From days 6 to 8 of the Itarasi Bhagavat Katha, Pujya Bhaishri focused on the symbolism of some of Shri Krishna leelas. Read below for some highlights on the symbolism of Pūtnā and the true meaning of Raas.
Is Raas only what took place between Gopis and Shri Krishna? Let us learn from Day 8 Itarasi Katha
Symbolism of the story of Putna in Shrimad Bhagavat
Na hi gnānena saḍraśam pavitramiha vidyate
This means, there is nothing purer than knowledge. Knowledge is pure whereas ignorance is impure. In Shrimad Bhagavat, Pūtnā symbolises ignorance while in Ramayan, Tādkā symbolises ignorance. God killed ignorance first in both his incarnations.
Ignorance powerfully pulls even the pious towards it. However, when Pūtnā’s body was burnt, a divine fragrance was spread everywhere. It is such a great concept that as soon as God touched Pūtnā, a divine fragrance emanated from her.
Hence, when God touches ignorance, our lives will be filled with fragrance.
Devotion
Devotion actually means to endure God. Enduring the world means gaining sorrow. The Gopis of Vraj were never attached to the material world. Instead, they carried out tasks dedicated to Lord Krishna via their senses every moment.
The Gopis of Vraj did not need to make an effort to attach their mind to God. Their mind easily remained attached to God; to the extent that they would hide from Lord Krishna and try to avoid him but with the desire in their mind, “When will Shri Krishna come and steal butter from our house and bug us?” A lover’s nature is such that one hides love. Truly, love is not something to be publicised.
It is not possible to attain Lord Krishna until one is not filled with Gopi-like love for God. The Gopis endured Lord Krishna hence they represent the flag of love.
Understand the true meaning of Raas
Raas is not an incident that happened at a particular time and place. The meaning of Raas from Shrimad Bhagavat is that Raas is something that takes place all the time. One that continues to move is Gopi, who moves around the focal point. This focal point which attracts everyone is Shri Krishna.
Raas is a cosmic dance. The entire universe is God’s Raas. Raas is even within your body whereby your breaths are the flute and your heart beats are the rhythm. The melody in the universe is Shri Krishna and the rhythm is Shri Radha. This way, Raas is taking place all the time.
Raas is the name of unique joy and continuous bliss. Krishna is that interest/passion which gives rise to Raas. Raas (meaning, joy/bliss) is not possible in life until interest/passion is present.
With these divine drops of nectar, Itarasi Katha came to a completion. Pujya Bhaishri pleasingly blessed the host family of Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Sandeep Agrawal and Sanjog Agrawal.
