karmibhyah parito hareh priyataya vyaktim yayur
jñaninas
tebhyo jñana-vimukta-bhakti-paramah premiaka-nishthas tatah
tebhyas tah pashu-pala-pankaja-drishas tabhyo 'pi sa radhika
prestha tadvad iyam tadiya-sarasi tam nashrayet kah kriti
In the shastra it is said that of all type of
fruitive workers [karmis], he who is advanced in knowledge of the
higher values of life is favoured by the Supreme Lord Hari. Out of many such
people who are advanced in knowledge [jñanis], one who is practically
liberated by virtue of his knowledge may take to devotional service. He is
superior to others. However, one who has actually attained prema, pure love
of Krishna, is superior to him. The gopis are exalted above all the
advanced devotees because they are always totally dependent upon Sri
Krishna, the transcendental cowherd boy. Among the gopis, Srimati
Radharani is the most dear to Krishna. Her kunda [lake] is
as profoundly dear to Lord Krishna as the most beloved of the gopis.
Who, then, will not reside at Radha-kunda and, in a spiritual body
surcharged with ecstatic devotional feelings [aprakrita-bhava],
render loving service to the divine couple Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, who
perform Their ashtakaliya-lila, Their eternal eightfold daily pastimes.
Indeed, those who execute devotional service on the banks of Radha-kunda are
the most fortunate people in the universe.
Text Ten
krishnasyoccaih pranay-vasatih preyasibhyo 'pi
radha
kundam casya munbhir abhitas tadrig eva vyadhayi
yat preshthair apy alam asulabham kim punar bhakti-bhajam
tat premedam sakrid api sarah santur aviskaroti
Of the many objects of favoured delight and of all the
lovable damsels of Vrajabhumi, Srimati Radharani is certainly the
most treasured object of Krishna's love. And, in every respect, Her divine
kunda is described by great sages as similarly dear to Him. Undoubtedly
Radha-kunda is very rarely attained even by the great devotees; therefore it
is even more difficult for ordinary devotees to attain. If one simply bathes
once within those holy waters, one's pure love of Krishna is fully aroused.
Text Eleven
back
<< Return to Contents