Further Features of Ecstatic Love for Krsna 258

Bhagavatam, Sukadeva Gosvami states, “My dear King, the gopis
were always beautiful and decorated with confidential smiles and
alluring garments. In their movements, intended to give impetus to
lusty feelings, they would sometimes press Krsna’s hand on their laps,
and sometimes they would keep His lotus feet on their breasts. After
doing this, they would talk with Krsna as if they were very angry
with Him.”

There is another instance of this concealment in ecstatic love.
When Krsna, the supreme joker, planted the pdarijata tree in the
courtyard of Satyabhama, Rukmini, the daughter of King Virabhadra,
became very angry, but due to her natural gentle behavior, she did
not express anything. No one could understand Rukminr’s real men-
tal condition. This is an instance of competitive concealment.

There is another instance in the First Canto, 11th Chapter, 28th
verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam. After entering Dvaraka, Krsna was re-
ceived in different ways by different members of His family. Upon
seeing their husband from a distance, the queens of Dvaraka im-
mediately embraced Him within their minds and slowly glanced over
Him. As Krsna came nearer, they pushed their sons forward to em-
brace Him. Others were trying, out of shyness, not to shed tears,
but they still could not keep the tears from gliding down. This is an
instance of concealment caused by shyness.

On another occasion, when Srimati Radharani thought that Krsna
was involved with another woman, She addressed Her friend in this
manner: ‘“‘My dear friend, as soon as I think of Krsna the cowherd
boy attached to some other woman, I become stricken with fearful-
ness and the hairs on My body stand up. I must be very careful that
Krsna will not see Me at such times.” This is an instance of conceal-
ment caused by shyness and diplomatic behavior.

It has been stated: “Although Srimati Radharani developed a deep
loving affection for Krsna, She hid Her attitude in the core of Her
heart so that others could not detect Her actual condition.” This is
an instance of concealment caused by gentleness.

Once when Krsna and His cowherd friends were enjoying friendly
conversation, Krsna began to address His associates in casual lan-
guage. At that time Krsna’s servant, Patri, was also enjoying the con-
