Shloka 16
The Brāhmaṇas’ Wives Blessed (Brāhmaṇa-patnī-prasāda) — Ritualism Humbled by Bhakti
नमो वो विप्रपत्नीभ्यो निबोधत वचांसि न: । इतोऽविदूरे चरता कृष्णेनेहेषिता वयम् ॥ १६ ॥
namo vo vipra-patnībhyo nibodhata vacāṁsi naḥ ito ’vidūre caratā kṛṣṇeneheṣitā vayam
Obeisances unto you, O wives of the learned brāhmaṇas. Kindly hear our words. We have been sent here by Lord Kṛṣṇa, who is passing by not far from here.
FAQs
The cowherd boys begin by offering obeisances and requesting the brāhmaṇas’ wives to hear them, showing that humility and attentive hearing are central to bhakti.
They clarify their message has Kṛṣṇa’s instruction behind it, linking the request directly to Kṛṣṇa’s līlā and inviting the wives to respond in devotion rather than social convention.
Approach sincere spiritual conversations with respect, listen carefully, and align actions with devotion to God rather than mere formality or fear of social pressure.