I.
1.
Introduction
a. On the nature of the divine and of human relationships with the divine
b. Textual
sources: Gita-Govinda of Jayadevi (12 century); Brahmavivarta Purana (16th Century)
2.
Balakrishna
a. Mischievous: spontaneous and tumultuous
b. Self-absorption and self-delight
c. Combat as Play: slayer of demons, protector of the people.
d. Stories:
i. The demoness Putana: disguised as a woman, poisoned nipples
ii. Krishna lifts Mt. Govardana: Indra afflicts Vrindavana with rainstorm for neglecting him, K holds Mt. G aloft with his little finger for several days like an umbrella
iii.
Slaying the Multi-headed Serpent Kaliya:: lives in
nearby stream, poisoned the waters, K humors him, then jumps onto heads and
dances, grants him his life.
3. The Theology of Lila: Divine Play.
a. The
divine as spontaneous, free, unrestricted, wild, playful
b. A devotional attitude/relationship: approach like an adoring parent.
II. Krishna as Divine Lover
1.
a. Poetic
descriptions: every characteristic to be relished, otherworldly grace, fragrant
smell, nails, face, etc.
b. Mirabai:
16th century passionate devotee, proclaimed K to be her husband
c. Gopis:
cow-herding girls
2. The
call of
a. A
summons to
b. Affects
all of creation: rivers slow to hear, clouds hover overhead, astonishes and
distracts the gods
3. The
theology of Ananda = Bliss. Universe shudders with delight,
4.
a. Shyness,
awakening of love. Love play: mocked quarrels, fits of temper, reconciliation.
Emotions of one overcome by love, freedom of ecstasy, derangement, no control
of senses (earrings on hands, necklace on ankles) immersion in lover
5.
a. Shaktis
of
b.
c. Love in marriage or out of wedlock
i.
Longing in the lover’s absence. The Gopis’ asceticism
6. The
devotional relationship: a relationship of lovers;