Mirabai and the "Only Male"

Mirabai and the "Only Male" (The Glass Ceiling of 16th Century)

The Legend:
When the legendary saint-poetess Mirabai arrived in Vrindavan, she desired to meet Jiva Goswami, the most prominent scholar of the time. However, Jiva Goswami’s disciples stopped her at the door, stating that their master had taken a vow of strict celibacy and would not look upon the face of a woman.

Mirabai didn't leave. She sent back a message that shook the theological foundations of the town: "I thought that in Vrindavan, the only 'Purusha' (Male/Enjoyer) is Lord Krishna, and everyone else—living entities, souls, and sages—are 'Prakriti' (Female/Enjoyed). I am surprised to learn there is another Male in Vrindavan besides Krishna."

Hearing this profound truth—that the soul has no gender and all souls are feminine in relation to the Divine—Jiva Goswami immediately ran out, bowed to her, and accepted her as a spiritual equal.

Contemporary Utility:

• Gender Equality & Spiritual Identity: This is a powerful narrative for the modern era. It dismantles gender bias by asserting that at the level of the soul (Atman), gender constructs do not exist.
• Challenging Dogma: It teaches us that rules and rituals (like the vow of celibacy) should never supersede the higher truth of spiritual connection. It encourages speaking truth to power with wit and wisdom.