The Yoga of Love

Abstract The Yoga of Love explores the Rāsa Līlā, a divine love story from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa that centers on the spiritual union of Krishna and the Gopīs, or cowherd maidens, in a cosmic dance of devotion. Through sixteen chapters, it addresses key theological and philosophical dimensions of bhakti, or devotional love, within Vaishnavism. The work begins by contextualizing the Rāsa Līlā within Hindu literature and tradition, emphasizing its unparalleled role in revealing divine intimacy. It then discusses the symbolic, ethical, and transformative nature of the Gopīs’ love for Krishna, illustrating how this relationship surpasses social norms and transcends mortality. The narrative details Krishna’s divine manifestations and the significance of his roles as lover, friend, and supreme deity, which shape the devotee’s path to salvation. This synthesis of devotion, theology, and symbolism positions the Rāsa Līlā as a timeless archetype of divine love and provides a great model of religious pluralism.