with the sound of his flute, but rather respond with a soft growl, charged with a deep homage to Krishna, their friend."
If we hold Krishna for the Friend of the clouds, it is because, like the cloud, He brings satisfaction to beings in distress. When men burn in hot weather, the cloud of rain soothes them. Likewise, when men immersed in material existence are devoured by the burning fire of the sufferings of this world, Krishna relieves them. Thus, the cloud and Krishna, who also have the same complexion, are friends. To praise the greatness of his Friend, the cloud, instead of pouring out its waters, rains small flowers, and to protect it from the heat of the sun, covers the head of Krishna.
"Friend," said another gopi, "when Krishna returns home with his cows, the footprints of the soles of his feet, the standard, the thunderbolt, the trident, and the lotus flower, soothe the earth of the pain that he cause the hooves of cows. He walks with a fascinating step; he carries his flute. Just looking at him, we feel the ardent desire of his presence. Then we stop all movement, and like trees, we remain perfectly motionless. What are we like? That we have forgotten.
Krishna had thousands and thousands of cows, divided into groups, according to their color. Each color also had different names. When Krishna returned from the pastures, He found all the cows assembled. As the sages sing about one hundred and eight beads of chaplets, which represent one hundred eight gopis, the Lord divided his cows into one hundred and eight different groups.
"When Krishna returns from pastures," said a gopi, "he is wearing a garland of tulasi leaves. He warmly places his hand on the shoulder of a young shepherd and begins to breathe in his sublime flute. The wives of the black deer are delighted to hear the vibration of his flute, which is reminiscent of the vina. The deer come to Krishna and feel so much the charm that they stand still, forgetting the male and the little ones. As we by the ocean of sublime qualities of Krishna, the doe is enchanted by the vibration of her flute.
Another gopi addressed Mother Yasoda: "Dear mother, when your son comes home, he sprinkles himself with buds of the kunda flower, and to vivify, make his friends happy, he blows in his flute. The southern breeze makes the atmosphere pleasant with its aroma and freshness. Celestial beings, such as Gandharvas and Siddhas, take the opportunity to offer prayers to Krishna, making their horns and drums sound. Krishna shows great kindness to the people of Vrajabhumi, of Vrindavana. When he returns with his cows and friends, he remembers raising Govardhana Hill. Then, in these favorable moments, the highest celestial beings, like Brahma and Siva, come down to offer their evening prayers and accompany the young shepherds in their glorification of the attributes of Krishna".
"Krishna is compared to the moon because he was born in Devaki's breast ocean. When he returns in the evening, despite his apparent fatigue, he tries to give joy to the inhabitants of Vrindavana by his happy presence. When Krishna returns, wearing