Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 10 Chapter 47:1-10

Book 10: Forty-seven Chapter (First Half)

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 47: Verses 1-10
Dialogue between Uddhava and the Gopis and ode to a black bee

Sri Suka began again : Gazing on the aforesaid servant of Sri Krsi'ke with unusually long arms, eyes resembling a pair of fresh-blown lotuses and a bright lotus like countenance, clad in yellow (silk) and wearing a garland of lotuses and adorned ear-rings brilliant with gems, all the women of Vraja with bright smile eagerly surrounded Uddhava, who had taken shelter under the lotus-feet of Sri Krsna (the ilustrious Lord), wondering who he was with (such) a handsome appearance and dressed and adorned in the style of that immortal Lord, whence he had come and whose son (or servant) he was. Concluding him to be a messenger from Sri Krsna (who was no other than Lord Visnu, the Spouse of Goddess Rama), the Gopis, bent low with modesty, enquired of him in private (as follows) when he had been duly greeted with bashful smiles and glances and kind words etc., and had squatted on a seat:- "We know you to be a companion of Sri Krsna (the Lord of the Yadus), duly arrived in our midst. You have been despatched here by your master with intent to bring delight to His parents. Otherwise we do not find anything worth remembering for Him in Vraja, a (mere) pasture-land for cows.
Ties of affection for one's relations are most difficult to disregard even for a hermit. Friendship with others (who are not bound by ties of blood)-like that cultivated by lovers with their sweethearts or by black bees with flowers--actuated as it is by self-interest, lasts (only) till one's interests continue to be served (by them) and is (at best) a travesty of love. Harlots forsake a destitute (lover); the people, an incapable ruler; students who have learnt what they wanted to learn, their teacher; the priests officiating at a sacrifice, the sacrificer who has paid the sacrificial fees (at the end of the sacrifice); the birds, a tree from which fruits have disappeared; strangers, a dwelling (which afforded shelter to them) after finishing their meal; animals, a burnt forest and a paramour, a women attached to him (even though unsated), the moment he has enjoyed her."In this way, when Uddhava, the messenger of Sri Krsna, arrived in Vraja, the cowherd women, whose speech, body and mind were undoubtedly devoted to Sri Krsna, (the Protector of cows) cast to the winds (all) worldly etiquette. Recalling again and again the exploits of Sri Krsna (their beloved Lord), that pertained to His boyhood and infancy they celebrated them in song and wept, (all) sense of shame having taken leave of them.

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