* * *There are four groups of gopis in Vraja: svapaksa (belonging to Radhika's own group), vipaksa (belonging to the group of Her rivals), tatastha-paksa (belonging to the group that is neutral to Her), and suhrt-paksa (belonging to the group that is friendly to Her).
Krsna's pastimes cannot take place without them. However, there are no seperate groups when Krsna disappears, or when He goes to Mathura or Dvaraka and the mood of seperation will then manifest in the gopis' hearts. At that time, all the parties become one for Krsna, and they help each other. Candravali, Bhadra, or any of the others may come and pacify Srimati Radhika, because Her separation is paramount. They are very sympathetic towards Her, because their separation mood is not as high in comparison. They say things like, "O Radhika, You should not weep. Krsna will come." Even Candravali, who has her own intense longing for Krsna , will also try to comfort Sri Radhika with heartfelt, sweet, compassionate words.
Krsna's pastimes cannot take place without them. However, there are no seperate groups when Krsna disappears, or when He goes to Mathura or Dvaraka and the mood of seperation will then manifest in the gopis' hearts. At that time, all the parties become one for Krsna, and they help each other. Candravali, Bhadra, or any of the others may come and pacify Srimati Radhika, because Her separation is paramount. They are very sympathetic towards Her, because their separation mood is not as high in comparison. They say things like, "O Radhika, You should not weep. Krsna will come." Even Candravali, who has her own intense longing for Krsna , will also try to comfort Sri Radhika with heartfelt, sweet, compassionate words.
