Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 18.86
The Gopīs Joyously Behold Kṛṣṇa
“The gopīs were like steady streaks of lightning, and Kṛṣṇa resembled a blackish cloud. The lightning began sprinkling water upon the cloud, and the cloud upon the lightning. Like thirsty cātaka birds, the eyes of the gopīs joyously drank the nectarean water from the cloud.
What the purport teaches
- The gopīs are compared to steady streaks of lightning, while Kṛṣṇa resembles a blackish cloud.
- The lightning sprinkles water upon the cloud, and the cloud upon the lightning, describing their mutual splashing.
- The gopīs’ eyes are like thirsty cātaka birds, joyously drinking the nectarean water from the cloud.
Try this today
Write down the three images—lightning, cloud, and cātaka birds—and identify what each represents.
Ask yourself
What does the image of thirsty cātaka birds convey about the gopīs’ joy in seeing Kṛṣṇa?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.