Akrūra’s Mission: The Departure from Vraja and the Yamunā Vision of Viṣṇu-Ananta
गतिं सुललितां चेष्टां स्निग्धहासावलोकनम् । शोकापहानि नर्माणि प्रोद्दामचरितानि च ॥ १७ ॥ चिन्तयन्त्यो मुकुन्दस्य भीता विरहकातरा: । समेता: सङ्घश: प्रोचुरश्रुमुख्योऽच्युताशया: ॥ १८ ॥
gatiṁ su-lalitāṁ ceṣṭāṁ snigdha-hāsāvalokanam śokāpahāni narmāṇi proddāma-caritāni ca
Aus Angst vor dem Gedanken an Trennung von Mukunda dachten die Gopīs an seinen zarten Gang, seine Spiele, seine liebevoll lächelnden Blicke, seine Scherze, die Kummer vertrieben, und seine stürmischen Heldentaten; beim Nahen der großen Trennung wurden sie zutiefst unruhig. In Gruppen versammelt, das Gesicht von Tränen bedeckt und den Geist an Acyuta gelehnt, sprachen sie miteinander.
This verse shows the gopīs absorbed in smaraṇa—remembering Kṛṣṇa’s gait, smiles, glances, jokes, and daring deeds—where remembrance itself sustains devotion and counters grief.
Because Kṛṣṇa has departed, their hearts naturally cling to the intimate details of His presence—especially the affectionate humor and looks that used to remove their sorrow.
In distress, consciously remember specific qualities and pastimes of the Lord (names, forms, deeds) to steady the mind and transform grief into devotional focus.