Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa live in a small and charming village (Yāvaṭ and Nandagrāma), simply known as Braj—the pastoral playground where Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa manifest their līlā. It is embraced by a tranquil countryside, and it stands as the heaven of extraordinary beauty, celebrated as the most delightful place across all universes. Braj is the transcendental rural abode, often referred to as the land of cows (Goloka). It is adorned with trees, winding vines, verdant bushes, a river made of love (Yamunā), a loving mountain (Govardhana), blooming and colorful flowers, 12 forests, secluded kuñjas, melodious birds, serene cows, majestic peacocks, gentle deer, and vibrant parrots – Braj is an exquisite orchestra of life in perfect harmony. It is the perfect and ultimate playground for Yugala-Kiśṛndāvanaṁ govardhanaṁ yamunā-pulināni cavīkṣyāsīd uttamā prītī rāma-mādhavayor nṛpaBeholding Vṛndāvana [forest], Govardhana, and the sandbanks of the Yamunā, Rāma and Mādhava felt uttamā prītī (the topmost pleasure), O king. (SB 10.11.36)Village life itself brings a unique form of sweetness, and the village life of Braj reaches the pinnacle of mādhurya – it is the embodiment mahā-mādhurya, characterized by its prema, simplicity, culture, tradition, and the harmonious connection with the natural environment. Within Braj, which is a sacred cowherd village, the hearts of the Vrajavāsīs, the inhabitants of this sacred pastureland, overflow with prema for Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Their hearts are filled with kindness, innocence, and the simplicity of villagers, remaining untangled from the complexities of modern life.In this book series ‘The Sweetness of Braj’s village life’, we elaborate on the multifaceted aspects of Braj’s village life as described and mentioned in the Gauḍīya-śāstras. These facets will highlight the natural lifestyle and attributes that makes the Braj-līlā of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa the epitome of sweetness.The book begins by establishing the non-difference of Braj in the material world from Braj in the spiritual world. This initial chapter delves into the philosophical foundations, presenting the sastric pramāṇa and profound siddhānta that underlie this truth.One of the book’s unique contributions is the subsequent chapter, which features 33 beautiful pictures showcasing present-day Braj. These pictures, alongside the matching Sanskrit verses from the śāstras, serve as a compelling testament to the timeless nature of Braj. They vividly demonstrate that Braj today is (still) non-different from the Braj described in the Śrīmad Bhāgavataand in the books of the Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana. This visual and textual combination provides a profound realization of the unchanging essence and spiritual significance of Braj.yathā krīḍati tad-bhūmau goloke ’pi tathaiva saḥ adha-ūrdhvatayā bhedo’nayoḥ kalpyeta kevalamJust as Kṛṣṇa plays in this Vraja-bhūmi on earth, so also does he play in [the spiritual] Goloka. Any idea that one is higher and the other is lower is an imagination only. (BB 2.5.)
There are no reviews yet.