310 Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

Uddhava’s messages and instructions saved the gopis from immediate
death, and the gopis acknowledged the benediction from Uddhava.
Uddhava practically acted as the preceptor spiritual master of the gopis,
and they in return worshiped him as they would worship Krsna. It is
recommended in authoritative scriptures that the spiritual master should
be worshiped on the level of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, because
of his being His very confidential servitor, and it is accepted by great
authorities that the spiritual master is the external manifestation of Krsna.
The gopis were relieved from their transcendental burning condition by
realizing that Krsna was with them. Internally, they remembered His
association within their hearts, and externally Uddhava helped them to
appreciate Krsna by conclusive instructions.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is described in the scriptures as
adhoksaja, which indicates that He is beyond the perception of all
material senses. Although He is beyond the perception of material senses,
He is present in everyone’s heart. At the same time, He is present every-
where by His all-pervasive feature of Brahman. All three transcendental
features of the Absolute Truth (Bhagavan the Personality of Godhead,
Paramatma the localized Supersoul, and the all-pervasive Brahman) can be
realized simply by studying the condition of the gopis in their meeting
with Uddhava, as described by the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

It is said by Srinivasa Acarya that the six Gosvamis were always merged
in thoughts of the activities of the gopis. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has also
recommended the gopis’ method of worship of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead as superexcellent. Srila Sukadeva Gosvamihas also recommended
that anyone who hears from the right source about the dealings of the
gopts with Krsna and who follows the instructions will be elevated to the
topmost position of devotional service and will be able to give up the lust
of material enjoyment.

All the gopis were solaced by the instruction of Uddhava, and they
requested him to stay in Vrndavana for a few days more. Uddhava agreed
to their proposal and stayed with them not only for a few days, but for a
few months. He always kept them engaged in thinking of the transcendental
message of Krsna and His pastimes, and the gopis were feeling as if they
were experiencing direct association with Krsna. While Uddhava remained
in Vrndavana, the inhabitants enjoyed his association. As they discussed
the activities of Krsna, the days passed just like moments. Vrndavana’s
natural atmosphere, with the presence of the River Yamuna, its nice
orchards of trees decorated with various fruits, Govardhana Hill, caves,
blooming flowers—all combined to inspire Uddhava to narrate Krsna’s
