Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 27
Veṇu-gīta-āhvāna and the Gopīs’ Appeal: The Opening of Rāsa-līlā
श्रवणाद् दर्शनाद्ध्यानान्मयि भावोऽनुकीर्तनात् । न तथा सन्निकर्षेण प्रतियात ततो गृहान् ॥ २७ ॥
śravaṇād darśanād dhyānān mayi bhāvo ’nukīrtanāt na tathā sannikarṣeṇa pratiyāta tato gṛhān
Transcendental love for Me arises through devotion—hearing about Me, beholding My Deity form, meditating on Me, and faithfully chanting My glories. Mere physical proximity does not grant the same result. Therefore, return to your homes.
Lord Kṛṣṇa is certainly presenting formidable arguments.
FAQs
This verse states that bhāva (deep loving devotion) arises strongly through śravaṇa (hearing), darśana (seeing), dhyāna (meditation), and anukīrtana (chanting Kṛṣṇa’s glories), rather than merely by being physically near.
In the gopīs’ midnight meeting with Him, Kṛṣṇa tests and instructs them: true devotion depends on inner absorption in Him through bhakti practices, not simply on outward closeness, and He therefore tells them to return home.
Prioritize daily hearing of Bhagavatam, chanting the holy names, and meditation on Kṛṣṇa’s form and pastimes—cultivating steady inner remembrance instead of relying on occasional external experiences.