Lord Balarama is God Himself, but plays the role of servant of God. Therefore, he is known as Servant God! As a servant, He has many roles to play.
1.Philosophy (Tattva vichar)
parāsya śaktir vividhaiva śrūyate
svābhāvikī jñāna-bala-kriyā ca
From a philosophical perspective, Lord Balarama represents the bala shakti or the power of strength. This power keeps the atoms of universe bound together and gives them form. It also gives strength to devotees to practice devotion.By His mercy, Lord Balarama makes devotees strong so that they can approach Lord Krishna.
2.Pastimes (Lila vichar)
In terms of pastimes, Lord Balarama played the role of an elder brother in Krishna Lila and the role of a younger brother in Ram Lila. He is also considered to be the source of all avatars.
3. Rasa
In terms of rasa or mellow, Lord Balarama serves Lord Krishna in all five rasas and is considered to be the Adiguru or original guru of all rasa. He sustains these rasas and serves them.
The Significance of Lord Balaram to Practitioners
Lord Balaram is special to practitioners for both individual and universal reasons.
a. Individual Significance
From an individual perspective, Lord Balaram gives strength to devotees to practice devotion. This strength manifests in many forms, including the guru, who is an expansion of Lord Balarama. The guru is heavy in knowledge, character, and realization. Lord Balarama’s mercy manifests as the guru externally, in scriptures, and in sadhus. In association with sadhus, devotees can generate enthusiasm, which is also a manifestation of Lord Balaram.
The trilogy of sadhu, sastra, and guru is meant to guide a devotee to the lotus feet of the Lord. Internally, it is Lord Balarama who inspires devotion, enthusiasm, and strength.
b. Universal Significance
From a universal perspective, Lord Balaram establishes the religion of dharma. The power of dharma comes from Lord Balaram and he protects it. Dharma can be understood through wisdom, which is given by Lord Balarama. Our whole lives are based on dharma and Lord Balaram establishes the sense of dharma and beauty in this world. He is the epitome of beauty.
Without Lord Balarama, we cannot live or sustain ourselves, nor can we advance or preach without his mercy.
Conclusion
Lord Balarama is an essential figure for practitioners of devotion. He gives strength and inspiration to devotees and establishes the religion of dharma in the world.
Let us pray to Lord Balarama to always guide us and give us a sense of dharma and the beauty of the love of God..