Each one served God in their own way, singing songs as they played with Him. A game was organized on the banks of the Yamuna. 'Come, let us play ball now.' They brought long sticks and poles of four lengths and sat down to divide themselves into teams. When Govinda looked for someone equal to Himself as a partner, He said, 'There is no second player like Me.' Knowing the disposition of each one, He devised the plan Himself. He told them all, 'All of you stand on one side. Guard my ball, my teammates.' 'I need no other companion. All of you together must match my skill.' 'Join your cries to my shout. Do not scatter in confusion.' 'Stay together, all of you. Watch where the ball goes and catch it.' He tells everyone this, yet He stands apart, alone. He struck the ball upward with His bat. Everyone stood frozen, just watching. They stood watching, unable to move. He cried, 'Catch it!' They could not. Only one whose strength matches His can catch it. No one else has the speed. The cowherds fell into confusion. He said, 'Come, follow Me.' Without God, no other path appears, no matter how clever the crowd. The clever devise many routes, but Hari waits and watches for the right moment. Those cowherds who followed Govinda were led along the cool and safe path. Those who strayed on their own suffered the consequences. The hardship is the same for those in front and those behind, for leaders and followers who have lost the way. The path ahead is unknown to the leaders; those behind must open their eyes. One who lacks the discernment that comes with maturity is no better than a child in a grown body. One who will not listen to sound advice, the wise should not follow such a person. The fool insists on doing what offends the good. Such a one alone is the true fool. They wandered through the whole forest and lost the path. Then they remembered the Lord. Casting aside all pride, they cried out to Him. The Lord of Vaikuntha heard their call. The four Vedas sing His praises, yet His deepest love is for these cowherds. God heard the cowherds' cry and signaled to them. Holding His hand, they all came to Hari's side. He comforted the small and the great and took care of all. Says Tuka, they were all sheltered, and they rejoiced in Hari's presence.

Each one serves Him in their own way, singing as they play with Him. A game is set up on the bank of the Yamuna. 'Come, let us play ball now.' They bring the long sticks and bats of four lengths and sit to choose sides, friend with friend. When Govinda looks for a partner equal to Himself, He says there is no second like Narayana. Knowing the heart of each one, He Himself tells them the way. He tells them all: stand on one side; guard my ball, friends. 'I need no other companion. All of you together must match my skill. Join your shout to my shout. Do not scatter and babble at each other. Stay all together, as one. Watch where it goes, and catch the ball.' He tells everyone this, yet He Himself stands apart, alone. He strikes the ball upward with His bat. They all stand still, only watching. They stand watching, unable to move, while He cries, catch it. Only one whose strength matches His own can catch it; no one else can keep up. It is not within their power; they have not His strength or wit; the low cannot reach the high. The cowherds fall into doubt. He says, all of you, come behind Me. Without God no other path appears, however many clever people there are. The clever think out many roads, but Hari waits and watches for His moment. The cowherds who went behind Govinda were led along the cool, safe path. Those who strayed by their own cleverness, behind them came their own ruin. The hardship is one for those ahead and those behind, for leaders and followers who have lost the way. The path ahead is not known to the leaders; those behind must open their eyes. One without the discernment that comes with age is, in the body, the same as a child. The one who will not hear good counsel in his ear, the good should not walk behind such a one. The fool insists on doing what offends a worthy mind; know that one alone for the true fool. They wandered the whole forest and lost the path; then they remembered Shrirang. Casting off shame they will raise a cry, and the Lord of Vaikuntha hears. The four Vedas sing His fame, yet His deep love is for the cowherds. Chakrapani hears the cowherds' cry and signals them His way. Holding His robe they come to Hari's side; small and great, He keeps them safe. Tuka says: He sheltered them all, and through Hari's face they were made happy.