Illusion

In this painting, Krishna is depicted standing on a lotus flower. He is surrounded by the stalks of the lotus (Mṛṇāl), which appear like a web of attachment, from which man cannot escape despite his efforts. Just as the stalks prevent the lotus from sinking when the water level in the pond rises, in the same way, ambitions prevent a person from freeing themselves from the bonds of attachment. These very ambitions keep driving us toward constant new endeavors. Krishna is shown holding a black triangular mountain over his head, symbolizing human ambitions. These ambitions never end—once one desire is fulfilled, another immediately arises. In the hope of fulfilling these endless desires, man ultimately spends his entire life.