The Story of Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala
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post, or distribute any part of this event and to abide by these Terms and Conditions.
© 2023 SYDA Foundation®. All rights reserved.
Introduction to the Golden Tale by Denise Thomas
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for making this performance honoring Shri Krishna available. I appreciated the many touching and subtle ways that this Golden Tale teaches about dharma and the workings of karma. I shed tears of gratitude, recognition, and joy as I received this gift.
Ancona, Italy
I do not speak a word of English and so I was skeptical about my being able to appreciate the performance given by these young people. But I got out of my limited frame of mind and started the video. And little by little, I watched it in its entirety with very real pleasure, completely drawn in by the play of these young actors.
I am very grateful to them for their talents, their freshness, and their sense of play.
I am very grateful to them for their talents, their freshness, and their sense of play.
Vaudreuille, France
These Golden Tales are a gift—timeless and alive. I recently watched The Story of Lord Krishna and the Demon Sishupala for a third time. The first two times, I could not hold back tears, so touched was I by what the play revealed about God’s compassionate nature. But I thought, "I’m sure I’ll be dry-eyed this time. After all, I know what’s going to happen." But again, the teachings went straight to my heart. Tears of recognition flowed as I was again filled with the inner knowledge and experience that the Lord’s true nature is compassion. With every sweet mention of the Name— Krishna, Narayana— I experienced love and longing. Above all, in a meeting of mind and heart, I understood that the play of life, despite its inscrutability, is the Lord’s play. And it is always a play of love.
Arizona, United States
This evening as I was driving home from work, I noticed the golden disk of the setting sun was astonishingly visible from behind a dense cluster of silhouetted trees. I stopped the car to marvel at the exquisite view. Never before had I seen the fiery sun so ablaz, its disk like burnished bronze.
Later, as I watched the Golden Tale of “Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala,” I remembered the sunset and felt that I had received the darshan of Lord Krishna in its golden fiery disk. Devotion for the Lord and a sense of great peace arose in my heart at his victory over the dark. I felt gratitude for his grace and presence.
Later, as I watched the Golden Tale of “Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala,” I remembered the sunset and felt that I had received the darshan of Lord Krishna in its golden fiery disk. Devotion for the Lord and a sense of great peace arose in my heart at his victory over the dark. I felt gratitude for his grace and presence.
Connecticut, United States
I am always amazed at the enhanced power of drama when it is re-enacted by young people. The devotion, transparency, and courage of the performers have brought me new understanding through their interpretation of this sacred tale. Lord Narayana’s approval was a deeply felt lesson for me.
I am so moved and grateful for this opportunity to revisit the Golden Tales of yore!
I am so moved and grateful for this opportunity to revisit the Golden Tales of yore!
New York, United States
Through the efforts of all of the people involved in the play, it became a shining vessel for shakti. My heart is glowing.
California, United States
My heart swelled with joy and devotion for Lord Krishna as the play unfolded. Throughout the day, I could feel his presence pulsating in the most unique way.
Nairobi, Kenya
The wonderful performance by each actor, the harmonious voices of the singers, and the beautiful narration by the storyteller led me so close to the sweet remembrance of the Lord that I almost felt I was watching it all happening in front of me. It reminded me of having witnessed the Golden Tales in Gurudev Siddha Peeth back in 1999. It was the same perfection at play!
Mumbai, India
This program felt to me like a continuation of this summer’s live video stream satsangs with Gurumayi. I loved the teaching in this story that by focusing on God we can be freed. I was so moved at the end when the demon was freed to be with his Guru as a devotee. It reminded me that God is so compassionate and loves us so much.
Washington, United States
I laughed and I cried as the story unfolded of Krishna’s supreme love for all of humanity. I felt transported to ancient times, and was able to bring the lesson that the Guru is ever present, always protecting her devotees, into my life today.
South Yarra, Australia
I am so grateful for this spectacular rendition of Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala; it is such a joyful display of enlightening teachings about dharma. For me, the most important teaching is that there is so much that is beyond my eyes and understanding. As I learned in the play, sometimes the real reasons for events belong to the mysterious realms of karma.
New York, United States
Just a few days ago, I felt the wish to watch a Golden Tale. What a gift, what an amazing treat, to find a new one here!
I feel awe in seeing the powerful potential in these young Siddha Yogis. How courageous they are, how disciplined, how much they communicate not only by words, but also by movement, gesture, and facial expression. How deeply they sink into their roles, and how fluently and expressively they recite even long passages.
The story stretches my mind. It gives a completely new view on seemingly bad actions. I learned that the true character of a person can be different from their appearance. And I learned that the mind’s constant one-pointed remembrance of the Lord is essential.
I feel awe in seeing the powerful potential in these young Siddha Yogis. How courageous they are, how disciplined, how much they communicate not only by words, but also by movement, gesture, and facial expression. How deeply they sink into their roles, and how fluently and expressively they recite even long passages.
The story stretches my mind. It gives a completely new view on seemingly bad actions. I learned that the true character of a person can be different from their appearance. And I learned that the mind’s constant one-pointed remembrance of the Lord is essential.
Hindelang, Germany
I was thrilled to see there was a new Golden Tale, and even more thrilled seeing the children enact the play so beautifully. The songs are so melodious that I wanted to listen to them again and again.
After watching the play, I invited my 15-year-old son to see it. He agreed, so we played the video again and he watched it all the way through.
What I learned from this play is that even if I make mistakes, the Lord is ever so compassionate and is always ready to take me into his fold.
After watching the play, I invited my 15-year-old son to see it. He agreed, so we played the video again and he watched it all the way through.
What I learned from this play is that even if I make mistakes, the Lord is ever so compassionate and is always ready to take me into his fold.
Mumbai, India
The story of Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala reminds me that everyone, even those I perceive to be evil and unkind, has God within them. To remember that God is in each heart, no matter how buried it appears to me, is the lesson I feel I am to learn.
Missouri, United States
When I saw Krishna in the play, I felt great emotion in my heart. I loved the play, and I learned about detachment and dharma.
Bravo!
Bravo!
Mexico City, Mexico
What wonderful, inspiring, golden memories this play brought back for me of the summer of 1998. It was my first visit to Shree Muktananda Ashram and the Golden Tales made it a truly magical summer. It was inspiring to see the battle between good and evil, with dharma the winner in the end.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for such a fabulous way to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday!
Thank you, Gurumayi, for such a fabulous way to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday!
St. Laurent, Canada
I was enraptured from the moment this Golden Tale began, beguiled by the story, the costumes, and the skill of the actors. To see this story of the glory and wonder of worshiping Krishna enacted so beautifully filled my heart with joy, love, and gratitude. I feel that I have received sweet prasad.
Paddington, Australia
Being able to watch this Golden Tale was such a blessing. I felt profoundly connected to the performers’ love for God and Gurumayi, and am grateful for our shared longing to understand the meaning of Truth, dharma, and the gifts of a great Guru.
The way each young person honored Gurumayi, and the way Gurumayi applauded their efforts, felt like a beautiful weaving of hearts with Gurumayi’s love as the thread. It was an honor to witness their mutual love and respect.
The story itself was a gift filled with teachings. I was especially moved by Krishna’s wish that one day the people of this world would know what he truly has to give.
The way each young person honored Gurumayi, and the way Gurumayi applauded their efforts, felt like a beautiful weaving of hearts with Gurumayi’s love as the thread. It was an honor to witness their mutual love and respect.
The story itself was a gift filled with teachings. I was especially moved by Krishna’s wish that one day the people of this world would know what he truly has to give.
Illinois, United States
What a magnificent performance! And the fact that it was put together in just four days makes it absolutely superb. I could feel the dedication, joy, and focus of all the performers and the entire team that offered this beautiful seva. My heart fills with joy and I feel reassured of the Lord’s boundless compassion and grace.
This is the first Golden Tale that I have seen and I hope that I can see many more in the future. I am very grateful for this precious gift.
This is the first Golden Tale that I have seen and I hope that I can see many more in the future. I am very grateful for this precious gift.
Mumbai, India
My heart was so moved and so inspired to see this ancient story brought to life so beautifully. I have many favorite moments. I was particularly touched and uplifted when each performer offered their respect to Bade Baba and Gurumayi first, before starting the performance.
Toronto, Canada
My heart is overwhelmed with the sweetness of joyous love! All these great sweet souls performed this tale wholeheartedly and with so much enthusiasm!
Annecy-le-Vieux, France
This stupendous, loving performance deserves a standing ovation! It was just wonderful and such a beautiful offering to Lord Krishna and to our Guru.
The Lord has certainly blessed all these young people with devotion and talent! I truly felt like I was in Shri Nilaya, witnessing this perfomance in person. What a delight! I cannot stop clapping. Bravo to all the people involved in this performance!
The Lord has certainly blessed all these young people with devotion and talent! I truly felt like I was in Shri Nilaya, witnessing this perfomance in person. What a delight! I cannot stop clapping. Bravo to all the people involved in this performance!
New Mexico, United States
This truly was a “golden tale”! I have watched all the other Golden Tales many, many times and I always wished there would be another one! It was beautiful to see this story performed. I truly enjoyed every minute of it. The lessons in it were quite valuable.
Thank you so much, Gurumayi, for making this available to everyone!
Thank you so much, Gurumayi, for making this available to everyone!
a twelve-year-old from California, United States
What an incredible play! I was moved by every single part of this drama, from the beginning when each participant bowed to Bade Baba and then to Gurumayi, to the end when everyone sang the glory of Lord Krishna. It felt as if I first went to Shree Muktananda Ashram and then, as Sage Vyasa began to speak, I traveled back to that ancient time in which he lived. I heartily congratulate each actor and supporting sevite.
Gandhinagar, India
Once again, Gurumayi has given us more mahaprasad through this uplifting rendition of “Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala,” with all the gems of wisdom imparted by Lord Krishna. It was a magnificent experience, which brought a light and a lightened focus to my sadhana right now. The meaning and essence of this Golden Tale were abundantly poignant, and the laughter well received!
North Carolina, United States
The Golden Tales have returned! What a delight to see our amazing young yogis acting out these powerful lessons in Truth.
And what a lesson it was! Everyone, even the most tyrannical, is working something out for Krishna in this play of Consciousness. My heart opened a bit more today for my own shortcomings and for those actions I do not understand in others. In my heart today, divine love expanded its meaning and its scope!
And what a lesson it was! Everyone, even the most tyrannical, is working something out for Krishna in this play of Consciousness. My heart opened a bit more today for my own shortcomings and for those actions I do not understand in others. In my heart today, divine love expanded its meaning and its scope!
Colorado, United States
Today is my birthday. Thirty-five years ago, I arrived in Shree Muktananda Ashram on my birthday—and it was also Krishna’s birthday! I was very new to the Siddha Yoga path and did not really understand the significance of this date, but I knew it was a very good omen.
Today I turned on the computer and went immediately to our Universal Hall, looking for an auspicious command to follow, and what did I find? The Golden Tale of “Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala”! This is the best birthday celebration I could have had, knowing I am never alone and that Krishna is all-forgiving and waiting for us to want the gift he wants to give us!
Today I turned on the computer and went immediately to our Universal Hall, looking for an auspicious command to follow, and what did I find? The Golden Tale of “Lord Krishna and the Demon Shishupala”! This is the best birthday celebration I could have had, knowing I am never alone and that Krishna is all-forgiving and waiting for us to want the gift he wants to give us!
Mexico City, Mexico
I so enjoyed this Golden Tale; it was a most wondrous production! The cast, music, costumes, props, and sets were truly magical.
New York, United States
From the opening notes of the procession, I was transported to my own heart’s theater! I laughed at the arrogant Shishupala, felt deep compassion for the Lord’s guards, devotees Jaya and Vijaya, and shared in Draupadi’s longing for her beloved Krishna.
I’m so grateful for the beautiful way that these young actors brought this Golden Tale to life in their hands and hearts. I will hear their sweet song to Krishna in my own heart all day!
I’m so grateful for the beautiful way that these young actors brought this Golden Tale to life in their hands and hearts. I will hear their sweet song to Krishna in my own heart all day!
London, United Kingdom
I’d like to share with you how these plays came about. In 1998 when Gurumayi first encountered a group of young people performing stories from the Mahabharata in Shree Muktananda Ashram, she said, “This is so wonderful––it’s the best-kept secret in the Ashram! However, we need to ensure that everyone in the Ashram gets to experience these plays and learn about the teachings that are being depicted in this vivid, enchanting way by the children.”
So Gurumayi requested that I produce additional plays, since I have an extensive background in theater. I enthusiastically accepted the task. And that very same year Gurumayi gave the name for these Siddha Yoga plays: “the Golden Tales.”
During the summers from 1998 to 2002, the children and young adults put on thirty-nine Golden Tales in both Shree Muktananda Ashram and Gurudev Siddha Peeth. I had the good fortune to direct quite a few of them.
Since then, many children and families on the Siddha Yoga path have been putting on plays in Siddha Yoga Family Retreats. However, the Golden Tales, as we’d come to know them, had not been produced since 2002.
Fast forward seventeen years. On August 21, 2019, two days before Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, I was thrilled to direct a new production of the Golden Tales! The play was based on a story from the Mahabharata about Lord Krishna and the demon Shishupala. This same story was first produced as a Golden Tale twenty years ago, in 1999 in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. And guess what? In 1999 it was also performed two days before Janmashtami!
In fact, there were many similarities between this Golden Tale and its counterparts from years before. For instance, this play, like the Golden Tales that preceded it, was produced in just four days!
On Sunday, August 18, 2019 when a Siddha Yogi offering seva in Shree Muktananda Ashram expressed their sadness about returning home before the Golden Tale would be performed, Gurumayi said, “Well, if the videographers do a good job in capturing the children’s performance of this amazing story from the Mahabharata––remember, I said if––then perhaps Denise may consider posting it on the Siddha Yoga path website.”
It therefore gives me great pleasure to share with you that, yes, the videographers have come through! Now, not only everyone in Shree Muktananda Ashram but everyone in the global Siddha Yoga sangham can be in the know about how incredibly the children and young adults on the Siddha Yoga path continue to portray the invaluable and esoteric teachings of the scriptures.
It is the custom, just before the Golden Tales commence, for the young actors enter the satsang hall in procession as a town crier proclaims, “Make way, make way!” So now I say to you: make way, make way! Prepare to receive the darshan of Lord Krishna and have his teachings cleanse your heart.