|
RADHA
Gentleness and enchanting
femininity mark the essence of Radha, no simple consort
to Krishna. She is the consort par excellence, the sunshine
to Krishna’s sun that makes his radiance possible.
When someone needs an unconditional caress, a divine hug,
or open arms, then Radha is the one to call. When someone
needs re-enchantment with life, that person needs Radha.
|
|
|
Radha embodies nurturance,
loving devotion, and pleasure. One common account says
that Radha was born among the most prominent cowherding
parents. As a young cowherd (gopi), Radha assumed the
qualities of cows – sweetness and nurturance. And
when that mischievous lover Krishna came dancing and playing
his flute, Radha appeared with the most unconditional,
yet confident adoration, love, and devotion. Her love
enchanted the enchanter.
Radha’s other common
names express her essence – Gandharva (virtuoso
singer), Govinda-nandini (one who gives pleasure to Krishna),
and Govinda-mohin (one who enchants or mystifies Krishna).
The presence of Radha juices our feelings of love. If
Krishna fills our hearts with love, Radha radiates that
love through our whole body. She is the tingle, the electric
current that makes of that love nectar.
Radha’s birthday,
called the Radhastami, is celebrated two weeks or fifteen
days after Krishna’s – at the beginning of
August. Hence, a Radha card or other Radha-related item
would be ideal for any celebration that occurs during
a mysterious mid-summer night.
A Radha card or other item
might be the right gesture for someone needing to feel
again life’s magic. People not dealing optimally
with mid-life, with menopause, or with changes in body
or life circumstances might like the sweet, pleasurable
embrace and kiss that Radha proffers.
Biography provided
by Jeff
Davis: Author of The
Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies
and Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing.
His essays,
articles, short stories, and poems have appeared in publications
around the country and in London. He is a former senior
yoga teacher at Bliss Yoga Center in Woodstock, NY and
founder of WEN
Barn & Gardens in Accord, NY. He
resides near Woodstock, NY, between the Catskill Mountains
and the Shawangunk Mountains with wife Hillary.
|
|
