Brahmāchari (Brahma + chara) is the one who is immersed in the Para Brahma tattva (eternal principle). Being Brahma himself, a “Nitya Brahmachāri” moves about in this world. Sree Krishna is called as Nitya Brahmachāri by the sages. How can the one, who moves around with thousands of Gopikas (cowherd women) be called nitya brahmachāri? Let us find out.
Tyagarāja Swamy, in one of his compositions, extolled Krishna as “Samayāniki tagu mātalādane gopijana sangamulekane kreedinchene”! Few say that Krishna has 16,000 wives. We can understand this only when we understand the subtle aspects involved with it. There are 72,000 nerves in our body and the main control element is the antarātma (the soul). This is analogous to the 16,000 nerves of Sree Krishna. Thus, there is a correlation between the digits 12 and 16 as per philosophy. The inner meaning here is that in every body, the nerves called Gopikās are under the control of Krishna who is the antarātma. Instead, we must not understand that Krishna has so many wives.
In another way, the almighty Purushottama is extolled as “pumsām mohana rūpāya”. This means that the Lord is the one who attracts even men. Who is called a Pūrna purusha (complete man)? Only the one who has no desires at all can be called “Pūrna Purusha.” He is the Purushottama (best amongst men). He alone is God and Nitya Brahmachāri. From this, we understand that Paramatma is the only purusha (man) and rest all the beings are women (since all of them have desires). Here, Gopikās are the detached souls. In their previous birth, they were all Yogis. Krishna danced with all of them without any attachment. He appeared to each of the Gopikās individually. The same is described in Bhāgavatha as Rasakrīda/Rāsakrīda. It is very difficult to understand about Krishna. Even mother Yashoda who brought up Krishna could not understand him. She struggled a lot. Little Krishna had shown his Vishwaroopa in his mouth to mother Yashoda. But, very soon he enveloped his illusion on her. Thus, she brought him up like a normal child.
Once, Krishna was dancing with Gopikas near the banks of river Yamuna. At that time, a Yogi, who was standing at a far distance, was observing them. He wondered, “How can he be called as Nitya Brahmachāri when he is playing with so many Gopikās? How can he be called a Yogi?” Thinking so and scolding Krishna, he moved to the other bank walking on the river. Krishna knew all this but he simply kept calm. However, the Gopikās did not neglect. They listened to the words of the Yogi and informed Krishna that he was scolding him and also mentioned that he walked away on the river. Krishna smiled and said, “I will stay here and you all walk on the river chanting that I am Nitya Brahmachāri. Go to the other side of the river and come back to me reciting the same. The Gopikās followed Krishna’s instructions. River Yamuna gave them the way to walk. The Yogi watched this all. His ego got completely vanished. He understood his blunder. He only observed Krishna’s outward actions but could not comprehend his tattva (principle). He prostrated at Krishna’s feet and said, “O Swami, I am trapped in the illusion created by your actions. You are indeed the Nitya Brahmachāri. Please forgive me.” Thus, he pleaded. Krishna blessed him with Jnana (divine knowledge). Hence, we must not be deceived by the external appearances and actions.
We must try to understand the true philosophy. The miracles of the Lord are such. Bhagavatham also attracts every one in every incident and thus traps everyone in illusion. Later, the illusion is removed by the teachings of the Lord’s tattva. It is the epitome of devotion. That is why, we must understand Bhagavatham in order to enhance our devotion and face our destiny easily. It also teaches us to cultivate devotion in our daily lives and helps us understand the Lord’s tattva better. Each and every human must follow it. Bhagavatham is a big science which is very easy to understand. One can learn to surrender to God. Each and every individual miracle of Lord is beautiful.
Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!