Srimati Radharani

We can only approach Srimati Radharani
through Her intimate associates.
You are one, no doubt about that.
You preached Her glories everywhere …

Prabhupada, may I too say
“Queen of Vraja”, “Mother of Bhakti?”
May I wake to Her service?
I’m not completely cleared
of material sex desire,
but I am keeping my vows –
can I please begin?
It is so late already, with little time left –
I’ve failed to worship Radharani.
I never stopped to consider
that She is the refuge of all devotees,
the dearmost friend.
I thought I shouldn’t think of Her,
but now I am begging …

Prabhupada, please protect
my creeper of devotional service
through practical acts for your mission.
There I will find Radharani’s blessings.

Prabhupada, you said Radharani is
only known by liberated souls.
And yet you spoke to us about Her,
attracted our minds to
“the best devotee of Krishna.
She loves Him the most.”

In 1966, when we were still grimed
with Second Avenue dust, you
showed us Radharani in a painting.
And you wrote in TLC that She is
15 days younger than Krishna and
when He stands in His youthful pose,
She puts Her hand on His shoulder.
When I found a color photo of Radha-Krishna
looking very young, standing together,
I asked if you liked it.
You nodded and said, “Yes.”
And I had that photo reproduced
for all your disciples.
Radha-Krishna, the cow, Yamuna, the forest.
They are the ultimate abode
of worship, perfection and love of God.

You taught us this from the beginning:
“Radha is kind.  So we only fast
until noon on Her birthday.

Prabhupada, tell us more about Radharani.
Often you’d say, “No, we are not
fit to hear.”  But then
you would tell something,
with caution.

Prabhupada, please teach me still.
I want to remember you and follow you
in practical service and in the philosophy
of the avataras, Creation, Бхагавад-гита –
all leading to Radha-Krishna
pastimes;
they are the ultimate,
you have made it clear.

And Radharani’s name is called upon
eight times in the Hare Krishna mantra.
You say we should call on Her
as a child calls for the mother.

“O Energy of God!  O Lord!
Please engage me in Your service.”