Radha Katha – Chapter 5: Radha's Life of Separation

Radha's Life of Separation

After Krishna's departure to Mathura, Vrindavan was plunged into sorrow. The waters of the Yamuna seemed to have stilled, the wind was sobbing, and the birds had stopped singing. Most distressed was Radha, whose heart was immersed in love for Krishna, and was now burning in the fire of separation from him.

Radha's Song of Separation

Radha ji was sitting by the Yamuna, under a Kadamba tree. Her eyes were filled with tears, and her face had turned pale. The Gopis of Vrindavan sat around her, feeling her pain of separation. Radha gently began to sing her first song of separation, it seemed as if nature itself was weeping with her.

“O Krishna, where have you gone? Vrindavan is empty without you. I search for your footprints, but even they are beginning to fade. Have you forgotten me, my beloved? Shall I not even take your name now?”

There was so much pain in her voice that tears began to flow from the eyes of the Gopis as well. This fire of separation was slowly spreading throughout Vrindavan. The Gopis tried to console Radha, but her sorrow showed no signs of abating.

Radha's Remembrance and Meditation

Day and night, Radha remained absorbed in meditation of Krishna. She would recall his divine plays, reliving every moment spent with him. She would write letters to Krishna, pouring her pain of separation onto paper, and then cast these letters into the Yamuna, as if they would reach Krishna. Her body had become frail, but her love for Krishna had deepened even further.

Sometimes Radha would have an illusion that Krishna was near her, calling her. His image would dance before her eyes. She would smile, talk to him, and then suddenly be filled with despair, remembering that all this was just her imagination. Yet, she did not abandon the remembrance and meditation of Krishna. She believed that her love would surely be successful, and one day Krishna would return. Krishna, her beloved, the very basis of her life, always resided in her heart.

Radha's Consolation to the Gopis

Despite her own pain of separation, Radha took it upon herself to console the Gopis. She knew that they too were sad because of Krishna's departure. She would tell them of Krishna's glory, and remind them that Krishna was always with them, even if he was physically distant.

“Sakhis, Krishna has not gone far from us, he resides in our hearts. We must deepen our love even further, so that our love draws him back. We must be patient, and have faith in Krishna. A day will surely come when we will all be with him again," Radha said. There was a wonderful power in her words, which gave courage to the Gopis and somewhat lessened their sorrows. Radha's compassion and sacrifice generated even greater respect and love for her in the hearts of the Gopis.