Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 8.206
Take Shelter of the Gopīs
“ ‘The pastimes of Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are self-effulgent. They are happiness personified, unlimited and all-powerful. Even so, the spiritual humors of such pastimes are never complete without the gopīs, the Lord’s personal friends. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is never complete without His spiritual potencies; therefore unless one takes shelter of the gopīs, one cannot enter into the company of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Who can be interested in Their spiritual pastimes without taking their shelter?’
What the purport teaches
- The pastimes of Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are self-effulgent, unlimited and all-powerful. They are happiness personified.
- The spiritual humors of these pastimes are never complete without the gopīs, the Lord’s personal friends.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead is never complete without His spiritual potencies. Without taking shelter of the gopīs, one cannot enter the company of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Spend one minute reflecting on the statement that entry into the company of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa requires the gopīs’ shelter.
Ask yourself
How does the gopīs’ essential place in these pastimes shape my understanding of taking shelter?
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.