PLATE TEN

The goal of human life is to enter into a transcendental loving relation-
ship with Lord Krsna, and here we see the epitome of such love: the
Supreme Lord Krsna and His eternal consort, Radha (His personified
pleasure potency), meet at night in the lush forest of Vrndavana. Here
everything is meant to enhance Their enjoyment. Peacocks dance before
Them, gentle breezes carry the fragrance of lotus, jasmine, and mallika,
and the full moon shining above the Yamuna sheds a soft illumination
throughout the forest. Despite appearances, we should never think that
the loving affairs of Radha and Krsna in Vrndavana are like the lusty
affairs of young boys and girls in this material world. No trace of lust mars
Their relationship, for it is based simply on concern for each other’s hap-
piness. Sri Radha expresses the perfection of this selfless, loving mood:
‘**Krsna is My life and soul. Krsna is the treasure of My life. Indeed,
Krsna is the very life of My life. 1 therefore keep Him always in My heart
and try to please Him by rendering service.”’ Imbued with this pure senti-
ment, Radha gives Herself in charity to the lotus feet of Krsna, who ac-
cepts Her as His loved one and calls Her His most beloved. (pp. 279-91)
