Chapter 22: Higher Education in Hindi-Meets Several Close Ones in the Course of Bhakti ( Bobo ji's Birth Anniversary: 30th July, 2026)

Learning does not come just with education. Where there is tenderness, serenity, affection, regard and one is instinctively moved by someone's sorrow, it means we have amassed all the virtues in our life.

Tenderness, Serenity & Affection Were Boboji's Traits

These attributes had become an intrinsic part of revered Bahenji's life. Stripped of arrogance and an icon of humility, she was respected by her students, loved by colleagues, held in high esteem by the learned, famed in politics and saints were very fond of her.Above all her affection and terrifying rush of love for Radha-Krishna would invariably draw others to her.

Her mentor in education was an ascetic. Acharya Sevti Prasadji was the grandeur of Ambala. Coming into contact with great writers, he was an idealist.A loin cloth and an angocha were his sole possessions and he lived with great austerity. He would make tea for students in winter and arrange food for those who came from a distance. If a student did not turn up he would intuitively visit him, worried about his well-being.Teaching at daybreak, he would often arrange for firewood to warm them in the bitter cold. Acharyaji never demanded money as fees from his students and revered Bobo adopted this practice.

Sevti Prasadji doted on Bahenji. On his insistence, Bahenji appeared for the Sahitya Ratan (title awarded to those passing the uppermost grade of a particular examination in Hindi Literature) and passed with flying colours. 

" I have explicit knowledge of the Hindi language but am really proud of Munno. No one can give such a beautifully lucid interpretation of religious texts and lives of bhaktas, which she can. Not even me," he would say.

It was but natural as she had reverential belief in saints and their verbal compositions, understood their traditional norms and was ecstatic on listening to their padas sung in daily and festive use.

Shri Jagdish Chandra Josh's school where she taught exulted, about her potential and the privilege of having the principal of Santan Dharam Girls School working for him.

As of now she had passed M.A. and the Sahitya Ratan. The honour conferred on her since childhood did not make her brazen but humble and tender at heart. All those who treated her as Munno and their own young daughter now had reverential affection on seeing her majesty. Eminent personages in the current scene like Brahmanandji Saraswati Shankracharya,Shri Gangeshwarnandji Maharaj, revered Udiya Baba, Ma Anandamayi,

Shri Hari Baba

Shri Hari Baba, Shri Prabhu Datt Brahmachariji,Goswami Shri Binduji Maharaj, Goswami Ganesh Dattji,Shri Mukund Hariji, Shri Dinanath Dinesh and other saints were often invited for the Sabha's festivals, religious functions and big sammelans.As a principal she played a significant role in organizing the sammelan, interchanging perspectives along with a detailed discussion on spiritual topics with the luminaries.

Bahenji had a great sense of humour. Once some learned personages came from outside. Out of reverence she was also posited on the podium. A speaker bragged during his sermon,"Friends you do not know anything and can not comprehend what I am about to say." When he repeated the sentence a second time Bahenji got up and left the stage. Later when the Sanatan Dharmis asked the reason she explained gently yet firmly that the speaker was stressing that we can not figure out what he is about to reveal. Therefore why should we sit and while away our time. All those present laughed heartily at her gibe.

Ushaji meets Pushpa Grover

During these days Pushpa Grover who had a modern mindset came into contact with revered Bahenji and was highly impressed.

Pushpaji's father had come to Ambala due to the partition of Punjab. The practice of Thakurji's seva prevailed in their house since quite some time. Brought up in a contemporary affluent family, her innocence, softness and clarity drew Bahenji to her.

Soon after the regular meetings transformed into great affection and Pushpaji began visiting Ushaji's house for satsang.A few days later the need of a teacher cropped up in the school and brought them closer. God spontaneously arranges for like-minded people to meet and steeps them in the distinctive rush of religious devotion.

Lord Shiva

As a matter of chance after propitiating Lord Shiva, Bahenji was heading home when she met a very fashionable girl. Short in stature and heavy, she seemed very spiritual and gullible. She was willing to work for the school without wages.

Stripped of self-gratification and pride she found respite in Bahenji's bent of mind. And becoming humble soon after, was deeply engrossed in Krishna.

Pushpaji got admission in the Hindi section of M.A. due to her increasing contact with Bahenji who took M.A classes. The time of study was fixed at two o' clock in the night. Amusingly Bahenji decided to take a fees of Rs.200 which she usually never asked for. Pushpaji agreed but wondered where the money would come from. An idea struck her and breaking her gold bracelets took Sushilaji along to sell them. When Sushilaji knew her intention she convinced her to come the next day. At the other end Usha Bahenji who had taken a vow of silence was stunned when Sushilaji narrated the episode to her, and moved by her naivety.

Pushpaji had once exulted," What was the magic of Bahenji's enigmatic persona? I would hover around her house to hear discourses on spirituality, moved by her complete absorption in the joy of Krishna. Her idealistic lifestyle made me evolve spirituality and helped me live in Vrindavan, where I got to know the Krishna that abides in our hearts."

* * *

 Relishing the Rasa of Krishna

The priceless twenty-seven years and a day of Bahenji's life had passed by. Not enamoured by accolades, Bahenji did not deviate from her path by the worldly repute and affinity she had received.She was bestowing spiritual awareness on several sadhakas by distributing the rasa or blissful experience of Krishna. Or rather by His terrifying rush of love, the blue-hued god wanted to draw His devotees to Vrindavan.Physically Bahenji was bound by some unknown constraint. Everyone has seen her in seclusion as if lost in another world, oblivious of her surroundings.

Her budding persona on the political and social arenas was as powerful as narration of Krishna's divine play and seva-puja, which was a unique phenomenon.

She would reveal on coming to Vrindavan that who ever came into contact with her in Ambala did not take much time in reaching his destination. It was due to the gushing love which exuded from her of its own accord. Divine love never weighs suitability or unsuitability and instinctively immerses us in the deeper ecstasies of devotion.

During this course, Bahens who studied in junior classes graduated to senior ones. Due to innate virtues some of them thronged here as if a hidden power incited the lot.Studies would carry on in the school and simultaneously spiritual company,religious education, recitation of the Ramayana, chanting God's name, singing songs of a devotional nature and reading bhaktas' biographies continued. To know of their intense feelings Bahenji made them write on some particular topic. Immensely moved during sankirtan several of them could not control this divine madness and went into a trance like state.

However Bahenji urged them to conceal and not flaunt their intense love for Krishna.

Gopneeya, gopneeya, gopneeya prayatna

 She endorsed Naradji's theory,'Gopneeya, gopneeya, gopneeya prayatnat.' Which means we should strive to keep our ardent love for the handsome god a secret.

Above all Shri Umaji, Darshanji, Vimlaji, Aabja, Tripta, Vimla Tandon, Shashi, Shanta, Sneh, Indu, Santosh, Sneh Bhasin, Santosh Narang,Sumitra, Saroj, Pushpa, Nirmala Sharma, Nirmala Gupta, Kaushal, Malka, Kamda and others evolved spiritually with the impetus of Bahenji. Those who kept up contact with her reached their destination and no force could deviate those at a distance since they were overwhelmed by the spiritual scene and satsang.

The wave of religion and bhakti escalated to such an extent in Bahenji's company that visitors were eagerly looking for free time to drop in. Making excuses of studying to complete their pending assignment or if their parents had gone out, they would head to Bahenji's house. It seemed that the attraction of living through the countless legends of Radha-Krishna was drawing them. Bahenji would teach for certain but most of the time was spent in satsang.

Bobo

 

The word Bobo was used for an elder sister in Muzaffar Nagar and its neighbouring regions. Being eldest in the house, Bahenji's younger brothers and sisters would address her as Bobo.There was such loving affection that all outsiders considered themselves a member of her family, moving around confidently in the house as if it were their own. Therefore Ushaji known as Munno to elders and Bahenji for outsiders, became equally revered by all as Bobo. Now onwards we will be referring to her as Bobo.

Decorum affected her life. On one hand she appeared with net adorning her hair due to her father's insistence and, alongside she always wore a high close-necked blouse with full sleeves.Once a Bahen slightly envious of her repute, had remarked about her dress up to the school's director.

" You are talking of Bahenji, whose arms have never been bared. I want to hear no contradictory statement about her who is the icon of seemliness,"Rebuffing her instantly he had so replied.

During spiritual education and sermons she would explain so naturally that it can not typically be called a sermon. Due to her eternal bond with Krishna, episodes of the Shastras, Gita and Puranas were discerningly imbibed.People contacting her did not individually study the scriptures but instinctively accumulated its essence needed on the divine path.

Introduction to Shri* Dharam Bahenji

Shri Dharam Bahenji

Talk of Dharam Bahenji often ensued through the medium of Vimla Bahenji. A rush of bhakti invaded Ambala in the proximity of revered Bobo. Several saints would visit the place and religious devotion was resplendent in every house.

Vimlaji went to receive Dharam Bahenji at the station on knowing of her arrival but the two could not reach at the same time so Dharamji hired a tanga.

The Tangawala

She told the tangawala," I need to go to Vimlaji's house." He replied," Yes! I very well know Usha Bahenji's residence and will certainly take you along." She repeated herself and he was dumb.Soon she told a passerby," I have to go to Vimlaji's place." Taking her along, he pointed to Ushaji's residence,"That house in front is Usha Bahenji's." Ultimately Dharamji got down and coming inside met Usha Bahenji.

She asked Ushaji,"Are you Ushaji?" Thrilled, Ushaji ran to her and exulted,"Dharamji has come." It seemed she knew her earlier and a fervent enthusiasm affected the scene. Two sakhis crazed for Krishna had met. Discussions on the dark-god ensued with these two sakhis and other Bahens singing His glories. Revered Bobo's steadfast attraction was such that even on wanting to Dharamji met Usha Bahenji instead of Vimlaji.

Revered Dharam Bahenji visited Ambala again and Usha Bahenji got this news. Soon enough she went to meet her. After the conversation Bobo told Vimlaji," I am hungry. Do get me something."Meals had got over at Vimlaji's place and she expressed the condition but Ushaji insisted which she never did at home. Seeing her strange behaviour everyone was amazed. 

Dharamji shyly revealed," I have some paranthas with me," Dharam ji shyly revealed. While narrating the incident Dharamji had explained," Bobo had come to know of the paranthas beforehand and perhaps persisted in this manner to relish them. I was really touched to see her affection and affinity."

Ambala Cantt

This time when Dharamji came to Ambala she stayed on since there was an attraction of reciting the playfull dalliance of Krishna. She began working in the same school where Usha Bahenji was principal. Everyone eagerly looked forward to satsang which could be on holidays, after school got over, before it began and while going from one classroom to another.

It seemed as if two schools of thought existed at the same time. Duty consciousness, true justice and concern about the children's studies, along with reminiscences of her supreme lover, Krishna, became a beatific state dazzling Bahenji. Bobo had once remarked," I have done several tasks with this individual mind and body simultaneously."

*Everyone knows of Major General A.N.Sharma, who controlled the nation after independence.His son V.N.Sharma was a high ranking official of the Army. Shri Sharma had the blessings of saints and dreamt that his true guru was at a certain place. Searching for her house, he reached Lahore. Dharamji was coming from the front and he prostrated in reverence. A girl about 20 to 21 years remarked very naturally,"Amar Nath you have come very late." Those who have seen her roaming intoxicated in the idyllic pastures of Vrindavan, certainly knew of her intense bond with Krishna. I have heard she would do kikli alone( a sport wherein two children hold hands and go round in circles). On her mother asking, she had instinctively revealed that the handsome god was her partner.

The Shrimad Bhagwad Gita made a great contribution to Bobo's life. She had profound reverence for this precious voice which emanated from Krishna and its context. Having made an indepth study of the religious text at a very young age,she made several people, ascetics and saints go through it. Besides other scriptures like the Puranas,the biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu,

Biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Rama Krishna Paramahansa and Upanishads were read daily in the house. Talk of Krishna's legends had taken over her life.

Introduction to Shri Dwarka Singh

A denizen of Amritsar and lover of Vrindavan, he is renowned for his reverential belief and singing songs of a devotional nature. Ever since his days in Lahore he longed for Vrindavan, where the god forever dwells. He visited Ambala on coming to know about Bobo. Her spiritual sensitivity and intense love for Krishna captivated him.Whenever he came to the dham for darshan he would certainly meet Bobo who he held in high esteem. By singing padas and sankirtan he would often please Thakurji.

Chapter 21: In Harmony with Sakhaji's Gushing Rasas;Connected by a Terrifying Rush of Love to Lord Krishna (Bobo ji's Birth Anniversary:30th July,2026)

When we are steeped in the sweet love and romantic dalliance of dark-hued Krishna, the colour of the condensed sky and fair-complexioned Radha, there in nothing else worth serving or describing.

With Lord Krishna's stimuli, Sakhaji's contribution towards sensitively sighting, expressing and relishing the nitya lila of Radha-Krishna became more evocative within the context of religious aspiration.

The Playful Dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna

The siddha's gushing bhavas turned more demonstrative and ecstatic and enriched the earlier conventional and austere Shastras. Living through countless legends of the playful dalliance of Radha and Krishna, recitation of sacred texts and singing songs of a devotional nature became an intrinsic part of Bahen ji's life.

Dr Rajendra Prasad

Bobo was heading towards spiritual evolution as well as conscientiously fulfilling her duties in other spheres of life. A feeling of patriotism was apparent and she longed for poetry. India had already become independent with Dr.Rajendra Prasad as its first President.The government had held six kavi sammelans to celebrate independence day.

Shri Maithali Sharan Gupt

One fine day, an invitation from the President's Office asking for her to take part in the seventh sammelan came by post. Usha ji's father who wrote by the name of 'Hatil Kairanvi' in Urdu was also called.The function was in 1955 and Shri Maithili Sharan Gupt, Uday Shankar Bhatt and many reputed poets of Urdu and other languages were invited to speak on this occasion. Bahen ji went there along with her father and eloquently read a poem she had written earlier.I have heard that an insistence to broadcast the composition on radio was made. But self-effacing Bahen ji sternly refused to allow even  a mention of her name.

At this end the ardent longing to head for Vrindavan was at its zenith. Gradually it had to be controlled due to her dutiful nature. There was only one respite if someone from Vrindavan talked about the land which so inhabits our hearts, it acted like a balm on her inflamed heart.

 She would often say," Shri Kalavati Bhabhi, Sugni Bhua and several matas have given me personal joy by talking about Vrindavan."

Detachment to worldly objects escalated and at times a desire to cast off all bonds and flee was overwhelming. She wanted to be free from the school and intermittently talked of resigning. People discussed this matter and were apprehensive. Until the inevitable did not crop up, its very thought grieved them.

Shri Usha Bahenji Longed for Krishna, The energy of her Life

Asking the gathered clouds about the Supreme Lover's whereabouts, Bahen ji could sense the in-dwelling Krishna in every particle of nature and mystically visualized Him as the world around her.She was not enamoured by the universe, a symbol displaying the dark god's presence and power but longed for Krishna, the energy of her life.

Shri Ram

Amazingly, once Shri Krishna had assumed the form of Shri Ram and approached her. She bowed before His power but rejected His advance.

"This body and mind is crazed for the closeness of the handsome Shyam.Instantly Ramji transformed into Krishna and embraced her," her firm resolve was nurtured by His terrifying rush of love and she sang:

Jab jab maine tumhe pukara

Tab tab tumne mridul bhav se madhur chav se mujhe dulara

Tumne sneh sikt chitvan se hans kar meri aur nihara.

Her instinctive verses showcased her ardent longing and tinkling heart strings. Bahen ji's superb rendition proved genuine when tested on the touchstone of 'Satya,Shiv and Sundaram.' If she has ever complained it is to her Supreme Lover about her abject state;repeatedly entreating for His madhur refuge which she had relished.

She met people of various temperaments, who were keen to know about her strong persona. This frail lady who meticulously undertook mundane tasks could be so steeped in religious devotion, was tough to believe. Undisputedly a bhakta is dexterous and can competently manage the temporal and spiritual plane.

Moreover she skilfully handled the school's work load.Above all, Bobo remained an ideal during the yearly conferences of the school along with functions of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha. Taking her mentor's students for examination, she would visit Delhi several times.

We must make a mention of Bahens like Sneh Bhasin, Vimla Arora and Sanyukta Mishra who selflessly served her. They knew her earlier but stayed in Delhi due to family concerns.Enlightened spiritually, a certain earnestness suffused their religious devotion because of Bahen ji. Keen for satsang they would cast off their worldly tasks and bonds on getting a chance to be with her.

Old Delhi Railway Station

Seva, maun, a vow of absolute silence and entrustment to Krishna which evolved in Bahen ji is unprecedented. She would live with austere simplicity. Several times she would wear paduka (wooden slippers) to Delhi and at times come barefoot. I have seen Sneh Bhasin carrying a pair of slippers in her huge purse and going to the station to receive Bahenji. Moved by her silent adulation, Bahen ji invariably wore the slippers.

Revealing her condition to the Supreme Lover Bahenji would say," I continue to distribute love in this world since it is a temporal reflection of eternal Vrindavan, where the god forever dwells. But occasionally my mind is bored with this service and longs to find respite in the amorous embrace of the handsome god."

" Support me as I am falling and the body seems to be wilting now. Nath there is a limit to endurance. Posit me at your feet," she would plead. 

Restlessness is a trait of love. Even on experiencing the joy of belonging, one longs for yet more.

Love squabbles are quintessential. At times, the beloved does wants her ardent longing to reach the Supreme Lover but that does not violate the zenith of spiritual awareness. Who else should we reveal our plight to? Such intimacy represents the purest emotion a soul may have for its divine source.

Sulking, is a Trait of Love

Sulking is an amazing feature of love. Embedded within is a powerful desire to meet Krishna.Unknowingly she would complain in several ways to Him and reveal an intense desire to be steeped in His rasa, the sentiment of sweet romance.

Spellbound, she would say," Now by a strange reversal of roles, I get looted. People simply flock to me because they are aware that the teasing,elusive and insistent paramour with a top knot has eternally become mine. This attraction draws them to me and I distribute You with a generous hand."

The Beloved Shri Radha & Her Lover Shri Krishna

The mazes and mysteries of love are a secret between the beloved and her Lover. All the men and women of the world who centre their devotion upon the handsome god can, if their ardour is sufficient and understanding complete,identify their passion and consummation of their love with Radha and Her gopis.

At one end His beloveds reproach the handsome god and  they can not resist His call. Beginning to know the Krishna who abides in their hearts, they sing His glories.

They pine for the ecstatic moment," Krishna as human lover and Divine Incarnate comes and holding their hands asserts,' Beloveds its enough! Now lets venture to the dense nikunjas of Vrindavan and live with your lovable sakhis.'"

Sometimes Bahen ji would take a vow of silence. She wanted seclusion not for the sake of some austere penance, but rather to remain alone by herself. 

Addressing Krishna, she would assert,"I want to spend those moments exclusively with You. In a trance, absorbed in You and oblivious of all living sentient beings. And appearing as the teasing Lover You intoxicate me with divine madness."

" What is the advantage of lamenting about our sorrows to God? He is omnipresent and all knowing," her father had once opined. 

She was hurt. The connection between the beloved and supreme lover is not only divine. It is to the mortal Krishna, the human lover, that she directed her anger and passion, her fear and her love.And when there is this intimacy through love there is no need for either contemplation or devotion that is generally reserved for god realization.

She would address the handsome god as, "My clear and unclear love."Krishna is very much in and of this world but yet above it."

Often irritated with the use of 'imperceptible' she would assert love can never be expressed. Though it is true that when love invades our hearts it can not stop from spilling over.

Complete absorption in the joy of Krishna does not require His human presence because He exists intensely in our hearts when we sing His praise and dwells in our longing for Him. And soon after we begin to know our friend not as a separate singular god-like body but as the Krishna that abides in our hearts.

The Gita

Physically she became incapable of bearing the burden of a busy regime.The body which had been ailing for some time now weakened further. Even so the icon of spiritedness diligently carried on essential tasks. Several Bahens came to her for reading of the 'Gita.' 

Out of concern her father often intervened," Rest for a while after such a relentless schedule." 

 But Bahen ji always endorsed,'"My exhaustion is dispelled by reciting the Gita and being rooted in spirituality is the cure which circulates Krishna's rasa in my being."

Chapter 20: Ushaji's Loving Devotion-Blessings by a Siddha on the Biddings of Lord Krishna ( Bobo ji's Birth Anniversary: 30th July,2026)

Shri Usha Bahenji Longed For Vrindavan

The longing to head for Vrindavan, where the god forever dwells, intensified in Bobo. But consciousness of her duties was a constraint. On several occasions she sat for hours at a stretch in front of Thakurji, absorbed in the deeper ecstasies of devotion.

Despite being invincible that beautiful dark-skinned cowherd of Vrindavan is hungry too for the fulfillment of love. Seeing this ardent longing of Bahen ji, Lord Krishna sent a close sakhi of His inner circle for drawing her closer, to give a loving assurance and for relishing his romantic dalliance.

Now we are about to introduce a siddha. Not remaining a dreamy archetypal figure casting its shadow over the mind of the subject but acting as a real three-dimensional personage, he appeared in broad day-light and conversed in commonly understandable idiom with Ushaji.Embodying himself, Sakhaji,the ethereal being began visiting Bahen ji on biddings of the handsome god to reveal certain esoteric secrets of Radha-Krishna.

Kusum Sarovar,Vrindavan

The amazing incident dates back to July 30, 1954 the 30th birthday of Bobo. While she was wondering over the meaning of the term nila parivestita,a saintly figure dropped in all of a sudden uttering jaya jaya radhika madhava. His presence triggered a peculiar vibration in the room. On inquiring, the celestial being replied mystically enough that he was Charana Sakha, friend of Lord Krishna's feet, and that he lived at Kusum Sarovar in Braj where Uddhava also lived. 

The Gopi Bhava

Revealing Krishna as the ardent lover of the love-struck soul, Sakhaji affirmed that He abides in those who assume the gopi bhava of sweet and total commitment and love for the dark god. In so doing, we get a glimpse of one's transcendent self and as madhurya translates into ananda comes the realization that everyone is ultimately a nayika searching for Krishna.

The sequence of narrating Krishna's playful dalliance became a daily affair. Several times Sakhaji would drop in twice.Usha ji sensed his arrival and he began reciting the lila the instant she called out. Bahen ji would speak and a Bahen sitting nearby would note down the episode. Many of us relished his narration. His sensitive perceptions are a great support for enlightening sadhakas and a vast repertoire was formed.

Supreme Lover Krishna

" Krishna Chandra took my soul and life with him.With tenderness and teasing, mischief and spontaneity and the beauty of His dark body, the colour of the condensed sky, He made me His captive. I recognized Him as my Supreme Lover," Sakhaji gave his introduction a year later.

"On becoming conscious the teasing paramour had vanished and I was lying alone in the pastures of Braj. Why am I a male even on being totally enraptured by the dark god? I pondered and the captivating dark-hued Krishna appeared before me. Now the body was not worthy of worldly tasks and I began living as the dust of Braj. I take part whenever I sight satsang and the elusive god appears at times to intoxicate me with divine madness. I roam around longing for yet more."

Sakhaji,a siddha (a great spiritual adept, moving on a a higher spiritual plane) and an intensely close sakhi of Krishna, had entry into the most intimate transcendental exchanges of Shri Radha-Krishna.

" The person who abandons all mundane desires can relish Krishna's playful dalliance,"he asserted,"

Sakhaji Had Assumed the Form of a Sakhi

Ever since, the pattern of narrating amorous frolics continued incessantly till the year 1991. By Lord Krishna's touch Sakhaji had abandoned his masculine identity and assumed a female form of a beautiful young sakhi in accordance with his bhava.

Initially he disclosed eventful lilas but with time playful dalliances in nikunjas, the group sports of Radha-Krishna and the isolated trysts of the sacred couple unfolded in succeeding episodes of union and separation.

In this manner two voluminous manuscripts of divine plays narrated by Sakhaji have been compiled. They help us relish the trysts of Radha-Krishna and their sakhis or kayavyuhas within the contexts of religious aspiration.

Krishna worship reached its most widespread development from the 15th century onwards when acharyas inspired bhaktas and the dark-hued god was adored with loving devotion and emotional exultation. With the passage of time the wave of accomplished adherents like Shri Hariramji Vyas, Shri Vishwanath Chakravarti Paad,Shri Bhagvatrasikji, Chacha Vrindavan Dasji and the ashtachap kavis, probably ended. 

After a long time span Sakhaji's mode of rasa relishing became an unprecedented future link in the sequential experiences of those accomplished rasikas.

Such a unique combination of love flowing towards the Lord and language is only possible by an intimate sakhi (Sakhaji) belonging to the nij parikar, inner circle , of Shyama-Shaym.

The Flute's Lack of Desire

 His Flute is Very Dear to Krishna

Jai Jai Radhika Madhav

 

The great good fortune of the flute is inexpressible. What great act of merit hath this bamboo-shoot performed that the delightful son of Nanda was enslaved and it became His constant companion, soon enough. The flute in the hands of Krishna is more than a musical instrument.It is the breath of love and a call to eternity.

Vanshi is a symbol of the great good fortune of a cowherdess assuming the form of this flute and revelling in His company. If it was just a bamboo stem He would not fervently hold it all the time and have no qualms in getting another on losing it. Some gopis know of this mystery and tease Krishna by hiding it on purpose.

The flute is His beloved and second to none other than Shri Radhika.Some of the frolics in Gaulok, where the god forever dwells, can be savoured here as well.

A Sakhi Named Vanshi

Once the son of Nanda, VrashbhanuNandini and several cowherdesses were busy in a romantic dalliance in some grove. A sakhi name Vanshi was present but was not so fortunate at that  time. The flute which Krishna played was embellished with gold and precious stones. Its sound also attracted the gopas-gopis but He did not love her intensely. He sported and interacted with everyone except Vanshi.

She was neither jealous nor furious at the others. There was an ardent longing for the dark god, which she tenderly hid in her heart. 

"I am definitely lacking because Krishna loves everyone equally,"she thought,

Several years passed by in this manner but Vanshi neither lost hope nor complained. 

Sometimes in the pitch dark nights she would console herself," Why are you impatient? He is well aware of your plight and will pamper you instinctively when the time arrives."

The beloveds of Krishna could not figure out her anguish. Rarely one of them would ask about her distraught state but she evaded the matter with a smile.

It was the night of purnima (full moon) and dalliances had been on since evening. But the son of Nanda did not cast a glance on her and the frolic ended in the silence of midnight.Everyone went to their sleeping chambers but Vanshi could not. In turmoil she stepped out and reclined against a tree.

Assuming Krishna's presence she lamented,"I know that I am unaware of my worthlessness. But please explain why you posited me in this ethereal Gaulok and never looked at me? As of now, you must placate this frenzied madness."

 Reproaching herself soon after she said," Why are you not pleased with His pleasure? Do not let this dejection reach Him  or His beloveds."

Morning dawned and Vanshi regained her composure. 

Standing up, she mumbled, "Rest assured Priyatam! I am happy in your happiness."

And giggling but hiding her distraught state, she entered her chamber.Going through the daily chores, Vanshi decked herself and met the sakhis but her grief was imperceptible.

Shri Radha-Krishna & Sakhis Dally in a Nikunja

Well in the evening of that day Nandnandan, VrishbhanuNandini and some sakhis were dallying in the grove. Vanshi was expectant as always little knowing that she was about to become not just a companion but Krishna's breath of love. Moonlight bathed the darkness of night and everyone went to their chambers after midnight.

The gopas had also gathered today but had left earlier to rest. 

Vanshi was in her bhavan, but certain of not stepping out," If the mischievous Supreme Lover or a sakhi passed by what would they say? I should not be disturbed since I see and adore His dark beauty everyday." 

Consoling herself she lay down with eyes shut. Unexpectantly a sound of the opening door was heard but she was sure it was a misapprehension. On sensing someone sitting down beside her, she was startled.

Vanshi swooned with ecstasy on sighting Krishna. The son of Nanda brought her back to consciousness with various measures. 

The final question of her trial ensued as He asked," Aren't you upset with these sakhis? Why did not they draw my attention to you?" 

" Why should I be vexed since they never neglected me. Do not blame them for my diffidence," she replied innocently.

The son of Nanda was greatly impressed now. Sincere honesty is what binds the frivolous god. Captivated by her answer and loving her intensely, He asked about her desired wish which He had already fulfilled.

Her plight could not be hidden from Shri Radhika who had sent Him today. The son of Nanda was eager to go Himself and ran on Her approval.

Vanshi is Transformed into a Flute

Enraptured by Vanshi's selflessness, the Lord gave her a boon.He transformed her into a flute, drinking nectar from the lips of Krishna and His energy whose melody attracts the cows and draws the gopis, the milkmaids of Vrindavan out of their homes in a romantic dalliance with Him.

May the flute and its player bestow such sincere dedication on us so that His terrifying rush of love invades our hearts.

Moral

Conventional norms are not violated in love but one casts off societal constraints. Hence we experience a related heightening of spiritual experience by ecstatic and evocative expressions of love in a land of highly restrictive social bindings.

Shri Sakhaji who founded an original concept of rasa, the blissful experience savoured by Radha, was a supreme siddha and close sakhi of Krishna.His perspective has certain freshness and is a variant of the traditional romantic sentiments of the earlier acharyas.

Shri Radha-Krishna

1.Braj denizens and those with the Vrindavan bhava have sometimes acclaimed handsome Krishna as the principal idol of devotion and at times Radha as the symbol of divine love. But in Sakhaji's opinion both are equally significant as far as divine play, time, attachment and drawing us passionately is concerned.

2.Several rasikas' sentiments have been confined to enchantment and the quest for a divine and transcendental love.But Sakhaji despite being deeply absorbed in madhurya, sweet love, is intoxicated yet again by rasa.His bhavas unfold in cyclical episodes of union and separation, the joy of Krishna's presence followed by the emptiness of His absence.

3.The relishing of rasa, the sentiment of sweet romance, which is always constant for Shri Radha, is also savoured by her kayavyuhas or replications. She manifests Herself as the many gopis of Braj, who fulfil Krishna's desire for a loving relationship in a variety of ways.

The Doctrine of Rasa within Krishna's Lilas or divine play

 Dark-hued Krishna is Love Incarnate

 

 All the sports of Krishna are engimatic and leave us spell-bound. Those who relish His playful dalliance are truly blessed.

• Lord Krishna is Love Incarnate. Actually He is the one who is affectionate and the Supreme Lover. Love can not attain perfection without Him.
• We are only concerned about honour, sense of decency, prestige and family norms until we haven't savoured His blue-hued sweetness or madhuri.Forgetfulness of the created universe accompanied by attachment to the Lord, is said to be moksha.
• All manners of the youthful Krishna are winsome and exude the romantic sentiment. Thus acharyas have acclaimed Him to be 'Rasraj' (an epithet of Krishna). New dalliances and spirited antics are delightfully enacted in Braj every day but a chosen few have the good fortune of sighting them.
• The sensually charged romantic love exists between the earthly and human gopis on one hand and a celestial and divine Krishna on the other. It is to Krishna that the gopis direct their anger and passion, fear and their love. While the scriptures and rishis aspire towards singing His glories these simple cowherdesses fondly address Him as a thief and a thug who is fickle and frivolous.
• Truly fortunate devotees are mentally steeped in the son of Nanda. Where He reigns all desires vanish and head towards the handsome god;not due to good deeds of several past lives and religious observances but by the grace of Gopivallabha and His gopis.

Swamini Shri Radha

• If their svamini Shri Radhika, merely casts a glance there is not a moment of delay for it is said that She controls Krishna with Her love and perfect spiritual life is unattainable without Her grace.
• Youth is the prime state of one's life and Gopivallabha is the one who relishes it.This age is one of innocence and emotional intensity, with the romantic sentiment being the highest expression that subsumes all other forms of devotion.
• His recollection is dearer than the Supreme Lover because it is constant. Krishna may abandon us because of His spirited antic but abides in our hearts since He very well knows that His devotee can't exist without Him.
• Singing His glories is not subject to speech but the highest ideal of religious rapture. It is virtually impossible to stash the deeper ecstasies of devotion thus experienced and we narrate His trysts with enthused exultation.
• Exclusive peace and the joy of isolation is being captivated by an intoxicating glance of Krihsna. The beauty of His dark body impassions our eyes with the madhur rasa , sentiment of sweet romance.But yet we long for more of His dalliance.
• If the teasing,elusive and insistent paramour is not near it is worthless.The highest ideal of religious rapture is experienced when one is constantly by the side of the Supreme Lover.
• Our distraught state binds the frivolous god. The devotion, propitiation, worship and adoration of the gopis, was in essence their passionate longing. They crossed a threshold of awareness that Krishna existed intensely in their hearts when they sang His praise and dwelt in their longing for Him.
• Krishna! Krishna! Krishna! A befittingly attractive name; sweet, flirtatious and teasing. Continue chanting the name by an inner meditation unconditioned by His physical presence, where Krishna is known not as a separate singular god-like body but mystically visualized as the world around us.
• Radha and Krishna, Krishna and Radha are in essence a single entity, who manifest as two distinct individuals for the sake of interpersonal romantic exchange. To attract rasikas and satiate their quest for a divine and transcendental love, Shri Radha-Krishna's romantic dalliances are constant.
• If there is one aspect of Krishna's enigmatic persona which distinguishes Him from all other incarnations it is His playful dalliance which is both real and illusionary. Delighting in play, He brings delight to all His bhaktas.
• Sublime prema is rooted in selfless surrender to the divine and is disengaged from attachment to oneself and any form of self-gratification.There is no greater symbol to denote the longing of the soul in its quest for the divine than the longing of the nayika for her beloved. Devotion to Krishna is not an end by itself but that devotion is to be expressed and experienced in the union of the lover and the beloved.
• Krishna is the sole purusha, supreme male and the human soul striving for spiritual evolution is therefore conceived as feminine,a celestial energy of the divine. While a woman is a natural devotee since her love for her husband or Lord is the greatest possible love. The male devotee visualizes himself as being inwardly a female aspirant and is hence privileged to witness the trysts of Radha and Krishna.
• By sweet and total commitment and love for Krishna, the young gopis know precisely how to relish His spirited antics. Just by glimpsing them, the handsome god's eyes become flirtatious and He has no choice, but to respond.There is development of His madhurima or sweetness and a romantic dalliance followed by a yearning for yet more.
• He is seen as the object of longing and of a love which is expressed in the cry of the enraptured cowherdesses for union with their teasing, elusive and insistent paramour. Seeing Him approach,they cast off their work and wordly cares, and move in delicious anguish to His side.The undivided whole, that is god, requires the absorption of its parts and their love for Krishna is reciprocated and thus made complete. Among Krishna's epithets is Gopivallabha, beloved of the gopis.