105. Bhagavatha - Gopikas Meet Srikrishna at Brindavan s

 105. Srimad Bhagavata - Gopikas Meet Srikrishna at Brindavan 

On hearing the sound of Srikrishna’s song, Gopikas, leaving aside all their work, left their home. When they reach Him, Srikrishna says, “Welcome to all of you. Please tell me your needs and I shall fulfill them. Is everyone safe at Gokulam?”.

Hidden Meaning: It's a good fortune that you are here because your birth itself is blessed and not soaked with sufferings. You have come here to receive the highest status of Atma Swaroopa from Me (usually attained by great Yogis and Maharishis).

If you understand it, can you go further from it? When you are a seeker of ultimate truth, all other worldly things will move on their own. No one needs to end it or manage it. Take care of yourself. Leave aside all your material discomforts and concentrate on ultimate bliss with Almighty.

Srikrishna said, “It is night, dark place, and wild animals may harm you. Please go back to your homes. Females should not be outside at night. Moreover, you look beautiful.

Hidden meaning: Rajani (one who attracts) represents night (tamoguna). My Akandananda Swaroopa is similar to night. Sages and Yogis seek this Swaroopa. Stay back and taste it. Everyone is eligible for moksha or this Swaroopa.  

There is no fear of wild animals or darkness. This tattva will give eternal happiness, and it is not temporary. You need to attempt it and move forward. 

Srikrishna says: “Father, husband, brothers will be in search of you”. They will be worried. So, go back.

Hidden meaning: Do not worry about all these people. How long can you satisfy them? Let them search. Why worry or be afraid of them. You need to choose your path of eternal happiness. 

Srikrishna says: “ You have seen various flowers, moonlight, experienced cool breeze coming from Yamuna river. So, go back now.

Hidden Meaning: You have seen the benefits of material actions. They are all temporary and will not give eternal happiness. Develop Vairagya (desirelessness), and you will cross this ocean of Samsara.

Gopikas Response

Gopikas were shell shocked when Srikrishna asked them to go back. Literally, they couldn't bear His words, but they didn't move. They didn't know what to do and began to cry with tears flowing down and wetting their clothes. Their pain was visible and genuine.

Slowly gaining strength, they said, “Do not ask us to go back. You know we left everything to seek your feet. Please treat us as Mumukshus (one who seeks moksha or final beatitude).

Why should we still follow swadharma? We will instead serve you. Don't crush our desires. We do not wish to go back home”.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

104. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna is Unaffected by Trigunas

 104 Srimad Bhagavatha - Srikrishna is Unaffected by Trigunas 

King Parikshit asked Sage Sukhamuni, “How is it possible to see Srikrishna without gunas?”

Citing an example, SriSuka said,‘ “Sisupala never recognized Srikrishna as God. He knew Srikrishna would slain him, and hence, he hated Him but always remembered him out of fear”. Sisupala was liberated.

Gopikas always thought of Him, sang songs praising Him, and were connected to Him in every possible way. In this way, their devotion is pure. This transformation helped them wipe out their sins and weren't connected with their mortal body. Gopikas too deserve liberation. 

Srikrishna Controls Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamo)

Srikrishna is unaffected by gunas because He is Paramatma, Rishikesha, Antaryami.

Gopikas have earned sufficient merits (punya), and hence, they could see and go near Him. 

God taking up a body is different from an individual soul taking up a body.

Jiva cannot choose a body, but God can select when and how He wants to descend. He appears in the body.

Jiva is born to complete his prarabda karma (fruit of good and bad deeds of previous births), while God descends to liberate others.

Jiva merges itself with the body (dehi) and gradually loses its identity, but God doesn't lose His identity. 

Jiva cannot decide Karma pala ( type of joy or sorrow he needs) while God is independent and there is no such karma pala.

Jiva desires for bhoga (vyayam) while God is avyayam.

Jiva is under the control of gunas, but God controls gunas. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

103 Bhagavatha - Gopika's Undettered Devotion

 103. Srimad Bhagavata - Gopika’s Undeterred Devotion

Why were Gopikas unstoppable?

When Gopikas completed Katyayini vrat, Srikrishna assured them that he would fulfill their wish soon.

On a full moon day, Brindavan forest was fully lit. Chandra, the Moon-god, was resembling Ramaa, alias Mahalakshmi. Srikrishna decided to fulfill His promise made to Gopikas and uplift their lives.  

Srikrishna, in his melodious voice, began to sing, and the sound reached Vraja. Every Gopika in Vraja was able to hear His voice or, to say, the call from Him. From young girls to middle-aged women to elderly women - all of them desired to see Srikrishna. They filled their minds thinking only of Him.

Gopikas weren't concerned about anything, be it stepping out of the house after sunset, or taking consent from their spouse, or completion of chores or other work they were engaged in. 

Some were milking the cows, feeding their babies, serving their spouse, cooking the meal, or boiling milk for children. 

They followed the direction in which the divine voice of Srikrishna came from. They left their home abruptly and weren't even concerned to dress up appropriately or adjust their displaced jewelry.  

Did none stop them?

Yes, spouse, father, brothers, and uncles stopped them, but Gopikas, with their mind fixed on Srikrishna, had their way.

Few of them who couldn't step out of the house, due to their disability or sickness, were meditating on Him. Their mental agony of not meeting Srikrishna in person burnt all their sins and derived bigger benefits. 

Indeed, they had no connection with the body as their prarabda karma vanished. Those who went in search of Him had lost their worldly requirements.

Their focus is similar to one who is on spiritual pursuit.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

100. Gopalas Perform Kathyayini Vratha

 100. Srimad Bhagavata - Gopikas Perform Kathyayini Vratha

Gopikas longed to see Srikrishna. They diligently watched Him, each day, when He and his Cowherds were on the way to and from the Forest.

They learnt from elders about Kathyayini Vratha, a ritual performed by young Girls to get their desired Spouse. 

It is a month-long rigorous ritual. Consumption of rice is strictly prohibited, while fruits, vegetables, and millets are allowed.

They need to wake up at Usha Kaal (one and a half an hour before Sunrise) and take a bath in Kalindi River. Each one sculptured a mud image of Devi and performed pooja with all the necessary ingredients carried with them. 

They meditated on Beej Mantra: Om Katyayini Mahamaye Mahayogin Yadeeshwari, Nandagopasutham Devi Patim Me Kuru te Namaha.

[O Devi, You are the God of good things. You are revered, worshipful, and talented to give any type of boons. I need Nanda's son, Srikrishna, as my Spouse.] 

Every Gopika was desiring that Srikrishna alone be their Spouse and none else. They carried no enmity among themselves and performed pooja together. 

The Goddess was pleased with their devotion and made way to meet Srikrishna. On the last day of the Vrata, Srikrishna came to Kalindi River along with other Gopalas. 

Gopikas’ Vastrabaharana

Gopikas got up early and reached Kalindi River to cleanse themselves. They left their clothes on the bank and entered the River. 

Srikrishna, to make them aware of their mistake, swiftly took away their clothes and climbed the lone Kadamba Gopalas who were watching had a hearty laugh. 

Srikrishna said to Gopikas, “You need to come to me to collect your clothes. There is no compulsion, you do not have other options.”

The surprised Gopikas questioned the authenticity of his statement, SriKrishna said, “I speak the truth and never lie.”

Seeing the smile on his face, their heart was filled with love. Everyone laughed at each other, but none came out of the water. 

They said, “You are Nanda's Son and shouldn't behave this way. Please give us our clothes. We are your slaves and will do whatever you say, but first give us our clothes. We may tell your Father about this behavior of yours. SriKrishna said, “You said you will be my slave. Do what I say”.

[Srikrishna wanted them to get rid of their bodily attachment. It is unnecessary for him to be involved in such mischievous acts. He knew Gopikas are pure in heart and their devotion is supreme.]

After some time, Gopikas couldn't bear the winter cold and decided to go and fetch their clothes from Him. They all walked swiftly towards Him. 

Srikrishna said, “ Aren’t you aware bathing naked is prohibited and while performing Katyayini vrata. Did the elders not guide you properly? Do pranam with hands joined and take your clothes.

When Srikrishna, the Almighty, spoke, Gopikas realized their mistake and followed as per his wish. Their vrata was completed. Srikrishna blessed them. 

Gopikas never felt bad nor carried any ill feelings against SriKrishna. They had no vengeance. After wearing clothes, they never moved out and entered Samadhi stiti. 

Srikrishna said, “Your intention is known to me, but marriage is not possible. You will attain salvation (moksha).

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

99. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna and Balarama Enjoy Rainy Season

 99. Srimad Bhagavata - SriKrishna and Balarama Enjoy Rainy Season 

Tracks Untrodden and Constant Practice of Vedas

Tracks/pathways that are overgrown by grasses and untrodden for a long time will become directionless and doubtful. 

The texts of Vedas must be properly studied and memorized on a continuous basis, lest it may create doubts or forgotten over time.

Oceans and Rivers

During the rainy season, the ocean is rough with waves caused by high winds. It becomes turbulent when rivers enter into it.

The minds of immature yogi tinged (strained) with desires get agitated when they come in contact with senses-objects.

Mountains and Devotee

In usual circumstances, torrential rains do not affect mountains. A devotee whose mind is fixed on Srihari remains unaffected by ups and downs encountered in his life.

Lighting and Unfaithful Person

Flashes of lighting are not consistent with the clouds just as an unfaithful person to virtue.

Rainbow and Purusha

Purusha or Jiva has no gunas, but when manifested, it obtains the gunas of Prakriti (sattva, rajas, and tamas). Just like the rainbow (without bow-string) appearing in the thundering sky gets the attribute of sound.

Moon and Atma

The moonlight is visible from behind on a cloudy night but not the moon. Similarly, atman or Jiva is obscured, and ego sense alone is illuminated by Atman's own light. 

Peacocks and Arrival of Devotees

On sighting advancing clouds, the peacock joyously greets them. A householder bogged down with woes of worldly life welcomes the arrival of the Lord's devotee.

Cranes and a Householder

Cranes continue to live in polluted lakes to feed themselves. A householder who is devoted to sensuous pleasures chooses to remain in their houses despite being mired with sufferings.

Torrential Rains and Vedic Learnings 

The bunds of the tank and reservoirs give way due to torrential rains. Vedic rules of life give way for atheists in the age of kali.

Srikrishna and Balarama Enjoy Rainy Season 

Srikrishna, Balarama, and other gopalas sought permission from elders to visit Brindavan forest as the rainy season was about to end. The cows, however, resisted as they usually avoid dampness. Srikrishna called his cows by name, and they quickly agreed to go along with Him. Other cows too followed. When they walked swiftly, milk flowed out from their udder. 

Srikrishna and His team were delighted to see the beauty of the wet forest. Rains give immense joy to animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Trees were giving out nectar in the form of tender leaves, flowers, and fruits. The noise of the waterfalls was mesmerizing. 

Srikrishna, Balarama, and cowherds ate roots, fruits, and food carried from their home. They enjoyed the beauty of nature.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

  

98. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna Draw Lessons From Nature (1)

 98. Srimad Bhagavata - SriKrishna Draw Lessons From Nature (1)

Sri Sukamuni gives a description of nature, what it represents, and lessons to be drawn.

Dark Clouds and a Compassionate

During the rainy season, the sky is covered by thick black clouds. The Sky, shone as Brahma, is obscured by three gunas, Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. It represents flashes of lighting, thunder, and dark clouds. 

The clouds pours down water, bringing joy to the world. There is no existence of clouds after the rain.   

Just like clouds, a compassionate person, observing the miserable plight of the world with a feeling of pity, makes sacrifices. 

The Sun and Monarch

During the rainy season of 4 months, the sun gives back water (considered the wealth of the earth) that was absorbed during the remaining months in the form of vaporization. 

A good monarch collects taxes from the citizens and spends them for the welfare of the people and during exigencies.

The Earth and a Person with Limited Ambition 

After summer heat, the earth receives sumptuous rain and grows plump. Similarly, a person engaged in austerities (to fulfill selfish needs) having grown weak and on obtaining the fruit of it, grows corpulent. However, his ambition and joy is temporary.

Fire-flies and Atheists

During a night covered by thick clouds, it's the fireflies that shine everywhere and not the stars. Similarly, during the kali age (contaminated with ignorance), atheists shine.

Frogs and Vedic Students

On hearing thunderstorms, the hibernating frogs begin croaking. 

Similarly, vedic students who perform daily routines silently would begin loud chants on hearing the call from their preceptor.

Small Streams and Material Riches

Small streams that were dried up in summer overflow during rainy seasons with no true benefit. Similarly, for a man of uncontrolled senses, wealth is useless when prosperity dawns on him.

Bountiful of Harvest Envies the Rich

The grower feels happy when he gets a bumper crop and feels sad his crops are destroyed. He forgets to remember that the fruits of all his work lay in the hands of Providence.

Indragopas and Army of the King

Indragopas (red insects with velvety skin) and mushrooms appear everywhere only during the rainy season, just like encampments of the royal army.

To be cont'd.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

97. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna Rescues Gopalas From Forest Fire

 97. Srimad Bhagavatam - Srikrishna Rescues Gopalas From Forest Fire

When Balarama slayed Demon Pralamba, gopalas were joyous and showered praise on him. 

Meanwhile, cows that were grazing nearby went a little farther into the forest attracted by green pastures. As none could be seen, gopalas panicked. 

They were afraid to go back home without their cattle wealth. They began tracking footprints of the cows and also half eaten grasses to find their movements. 

Deep inside the forest, cows were frightened due to heat generated by forest fire and were calling for help from gopalas. They were thirsty, too. 

On finding their cows, gopalas called out their cows by name. By then, forest fire engulfed them on all sides. 

With no way to escape and none to rescue, they sought Srikrishna's grace, knowing well that He is their savior. Their prayers were pure, and their surrender was total.

Srikrishna asked them to remain calm and close their eyes for a while. He swallowed up the terrible fire. Gopalas, on opening their eyes, were amazed to find themselves transported to the Banyan tree, their sport ground, 10 miles away.

The gopalas deeply felt that Srikrishna is none other than the Supreme Person appearing in human form. They offered their prayers to Him and went back to Gokulam. 

The gopalas narrated the whole incident of slaying of Pralamba by Balarama, about forest fire, and how Srikrishna transported them to a safer place to their family. 

The residents of Vraja, too, felt that these two brothers were none other than Almighty descended to protect the people of Vraja.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana