The Gopis of Brindavan

Attaining oneness with Brahman is the ultimate goal of human existence and scriptures discuss the difficulties in this

spiritual path. First of all, they say, Brahman is beyond their

grasp, and they openly accept their inability to define this

ineffable presence which nevertheless abides without any

reservations in all aspects of creation. That is why it is said

that trying to reach Brahman through sastras is difficult and

confusing, while the path of love to Krishna can lead to the

same realisation, pointed out Srimati Prema Pandurang in a

discourse.

Gopi is a bhava not bound by any personality or gender. It

is a concept of pure and selfless love for Krishna where

karma, jnana and bhakti blend seamlessly. What greater fortune for them than being lured towards salvation by the

child in Brindavan who comes to steal their hearts in the

guise of stealing butter? Their very way of life that is

centered on Krishna is constituted of that “yagna, dhana

and tapas” — strictures laid down in the scriptures for all beings, which the Gita states are the only means by which the atma can be purified.

Though engaged in their household duties and commitments,

their hearts and minds are one with Krishna. Worldly attachments and pulls are set aside when they rush

to experience the call of the flute. In the realm of bhakti, all

differences between individual bhaktas are dissolved and

only friendliness prevails. All are conscious of the Supreme

Lord and His munificence and compassion alone. There is a

desire to celebrate His glory rather than be bogged down

with the sense of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ that are difficult hurdles in

the spiritual path. The love of the Gopis towards Krishna

and their experience of Krishna are seen to be synonymous

with the state of “Brahmanubhavam,” the highest state of

realisation that all aspire for.