Gop- Gopaniya- Something hidden…
Once we see the hidden tatva in the cosmos, we become Gopis.
Radha Rani dwelled at the climax of the experience of Oneness, while other gopis felt some difference in Krishna and themselves. Thus, they could only feel the Ecstacy momentarily. In Ras Leela, all gopis felt that Krishna was with them. Even in the world, Krishna is in everyone, though hidden to our gross eyes. He is in everyone, playing Leela through his creations. Once we feel the presence, we are gopis.
In Ras Leela, even Shiva, the Gopeshwar, descended on the earth to participate in the Leela as a young lady. Rishi Sandeepani even participated in the Leela disguised as a lady. It was the rule that there should be all girls except Krishna.
This means that the tatva is beyond gender. Our bhava is important.
After the Leela, gopis felt boastful that Krishna was only with them. Immediately, Krishna became gopaniya. Even Radha Rani became invisible. Gopis cried and asked for forgiveness, being stained by ego. Then, Krishna showed his opulent form. Thus it is said, “Bhagwan to dekhna, Bhagwan ke saath rehna, aur Bhagwan ho jane mein bahut antar hai.” Our aim should be ‘Bhagwan ho jana’.