Rasa Pancadhyaya

Chapter 29, 30, 31, 32, 33

The Call: Krishna’s flute-playing captured the minds of the gopis, who instantly disregarded their various engagements and responsibilities to be with Him. When they arrived, Krishna teased them by questioning their bold decision to come. He advised them to avoid compromising their chastity and strongly suggested they return home. The gopis were devastated. They vehemently refused, and fervently pleaded with Krishna that He accept them. Seeing their intensity of love, Krishna performed the beautiful rasa dance in the shining moonlight, but when He sensed their transcendental pride, He immediately disappeared.

The Search: Feeling unbearable separation, the gopis initiated a search for Krishna, questioning the animals, trees, creepers, and Mother Earth herself about their beloved’s whereabouts. Unsuccessful, they resorted to re-enacting His pastimes to pacify their parched hearts. When they saw Krishna’s footprints along with one other set, they concluded that Srimati Radharani had been especially favoured. Radharani later developed a sense of transcendental pride, and Krishna abandoned Her as well. Thus, all the gopis again united in a frantic search for their flute-playing friend.

The Song: Remembering the pastimes of Krishna, the gopis sang their song (gopi-gita) which somewhat soothed the agony of separation from their beloved. They glorified the beauty of His form, His pastimes and His sweet exchanges: “The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent.” (SB 10.31.9)

The Reunion: Krishna suddenly returned and vanquished the heartache of the gopis. Surrounding Him, they drank His beauty through their eyes and hearts. Still wondering why Krishna abandoned them, the Lord explained that His every act is meant to intensify the loving exchange with His devotees. Indeed, Krishna was truly conquered by their love – “I am not able to repay My debt for your spotless service, even within a lifetime of Brahma. Your connection with Me is beyond reproach. You have worshipped Me, cutting off all domestic ties, which are difficult to break. Therefore please let your own glorious deeds be your compensation.” (SB 10.32.22)

The Dance: On the picturesque riverbanks of the Yamuna, Krishna expanded into multiple forms and danced with every gopi, each of whom truly believed that Krishna was only with them. Sukadeva Goswami concluded his description of the rasa dance with a caution: one should never consider these enchanting narrations to be a mundane love affair that can be imitated by ordinary living beings.

Note: In Chapter 35, Sukadeva Goswami described the intense feelings of separation that the gopis experienced when Krishna performed his cowherding pastimes during the day.