The paper begins by analyzing the meaning of gods and sacredness in the Hindu
tradition, then it introduces the character
of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It discusses his use of flute music to seduce gopis (lit., "herds-women"), and analyzes the character of gopis (Krishna's female devotees) for what they say about women's sexuality in the Hindu
tradition. The paper presents various stories from Hindu
literature many focusing on Krishna and his favorite gopi Radha, and analyzes the different states of emotion and sensuality described in that literature, defining and explaining Hindi terms. The paper briefly reviews modern Krishna worship, too. In conclusion, the paper finds that this loving side of Krishna was merely one more extension of his warlike nature - a means to destroy the wicked.