Hare Kṛṣṇa,
The gopī-gītā are the wonderful songs sung by the gopīs overwhelmed by feelings of separation from Kṛṣṇa.
My material mind thinks that separation is typically painful; it is devoid of joy and blisṣ. At times I wonder how could the gopīs live in constant pain and misery. Even Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, during His later pastimes, was always crying in separation from Kṛṣṇa.
It is therefore said in the Caitanya-bhāgavata:
yata dekha vaiṣṇavera vyavahāra duḥkha
niścaya jāniha tāhā paramānanda-sukha
“A Vaiṣṇava is always firmly situated in transcendental bliss because of engagement in devotional service. Although he may appear to suffer material pains, his position is called transcendental bliss in separation (viraha). The emotions a lover and beloved feel when separated from one another are actually very blissful, although apparently painful.” (as quoted in SB 5.19.5)
“Because the gopīs had dedicated their minds and very lives to Kṛṣṇa, they were beside themselves with the transcendental pain of separation. But their crying, which appears like evidence of misery, actually shows their exalted state of transcendental bliss…Thus each of the gopīs began addressing Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa according to her individual mode of ecstasy, and they all prayed for Him for His mercy.” (SB 10.31 Introduction)
Feeling constant separation while engaged in the service of the Lord is the perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. To acquire this strong feeling of separation is the teaching of Lord Caitanya and His direct disciplic succession of Gosvāmīs. When we are not in physical contact with Kṛṣṇa, we can associate with Him like the gopīs, through feelings of separation. Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental form, qualities, pastimes, and entourage are all identical with Him.
“Devotional service to Kṛṣṇa in feelings of separation elevates the devotee to the highest perfectional level, to the level of the gopīs… Those who are in the disciplic succession of the Mādhva-Gauḍīya-sampradāya should also feel the separation of Kṛṣṇa, worship His transcendental form, and discuss His transcendental teachings, His pastimes, His qualities, His entourage and His associations. The spiritual masters should enrich the devotees to the highest devotional perfection.” (Kṛṣṇa book, 34)
I am also captivated by the gopīs’ masterful metaphors—poetic garlands woven to glorify Kṛṣṇa.
For example, the gopīs pray, “O Lord of love, in beauty Your glance excels the whorl of the finest, most perfectly formed lotus within the autumn pond. O bestower of benedictions, You are killing the maidservants who have given themselves to You freely, without any price. Isn’t this murder?” (SB 10.31.2)
Similarly, there is a verse found in the Govinda-līlāmṛta (8.4), “‘My dear friend, the luster of Kṛṣṇa’s body is more brilliant than that of a newly formed cloud, and His yellow dress is more attractive than newly arrived lightning. A peacock feather decorates His head, and on His neck hangs a lovely necklace of brilliant pearls. As He holds His charming flute to His lips, His face looks as beautiful as the full autumn moon. By such beauty, Madana-mohana, the enchanter of Cupid, is increasing the desire of My eyes to see Him.’ ” (as quoted in CC Antya 15.63)
The Gopī-gītā is an ever-deepening ocean—every study, every rereading, uncovers yet another hidden jewel.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 