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
Nangamba ang mga gopī kahit sa pinakamaikling pagkalayo kay Mukunda, kaya inalala nila ang Kanyang marikit na lakad, mga lila, mapagmahal na sulyap na may ngiting banayad, mga biro na nag-aalis ng dalamhati, at Kanyang dakilang kabayanihan; sa pag-iisip sa malaking paghihiwalay na darating, sila’y labis na nabalisa. Nagtipon sila nang pangkat-pangkat, luhaan ang mga mukha, at ang isip ay nakasandig kay Acyuta, saka nag-usap-usap.
This verse shows the gopīs absorbing their minds in Kṛṣṇa’s gait, smiles, words, and deeds—remembrance itself becomes their way of staying with Him, even amid separation.
Because these intimate exchanges are the heart of their relationship with Mukunda; His affectionate humor and looks are described as śokāpahāni—those that remove their grief.
When distressed, intentionally remember or recite Kṛṣṇa’s qualities and pastimes; devotional recollection can steady the mind and soften sorrow.