Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 4.64
The Gopīs Long for Kṛṣṇa’s Affection
“ ‘O dear Kṛṣṇa, by Your smiling glances and melodious talk, You have awakened a fire of lusty desire in our hearts. Now You should extinguish that fire with a stream of nectar from Your lips by kissing us. Kindly do this. Otherwise, dear friend, the fire within our hearts will burn our bodies to ashes because of separation from You. Thus by meditation we shall claim shelter at Your lotus feet.’”
What the purport teaches
- Attracted by Kṛṣṇa’s flute in the autumn moonlight, the gopīs came to Him in an overwhelming state of love.
- To increase their ecstatic love, Kṛṣṇa gave them moral instructions to return home. They did not care for these instructions, wanting instead to dance with Him and receive His kisses.
- The gopīs describe His smiling glances and melodious talk as awakening a burning desire in their hearts. They plead for His affection and speak of taking shelter at His lotus feet through meditation.
Try this today
Spend a quiet minute remembering Kṛṣṇa’s smiling glances and melodious talk as described in this verse.
Ask yourself
What does the gopīs’ prayer reveal about their longing for Kṛṣṇa’s presence and affection?
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.