The Gopis of Brindavan attained a state of total involvement with Krishna, a state that yogis have striven with tremendous effort to attain. The Rasa Lila episode sends a message to mankind that the Lord is easily accessible to those who seek Him with determined effort and with a yearning that does not brook any obstruction
whatsoever, said Sri C.L. Ramakrishnan in a lecture. The
Lord acquiesces in to those who remain devoted to Him at all times. Their intense and singleminded love for Him is the benchmark for any spiritual aspirant.
Parikshit opted for the good fortune to spend his seven-day
lease of life most profitably by listening to sage Suka’s narration of the grandeur and greatness of the Lord. Parikshit, who is sensitive to many intriguing issues in the spiritual path, raises questions that echo many common doubts. For instance, he is confused about the moral propriety of the relationship between the Gopis and Krishna. Suka explains that there is a difference between the actions of enlightened people who have absolute control over their senses and ordinary men who have yet to attain spiritual maturity.
Pure as fire
The actions of the former, even when they appear to transgress morals at times, do not cause them blemish just as fire remains pure though it consumes everything.
The sage adds that it would be foolish to emulate (indiscriminately) the actions of divine people. Lord Siva could handle the poison he consumed; would any of us be spared if we take poison? In the previous yugas (Krita,
Treta and Dwapara) people attained salvation through severe austerities and penance. Their involvement with the
Lord continues uninterrupted like the flow of oil (Thaila Dhara). This state of oneness with God is very difficult to attain. Conversely, people in Kali Yuga have limited powers for severe penance and hence the path for salvation for them is also less strenuous. That is why it is said
that they can attain salvation through Bhakti and the example set by Gopis is an inspiration
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