"O Subhage! When can I arrange for Your abhisāra (love-journey) after hearing from the mouth of the parrot named Vicakṣaṇa that Śyāmasundara has already left for His abhisāra?" Tulasī calls Svāminījīu 'Subhage' here because she experiences Her fortune. He who is coveted by innumerable Vrajasundarīs, is Himself yearning for Śrī Rādhikā! The dāsī is proud … Continue reading Eager to meet

Śrī Raghunātha's friendship with Śrī Rūpa is complete. Why does he suddenly perceive Śrī Rūpa Mañjarī? These visions are also real, and are as blissful as if he would directly meet her. In his Abhīṣṭa Sūcana Śrī Raghunātha writes: "May my desire for Śrī Rādhā's service be endowed with spotless thoughts of Śrī Rūpa and … Continue reading May Radha and Madhava attack my mind in all respects with Their sweetness!

Raghunātha Dāsa cries pitifully, falling on the bank of Rādhākuṇḍa. Then he suddenly hears the jingling of ankle bells, which soothes his pain somewhat. He sees Śrīmatī Rūpa Mañjarī before him. Seeing her he remembers Svāminī, since she is the mañjarī (bud) of Svāminī's rūpa (form). A beautiful form, not yet blossoming. A bumblebee will … Continue reading Krishna decorates the kunja for Radhika

There is no deceitfulness in a pure, loving heart, and this love is most pure in Vraja. When the sādhaka follows in the footsteps of Kṛṣṇa's devotees in Vraja the rays of the moon of rāga bhakti will be reflected in his crystal-clear heart. Then love will be free from deceit. Outside of Vraja all … Continue reading Love is most pure in Vraja

After Śyāma has His meal, Svāminī and Her Beloved blink at Each other. Tulasī thinks to herself: "Your smile will blossom like a rose-petal and You will tell Each other with Your eyes: "May We meet again on the bank of Rādhākuṇḍa!" When will I see Your lotus-face looking at Śyāma full of love? Your lotus-face will … Continue reading Glances of the purest love

Isn´t it absolutely wonderful how merciful Krishna is towards us insignificant souls? My Gurudeva once said that attaining the siddha deha is the most wonderful gift awarded to us by Sri Krishna. “…but according to the feelings the soul develops, it will attain a purely transcendental body” (from Svetasvatara Upanisad) How utterly beautiful. It is our … Continue reading Developing loving feelings to attain our goal

In his transcendental vision, Śrī Raghunātha relishes the blissful eagerness on Rādhikā´s lotus-like face. When the practising devotees follow in the footsteps of the ācāryas they can also relish the sweetness of Svāminī's face in their meditations. In deep meditation the vicinity of the beloved deity is vividly experienced. The devotee will no longer think: … Continue reading At heart, the Gaudiya Vaisnavas always cry for Radharani

Śrīla Ṭhākura Mahāśaya says, śrī-rūpādi mañjarī-gaṇera anugā haiyā, prema-sebā niba cāiyā. “Having longed for it, I shall receive the loving service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava from the mañjarīs led by Śrī Rūpa Mañjarī.” There is a specific reason he has used the words prema-sevā here instead of just sevā. Prema, love, is the best thing … Continue reading Prem seva – loving devotional service

Rādhā and Śyāma felt boundless bliss when They saw Each other in the kitchen. In this way even the kitchen had become a Rasavatī, a delicious place. "When will You thus fully immerse me in an ocean of bliss?" The devotee thinks: "I want to become happy by making You happy!" Everyone in the world … Continue reading Rādhā and Śyāma meet during a wonderful meal

In his svarūpāveśa Śrī Raghunātha has a vision of his devotional service and when the vision vanishes he prays: "Ayi Kuśale! O all-auspicious Svāmini! When will You enter the kitchen after washing Your feet and offering Your obeisances to Vrajeśvarī Yaśodā and other superiors?" The maidservant changes Śrīmatī's clothes and ornaments and dresses Her in … Continue reading Radhika cooks and Krishna spies on Her