The gopis, consumed with longing for Krishna, gathered in solitude to deliberate. Alone, each devoted to one joy, they spoke of Him and delighted in the telling. Those given to argument and speculation were kept at a distance. Those cunning, eloquent, narrative, and calculating ones were told, 'Do not come near us.' In fear of the people, they merged together as one and forcefully extinguished every lamp. The bliss of Krishna is not known to the mind; those who do not know it slander the Krishna-devoted ones. Krishna does not come near where there is noise and commotion. Therefore they gathered in silent harmony. Inwardly tender, outwardly pure, those maidens were absorbed in Krishna's meditation. Their eyes were fixed on Hari's form, their ears on His stories alone. They embraced one another, each clasping the other to her heart. They could not endure separation and wept aloud, bewildered, forgetful of their own bodies. They forgot their homes, their children, and their husbands, calling out for Govinda's presence. Lost in that state, they became still and clear. Each one became the very form of Krishna. Crying 'Krishna!' they gave one another embraces, yet the fire of separation was not quenched. Who can cool this fever except Govinda Himself, when He is not seen with one's own eyes? Without seeing Him, their life-breath threatened to depart. 'He has made us wait too long,' they said. Empty philosophical talk did not please them; they craved only Krishna's embrace. 'Perhaps we have failed in some past service to Him. Perhaps God is angry.' They searched their past deeds for sins and merits, each offering the other consolation. Overcome with remorse, those maidens burned with anguish and threw their bodies down upon the earth. Knowing their devotion, Krishna, who had been near all along, was moved to compassion. He appeared and revealed His form, cooling the triple fire of their suffering. Seeing Krishna's blessed face, all grief, delusion, and sorrow vanished. Perceiving the truth of their devotion, the Lord of Vaikuntha embraced them. Through union with Hari's body, they became Hari's form. Words fell silent before that joy. Though outwardly living as householders, they had secretly embraced the Infinite through love. Blessed are those who, while concealing Hari in their hearts, dwell among the people. God does not let them lack for anything. He protects them in every place. The subtlety of this devotion is beyond even Brahma's grasp. Through devotion, God is shaped to the devotee's vision. Says Tuka, blessed is their so-called transgression. Through it, they attained the supreme bliss.