The Gopīs’ Honey-Drinking Pastime
The Sweet Intoxication of Divine Love at Chandra Sarovara
Gathering by the Moonlit Lake
On the silvery banks of Chandra Sarovara—the sacred lake formed from the Moon-god’s ecstatic tears—the gopīs would often gather in joyful company. The air was saturated with the fragrance of blooming lotuses and forest blossoms, while gentle waves lapped the shore, whispering the name “Kṛṣṇa” with every touch.
The Forest Elixir
During these gatherings, the gopīs would prepare and drink a delightful beverage—an ambrosial mixture of wild honey, milk, and yogurt, churned with herbs from the surrounding groves. Though mildly intoxicating, this forest elixir did not disturb their minds. Rather, it stirred their hearts, already overflowing with divine love (prema), into a spontaneous flow of laughter, singing, and affectionate teasing.
Laughter Rooted in Love
As they sat in a circle, drinking from leaf-cups and exchanging glances, the gopīs would giggle like carefree children, teasing one another with clever words. Sometimes they would mimic Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s flute playing or re-enact His pastimes, each trying to outdo the other in sweet imitation. But whether they laughed loudly or sang softly, their joy always had a single root—their unwavering love for the son of Nanda Mahārāja, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Lesson to Be Learned
Even the simplest acts—like sipping a drink in the company of friends—can become sacred when centered on divine remembrance. The gopīs’ honey-drinking pastime teaches that joy does not arise from substances or settings, but from the pure heart’s connection to God. Let your love for Kṛṣṇa be the flavor in every cup, and your devotion the song behind every smile.
