Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 14.158
Kṛṣṇa’s Dealings with the Gopīs Are Spiritual
“ ‘Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is the Absolute Truth, enjoyed His rāsa dance every night during the autumn season. He performed this dance in the moonlight and with full transcendental mellows. He used poetic words and surrounded Himself with women who were very much attracted to Him.’
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa and the gopīs do not have material bodies. Vṛndāvana-dhāma and everything within it are spiritual, without a trace of material contamination.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Brahman and Supersoul, and His activities with the gopīs are entirely spiritual. The discussion between Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī is neither mundane nor erotic.
- One must first become purified by following the regulative principles before trying to understand Kṛṣṇa and the gopīs. Transcendental realization is needed before even considering relishing these pastimes.
Try this today
Before rereading this verse, remind yourself that these dealings are entirely spiritual, not material.
Ask yourself
Why is purification necessary before trying to relish Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes with the gopīs?
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.