Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.30.35-36
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeparation Reveals Unparalleled Devotion
“As the gopīs wandered about, their minds completely bewildered, they pointed out various signs of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes. The particular gopī whom Kṛṣṇa had led into a secluded forest when He had abandoned all the other young girls began to think Herself the best of women. “My beloved has rejected all the other gopīs,” She thought, “even though they are driven by Cupid himself. He has chosen to reciprocate with Me alone.””
What the purport teaches
- The bewildered gopīs wander through the forest, pointing out signs of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes.
- Rādhārāṇī thinks Herself the best of women because Kṛṣṇa has chosen Her alone. The purport explains that She now becomes proud of His association, as the other gopīs had previously done.
- The Lord arranges their separation to reveal their unparalleled devotion. Its intensity becomes fully manifest when they are apart from Him.
Try this today
Recall one opportunity you have received to serve Kṛṣṇa, and appreciate it without comparing yourself with anyone else.
Ask yourself
How can I value devotion itself rather than feeling superior because of spiritual good fortune?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.