A devotee’s question: “In devotion to Radha Krishna, we know we have to accept Krishna as our Priyatam (beloved), which is the highest form of devotion. That means loving Krishna as your beloved. But what relation do we have with Radharani in madhurya bhav (romantic devotional sentiment)?”
Swami Nikhilanand Ji’s answer: So if we have this madhurya bhav, it means we’re a gopi (cowherd maiden), and Krishna is our beloved. So how to relate to Radharani?
So although Radha is Krishna and Krishna is Radha, so by loving Krishna with madhurya bhav, you are loving Radha in Her form as Krishna with madhurya bhav.
But one thing to keep in mind is that although this may not be politically correct nowadays, it has to do with our inherent qualities as people. In general, in a relationship, a woman will be slightly quieter and the man will be more in charge, right? The woman will be more humble. This is just in general, the world over. This is how our psyche works.
So in devotion as well, when we see ourselves as gopis and Krishna is our beloved, there is an inherent humbleness in our love for Shree Krishna. If we see ourselves as a man who loves Radharani, there’s a difference there. So that’s why that type of madhurya bhav type of relationship with Radharani has not been taught by Shree Maharaj Ji. He taught to think of Radha as your mother. Think of Her as your best friend. You’re a gopi. She is your beloved. Both you and Radha have the same beloved, Krishna. He’s your best friend - something like that.
But the madhurya bhav, romantic type feelings, are for visualizing oneself as a gopi. Whether we’re currently in a male or female body; (it) makes no difference. We visualize ourselves as a gopi and we love Shree Krishna with that madhurya bhav.
And with Radha, think of Her as your mother or sister or best friend.
