Sri Brhad Bhagatamrtam
by
Srila Sanatan Goswami
Part One,
Sri Bhagavata-kripa-nirdhara
(The Search For the Lord's Mercy)


Part Two,
Sri Goloka-mahatmya
(The Glory of Sri Goloka)





Part Two Chapter Five
Chapter Five Priya (The Beloved)

1. Sri Gopa-kumara said: I went there and saw the Yadavas playing with their children and some Mathura brahmanas.
2 Wandering everywhere I had never seen such great sweetness as shone amongst them.
3 The bliss of seeing them made me forget everything. Understanding everything, they firmly embraced me.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara forgot to offer obeisances to them.
4 Aware that I was the son of a gopa of Govardhana Hill, they took my hands and, their hearts melting with a flood of love, took me inside the palace.
5 From afar I saw the splendid Lord comfortably sitting on a throne of gold and jewels.
6 He was served by all the wonderful sweetnesses of the Lord of Vaikuntha, and His opulence was even greater than the Lord of Vaikuntha.
7 He was worshipped by the sweet nectar of youthful handsomeness. His handsome arms embraced His devotees. The waves of his sweetness charmed His servants' hearts. He was an ocean of very wonderful pastimes.
8 Above Him a white parasol was splendidly manifest. By His two sides two camaras moved. In from of Him was a golden footstool.
9 Everywhere were servants and associates, many great opulences, and the paraphernalia of a king of kings of kings.
10-1 To the Lord's right were Vasudeva, Balarama, Akrura, and others, each seated on his own throne. To his left were King Ugrasena, Gada, Satyaki, Krtavarma, the counsellor Vikadru, and the best of the Vrsnis. With playful, joking songs and vina music, Sri Narada made the Lord laugh.
12 Sri Garuda stood before the Lord and recited prayers. Uddhava massaged his Lord's lotus feet and pleased Him by telling Him many dear secrets.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Uddhava's secrets were about Gokula. It was not right to speak them openly.
13 Seeing Him I had long desired to see, I fainted, overcome with love. The Lord, also flooded with love, told Uddhava to bring me to Him.
14 Uddhava came. Seeing that I was a cowherd boy, he was very happy. He carefully picked me up and brought me back to consciousness. Taking both my hands, he brought me before the Lord.
15 As the Lord rose to greet me, Uddhava, with his own hand, placed my head at the Lord's feet.
16 With His lotus hand the Lord of my life stroked my body. Seeing my flute, He took it from my hand and stood silently, shedding tears as if He were in great pain.
17 Saying "Is all well with you? Are you happy? How can anything inauspicious happen there?" He was overwhelmed until Uddhava, the best of counsellors, pacified Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "there" in this verse is Gokula.
18 Uddhava then gave a sign to Vasudeva and the Yadavas, the kings, the demigods, and the sages in the assembly.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the sign was a movement of the eyebrows. Of the kings there, Yudhisthira was prominent, of the demigods Indra was prominent, and of the sages Garga Muni was prominent.
19 With great effort opening His eyes and seeing them all before Him, He composed Himself and decided to enter the inner rooms of the palace.
20 So quickly attaining my desire, the Lord of my life, I was plunged in an ocean of happiness. What should I do? What should I say? I did not know at all.
21 Going out, He worshipped the best of the Yadavas with betelnuts, ointments and other gifts and taking my folded hands with His right hand, with Balarama and Uddhava entered the inner rooms of the palace.
22 Placing their mother-in-law, Devaki and Rohini in front, 16 108 joyful queens, accompanied by their maidservants, followed the Lord.
23 Among them were the queens Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Satya, Bhadra and Laksmana.
24 There were other queens also, headed by Queen Rohini, very fulfilled in all ways and served by maidservants like them.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these were the queens rescued from the palace of Narakasura. The most important of them was named Rohini, who is mentioned in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.61.18.
25 Glorious with the two men, the many shy women, and a host of children, the Lord entered His palace and, concealing the real condition of His heart, happily sat on the throne.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord was thinking of Gokula.
26 Then, first in meditation and then directly before my eyes, seeing the Lord holding a flute and decorated with all the cowherd boys and the gopis headed by Yasoda, I fainted in ecstasy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord became Madana-Gopala. No longer was He the king of Dvaraka. The flute He held in His lotus hand was the same flute He had taken from Gopa-kumara's hand. Queen Devaki became like Yasoda, the queens became like the gopis, Pradyumna, Samba and the other boys became like the cowherd boys. Balarama's mother, Rohini remained as before.
27 His heart overcome with compassion, the Lord, the son of Nanda, suddenly rose and, stroking my limbs, with the touch of His lotus hand awakened me.
28 When it was time for lunch, the Lord had no desire to eat. His mothers made Him perform His midday duties.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that because the Lord was suffering in separation from Gokula, He had no desire to eat. The mothers are plural here because they refer to the many wives of Vasudeva.
29 The Lord, the son of Devaki, personally fed me with His own hand and then, to satisfy me, He also ate.
30 Then the Lord made a circle of His sons, placed His elder brother, Balarama, in the middle, and personally fed them as He had done in His childhood pastimes.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.11.
31 Uddhava ate some of the Lord's maha-prasadam remnants, and then, knowing the Lord's desire, took me, almost as if by force, to his own home.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the cowherd boy Gopa-kumara could not become happy in the opulences of the palace, therefore the Lord wanted him to stay with Uddhava, who is very dear to the people of Gokula.
32 Then I again became fully conscious. Thinking of what I had experienced, I danced again and again. I thought:
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the word "then" here means "when he arrived at Uddhava's home".
33 Ah, today the greatest of my desires is fulfilled. In meditation I have seen my worshipable Lord, the hero of Vraja, with all His sweetnesses.
34 Going in Uddhava's company, I would gaze at my Lord, but, overcome with happiness, I could not do anything else.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara was so overwhelmed he was not able to serve the Lord.
35 Living there and attaining the Lord's abundant, wonderful, eternal mercy, I was flooded with bliss.
36 Living as long as Brahma, even a great devotee of the Lord could not understand that mercy with his mind or describe it in words.
37 The happiness in impersonal liberation is said to be very great, but the happiness in Vaikuntha is said to be many millions of millions of times greater. Still greater is the happiness in Ayodya, and greater than that is the happiness in Dvaraka. How is it possible to describe the happiness in Dvaraka?
38 By what actions of the mind or words can the wise understand the happiness of a devotee who loves the Lord alone and who has finally attained the Lord of his life he long yearned to see.
39 To me, who was living there in this way, the best of the Yadavas, their hearts melting with the desire to see me enjoy all happiness within and without, said:
40 The Yadavas said: Friend, you have come to this place, which is more opulent than Vaikuntha, and now you stay here with us. We do not think it is good that you continue to dress as a poor person that lives in the forest.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara was still dressed as a resident of the forest.
41 It makes us unhappy at heart. Please dress as we do.
42 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Although they persisted, I never heard anything from the Lord, so I continued to dress as a humble, poor person.
43 To leave the side of the Lord who, served by great opulences, sat in the assembly, I was both ashamed and afraid.
44 Sometimes I saw Him display four arms, something He never did in the land of Vraja.
45 Sometimes He went alone to see His dear relatives, the Pandavas, who were not far away.
46 Because my long-held desire was still not fulfilled, my heart was agitated. Still, when I saw the Lord's handsomeness and virtues, it became peaceful again.
47 How can my tongue touch the happiness brought by the merciful nectar of His words?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains this means Gopa-kumara could not adequately describe his happiness.
48 In this I spent some days in Uddhava's home. If I was unhappy, I concealed it.
49 One time, seeing that Narada had come, I bowed before him, and with wonder and joy spoke the following words:
50 O king of sages. O greatest of the Lord's associates, I see you like this in Svargaloka and the other material planets, in Vaikunthaloka, and now here also. This fills me with wonder and curiosity.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the words "like this" mean that in each of these places Narada manifested the same form of a sage playing his vina. His form never changed.
51 Sri Narada said: You are a playful cowherd boy eternally. Did I not tell you before?
52 As Lord Sri Krsna, who is one, manifests in many forms in many places, so do we, His servants.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that here Narada says: "We also manifest in many forms in many places."
53 All the devotees, those led by Garuda, those led by Hanuman, those led by the Yadavas, and Uddhava also, are like that.
54 Dedicated to serving Him, we are all the Lord's associates eternally. As the Lord does, so do we assume different forms in different pastimes. In this way we worship Him.
55 The Lord's paraphernalia, names, pastimes and favourite abodes are all eternal and real. Know that they are both one and many,
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these things are so because they are all eternal and full of knowledge and bliss.
56 It is surprising that even though you are also like that, even in these pastimes you manifest your previous nature. I see that even here you are always unsatisfied and unhappy at heart. This is very surprising to me.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the phrase "previous nature" means "the nature of a cowherd boy", and the phrase "also like that" means "you also have a spiritual form of eternity, knowledge and bliss, as we do". Narada is curious to know why, even in Dvaraka, Gopa-kumara is still dissatisfied.
57 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Bowing down and touching his feet, I humbly said: "Lord, you know everything." Then Narada smiled and, glancing at Uddhava's face spoke.
58-9 Sri Narada said: O Uddhava, he was born a cowherd's son on Govardhana Hill. Very restless, he has been searching place after place for something even those like you and me cannot attain. Not finding it, his heart is filled with pain and grief.
60 You are overcome with kindness for the people there. Why did you not enlighten him for even a moment.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the phrase "the people there" means "the people of Vraja".
61 His home is very far away and his happiness is also very far from us. We pray for them, but they are very difficult for us to attain.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the home here is the realm of Goloka, which is far from Vaikuntha, and which because it is very exalted, is very difficult to attain. The happiness here is the happiness of seeing the son of Nanda and enjoying pastimes with Him. Even though Narada and Uddhava are eternal associates of the Lord, they still pray to attain this realm and this happiness.
62 Srimad Uddhava said: He was born in the land of Vraja and there he was a cowherd boy. His faith is placed in the worship of Gopala. He is more exalted than we.
63 Narada eagerly and happily embraced him and said: "Teach him how to quickly attain his desire".
64 Uddhava said: O great sage, I am a ksatriya by birth. I should not teach when you are present.
65 Narada laughed and said: "Even in Vaikuntha you don't think you are a ksatriya?"
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the castes exist only in the material world, not in the spiritual world, where everything is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss.
66 Uddhava smiled and said: "What I say is not my idea. Our Lord has not rejected (His status as a ksatriya).
67 As He does there, so here also He protects the principles of religion by following the restrictions of household life, conquering His enemies, worshipping the elders and brahmanas, and acting piously in other ways also.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "there" is the Dvaraka in the material world. Some of the Lord's other religious actions, beginning with rising for brahma-muhurta are described in the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
68 With these words Narada's heart was overcome with joy. Filled with wonder, laughing, jumping up and down, and crying out, he spoke.
69 Sri Narada said: Ah, the wonder that is the glory of the sweetness of the Lord's pastimes! Ah, the depth of faith in Him alone, held by His servants, who are like Him!
70 Ah! I have seen a great wonder! The Supreme Lord, who stays in a place above even Vaikuntha, enjoys pastimes in the material world to please they who are dear to Him.
71 Persons like me become bewildered when we see the Lord's pastimes. Are we in the material world, or in the Dvaraka of Vaikuntha?
72-3 You have love and devotion for the Lord's lotus feet, and the Lord, who loves His devotees, fulfils their desires. Your actions have nothing to do with living in Vaikuntha, nor do they have anything to do with material opulences or with material friends and relatives.
74 You are always humble, and that helps your love and devotion for the Lord. He enjoys pastimes as if He were an ordinary person, and that helps the exchange of love between Him and His devotees.
75 Who can describe the great glory of that love? That love makes the Supreme Lord act as an ordinary person that is the dear friend of His devotee.
76 I glorify that seemingly ordinary relationship, by which transcendental love for Krsna is manifest without awe and reverence.
77 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Speaking these words, the sage became overcome with ecstatic love and fell silent. Seeing that I was unhappy, he began again to teach me.
78 Sri Narada said: O beloved of Gopaladeva, O son of a gopa, very far from here a beautiful place named Goloka, the crown of all Vaikuntha planets, is splendidly manifest.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Goloka is described in Brahma-samhita 5.43.
79 Goloka's form is the beautiful land of Vraja in the district of Mathura. Although the splendid city of Mathura is also there, Goloka cannot exist without it's heart, the land of Vraja, which begins with Vrndavana forest.
80 Because it is primarily a land (loka) of cows (go), Mathura is called Goloka. Although it is a secret place, it is famous everywhere.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Goloka is a secret place because the Lord enjoys secret pastimes there.
81 Goloka is attained only by one who follows the pure love the people of Vraja feel for Krsna.
82 Love like this is never manifest when one sees the Lord's opulence, for that brings awe and reverence.
83 This love is perfect when one thinks the Lord is an ordinary person, one's life-friend. This love is beyond the coverings of the material worlds. It is beyond the realm of Vaikuntha.
84 This mutual love, as if they were ordinary persons, is very extraordinary. It is mixed with ordinariness, sweetness, wonder and glory.
85 His and their actions increase their love. This love is not possible in Vaikuntha, the realm of opulence.
86 Ayodhya is like Vaikuntha, and Dvaraka is even more opulent. Krsna has placed Goloka very far from those two places.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that because Vaikuntha, Ayodhya and Dvaraka are very opulent, Krsna placed Goloka very far from them.
87 Situated in the highest sweetness, His happy pastimes with the people there become perfect there, the proper place for them.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that "the people there" are the residents of Sri Goloka. "His" means "Sri Krsna's", and "there" means "in Goloka".
88 Ah, I think that Lord Hari's most confidential feature is manifested there.
89 The glory of Goloka, which is situated above Vaikuntha, and which is the crest jewel of all the worlds, is supreme.
90 Who can describe the supreme and wonderful glories of Mathura-Gokula, which is beyond the material world?
91 Friend, listen. My restless tongue itches (to speak). Now I will show you the jewel I have long kept in the box of my heart.
92 Desiring to enjoy loving pastimes, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, the master of Goloka, within whom all incarnations of God rest, descends there at the end of Dvapara-yuga.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "there" in this verse is Mathura-Gokula.
93-4 Taking all His incarnations into Himself, leaving Vaikunthaloka and the other spiritual worlds with all their paraphernalia, leaving the devoted goddess of fortune and His own transcendental opulences far behind, and ignoring all His beloved servants, like myself, He goes there.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "there" is Mathura-Gokula in the material world.
95 In another place, Mathura-Vraja, which is not easy to attain, He enjoys transcendental pastimes with others, His proper companions there, as much as He desires.
96 With a mercy never shown before, He revealed (the glories of Mathura-Gokula) to the devotees fortunate to have firm devotion for Him.
97 You will see things even the Lord of Vaikuntha has never seen in Vaikunthaloka.
98-100 Seeing the sweetness and glory of the Lord, the saintly persons from the different planets describe, each according to his own idea, the Lord who has descended to Mathura City. Some sages say He is the hero of Vaikuntha, others say He is thousand-headed Lord Ananta, others He is Lord Vishnu, others He is Ksirodakasayi Vishnu and others He is Lord Kesava.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains because Lord Krsna is their source, all the incarnations of God joined with Him when He descended to the material world. The incarnations were therefore absent from their particular planets in the spiritual world, and the residents of those spiritual planets each thought that the Lord of their planet had descended to the material world. That is why the sages had different opinions of the identity of Lord Krsna. That Lord Krsna is the source of all incarnations is confirmed in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.28. Lord Narayana the friend of Nara is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.1.57 and Lord Ksirodakasayi Vishnu in Srimad Bhagavatam 2.7.26.
101 However, (the truth is that) the Lord of Goloka eternally manifests on the earth His own abode and pastimes.
102 Here there is no outsider. Uddhava is dear to the people there, and you were born there. Therefore I will tell you a secret.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "here" is in Uddhava's home. Narada will now describe tell the secret he had previously described as a jewel he had kept hidden in the box of his heart.
103 There, the Lord's ultimate opulence, mercy, handsomeness, glory, sweetness, charming pastimes, and submission to His devotees, is manifest.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that "there" is in Mathura-Vrajabhumi.
104 The Lord's virtues made Nanda's cow-pasture a place of transcendental pastimes, and the glance of Vaikuntha's queen made it a place of all opulences.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.5.18:
"O Maharaj Pariksit, the home of Nanda Maharaj is eternally the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His transcendental qualities, and is therefore always naturally endowed with the opulence of all wealth. Yet beginning from Lord Krsna's appearance there, it became the place for the pastimes of the goddess of fortune."*
105 Any tree there can fulfill all the desires of they who ask. Still, they can never produce great opulences, for that would obstruct the Lord's pastimes.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that there the Lord enjoys pastimes as an ordinary person, and great opulences there would be only an obstruction. The trees, however, do offer many nice flowers, fruits and other things. They are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.22.34:
"With their leaves, flowers, fruits, shade, roots, bark, wood, fragrance, sap, ashes, pulp, and sprouts, these trees fulfil all desires."
106 To a demoness that only pretended to be a devotee, He gave the status of being His mother. In His pastimes, to His friends and relatives, and even to the demons who hate the devotees, He gave liberation.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this demoness Putana, pretended to act as Mother Yasoda acted, so Krsna gave her a situation in life like Mother Yasoda's. Putana is praised in Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.2.23 and 10.14.35.
107 He allowed Himself to be bound at the waist to a grinding mortar with a cow-rope. He enthusiastically danced and performed in many ways, asked by the women of Vraja.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.9.17-19 and 10.11.7-9.
108 Who can describe the glory of His handsome form? I will describe it as far as I have the power. Seeing the wonder of it, the cows, birds, trees and vines became filled with ecstatic love.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.2.12 and 10.29.40.
109 O dear one, He became a thief that robbed the peacefulness of many girls whose feet are worshipped by saintly girls and who have beauty, noble character, virtues, and saintly deeds more glorious than the great goddess of fortune.
110 Gazing on Him, they cursed the blinking of their eyelids. They curse the creator, Brahma, and praise thousand-eyed Indra. They wish all their senses were eyes. No one in all the worlds is like them.
111 How can I describe the glory of Vrajabhumi, where the Lord revealed a handsome form He did not show in any other place?
112 The Lord's form is the resting place of the charm of childhood, it is eternally worshipped by the pastimes of youth. It eternally rests on His handsome teen-age years. It's transcendental virtues are newer and newer at every moment.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord's childhood is characterised by His delicateness and restlessness, His youth by His many expert skills, and His adolescent years by His handsomeness and other virtues.
113 What He had never done before in any circumstances, now He did. In His pastimes as a handsome child in Vraja He performed tasks that were impossible before.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that what the Lord was not able to do before as Lord Nrsimha, Lord Ramacandra or in any of His other forms, He now did as a child in Vraja.
114 Although it is always very fond the sweetness there, my tongue is terrified to dive in the nectar ocean of the Lord's pastimes. This person is not qualified to do this task.
115 Whose heart will not become charmed when his ears once drink the nectar of the Lord's pastimes? My restless tongue is no longer shy. Now it yearns to drink that nectar.
116 When He was three-month-old infant lying down in His bed, with His soft foot He broke a great cart. When He was a child that cried for breast-milk, He twice showed to His mother the universe in his mouth.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
117 May His pastimes of killing Trnavarta, crawling on the ground, pleasing the gopis, and stealing milk protect you.
118 May His pastime of carefully looking here and there in fear of His mother or in fear of the gopis' rebukes, His pastime of being curious to eat clay, and His pastime of playing with His mother as she churned yoghurt, protect me.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that as His mother churned yoghurt, child Krsna would playfully grab the churning-stick.
119 The Lord's pastimes of crying, breaking yoghurt-jars, stealing butter from jars hanging on ropes, fleeing in fear of His mother and looking about with restless, frightened eyes, are very wonderful.
120 May His pastime of dragging the grinding mortar His mother tied to His waist with a rope, breaking the Arjuna trees, and then, in that condition, giving them benedictions charm my heart.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this pastime is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.10.42.
121 May he who enjoys pastimes of hearing the calves in Vrndavana, who killed Vatsasura and Bakasura, who is the first teacher of playing the flute, who is decorated with forest ornaments, and who playfully imitates the sounds of the forest creatures, protect me.
122 I worship the Lord's sweet pastime of going to Vrndavana forest with His friends and calves, pausing for a moment to think and then entering the mouth of a great serpent, and doing many other things.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this pastime is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.12.28.
123 The Lord's pastimes of first a picnic on the grass by the lakeshore and then, His hand splendid with a mouthful of rice-and-yoghurt,, His search for the calves, attracts my heart.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.13.14.
124 Seeing the sweetness of these pastimes, the demigod Brahma became bewildered. Who can describe them? Why did the Lord search for His friends and calves as if He had become bewildered? Why did He assume the forms of His calves and boys?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that by assuming the forms of the boys and calves Krsna showed His supreme power, and then He also searched for them as if He had become bewildered. This contradiction, that He is simultaneously powerful and bewildered, is the reason for the last two questions in this verse.
125 Understanding the glory of the pastime-place Gokula, Brahma respectfully offered prayers to the Lord, the personified nectar of great love.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the glory of Gokula is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.22, 10.14.31 and 10.14.34.
126 Please worship the Lord's beautiful pastimes, where He protected the cows, worshipped His elder brother, glorified the beauty of Vrndavana forest, imitated the singing of the bees, and did many other things.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some of the other pastimes hinted at here are the Lord's imitating the parrots' conversations with a deep voice calling the cows from far away, and taking a nap on a bed of leaves and flowers.
127 In Talavana He crushed Dhenukasura's relatives, and in the evening He met the girls of Vraja. I cannot properly glorify the Lord's pastimes. I simply bow down to offer respects to them.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord's meeting with the gopis in the evening is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.15.42-43.
128 Overcome with grief and joy, I cannot even remember the pastimes Yasoda's son enjoyed in Kaliya's lake. How can I speak of them?
129 How did the Lord angrily punish that wicked demon? How did He enjoy a festival of dancing on the demon's raised hoods?
120 How did the Lord defeat Kaliya? How was He merciful to him? Even Lord Sesa cannot describe it. To the serpent's wives, who offered prayers and worship to the Lord, and to Kaliya also, I offer my respectful obeisances.
131 May the Lord's pastimes in a forest fire on the shore of that lake and in another, greater fire in Manjuvana forest, His expert games in Bhandiravana, and His praise of His elder brother, bring auspiciousness (to you).
132 Glories to His monsoon-season pastimes, where He took shelter in the lap of a tree, made the women of Vraja burn with amorous passion, and praised the beauty of the autumn forest!
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord's making the gopis burn with amorous passion is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.20.45.
133 When will I directly perceive His forest-flower decorations, His flute-music flood of sweetness that enchants everyone's heart, and His pastimes of enchanting the gopis?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.21.3, 10.21.5, 10.21.9, and 10.21.19.
134 When will I directly perceive His festival of stealing the Gopis' garments, His quickly climbing to the top of a kadamba tree, His joking words, the girls' prayers and obeisances with folded hands, and His taking the garments from His shoulder and giving them back?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.22.10, 10.22.18, and 10.22.19.
135 I glorify His pastimes of begging food from the brahmanas performing sacrifices, attracting their wives, being handsomely decorated, speaking words of kindness, and gracefully accepting the food the wives offered.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.23.22, 10.23.25, 10.23.35 and 10.23.38.
136 I offer my respectful obeisances to His pastimes of gracefully worshipping Govardhana Hill, lifting the great hill with His left hand, pleasing the gopas, being pacified by Indra and being crowned king of the surabhi cows.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.10.25-29 and 10.26.24.
137 I have no power to describe His pastimes of showing the realm of Vaikuntha to the people of Vraja and rescuing Nanda Maharaj from the realm of Varuna. How can I describe the Lord's supreme sweetness?
138 How can I describe the glory of the Lord's pastimes in Vraja? When words describing them enter the ear, great love appears at once.
139 With perfect logic a fortunate person proves the superiority of Lord Krsna's pastimes. Simply by hearing a little of His pastimes a person becomes filled with love. I offer my respectful obeisances to the Lord's pastimes.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the pastimes of Lord Krsna are superior to those of His incarnations.
140 Can my tongue hope to touch the glories of the supreme, dear thing, suitable for Him alone, that the Lord always holds in His lotus hand?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this verse refers to the Lord's flute, which is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.35.2. Beginning here is a lengthy description of the Lord's flute music.
141 By the power of the Lord's mercy, as far as I am able I will now say something of it. Please listen with care.
142 Because it touched the Lord's bimba-fruit lips, the wooden flute could say things that even the best of the Upanisads, the words of the Vedas, and the nectar words of other scriptures, all spoken from the Lord's beautiful mouth, could not say.
143 (Hearing it) the demigods and siddhas, travelling in airplanes with their wives, fainted in ecstatic love, and Indra, Shiva, Brahma, and their following became first bewildered and then filled with wonder,...
144 ...their meditations broken, the great sages became overcome with ecstasy, the moon and other planets travelling on the wheel of time became stopped in their course...
145 ...the cowherd men offered their bodies, relatives, possessions, hearts, actions, and thoughts to Krsna, gave no thought to gaining anything in the two worlds, and offered respectful obeisances to their wives, who dearly loved Him...
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in the Hari-vamsa, where the cowherd men say to Nanda:
"O sinless one, from now on, in any calamity the cowherd people and cows of Vraja will always take shelter of Lord Krsna whose large eyes are so beautiful."
146 ...their sons, who were always happy to be with Him, and who had become like His shadow, and who became unhappy when for a moment He was far away and they could not see Him, eagerly ran to Him, touching Him, and enjoying pastimes with Him...
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.12.6.
147 ...and supremely glorious Radha and Her associates at once renounce their husbands, children, relatives, possessions, religious principles, and shyness, became filled with love and poisoned with its sweetness, and overcome with ecstasy, became like trees, unable to search for it.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the word "parama-bhagavatayah" shows that Radha and the gopis are more exalted than either Maha-Laksmi or Rukmini-devi and the queens at Dvaraka. This pastime is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.35.16-17.
148 Please hear this wonder. The unintelligent animals, the cows, calves, bulls, forest deer, the birds who live in the trees, the creatures who play in the sky and the water, the motionless (trees and plants), and the ignorant rivers and clouds, all abandoned their own natures.
149 The moving became motionless. The motionless moved. The conscious fainted unconscious. The unconscious became thoughtful. They became plunged in a great nectar of love. They became overwhelmed with ecstasy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.21.19.
150 The Lord's rasa dance is a great secret of the greatest opulence. It is the greatest treasure. It manifests the ultimate of intense sweetness. Even with hundreds of desires, goddess Laksmi could not attain it.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the glorification of the Lord's flute music now ended, the glorification of the Lord's rasa dance begins in this verse. That the goddess of fortune could not enter the rasa dance is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.47.60). where Uddhava says:
"When Lord Sri Krsna is dancing with the gopis in the rasa-lila, the gopis were embraced by the arms of the Lord. This transcendental favour was never bestowed on the goddess of fortune or the other consorts in the spiritual world. Indeed, never was such a thing even imagined by the most beautiful girls in the heavenly planets whose bodily lustre and aroma resemble the lotus flower. And what to speak of worldly women who are very beautiful according to the material estimation?"*
151 The heart of what wise and pious person would not be attracted to the Lord's supremely sweet genius? Even as the saintly gopis wept in the forest, His eloquence charmed them.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Srila Sukadev Gosvami describes these pastimes in Srimad-Bhagavatam's five chapters of rasa-lila.
152 I praise Lord Hari's expertly disappearing and then, impelled by the gopis plaintive appeals, appearing again in their midst. Charming them with the arts of love, He enjoyed pastimes with them.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.29.46 and 10.90.48.
153 Who will not sing the praises of the disappearance pastime of the Lord, who expertly enjoys the pastime of being away from His beloveds? Although they are naturally very grave and peaceful, the gopis spoke and acted wonderfully in a very wonderful condition of life.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that an example of the gopis' words is found in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.30.5. An example of their wonderful actions is their imitation of Krsna's pastimes. The wonderful condition they attained was transcendental madness.
154 I fear the Lord, whose pastimes are inscrutable. Why did He one moment give Her a gift of the greatest good fortune? Why did He the next moment suddenly disappear and leave Her alone, tormented, without a master, and drowning in an ocean of weeping?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this verse describes Srimati Radha.
155 May the Lord who, impelled by their suffering and the weeping of their songs, appeared amongst them, flooded them with bliss, and, answering their questions, affirmed that He was their debtor, protect you.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the gopis' questions begin in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.32.16. Lord Krsna affirmed that He was their debtor in these words (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.32.22):
"My dear gopis, our meeting is certainly free from all material contamination. I must admit that in many lives it would be impossible for Me to repay My debt to you because you have cut off the bondage of family life just to search for Me. Consequently I am unable to repay you. Therefore please be satisfied with your own honest activities in this regard."*
156 May the Lord's pastimes, which charm the gopis, which are filled with expert artistry of singing, dancing and other arts, which have unprecedented beauty and other virtues, and which charm the entire world, charm my heart.
157 They who yearn to drink the honey of Lord Krsna's lotus feet know the great glory of they who are able to lick that honey. Brahma knows the glory of they who were born in Gokula and Uddhava knows the glory of the gopis. They both yearn to attain that glory.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Brahma, seeing the good fortune of the people of Gokula, yearned for a fortunate position like theirs. He expressed his desire in these words (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.14.34):
"My dear Lord, I am most humbly praying at Your lotus feet for You to please give me any sort of birth within this Vrndavana forest so that I may be able to be favoured by the dust of the feet of some of the devotees of Vrndavana. Even if I am given the chance to grow just as the humble grass in this land, that would be a glorious birth for me."*
Uddhava, however, seeing the gopis great love for Lord Krsna, yearned to love Him as they did. Uddhava expressed his desire in these words (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.47.61):
The gopis of Vrndavana have given up the association of their husbands, sons, and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Krsna, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers, or herbs in Vrndavana, because the gopis trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet."*
158 They who yearn to attain a certain condition can understand the good fortune of they who have already attained it. The gopis, who yearn to drink the nectar of Mukunda's lips, sing the glories of the good fortune of His flute.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.21.9), where the gopis say:
"My dear gopis, what auspicious activities must the flute have performed to enjoy the nectar of Krsna's lips independently and leave only a taste for us gopis, for whom that nectar is actually meant! The forefathers of the flute, the bamboo trees, shed tears of pleasure. His mother, the river on whose bank the bamboo was born, feels jubilation, and therefore her blooming lotus flowers are standing like hair on her body."*
159 The Lord is so wonderfully attached to the people of Vraja and eternally so full of love for them that He has no desire at all to see His eldest son Brahma, who, attracted by the flute, bows before Him and recites prayers.
160 Charmed by the people of (Vrndavana) forest, who know wonderful mantras and magical herbs, the hero of Vraja is not eager to speak even for a moment with persons like me, for whom His lotus feet are the only goal.
161 Who can describe their attachment to Him? Aware only that He is the son of the cowherd Nanda, and elaborately serving Him with love, they always pass the time with great anxiety.
162 They are beyond time. Their feet are worshipped by us, who are filled with the opulences of transcendental knowledge. They are flooded with a bliss greater than what is in Vaikuntha. They are worshipped even by the Yadavas.
163 The people of Vraja were not enchanted by Krsna. It was Lord Krsna who was enchanted by them. That is the truth. He even forgot His mission as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and I had to somehow remind Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some thinkers say that with His wonderful pastimes and features Lord Krsna enchanted the people of Vraja. This verse refutes that claim by saying that it was Lord Krsna who became enchanted. The Lord even forgot His mission of killing Kamsa and doing many other things, and by offering prayers Narada had to remind Him. Examples of Narada's reminders are Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.37.13 and 10.37.15.
164 Wishing auspiciousness for the Yadavas, how did intelligent Akrura take the Lord, as if by force, from Vraja to Mathura City?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the question posed in this verse is answered in the following verses. By hearing intelligent Akrura's description of the great sufferings of Devaki and Vasudeva, Krsna was convinced to go. This is described in Hari-vamsa, where Akrura says:
"Your aged parents are now slaves tortured by the sadist Kamsa."
165 He can never leave the people of Vraja. He returns to Vraja at every moment. He lives there and enjoys pastimes there eternally.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord leaves Vraja and then returns to Vraja again and again and again in His pastimes.
166 As, very eager to see what actions pleasing to His heart the people of Vraja do when they are tossed by waves of separation from Him, the Lord sometimes hides in the depth of the forest groves, so in His different pastimes He sometimes hides.
167 I think this action is a very rare gift, the crown of all generous givers who give to they who are most dear to Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some persons may protest that it is not right for the Lord to separate Himself from they who cannot bear even a moment's separation from Him. This verse answers them. The gift here is the most intense love for Krsna. It is so rare that none but the people of Vraja are able to attain it. It is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.47.27), where Uddhava tells the gopis:
"My dear gopis, the mentality which you have developed in relationship with Krsna is very, very difficult to attain, even for great sages and saintly persons. You have attained the highest perfectional stage of life. It is a great boon for you that you have fixed your mind upon Krsna and have decided to have Krsna only, giving up your family, home, relatives, husbands, and children for the sake of the Supreme Personality. Because your mind is now full absorbed in Krsna, the Supreme Soul, universal love has automatically developed in you. I think myself very fortunate that I have been favoured, by your grace, to see you in this situation."*
168 As the Lord enjoys pastimes in earthly Gokula, so He also does in spiritual Goloka. Any idea that one is higher and the other is lower is an imagination only.
169 Although He enjoys pastimes there with Sri Nanda and the others eternally and without ever becoming tired, the Lord is not always seen by everyone in Vrajabhumi.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that someone may protest: "If the Lord enjoys pastimes in the earthly Gokula eternally, then why does no one ever see Him?" This verse answers that protest. In Goloka, in the spiritual world, everyone sees the Lord always. In Gokula, in the material world, everyone sees the Lord during a certain period at the end of the Dvapara-yuga, but at other times only certain people at certain times are able to see Him.
170 As in Vaikuntha Garuda and the other eternal associates of the Lord are always present, so in Goloka the Lord's eternal, dear friends are always present.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that someone may protest: "Nanda Maharaj and the other cowherd people are residents of Gokula in the material world. How can they simultaneously exist in Goloka in the spiritual world eternally?" This verse answers that question. As Garuda and the other associates of the Lord stay in Vaikuntha, but at the same time are also present in the material world, so the cowherd people of Vraja are present in the spiritual and material worlds simultaneously.
171 By their own wish, with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of their life, they eternally enjoy pastimes in both places.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the two places are Gokula in the material world and Goloka in the spiritual world.
172 Adopting the same methods one uses to attain Sri Goloka, one may see the playful and merciful Lord in the material world.
173 O dear one, why are you so eager to see the sweetness of the pastimes at Lord Gopaladeva's lotus feet?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that here Narada rebukes Gopa-kumara for desiring something so rare and difficult to attain.
174 O brother, know that this is very difficult to attain. The way to attain it is very difficult to follow. That is my final conclusion.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that here Narada Muni speaks of attaining Goloka in the spiritual world.
175 Most living entities do no know what should and what should not be done. Some few men know what should be done.
176 Many are intent on economic development and sense gratification. Some follow the duties by which one attains Svargaloka.
177 Some perform religious duties without material motive. Of them, some aspire for impersonal liberation.
178 Of them, some are liberated paramahamsas and of the paramahamsas some are great souls devoted to the service of the Lord.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the devotees are called great souls because they consider impersonal liberation to be very insignificant and because they are very eager to taste the nectar of serving the Lord. They are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.14.3-5.
179 Among these devotees they who have given their hearts to being friends of Sriman Madana-Gopala's lotus feet are even more rare.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the exalted status of the devotees is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.14.6.
180 Know that the different ways to attain different goals of life are in this sequence of higher and lower. This is taught by the words of the scriptures.
181 There are others even more exalted than these devotees. I am not qualified to describe them.
182 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Then Narada embraced Uddhava and with plaintive words humbly begged: "Please,, you say something."
183 Uddhava, overcome with ecstatic love and humbly bowing his head again and again, said: At every moment I offer my respectful obeisances to the women in Nanda's Vraja.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Uddhava could understand Narada's intention in asking him to speak. Touching his head to the ground, with great love he sang the glories of the greatest devotees.
184 Uddhava, the servant of Lord Hari, suddenly became very agitated. Taking straw in his teeth, and grasping Narada's feet, he sang again.
185 "The gopis of Vrndavana have given up the association of their husbands, sons, and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Krsna, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers, or herbs in Vrndavana, because the gopis trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet."*
This verse is a quotation from Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.47.61).
186 Displaying symptoms of the greatest ecstatic love, and filled with wonder, again he loudly sang:
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some of the symptoms Uddhava displayed were trembling, perspiring and standing up of the body's hairs.
187 "When Lord Sri Krsna was dancing with the gopis in the rasa-lila, the gopis were embraced by the arms of the Lord. This transcendental favour was never bestowed on the goddess of fortune or the other consorts in the spiritual world. Indeed, never was such a thing even imagined by the most beautiful girls in the heavenly planets whose bodily lustre and aroma resemble the lotus flower. And what to speak of worldly women who are very beautiful according to the material estimation."*
This verse is a quotation from Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.47.60).
188 Lord Narada became filled with great wonder. Seeing that I was unhappy, he at once sang this:
189 Sri Narada said: Uddhava, the best of all the devotees, offers his respectful obeisances to the dust of the gopis' lotus feet. He prays to be born as a blade of grass fortunate enough to be touched by the dust of their lotus feet.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.47.61 and 10.47.63.
190 Even Rukmini, who is famous as Lord Hari's beloved,, who, yearning for the infallible Lord, refused to act as an ordinary pious girl, and who almost died when the Lord spoke to her a single joke, could not attain even the scent of the gopis' good fortune.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.47.60, 10.60.17 and 10.60.24.
191 What are the best of women in comparison to the gopis? What are the goddesses of Svargaloka? What are the queens headed by Satyabhama and Kalindi? What are the noblewomen headed by Rohini?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam
10.47.60.
192 I am insignificant. Who am I? Still, my restless tongue will not stop glorifying the gopis.
193-4 O son of a gopa, O friend of the Lord of Vraja, Uddhava is the best of loving devotees. Because He was fortunate to receive the Lord's mercy, he was able to see the ecstatic love of the gopis in Vraja. The gopis gave him such great mercy that he forgot even about Lord Krsna. Uddhava is able to understand the actions of the gopis. He should describe them.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Uddhava describes the gopis in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.47.27.
195-6 The Lord's uncle is Svaphalka's son Akrura. His heart is dry with knowledge that has no sweetness. An old man, his heart unable to melt with compassion, he came to Vraja as Kamsa's messenger. He can meditate on Lord Krsna's lotus feet and describe them, but because he offended the gopis he cannot meditate on them in his heart or describe their exalted glories.
197 "(I will be able to see) the Lord's lotus feet, which are worshipped by great demigods like Brahma, Narada and Lord Shiva, which traverse the ground of Vrndavana as He herds the cows, and which touch the breasts of the gopis covered with tinges of kunkuma."*
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in this verse (quoted from Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.38.8) Akrura meditates on the Lord's lotus feet, as was described in the previous verse.
198 "When I bow down before Lord Krsna in that way, certainly He will place His fearless lotus hand on my head. His hand is offered to all conditioned souls who take shelter under His lotus feet. Krsna is the ultimate goal of life for all people who fear the snake of material existence, and certainly when I see Him He will give me the shelter of His lotus feet. I am aspiring for the touch of His lotus-like hands on my head."*
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in this verse (quoted from Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.38.16) Akrura meditates on the Lord's lotus hand.
199 "Indra, who is the king of heaven and the master of the three worlds-the upper, middle and lower planetary system - was blessed by the Lord simply for His offering a little water which Krsna accepted. Similarly Bali Maharaj gave only three feet of land in charity to Vamanadeva, and he also offered a little water, which Lord Vamanadeva accepted, and thereby Bali Maharaj attained the position of Indra. When the gopis were dancing with Krsna in the rasa dance, they became fatigued, and Krsna smeared His hand, which is fragrant as a lotus flower, over the pearl-like drops of perspiration on the faces of the gopis, and immediately they became refreshed."*
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in this verse (quoted from Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.38.17) Akrura says that the Lord gives fearlessness to the devotees that surrender to Him. The Lord even gives Himself to these devotees.
200 In his last moments the saintly brahmacari Bhisma, who was the grandfather of the Kurus and Pandavas, offered to the Lord prayers that described the exalted glories of the women of Vraja.
201 "Let my mind be fixed upon Lord Sri Krsna, whose motions and smiles of love attracted the damsels of Vrajadhama (the gopis). The damsels imitated the characteristic movements of the Lord (after His disappearance from the rasa dance).*
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Bhisma speaks this verse (quoted from Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.40).
202 Seeing the Lord as He was about to go to His own city, Yudhisthira Maharaj's queens said among themselves:
203 "O friends,, just think of His wives, whose hand He has accepted. How they must have undergone vows, baths, fire sacrifices, and perfect worship of the Lord of the universe to constantly relish now the nectar of His lips (by kissing). The damsels of Vrajabhumi would often faint just by expecting such favours."*
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this verse (quoted from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.10.28) is their conversation.
204 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Speaking these words, Lord Narada embraced me. He was plunged in the waves of the ocean of love, waves that him tremble and shed tears and made the hairs of his body stand erect. Biting his tongue, which yearned to continue describing the gopis, He danced wonderfully and displayed many symptoms of ecstatic love.
205 In a moment he became normal again and, seeing me depressed, the best of sages comforted me with affectionate words.
206 Sri Narada said: This is a great secret to be concealed in all times and places, and especially to be concealed from the devotees in places where the Lord's great opulences are abundantly manifested.
207 That is why I did not reveal this to you in Vaikuntha. Now, inspired by the sweetness of your love and devotion, I have said something about it here.
208 Before you and before Uddhava, I vow that I speak the truth: In this place one can attain neither Goloka nor the means to attain Goloka.
209 Please hear from me this one instruction: Not far from here a place named Sri Purusottama-ksetra is splendidly manifested. This is the same place you saw before on the earth.
210 There, with Balarama and Subhadra the Lord enjoys many pastimes on Govardhana Hill, in Vrndavana forest, and on the shore of the Yamuna.
211 The Lord, in whom all incarnations of God rest, enjoys many pastimes there. To a devotee who finds pleasure in Him, the Lord reveals His own form.
212 As Sri Mathura is dear to Lord Krsnadeva, so this place is also dear to Him. Although it is very opulent, it is also very beautiful and charming.
213 If when you go there your desire is not fulfilled by seeing the Lord there, you will attain there the way to fulfil your desire.
214 There, and in no other place, is the way to attain the spontaneous love the people of Vraja feel for the lotus feet of He who is the Lord of the gopis' lives.
215 Sri Krsna's great mercy, which brings that love, comes to some spontaneously and to others as a result of gradual spiritual advancement.
216 From a generous donor one may receive either cooked food or ingredients to prepare cooked food. In this way the scriptures describe the ways to quickly or gradually attain (the Lord's mercy).
217 Thinking the Lord one's own friend or relative as one has a friend or relative in the material world, and yearning to serve the gopas and gopis, one should reject awe and reverence and all other impediments and strive to attain that pure love.
218 By engaging in devotional service that largely consists of singing about and meditating on the Lord's Vraja pastimes, one attains that love, which is glorious with the chanting of the dearmost Lord's holy names.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that there are nine methods of devotional service, of which two important activities are mentioned here.
219 In the association of a devotee who relishes the nectar of it, that love appears of its own accord. Still, it should be carefully concealed.
220 As one lives alone in the Lord's dear pastime-forest, one's love becomes manifest and grows to become very strong.
221 That love is far from fruitive pious work, philosophical speculation, yoga and other spiritual practices. It is decorated with independence from them. It is the root of humbleness.
222 Even if one is very exalted, he should be humble and think himself very incompetent and lowly.
223 A wise man should try to be humble in his words,, deeds, and thoughts. He should shun the opposite of humbleness.
224 Humbleness comes from advancement in love for Krsna (as is seen in the example of) the women of Gokula when they were separated from Krsna.
225 Mature humbleness brings love for Krsna. It is seen that the two are in a relationship of cause and effect.
226 O brother, the wise know that the nature of this love is characterised inside the heart by melting and outside the heart by trembling and a host of other symptoms.
227 (In this love) a fire's flames become the Yamuna's nectar and the Yamuna's nectar becomes a fire's flames. Poison becomes nectar and nectar becomes poison. Death becomes happiness and life becomes torture.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is the condition of a devotee separated from Krsna.
228 It is not possible to distinguish between separation (from Krsna) and the happiness of enjoying (with Him) or (to distinguish which is full of bliss and which is full of grief).
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that even when the devotees are enjoying in the Lord's association they feel the unhappiness of being separated from Him. This is described at the end of the Tenth Canto in the account of the queens' water-pastimes with the Lord. Also, in either meeting or separation, intense love for Krsna brings an intense bliss. Therefore it is not possible to clearly determine what is bliss and what is torment in these pastimes.
229 Gaining the wealth of that love, one again and again acts as a madman. Without that love the nine methods of devotional service to Lord Mukunda bring no happiness.
230 They become like vegetables without salt, a feast without hunger, scripture-study without understanding, or orchards without fruit.
231 In a general way I have said something about this love. I do not have the power to describe it in detail. How can I say much about the love the women of Vraja feel for Krsna?
232 When Krsna went to Mathura City, the gopis thought they were burning in the fires of cosmic devastation. Please, don't try to understand anything more from me about the cause or nature of their love.
233 If somehow Sri Radhika is seen, then the form of that love may be understood. If one is empowered by Her, he can describe it. If you are able to understand it, you can hear of it from him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that a person who is able to describe that love will be at every moment so overwhelmed with ecstatic joy, lamentation, madness, and other ecstatic symptoms that he will not be able to describe it to any listener. Therefore only Goddess Radhika can describe that love.
234 If Krsnacandra incarnates to reveal that love, or if Radhika incarnates, then one may understand it.
235 O you who were born in Vraja, to attain your desire you should go to the province of Mathura at once. You are not like me. You are the object of His mercy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the province of Mathura here is Purusottama-ksetra. The last sentence here means that Gopa-kumara received the mercy of the Lord of Goloka.
236 Srimad Uddhava said: As Purusottama-ksetra is dear to the Lord, so is Dvaraka City dear. As it is decorated with great opulences and appropriate pastimes, so is Dvaraka.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that as a great devotee of Lord Dvarakanatha, Uddhava could not tolerate the suggestion that Dvaraka might be inferior in any way.
237 Our Lord, the son of Devaki,, manifests His own form at Purusottama-ksetra. Standing motionless, He enjoys pastimes for the pleasure of the people there whose hearts are flooded with love for Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the motionless form of the Lord here is daru-brahma Lord Jagannatha.
238 Here one attains the same perfection one obtains there. There is no difference. However, by seeing and hearing of the Lord's Vraja-pastimes he will become unhappy there.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in Purusottama-ksetra Gopa-kumara will see pictures and plays of the Lord's Vraja-pastimes and hear songs and other descriptions of those pastimes. Yearning to attain the Lord of Vraja, he will become unhappy.
239 Also,, there, by seeing the Lord Jagannatha's lotus face, by obtaining maha-prasadam again and again, and by seeing many festivals, he will become blissful and he will not be humble at heart.
240 Without humbleness he will not attain the pure love that brings one to Goloka, and without attaining Goloka he will not be happy.
241 Lord Jagannatha, who is unhappy to see others suffer, will only send him to His Gokula, the ornament of Mathura. Why not send him to Gokula directly?
242 There he will see the forests, rivers, hills and everything else are all void and desolate (without Krsna). He will become humble and he will feel the pure love felt by the great devotees.
243 There he will search for the person loved by the great souls whose voices are filled with calls of "Alas! Alas!" and whose hearts are burned by great sufferings.
244 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Hearing these eloquent and logical words of Uddhava, the best of counsellors, Lord Narada became pleased and spoke.
245 Sri Narada said: O Uddhava, you love the people of that land. You have spoken good advice for him to attain his desire.
246 You know the glory of the land of Vraja, You left your worshipable Lord, Sri Krsna, to go there, and you stayed there for a long time.
247 Looking in all directions and seeing that all the signs were auspicious, all-knowing Narada, who is dear to the devotees became happy and spoke to me.
248 O glorious one dear to Vraja's hero, know that your desire will soon be fulfilled. O very fortunate one, I knew this all along.
249 In beautiful Vaikuntha, which is full of the greatest bliss, in Ayodhya City, where the bliss is even greater, and even in this Dvaraka City, your heart became unhappy. In Svargaloka and the other planets, even when you could see the Lord's lotus feet, you could find no happiness.
250 I think this unhappiness was only to increase your love for the beautiful lotus feet of your beloved Lord. If it were not so, then why would you be unhappy in this place or unaware of the happinesses in the other places?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the beloved Lord here is Sri Madana-Gopala.
251 Because of this unawareness, because your heart was calm and untroubled, because you were very curious, and because your love was very great, you could not find any happiness in these worlds, even when there you could see the infallible Lord.
252 Therefore, to attain your long-cherished desire, you should go at once to Mathura-Vrajabhumi, which makes the earth beautiful and glorious.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Vrndavana's making the earth beautiful and glorious is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.21.10.
253 There you should at once engage in spiritual activities, and that will bring you to beautiful Goloka above the Vaikuntha worlds.
254 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Pleased by the nectar of his words, I was eager to go, but I wished first to get the Lord's permission. The great soul Uddhava noticed this.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord here is the king of Dvaraka.
255 Sriman Uddhava said: If you go to any other place,, you should first have permission from the king of the Yadavas, but this one place is very dear to Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the word "very dear" here means "more dear even then Dvaraka".
256 By residing in Vraja one attains a love much greater than what one attains even by directly serving the Lord.
257 That is why, on the pretext of comforting the devotees for whom the Lord is more dear than life, I stayed in Vrajabhumi for a long time.
258 I think when He knows of your strong desire my master will personally lead you, a person He loves, to that land He also loves.
259 Drinking the nectar of his words, I became flooded with great bliss. I fainted and for a moment I closed my eyes.
260 I could guess that someone was taking me somewhere. When I opened my eyes I saw that I had come to this forest grove.