“As Balarama and Krishna grew up, the ladies of Gokula blissfully watched all their playful childhood activities. Forgetting themselves, they too would join in and play along with these two children”.

Seeing their extra-ordinary plays, at times these ladies would be apprehensive. At other times, they would be soaked in bliss. At times when they touched Krishna, they would experience a flow of energy which was similar to electrical shock. At other times, he was soft like flower petals. Sometimes when he was carried, the ladies would feel he was as soft as melted butter. At such times, they feared he could slip from their arms and fall down. On other occasions Krishna appeared to be as heavy as a boulder and hence could not be carried. At times people dreaded to touch him as his body emitted powerful vibrations. Each occasion was novel in itself. In this way, the Lord, with the help of His illusionary powers, playfully engaged in divine sports.

“The brothers would catch the tails of the cows and calves in Gokula”.

All these cows and calves were supreme ascetics in their past births. During Rama’s incarnation, many of them had pleaded to be bestowed with a chance to spend time in His company. At that time Rama had declared, “In this incarnation it is impossible. When I incarnate as Krishna, I will fulfil this request.” On the strength of this boon, all of them had now taken birth in Gokula. During Rama’s incarnation, many of these ascetics had nursed a desire to hug Rama, kiss Him and spend time admiring Him. If devotees feel thus towards their Lord, what is wrong with it? If a person eternally meditates upon the Lord, what is wrong if he entertains a desire to touch the Lord, who is so dear to him? What is wrong if he develops a desire to carry the Lord who he meditates upon eternally? For this reason, ascetics who were engaged in penance, beseeched Rama to bestow this chance upon them. While agreeing to fulfill their desire in the next incarnation, He had also guaranteed that they could play with Him.

It is immaterial to us whether the ascetics remembered this discussion with Srirama or not. However, given the fact that they were accomplished in penance, some memories of their past would definitely have existed in them. In this incarnation as Krishna, all of them were drawn towards Him.

Some ascetics were reborn as cows. Some devotees, who although firm in devotion but filled with traits of laziness towards worldly activities were born as cows. They were exalted devotees, who in devotion were at par with the Devatas. However, they were disinclined towards the material world. Unconcerned with any other material dealing, they sought to focus endlessly upon the Lord. Such supreme saintly beings were reborn as cows in Gokula.

When we see a cow isn’t it apparent that it is unconcerned about any other worldly activity? All cows are Mahatmas. For this reason, it is said that a cow should be revered and worshipped. All deities exist within a cow. If the cow was non-existent, Devatas would never have descended to Earth. The presence of Devatas on the Earth ensures proper supply of water, food etc. to other living entities. Is it right then to cause cows to become extinct from Earth?

After the cow is dead, its body can be used for any commercial purpose. However, to kill a cow so as to use its parts is sinful. Perhaps you could argue- is it then correct to eat vegetables? After all, plants are living entities. Is it right to cut plants for our food and other needs? Isn’t it sinful?

Remember one very important point- that which does not run away when caught, that which does not shriek in fright when held and that which does not try to save its life, is meant for the well-being of others. A cow tries to save its life when caught; it tries to escape; it realizes that it is about to be culled; even if it is emaciated and on the verge of death, it trembles fearfully when taken for culling. It undergoes unexplainable agony.

Naturally, the sin incurred due to killing a cow gets distributed amongst all those who were involved in that deed. In fact, all human beings living during that time period get a share in this sin. Lack of rain, famine, floods, cheating and unrighteous activities, typhoons, tsunamis, disastrous accidents are the outcomes of these sinful deeds.

A person who is desirous of eating beef or of using the body parts of a cow for various purposes can take the same from a cow that has died a natural death. Even if some degree of sin is attached to this deed, it is not as sinful as killing it. Let us now return to the story.

The brothers caught the tails of the calves tightly. Since all the Devatas reside within cows and calves, it implies that He was showering blessings upon them all through this deed.

“The calves, whose tails they had held on to, would drag these boys along with them. At times, the calf, which is an embodiment of all Gods in entirety, would wag its tail from side to side while the boys, who held on to the tail, would swing from one end to another”.

In the stage of infancy these boys were weightless like flower garlands. Hence the cow was not troubled. In lieu of swings, the boys used to swing on cow tails. The cows were supremely fortunate that the Lord used their tails as His swing.

“The ladies of Gokula would set aside all their household chores to enjoy these pastimes of the Lord. Enjoying His mischievous deeds they would laugh joyfully. They would rush from their homes to enjoy this sport”.

The beauty of this scene was such that they felt their two eyes were inadequate to absorb the grandeur completely. It can be said that their mind, heart, and senses were totally filled with thoughts of the Lord. How fortunate they were!