Kangra School, Mid-18th century AD.
Vrindavan was not just a place for troubles and difficulties, but was also a place for Krishna's endless pranks: stealing butter, breaking the water pots, or stealing the clothes of the Gopis while the bathe in the Yamuna.
While the Gopis bathe, Krishna steals their clothes and waits for them to come out. When they are finished bathing, the Gopis are horrified to find their clothes. They beg Krishna to return the clothes. Some Gopis walk towards him, others sit on the river bank, few stay in the river. Other Gopis are coming down to the river as the sun breaks through the horizon.
This is not a painting on voyeurism. It is symbolic of the fact that we human beings have egos which give us a sense of identity, yet a sense of dilution. We construct our worlds according to our notions. But such notions are neither the truth, nor the reality, nor permanent. They are as decorative and temporary as clothes are. Once we understand the higher truths of our existence, our dilutions, and ego disappear. We stand naked before the God. We stand in our pristine condition as eternal souls who must mingle with godhood. The spiritual journey is endless. God waits for us to come to him in our original Self.
While the Gopis bathe, Krishna steals their clothes and waits for them to come out. When they are finished bathing, the Gopis are horrified to find their clothes. They beg Krishna to return the clothes. Some Gopis walk towards him, others sit on the river bank, few stay in the river. Other Gopis are coming down to the river as the sun breaks through the horizon.
This is not a painting on voyeurism. It is symbolic of the fact that we human beings have egos which give us a sense of identity, yet a sense of dilution. We construct our worlds according to our notions. But such notions are neither the truth, nor the reality, nor permanent. They are as decorative and temporary as clothes are. Once we understand the higher truths of our existence, our dilutions, and ego disappear. We stand naked before the God. We stand in our pristine condition as eternal souls who must mingle with godhood. The spiritual journey is endless. God waits for us to come to him in our original Self.
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