Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 18
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
Effrayées à l’idée de la séparation d’avec Mukunda, les gopīs méditaient sa démarche délicate, ses jeux, ses regards souriants et tendres, ses plaisanteries qui chassaient la peine et ses exploits fougueux; pensant à la grande séparation imminente, elles furent saisies d’un profond trouble. Elles se rassemblèrent par groupes, le visage couvert de larmes, l’esprit appuyé sur Acyuta, et se parlèrent entre elles.
FAQs
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.