Krishna and the Absurdity of the Modern Fascination for Brands
Breaking Free from the Illusion of Labels: Finding True Worth Beyond Brands
Not too long ago, I sent a gift—a thoughtful one, I believed. It was a beautifully designed, sturdy pram for a young child in the family. It was functional, safe, and built to last. But to my surprise, the gift was returned. The reason? It wasn’t of a “high-class” brand.
The funny part is yet to come. When my son had visited their house a few year ago, guess what they gifted us? A pram without any brand at all—just a plain, functional one. No logos, no shiny labels. We used for for years without any issues whatsoever. This is what makes it so ironic, to say the least. Even funnier, they frequently criticize one of their close relatives for being overly brand-obsessed! This “When I do it, it’s right; when you do it, it’s horrible” attitude is both amusing and baffling.
This incident left me both amused and puzzled. When did we start valuing labels more than the actual worth of something? And how did this obsession with brands take such a firm hold on our lives?
As someone who tries to view life through the lens of Krishna’s teachings, this fixation on brands seems like a modern-day absurdity. It’s yet another layer of illusion—maya—that distracts us from what truly matters. Let’s explore this phenomenon together and see how Krishna’s wisdom can help us break free from this brand-driven mindset.
The Modern Obsession with Brands
Take a look around, and you’ll see it everywhere. People flaunting the latest phones, designer clothes, luxury cars—not necessarily because they need them, but because they want to signal something to the world. Brands have become a social currency, a way to “prove” our worth or status.
But here’s the irony: does the brand of a shirt, a car, or a pram truly define its quality? More often than not, we’re paying for the label, the packaging, the illusion of exclusivity—not the product itself.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reminds us:
The pleasure coming from contacts (of material senses with material objects) only causes misery, for they have a beginning and an end. O Kaunteya, the wise do not delight in them. (BG 5.22)
Our attachment to brands is no different. It’s a superficial pleasure—a momentary high that fades as soon as a newer, shinier product comes along.
The Pram Incident: A Wake-Up Call
The pram incident wasn’t just about a rejected gift; it was a reflection of a deeper societal trend. Here was an item designed to serve a practical purpose—offering comfort and safety for a child. But instead of its functionality, the focus was on its brand.
This made me question: When did we start valuing appearances over substance? And why do we feel the need to impress others with the brands we own?
Krishna’s teachings offer a profound answer. In the Gita, he says:
"This desire, this anger (resulting from desire), born of the material mode of passion, is highly devouring and highly sinful. Know this as the enemy here." (BG 3.37)
This cycle is endless. The moment we acquire one branded item, we start craving the next, hoping it will bring us the validation or happiness we seek. But the truth is, no brand, no label, and no object can fill the void of meaning or connection in our lives.
Why This Attachment Is Absurd
Let’s break down why our fascination with brands is not just unproductive—it’s absurd:
1. Brands Don’t Define Quality
A product’s value lies in its utility and reliability, not its label. A sturdy pram without a famous logo can serve a child far better than a designer one that costs ten times more. The same goes for clothes, gadgets, and even food. Why pay for an illusion when the substance is what truly matters?
2. The Cycle of Endless Desires
As Krishna explains, attachment breeds desire, and unfulfilled desires breed dissatisfaction. This is why owning a branded item never feels “enough.” There’s always something newer, better, or more exclusive to chase.
3. The Need to Impress Others
Much of our obsession with brands stems from a desire to impress. We want others to see us as successful, stylish, or sophisticated. But ask yourself: Are these perceptions worth sacrificing peace of mind and financial stability?
Krishna advises us to focus on what truly matters: inner contentment and connection with the divine. Seeking validation through external means only leads us further from that goal.
What Krishna Teaches About True Value
Krishna’s wisdom is timeless, and it offers a perfect antidote to the brand-driven culture we find ourselves in. Here are a few lessons we can take to heart:
1. Focus on Functionality, Not Frills
Krishna teaches us to look beyond appearances and focus on substance. When choosing something, ask yourself: Does this serve its purpose? Is it worth its cost? Stripping away the illusion of branding helps us make more mindful, value-driven decisions.
2. Detach from Material Validation
Krishna emphasizes detachment—not from action, but from the results of action. Similarly, we can detach from the need to validate ourselves through brands. True worth comes from character, kindness, and inner peace—not the labels we own.
3. Cultivate Gratitude
Instead of fixating on what we don’t have, Krishna reminds us to appreciate what we do. Gratitude shifts our focus from external possessions to the blessings already present in our lives, freeing us from the endless cycle of desire.
A Personal Reflection
The pram incident taught me more than I expected. It showed me how deeply ingrained this brand obsession has become—and how important it is to challenge it. Instead of being disappointed, I felt inspired to reflect on my own choices and ensure I’m not caught in the same trap.
I’ve realized that living simply, focusing on what truly matters, and detaching from societal pressures isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a practice. And every time I choose substance over show, I feel a little closer to the life Krishna envisions for all of us: a life of clarity, purpose, and peace.
Breaking Free from Brand Fascination
If you’ve ever felt the pull of brands or judged someone (or yourself) based on what they own, take a moment to reflect:
What are you truly seeking in these objects?
Are they bringing you lasting happiness or fleeting satisfaction?
How can you align your choices with your values, rather than societal expectations?
Krishna’s teachings remind us that simplicity, mindfulness, and detachment are the keys to a fulfilling life. The next time you’re tempted to choose a product for its label rather than its worth, remember the absurdity of it all—and choose differently.
Let’s step off the treadmill of brand obsession and focus on what truly matters. After all, as Krishna reminds us, the ultimate wealth isn’t found in logos or possessions—it’s found within.
Let me know your thoughts on this post or share your own experiences with navigating the world of brands. I’d love to hear from you!