23/02/2026
On the path to self- and God-consciousness, austerity and philosophy are necessary — but they are not the ultimate goal. The example of perfection is found in the Gopis, the cowherd maidens of Vrindavan — simple village girls whose love for the cowherd boy Krishna is pure, selfless, and unconditional. That very cowherd boy is the Original Personality of Godhead.
Such spontaneous devotion is regarded in Bhakti Yoga as the highest state of the soul.
From our limited experience, we can see that without empathy, compassion, and kind, friendly interaction — without a sense of safe and caring community — spiritual life can unconsciously turn into pride and a feeling of superiority. Therefore, no matter how much wisdom or austerity we may display in our teachings, what truly touches and interests people in the end is loving, warm, and sincere human connection.