The Art of Stealing the Heart
Kṛṣṇa-līlā in South India
Keywords:
Krishna, Gopāla, Cowherding Līlā, Pastoral Care, Vaiṣṇavism, Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Jīva Gosvāmī, Viśvanātha Cakravartī, Rakṣya, Theology of Care, Spiritual Care, Śaraṇāgati, PālanaAbstract
The article explores the cowherding līlā (divine play) of Krishna as a potential Vaiṣṇava model for pastoral care. Drawing parallels with the Christian concept of the "good shepherd," it examines how Krishna's role as Gopāla (caretaker of cows) in Vṛndāvana offers insights into spiritual and emotional support. The article analyzes scriptural descriptions, particularly from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa and commentaries by Jīva Gosvāmī and Viśvanātha Cakravartī, focusing on Krishna's act of calling the cows home in the evening. It highlights themes of individualized care (calling each cow by name), remembrance (counting the cows), and selfless protection and maintenance (rakṣya and pālana). The article proposes that these aspects of Krishna's līlā can inform a distinctly Vaiṣṇava theology of pastoral care, emphasizing a personal relationship with the divine and the importance of divine protection and sustenance for all beings (jīvātmā), as reflected in the concept of śaraṇāgati (taking refuge).
