eternal companions. The region of Vrindavana, the scene of the Lord's childhood games, still exists today, and anyone who visits these places finds there the same spiritual bliss as before, even though the Lord is no longer visible to our imperfect eyes. Lord Chaitanya, the Golden Avatar, taught that this region is identical to the Lord Himself, and therefore worthy of receiving the worship of holy, devotees beings of Krishna, God, the Supreme Person. Because these places are identical with the Lord, devotees such as Uddhava and Vidura visited them five thousand years ago to enjoy direct contact with the Lord, whether He was visible there or not. Thousands of pure beings still inhabit the holy places of Vrindavana, and all are preparing there to return to God, to their original abode, located in the eternal kingdom of the Lord.

Walking in the forest of Vrindavana, Krishna said to his elder brother, Balarama, who is verily his first full emanation:

“Dear brother, of us all you are the first, and your lotus feet are the object of the worship of heavenly beings. Look at these trees, rich in fruit, which have bent down to worship your lotus feet. It looks like they are struggling to break through the darkness that forces them to take tree form. In truth, the trees that grow in the land of Vrindavana are not ordinary beings. Because in their previous life they upheld the impersonalist doctrine [that which claims that Krishna is only a spiritual being without form], now they have to go through this frozen condition. But now is the chance to see you in Vrindavana! And they pray to advance still further in the path of spiritual life in contact with your Person. Trees are generally counted among the beings who bathe in the darkness of Ignorance. Impersonalist philosophers also live in this darkness, but now those of them who on this blessed earth have taken on tree form are dispelling them, taking full advantage of your presence. According to Me, the drones that roar all around you must have been your devotees in their past life. They cannot bring themselves to be deprived of your company, for no master is better, more affectionate, than you. You are God, the Supreme and Original Lord, and these drones seek to spread your glories by singing them endlessly. I do believe that some of them are great sages, devotees of your Grace, and that they are now hiding in this form, unable, even for a moment, to leave you. Dear brother, you are God, the Supreme, the ultimate object of worship. So watch the peacocks, overwhelmed with ecstasy, dance in front of you. The deer, whose way of being resembles in every way that of the gopis [young girls of Vrindavana], welcome you with the same tenderness. And the cuckoos of this forest receive you with joy, for they consider your appearance in their abode auspicious. Although they are trees and animals, these inhabitants of Vrindavana proclaim your glories. They have their warmest welcome ready for you, as great souls do when they receive other great souls. As for the earth, how pious and fortunate must it be for your lotus-like feet to mark its body?”

“For all these inhabitants of Vrindavana, to receive a person of your greatness in this way is a natural act. Herbs, vines, and other plants are blessed to touch your lotus feet. Simply because you touch them with your hands, even tiny twigs become glorious. Rivers and hills alike, by your gaze on them. But because you embrace them