Uddhava Visits Vrndavana 291
Kamsa was alive, They were kept under the protection of Nanda Maharaja
in Vrndavana. Now, naturally, the father and mother of Krsna and
Balarama wanted Them to remain with them, specifically for the reforma-
tory function of purification, the sacred thread ceremony. They also
wanted to give Them a proper education, for this is the duty of the father.
Another consideration was that all the friends of Kamsa outside Mathura
were planning to attack Mathura. For that reason also Krsna’s presence
was required. Krsna did not want Vrndavana to be disturbed by enemies
like Dantavakra and Jarasandha. If Krsna were to go to Vrndavana, these
enemies would not only attack Mathura, but would go on to Vrndavana,
and the peaceful inhabitants of Vrndavana would be disturbed. Krsna
therefore decided to remain in Mathura, and Nanda Maharaja went back
to Vrndavana. Although the inhabitants of Vrndavana were feeling separa-
tion from Krsna, Krsna was always present with them by His lla, or
pastimes, and this made them ecstatic.

Since Krsna had departed from Vrndavana to Mathura, the inhabitants
of Vrndavana, especially mother Yagoda, Nanda Maharaja, Srimati Radha-
rani, the gep~is and the cowherd boys, were simply thinking of Krsna at
every step. They were thinking, “‘Krsna was playing in this way. Krsna was
blowing His flute. Krsna was joking with us, and Krsna was embracing us.”
This is called lila-smarana, and it is the process of association with Krsna
most recommended by great devotees; even Lord Caitanya enjoyed lila-
smarana association of Krsna when He was at Puri. Those who are in the
most exalted position of devotional service and ecstasy can live with Krsna
always by remembering His pastimes. Srila ViSvanatha Cakravarti Thakur
has given us a transcendental literature entitled Krsna-bhavanamrta, which
is full with Krsna’s pastimes. Devotees can remain absorbed in Krsna-
thought by reading such books. Any book of Krsna lila, even this book,
Krsna, and our Teachings of Lord Caitanya, is actually solace for devotees
who are feeling the separation of Krsna.

That Krsna and Balarama did not come to Vrndavana can be adjusted as
follows: They did not break Their promise to return to Vrndavana, nor
were They absent, but Their presence was necessary in Mathura.

In the meantime, Uddhava, a cousin-brother of Krsna, came to see
Krsna from Dvaraka. He was the son of Vasudeva’s brother and was almost
the same age as Krsna. His bodily features resembled Krsna’s almost
exactly. After returning from His teacher’s home, Krsna was pleased to see
Uddhava, who happened to be His dearmost friend. He wanted to send him
to Vrndavana with a message to the residents to pacify their deep feeling
of separation.
