Balarāma Visits Vraja: Consoling the Gopīs and Dragging the Yamunā
गोपवृद्धांश्च विधिवद् यविष्ठैरभिवन्दित: । यथावयो यथासख्यं यथासम्बन्धमात्मन: ॥ ४ ॥ समुपेत्याथ गोपालान् हास्यहस्तग्रहादिभि: । विश्रान्तं सुखमासीनं पप्रच्छु: पर्युपागता: ॥ ५ ॥ पृष्टाश्चानामयं स्वेषु प्रेमगद्गदया गिरा । कृष्णे कमलपत्राक्षे सन्न्यस्ताखिलराधस: ॥ ६ ॥
gopa-vṛddhāṁś ca vidhi-vad yaviṣṭhair abhivanditaḥ yathā-vayo yathā-sakhyaṁ yathā-sambandham ātmanaḥ
巴拉罗摩主依礼敬拜年长的牧民,年轻者也恭敬致礼。他按年龄、交情与亲缘,含笑与众人握手等,逐一亲切相见。随后主稍作歇息,安坐舒座,众牧民围拢而来;这些把一切都奉献给莲眼的奎师那的人,因爱而声音哽咽,询问住在德瓦拉卡的亲人安康;巴拉罗摩也反过来问候牧民们的福祉。
This verse highlights vidhivat—proper, dharmic etiquette—where younger members honor elder gopas, showing that devotion is expressed through humble social conduct.
He depicts the natural, affectionate order of Vraja life—relationships are personal and devotional, so interactions follow one’s specific bond, not mere formality.
Maintain humility and appropriate respect—honor seniors, be warm with friends, and act responsibly within each relationship, making devotion visible through behavior.