Why Krishna Never Chased Love—And Why You Shouldn’t Either
Tarun Badghaiya | Feb 25, 2025, 01:03 IST
This article delves into Lord Krishna's approach to love, focusing on why he never pursued it but was always surrounded by it. Drawing on Indian scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, it emphasises Krishna's doctrine of self-realisation, detachment, and unconditional love. His divine bond with Radha represents spiritual love that transcends possession. The article argues that instead of chasing love, one should focus on personal growth, dharma, and self-awareness, allowing love to flow naturally. Krishna’s wisdom teaches that true love is attracted, not pursued, and that inner completeness is the key to fulfilling relationships in modern life.
Love is one of the most treasured and sought-after sensations in human life. People crave love, chase after it, and occasionally lose themselves in the process. However, if we look at Indian mythology, we find an unusual example in Lord Krishna, who never pursued love but was always surrounded by it. His life and philosophy teach us an essential lesson—love is not something to be pursued; it is something to be attracted to by one's inner completeness.
Lord Krishna, one of Hinduism's most adored deities, is typically portrayed as the ultimate manifestation of love. The Bhagavata Purana, the Mahabharata, and other Puranic writings highlight his close ties with Radha, the Gopis, his queens, and even his disciples. What is notable about Krishna's life is that he never pursued love. Instead, love came to him spontaneously.
Krishna was adored by the Gopis (cowherd ladies) of Vrindavan since he was a youngster, enchanted by his beautiful singing and charm. Krishna, however, did not seek their love. Instead, his charismatic charm and persistent dedication to dharma (righteousness) made him the object of everyone's admiration.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most respected scriptures, reveals Krishna's philosophical views on life and relationships. He taught Arjuna the concept of nishkama karma, which is selfless action without regard for outcomes. This applies to love as well. Krishna never clung to love or demanded it from anyone. Instead, he gave love freely, and in doing so, he became the forever adored.
Krishna and Radha's love story is one of the most popular in Indian mythology. However, it is also a paradoxical one: Radha and Krishna enjoyed an eternal bond but never married. Many poets and philosophers see this as a metaphor of divine love that goes beyond physical attachment.
The scriptures never show Krishna chasing Radha. Instead, their love is spiritual and transcends material demands and aspirations. Radha represents bhakti (devotion), whereas Krishna represents the divine, implying that true love is about surrender and spiritual connection, not pursuit and ownership.
Nowadays, people frequently associate love with possession, attachment, and expectation. Many people struggle in relationships because they believe that love will fulfil them. However, Krishna’s life teaches us that love is not about chasing; it is about becoming—becoming whole within oneself so that love naturally gravitates towards you.
Krishna's love was never conditional. He did not seek affection for selfish advantage but freely shared it. In contrast, many individuals today regard love as a transaction—giving solely to receive. When expectations are not satisfied, it causes disappointment and sorrow.
Krishna possessed exceptional self-awareness and insight. His confidence, charm, and commitment to dharma made him naturally appealing. Similarly, if you focus on personal development and self-improvement, love will come to you naturally.
One of the Bhagavad Gita's major precepts is detachment—not in the sense of being indifferent, but of being free of intense craving. Krishna adored everyone but was never bound by attachment. If you stop looking for love and instead focus on being your best self, love will find you.
Krishna's love for Radha transcended the corporeal world. Similarly, in real life, love should not be founded solely on attraction or material advantages. Love that is spiritually uplifting and growth-orientated will endure.
Krishna never forced anyone to stay with him, including his beloved Radha. Love is not about control or possession; it is about freedom. If you have to pursue love, it may not be the proper type of love for you.
People today frequently experience heartbreak, unrequited love, and toxic relationships. Krishna's knowledge offers a simple yet profound solution: becoming love rather than chasing it. Here's how you can use this principle in your life:
A. Cultivate Inner Happiness: Avoid seeking love to fill an emotional hole. Focus on self-development, spirituality, and inner tranquillity.
B. Give Without Expectation: Love should be about giving rather than waiting for something in return.
C. Let go of desperation: love should come easily. If you have to beg someone for their attention, it is not true love.
D. Focus on Dharma: Just as Krishna prioritised duty over attachment, focus on your purpose and let love find you in its own time
Krishna never pursued love, although he was the most adored. His life reminds us that love is an attraction based on inner fulfilment rather than chase. In a world obsessed with seeking and maintaining love, Krishna's teaching encourages us to become love itself, radiating joy, selflessness, and spiritual fulfilment. When you stop chasing love and instead focus on becoming the best version of yourself, the right love will find you.
1. Krishna’s Relationship with Love
Krishna was adored by the Gopis (cowherd ladies) of Vrindavan since he was a youngster, enchanted by his beautiful singing and charm. Krishna, however, did not seek their love. Instead, his charismatic charm and persistent dedication to dharma (righteousness) made him the object of everyone's admiration.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most respected scriptures, reveals Krishna's philosophical views on life and relationships. He taught Arjuna the concept of nishkama karma, which is selfless action without regard for outcomes. This applies to love as well. Krishna never clung to love or demanded it from anyone. Instead, he gave love freely, and in doing so, he became the forever adored.
2. Radha and Krishna: The Ultimate Lesson in Love
The scriptures never show Krishna chasing Radha. Instead, their love is spiritual and transcends material demands and aspirations. Radha represents bhakti (devotion), whereas Krishna represents the divine, implying that true love is about surrender and spiritual connection, not pursuit and ownership.
3. Why You Shouldn't Chase Love
1. Love is not a transaction.
2. Self-Realisation Attracts True Love.
3. Detachment leads to fulfilment.
4. True love is spiritual, not only physical.
5. Freedom is the essence of love.
4. Applying Krishna's Teachings to Contemporary Life
A. Cultivate Inner Happiness: Avoid seeking love to fill an emotional hole. Focus on self-development, spirituality, and inner tranquillity.
B. Give Without Expectation: Love should be about giving rather than waiting for something in return.
C. Let go of desperation: love should come easily. If you have to beg someone for their attention, it is not true love.
D. Focus on Dharma: Just as Krishna prioritised duty over attachment, focus on your purpose and let love find you in its own time
Krishna never pursued love, although he was the most adored. His life reminds us that love is an attraction based on inner fulfilment rather than chase. In a world obsessed with seeking and maintaining love, Krishna's teaching encourages us to become love itself, radiating joy, selflessness, and spiritual fulfilment. When you stop chasing love and instead focus on becoming the best version of yourself, the right love will find you.