|
|
Gopis Suffer Pangs of Separation and Search for Lord Krishna
Yet the Perfect Lord sported with that girl merely to show to the world how wretched and miserable is the condition of one who is under the sway of lust.
“Thus illustrating the ways of women, those Gopis roamed from forest to forest showing unto one another the footprints of Krishna.
That Gopi whom Krishna had led into the forest forsaking others regarded herself to be the foremost of all women. She thought, ‘The beloved Lord prefers me to all other Gopis who love Him.’
“She became elated with pride and said to the Lord in the heart of the forest, ‘O beloved! I am unable to walk any longer. Therefore please carry me wherever it pleaseth Thee.’
‘Lord Krishna said, ‘Well, dear, then mount on My shoulder.’ As soon as the Gopi attempted to mount on Him, He disappeared. The girl was loudly lamenting. She cried in distress, ‘O Lord, O love! O most beloved! Where art Thou? O long-armed one, Where art Thou gone? O friend, please bless me with Thy presence. I am Thy helpless servant. ‘
“Those Gopis who had been following the footprints of the Almighty Lord saw at a distance their companion forsaken by the Lord, bewildered and distressed. They all approached her and heard from her, how she enjoyed the special favour of Lord Krishna and how, through her own wickedness she lost it? The Gopis were highly astonished when they heard this.
“Thereafter, they again searched for Him in the forest so long as the moon was shining. They gave up the search when darkness set in.
“Their hearts were absorbed in the Lord. They talked of Him alone. They imitated His sportful activities. They were totally unified with Him. They sang only of His excellent qualities. They did not think of their homes. Thus deeply merged in the contemplation of Lord Krishna, the Gopis returned to the same sands in the bed of Yamuna and began to sing in chorus about Sri Krishna’s qualities, yearning for His return.”
|
|
