The Flute Drinks the Nectar of Krishna's Lips
gopyah kim acarad ayam kusalam sma venur
damodaradhara-sudham api gopikanam
bhunkte svayam yad avasista-rasam hradinyo
hrsyat-tvaco 'sru mumucus taravo yatharyah
(SB 10.21.9)
Gopis Envy the Flute's Good Fortune
"O dear gopis! Despite being masculine what act of great merit hath this flute performed in his previous birth in consequence of which it is drinking the nectar from the lips of Krishna without leaving the smallest particle for the gopis, the rightful enjoyers of it? Seeing its prosperity, the rivers from which the bamboo of the flute has drawn its sap are displaying delight by the blossoming of lotuses in them. And the bamboo trees out of which the flute is made are shedding tears of joy in the form of juice just like eminent men cry with joy on seeing their descendants, steeped in religious devotion.
Cowherdesses Look On as Krishna Plays the Flute
Commentary by Shri Manohar Baba: “O sakhi! What austere penance has this flute done-which virtuous act has it performed? If we get to know of that we too can adopt the same practice and attain the same fate. This insensitive wooden flute is extremely fortunate because it can freely and passionately drink the nectar of Damodara's lips. "
The Gopis Long to Be in the Flute's Place
The gopis have used venu in this shloka and not murli or vanshi. The reason being that venu is a masculine word. Thus firstly the flute is made of wood and moreover it is drinking the nectar of the dark god's lips, even on being a male.This scene seems somewhat out of place.
Gopis Claim They Are the Rightful Enjoyers of Krishna's Nectar
damodar adharsudha -The underlying bhava in this shloka is that Krishna is forever dependent on the gopis but they are submissive here. Which means, “We are gopis and even Shri Krishna belongs to the clan of the gopas.Because of belonging to the same community, weare the rightful enjoyers of it (nectar of Krishna's lips)- but this venu even on hailing from a different background, is proud of being Shri Krishna's sweetheart and flaunts its masculinity. Openly frolicking in Krishna's lotus hands,heart, waist and lips, it keeps sipping the nectar of His lips without taking our permission.
The Gopis Long to Remain by Krishna's Side
What ! Is it more loved than even us, that night and day Krishna continues holding it?...Why didn't the lord of Vraja make us flutes so that night and day we had remained with Hari Krishna.”
The Herdgirls of Vraja Romantically Dall with Krishna
" And Sakhi! We are gopis (the herdgirls of Vraja, in love with Krishna)who keep our feelings secretive but this venu chides us on this. Being arrogant and leaving not a drop for us who are the rightful owners of this wealth, he drinks shamelessly to the fullest. And there is more Sakhi! All the denizens of His birthplace seem just like the venu-because they are joyous on seeing him drink the nectar."
Rivers Abounding with Lotus Flowers
"Sakhi! Just look! Seeing its prosperity, the rivers from which the bamboo of the flute has drawn its sap are displaying delight by the blossoming of lotuses in them. And the bamboo trees as well as lotus filaments are shedding tears of joy in the form of juice. Seeing the great good fortune of the venu hailing from their clan, they consider themselves blessed just as eminent men are proud on observing the good fortune of their descendants."
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