The Bhagavad-gita (09.18) states that Krishna is present in the hearts of all of us as the witness. Fortunately for us, he is present there not to catch us doing wrong, but to coach us in doing right. He does indeed witness all our deeds – many of which, sadly, happen to be misdeeds. Naturally, then the knowledge of Krishna’s indwelling presence may make some of us apprehensive. However, this knowledge can also reassure us when we understand that Krishna witnesses our deeds with concern, not cynicism. 

If while walking on a dark street we come to know that a policeperson is witnessing us, that knowledge will make us fearful only if we had intended to break the law. But if we had intended to honor the law, then that knowledge of the policeperson’s presence will reassure us. Additionally, if a habitual law-breaker had been tempting or threatening us into breaking the law, knowledge of the policeperson’s presence will make us feel empowered to resist the law-breaker

Similarly, while walking in the darkness of material existence, the knowledge that Krishna is witnessing us will make us fearful only if we intend to violate his injunctions. But if we intend to honor his injunctions, then the knowledge of his presence will make us feel reassured. Additionally, it will make us feel empowered to fight the habitually godless mind that is always tempting or threatening us into violating Krishna’s guidelines.

Krishna is presentin our heart not to blame us whenever we succumb to the mind, but to bolster us whenever we resolve to fight it. He is not a critic for whom we are an object of cold analysis. He is a coach for whom we are all objects of his warm affection. After all, he loves us. 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 09 Text 18

“I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting place and the eternal seed.”