Chapter Six — Love Grows Through Sacred Relationship

Madhuraṃ manoharaṃ Rāmaṃ pati-sambandha-pūrvakam,
Jñātvā sadaiva bhajate sā śṛṅgāra-rasāśrayā. (27)

She who knows sweet and enchanting Rama through the relationship of husband and beloved, and always worships him in that awareness, takes shelter in the conjugal rasa.

Evaṃ bhāvanayā nityaṃ parā hy avyabhicāriṇī,
Vardhate ’nudinaṃ prītiḥ satyaṃ satyaṃ na cānyathā. (28)

Through constant contemplation in this manner, supreme and unwavering love increases day after day. This is true—true indeed—and cannot be otherwise.

The commentator reinforces the teaching: those who worship Hari in this intimate manner cross what is otherwise exceedingly difficult to cross.

Loke ’pi dṛśyate sākṣāt sambandhasya pragalbhatā,
Kiṃ punar Jānakī-jānau sarva-bhāva-prapūrake. (29)

Even in worldly life the strength produced by relationship is directly visible. How much greater must it be in relation to Janaki’s Lord, who completely fulfils every devotional feeling?

Deha-traya-vināśaṃ ca kṛtvādau guru-vaktrataḥ,
Tataḥ sambandha-yogyatvaṃ prāpnoti muni-puṅgava. (30, continues)

O foremost of sages, first, through the mantra received from the guru’s mouth, the aspirant brings the three bodies to an end. Thereafter one becomes qualified to enter the sacred relationship.