Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 8.194
Love Is Relishable Even in Separation
“ ‘Alas, before We met there was an initial attachment between Us brought about by an exchange of glances. In this way attachment evolved. That attachment has gradually grown, and there is no limit to it. Now that attachment has become a natural sequence between Ourselves. It is not that it is due to Kṛṣṇa, the enjoyer, nor is it due to Me, for I am the enjoyed. It is not like that. This attachment was made possible by mutual meeting. This mutual exchange of attraction is known as manobhava, or Cupid. Kṛṣṇa’s mind and My mind have merged together. Now, during this time of separation, it is very difficult to explain these loving affairs. My dear friend, though Kṛṣṇa might have forgotten all these things, you can understand and bring this message to Him. But during Our first meeting there was no messenger between Us, nor did I request anyone to see Him. Indeed, Cupid’s five arrows were Our via media. Now, during this separation, that attraction has increased to another ecstatic state. My dear friend, please act as a messenger on My behalf, because if one is in love with a beautiful person, this is the consequence.’
What the purport teaches
- During conjugal enjoyment, attachment may be compared to Cupid. During separation, Cupid becomes a messenger of highly elevated love.
- In prema-vilāsa-vivarta, conjugal enjoyment itself acts like a messenger during separation. Transcendental loving affairs are as relishable in separation as in conjugal enjoyment.
- Fully absorbed in love of Kṛṣṇa, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī mistook a black tamāla tree for Him and embraced it. Such a mistake is called prema-vilāsa-vivarta.
Try this today
Write one sentence summarizing why separation does not diminish the relish of transcendental love.
Ask yourself
What does the purport teach you about the depth of love during separation?
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.