Shree Raas

This volume is based on Srimad Bhagwat - which is considered the last book of the Vedic literature. It contains beautiful stories that summarise the teachings of the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads. Shree Krishna's life is beautifully depicted in the Bhagwat by its author, Guru Ved Vyas. Shree Rass tells us of the celestial play of Shree Krishna with His eternal souls (Brahma Srishtis - Gopis). It is said that Shree Krishna possessed the powers of Aksharatit Brahma for 11 years and 52 days while he lived in Gokul. He had manifested to show His dear souls the path of true, selfless love. Only by this can we reach our Supreme Master. That is the message that Shree Krishna gave to the world. Prannathji says that Raas was not a physical dance of Shree Krishna with the Gopis. Its "Adhyatmik" (spiritual, indicative) meaning is the blissful union of the souls with their Supreme Lord. The gopis were blissful souls who had lost their way, forgotten their true nature. However, they were full of longing for their Lord. So, when they heard the call of the flute, they immediately realised their folly. The entire Raas occurred in a Chinmaya (Celestial State). The Vrindavan garden, the souls, the Lord were all in their Chinmaya, celestial form. Prannathji emphasised the Path of Devotion - true love for the Lord. He says "Vigorous penance, punishment of the body etc., will not take us very far. God's power of illusion (Maya) is very strong. We can be freed from the grip of Maya if we only listen to His call. He has always been calling us, it is our ears that are closed. We are deluded - and that is also at God's command." This is the beginning of the next volume, Prakash.