Shloka 8
Gopī-gīta Aftermath: Kṛṣṇa Returns and Explains Divine Non-Reciprocation
Rāsa-līlā Dialogue
तं काचिन्नेत्ररन्ध्रेण हृदिकृत्वा निमील्य च । पुलकाङ्ग्युपगुह्यास्ते योगीवानन्द सम्प्लुता ॥ ८ ॥
taṁ kācin netra-randhreṇa hṛdi kṛtvā nimīlya ca pulakāṅgy upaguhyāste yogīvānanda-samplutā
तं काचिन्नेत्ररन्ध्रेण हृदि कृत्वा निमील्य च । पुलकाङ्ग्युपगुह्यास्ते योगीवानन्दसम्प्लुता ॥
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura states that the seven gopīs mentioned so far in this chapter are the first seven of the eight principal gopīs, whose status allowed them to immediately approach Śrī Kṛṣṇa upon His reappearance. The ācārya quotes a verse from the Śrī Vaiṣṇava-toṣaṇī that gives the names of these seven as Candrāvalī, Śyāmalā, Śaibyā, Padmā, Śrī Rādhā, Lalitā and Viśākhā. The eighth is understood to be Bhadrā. Śrī Vaiṣṇava-toṣaṇī itself quotes a verse from the Skanda Purāṇa that declares these eight gopīs to be the principal among the three billion gopīs. Detailed information about the hierarchy of gopīs is available in Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi.
FAQs
This verse depicts a gopī drawing Kṛṣṇa into her heart through her eyes and closing them—showing that loving remembrance born of darśana becomes deep inner meditation.
Because their minds naturally become fully absorbed in Kṛṣṇa, resulting in steady inner bliss—yet their absorption arises from prema (pure love), not mechanical yogic practice.
Practice attentive darśana (seeing the Lord’s form in deity, scripture, or holy image) and then inwardly remember Him with focused affection—turning vision into heart-centered remembrance.