So let’s talk about Vātsalya ras (the devotional mood of parental love) and let’s listen to some leelas (Divine pastimes). You’ve heard a lot of philosophy, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening to some bāl leelas (childhood Divine pastimes). So the vātsalya bhāv, in this bhav, the devotee thinks of himself as the parent, and Shree Krishna (the Supreme Divine personality) is the child.
And if you’re loving leelas, these instances will reveal to you the height of proximity, the height of nearness, closeness, and the authority which a devotee has over child Krishna in this Vātsalya bhāv. There’s a beautiful little narration depicted by a Saint by the name of Bilvamangal of Rajasthan in the following conversation between young Krishna and mother Yashoda.
Mother Yashoda says to child Krishna, “My son, you are now six years old! You must go to school and study!”
Little Krishna asks, “What should I study?”
“The shastras (sacred scriptures).”
“Why should I study them?”
“To attain true knowledge.”
“Whose knowledge?”
“The knowledge of God.”
“Who is that God?”
“He is the Lord of the three universes.”
“But why should I know that God?”
“You will attain true knowledge, and from that knowledge you will attain devotion, and from devotion you will attain detachment.”
“Then what?” asks little Krishna.
“You will attain liberation.”
And Shree Krishna says, “But Mother, I do not want any liberation! You can keep this liberation to yourself! All I want is some milk and curds!”
