Delivery of the Message of Krsna to the Gopis 303

at how the gopis were accustomed to think of Krsna constantly in that
topmost ecstasy of mahabhava love. He had brought a message in writing
from Krsna, and now he wanted to present it before the gopis, just to
pacify them. He said, ‘““My dear gopis, your mission of human life is now
successful. You are all wonderful devotees of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead; therefore you are eligible to be worshiped by all kinds of people.
You are worshipable throughout the three worlds because your minds are
wonderfully absorbed in the thought of Vasudeva, Krsna. He is the goal
of all kinds of pious activities and ritualistic performances, such as giving
in charity, rigidly following the austerity of vows, undergoing severe
penances and igniting the fire of sacrifice. He is the purpose behind the
chanting of different mantras, the reading of the Vedas, controlling the
senses and concentrating the mind in meditation. These are some of the
many different processes for self-realization and attainment of perfection
of life. But actually they are only meant for realizing Krsna and dove-
tailing oneself in the transcendental loving service of the Supreme Per-
sonality of Godhead. This is the last instruction of Bhagavad-gita also;
although there are descriptions of different kinds of processes of self-
realization, at the end Krsna recommended one should give up everything
and simply surrender unto Him. All other processes are meant for teaching
one how to surrender ultimately unto the lotus feet of Krsna. The
Bhagavad-gita also says that this surrendering process is completed by a
sincere person executing the processes of self-realization in wisdom and
austerity after many births.”

Since the perfection of such austerity was completely manifested in the
life of the gopis, Uddhava was fully satisfied upon seeing their transcen-
dental position. He continued to say: “My dear gopis, the mentality which
you have developed in relationship with Krsna is very, very difficult to
attain, even for great sages and saintly persons. You have attained the
highest perfectional stage of life. It is a great boon for you that you have
fixed your mind upon Krsna and have decided to have Krsna only, giving
up your family, home, relatives, husbands and children for the sake of the
Supreme Personality. Because your mind is now fully absorbed in Krsna,
the Supreme Soul, universal love has automatically developed in you. I
think myself very fortunate that I have been favored, by your grace, to see
you in this situation.”

When Uddhava said that he had a message from Krsna, the gopis were
more interested in hearing the message than in hearing about their exalted
position. They did not very much like being praised for their high position.
They showed their anxiety to hear the message which Uddhava had
