In the image here Lord Sri Krishna and Satyabhama are seen battling the demon Narakasura, we can observe that Satyabhama is shooting three arrows at Narakasura. The symbolism in this scene is profound:
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The first arrow has already pierced Narakasura’s body, wounding him.
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The second arrow is mid-air, on its way to the target.
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The third arrow is still in Satyabhama’s hand, poised for release.
Let’s explore what each of these arrows represents:
The First Arrow – Symbol of the Past
Since the first arrow has already struck its target, it is now irreversible. No one can undo it. It symbolizes the past, which is already gone. What has happened cannot be changed — it is history.
The Second Arrow – Symbol of the Future
The second arrow is already in motion, heading toward its target. If it's a mystical weapon, it might be withdrawn before impact, or perhaps a divine force or a powerful wind might divert it. But for ordinary humans, it is impossible to change its course. This arrow represents the future — partially determined, yet still unfolding. The future can only be changed by great souls or through divine will, not by ordinary human effort.
The Third Arrow – Symbol of the Present
The third arrow is still in Satyabhama’s hand. She has full control over when, how, and at whom it should be released. This is the present moment. It is completely in our hands — how we act, how we think, how we respond. Whether we use it wisely or squander it, the responsibility lies entirely with us.
Mind Wandering Between Past and Future
Despite having control over the present, our minds often wander into the past or the future. Even while performing tasks, our thoughts drift — reminiscing about past events or worrying about what’s to come. We feel guilt over what we failed to do in the past, but what good is it? The past cannot be changed, no matter how much we dwell on it. This is known as "building a dam across water that has already flowed" — we can only divert future waters, not those that are gone. All we can do is learn from the past and apply those lessons in the present.
Wasting the Present with Daydreams
Focusing on future imaginations while ignoring the task at hand serves no purpose. Take a student preparing for exams — if he concentrates on studying the lesson in front of him, he will pass the exam and have a bright future. But if he daydreams about future success — a good job, marriage, house, car — while pretending to study, he wastes the present. He fails the exam, and all those dreams collapse.
Misguided Dependence on Destiny
Some people are so obsessed with astrology or predictions by elders that they become paralyzed, letting the present slip away. If someone sees clouds and refuses to fill the pot at their feet, when will they quench their thirst? If a great soul has blessed you, saying you will achieve greatness in the future, you must still make effort in the present — climb step by step. If you lazily rely on blessings alone without action, how will you ever succeed?
Sri Krishna: The Witness Beyond Time
In this depiction, Sri Krishna is radiantly present — the divine observer of all three arrows and Satyabhama’s actions. He is the one who knows the truth behind the past (Narakasura being the son of Bhudevi, Satyabhama's original form), and the future consequences of Satyabhama’s present actions. Still, he remains detached, a witness.
The State of Enlightened Beings
Great souls, who have realized the three dimensions of time — past, present, and future — remain unshaken even when they see what is to come. With clarity, they fulfill their present duties without emotional turmoil. That is the state we must aspire to. Whether in worldly affairs or spiritual practices, we must live in the present moment with complete awareness. By anchoring our mind in the present and not letting it drift into the past or future, we can build a golden future.
