Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 7.47
Uddhava Longs for the Gopīs’ Foot Dust
“ ‘The gopīs of Vṛndāvana have given up the association of their husbands, sons and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Kṛṣṇa, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to become one of the bushes, creepers or herbs in Vṛndāvana, for the gopīs trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet.’
What the purport teaches
- The gopīs left difficult family attachments and forsook the path of chastity to take shelter of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, which one should seek through Vedic knowledge.
- Sent by Kṛṣṇa, Uddhava stayed in Vṛndāvana for a few months and spoke with the gopīs about Kṛṣṇa. Although these talks pleased them, he saw their severe distress in separation from Him.
- Seeing their unalloyed devotion and love, Uddhava wished to become a creeper, blade of grass or herb in Vṛndāvana so that he could receive the dust of their lotus feet.
Try this today
Write one sentence appreciating the gopīs’ love for Kṛṣṇa, following Uddhava’s example of honoring them.
Ask yourself
How does Uddhava’s wish express his appreciation of the gopīs’ unalloyed devotion?
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.