number of times, we too cannot control Him. But once, we work His Light, there is joy and happiness increases.

When the third stage comes – we study the Shastras. We are convinced and the citv of Dwarka is constructed. After Sravana and Manana, we rise above the heart and try to meditate. Thus the Blue Boy of Dwarka is the Lord of Consciousness in the heart. He is building a house in my heart. The Light of Consciousness in me is He. What I perceive is due to the Light.

Krishna was born in the secret prison. When He was brought out, He was delivered to Yashoda. When He has grown up sufficiently, He went to Dwaraka. There He established order. In the battle of Kurukshetra, He gave out his wisdom to bless the nation. When you have developed good faculty, you do not enjoy it yourself but give it back, improved, to the society. Thus, Krishna also gave out to the society the Knowledge of the Gita.

To-day is a wonderful day. The Lord is coming so people fast. Fasting is Upasana – to live near the Lord. Attunement to the Lord through meditation is fasting. While contemplating, it is an agony to eat.

Krishna's birth is Enlightenment! Food means satisfaction of the senses, Starve the senses! Uplift them to contemplation! Be brave! Light will dawn! There must be no fear. Thus we turn inward in meditation. In that silence of the heart, in spite of thunders, we must remain sufficiently long. Then only in that long-earned tranquility will we experience the birth of Krishna