Srimad Bhagavatam – day 686
The monsoon in Brindavan
Srihari Krishna
“During monsoons, the flashes of lightening did not remain steadily within the rain-bearing clouds, which cause the well-being of the universe.
Just as the Supreme Lord, who is devoid of attributes, illumines within this creation made up of the three attributes, Indra’s bow (rainbow) which is devoid of string, illumined in space which is composed of the characteristic of sound.
Just as the mental modification known as ‘I-ness’ which illumines due to its awareness of the body and Self envelops the Pure consciousness, the clouds which illumine due to moonlight completely covered the Moon obscuring its visibility.
To spiritual aspirants who are disgusted with the worldly troubles and afflictions, the arrival of ardent devotees brings cheer. Likewise, to peacocks, the arrival of rains brought supreme delight”.
Just as we celebrate the arrival of relatives, for all animals and birds be it a peacock or a frog, the arrival of rains brings great delight.
“Through their delightful dance, the peacocks thanked the clouds.
Just as people shrink due to extensive penance and later, upon enjoying the worldly comforts, regain healthy bodies, the trees that had withered due to lack of water in summer had now, upon the onset of monsoons, heartily drank water through their roots and were shining robustly with their tender shoots, flowers and fruits”.
Extensive penance causes the person to become weak and pale. After fulfilling their desire, their bodies turn robust and healthy once again. Likewise, trees that dry up during summer blossom once again upon arrival of monsoons.
“The deeds of house-holders cause nothing but agitation and discontent, nevertheless, the house-holders, who, due to their impure minds are attached towards such comforts, remain within the house. Similarly, even though the lakes had breached their embankments causing them to become impure, cranes continue to live only in them.
Just as in Kali-yuga the philosophies that go against Vedic dictates breach the Vedic righteous theories, when Indra, the Lord of rain, showered plentiful rainfall, the lakes breached their embankments and overflowed.
Influenced by the learned Vedic scholars, the righteous kings engage in stipulated charitable activities and fulfill the needs of their citizens from time to time. Similarly, during monsoons, influenced by the winds the clouds periodically shower plentiful water which is akin to nectar for living entities.
Brindavan, which was drenched profusely with copious rainfall, was filled with date-palms and wood-apples. It was soaked in bliss. Accompanied by Balarama, the cowherd boys and the cows, the Supreme Lord Krishna, leisurely entered into these lush green forests that were completely laden with fruits. The cows, whose udders were heavy due to being filled with milk, walked very slowly and gently. Nevertheless, when Krishna would lovingly call them, these cows would, with milk dripping from their udders, run quickly to him with affection”.
As soon as the Lord called them, the cows would run quickly towards him. As they ran, milk would drip from their udders.
“The animals and birds that inhabited the woods rejoiced when the Lord passed by them. Huge streams were flowing in great speed from the mountains. Śrikrishna joyfully observed the forests, which were filled with trees that dripped honey. He observed the mountain caves and the sounds that emitted from these mountains”.
Strange noises can be heard when one enters deep into the mountains which are missing in city life. The sound of the cascading waterfalls, the humming of the bees, the harsh sounds of the crickets, the chirping of the birds, the roaring of the lions- many such sounds can be heard there.
“At times, Krishna would take shelter under the hollow of a tree. At other times, he would sit in the deep caves relishing the roots, fruits and tender shoots. Krishna took great delight in eating along with his friends. As they walked, they would play in the waters of the streams. They would run into the hollows of trees and caves or at times would go up mountain tops and observe the beauty of Nature from there. Thereafter, sitting on a rock near the stream, Krishna along with Balarama ate the curd-rice that they had brought from home”.
Great significance is contained within this scene. In it is a great secret. Even elaborate explanation for many days will fall short if we try to decipher the inner meaning of this scene. Krishna enjoying the beauty of Nature is just the external story. The beauty of Nature during monsoons was wonderfully described. Comparisons were drawn to Vedas, to Vedic scholars, to the silence maintained by the scholars prior chanting, to the beauty with which they chant and the like. Thereafter Krishna admiring Nature was detailed. That he entered the hollows of trees, he climbed mountains, he played in water, the cows came rushing to him with milk overflowing from their udder, he sat on a rock and together with Balarama ate curd rice. Behind each of these external actions is deep hidden significance. Externally they appear to be playful sports, that’s all.
“At that time, the bulls and the tender calves were happily sitting on the green grasses chewing the cud”.
Here the boys were enjoying their lunch sitting on the huge rock while the cows were busy chewing the cud. The boys were laughing, playing and eating. The cows were also enjoying the green grass.
“The bulls had closed their eyes. The cows appeared exhausted due to the weight of their heavy udders that were filled with milk”.
Unless the cows return home and are milked, they would not get any respite. The cow would then feed its calf with milk. Unless the cows are milked periodically, they become restless. Their udders become heavy causing them discomfort.
“The grandeur of this rainy season, which had been rendered powerful through His illusionary energy, had filled the heart of every living entity with delight. Every living entity in Brindavan was soaked in bliss”.
What is it that can match the happiness experienced by the living entities of Brindavan? Such happiness is derived due to association with the Lord. Merely by thinking about Him, the heart is filled with happiness. His illusion fills us with happiness. This being the case, what can be said of the happiness enjoyed by the boys who sat with the Lord, ate along with him, played with him, watched him all day long, and so on?
“Observing this happiness everywhere, Lord Śrikrishna was happy”.
He was observing His own creation and was happy.
Krishna Srihari