Krishna’s Games with the Gopabalakas
Shri Krishna used to play various games with the gopabalakas (cowherd boys). “I am the ox, and you are the cows,” He would say, running behind them in playful pursuit. “I am the King, and you are the people,” He would declare, giving them orders and making them do many things. Together, they played hide and seek, swung on swings, and enjoyed many kinds of ball games. What a blessing it must have been for the gopabalakas to play with Shri Krishna!
Krishna’s Mischief
One day, Shri Krishna set out to play with His friends and entered the house of a gopika. Inside, He saw the daughter-in-law of the house sleeping. Taking advantage of the situation, Shri Krishna ate all the curd in the house. Not only that, He put a little curd on the sleeping gopika’s mouth and ran away. When the mother-in-law saw the curd on her daughter-in-law’s mouth, she thought the daughter-in-law had eaten all the curd herself and punished her.
The Gopika’s Complaint
Understanding this to be Krishna’s mischief, a gopika complained to Yashoda about it.
The Lesson from Shri Krishna
Let’s see what Jagadguru Shri Krishna wanted to teach us through this story. The time of the day when this episode happened was not night. It must have been an ideal time for work and fulfilling one’s duties, as Krishna was going to play with His friends, an activity normally done during the day. Shri Krishna did not approve of the daughter-in-law sleeping during such productive hours. Hence, He “punished” her in that playful manner.
Through this story, Jagadguru Shri Krishna taught us that one must never waste productive hours of the day by sleeping or remaining idle.
Message to Present Society
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose track of time and indulge in unproductive activities. Krishna’s playful lesson reminds us of the importance of making the most of our productive hours. Whether it’s working, studying, or engaging in meaningful activities, we should strive to use our time wisely.
Reflection
This story emphasizes the value of time and the importance of utilizing our productive hours effectively. By staying active and engaged during the day, we can achieve more and fulfill our responsibilities better.
Prayer
O Lord Krishna, help us to understand the value of time and to use our productive hours wisely. Teach us to balance our duties and play, ensuring that we fulfill our responsibilities with diligence and devotion. May we always strive to be active and engaged in meaningful activities, following Your divine example.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
4o
