Significance of Eternal pastimes
Eternal pastimes in Vaishnavism refer to the timeless and divine activities of Krishna, which unfold beyond the material realm. These activities include his interactions with devotees and the gopis, showcasing a transcendental relationship that exceeds temporal existence. The concept encompasses the continuous divine pastimes of various manifestations of the Lord, such as Shri Radha Krishna and Lord Caitanya, emphasizing their infinite nature that persists independently of the physical world. These eternal pastimes highlight the ongoing spiritual engagement of devotees.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Eternal pastimes'
Eternal pastimes in Hinduism encompass the timeless and divine activities of Krishna and spiritual figures, reflecting everlasting interactions beyond temporal existence that engage liberated souls and devotees in the spiritual realm and promote transcendence.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The ongoing activities of the Lord that exist continuously across time and space, considered timeless and without interruption in various universes.[1] (2) The divine activities of the Lord that are timeless and transcend the physical realm, reflecting His nature and relationship with devotees.[2] (3) Timeless activities or divine plays associated with the Supreme Lord.[3] (4) The timeless and divine activities of Krishna with His associates in the spiritual realm of Vraja.[4] (5) The timeless and divine activities of Gauracandra that are deemed significant by devotees.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The ongoing and timeless activities of Lord Krishna, particularly his play with the gopa boys.[6] (2) Refers to the timeless and continuous divine activities that take place in spiritual realms.[7] (3) Refers to the everlasting divine activities that are celebrated and remembered in spiritual traditions.[8] (4) Describes the continuous and timeless spiritual activities that Krsna engages in.[9]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The spiritual activities of Radha and Krishna, which a sadhaka aims to enter and partake in.[10] (2) A term referring to the divine activities of spiritual figures, such as Shrila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja as described in the devotional context.[11] (3) The divine activities of Shri Shri Radha Krishna in the spiritual realm, reflecting the deeper significance of the worship.[12] (4) Refers to the nitya-lila, the divine pastimes of the deities that are everlasting and transcendental.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The continuous and timeless activities of the divine that transcend mortal understanding.[14] (2) The divine events and activities that exhibit the qualities of Bhagavan and involve His various interactions.[15] (3) Activities of divine significance that are perpetual and transcend temporal existence, as exemplified by the playful interactions of Shri Krishna with the gopis.[16]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The timeless, divine activities of the Lord that devotees engage in after liberation.[17]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the timeless and ongoing activities of the Lord that transcend earthly existence.[18]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Activities in which the perfectly emancipated souls engage in the presence of Godhead.[19]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Implies that the activities of Jananivasa are everlasting in nature.[20]