Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 10.13.60

yatra naisarga-durvairah

sahasan nri-mrigadayah

mitranivajitavasa-

druta-rut-tarshakadikam

SYNONYMS

yatra -- where; naisarga -- by nature; durvairah -- living in enmity; saha asan -- live together; nri -- human beings; mriga-adayah -- and animals; mitrani -- friends; iva -- like; ajita -- of Lord Sri Krishna; avasa -- residence; druta -- gone away; rut -- anger; tarshaka-adikam -- thirst and so on.

TRANSLATION

Vrindavana is the transcendental abode of the Lord, where there is no hunger, anger or thirst. Though naturally inimical, both human beings and fierce animals live there together in transcendental friendship.

PURPORT

The word vana means "forest." We are afraid of the forest and do not wish to go there, but in Vrindavana the forest animals are as good as demigods, for they have no envy. Even in this material world, in the forest the animals live together, and when they go to drink water they do not attack anyone. Envy develops because of sense gratification, but in Vrindavana there is no sense gratification, for the only aim is Krishna's satisfaction. Even in this material world, the animals in Vrindavana are not envious of the sadhus who live there. The sadhus keep cows and supply milk to the tigers, saying, "Come here and take a little milk." Thus envy and malice are unknown in Vrindavana. That is the difference between Vrindavana and the ordinary world. We are horrified to hear the name of vana, the forest, but in Vrindavana there is no such horror. Everyone there is happy by pleasing Krishna. Krishnotkirtana-gana-nartana-parau. Whether a gosvami or a tiger or other ferocious animal, everyone's business is the same -- to please Krishna. Even the tigers are also devotees. This is the specific qualification of Vrindavana. In Vrindavana everyone is happy. The calf is happy, the cat is happy, the dog is happy, the man is happy -- everyone. Everyone wants to serve Krishna in a different capacity, and thus there is no envy. One may sometimes think that the monkeys in Vrindavana are envious, because they cause mischief and steal food, but in Vrindavana we find that the monkeys are allowed to take butter, which Krishna Himself distributes. Krishna personally demonstrates that everyone has the right to live. This is Vrindavana life. Why should I live and you die? No. That is material life. The inhabitants of Vrindavana think, "Whatever is given by Krishna, let us divide it as prasada and eat." This mentality cannot appear all of a sudden, but it will gradually develop with Krishna consciousness; by sadhana, one can come to this platform.

In the material world one may collect funds all over the world in order to distribute food freely, yet those to whom the food is given may not even feel appreciative. The value of Krishna consciousness, however, will gradually be very much appreciated. For instance, in an article about the temple of the Hare Krishna movement in Durban, South Africa, the Durban Post reported, "All the devotees here are very active in the service of Lord Krishna, and the results are obvious to see: happiness, good health, peace of mind, and the development of all good qualities." This is the nature of Vrindavana. Harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-gunah: without Krishna consciousness, happiness is impossible; one may struggle, but one cannot have happiness. We are therefore trying to give human society the opportunity for a life of happiness, good health, peace of mind and all good qualities through God consciousness.

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His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
His Holiness Hrdayananda dasa Goswami
Gopiparanadhana dasa Adhikari
Dravida dasa Brahmacari