Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, a revered spiritual leader, emphasized the deep significance of Radha’s appearance in understanding the essence of Divine love. In the context of Radha Ashtami, he reminds us that recognizing the unity of Radha and Krishn is essential for genuine devotion. This understanding paves the way for seekers to immerse themselves in the profound love and grace of the Divine couple.
According to Swami Prakashanand Saraswati…
The loving souls of God:
Many people have heard about Janmashtami (the celebration of the appearance of Krishn) but very few know about Radha Ashtami. In fact, Janmashtami happened after Radha Ashtami.
Radha-Krishn and Divine Vrindaban are eternal, but during Their appearance, sometimes Krishn appears before Radha and sometimes Radha appears first. When They recently appeared on our earth planet 5,000 years ago, Radha appeared about a year earlier than Krishn. There is a very specific reason why Radha’s descension preceded the descension of Krishn. If you understand that reason, you have understood the philosophy of all the scriptures. If you don’t understand, you will be unable to understand Krishn, because Krishn and Radha are absolutely one.
“Yeyam Radha YashchaKrishnah” (Upanishad) – “Whatever Radha is, the same is Krishn”. “Rasabdhirdehenekhah…” (Upanishad) – “They appear in two forms, but They are one”.
There are two Divine abodes of Radha-Krishn: Divine Vrindaban and Divine Golok. In Golok there are various kinds of Krishn love; some love Krishn as their friend, some as their child, and some as their Beloved. But, in Divine Vrindaban, only the highest kind of love is seen. It is called Gopi-bhao.
There are many kinds and classes of Gopis in Divine Vrindaban. Is there any difference in the loving experiences of Golok and Vrindaban? Literally, substantially, and factually – no! But there are certain non-differential differences which cannot be expressed or explained into words.
Try to understand by an example. When a rose blooms on a rose plant, there is a time of peak point where it has its maximum fragrance and heightened beauty. It only lasts for a few hours and then starts fading. Radha-Krishn are always perfect, yet the maximum expression of Divine-love is revealed only through Radha-Krishn of Divine Vrindaban. So, while there is no difference between Radha-Krishn of Divine Vrindaban or Golok, there are specific specialties in the experience of love received by Their Divine associates.
Radha Herself is the origin of the full bloom lusciousness of Divine-love that is experienced by uncountable Gopis of Divine Vrindaban. Both Radha and Krishn are adored by the Gopis because They are eternally one. So, to reveal the absolute supremacy of Radha and Divine Vrindaban, Radha appeared first.
Those who understand this secret lovingly worship both Radha and Krishn.
Anyone who sincerely devotes himself to Radha-Krishn could one day realize the Grace of Radha, and on complete heart purification, could experience the Bliss of Divine Vrindaban.
Every moment uncountable souls are entering into the Divine abode of Radha-Krishn. You could also be one of them if you really desire to find Radha-Krishn. Radha-Krishn keep appearing in the world from time to time to remind you that They are omnipresent everywhere in the universe. Just open your heart with a pure faith in your mind, and you will feel that They are really close to you.
In conclusion, the celebration of Radha Ashtami highlights the profound connection between Radha and Krishn, revealing the ultimate essence of Divine love. As emphasized by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, understanding Radha’s significance is crucial for true devotion, allowing seekers to experience the bliss of Divine Vrindaban. By opening one’s heart with pure faith, anyone can feel the omnipresence of Radha-Krishn in their lives.
Experience the essence of devotion through Swami Prakashanand Saraswati’s transformative books on Radha-Krishn.