Namaste.
This thread will contain many selective verses from the Scriptures and the compositions of the Rasik Saints glorifying Srimati Radharani, the Eternal Consort of Lord Krishna,
Please feel free to add any of your favorite prayer, song or poem in relation to the Divine Couple.

Sri Radhey saranam mama!

"ye yaM rAdhA yas ca kRSNo rasAbdhiH ddehazcaikaH krIdanArthaM dvidA bhUt"

(Atharva Vediya RadhikA tapaniyopanishad)

The Divine couple, Radha and Krishna constitute the Unfathomable Ocean of Ultimate Bliss.

They have assumed Two Personalities only to engage in the playful pastimes of Divine Love.

"kRSNena ArAdhyata iti rAdhA kRSNaM samA rAdhayati sadeti rAdhikA"

(Rg Vediya Radhikopanishad)

Sri Radhaji is worshipped by Sri Krishna and hence is called as Radha. She in turn adores Her Lord Krishna and so She is known as Radhika.

"devI kRSNa mayI proktA rAdhikA para devatA sarva laKSmI mayI sarva kAntis saMmohinI parA"

(Caitanya Caritamritam Adilia.ch 4.82-99 - Brhad-GautamIya-tantra)

" The Transcendental Goddess Srimati Radharani is NON-DIFFERENT from Lord Sri Krishna.

She is the origin Of all Lakshmi devis, Who derive Their beauty and powers from.

She possesses All the Attractiveness to attract the All Attractive Personality of Godhead.

She is the Primeval Divine Potency."

"rAdhikA kRSNa svarUpaM ca kRSNo rAdhA svarUpakaH "

(Sanat Kumara Samhita)

The Blessed Form of Sri Radha alone is the Form of Sri Krishna and the Divine charming Personality of Sri Krishna alone is the Blisful Figure called Sri Radha. They are non-different.

"mamaiva pauruSam rUpam gopikA jana mohanam"

(Brahma Vaivarta Purana)


"tayo rip yubhayor madhye rAdhikA sarvadhAdhikA mahAbhAva svarUpe yaM guNair ati garIyasI"

(Ujjvalanilamani- Sri Roopa)

In Both Divine Personalities of Sri Krishna and Sri Radha, Radhaji is considered always highest, as She alone is the embodiment of the Bliss of MahaBhava.

"yaH kRSNAH sA 'pi rAdhA yA rAdhA kRSN yeva saH"

(Narada Panca Ratram)

Sri Radha and Krishna are of the SAME essence. The Divine Form that has been manifested as Krishna, is of Radha's and Sri Krishna Himself is the SAME Radha.

"devi kRSNa mayi proktA rAdhikA para devatA sarva lakSmI svarUpA sA kRSNAhlAda svarUpiNi "

(padma puranam)

The Transcendental Goddess Srimati RadhaRani is the DIRECT, NON-DIFFERENT, Counterpart of Sri Krishna.

She is the Central, PRINCIPAL figure for all the Goddesses of Fortune.

She POSSESSES All the Attractiveness to attract the All-Attractive Personality of Godhead.

She is the Primeval INTERNAL POTENCY of the Lord.

"kRSNaM vadanti mAm lokAz tvayaiva rahitaM yadA zrIkRSNaM ca sada te'pi tvayaiva sahitaM param'

(Brahma Vaivarta Purana)

"They callme simply Krishna. When I am associated with You, they call Me Sri Krishna.

You alone are the cause of My honour, My wealth and My power of Grace.

Infact, You only are My support and cause of all My Divine manifestations."

"rAdhA kRSNAtmikA nityaM kRSNo rAdhAtmiko dhRvam"

(Brahmanda Purana)

Sri Radha is the Soul of Lord Krishna. Krishnaji alone is the Soul of Sri Radhika. This is the eternal Truth.

"zrI kRSNa prArthane sAnA.... nandanandana lAlitA kRSN ArAdhyA bhakti sAdhyA kRSNa dehArdha dhAriNI"

(Radha-Krishna yugala sahasra nama)

Always being loved and adored by Lord Krishna, Radhaji assumes the worshippable form, to whom all heavenly gods and goddesses pay their reverence and respect.

She alone is the bestower of powers to them to create, to maintain and to destroy the universes.

"cida cillakshaNaM sarvaM rAdhA kRSNa mayaM jagat"

In the entire creation, every thing moving and non-moving is all pervaded by Sri Radha and Krishna.

"kRSNa prANAdhi devI sAta dadhIno vibhurya taH rAsezvarI tasya nityaM tadhA hI nona tiSTathi"

Sri Radha is the life-breath of Sri Krishna and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is always under Her control.

Radhaji being the, Rasesvari, Goddess of Divine Love, She eternally associates with Lord Krishna, as He cannot exist without His Soul, Radha.

"rAdhnoti sakalAn kAmAM stasmAd dh rAdheti kIrtitA"

(Devi Bhagavatam)

Being the ultimate Divine Power Who is able to fulfill all the desires of the three worlds including the Supreme Lord, She is known as Radha.

"satyaM satyaM punaH satyaM satyameva punaH punaH rAdhA nAmnA vinA loke mat prasAdo na vidyate"

(Narada Panca Ratram)

"AtmA rAmasya kRSNasya dhrivamAtmAsti rAdhikA"

(Skanda Purana)

Sri Krishna is Known as 'AtmArAma", as He is eternally enjoying His Soul Radha.

Sri Krishna declares,

"I am telling this truth again and again. Without lovingly remembering the Names of My Beloved Radha Rani, devotees can never achieve My Grace." (N.R.P.)

" 'rA' sabdoccAraNAd bhakto bhaktim muktim ca rAti saH
'dhA' sabdoccAraNe naiva dhAvaty eva hareH padam"

(N.P.R.)

For 'ra' represents recieving unswerving devotion and service to Krishna's Lotus Feet, and "dha' represents dwelling together with Krishna for eternity.

Krishnaji also says, " Greater is My delight in hearing the Name of 'radha', and dearer to Me than those who offer the sixteen kinds of worship, O Radha, is he who utters 'rAdhA' " (B.V.P)

"Worship that Radha, the bestower of Prema. Quickly you shall go to Goloka, Through Her favor and service."

Bhaktas by serving Lord Krishna, (Who is unattainable by impersonal meditation), in a long time, after many, many births go to Goloka.

But by serving Radhaji, Who is full of Compassion and Grace, devotees go there in a short time.

She is the Mother of Lord Mahavishnu. (B.V.P)

One last verse, from the Sri Jiva gosvAmi's message sent to the devotee sri Gadhadara Bhatta,

"anArAdhya rAdhA padAMbhoja reNuM
anAzritya vRndAvanaM tat padAGkam
asaMbhASya tad bhAva gaMbhIra cintAn
kutaH zyAma sindhoH rasy AvagAhaH"

Without worshipping the dust-particle of Sri Radhaji's Lotus Feet,
without taking the shelter of the sacred land of Vrindavan, where Her Blessed Foot-Prints can be traced,
without delightfully learning the depths of Her Divine Love ecstacies from Her Gopi-bhava Rasik Saints,
how one is supposed to experience or realize the Ocean of Nectar of Krishna's Madhurya Rasa???

Jaya Sri Radhey!

Namaste.
Lord KRISHNA says to RADHARANI (Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna Khanda) -

"yadhA tvaM rAdhikA devI
goloke gokule tathA
vaikuNTeca mahA lakSmIr
bhavatI ca sarasvatI
bhavatI martyalakSmIzca
kSIroda sayina priyA
dharma putra vadhUstvaM ca
sAntir lakSmI svarUpiNi
kapilasya priyA kAntA
bhArate bhAratI satI
dvArAvatyAM mahAlakSmIr
bhavatI rukmiNI satI
tvaM sIta mithilayAM ca
tvacchAyA draupadi satI
rAvaNena hRtA tvaM ca
tvaM ca rAmasya kaminI"

O Radhey! Just as You are My Beloved Soul of Goloka and the Queen of Gokula,
You also manifest as Maha Lakshmi and Sarasvati in Vaikunta,
and also as Martyalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
You appear as the opulent form of Santi who is the wife of Dharmaputra.
You alone are Bharati Sati, the consort of Kapila Deva.
You manifest in Dvaraka, as Mahalakshmi, Queen Rukmini and Your shadow Itself takes up the form of Draupadi Sati.

You ALONE appear in Mithila as Sita Devi and become the Beloved of Sri Rama and are abducted by Ravana.

"tulasI puNya rupa ca
gaGgA bhuvana pAvanI
brahma loke ca sAvitrI
kalayA tvaM vasundharA
goloke rAdhikA tvaM ca
sarva gopAlakezvarI"

You are Radhika, the Eternal Mistress of all Gopis in Goloka.
You are also identified as the origin of Prakriti,
and as Savitri in Lord Brahma's abode.
You are worshipped as the Sacred Plant Tulasi and
as ever purifying River of the three worlds, Ganga,
and in part as Mother Earth.

" 'ra' zabdaz ca mahA viSNur vasvAni yasya lomasu
vizva prANiSu vizveSu
'dha' dhAtrI mAtru vAcakaH
dhAtrI mAtAhaM yetesaM mUla prakritirIzvarI "

The syllable 'rA' signifies Mahavishnu, in whose hair-pores the world exists;
The syllable 'dhA' means creatrix or wet nurse (dhAtri), in the sense of mother (of Mahavishnu in Whose pores worlds containing all creatures exists).
So Radhaji is the wet nurse, the Mother of all the creation,(including Mahavishnu) the Goddess Mulaprakriti, the Original Potency of Lord.

" rakSa rakSa jaganmAtA
aparAdhaM kSamasva me
zizunAM aparAdhena
kuto mAtAhi kupyAti "

Situated in the Maternal Role Radhaji can be approached by devotees more freely by praying,
" Protect me, protect me, O Mother of the world.
Forgive my faults. Where is the mother who is angered with the faults her own children? "

"Adau rAdhAM samuccArya
pascAt kRSNaM parAtparaM"

(BVP)

"Adau samuccarred rAdhAM
pazcAt kRSNaM ca mAdhavaM
ZrIkRSNo jagatAM tAto
jaganmAtA ca rAdhikA
pituH zata guNe mAtA
vandyA garIyasI"

(Narada Panca Ratram)

First utter the Name of Mother of the world 'RAdhA' and
afterwards the Name of Father, Supreme Self, 'KrishNa',
because,the Guru of Father is the Mother and so she is worshippable hundred times more.

Sri Krishna says to Sri Narada Muni in
Padma Purana -

"ahaM ca lalitA devI
rAdhikAyA ca gIyate
ahaM ca vAsudev Akhyo
nityaM kAma kalAtmakaH
satyaM yoshi tvarUpo'haM
yoSicchAhaM sanAtanI
ahaM ca lalita devI
puM rUpA kRSNa vigrahA
avayor antaraM nAsti
satyaM satyaM hi nAradA"

O Narada! There is NO DIFFERENCE between US,
for We always are of ONE SINGLE ETERNAL DIVINE FORM.

"AtmAnaM cintayet tatra
tAsAm madhye manoramAM
rUpa yauvana saMpannAM
kisorIM pramad AkritiM
rAdhikAnucarIM nityaM
tat sevana parAyaNAM
kRSNAd apyadhikaM prema
rAdhikAyAM prakurvatIM"

(Padma Puranam)

The devotees, who accept Sakhi Bhava (Gopi Bhava), follow the sadhana given in Padma Purana, which states that one should consider oneself to be a young, beautiful woman, a loving companion of Sri Radhika, intent on Her service,
holding Her in GREATER affection than Sri Krishna.

Vrindavan Viharini Alibeli Sarkar ki Jai,
Nikunja Viharini Radharani ki Jai,

Jaya,Jaya Sri Radhey!

Many thousands of years ago, on the Special Day of "Vasantha Panchami", Lord Radha-Krishna had BROADCASTED in the world the Supreme Glory of Srimati Radharani, through this enlightening, Blissful lila!!

THE SUPREME GLORY OF RADHARANI

On the night of "Vasantha Pancami", Lord Sri Krishna was playing ‘Divine RAS Dance’ with the Gopis of Braj, along with Srimati Radha Rani.
Suddenly the Trickster, Lord Krishna longed to be alone with His Beloved, Radhika.
He conveyed His Message of Love through His eyes to Radha. Naturally, His Soul Radha, understood His heart felt desire.
She left the place of RAS, slowly and set out for the Tryst.

Sri Krishna also managed to leave the other Gopis behind and secretly entered a nearby Kunj (a small garden of flowering creepers and bushes), waiting for His Sweetheart, Radharani.

Here Gopis were upset not finding Krishna and started looking for Him.
They searched and searched all of the familiar places in Brindavan and slowly approached the Kunj, where Krishna was awaiting for Radha.

As Krishna saw Gopis approaching, He wanted to leave for another Kunj. But there was not enough time to escape.
So, He decided to play this trick on Gopis.

He immediately assumed His all Blissful Almighty Godly form of Maha Vishnu at once, with FOUR ARMS holding Wheel, Lotus, Conchshell and Mace in respective hands.

Gopis came to see this Opulent, Radiant Form of LORD NARAYANA but the LONGING for Their Divine Beloved Krishna could NOT be satisfied.

Covering their heads and faces with veils, they bowed down to this Great God Maha Vishnu and offered prayers with RESPECT from a DISTANCE, requesting Him for the Blessing of the ASSOCIATION of Their BELOVED (Krishna) and LEFT that place with DISAPPOINTMENT.

The Sweethearts of Krishna could NOT find any charm in this "Almighty form of Lord Narayana".

The Storehouses of the Treasure of Krishna PREMA could not be attracted to His Godly Powers and Opulence.

Soon Sri Radha, the Sweet Daughter of King Vrishabhanu, majestically approached the Kunj where Krishna was staying.

He WANTED to surprise Radha with His Four-Armed Opulent Godly Form of NARAYANA.

So, He TRIED to remain in the SAME Form of Narayana while greeting Sri Radhika.
As Radhaji came CLOSER and CLOSER, Sri Krishna’s "Almighty form of Lord Vishnu" started DISAPPEARING, just as the butter losing its shape and form nearing a flame!!

By the time Radha reached Krishna, He had completely ASSUMED His Original Beautiful Form, decorated with PEACOCK Feathered crown and holding FLUTE in His hand!

The Opulent Almighty Form of Lord Maha Vishnu TOTALLY DISAPPEARED!

ONLY the Beloved son of Nanda Maharaj,
ONLY the Beautiful Blue Boy of Braj,
ONLY the Stealer of Gopis’ hearts,
ONLY the Divine Flutist and
ONLY Radhika Raman (Enjoyment of Radhika)
WAS ABLE TO REMAIN in the PRESENCE of Srimati Radhika, the SUPREME POWER OF DIVINE LOVE!!!

JAYA JAYA SRI RADHEY!

(Ref. Caitanya Caritamritam Adilila.17.texts 277-293)

(Source - Discourse given by Jagadguru Sri Rama Kripalu Maharaj ji on Vasantha Pancahami, 1986)

"O Narada! There is NO DIFFERENCE between US,
for We always are of ONE SINGLE ETERNAL DIVINE FORM. "
This is the highest truth..Advaita...

but not all can ( Comprehend ) approach the nirguna aspect of the absolute reality...( Narayana)

(And just like the fish couldn't stay away from water so to the gopis though Ignorant of their own true nature...couldnt stay away from true self knowledge "Krishna"
That is... the divine self within them was always shining ...and in the play of hide and seek ( glimpse of truth )
Finally they realized the highest within them....
And not only they attain self knowledge they "The gopis" enjoyed his bliss..even through his saguna aspect "Krishna" ( That is..celebrated the highest truth here and now)


- Vaman




"what is truth and who is a hindu are two seperate issues.
How can a hindu realize truth another....."

Just listen to what the foremost Advaita acarya Adi Jagadguru Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada said. When one of his desciples questioned him:
"mumukSunNA kiM tvaritaM vidheyam?"
"What should the seeker who is desirous to attain Salvation do immediately?

Acarya's reply:

"satsangatir nirmamateza bhaktiH"

Shakaracarya replied that the bonds of material attachment should be broken,
and the mind attached to God and the aspirants should seek the Association of Saints.

The desciple again asked:

"kiM karma kRtvA na zocanIyaM?"

"What is that work which a wise man performs and does not
repent?"
Sri Shankaracarya immediately said:

"kAmAri-kaMsAri- samarcanAkhyam"

"One who is devoted to God (Lord Krishna) is carefree.

In fact Acarya Shankara, the unrivalled propounder of Advaita Vedanta, advised his Own Mother practise Devotion to Lord Krishna, and
Blessed her with the Vision of the Lord. Not only that, listen to his next proclamation -

"kAmyopAsana yArthayanty anudinaM kincit phalaM svepsitam,
kecit svargam athApavargam apare yogAdi yajnAdibhiH,
asmAkaM yadunandanAMghri yugala dhyAnAvadhAnArthinAm,
kiM lokena damena kiM nRpatinA svargApavargaizca kiM?"

"Those who waste their time for the attainment of celestial joys or Liberation (mukti- apavarga) are FOOLS!
I DO NOT WANT any of THAT!
I only desire to remain engrossed in the Sweet Remembrance of
the Lotus Feet of Lord Krishna. What is the need for heaven or Mukti to Prema Bhaktas of Lord?"

Thus Sri Shankara appears to consider all objects, including final Liberation as insignificant in comparison to constant Loving Meditation of the Lotus Feet of Lord Krishna.

The verses he used to describe the Transcendental beauty and Attraction of Lord Krishna are exquisite and reveal how great Saintly Devotee he actually was.

"yamunA nikaTa taTa sthita
vrindAvana kAnane mahAramye
kalpa druma talabhUmau
caraNaM caraNopari sthApya
tishTaMtaM ghana nIlaM
sva tejasA bhAsayanta miha vizvaM
pitAmbara paridhAnaM
candana karpUra lipta sarvAGgam."

Lord Krishna is standing with one leg crossed over the other, under a Desire fulfilling Kalpa tree, in a most beautiful Flowery Bower in Vrindavan,
situated near the banks of the river Yamuna.

His complexion as a Dark rain-ladden cloud, illuminates the
whole world with its Luster. He is dressed in Yellow silk Garments and all parts of His Transcendental body are anointed with the paste of sandalwood and camphor.

"Akarna pUrna netraM
kuNDala yuga maNDita zravaNaM
manda smita mukha kamalaM
sa kaustubho dAra maNi hAraM
valayAGgulIya kAdyA
nujjvala yantaM svalankArAn
gala vilulita vana mAlaM
sva tejasApAsta kali kAlaM."

His large captivating Eyes seems to reach almost to His Ears which are adorned with glittering earrings. A Sweet, gentle, enchanting Smile blooms from His Lotus Face. He is wearing Jewelery made of precious stones, pearls and the celestial jem, Kaustubha.
The radiance of His Transcendental Body enhances the splendour of the golden bracelets, rings and the other ornaments present on Him. As the Vanamala (Garland made of Five Heavenly fragrant
flowers) around His Neck, is gently swaying to and fro,
His very brilliance and beauty drives away the sinful effects of the dark age of Kali.

"gunjAravAli kalitaM

gunjA puGjAnvite zirasi
bhuGjAnaM saha gopaiH
kunjAn tar vartinaM hariM smarata.
mandAra puSpa vAsita

mandAnila sevita parAnandaM
mandAkinI yuta padaM namata
mahAnanda daM mahA puruSaM."

The curly locks of His dark Hair surrounded by the vines and fragrant flowers of the Divine bower, are attracting the intoxicated, noisy, bumble bees.
Please remember and contemplate upon Lord Hari Who is sitting in the Bower, in the midst of His cowherd Playmates and eating His midday meal joyfully.

Meditate upon that Supreme Personality, Sri Krishna, the Bestower of the Highest Bliss.(not just Mukti alone!)
He is fanned by the gentle breeze, scented with the fragrance of Heavenly 'mandAra' flowers, and His Lotus Feet are attended by the sacred celestial river, Ganges.

"surabhIkRta digvalayaM
surabhi zatair AvritaH paritaH
surabhIti kSapaNa mahA
sura bhImaM yAdavaM namata."

His Divine fragrance pervades all around as He is encircled by hundreds of Blessed cows Who are attracted by His captivating Beauty and soul-stirring Ethereal Music pouring from His Flute.

Offer your humble obeisance to My Beloved Lord, Sri Krishna, the Descendent of Yadu dynasty, Who even drives away the fears of Heavenly gods by terrifying and conquering the demoniac forces with His Supreme Valor.

-'Prabodha Sudhakara'- Sri Shankaracarya
[Source- "Prema-Rasa-Siddhant"]

Jaya,Jaya Sri Radhey!

jayasri

I dont follow why you see a contradiction

Do you admit that God is one and the only reality..

and if that is true then except him all else is a illusion...
that is from Gods point of view all else is an illusion.
So when asked..what is the ultimate truth ?
The Veda says.." Thou art that " ( for only that is the ultimate truth)

So where does difference and the rest come into play here.


about shankar...Your reference is not authentic..
his credited works are.

shankar says...Ishvara Is real as long as self realization does not dawn.
One superimposes words and meaning derived from human vocabulary and superimposes it on to the highest.

also the best path for the layman is bhakti. but after-realization its a burden.
One uses the ship to crossover but one doesnt carry it on ones head after one has crossed and reached the shore....


The great Saints spoke the truth...but they were also poets and in their poetical fancy mystify ...exaggerate a bit.
but they should be taken poetically as artistic outpouring's.

cheers

-Vaman



"what is truth and who is a hindu are two seperate issues.
How can a hindu realize truth another....."

Truth cant be reached....because any attempt will lead one only away from it.

When someone asked him I want to know God..he said..First know who is it that is wanting to know god.
When some one said.I want to realize the self ..he said what is not the self.
When he heard some one saying...self-realization is the highest truth...he said-...... self-realization is an illusion. Who is to realize what and how, when all that exists is the self ?

- Ramana Maharishi

"what is truth and who is a hindu are two seperate issues.
How can a hindu realize truth another....."

Namaste.

Sorry for the interruption.

The Nectar of Radha Rani' glory is continued.
This 'pada' of Rasik Saint Sura das was translated by John S.Hawley, taken from the book -
"Surdas-Poet, Singer, Saint"-

"Radhika, jewel of joy and of form,
a treasure, a sum of the finest gems,
Those who bring to Your lotus feet love
through love attain Krishna too.

Beloved of this world's Lord and King,
Mother of the world and its Queen,
Who daily diverts the Cowherd's Darling,
making Brindavan the center of Your Realm,

Your feet clear a path through the dead ends of life,
Sri Radha, dispenser of all that is Blessed.

Taming life's terrors, a raft to the bereft,
You, the Puranas and Vedas describe
Not with one tongue but with hundreds and millions-
Your limitless, boundless radiance they sing.

Grant us to share in the worship of Krishna,
Sri Radha; Sur Das begs for such alms. "

During the episode of reunion between Sri Krishna and Sri Radha, at Kurukshetra, Rukminiji, the royal queen of Krishna from Dwaraka, surveys a group of Gopis and begs to know which one of Them is her erstwhile rival.

"Rukmini asks, "Which maid, my dear,

is Vrsabhanu's child?
Come, let me know which one She is,
Your Childhood Sweetheart from long ago,
Who taught You to be so cleverly wise,
and that at such a tender age:

She taught You the art of being a Thief,
stealing even Your peace of mind.
Her virtues You number and string like beads
that never abandon Your breast.

You meditate, You memorize
that beauty with a gaze that will not stray...
Look there- that Girl! - standing out from the others,
outstandingly fair and clad in blue:

My mind has been caught by Her," Sur Das says,
"tied and tethered with the rope of the eye."


Jaya Sri Radhey!

Radhey, Radhey to all.

There is no end to singing the glories of Radhaji, Who makes all this possible:

" ' Radha's Name is the GREATEST TREASURE.
Syama PLAYS that NAME on HIS FLUTE,
REMEMBERING IT constantly.

SHE IS THE THREAD IN EVERY FABRIC,
EACH YANTRA and MANTRA, each VEDA and TANTRA.

Sukadeva knew this SECRET OF SECRETS,
but decided it BEST STAY UNREVEALED;

Krishna takes NUMBERLESS FORMS TO PURSUE IT:
still ITS DEPTHS ELUDE HIM.

But I, Vyasadasa, NOW SHOUT IT OUT OPENLY,
THROWING ALL CAUTION TO THE WINDS.'

(Saint Sri Hari Rama Vayasa)

Sukadeva, in narrating Sri Krishna Lilas in Bhagavata Purana, maintained COMPLETE SILENCE ABOUT RADHAJI.

His was AN INTENTIONAL SILENCE, for Sri Radha, as the QUINTESSENCE OF RASA, THE SUPREME AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE, IS THE MOST VALUABLE JEWEL IN THE TREASURE-HOUSE OF LOVE.

ONLY A CHOSEN FEW WHO KNOW THE CODE OF LOVE HAVE ACCESS TO THAT HIGHEST WEALTH:
OUTSIDERS SUCH AS INTELLECT AND WILL ARE CAREFULLY KEPT AWAY.

Four centuries ago Sri Jiva Gosvami learned
that CODE THROUGH HER GRACE AND OPENED THE TREASURE-HOUSE for all TO SEE.

With painstaking scholarship he showed that
THE HIGHEST RASA, RADHA-KRISHNA IN THEIR UNIFIED FORM (rAdhA kRSNa ekAkAra svarUpa)
IS THE TRUE REFERRANT OF THE VERY FIRST VERSE OF THE BHAGAVATA PURANA AND THE IMPLICIT SUBJECT OF IT ALL.

(Gopala Campu, pUrva 33.8)

His treatise on the Bhagavata by making clear HOW RADHA'S RASA PERMEATES THE WHOLE, stood in DANGER OF DILUTING THIS RASA IN ITS CRYSTALLIZED FORM,
yet for the sake of INCREASING UNDERSTANDING he dared to proceed.

I too have DARED, and TAKE REFUGE IN HIS PRAYER for having DONE SO:

'For whatever I may have distorted in the tiniest degree,
May the BELOVED OF GOKULA, FULL OF COMPASSION, FORGIVE ME.'

(Krishna Sandarbha, anu.181) "

(An excerpt from the- "Radha: The Play and Perfection of Rasa" by Sri Srivatsa Goswami,
Academic Director of the Sri Caitanya Prema Sansthana,
Vrindavan, India and
visiting scholar for the Study of World Religions, Harvard University in 1977-78)

Jaya Sri Radhey!