Sutra 21

The Narada Bhakti Sutra verse 21

यथा व्रजगोपिकानाम्॥ २१॥

"Just as the love of the Gopis of Vraja."

This Sutra refers to the unparalleled Devotion of the Gopis (milkmaids) of Vraja (Vrindavan) towards Lord Krishna. Their love was so profound that they are often considered the epitome of Bhakti (devotion) in the Bhakti tradition. The Gopis' love was selfless; they sought no personal gain and were completely absorbed in thoughts of Krishna, finding joy solely in his happiness.

The Gopis' Devotion is characterized by its spontaneity and intensity. It was not bound by societal norms or expectations but was a natural, heartfelt outpouring of love and affection. This type of devotion is considered 'Parabhakti' or Supreme Devotion, where the devotee is entirely dedicated to the beloved deity, forgetting their own identity in the process.

The Gopis' love for Krishna also exemplifies 'Ananya Bhakti', which means exclusive Devotion. Despite their daily responsibilities, their minds were always engaged in Krishna, showcasing a state of constant remembrance and longing for the divine, which is the ultimate goal of Bhakti Yoga.

The Gopis saw, heard, smelled, tasted and touched their Divine alone everywhere, at all times. If, by any chance, they happened to forget the Kṛṣṇa form, they suffered deep anguish in their hearts. As a result of their faithful and deep Devotion, Lord Kṛṣṇa had to Himself once confess to them ‘Oh! dear Gopīs! breaking asunder the strong chains of family ties you all have served Me. For this pure love of yours even if I serve you all for aeons my debts will not be cleared. If you, out of your large-heartedness, release me from this huge indebtedness, then alone can I be saved from my obligations.’ (Bhāgavata) 

To Uddhava once these inimitable devotees of Vraja said: "Oh Uddhava! We can practise yoga only where there is the sense of separation. Here to us, there is nothing but total merger with our Shyām Sundara." This was the depth of the perfect devotion the Gopīs had for Lord Kṛṣṇa. In later days there was no Ᾱcārya who recommended devotion as a path of perfection, who did not hold up the gopīs’ love as the ideal. To our Sūtrakāra, Devarṣi Nārada also, the Devotion of the gopīs appears to be the perfect example to recommend to every seeker as something that they must aspire for, even if all cannot reach it so easily and readily.

For comparison, here are three similar verses from Vedic texts:

Bhagavad Gita (10.9)

  

   मच्चित्ता मद्गतप्राणा बोधयन्तः परस्परं।

   कथयन्तश्च मां नित्यं तुष्यन्ति च रमन्ति च॥

  

"With their minds and lives fully devoted to Me, enlightening each other and always speaking of Me, they find satisfaction and delight."

Srimad Bhagavatam (10.31.19)

   

तव कथामृतं तप्तजीवनं कविभिरीडितं कल्मषापहम्।

श्रवणमङ्गलं श्रीमदाततं भुवि गृणन्ति ये भूरिदाजनाः॥

  

"Your message is like nectar and gives life to the suffering. It is praised by poets and removes all sins. It is all-auspicious and wealthy. Those who spread your message on Earth are the most magnanimous."

Shvetashvatara Upanishad (6.23)

   

   यस्य देवे परा भक्तिर्यथा देवे तथा गुरौ।

   तस्यैते कथिता ह्यर्थाः प्रकाशन्ते महात्मनः॥

"To those great souls who have supreme devotion to God, and as to God so to the Guru, all these truths revealed."

These verses, like Narada Bhakti Sutra 21, emphasize the importance of Constant Remembrance, mutual enlightenment, and the joy derived from Devotion to the Divine, which is the essence of Bhakti Yoga. They highlight that true Devotion transcends all barriers and leads to spiritual fulfillment.