The Process of Devotional Service

Translation

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He is an ocean of transcendental mercy, and although the subject matter of bhakti-yoga is very confidential, He has nonetheless manifested it so nicely, even in this Age of Kali, the age of quarrel.

Word meanings

vande — I offer my respectful obeisances ; śrī - kṛṣṇa - caitanya - devam — unto Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tam — unto Him ; karuṇā - arṇavam — who is an ocean of mercy ; kalau — in this Age of Kali ; api — even ; ati — very ; gūḍhā — confidential ; iyam — this ; bhaktiḥ — devotional service ; yena — by whom ; prakāśitā — manifested .

Translation

All glories to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu! All glories to Nityānanda Prabhu! All glories to Advaitacandra! And all glories to all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu!

Word meanings

jaya jaya — all glories ; śrī - kṛṣṇa - caitanya nityānanda — to Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Nityānanda Prabhu ; jaya — all glories ; advaita - candra — to Advaita Prabhu ; jaya — all glories ; gaura - bhakta - vṛnda — to the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “I have described one’s relationship with Kṛṣṇa in various ways. This is the subject matter of all the Vedas. Kṛṣṇa is the center of all activities.

Word meanings

eita — thus ; kahiluṅ — I have described ; sambandha - tattvera vicāra — consideration of one’s relationship with Kṛṣṇa ; veda - śāstre — all Vedic literatures ; upadeśe — instructs ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; eka sāra — the only essential point .

Translation

“Now I shall speak about the characteristics of devotional service, by which one can attain the shelter of Kṛṣṇa and His loving transcendental service.

Word meanings

ebe — now ; kahi — I shall explain ; śuna — please hear ; abhidheya - lakṣaṇa — one’s prime business (devotional service) ; yāhā haite — from which ; pāi — one can get ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇa - prema - dhana — and the wealth of transcendental love for Him .

Translation

“A human being’s activities should be centered only on devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa. That is the verdict of all Vedic literatures, and all saintly people have firmly concluded this.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa ; abhidheya — the real activity of life ; sarva - śāstre — all Vedic literatures ; kaya — say ; ataeva — therefore ; muni - gaṇa — all saintly persons ; kariyāche — have made ; niścaya — firm conclusion .

Translation

“ ‘When the mother Vedas [śruti] is questioned as to whom to worship, she says that You are the only Lord and worshipable object. Similarly, the corollaries of the śruti-śāstras, the smṛti-śāstras, give the same instructions, just like sisters. The Purāṇas, which are like brothers, follow in the footsteps of their mother. O enemy of the demon Mura, the conclusion is that You are the only shelter. Now I have understood this in truth.’

Word meanings

śrutiḥ — Vedic knowledge ; mātā — like a mother who is affectionate to her children ; pṛṣṭā — when questioned ; diśati — she directs ; bhavat — of You ; ārādhana — worship ; vidhim — the process ; yathā — just as ; mātuḥ vāṇī — the instructions of the mother ; smṛtiḥ — the smṛti-śāstras, which explain the Vedic literatures ; api — also ; tathā — similarly ; vakti — express ; bhaginī — like a sister ; purāṇa - ādyāḥ — headed by the Purāṇas ; ye — which ; vā — or ; sahaja - nivahāḥ — like brothers ; te — all of them ; tat — of the mother ; anugāḥ — followers ; ataḥ — therefore ; satyam — the truth ; jñātam — known ; mura - hara — O killer of the demon Mura ; bhavān — Your Lordship ; eva — only ; śaraṇam — the shelter .

Purport

This quotation from the Vedic literature was spoken to the Lord by great sages.

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa is the nondual Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although He is one, He maintains different personal expansions and energies for His pastimes.

Word meanings

advaya - jñāna — of nondual knowledge ; tattva — the principle ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; svayam bhagavān — Himself the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; svarūpa — personal expansions ; śakti — of potencies ; rūpe — in the form ; tāṅra — His ; haya — there is ; avasthāna — existence .

Purport

The Lord has many potencies, and He is nondifferent from all these potencies. Because the potencies and the potent cannot be separated, they are identical. Kṛṣṇa is described as the source of all potencies, and He is also identified with the external potency, the material energy. Kṛṣṇa also has internal potencies, or spiritual potencies, which are always engaged in His personal service. His internal potency is different from His external potency. Kṛṣṇa’s internal potency and Kṛṣṇa Himself, who is the potent, are always identical.

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa expands Himself in many forms. Some of them are personal expansions, and some are separate expansions. Thus He performs pastimes in both the spiritual and the material worlds. The spiritual worlds are the Vaikuṇṭha planets, and the material universes are the brahmāṇḍas, gigantic globes governed by Lord Brahmā.

Word meanings

sva - aṁśa — of personal expansions ; vibhinna - aṁśa — of separated expansions ; rūpe — in the forms ; hañā — becoming ; vistāra — expanded ; ananta — unlimited ; vaikuṇṭha — in the spiritual planets known as Vaikuṇṭhas ; brahmāṇḍe — in the material universes ; karena vihāra — performs His pastimes .

Translation

“Expansions of His personal self — like the quadruple manifestations of Saṅkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna, Aniruddha and Vāsudeva — descend as incarnations from Vaikuṇṭha to this material world. The separated expansions are the living entities. Although they are expansions of Kṛṣṇa, they are counted among His different potencies.

Word meanings

sva - aṁśa - vistāra — the expansion of His personal forms ; catur - vyūha — His quadruple form ; avatāra - gaṇa — the incarnations ; vibhinna - aṁśa — His separated forms ; jīva — the living entities ; tāṅra — His ; śaktite — in the category of potency ; gaṇana — calculating .

Purport

The personal expansions are known as viṣṇu-tattva, and the separated expansions are known as jīva-tattva. Although the jīvas (living entities) are part and parcel of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they are still counted among His multipotencies. This is fully described by Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.5) :

apareyam itas tv anyāṁ prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat

“Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature.”

Although the living entities are Kṛṣṇa’s parts and parcels, they are prakṛti, not puruṣa. Sometimes prakṛti (a living entity) attempts to imitate the activities of the puruṣa. Due to a poor fund of knowledge, living entities conditioned in this material world claim to be God. They are thus illusioned. A living entity cannot be on the level of a viṣṇu-tattva, or the Personality of Godhead, at any stage; therefore it is ludicrous for a living entity to claim to be God. Advanced spiritualists would never accept such a thing. Such claims are made to cheat ordinary, foolish people. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement declares war against such bogus incarnations. The bogus propaganda put out by people claiming to be God has killed God consciousness all over the world. Members of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement must be very alert to defy these rascals, who are presently misleading the whole world. One such rascal, known as Pauṇḍraka, appeared before Lord Kṛṣṇa, and the Lord immediately killed him. Of course, those who are Kṛṣṇa’s servants cannot kill such imitation gods, but they should try their best to defeat them through the evidence of śāstra, authentic knowledge received through the disciplic succession.

Translation

“The living entities [jīvas] are divided into two categories. Some are eternally liberated, and others are eternally conditioned.

Word meanings

sei vibhinna - aṁśa — that separated part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa ; jīva — the living entity ; dui ta’ prakāra — two categories ; eka — one ; nitya - mukta — eternally liberated ; eka — one ; nitya - saṁsāra — perpetually conditioned .

Translation

“Those who are eternally liberated are always awake to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and they render transcendental loving service at the feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa. They are to be considered eternal associates of Kṛṣṇa, and they are eternally enjoying the transcendental bliss of serving Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

nitya - mukta — eternally liberated ; nitya — always ; kṛṣṇa - caraṇe — the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; unmukha — turned toward ; kṛṣṇa - pāriṣada — associates of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; nāma — known as ; bhuñje — enjoy ; sevā - sukha — the happiness of service .

Translation

“Apart from the ever-liberated devotees, there are the conditioned souls, who always turn away from the service of the Lord. They are perpetually conditioned in this material world and are subjected to the material tribulations brought about by different bodily forms in hellish conditions.

Word meanings

nitya - bandha — perpetually conditioned ; kṛṣṇa haite — from Kṛṣṇa ; nitya — eternally ; bahir - mukha — averse ; nitya - saṁsāra — perpetually conditioned in the material world ; bhuñje — experience ; naraka - ādi duḥkha — the tribulations of hellish conditions of life .

Translation

“Due to his being opposed to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the conditioned soul is punished by the witch of the external energy, māyā. He is thus ready to suffer the threefold miseries — miseries brought about by the body and mind, the inimical behavior of other living entities and natural disturbances caused by the demigods.

Word meanings

sei doṣe — because of this fault ; māyā - piśācī — the witch known as the external energy ; daṇḍa kare — gives punishment ; tāre — unto him ; ādhyātmika - ādi — beginning with those pertaining to the body and mind ; tāpa - traya — the threefold miseries ; tāre — him ; jāri’ — burning ; māre — gives pain .

Translation

“In this way the conditioned soul becomes the servant of lusty desires, and when these are not fulfilled, he becomes the servant of anger and continues to be kicked by the external energy, māyā. Wandering and wandering throughout the universe, he may by chance get the association of a devotee physician, whose instructions and hymns make the witch of the external energy flee. The conditioned soul thus gets into touch with devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa, and in this way he can approach nearer and nearer to the Lord.

Word meanings

kāma — of lusty desires ; krodhera — and of anger ; dāsa — the servant ; hañā — becoming ; tāra — by them ; lāthi khāya — is kicked ; bhramite bhramite — wandering and wandering ; yadi — if ; sādhu — a devotee ; vaidya — physician ; pāya — he gets ; tāṅra — his ; upadeśa - mantre — by instruction and hymns ; piśācī — the witch (the external energy) ; palāya — flees ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; pāya — obtains ; tabe — in this way ; kṛṣṇa - nikaṭa yāya — he goes to Kṛṣṇa .

Purport

An explanation of verses 8 through 15 is given by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura in his Amṛta-pravāha-bhāṣya. The Lord is spread throughout the creation in His quadruple expansions and incarnations. Kṛṣṇa is fully represented with all potencies in each and every personal extension, but the living entities, although separated expansions, are also considered one of the Lord’s energies. The living entities are divided into two categories — the eternally liberated and the eternally conditioned. Those who are ever liberated never come in contact with māyā, the external energy. The ever-conditioned souls are always under the clutches of the external energy. This is described by Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.14) :

daivī hy eṣā guṇamayī mama māyā duratyayā

“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome.”

The nitya-baddhas are always conditioned by the external energy, and the nitya-muktas never come in contact with the external energy. Sometimes an ever-liberated personal associate of the Supreme Personality of Godhead descends into this universe just as the Lord descends. Although working for the liberation of conditioned souls, the messenger of the Supreme Lord remains untouched by the material energy. Generally ever-liberated personalities live in the spiritual world as associates of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and they are known as kṛṣṇa-pāriṣada, associates of the Lord. Their only business is enjoying Lord Kṛṣṇa’s company, and even though such eternally liberated persons come within this material world to serve the Lord’s purpose, they enjoy Lord Kṛṣṇa’s company without stoppage. The ever-liberated person who works on Kṛṣṇa’s behalf enjoys Lord Kṛṣṇa’s company through his engagement. The ever-conditioned soul, provoked by lusty desires to enjoy the material world, is forced to transmigrate from one body to another. Sometimes he is elevated to higher planetary systems, and sometimes he is degraded to hellish planets and subjected to the tribulations of the external energy.

Due to being conditioned by the external energy, the conditioned soul within this material world gets two kinds of bodies — a gross material body and a subtle material body composed of mind, intelligence and ego. Due to the gross and subtle bodies, he is subjected to the threefold miseries ( ādhyātmika, ādhibhautika and ādhidaivika ), miseries arising from the body and mind, other living entities and natural disturbances caused by demigods from higher planetary systems. The conditioned soul subjected to the threefold material miseries is ceaselessly kicked by māyā, and this is his disease. If by chance he meets a saintly person who works on Kṛṣṇa’s behalf to deliver conditioned souls, and if he agrees to abide by his order, he can gradually approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.

Translation

“ ‘O my Lord, there is no limit to the unwanted orders of lusty desires. Although I have rendered these desires so much service, they have not shown any mercy to me. I have not been ashamed to serve them, nor have I even desired to give them up. O my Lord, O head of the Yadu dynasty, recently, however, my intelligence has been awakened, and now I am giving them up. Due to transcendental intelligence, I now refuse to obey the unwanted orders of these desires, and I now come to You to surrender myself at Your fearless lotus feet. Kindly engage me in Your personal service and save me.’

Word meanings

kāma - ādīnām — of my masters such as lust, anger, greed, illusion and envy ; kati — how many ; na — not ; katidhā — in how many ways ; pālitāḥ — obeyed ; duḥ - nideśāḥ — undesirable orders ; teṣām — of them ; jātā — generated ; mayi — unto me ; na — not ; karuṇā — mercy ; na — not ; trapā — shame ; na — not ; upaśāntiḥ — desire to cease ; utsṛjya — giving up ; etān — all these ; atha — herewith ; yadu - pate — O best of the Yadu dynasty ; sāmpratam — now ; labdha - buddhiḥ — having awakened intelligence ; tvām — You ; āyātaḥ — approached ; śaraṇam — who are the shelter ; abhayam — fearless ; mām — me ; niyuṅkṣva — please engage ; ātma - dāsye — in Your personal service .

Purport

This verse is also quoted in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (3.2.35). When we chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra we are saying, “Hare! O energy of the Lord! O my Lord Kṛṣṇa!” In this way we are simply addressing the Lord and His spiritual potency, represented as Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, Sītā-Rāma or Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa. The devotee always prays to the Lord and His internal energy (consort) so that he may engage in Their transcendental loving service. When the conditioned soul attains his real spiritual energy and fully surrenders unto the Lord’s lotus feet, he tries to engage in the Lord’s service. This is the real constitutional position of the living entity.

Translation

“Devotional service to Kṛṣṇa is the chief function of the living entity. There are different methods for the liberation of the conditioned soul — karma, jñāna, yoga and bhakti — but all the others are dependent on bhakti.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa ; haya — is ; abhidheya - pradhāna — the chief function of the living entity ; bhakti - mukha — of the face of devotional service ; nirīkṣaka — observers ; karma - yoga - jñāna — fruitive activities, mystic yoga and speculative knowledge .

Translation

“Without devotional service, all other methods for spiritual self-realization are weak and insignificant. Unless one comes to the devotional service of Lord Kṛṣṇa, jñāna and yoga cannot give the desired results.

Word meanings

ei saba — all these ; sādhanera — of methods of spiritual activities ; ati — very ; tuccha — insignificant ; bala — strength ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa ; vinā — without ; tāhā — all these ; dite — to deliver ; nāre — are not able ; phala — the desired result .

Purport

In the Vedic scriptures, stress is sometimes given to fruitive activity, speculative knowledge and the mystic yoga system. Although people are inclined to practice these processes, they cannot attain the desired results without being touched by kṛṣṇa-bhakti, devotional service. In other words, the real desired result is to invoke dormant love for Kṛṣṇa. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.6) states:

sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokṣaje ahaituky apratihatā yayātmā suprasīdati

“The supreme occupation [ dharma ] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.” Karma, jñāna and yoga cannot actually awaken love of Godhead. One has to take to the Lord’s devotional service, and the more one is inclined to devotional service, the more he loses interest in other so-called achievements. Dhruva Mahārāja went to practice mystic yoga to see the Lord personally, face to face, but when he developed an interest in devotional service, he saw that he was not being benefited by karma, jñāna and yoga.

Translation

“ ‘When pure knowledge is beyond all material affinity but is not dedicated to the Supreme Personality of Godhead [Kṛṣṇa], it does not appear very beautiful, although it is knowledge without a material tinge. What, then, is the use of fruitive activities — which are naturally painful from the beginning and transient by nature — if they are not utilized for the devotional service of the Lord? How can they be very attractive?’

Word meanings

naiṣkarmyam — which does not produce enjoyment of the resultant action ; api — although ; acyuta - bhāva — of devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; varjitam — devoid ; na — not ; śobhate — looks beautiful ; jñānam — speculative knowledge ; alam — exceedingly ; nirañjanam — which is without material contamination ; kutaḥ — how much less ; punaḥ — again ; śaśvat — always (at the time of practicing and at the time of achieving the goal) ; abhadram — inauspicious ; īśvare — to the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; na — not ; ca — also ; arpitam — dedicated ; karma — activities ; yat — which ; api — although ; akāraṇam — causeless .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.5.12) . Even after writing many Vedic literatures, Vyāsadeva felt very morose. Therefore his spiritual master, Nāradadeva, told him that he could be happy by writing about the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Up to that time, Śrīla Vyāsadeva had written the karma-kāṇḍa and jñāna-kāṇḍa sections of the Vedas, but he had not written about upāsanā-kāṇḍa, or bhakti. Thus his spiritual master, Nārada, chastised him and advised him to write about the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore Vyāsadeva began writing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Translation

“ ‘Those who perform severe austerities and penances, those who give away all their possessions out of charity, those who are very famous for their auspicious activity, those who are engaged in meditation and mental speculation, and even those who are very expert in reciting the Vedic mantras are not able to obtain any auspicious results, although they are engaged in auspicious activities, if they do not dedicate their activities to the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I therefore repeatedly offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose glories are always auspicious.’

Word meanings

tapasvinaḥ — those engaged in severe austerities and penances ; dāna - parāḥ — those engaged in giving their possessions as charity ; yaśasvinaḥ — those famous in society ; manasvinaḥ — experts in mental speculation or meditation ; mantra - vidaḥ — experts in reciting the Vedic hymns ; su - maṅgalāḥ — very auspicious ; kṣemam — real, eternal auspiciousness ; na — never ; vindanti — obtain ; vinā — without ; yat - arpaṇam — dedicating unto whom (the Supreme Personality of Godhead) ; tasmai — unto that Supreme Personality of Godhead ; su - bhadra śravase — whose glory is very auspicious ; namaḥ namaḥ — I offer my repeated respectful obeisances .

Purport

This is also a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.4.17) .

Translation

“Speculative knowledge alone, without devotional service, is not able to give liberation. On the other hand, even without knowledge one can obtain liberation if one engages in the Lord’s devotional service.

Word meanings

kevala — only ; jñāna — speculative knowledge ; mukti — liberation ; dite — to deliver ; nāre — is not able ; bhakti vine — without devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - unmukhe — if one is attached to the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; sei mukti — that liberation ; haya — appears ; vinā — without ; jñāne — knowledge .

Purport

One cannot attain liberation simply by speculative knowledge. Even though one may be able to distinguish between Brahman and matter, one’s liberation will be hampered if one is misled into thinking that the living entity is as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Indeed, one falls down again onto the material platform because considering oneself the Supreme Person, the Supreme Absolute Truth, is offensive. When such a person comes in contact with a pure devotee, he can actually become liberated from material bondage and engage in the Lord’s service. A prayer by Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura is relevant here:

bhaktis tvayi sthiratarā bhagavan yadi syād daivena naḥ phalati divya-kiśora-mūrtiḥ muktiḥ svayaṁ mukulitāñjali sevate ’smān dharmārtha-kāma-gatayaḥ samaya-pratīkṣāḥ

“O my Lord, if one engages in Your pure devotional service with determination, You become visible in Your original transcendental youthful form as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As far as liberation is concerned, she stands before the devotee with folded hands waiting to render service. Religion, economic development and sense gratification are all automatically attained without separate endeavor.” ( Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta 107)

Translation

“ ‘My dear Lord, devotional service unto You is the only auspicious path. If one gives it up simply for speculative knowledge or the understanding that these living beings are spirit souls and the material world is false, he undergoes a great deal of trouble. He only gains troublesome and inauspicious activities. His endeavors are like beating a husk that is already devoid of rice. His labor becomes fruitless.’

Word meanings

śreyaḥ - sṛtim — the auspicious path of liberation ; bhaktim — devotional service ; udasya — giving up ; te — of You ; vibho — O my Lord ; kliśyanti — accept increased difficulties ; ye — all those persons who ; kevala — only ; bodha - labdhaye — for obtaining knowledge ; teṣām — for them ; asau — that ; kleśalaḥ — trouble ; eva — only ; śiṣyate — remains ; na — not ; anyat — anything else ; yathā — as much as ; sthūla — bulky ; tuṣa — husks of rice ; avaghātinām — of those beating .

Purport

This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.14.4) .

Translation

“ ‘This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.’

Word meanings

daivī — belonging to the Supreme Lord ; hi — certainly ; eṣā — this ; guṇa - mayī — made of the three modes ; mama — My ; māyā — external energy ; duratyayā — very difficult to surpass ; mām — unto Me ; eva — certainly ; ye — those who ; prapadyante — surrender fully ; māyām — illusory energy ; etām — this ; taranti — cross over ; te — they .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (7.14) .

Translation

“The living entity is bound around the neck by the chain of māyā because he has forgotten that he is eternally a servant of Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - nitya - dāsa — eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa ; jīva — the living entity ; tāhā — that ; bhuli’ — forgetting ; gela — went ; ei doṣe — for this fault ; māyā — the material energy ; tāra — his ; galāya — on the neck ; bāndhila — has bound .

Translation

“If the conditioned soul engages in the service of the Lord and simultaneously carries out the orders of his spiritual master and serves him, he can get out of the clutches of māyā and become eligible for shelter at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet.

Word meanings

tāte — therefore ; kṛṣṇa bhaje — if one worships Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kare — performs ; gurura sevana — service to his spiritual master ; māyā - jāla chuṭe — gets free from the binding net of māyā ; pāya — gets ; kṛṣṇera caraṇa — shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa .

Purport

It is a fact that every living entity is eternally a servant of Kṛṣṇa. This is forgotten due to the influence of māyā, which induces one to believe in material happiness. Being illusioned by māyā, one thinks that material happiness is the only desirable object. This material consciousness is like a chain around the neck of the conditioned soul. As long as he is bound to that conception, he cannot get out of māyā’s clutches. However, if by Kṛṣṇa’s mercy he gets in touch with a bona fide spiritual master, abides by his order and serves him, engaging other conditioned souls in the Lord’s service, he then attains liberation and Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s shelter.

Translation

“The followers of the varṇāśrama institution accept the regulative principles of the four social orders [brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra] and four spiritual orders [brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa]. However, if one carries out the regulative principles of these orders but does not render transcendental service to Kṛṣṇa, he falls into a hellish condition of material life.

Word meanings

cāri varṇa - āśramī — followers of the four social and spiritual orders of life ; yadi — if ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; nāhi — not ; bhaje — serve ; sva - karma karite — performing his duty in life ; se — that person ; raurave — in a hellish condition ; paḍi’ — falling down ; maje — becomes immersed .

Purport

One may be a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra, or one may perfectly follow the spiritual principles of brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa, but ultimately one falls down into a hellish condition unless one becomes a devotee. Without developing one’s dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one cannot be factually elevated. The regulative principles of varṇāśrama-dharma in themselves are insufficient for attainment of the highest perfection. That is confirmed in the following two quotations from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.2-3).

Translation

“ ‘From the mouth of Brahmā, the brahminical order has come into existence. Similarly, from his arms the kṣatriyas have come, from his waist the vaiśyas have come, and from his legs the śūdras have come. These four orders and their spiritual counterparts [brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa] combine to make human society complete.

Word meanings

mukha — the mouth ; bāhu — the arms ; ūru — the thighs ; pādebhyaḥ — from the legs ; puruṣasya — of the Supreme Person ; āśramaiḥ — the different spiritual orders ; saha — with ; catvāraḥ — the four ; jajñire — appeared ; varṇāḥ — social orders ; guṇaiḥ — with particular qualifications ; vipra - ādayaḥ — brāhmaṇas and so on ; pṛthak — separately .

Translation

“ ‘If one simply maintains an official position in the four varṇas and āśramas but does not worship the Supreme Lord Viṣṇu, he falls down from his puffed-up position into a hellish condition.’

Word meanings

ye — anyone who ; eṣām — of those divisions of social and spiritual orders ; puruṣam — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; sākṣāt — directly ; ātma - prabhavam — the source of everyone ; īśvaram — the supreme controller ; na — not ; bhajanti — worship ; avajānanti — or who neglect ; sthānāt — from their proper place ; bhraṣṭāḥ — being fallen ; patanti — fall ; adhaḥ — downward into hellish conditions .

Translation

“There are many philosophical speculators [jñānīs] belonging to the Māyāvāda school who consider themselves liberated and call themselves Nārāyaṇa. But their intelligence is not purified unless they engage in Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service.

Word meanings

jñānī — the speculative philosophers ; jīvan - mukta - daśā — the stage of liberation even while in this body ; pāinu — I have gotten ; kari’ — taking ; māne — considers ; vastutaḥ — factually ; buddhi — intelligence ; śuddha — purified ; nahe — not ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti vine — without devotional service to Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“ ‘O lotus-eyed one, those who think they are liberated in this life but do not render devotional service to You must be of impure intelligence. Although they accept severe austerities and penances and rise to the spiritual position, to impersonal Brahman realization, they fall down again because they neglect to worship Your lotus feet.’

Word meanings

ye — all those who ; anye — others (nondevotees) ; aravinda - akṣa — O lotus-eyed one ; vimukta - māninaḥ — who consider themselves liberated ; tvayi — unto You ; asta - bhāvāt — without devotion ; aviśuddha - buddhayaḥ — whose intelligence is not purified ; āruhya — having ascended ; kṛcchreṇa — by severe austerities and penances ; param padam — to the supreme position ; tataḥ — from there ; patanti — fall ; adhaḥ — down ; anādṛta — without respecting ; yuṣmat — Your ; aṅghrayaḥ — lotus feet .

Purport

This verse is quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.2.32) .

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa is compared to sunshine, and māyā is compared to darkness. Wherever there is sunshine, there cannot be darkness. As soon as one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the darkness of illusion (the influence of the external energy) will immediately vanish.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa — Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; sūrya - sama — like the sun planet ; māyā — the illusory energy ; haya — is ; andhakāra — darkness ; yāhāṅ kṛṣṇa — wherever there is Kṛṣṇa ; tāhāṅ — there ; nāhi — not ; māyāra — of māyā, or the darkness of illusion ; adhikāra — the jurisdiction .

Purport

In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.9.34) it is stated:

ṛte ’rthaṁ yat pratīyeta na pratīyeta cātmani tad vidyād ātmano māyāṁ yathābhāso yathā tamaḥ

“What appears to be truth without Me is certainly My illusory energy, for nothing can exist without Me. It is like a reflection of a real light in the shadows, for in the light there are neither shadows nor reflections.”

Wherever there is light, there cannot be darkness. When a living entity becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, he is immediately relieved of all material lusty desires. Lusty desires and greed are associated with rajas and tamas, passion and darkness. When one becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, the modes of passion and darkness immediately vanish, and then the mode of goodness ( sattva-guṇa ) remains. When one is situated in the mode of goodness, he can make spiritual advancement and understand things clearly. This position is not possible for everyone. When a person is Kṛṣṇa conscious, he continuously hears about Kṛṣṇa, thinks about Him, worships Him and serves Him as a devotee. If he remains in Kṛṣṇa consciousness in this way, the darkness of māyā certainly will not be able to touch him.

Translation

“ ‘The external illusory energy of Kṛṣṇa, known as māyā, is always ashamed to stand in front of Kṛṣṇa, just as darkness is ashamed to remain before the sunshine. However, that māyā bewilders unfortunate people who have no intelligence. Thus they simply boast that this material world is theirs and that they are its enjoyers.’

Word meanings

vilajjamānayā — being ashamed ; yasya — of whom ; sthātum — to remain ; īkṣā - pathe — in the line of sight ; amuyā — by that ( māyā ) ; vimohitāḥ — bewildered ; vikatthante — boast ; mama — my ; aham — I ; iti — thus ; durdhiyaḥ — having poor intelligence .

Purport

The entire world is bewildered because people are thinking, “This is my land,” “America is mine,” “India is mine.” Not knowing the real value of life, people think that the material body and the land where it is produced are all in all. This is the basic principle behind nationalism, socialism and communism. Such thinking, which simply bewilders the living being, is nothing but rascalism. It is due to the darkness of māyā. But as soon as one becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, he is immediately relieved from such misconceptions. This verse is quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.5.13) . There is also another appropriate verse in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7.47) :

śaśvat praśāntam abhayaṁ pratibodha-mātraṁ śuddhaṁ samaṁ sad-asataḥ paramātma-tattvam śabdo na yatra puru-kārakavān kriyārtho māyā paraity abhimukhe ca vilajjamānā tad vai padaṁ bhagavataḥ paramasya puṁso brahmeti yad vidur ajasra-sukhaṁ viśokam

“What is realized as the Absolute Brahman is full of unlimited bliss without grief. That is certainly the ultimate phase of the supreme enjoyer, the Personality of Godhead. He is eternally devoid of all disturbances, fearless, completely conscious as opposed to matter, uncontaminated and without distinctions. He is the principal, primeval cause of all causes and effects, in whom there is no sacrifice for fruitive activities and in whom the illusory energy does not stand.”

This verse was spoken by Lord Brahmā when he was questioned by the great sage Nārada. Nārada was surprised to see the creator of the universe meditating, for this indicated there might be someone greater than Lord Brahmā. While answering the great sage Nārada, Lord Brahmā described the position of māyā and the bewildered living entities. This verse was spoken in that connection.

Translation

“One is immediately freed from the clutches of māyā if he seriously and sincerely says, ‘My dear Lord Kṛṣṇa, although I have forgotten You for so many long years in the material world, today I am surrendering unto You. I am Your sincere and serious servant. Please engage me in Your service.’

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa — O my Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tomāra haṅa — I am Yours ; yadi — if ; bale — someone says ; eka - bāra — once ; māyā - bandha haite — from the bondage of conditioned life ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāre — him ; kare pāra — releases .

Translation

“ ‘It is My vow that if one only once seriously surrenders unto Me, saying “My dear Lord, from this day I am Yours,” and prays to Me for courage, I shall immediately award courage to that person, and he will always remain safe from that time on.’

Word meanings

sakṛt — once only ; eva — certainly ; prapannaḥ — surrendered ; yaḥ — anyone who ; tava — Yours ; asmi — I am ; iti — thus ; ca — also ; yācate — prays ; abhayam — fearlessness ; sarvadā — always ; tasmai — unto him ; dadāmi — I give ; etat — this ; vratam — vow ; mama — My .

Purport

This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa ( Yuddha-kāṇḍa 18.33) was spoken by Lord Rāmacandra .

Translation

“Due to bad association, the living entity desires material happiness, liberation or merging into the impersonal aspect of the Lord, or he engages in mystic yoga for material power. If such a person actually becomes intelligent, he takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness by engaging himself in intense devotional service to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

bhukti — of material enjoyment ; mukti — of impersonal liberation ; siddhi — of achieving mystic power ; kāmī — desirous ; su - buddhi — actually intelligent ; yadi — if ; haya — he is ; gāḍha — deep ; bhakti - yoge — by devotional service ; tabe — then ; kṛṣṇere bhajaya — worships Lord Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“ ‘Whether one desires everything or nothing, or whether he desires to merge into the existence of the Lord, he is intelligent only if he worships Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, by rendering transcendental loving service.’

Word meanings

akāmaḥ — a pure devotee with no desire for material enjoyment ; sarva - kāmaḥ — one who has no end to his desires for material enjoyment ; vā — or ; mokṣa - kāmaḥ — one who desires to merge into the existence of Brahman ; udāra - dhīḥ — being very intelligent ; tīvreṇa — firm ; bhakti - yogena — by devotional service ; yajeta — should worship ; puruṣam — the person ; param — supreme .

Purport

This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.3.10) .

Translation

“If those who desire material enjoyment or merging into the existence of the Absolute Truth engage in the Lord’s transcendental loving service, they will immediately attain shelter at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, although they did not ask for it. Kṛṣṇa is therefore very merciful.

Word meanings

anya - kāmī — one who desires many other things ; yadi — if ; kare — he performs ; kṛṣṇera bhajana — devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa ; nā māgiteha — although not asking ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāre — to him ; dena — gives ; sva - caraṇa — the shelter of His lotus feet .

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa says, ‘If one engages in My transcendental loving service but at the same time wants the opulence of material enjoyment, he is very, very foolish. Indeed, he is just like a person who gives up ambrosia to drink poison.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa kahe — Kṛṣṇa says ; āmā bhaje — he worships Me ; māge — but requests ; viṣaya - sukha — material happiness ; amṛta chāḍi’ — giving up the nectar ; viṣa māge — he begs for poison ; ei baḍa mūrkha — he is a great fool .

Translation

“ ‘Since I am very intelligent, why should I give this fool material prosperity? Instead I shall induce him to take the nectar of the shelter of My lotus feet and make him forget illusory material enjoyment.’

Word meanings

āmi — I ; vijña — all-intelligent ; ei mūrkhe — unto this foolish person ; viṣaya — material enjoyment ; kene diba — why should I give ; sva - caraṇa - amṛta — the nectar of shelter at My lotus feet ; diyā — giving ; viṣaya — the idea of material enjoyment ; bhulāiba — I shall make him forget .

Purport

Those who are interested in material enjoyment are known as bhukti-kāmī. One who is interested in merging into the effulgence of Brahman or perfecting the mystic yoga system is not a devotee at all. Devotees do not have such desires. However, if a karmī, jñānī or yogī somehow contacts a devotee and renders devotional service, Kṛṣṇa immediately awards him love of God and gives him shelter at His lotus feet, although he may have no idea how to develop love of Kṛṣṇa. If a person wants material profit from devotional service, Kṛṣṇa condemns such materialistic desires. To desire material opulence while engaging in devotional service is foolish. Although the person may be foolish, Kṛṣṇa, being all-intelligent, engages him in His devotional service in such a way that he gradually forgets material opulence. The point is that we should not try to exchange loving service for material prosperity. If we are actually surrendered to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, our only desire should be to satisfy Kṛṣṇa. That is pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Surrender means not that we demand something from the Lord but that we completely depend on His mercy. If Kṛṣṇa likes, He may keep His devotee in a poverty-stricken condition, or if He likes He may keep him in an opulent position. The devotee should not be concerned in either case; he should simply be very serious about trying to satisfy the Lord by rendering Him service.

Translation

“ ‘Whenever Kṛṣṇa is requested to fulfill one’s desire, He undoubtedly does so, but He does not award anything which, after being enjoyed, will cause one to petition Him again and again to fulfill further desires. When one has other desires but engages in the Lord’s service, Kṛṣṇa forcibly gives one shelter at His lotus feet, where one will forget all other desires.’

Word meanings

satyam — it is true ; diśati — He awards ; arthitam — that which is desired ; arthitaḥ — being requested ; nṛṇām — by human beings ; na — not ; eva — certainly ; artha - daḥ — giving desired things ; yat — which ; punaḥ — again ; arthitā — request ; yataḥ — from which ; svayam — Himself ; vidhatte — He gives ; bhajatām — of those engaged in devotional service ; anicchatām — even though not desiring ; icchā - pidhānam — covering all other desires ; nija - pāda - pallavam — the shelter of His own lotus feet .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.19.27) .

Translation

“When someone engages in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service for the satisfaction of the senses and instead acquires a taste for serving Kṛṣṇa, he gives up his material desires and willingly offers himself as an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

kāma lāgi’ — for fulfillment of one’s material desires ; kṛṣṇe bhaje — one engages in the transcendental service of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; pāya — he gets ; kṛṣṇa - rase — a taste of the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kāma chāḍi’ — giving up all desires for material enjoyment ; dāsa haite — to be an eternal servant of the Lord ; haya — there is ; abhilāṣe — aspiration .

Translation

“[When he was being blessed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Dhruva Mahārāja said:] ‘O my Lord, because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.’

Word meanings

sthāna - abhilāṣī — desiring a very high position in the material world ; tapasi — in severe austerities and penances ; sthitaḥ — situated ; aham — I ; tvām — You ; prāptavān — have obtained ; deva - muni - indra - guhyam — difficult to achieve even for great demigods, saintly persons and kings ; kācam — a piece of glass ; vicinvan — searching for ; api — although ; divya - ratnam — a transcendental gem ; svāmin — O my Lord ; kṛta - arthaḥ asmi — I am fully satisfied ; varam — any benediction ; na yāce — I do not ask .

Purport

This verse is from the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (7.28).

Translation

“The conditioned souls are wandering throughout the different planets of the universe, entering various species of life. By good fortune one of these souls may somehow or other be delivered from the ocean of nescience, just as one of the many big logs in a flowing river may by chance reach the bank.

Word meanings

saṁsāra bhramite — wandering throughout the universe ; kona bhāgye — by some good fortune ; keha tare — someone crosses the ocean of nescience ; nadīra pravāhe — in the flow of the river ; yena — just as ; kāṣṭha — wood ; lāge — sticks ; tīre — on the bank .

Purport

There are unlimited conditioned souls who are bereft of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s service. Not knowing how to cross the ocean of nescience, they are scattered by the waves of time and tide. However, some are fortunate to contact devotees, and by this contact they are delivered from the ocean of nescience, just as a log floating down a river accidentally washes upon the bank.

Translation

“ ‘Because I am so fallen, I shall never get a chance to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” This was my false apprehension. Rather, by chance a person as fallen as I am may get to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although one is being carried away by the waves of the river of time, one may eventually reach the shore.’

Word meanings

mā — not ; evam — thus ; mama — of me ; adhamasya — who is the most fallen ; api — although ; syāt — there may be ; eva — certainly ; acyuta - darśanam — seeing of the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; hriyamāṇaḥ — being carried ; kāla - nadyā — by the stream of time ; kvacit — sometimes ; tarati — crosses over ; kaścana — someone .

Purport

This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.38.5) was spoken by Akrūra.

Translation

“By good fortune one becomes eligible to cross the ocean of nescience, and when one’s term of material existence decreases, one may get an opportunity to associate with pure devotees. By such association, one’s attraction to Kṛṣṇa is awakened.

Word meanings

kona bhāgye — by fortune ; kāro — of someone ; saṁsāra — conditioned life ; kṣaya - unmukha — on the point of destruction ; haya — is ; sādhu - saṅge — by association with devotees ; tabe — then ; kṛṣṇe — to Lord Kṛṣṇa ; rati — attraction ; upajaya — awakens .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains this point. Is this bhāgya (fortune) the result of an accident or something else? In the scriptures, devotional service and pious activity are considered fortunate. Pious activities can be divided into three categories: pious activities that awaken one’s dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness are called bhakty-unmukhī sukṛti, pious activities that bestow material opulence are called bhogonmukhī sukṛti, and pious activities that enable the living entity to merge into the existence of the Supreme are called mokṣonmukhī sukṛti. These last two awards of pious activity are not actually fortunate. Pious activities are fortunate when they help one become Kṛṣṇa conscious. The good fortune of bhakty-unmukhī is attainable only when one comes in contact with a devotee. By associating with a devotee willingly or unwillingly, one advances in devotional service, and thus one’s dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness is awakened.

Translation

“ ‘O my Lord! O infallible Supreme Person! When a person wandering throughout the universes becomes eligible for liberation from material existence, he gets an opportunity to associate with devotees. When he associates with devotees, his attraction for You is awakened. You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead — the highest goal of the topmost devotees and the Lord of the universe.’

Word meanings

bhava - apavargaḥ — liberation from the nescience of material existence ; bhramataḥ — wandering ; yadā — when ; bhavet — should be ; janasya — of a person ; tarhi — at that time ; acyuta — O Supreme Personality of Godhead ; sat - samāgamaḥ — association with devotees ; sat - saṅgamaḥ — association with devotees ; yarhi — when ; tadā — at that time ; eva — only ; sat - gatau — the highest goal of life for the topmost devotees ; para - avara - īśe — the Lord of the universe ; tvayi — to You ; jāyate — appears ; ratiḥ — attraction .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.51.53) .

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa is situated in everyone’s heart as the caittya-guru, the spiritual master within. When He is kind to some fortunate conditioned soul, He personally gives him lessons so he can progress in devotional service, instructing the person as the Supersoul within and the spiritual master without.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; yadi — if ; kṛpā kare — shows His mercy ; kona bhāgyavāne — to some fortunate person ; guru — of the spiritual master ; antaryāmi — of the Supersoul ; rūpe — in the form ; śikhāya — teaches ; āpane — personally .

Translation

“ ‘O my Lord! Transcendental poets and experts in spiritual science could not fully express their indebtedness to You, even if they were endowed with the prolonged lifetime of Brahmā, for You appear in two features — externally as the ācārya and internally as the Supersoul — to deliver the embodied living being by directing him how to come to You.’

Word meanings

na eva — not at all ; upayanti — are able to express ; apacitim — their gratitude ; kavayaḥ — learned devotees ; tava — Your ; īśa — O Lord ; brahma - āyuṣā — with a lifetime equal to Lord Brahmā’s ; api — in spite of ; kṛtam — magnanimous work ; ṛddha — increased ; mudaḥ — joy ; smarantaḥ — remembering ; yaḥ — who ; antaḥ — within ; bahiḥ — outside ; tanu - bhṛtām — of those who are embodied ; aśubham — misfortune ; vidhunvan — dissipating ; ācārya — of the spiritual master ; caittya — of the Supersoul ; vapuṣā — by the forms ; sva — own ; gatim — path ; vyanakti — shows .

Purport

This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.29.6) . It was spoken by Uddhava after he had been instructed in yoga by Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Translation

“By associating with a devotee, one awakens his faith in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa. Because of devotional service, one’s dormant love for Kṛṣṇa awakens, and thus one’s material, conditioned existence comes to an end.

Word meanings

sādhu - saṅge — by the association of devotees ; kṛṣṇa - bhaktye — in discharging devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; śraddhā — faith ; yadi — if ; haya — there is ; bhakti - phala — the result of devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; prema — love of Godhead ; haya — awakens ; saṁsāra — the conditioned life in material existence ; yāya kṣaya — becomes vanquished .

Translation

“ ‘Somehow or other, if one is attracted to talks about Me and has faith in the instructions I have set forth in the Bhagavad-gītā, and if one is neither falsely detached from material things nor very much attracted to material existence, his dormant love for Me will be awakened by devotional service.’

Word meanings

yadṛcchayā — by some good fortune ; mat - kathā - ādau — in talk about Me ; jāta - śraddhaḥ — has awakened his attraction ; tu — but ; yaḥ pumān — a person who ; na nirviṇṇaḥ — not falsely detached ; na ati - saktaḥ — not very much attached to material existence ; bhakti - yogaḥ — the process of devotional service ; asya — for such a person ; siddhi - daḥ — bestowing perfection .

Purport

This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.20.8) was spoken by Kṛṣṇa at the time of His departure from this material world. It was spoken to Uddhava.

Translation

“Unless one is favored by a pure devotee, one cannot attain the platform of devotional service. To say nothing of kṛṣṇa-bhakti, one cannot even be relieved from the bondage of material existence.

Word meanings

mahat - kṛpā — the mercy of great devotees ; vinā — without ; kona karme — by some other activity ; bhakti naya — there is not devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti — love of Kṛṣṇa or devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; dūre rahu — leaving aside ; saṁsāra — the bondage of material existence ; nahe — there is not ; kṣaya — destruction .

Purport

Pious activities bring about material opulence, but one cannot acquire devotional service by any amount of material pious activity — not by giving charity, opening big hospitals and schools or working philanthropically. Devotional service can be attained only by the mercy of a pure devotee. Without a pure devotee’s mercy, one cannot even escape the bondage of material existence. The word mahat in this verse means “a pure devotee,” as Lord Kṛṣṇa confirms in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.13) :

mahātmānas tu māṁ pārtha daivīṁ prakṛtim āśritāḥ bhajanty ananya-manaso jñātvā bhūtādim avyayam

“O son of Pṛthā, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible.”

One has to associate with such a mahātmā, who has accepted Kṛṣṇa as the supreme source of the entire creation. Without being a mahātmā, one cannot understand Kṛṣṇa’s absolute position. A mahātmā is rare and transcendental, and he is a pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Foolish people consider Kṛṣṇa a human being, and they consider Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pure devotee an ordinary human being also. Whatever one may be, one must take shelter at the lotus feet of a devotee mahātmā and treat him as the most exalted well-wisher of all human society. We should take shelter of such a mahātmā and ask for his causeless mercy. Only by his benediction can one be relieved from attachment to the materialistic way of life. When one is thus relieved, he can engage in the Lord’s transcendental loving service through the mercy of the mahātmā.

Translation

“ ‘O King Rahūgaṇa, without taking upon one’s head the dust from the lotus feet of a pure devotee [a mahājana or mahātmā], one cannot attain devotional service. Devotional service is not possible to attain simply by undergoing severe austerities and penances, by gorgeously worshiping the Deity, or by strictly following the rules and regulations of the sannyāsa or gṛhastha order; nor is it attained by studying the Vedas, submerging oneself in water, or exposing oneself to fire or scorching sunlight.’

Word meanings

rahūgaṇa — O King Rahūgaṇa ; etat — this ; tapasā — by severe austerities and penances ; na yāti — one does not obtain ; na — neither ; ca — also ; ijyayā — by gorgeous worship ; nirvapaṇāt — by entering the renounced order of life ; gṛhāt — by sacrifices while living in the home ; vā — or ; na chandasā — nor by scholarly study of the Vedas ; na — nor ; eva — certainly ; jala - agni - sūryaiḥ — by worshiping water, fire or scorching sunshine ; vinā — without ; mahat - pāda - rajaḥ — of the dust of the lotus feet of a mahātmā ; abhiṣekam — the sprinkling .

Purport

This verse appears in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.12.12) . Jaḍa Bharata herein tells King Rahūgaṇa how he attained the paramahaṁsa stage. Mahārāja Rahūgaṇa, the King of Sindhu-sauvīra, had asked Jaḍa Bharata how he had attained the paramahaṁsa stage. The King had called him to carry his palanquin, but when the King heard from paramahaṁsa Jaḍa Bharata about the supreme philosophy, he expressed surprise and asked Jaḍa Bharata how he had attained such great liberation. At that time Jaḍa Bharata informed the King how to become detached from material attraction.

Translation

“ ‘Unless human society accepts the dust of the lotus feet of great mahātmās — devotees who have nothing to do with material possessions — mankind cannot turn its attention to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Those lotus feet vanquish all the unwanted, miserable conditions of material life.’

Word meanings

na — not ; eṣām — of those who are attached to household life ; matiḥ — the interest ; tāvat — that long ; urukrama - aṅghrim — the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is credited with uncommon activities ; spṛśati — touches ; anartha — of unwanted things ; apagamaḥ — vanquishing ; yat — of which ; arthaḥ — result ; mahīyasām — of the great personalities, devotees ; pāda - rajaḥ — of the dust of the lotus feet ; abhiṣekam — sprinkling on the head ; niṣkiñcanānām — who are completely detached from material possessions ; na vṛṇīta — does not do ; yāvat — as long as .

Purport

This verse appears in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.5.32) . When the great sage Nārada was giving instructions to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, he narrated the activities of Prahlāda Mahārāja. This verse was spoken by Prahlāda Mahārāja to his father, Hiraṇyakaśipu, the king of demons. Prahlāda Mahārāja had informed his father of the nine basic processes of bhakti-yoga, explaining that whoever takes to these processes is to be considered a highly learned scholar. Hiraṇyakaśipu, however, did not like his son to talk about devotional service; therefore he immediately called Prahlāda’s teacher, Ṣaṇḍa. The teacher explained that he had not taught devotional service to Prahlāda but that the boy was naturally inclined that way. At that time Hiraṇyakaśipu became very angry and asked Prahlāda why he had become a Vaiṣṇava. In answer to this question, Prahlāda Mahārāja recited this verse to the effect that one cannot become the Lord’s devotee without receiving the mercy and blessings of another devotee.

Translation

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.

Word meanings

sādhu - saṅga sādhu - saṅga — association with pure devotees ; sarva - śāstre — all the revealed scriptures ; kaya — say ; lava - mātra — even for a moment ; sādhu - saṅge — by association with a devotee ; sarva - siddhi — all success ; haya — there is .

Purport

According to astronomical calculations, a lava is one eleventh of a second.

Translation

“ ‘The value of a moment’s association with a devotee of the Lord cannot be compared even to the attainment of the heavenly planets or liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which is for those who are meant for death.’

Word meanings

tulayāma — we make equal ; lavena — with one instant ; api — even ; na — not ; svargam — heavenly planets ; na — nor ; apunaḥ - bhavam — merging into the existence of the Supreme ; bhagavat - saṅgi - saṅgasya — of the association of devotees who are always associated with the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; martyānām — of persons destined to die ; kim uta — what to speak of ; āśiṣaḥ — the blessings .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.18.13) . This verse concerns the Vedic rites and sacrifices performed by the great sages of Naimiṣāraṇya, headed by Śaunaka Ṛṣi. The sages pointed out that association with a devotee for even less than a second is beyond comparison to a thousand Vedic rituals and sacrifices, elevation to heavenly planets or merging into the existence of the Supreme.

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa is so merciful that simply by aiming His instructions at Arjuna, He has given protection to the whole world.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kṛpālu — merciful ; arjunere — Arjuna ; lakṣya kariyā — aiming at ; jagatere — the whole world ; rākhiyāchena — has protected ; upadeśa diyā — giving instructions .

Translation

“ ‘Because you are My very dear friend, I am speaking to you My supreme instruction, the most confidential knowledge of all. Hear this from Me, for it is for your benefit. Always think of Me and become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.’

Word meanings

sarva - guhya - tamam — most confidential of all ; bhūyaḥ — again ; śṛṇu — hear ; me — My ; paramam vacaḥ — supreme instruction ; iṣṭaḥ — beloved ; asi — you are ; me — My ; dṛḍham iti — very firmly ; tataḥ — therefore ; vakṣyāmi — I shall speak ; te — to you ; hitam — words of benediction ; mat - manāḥ — whose mind is always on Me ; bhava — become ; mat - bhaktaḥ — My devotee ; mat - yājī — My worshiper ; mām — unto Me ; namaskuru — offer obeisances ; mām eva — to Me only ; eṣyasi — you will come ; satyam — truly ; te — to you ; pratijāne — I promise ; priyaḥ asi — you are dear ; me — My .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (18.64-65).

Translation

“Although Kṛṣṇa previously explained the proficiency of executing Vedic rituals, performing fruitive activity as enjoined in the Vedas, practicing yoga and cultivating jñāna, these last instructions are most powerful and stand above all the others.

Word meanings

pūrva ājñā — previous orders ; veda - dharma — performance of Vedic ritualistic ceremonies ; karma — fruitive activities ; yoga — mystic yoga practice ; jñāna — speculative knowledge ; saba sādhi’ — executing all these processes ; śeṣe — at the end ; ei ājñā — this order ; balavān — powerful .

Translation

“If the devotee has faith in the strength of this order, he worships Lord Kṛṣṇa and gives up all other activities.

Word meanings

ei ājñā - bale — on the strength of this supreme order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; bhaktera — of the devotees ; śraddhā — faith ; yadi — if ; haya — there is ; sarva - karma — all other activities, material and spiritual ; tyāga kari’ — leaving aside ; se — he ; kṛṣṇa bhajaya — serves Lord Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“ ‘As long as one is not satiated by fruitive activity and has not awakened his taste for devotional service by śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ, one has to act according to the regulative principles of the Vedic injunctions.’

Word meanings

tāvat — up to that time ; karmāṇi — fruitive activities ; kurvīta — one should execute ; na nirvidyeta — is not satiated ; yāvatā — as long as ; mat - kathā — of discourses about Me ; śravaṇa - ādau — in the matter of śravaṇam, kīrtanam, and so on ; vā — or ; śraddhā — faith ; yāvat — as long as ; na — not ; jāyate — is awakened .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.20.9) .

Translation

“Śraddhā is confident, firm faith that by rendering transcendental loving service to Kṛṣṇa one automatically performs all subsidiary activities. Such faith is favorable to the discharge of devotional service.

Word meanings

śraddhā - śabde — by the word śraddhā ; viśvāsa — faith ; kahe — is said ; sudṛḍha — firm ; niścaya — certain ; kṛṣṇe — unto Lord Kṛṣṇa ; bhakti — devotional service ; kaile — by executing ; sarva - karma — all activities ; kṛta — completed ; haya — are .

Purport

Firm faith and confidence are called śraddhā. When one engages in the Lord’s devotional service, he is to be understood to have performed all his responsibilities in the material world. He has satisfied his forefathers, ordinary living entities, and demigods and is free from all responsibility. Such a person does not need to meet his responsibilities separately. It is automatically done. Fruitive activity ( karma ) is meant to satisfy the senses of the conditioned soul. However, when one awakens to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he does not have to work separately for pious activity. The best achievement of all fruitive activity is detachment from material life, and this detachment is spontaneously enjoyed by the devotee firmly engaged in the Lord’s service.

Translation

“ ‘By pouring water on the root of a tree, one automatically satisfies the trunk, branches and twigs. Similarly, by supplying food to the stomach, where it nourishes the life air, one satisfies all the senses. In the same way, by worshiping Kṛṣṇa and rendering Him service, one automatically satisfies all the demigods.’

Word meanings

yathā — as ; taroḥ — of a tree ; mūla — on the root ; niṣecanena — by pouring water ; tṛpyanti — are satisfied ; tat — of the tree ; skandha — trunk ; bhuja — branches ; upaśākhāḥ — subbranches ; prāṇa — to the living force ; upahārāt — from offering food ; ca — also ; yathā — as ; indriyāṇām — of all the senses ; tathā — similarly ; eva — indeed ; sarva — of all ; arhaṇam — worship ; acyuta — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; ijyā — worship .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (4.31.14) .

Translation

“A faithful devotee is a truly eligible candidate for the loving service of the Lord. According to one’s faith, one is classified as a topmost devotee, an intermediate devotee or an inferior devotee.

Word meanings

śraddhāvān jana — a person with faith ; haya — is ; bhakti - adhikārī — eligible for discharging transcendental loving service to the Lord ; uttama — first class ; madhyama — intermediate ; kaniṣṭha — the lowest class ; śraddhā - anusārī — according to the proportion of faith .

Purport

The word śraddhāvān (faithful) means understanding Kṛṣṇa to be the summum bonum — the eternal truth and absolute transcendence. If one has full faith in Kṛṣṇa and confidence in Him, one becomes eligible to discharge devotional service confidentially. According to one’s faith, one is a topmost, intermediate or inferior devotee.

Translation

“One who is expert in logic, argument and the revealed scriptures and who has firm faith in Kṛṣṇa is classified as a topmost devotee. He can deliver the whole world.

Word meanings

śāstra - yuktye — in argument and logic ; su - nipuṇa — very expert ; dṛḍha - śraddhā — firm faith and confidence in Kṛṣṇa ; yāṅra — whose ; uttama - adhikārī — the topmost devotee ; sei — he ; tāraye saṁsāra — can deliver the whole world .

Translation

“ ‘One who is expert in logic and in understanding the revealed scriptures, and who always has firm conviction and deep faith that is not blind, is to be considered a topmost devotee in devotional service.’

Word meanings

śāstre — in the revealed scriptures ; yuktau — in logic ; ca — also ; nipuṇaḥ — expert ; sarvathā — in all respects ; dṛḍha - niścayaḥ — who is firmly convinced ; prauḍha — deep ; śraddhaḥ — who has faith ; adhikārī — eligible ; yaḥ — who ; saḥ — he ; bhaktau — in devotional service ; uttamaḥ — highest ; mataḥ — is considered .

Purport

This verse appears in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.17), by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Translation

“One who is not very expert in argument and logic based on the revealed scriptures but who has firm faith is considered a second-class devotee. He also must be considered most fortunate.

Word meanings

śāstra - yukti — logical arguments on the basis of the revealed scripture ; nāhi — not ; jāne — knows ; dṛḍha — firmly ; śraddhāvān — faithful ; madhyama - adhikārī — second-class devotee ; sei — he ; mahā - bhāgyavān — very fortunate .

Translation

“ ‘He who does not know scriptural argument very well but who has firm faith is called an intermediate or second-class devotee.’

Word meanings

yaḥ — anyone who ; śāstra - ādiṣu — in the revealed scriptures ; anipuṇaḥ — not very expert ; śraddhāvān — full of faith ; saḥ — he ; tu — certainly ; madhyamaḥ — second-class or middle-class devotee .

Purport

This verse appears in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.18).

Translation

“One whose faith is soft and pliable is called a neophyte, but by gradually following the process he will rise to the platform of a first-class devotee.

Word meanings

yāhāra — whose ; komala śraddhā — soft faith ; se — such a person ; kaniṣṭha jana — a neophyte devotee ; krame krame — by a gradual progression ; teṅho — he ; bhakta — devotee ; ha - ibe — will become ; uttama — first class .

Translation

“ ‘One whose faith is not very strong, who is just beginning, should be considered a neophyte devotee.’

Word meanings

yaḥ — anyone who ; bhavet — may be ; komala — soft ; śraddhaḥ — having faith ; saḥ — such a person ; kaniṣṭhaḥ — neophyte devotee ; nigadyate — is said to be .

Purport

This verse also appears in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.19).

Translation

“A devotee is considered superlative or superior according to his attachment and love. In the Eleventh Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the following symptoms have been given.

Word meanings

rati — of attachment ; prema — and love ; tāratamye — by comparison ; bhakta — devotee ; tara - tama — superior or superlative ; ekādaśa skandhe — in the Eleventh Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ; tāra — of this ; kariyāche — has made ; lakṣaṇa — symptoms .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has stated that if one has developed faith in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he is to be considered an eligible candidate for further advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Those who have faith are divided into three categories — uttama, madhyama and kaniṣṭha (first class, second class and neophyte). A first-class devotee has firm conviction in the revealed scriptures and is expert in arguing according to the śāstras. He is firmly convinced of the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The madhyama-adhikārī, or second-class devotee, has firm conviction in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but he cannot support his conviction by citing śāstric references. The neophyte devotee does not yet have firm faith. In this way the devotees are typed.

The standard of devotion is also categorized in the same way. A neophyte believes that only love of Kṛṣṇa or Kṛṣṇa consciousness is very good, but he may not know the basis of pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness or how one can become a perfect devotee. Sometimes in the heart of a neophyte there is attraction for karma, jñāna or yoga. When he is free and transcendental to mixed devotional activity, he becomes a second-class devotee. When he becomes expert in logic and can refer to the śāstras, he becomes a first-class devotee. The devotees are also described as positive, comparative and superlative in terms of their love and attachment for Kṛṣṇa.

It should be understood that a madhyama-adhikārī, a second-class devotee, is fully convinced of Kṛṣṇa consciousness but cannot support his convictions with śāstric reference. A neophyte may fall down by associating with nondevotees because he is not firmly convinced and strongly situated. The second-class devotee, even though he cannot support his position with śāstric reference, can gradually become a first-class devotee by studying the śāstras and associating with a first-class devotee. However, if the second-class devotee does not advance himself by associating with a first-class devotee, he makes no progress. There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down, even though he may mix with nondevotees to preach. Conviction and faith gradually increase to make one an uttama-adhikārī, a first-class devotee.

Translation

“ ‘A person advanced in devotional service sees within everything the soul of souls, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Consequently he always sees the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the cause of all causes and understands that all things are situated in Him.

Word meanings

sarva - bhūteṣu — in all objects (in matter, spirit and combinations of matter and spirit) ; yaḥ — anyone who ; paśyet — sees ; bhagavat - bhāvam — the ability to be engaged in the service of the Lord ; ātmanaḥ — of the supreme spirit soul or the transcendence beyond the material conception of life ; bhūtāni — all beings ; bhagavati — in the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; ātmani — the basic principle of all existence ; eṣaḥ — this ; bhāgavata - uttamaḥ — a person advanced in devotional service .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.2.45) .

Translation

“ ‘An intermediate, second-class devotee shows love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is friendly to all devotees and is very merciful to neophytes and ignorant people. The intermediate devotee neglects those who are envious of devotional service.

Word meanings

īśvare — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; tat - adhīneṣu — to persons who have taken fully to Kṛṣṇa consciousness ; bāliśeṣu — unto the neophytes or the ignorant ; dviṣatsu — to persons envious of Kṛṣṇa and the devotees of Kṛṣṇa ; prema — love ; maitrī — friendship ; kṛpā — mercy ; upekṣā — negligence ; yaḥ — anyone who ; karoti — does ; saḥ — he ; madhyamaḥ — a second-class devotee .

Purport

This is also a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.2.46) . This statement was made by the great sage Nārada while he was speaking to Vasudeva about devotional service. This subject was originally discussed between Nimi, the King of Videha, and the nine Yogendras.

Translation

“ ‘A prākṛta-bhakta, or materialistic devotee, does not purposefully study the śāstra and try to understand the actual standard of pure devotional service. Consequently he does not show proper respect to advanced devotees. He may, however, follow the regulative principles learned from his spiritual master or from his family who worships the Deity. He is to be considered on the material platform, although he is trying to advance in devotional service. Such a person is a bhakta-prāya [neophyte devotee], or bhaktābhāsa, for he is a little enlightened by Vaiṣṇava philosophy.’

Word meanings

arcāyām — in the temple worship ; eva — certainly ; haraye — for the pleasure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; pūjām — worship ; yaḥ — anyone who ; śraddhayā — with faith and love ; īhate — executes ; na — not ; tat - bhakteṣu — to the devotees of the Lord ; ca anyeṣu — and to others ; saḥ — he ; bhaktaḥ — a devotee ; prākṛtaḥ — materialistic ; smṛtaḥ — is considered .

Purport

This verse is also from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.2.47) . Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura says that one who has full love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead and who maintains a good friendship with the Lord’s devotees is always callous to those who envy Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa’s devotees. Such a person is to be considered an intermediate devotee. He becomes a first-class devotee when, in the course of advancing in devotional service, he feels an intimate relationship with all living entities, seeing them as part and parcel of the Supreme Person.

Translation

“A Vaiṣṇava is one who has developed all good transcendental qualities. All the good qualities of Kṛṣṇa gradually develop in Kṛṣṇa’s devotee.

Word meanings

sarva — all ; mahā — great ; guṇa - gaṇa — transcendental qualities ; vaiṣṇava - śarīre — in the bodies of Vaiṣṇavas ; kṛṣṇa - bhakte — in the devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; guṇa — the qualities ; sakali — all ; sañcāre — appear .

Translation

“ ‘In one who has unflinching devotional faith in Kṛṣṇa, all the good qualities of Kṛṣṇa and the demigods are consistently manifest. However, he who has no devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead has no good qualifications because he is engaged by mental concoction in material existence, which is the external feature of the Lord.’

Word meanings

yasya — of whom ; asti — there is ; bhaktiḥ — devotional service ; bhagavati — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; akiñcanā — without material desires ; sarvaiḥ — all ; guṇaiḥ — with good qualities ; tatra — there ; samāsate — live ; surāḥ — the demigods ; harau — unto the Lord ; abhaktasya — of the nondevotee ; kutaḥ — where ; mahat - guṇāḥ — the high qualities ; manaḥ - rathena — by mental concoction ; asati — to temporary material happiness ; dhāvataḥ — running ; bahiḥ — externally .

Purport

This was spoken by Prahlāda Mahārāja and his followers, who were offering prayers to Nṛsiṁhadeva ( Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.18.12 ).

Translation

“All these transcendental qualities are the characteristics of pure Vaiṣṇavas, and they cannot be fully explained, but I shall try to point out some of the important qualities.

Word meanings

sei saba guṇa — all those transcendental qualities ; haya — are ; vaiṣṇava - lakṣaṇa — the symptoms of a Vaiṣṇava ; saba — all ; kahā nā yāya — cannot be explained ; kari — I shall do ; dik - daraśana — a general review .

Translation

“Devotees are always merciful, humble, truthful, equal to all, faultless, magnanimous, mild and clean. They are without material possessions, and they perform welfare work for everyone. They are peaceful, surrendered to Kṛṣṇa and desireless. They are indifferent to material acquisitions and are fixed in devotional service. They completely control the six bad qualities — lust, anger, greed and so forth. They eat only as much as required, and they are not inebriated. They are respectful, grave, compassionate and without false prestige. They are friendly, poetic, expert and silent.

Word meanings

kṛpālu — merciful ; akṛta - droha — not defiant ; satya - sāra — thoroughly truthful ; sama — equal ; nidoṣa — faultless ; vadānya — magnanimous ; mṛdu — mild ; śuci — clean ; akiñcana — without material possessions ; sarva - upakāraka — working for the welfare of everyone ; śānta — peaceful ; kṛṣṇa - eka - śaraṇa — exclusively surrendered to Kṛṣṇa ; akāma — desireless ; anīha — indifferent to material acquisitions ; sthira — fixed ; vijita - ṣaṭ - guṇa — completely controlling the six bad qualities (lust, anger, greed, etc.) ; mita - bhuk — eating only as much as required ; apramatta — without inebriation ; māna - da — respectful ; amānī — without false prestige ; gambhīra — grave ; karuṇa — compassionate ; maitra — a friend ; kavi — a poet ; dakṣa — expert ; maunī — silent .

Translation

“ ‘Devotees are always tolerant, forbearing and very merciful. They are the well-wishers of every living entity. They follow the scriptural injunctions, and because they have no enemies, they are very peaceful. These are the decorations of devotees.’

Word meanings

titikṣavaḥ — very forbearing ; kāruṇikāḥ — merciful ; suhṛdaḥ — who are well-wishers ; sarva - dehinām — to all living entities ; ajāta - śatravaḥ — without enemies ; śāntāḥ — peaceful ; sādhavaḥ — following the injunctions of the śāstra ; sādhu - bhūṣaṇāḥ — who are decorated with good character .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.25.21) . When the sages, headed by Śaunaka, inquired about Kapiladeva, the incarnation of Godhead, Sūta Gosvāmī, who was the topmost devotee of the Lord, quoted talks about self-realization between Vidura and Maitreya, a friend of Vyāsadeva’s. During these talks the topic of Lord Kapila had come up, and at that time Maitreya had repeated Kapiladeva’s discussions with His mother, wherein the Lord states that attachment to material things is the cause of conditioned life. When a person becomes attached to transcendental things, he is on the path of liberation.

Translation

“ ‘It is the verdict of all śāstras and great personalities that service to a pure devotee is the path of liberation. By contrast, association with materialistic people who are attached to material enjoyment and women is the path of darkness. Those who are actually devotees are broadminded, equal to everyone and very peaceful. They never become angry, and they are friendly to all living entities.’

Word meanings

mahat - sevām — the service of the pure devotee spiritual master ; dvāram — door ; āhuḥ — they said ; vimukteḥ — of liberation ; tamaḥ - dvāram — the door to darkness ; yoṣitām — of women and money ; saṅgi - saṅgam — association with those who enjoy the association ; mahāntaḥ — great souls ; te — they ; sama - cittāḥ — equally disposed to all ; praśāntāḥ — very peaceful ; vimanyavaḥ — without anger ; suhṛdaḥ — well-wishers of everyone ; sādhavaḥ — who are endowed with all good qualities, or who do not look for faults in others ; ye — those who .

Purport

This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.5.2) .

Translation

“The root cause of devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa is association with advanced devotees. Even when one’s dormant love for Kṛṣṇa awakens, association with devotees is still most essential.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - bhakti — of devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; janma - mūla — the root cause ; haya — is ; sādhu - saṅga — association with advanced devotees ; kṛṣṇa - prema — love of Kṛṣṇa ; janme — awakens ; teṅho — that same association with devotees ; punaḥ — again ; mukhya aṅga — the chief principle .

Translation

“ ‘O my Lord! O infallible Supreme Person! When a person wandering throughout the universes becomes eligible for liberation from material existence, he gets an opportunity to associate with devotees. When he associates with devotees, his attraction for You is awakened. You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead — the highest goal of the topmost devotees, and the Lord of the universe.’

Word meanings

bhava - apavargaḥ — liberation from the nescience of material existence ; bhramataḥ — wandering ; yadā — when ; bhavet — should be ; janasya — of a person ; tarhi — at that time ; acyuta — O Supreme Personality of Godhead ; sat - samāgamaḥ — association with devotees ; sat - saṅgamaḥ — association with the devotees ; yarhi — when ; tadā — at that time ; eva — only ; sat - gatau — the highest goal of life for the topmost devotees ; para - avara - īśe — the Lord of the universe ; tvayi — to You ; jāyate — appears ; ratiḥ — attraction .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.51.53) .

Translation

“ ‘O devotees! O you who are free from all sins! Let me inquire from you about that which is supremely auspicious for all living entities. Association with a pure devotee for even half a moment in this material world is the greatest treasure for human society.’

Word meanings

ataḥ — therefore (due to the rarity of seeing pure devotees of the Lord) ; ātyantikam — supreme ; kṣemam — auspiciousness ; pṛcchāmaḥ — we are asking ; bhavataḥ — you ; anaghāḥ — O sinless ones ; saṁsāre — in the material world ; asmin — this ; kṣaṇa - ardhaḥ — lasting half a moment ; api — even ; sat - saṅgaḥ — association with devotees ; sevadhiḥ — a treasure ; nṛṇām — for human society .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.2.30) .

Translation

“ ‘The spiritually powerful message of Godhead can be properly discussed only in a society of devotees, and it is greatly pleasing to hear in that association. If one hears from devotees, the way of transcendental experience quickly opens, and gradually one attains firm faith that in due course develops into attraction and devotion.’

Word meanings

satām — of the devotees ; prasaṅgāt — by the intimate association ; mama — of Me ; vīrya - saṁvidaḥ — talks full of spiritual potency ; bhavanti — appear ; hṛt — to the heart ; karṇa — and to the ears ; rasa - āyanāḥ — a source of sweetness ; kathāḥ — talks ; tat — of them ; joṣaṇāt — from proper cultivation ; āśu — quickly ; apavarga — of liberation ; vartmani — on the path ; śraddhā — faith ; ratiḥ — attraction ; bhaktiḥ — love ; anukramiṣyati — will follow one after another .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.25.25) . For an explanation see Ādi-līlā 1.60.

Translation

“A Vaiṣṇava should always avoid the association of ordinary people. Common people are very much materially attached, especially to women. Vaiṣṇavas should also avoid the company of those who are not devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

asat - saṅga - tyāga — rejection of the association of nondevotees ; ei — this ; vaiṣṇava - ācāra — the behavior of a Vaiṣṇava ; strī - saṅgī — who associates with women for sense gratification ; eka — one ; asādhu — unsaintly person ; kṛṣṇa - abhakta — one who is not a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; āra — another .

Translation

“ ‘By association with worldly people, one becomes devoid of truthfulness, cleanliness, mercy, gravity, spiritual intelligence, shyness, austerity, fame, forgiveness, control of the mind, control of the senses, fortune and all opportunities. One should not at any time associate with a coarse fool who is bereft of the knowledge of self-realization and who is no more than a toy animal in the hands of a woman. The illusion and bondage that accrue to a man from attachment to any other object are not as complete as that resulting from association with a woman or with men too much attached to women.’

Word meanings

satyam — truthfulness ; śaucam — cleanliness ; dayā — mercy ; maunam — silence ; buddhiḥ — intelligence ; hrīḥ — modesty ; śrīḥ — beauty ; yaśaḥ — fame ; kṣamā — forgiveness ; śamaḥ — controlling the mind ; damaḥ — controlling the senses ; bhagaḥ — opulence ; ca — and ; iti — thus ; yat — of whom ; saṅgāt — by the association ; yāti — goes to ; saṅkṣayam — complete destruction ; teṣu — among them ; aśānteṣu — who are restless ; mūḍheṣu — among the fools ; khaṇḍita - ātmasu — whose self-realization is spoiled ; asādhuṣu — not saintly ; saṅgam — association ; na — not ; kuryāt — should do ; śocyeṣu — who are full of lamentation ; yoṣit — of women ; krīḍā - mṛgeṣu — who are like toy animals ; ca — also ; na — not ; tathā — so much ; asya — of him ; bhavet — there may be ; mohaḥ — illusion ; bandhaḥ — binding ; ca — and ; anya — other types ; prasaṅgataḥ — from association ; yoṣit - saṅgāt — by association with women ; yathā — as ; puṁsaḥ — of the man ; yathā — as well as ; tat - saṅgi - saṅgataḥ — by association with persons attached to women .

Purport

These verses, quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.31.33-35), were spoken by Kapiladeva, an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, to His mother. Herein Kapiladeva discusses pious and impious activities and the symptoms of those who are devoid of devotional service to Kṛṣṇa. Generally people do not know about the miserable conditions within the womb of a mother in any species of life. Due to bad association, one gradually falls into lower species. Association with women is greatly stressed in this regard. When one becomes attached to women or to those who are attached to women, one falls down into the lower species.

puruṣaḥ prakṛti-stho hi bhuṅkte prakṛti-jān guṇān kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu

“The living entity in material nature thus follows the ways of life, enjoying the three modes of nature. This is due to his association with that material nature. Thus he meets with good and evil among various species.” ( Bhagavad-gītā 13.22 )

According to Vedic civilization, one’s association with women should be very much restricted. In spiritual life there are four āśramas — brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa. The brahmacārī, vānaprastha and sannyāsī are completely forbidden to associate with women. Only gṛhasthas are allowed to associate with women under certain very much restricted conditions — that is, one associates with women to propagate nice children. Other reasons for association are condemned.

Translation

“ ‘It is better to accept the miseries of being encaged within bars and surrounded by burning flames than to associate with those bereft of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Such association is a very great hardship.’

Word meanings

varam — better ; huta - vaha — of fire ; jvālā — in the flames ; pañjara - antaḥ — inside a cage ; vyavasthitiḥ — abiding ; na — not ; śauri - cintā — of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or thought of Kṛṣṇa ; vimukha — bereft ; jana — of persons ; saṁvāsa — of the association ; vaiśasam — the calamity .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Kātyāyana-saṁhitā.

Translation

“ ‘One should not even see those who are bereft of devotional service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and who are therefore devoid of pious activities.’

Word meanings

mā — do not ; drākṣīḥ — see ; kṣīṇa - puṇyān — who are bereft of all piety ; kvacit api — at any time ; bhagavat - bhakti - hīnān — who are bereft of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and devotional service ; manuṣyān — persons .

Translation

“Without hesitation, one should take exclusive shelter of Lord Kṛṣṇa with full confidence, giving up bad association and even neglecting the regulative principles of the four varṇas and four āśramas. That is to say, one should abandon all material attachment.

Word meanings

eta saba — all these ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; āra — and ; varṇa - āśrama - dharma — the regulative principle of four varṇas and four āśramas ; akiñcana — without any attachment for anything material ; hañā — becoming ; laya — he takes ; kṛṣṇa - eka - śaraṇa — exclusive shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord .

Translation

“ ‘After giving up all kinds of religious and occupational duties, if you come to Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and take shelter, I shall give you protection from all of life’s sinful reactions. Do not worry.’

Word meanings

sarva - dharmān — all kinds of occupational duties ; parityajya — giving up ; mām ekam — unto Me only ; śaraṇam — as shelter ; vraja — go ; aham — I ; tvām — unto you ; sarva - pāpebhyaḥ — from all the reactions of sinful life ; mokṣayiṣyāmi — will give liberation ; mā — don’t ; śucaḥ — worry .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (18.66) spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa. For an explanation, refer to Madhya-līlā 8.63.

Translation

“Lord Kṛṣṇa is very kind to His devotees. He is always very grateful and magnanimous, and He possesses all abilities. A learned man does not give up Kṛṣṇa to worship anyone else.

Word meanings

bhakta - vatsala — very kind to the devotees ; kṛta - jña — grateful ; samartha — full of all abilities ; vadānya — magnanimous ; hena — such ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; paṇḍita — a learned man ; nāhi — does not ; bhaje — worship ; anya — anyone else .

Purport

An intelligent person gives up the company of those who are attached to women and bereft of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One should be free from all kinds of material attachment and should take full shelter under the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is very kind to His devotees. He is always grateful, and He never forgets the service of a devotee. He is also completely opulent and all-powerful. Why, then, should one take shelter of a demigod and leave Lord Kṛṣṇa’s shelter? If one worships a demigod and leaves Kṛṣṇa, he must be considered the lowest fool.

Translation

“ ‘My dear Lord, You are very affectionate to Your devotees. You are also a truthful and grateful friend. Where is that learned man who would give You up and surrender to someone else? You fulfill all the desires of Your devotees, so much so that sometimes You even give Yourself to them. Still, You neither increase nor decrease by such activity.’

Word meanings

kaḥ — what ; paṇḍitaḥ — learned man ; tvat - aparam — other than Your Lordship ; śaraṇam — shelter ; samīyāt — would take ; bhakta - priyāt — who are affectionate to Your devotees ; ṛta - giraḥ — who are truthful to the devotees ; suhṛdaḥ — who are the friend of the devotees ; kṛta - jñāt — who are grateful to the devotees ; sarvān — all ; dadāti — gives ; suhṛdaḥ — to Your well-wishers ; bhajataḥ — who worship You by devotional service ; abhikāmān — desires ; ātmānam — Yourself ; api — even ; upacaya — increase ; apacayau — and diminution ; na — not ; yasya — of whom .

Purport

This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.48.26) .

Translation

“Whenever an experienced person develops real knowledge of Kṛṣṇa and His transcendental qualities, he naturally gives up all other engagements and renders service to the Lord. Uddhava gives evidence concerning this.

Word meanings

vijña - janera — of an experienced person ; haya — there is ; yadi — if ; kṛṣṇa - guṇa - jñāna — knowledge of Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities ; anya — others ; tyaji’ — giving up ; bhaje — he engages in devotional service ; tāte — in that connection ; uddhava — Uddhava ; pramāṇa — the evidence .

Translation

“ ‘Oh, how wonderful it is! Pūtanā, the sister of Bakāsura, wanted to kill Kṛṣṇa by smearing deadly poison on her breasts and having Kṛṣṇa take it. Nonetheless, Lord Kṛṣṇa accepted her as His mother, and thus she attained the destination befitting Kṛṣṇa’s mother. Of whom should I take shelter but Kṛṣṇa, who is most merciful?’

Word meanings

aho — how wonderful ; bakī — Pūtanā, the sister of Bakāsura ; yam — whom ; stana — on the two breasts ; kāla - kūṭam — the deadly poison ; jighāṁsayā — with a desire to kill ; apāyayat — forced to drink ; api — although ; asādhvī — dangerously inimical to Kṛṣṇa ; lebhe — achieved ; gatim — the destination ; dhātrī — for a nurse ; ucitām — suitable ; tataḥ — than Him ; anyam — other ; kam — to whom ; vā — or ; dayālum — the most merciful ; śaraṇam — shelter ; vrajema — shall take .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.2.23) .

Translation

“There are two kinds of devotees — those who are fully satiated and free from all material desires and those who are fully surrendered to the lotus feet of the Lord. Their qualities are one and the same, but those who are fully surrendered to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet are qualified with another transcendental quality — ātma-samarpaṇa, full surrender without reservation.

Word meanings

śaraṇāgatera — of a person who has fully taken shelter of Kṛṣṇa ; akiñcanera — of a person who is free of all material desires ; eka - i lakṣaṇa — the symptoms are one and the same ; tāra madhye — of them all ; praveśaye — enters ; ātma - samarpaṇa — full surrender .

Translation

“ ‘The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those things favorable to devotional service, the rejection of unfavorable things, the conviction that Kṛṣṇa will give protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one’s guardian or master, full self-surrender, and humility.

Word meanings

ānukūlyasya — of anything that assists devotional service to the Lord ; saṅkalpaḥ — acceptance ; prātikūlyasya — of anything that hinders devotional service ; varjanam — complete rejection ; rakṣiṣyati — He will protect ; iti — thus ; viśvāsaḥ — strong conviction ; goptṛtve — in being the guardian, like the father or husband, master or maintainer ; varaṇam — acceptance ; tathā — as well as ; ātma - nikṣepa — full self-surrender ; kārpaṇye — and humility ; ṣaṭ - vidhā — sixfold ; śaraṇa - āgatiḥ — process of surrender .

Purport

One who is fully surrendered is qualified with the six following characteristics: (1) The devotee has to accept everything that is favorable for the rendering of transcendental loving service to the Lord. (2) He must reject everything unfavorable to the Lord’s service. This is also called renunciation. (3) A devotee must be firmly convinced that Kṛṣṇa will give him protection. No one else can actually give one protection, and being firmly convinced of this is called faith. This kind of faith is different from the faith of an impersonalist who wants to merge into the Brahman effulgence in order to benefit by cessation of repeated birth and death. A devotee wants to remain always in the Lord’s service. In this way, Kṛṣṇa is merciful to His devotee and gives him all protection from the dangers found on the path of devotional service. (4) The devotee should accept Kṛṣṇa as his supreme maintainer and master. He should not think that he is being protected by a demigod. He should depend only on Kṛṣṇa, considering Him the only protector. The devotee must be firmly convinced that within the three worlds he has no protector or maintainer other than Kṛṣṇa. (5) Self-surrender means remembering that one’s activities and desires are not independent. The devotee is completely dependent on Kṛṣṇa, and he acts and thinks as Kṛṣṇa desires. (6) The devotee is meek and humble.

Lord Kṛṣṇa states in the Bhagavad-gītā (15.15) :

sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham

“I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedānta, and I am the knower of the Vedas. ” Situated in everyone’s heart, Kṛṣṇa deals differently according to the living entity’s position. The living entity’s position is to be under the protection of the illusory energy or under Kṛṣṇa’s personal protection. When a living entity is fully surrendered, he is under the direct protection of Kṛṣṇa, and Kṛṣṇa gives him all intelligence by which he can advance in spiritual realization. The nondevotee, however, being under the protection of the illusory energy, increasingly forgets his relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Sometimes it is asked how Kṛṣṇa causes one to forget. Kṛṣṇa personally causes His devotee to forget material activities, and through the agency of māyā Kṛṣṇa causes the nondevotee to forget his devotional service to the Lord. This is called apohana.

Translation

“ ‘One whose body is fully surrendered takes shelter at the holy place where Kṛṣṇa had His pastimes, and he prays to the Lord, “My Lord, I am Yours.” Understanding this with his mind, he enjoys spiritual bliss.’

Word meanings

tava — Yours ; asmi — I am ; iti — thus ; vadan — saying ; vācā — by words ; tathā — so ; eva — certainly ; manasā — with the mind ; vidan — knowing ; tat - sthānam — His place ; āśritaḥ — taken shelter of ; tanvā — by the body ; modate — he enjoys ; śaraṇa - āgataḥ — fully surrendered .

Purport

The last two verses appear in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (11.417-18).

Translation

“When a devotee thus fully surrenders unto Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, Kṛṣṇa accepts him as one of His confidential associates.

Word meanings

śaraṇa lañā — taking shelter ; kare — does ; kṛṣṇe — unto Kṛṣṇa ; ātma - samarpaṇa — fully surrendering ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāre — him ; kare — makes ; tat - kāle — immediately ; ātma - sama — one of His confidential associates .

Translation

“ ‘The living entity who is subjected to birth and death attains immortality when he gives up all material activities, dedicates his life to the execution of My order, and acts according to My directions. In this way he becomes fit to enjoy the spiritual bliss derived from exchanging loving mellows with Me.’

Word meanings

martyaḥ — the living entity subjected to birth and death ; yadā — as soon as ; tyakta — given up ; samasta — all ; karmā — fruitive activities ; nivedita - ātmā — a fully surrendered soul ; vicikīrṣitaḥ — desired to act ; me — by Me ; tadā — at that time ; amṛtatvam — immortality ; pratipadyamānaḥ — attaining ; mayā — with Me ; ātma - bhūyāya — for becoming of a similar nature ; ca — also ; kalpate — is eligible ; vai — certainly .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.29.34) . Kṛṣṇa was advising His most confidential servant, Uddhava, about sambandha, abhidheya and prayojana. These concern one’s relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the activities of that relationship, as well as the perfection of life. The Lord also described the characteristics of confidential devotees.

Translation

“My dear Sanātana, please now hear about the regulative principles for the execution of devotional service. By this process, one can attain the highest perfection of love of Godhead, which is the most desirable treasure.

Word meanings

ebe — now ; sādhana - bhakti — regulative principles for executing devotional service ; lakṣaṇa — the symptoms ; śuna — please hear ; sanātana — My dear Sanātana ; yāhā haite — from which ; pāi — one can get ; kṛṣṇa - prema - mahā - dhana — the most valuable treasure of love for Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“ ‘When transcendental devotional service, by which love for Kṛṣṇa is attained, is executed by the senses, it is called sādhana-bhakti, or the regulative discharge of devotional service. Such devotion eternally exists within the heart of every living entity. The awakening of this eternal devotion is the potentiality of devotional service in practice.’

Word meanings

kṛti - sādhyā — which is to be executed by the senses ; bhavet — should be ; sādhya - bhāvā — by which love of Godhead is acquired ; sā — that ; sādhana - abhidhā — called sādhana-bhakti, or devotional service in practice ; nitya - siddhasya — which is eternally present ; bhāvasya — of love of Godhead ; prākaṭyam — the awakening ; hṛdi — in the heart ; sādhyatā — potentiality .

Purport

This verse is found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.2). Because living entities are minute, atomic parts and parcels of the Lord, devotional service is already present within them in a dormant condition. Devotional service begins with śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam, hearing and chanting. When a man is sleeping, he can be awakened by sound vibration; therefore every conditioned soul should be given the chance to hear the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra chanted by a pure Vaiṣṇava. One who hears the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra thus vibrated is awakened to spiritual consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness. In this way one’s mind gradually becomes purified, as stated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ( ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam ) . When the mind is purified, the senses are also purified. Instead of using the senses for sense gratification, the awakened devotee employs the senses in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. This is the process by which dormant love for Kṛṣṇa is awakened.

Translation

“The spiritual activities of hearing, chanting, remembering and so forth are the natural characteristics of devotional service. The marginal characteristic is that it awakens pure love for Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

śravaṇa - ādi - kriyā — the process of hearing, chanting and so forth ; tāra — of that ; svarūpa - lakṣaṇa — symptoms of the nature ; taṭastha - lakṣaṇe — marginal symptoms ; upajāya — awakens ; prema - dhana — love of Godhead .

Translation

“Pure love for Kṛṣṇa is eternally established in the hearts of the living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, this love naturally awakens.

Word meanings

nitya - siddha — eternally established ; kṛṣṇa - prema — love of Kṛṣṇa ; sādhya — to be gained ; kabhu — at any time ; naya — not ; śravaṇa - ādi — by hearing, etc. ; śuddha — purified ; citte — in the heart ; karaye udaya — awakens .

Translation

“There are two processes of practical devotional service. One is regulative devotional service, and the other is spontaneous devotional service.

Word meanings

ei ta — this ; sādhana - bhakti — process of devotional service ; dui ta’ prakāra — two kinds ; eka — one ; vaidhī bhakti — the regulative devotional service ; rāgānugā - bhakti — spontaneous devotional service ; āra — and .

Translation

“Those who have not attained the platform of spontaneous attachment in devotional service render devotional service under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master according to the regulative principles mentioned in the revealed scriptures. According to the revealed scriptures, this kind of devotional service is called vaidhī bhakti.

Word meanings

rāga - hīna — who are without spontaneous attachment to Kṛṣṇa ; jana — persons ; bhaje — execute devotional service ; śāstrera ājñāya — according to the principles and regulations described in the revealed scriptures ; vaidhī bhakti — regulative devotional service ; bali’ — calling ; tāre — that ; sarva - śāstre — all revealed scriptures ; gāya — sing .

Purport

In the beginning, one has to hear from a bona fide spiritual master. This is favorable for advancing in devotional service. According to this process, one hears, chants, remembers and engages in Deity worship, acting under the directions of the spiritual master. These are the essential primary activities of devotional service. Devotional service must not be executed for some material purpose. One should not even have a desire to merge into the Absolute Truth. One has to render such service out of love only. Ahaitukī, apratihatā. Devotional service must be without ulterior motives; then material conditions cannot check it. Gradually one can rise to the platform of spontaneous loving service. A child is sent to school by force to receive an education, but when he gets a little taste of education at an advanced age, he automatically participates and becomes a learned scholar. One cannot force a person to become a scholar, but sometimes force is used in the beginning. A child is forced to go to school and read and write according to the instructions of his teachers. Such is the difference between vaidhī bhakti and spontaneous bhakti. Dormant love for Kṛṣṇa exists in everyone’s heart, and it simply has to be awakened by the regulative process of devotional service. One has to learn to use a typewriter by following the regulative principles of the typing book. One has to place his fingers on the keys in such a way and practice, but when one becomes adept, he can type swiftly and correctly without even looking at the keys. Similarly, one has to follow the rules and regulations of devotional service as they are set down by the spiritual master; then one can come to the point of spontaneous loving service. This love is already there within the heart of everyone ( nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema ) .

Spontaneous service is not artificial. One simply has to come to that platform by rendering devotional service according to the regulative principles. Thus one has to practice hearing and chanting and follow the other regulative principles by washing the temple, cleansing oneself, rising early in the morning, attending maṅgala-ārati and so on. If one does not come to the platform of spontaneous service in the beginning, he must adopt regulative service according to the instructions of the spiritual master. This regulative service is called vaidhī bhakti.

Translation

“ ‘O descendant of Bharata! O Mahārāja Parīkṣit! The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is situated in everyone’s heart as Paramātmā, who is the supreme controller, and who always removes the miseries of the living entities, must always be heard about from reliable sources, and He must be glorified and remembered by one who wishes to become fearless.’

Word meanings

tasmāt — therefore ; bhārata — O descendant of Bharata ; sarva - ātmā — the all-pervasive Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart ; bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; hariḥ — Lord Hari, who takes away all the miserable conditions of material existence ; īśvaraḥ — the supreme controller ; śrotavyaḥ — to be heard about (from bona fide sources) ; kīrtitavyaḥ — to be glorified (as one has heard) ; ca — also ; smartavyaḥ — to be remembered ; ca — and ; icchatā — by a person desiring ; abhayam — freedom from the fearful condition of material existence .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.1.5) . It is one’s duty to understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the hearing process. This is called śrotavyaḥ. If one has heard properly about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his duty is to glorify the Lord and preach His glories. This is called kīrtitavyaḥ. When one hears about the Lord and glorifies Him, it is natural to think of Him. This is called smartavyaḥ. All this must be carried out if one actually wants to be immune from fear.

Translation

“ ‘From the mouth of Brahmā, the brahminical order has come into existence. Similarly, from his arms the kṣatriyas have come, from his waist the vaiśyas have come, and from his legs the śūdras have come. These four orders and their spiritual counterparts [brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa] combine to make human society complete.

Word meanings

mukha — the mouth ; bāhu — the arms ; ūru — the thighs ; pādebhyaḥ — from the legs ; puruṣasya — of the supreme person ; āśramaiḥ — the different spiritual orders ; saha — with ; catvāraḥ — the four ; jajñire — appeared ; varṇāḥ — social orders ; guṇaiḥ — with particular qualifications ; vipra - ādayaḥ — brāhmaṇas, etc. ; pṛthak — separately .

Purport

This verse and the next are quotations from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.2-3).

Translation

“ ‘If one simply maintains an official position in the four varṇas and āśramas but does not worship the Supreme Lord Viṣṇu, he falls down from his puffed-up position into a hellish condition.’

Word meanings

ye — those who ; eṣām — of those divisions of social and spiritual orders ; puruṣam — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; sākṣāt — directly ; ātma - prabhavam — the source of everyone ; īśvaram — the supreme controller ; na — not ; bhajanti — worship ; avajānanti — or who neglect ; sthānāt — from their proper place ; bhraṣṭāḥ — being fallen ; patanti — fall ; adhaḥ — downward into hellish conditions .

Translation

“ ‘Kṛṣṇa is the origin of Lord Viṣṇu. He should always be remembered and never forgotten at any time. All the rules and prohibitions mentioned in the śāstras should be the servants of these two principles.’

Word meanings

smartavyaḥ — to be remembered ; satatam — always ; viṣṇuḥ — Lord Viṣṇu ; vismartavyaḥ — to be forgotten ; na — not ; jātucit — at any time ; sarve — all ; vidhi - niṣedhāḥ — rules and prohibitions mentioned in the revealed scripture or given by the spiritual master ; syuḥ — should be ; etayoḥ — of these two principles (always to remember Kṛṣṇa or Viṣṇu and never to forget Him) ; eva — certainly ; kiṅkarāḥ — the servants .

Purport

This verse is a quotation from the Padma Purāṇa. There are many regulative principles in the śāstras and directions given by the spiritual master. These regulative principles should act as servants of the basic principle — that is, one should always remember Kṛṣṇa and never forget Him. This is possible when one chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Therefore one must strictly chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra twenty-four hours daily. One may have other duties to perform under the direction of the spiritual master, but he must first abide by the spiritual master’s order to chant a certain number of rounds. In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, we have recommended that the neophyte chant at least sixteen rounds. This chanting of sixteen rounds is absolutely necessary if one wants to remember Kṛṣṇa and not forget Him. Of all the regulative principles, the spiritual master’s order to chant at least sixteen rounds is most essential.

One may sell books or enlist life members or render some other service, but these duties are not ordinary duties. These duties serve as an impetus for remembering Kṛṣṇa. When one goes with a saṅkīrtana party or sells books, he naturally remembers that he is going to sell Kṛṣṇa’s books. In this way, he is remembering Kṛṣṇa. When one goes to enlist a life member, he talks about Kṛṣṇa and thereby remembers Him. Smartavyaḥ satataṁ viṣṇur vismartavyo na jātucit. The conclusion is that one must act in such a way that he will always remember Kṛṣṇa, and one must refrain from doing things that make him forget Kṛṣṇa. These two principles form the basic background of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Translation

“I shall say something about the various practices of devotional service, which is expanded in so many ways. I wish to speak briefly of the essential practices.

Word meanings

vividha - aṅga — varieties of limbs (regulative principles) ; sādhana - bhaktira — of regulative devotional service ; bahuta — many ; vistāra — expansions ; saṅkṣepe — in brief ; kahiye — I shall speak ; kichu — something ; sādhana - aṅga - sāra — the essential parts of the practice of devotional service .

Translation

“On the path of regulative devotional service, one must observe the following items: (1) One must accept a bona fide spiritual master. (2) One must accept initiation from him. (3) One must serve him. (4) One must receive instructions from the spiritual master and make inquiries in order to learn devotional service. (5) One must follow in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas and follow the directions given by the spiritual master.

Word meanings

guru - pāda - āśraya — shelter at the feet of a bona fide spiritual master ; dīkṣā — initiation by the spiritual master ; gurura sevana — service to the spiritual master ; sat - dharma - śikṣā — instruction in the transcendental process of devotional service ; pṛcchā — and inquiry ; sādhu - mārga — the path of transcendental devotional service ; anugamana — following strictly .

Translation

“The next steps are as follows: (6) One should be prepared to give up everything for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction, and one should also accept everything for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction. (7) One must live in a place where Kṛṣṇa is present — a city like Vṛndāvana or Mathurā or a Kṛṣṇa temple. (8) One should acquire a livelihood that is just sufficient to keep body and soul together. (9) One must fast on the Ekādaśī day.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - prītye — for satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa ; bhoga - tyāga — acceptance and rejection of something ; kṛṣṇa - tīrthe vāsa — residence in a place where Kṛṣṇa is situated ; yāvat - nirvāha — as much as required to keep the body and soul together ; pratigraha — acceptance of gifts ; ekādaśī - upavāsa — observance of fasting on the Ekādaśī day .

Translation

“(10) One should worship dhātrī trees, banyan trees, cows, brāhmaṇas and devotees of Lord Viṣṇu. (11) One should avoid offenses against devotional service and the holy name.

Word meanings

dhātrī — a type of tree ; aśvattha — the banyan trees ; go — the cows ; vipra — the brāhmaṇas ; vaiṣṇava — the devotees of Lord Viṣṇu ; pūjana — worshiping ; sevā — in devotional service ; nāma — in chanting of the holy name ; aparādha - ādi — the offenses ; dūre — far away ; visarjana — giving up .

Purport

There are ten items in the beginning of devotional service, up to the point of worshiping the dhātrī trees, banyan trees, cows, brāhmaṇas and devotees of Lord Viṣṇu. The eleventh item is to avoid offenses when rendering devotional service and chanting the holy names.

Translation

“The twelfth item is to give up the company of nondevotees. (13) One should not accept an unlimited number of disciples. (14) One should not partially study many scriptures just to be able to give references and expand explanations.

Word meanings

avaiṣṇava — of one who is not a devotee of the Lord ; saṅga — the association ; tyāga — giving up ; bahu - śiṣya — an unlimited number of disciples ; nā kariba — should not accept ; bahu - grantha — of many different types of scriptures ; kalā - abhyāsa — studying a portion ; vyākhyāna — and explanation ; varjiba — we should give up .

Purport

Accepting an unlimited number of devotees or disciples is very risky for one who is not a preacher. According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, a preacher has to accept many disciples to expand the cult of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This is risky because when a spiritual master accepts a disciple, he naturally accepts the disciple’s sinful activities and their reactions. Unless he is very powerful, he cannot assimilate all the sinful reactions of his disciples and has to suffer the consequences. Therefore one is generally forbidden to accept many disciples.

One should not partially study a book just to pose oneself as a great scholar by being able to refer to scriptures. In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement we have therefore limited our study of the Vedic literatures to the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu. These four works are sufficient for preaching purposes. They are adequate for the understanding of the philosophy and the spreading of missionary activities all over the world. If one studies a particular book, he must do so thoroughly. That is the principle. By thoroughly studying a limited number of books, one can understand the philosophy.

Translation

“(15) The devotee should treat loss and gain equally. (16) The devotee should not be overwhelmed by lamentation. (17) The devotee should not worship demigods, nor should he disrespect them. Similarly, the devotee should not study or criticize other scriptures.

Word meanings

hāni — in loss ; lābhe — in gain ; sama — equal ; śoka - ādira — of lamentation and so on ; vaśa — under the control ; nā ha - iba — we should not be ; anya - deva — other demigods ; anya - śāstra — other scriptures ; nindā — criticizing ; nā kariba — we should not do .

Translation

“(18) The devotee should not hear Lord Viṣṇu or His devotees blasphemed. (19) The devotee should avoid reading or hearing newspapers or mundane books that contain stories of love affairs between men and women or subjects palatable to the senses. (20) Neither by mind nor words should the devotee cause anxiety to any living entity, regardless how insignificant he may be.

Word meanings

viṣṇu - vaiṣṇava - nindā — blaspheming Lord Viṣṇu or His devotee ; grāmya - vārtā — ordinary talks ; nā śuniba — we should not hear ; prāṇi - mātre — to any living entity, however insignificant ; manaḥ - vākye — by mind or by words ; udvega — anxiety ; nā diba — we should not give .

Purport

The first ten items are dos and the second ten items are don’ts. Thus the first ten items give direct action, and the second ten items give indirect action.

Translation

“After one is established in devotional service, the positive actions are (1) hearing, (2) chanting, (3) remembering, (4) worshiping, (5) praying, (6) serving, (7) accepting servitorship, (8) becoming a friend and (9) surrendering fully.

Word meanings

śravaṇa — hearing ; kīrtana — chanting ; smaraṇa — remembering ; pūjana — worshiping ; vandana — praying ; paricaryā — serving ; dāsya — accepting servitorship ; sakhya — friendship ; ātma - nivedana — surrendering fully .

Translation

“One should also (10) dance before the Deity, (11) sing before the Deity, (12) open one’s mind to the Deity, (13) offer obeisances to the Deity, (14) stand up before the Deity and the spiritual master just to show them respect, (15) follow the Deity or the spiritual master and (16) visit different places of pilgrimage or go see the Deity in the temple.

Word meanings

agre nṛtya — dancing before the Deity ; gīta — songs ; vijñapti — opening the mind ; daṇḍavat - nati — offering obeisances ; abhyutthāna — stand up ; anuvrajyā — following ; tīrtha - gṛhe gati — going to temples and places of pilgrimage .

Translation

“One should (17) circumambulate the temple, (18) recite various prayers, (19) chant softly, (20) chant congregationally, (21) smell the incense and flower garlands offered to the Deity, and (22) eat the remnants of food offered to the Deity.

Word meanings

parikramā — circumambulation ; stava - pāṭha — recitation of different prayers ; japa — chanting softly ; saṅkīrtana — chanting congregationally ; dhūpa — incense ; mālya — flower garlands ; gandha — scents ; mahā - prasāda — remnants of food offered to Viṣṇu ; bhojana — eating or enjoying .

Translation

“One should (23) attend ārati and festivals, (24) see the Deity, (25) present what is very dear to oneself to the Deity, (26) meditate on the Deity, and (27-30) serve those related to the Lord.

Word meanings

ārātrika — ārati ; mahotsava — festivals ; śrī - mūrti - darśana — seeing the Deity ; nija - priya - dāna — to present to the Lord something very dear to oneself ; dhyāna — meditation ; tadīya - sevana — rendering service to those related to the Lord .

Translation

“Tadīya means the tulasī leaves, the devotees of Kṛṣṇa, the birthplace of Kṛṣṇa (Mathurā), and the Vedic literature Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Kṛṣṇa is very eager to see His devotee serve tulasī, Vaiṣṇavas, Mathurā and Bhāgavatam.

Word meanings

tadīya — related to the Lord ; tulasī — tulasī leaves ; vaiṣṇava — devotees ; mathurā — the birthplace of Kṛṣṇa ; bhāgavata — Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ; ei cārira — of these four ; sevā — the service ; haya — is ; kṛṣṇera abhimata — the desire of Kṛṣṇa .

Purport

After item twenty-six (meditation), the twenty-seventh is to serve tulasī, the twenty-eighth is to serve the Vaiṣṇavas, the twenty-ninth is to live in Mathurā, the birthplace of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and the thirtieth is to read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam regularly.

Translation

“(31) One should perform all endeavors for Kṛṣṇa. (32) One should look forward to His mercy. (33) One should partake of various ceremonies with devotees — ceremonies like Lord Kṛṣṇa’s birthday or Rāmacandra’s birthday.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - arthe — for the sake of Kṛṣṇa ; akhila - ceṣṭā — all activity ; tat - kṛpā - avalokana — looking for His mercy ; janma - dina - ādi — the appearance day and so on ; mahotsava — festivals ; lañā bhakta - gaṇa — with devotees .

Translation

“(34) One should surrender to Kṛṣṇa in all respects. (35) One should observe particular vows like kārttika-vrata. These are some of the sixty-four important items of devotional service.

Word meanings

sarvathā — in all respects ; śaraṇa - āpatti — surrender ; kārtika - ādi - vrata — to observe special vows in the month of Kārttika ; catuḥ - ṣaṣṭi aṅga — sixty-four parts ; ei — this ; parama - mahattva — very important items .

Translation

“One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, reside at Mathurā and worship the Deity with faith and veneration.

Word meanings

sādhu - saṅga — association with devotees ; nāma - kīrtana — chanting the holy name ; bhāgavata - śravaṇa — hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ; mathurā - vāsa — living at Mathurā ; śrī - mūrtira śraddhāya sevana — worshiping the Deity with faith and veneration .

Translation

“These five limbs of devotional service are the best of all. Even a slight performance of these five awakens love for Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

sakala - sādhana — of all items for executing devotional service ; śreṣṭha — the best ; ei pañca aṅga — these five limbs ; kṛṣṇa - prema — love of Kṛṣṇa ; janmāya — awakens ; ei — these ; pāṅcera — of the five ; alpa saṅga — slight association with or performance .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura points out that there are thirty-five items up to the point of observing special vows in the month of Kārttika. To these thirty-five items, another four are added — namely marking tilaka on different parts of the body, writing the names of the Lord all over the body, accepting the Deity’s garland and accepting caraṇāmṛta. These four items are understood to be included by Kavirāja Gosvāmī within arcana, worship of the Deity. Although these items are not mentioned here, they are to be added to the previous thirty-five items. Thus the total number becomes thirty-nine. To these thirty-nine should be added five others: association with devotees, chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, reading Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam regularly, residing in Mathurā, the birthplace of Kṛṣṇa, and worshiping the Deity with great respect and veneration. The thirty-nine items plus these five come to a total of forty-four. If we add the previous twenty items to these forty-four, the total number becomes sixty-four. The five items mentioned above repeat previously mentioned items. In the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī states:

aṅgānāṁ pañcakasyāsya pūrva-vilikhitasya ca nikhila-śraiṣṭhya-bodhāya punar apy atra śaṁsanam

“The glorification of these five items [association with devotees, chanting the holy name and so on] is to make known the complete superiority of these five practices of devotional service.”

The sixty-four items of devotional service include all the activities of the body, mind and senses. Thus the sixty-four items engage one in devotional service in all respects.

Translation

“ ‘With love and full faith one should worship the lotus feet of the Deity.

Word meanings

śraddhā — faith ; viśeṣataḥ — particularly ; prītiḥ — love ; śrī - mūrteḥ — of the Deity form of the Lord ; aṅghri - sevane — in service of the lotus feet .

Purport

This verse and the following two verses are found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.90-92).

Translation

“ ‘One should taste the meaning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in the association of pure devotees, and one should associate with the devotees who are more advanced than oneself and who are endowed with a similar type of affection for the Lord.

Word meanings

śrīmad - bhāgavata — of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ; arthānām — of the meanings ; āsvādaḥ — enjoying the taste ; rasikaiḥ saha — with the devotees ; sa - jātīya — similar ; āśaye — endowed with a desire ; snigdhe — advanced in devotional affection ; sādhau — with a devotee ; saṅgaḥ — association ; svataḥ — for one’s self ; vare — better .

Purport

The words sajātīyāśaye snigdhe sādhau saṅgaḥ svato vare are very important. One should not associate with professional Bhāgavatam reciters. A professional Bhāgavatam reciter is one who is not in the disciplic succession or one who has no taste for bhakti-yoga. Simply on the strength of grammatical knowledge and word jugglery, professional reciters maintain their bodies and their desires for sense gratification by reading Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. One should also avoid those who are averse to Lord Viṣṇu and His devotees, those who are Māyāvādīs, those who offend the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, those who simply dress as Vaiṣṇavas or so-called gosvāmīs, and those who make a business by selling Vedic mantras and reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to maintain their families. One should not try to understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from such materialistic people. According to the Vedic injunctions, yasya deve parā bhaktiḥ. The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam can be recited only by one who has unflinching faith in the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa and His devotee, the spiritual master. One should try to understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from the spiritual master. The Vedic injunction states, bhaktyā bhāgavataṁ grāhyaṁ na buddhyā na ca ṭīkayā. One has to understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam through the process of devotional service and by hearing the recitation of a pure devotee. These are the injunctions of the Vedic literature — śruti and smṛti. Those who are not in the disciplic succession and who are not pure devotees cannot understand the real mysterious objective of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā.

Translation

“ ‘One should congregationally chant the holy name of the Lord and reside in Vṛndāvana.’

Word meanings

nāma - saṅkīrtanam — chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra ; śrīman - mathurā - maṇḍale — in Mathurā, where Kṛṣṇa specifically performs His pastimes ; sthitiḥ — residence .

Purport

Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura has sung:

śrī gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi, yeba jāne cintāmaṇi, tāra haya vrajabhūmi vāsa

“One who understands the transcendental nature of Navadvīpa and its surrounding area, where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu enacted His pastimes, resides always in Vṛndāvana.” Similarly, living in Jagannātha Purī is as good as living in Vṛndāvana. The conclusion is that Navadvīpa-dhāma, Jagannātha Purī-dhāma and Vṛndāvana-dhāma are identical.

However, if one goes to Mathurā-maṇḍala-bhūmi for sense gratification or to make a livelihood, he commits an offense and is condemned. Whoever does so must be penalized in the next life by becoming a hog or a monkey in Vṛndāvana-dhāma. After taking on such a body, the offender is liberated in the next life. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura remarks that residing in Vṛndāvana with a view to enjoy sense gratification surely leads a so-called devotee to a lower species.

Translation

“ ‘The power of these five principles is very wonderful and difficult to understand. Even without faith in them, a person who is offenseless can awaken his dormant love of Kṛṣṇa simply by being a little connected with them.’

Word meanings

dur - ūha — difficult to understand ; adbhuta — wonderful ; vīrye — in the power ; asmin — in this ; śraddhā — faith ; dūre — far away ; astu — let it be ; pañcake — in the above-mentioned five principles ; yatra — in which ; su - alpaḥ — a little ; api — even ; sambandhaḥ — connection ; sat - dhiyām — of those who are intelligent and offenseless ; bhāvajanmane — to awaken one’s dormant love for Kṛṣṇa .

Purport

This verse is also found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.238).

Translation

“When one is firmly fixed in devotional service, whether he executes one or many processes of devotional service, the waves of love of Godhead will awaken.

Word meanings

eka — one ; aṅga — portion ; sādhe — executes ; keha — someone ; sādhe — executes ; bahu — many ; aṅga — portions ; niṣṭhā — firm faith ; haile — if there is ; upajaya — awaken ; premera — of love of Godhead ; taraṅga — the waves .

Purport

The nine processes of devotional service are śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam/ arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam. (See text 121 of this chapter.)

Translation

“There are many devotees who execute only one of the nine processes of devotional service. Nonetheless, they get ultimate success. Devotees like Mahārāja Ambarīṣa execute all nine items, and they also get ultimate success.

Word meanings

eka aṅge — by one portion ; siddhi — perfection ; pāila — achieved ; bahu — many ; bhakta - gaṇa — devotees ; ambarīṣa - ādi — King Ambarīṣa Mahārāja and others ; bhaktera — of devotees ; bahu aṅga - sādhana — execution of many processes of devotional service .

Translation

“ ‘Mahārāja Parīkṣit attained the highest perfection, shelter at Lord Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, simply by hearing about Lord Viṣṇu. Śukadeva Gosvāmī attained perfection simply by reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Prahlāda Mahārāja attained perfection by remembering the Lord. The goddess of fortune attained perfection by massaging the transcendental legs of Mahā-Viṣṇu. Mahārāja Pṛthu attained perfection by worshiping the Deity, and Akrūra attained perfection by offering prayers unto the Lord. Vajrāṅgajī [Hanumān] attained perfection by rendering service to Lord Rāmacandra, and Arjuna attained perfection simply by being Kṛṣṇa’s friend. Bali Mahārāja attained perfection by dedicating everything to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa.’

Word meanings

śrī - viṣṇoḥ — of Lord Śrī Viṣṇu ; śravaṇe — in hearing ; parīkṣit — King Parīkṣit, known also as Viṣṇurāta, or one who is protected by Lord Viṣṇu ; abhavat — was ; vaiyāsakiḥ — Śukadeva Gosvāmī ; kīrtane — in reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ; prahlādaḥ — Mahārāja Prahlāda ; smaraṇe — in remembering ; tat - aṅghri — of Lord Viṣṇu’s lotus feet ; bhajane — in serving ; lakṣmīḥ — the goddess of fortune ; pṛthuḥ — Mahārāja Pṛthu ; pūjane — in worshiping the Deity of the Lord ; akrūraḥ — Akrūra ; tu — but ; abhivandane — in offering prayers ; kapi - patiḥ — Hanumānjī, or Vajrāṅgajī ; dāsye — in servitude to Lord Rāmacandra ; atha — moreover ; sakhye — in friendship ; arjunaḥ — Arjuna ; sarva - sva - ātma - nivedane — in fully dedicating oneself ; baliḥ — Mahārāja Bali ; abhūt — was ; kṛṣṇa - āptiḥ — the achievement of the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; eṣām — of all of them ; parā — transcendental .

Purport

This verse appears in the Padyāvalī (53) and the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.265).

Translation

“ ‘Mahārāja Ambarīṣa always engaged his mind at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, his words in describing the spiritual world and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his hands in cleansing and washing the Lord’s temple, his ears in hearing topics about the Supreme Lord, his eyes in seeing the Deity of Lord Kṛṣṇa in the temple, his body in embracing Vaiṣṇavas or touching their lotus feet, his nostrils in smelling the aroma of the tulasī leaves offered to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, his tongue in tasting food offered to Kṛṣṇa, his legs in going to places of pilgrimage like Vṛndāvana and Mathurā or to the Lord’s temple, his head in touching the lotus feet of the Lord and offering Him obeisances, and his desires in serving the Lord faithfully. In this way Mahārāja Ambarīṣa engaged his senses in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. As a result, he awakened his dormant loving propensity for the Lord’s service.’

Word meanings

saḥ — he (Mahārāja Ambarīṣa) ; vai — certainly ; manaḥ — the mind ; kṛṣṇa - pada - aravindayoḥ — on the two lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa ; vacāṁsi — words ; vaikuṇṭha - guṇa - anuvarṇane — in describing the transcendental character of Kṛṣṇa ; karau — the two hands ; hareḥ — of Lord Kṛṣṇa or Viṣṇu ; mandira - mārjana - ādiṣu — in cleansing the temple of Hari and similar other duties ; śrutim — the ears ; cakāra — engaged ; acyuta — of the Lord ; sat - kathā - udaye — in the arising of transcendental topics ; mukunda - liṅga — of the Deities of the Lord ; ālaya — temples ; darśane — in visiting ; dṛśau — the two eyes ; tat - bhṛtya — of the servants of the Lord ; gātra — the bodies ; sparaśe — in touching ; aṅga - saṅgamam — bodily contact such as touching the lotus feet or embracing ; ghrāṇam — the sensation of smell ; ca — and ; tat - pāda - saroja — of the Lord’s lotus feet ; saurabhe — in the fragrance ; śrīmat — most auspicious ; tulasyāḥ — of tulasī leaves ; rasanām — the tongue ; tat - arpite — in food offered to the Lord ; pādau — the two feet ; hareḥ — of the Lord ; kṣetra — the place of pilgrimage ; pada - anusarpaṇe — in walking to ; śiraḥ — the head ; hṛṣīkeśa — of the Lord of the senses, the Personality of Godhead ; pada - abhivandane — in offering prayers at the lotus feet ; kāmam — all desires ; ca — and ; dāsye — in serving the Lord ; na — not ; tu — but ; kāma - kāmyayā — with a desire for sense gratification ; yathā — as much as ; uttamaḥ - śloka — of the Lord, who is worshiped by selected poems ; jana — in the devotee ; āśrayā — having shelter ; ratiḥ — attachment .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (9.4.18-20) .

Translation

“If a person gives up all material desires and completely engages in the transcendental loving service of Kṛṣṇa, as enjoined in the revealed scriptures, he is never indebted to the demigods, sages or forefathers.

Word meanings

kāma — material desires ; tyaji’ — giving up ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; bhaje — worships ; śāstra - ājñā — the direction of the revealed scripture ; māni’ — accepting ; deva — demigods ; ṛṣi — great sages ; pitṛ - ādikera — of the forefathers and so on ; kabhu — at any time ; nahe — not ; ṛṇī — a debtor .

Purport

After birth, every man is indebted in so many ways. He is indebted to the demigods for their supplying necessities like air, light and water. When one takes advantage of the Vedic literatures, one becomes indebted to great sages like Vyāsadeva, Nārada, Devala and Asita. When one takes birth in a particular family, he becomes indebted to his forefathers. We are even indebted to common living entities like cows, from whom we take milk. Because we accept service from so many animals, we become indebted. However, if one is completely engaged in the Lord’s devotional service, he is absolved of all debts. This is confirmed in the following verse, quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.41) .

Translation

“ ‘One who has given up all material duties and taken full shelter at the lotus feet of Mukunda, who gives shelter to all, is not indebted to the demigods, great sages, ordinary living beings, relatives, friends, mankind or even his forefathers who have passed away.’

Word meanings

deva — of the demigods ; ṛṣi — of the sages ; bhūta — of ordinary living entities ; āpta — of friends and relatives ; nṛṇām — of ordinary men ; pitṝṇām — of the forefathers ; na — not ; kiṅkaraḥ — the servant ; na — nor ; ayam — this one ; ṛṇī — debtor ; ca — also ; rājan — O King ; sarva - ātmanā — with his whole being ; yaḥ — a person who ; śaraṇam — shelter ; śaraṇyam — the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who affords shelter to all ; gataḥ — approached ; mukundam — Mukunda ; parihṛtya — giving up ; kartam — duties .

Purport

It is said:

adhyāpanaṁ brahma-yajñaḥ pitṛ-yajñas tu tarpaṇam homo daivo balir bhauto nṛ-yajño ’tithi-pūjanam

“By offering oblations with ghee, one satisfies the demigods. By studying the Vedas, one performs brahma-yajña, which satisfies the great sages. Offering libations of water before one’s forefathers is called pitṛ-yajña. By offering tribute, one performs bhūta-yajña. By properly receiving guests, one performs nṛ-yajña .” These are the five yajñas that liquidate the five kinds of indebtedness — indebtedness to the demigods, great sages, forefathers, living entities and common men. Therefore one has to perform these five kinds of yajñas. But when one takes to the saṅkīrtana-yajña (the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra ), one does not have to perform any other yajña. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Nārada Muni made a statement about the systematic performance of bhāgavata-dharma in connection with statements previously made by the nine Yogendras before Mahārāja Nimi. The sage Karabhājana Ṛṣi explained the four incarnations of the four yugas, and at the end, in this verse (text 141), he explained the position of Kṛṣṇa’s pure devotee and how he is absolved of all debts.

Translation

“Although the pure devotee does not follow all the regulative principles of varṇāśrama, he worships the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Therefore he naturally has no tendency to commit sin.

Word meanings

vidhi - dharma chāḍi’ — giving up all regulative principles of the varṇa and āśrama institution ; bhaje — worships ; kṛṣṇera caraṇa — the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; niṣiddha — forbidden ; pāpa - ācāre — in sinful activities ; tāra — his ; kabhu — at any time ; nahe — not ; mana — the mind .

Purport

The varṇāśrama institution is planned in such a way that one will not commit sinful activities. Material existence continues due to sinful activity. When one acts sinfully in this life, he gets a suitable body for the next life. When one again acts sinfully, he takes on another material body. In this way one is continuously under the influence of material nature.

puruṣaḥ prakṛti-stho hi bhuṅkte prakṛti-jān guṇān kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu

“The living entity in material nature thus follows the ways of life, enjoying the three modes of material nature. This is due to his association with that material nature. Thus he meets with good and evil among various species.” ( Bg. 13.22 )

Due to our association with the modes of material nature, we get different types of bodies, good and bad. One cannot be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, known as transmigration of the soul, unless one is completely freed from all sinful activities. The best process, therefore, is to take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One cannot take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness without being freed from all sinful activities. Naturally one who is very serious about Kṛṣṇa consciousness is freed from all sinful activity. Consequently a devotee is never inclined to commit sins. If one is pressured by the law or obligations to give up sinful activity, one cannot do so. However, if one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he can very easily give up all sinful activity. This is confirmed herein.

Translation

“If, however, a devotee accidentally becomes involved in a sinful activity, Kṛṣṇa purifies him. He does not have to undergo the regulative form of atonement.

Word meanings

ajñāne — by ignorance ; vā — or ; haya — there are ; yadi — if ; pāpa — sinful activities ; upasthita — present ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāṅre — him (the devotee) ; śuddha kare — purifies ; nā karāya — does not cause ; prāyaścitta — atonement .

Purport

Kṛṣṇa purifies from within as the caittya-guru, the spiritual master within the heart. This is described in the following verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.42) .

Translation

“ ‘One who has given up everything and taken full shelter at the lotus feet of Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is very dear to Kṛṣṇa. If he is involved in some sinful activity by accident, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is seated within everyone’s heart, removes his sins without difficulty.’

Word meanings

sva - pāda - mūlam — the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, the shelter of the devotees ; bhajataḥ — who is engaged in worshiping ; priyasya — who is very dear to Kṛṣṇa ; tyakta — given up ; anya — for others ; bhāvasya — of one whose disposition or inclination ; hariḥ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; para - īśaḥ — the Supreme Lord ; vikarma — sinful activities ; yat — whatever ; ca — and ; utpatitam — occurred ; kathañcit — somehow ; dhunoti — removes ; sarvam — everything ; hṛdi — in the heart ; sanniviṣṭaḥ — entered .

Translation

“The path of speculative knowledge and renunciation is not essential for devotional service. Indeed, good qualities such as nonviolence and control of the mind and senses automatically accompany a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

jñāna — the path of knowledge ; vairāgya - ādi — the path of renunciation and so on ; bhaktira — of devotional service ; kabhu — at any time ; nahe — not ; aṅga — a part ; ahiṁsā — nonviolence ; yama — controlling the senses and the mind ; niyama - ādi — restrictions and so on ; bule — roam ; kṛṣṇa - bhakta - saṅga — in the association of a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa .

Purport

Sometimes a neophyte devotee or ordinary person thinks highly of speculative knowledge, austerity, penances and renunciation, thinking them the only path for advancement in devotional service. Actually this is not a fact. The path of knowledge, mystic yoga and renunciation has nothing to do with the pure soul. When one is temporarily in the material world, such processes may help a little, but they are not necessary for a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa. In the material world, such activities end in material enjoyment or merging into the effulgence of the Supreme. They have nothing to do with the eternal loving service of the Lord. If one abandons speculative knowledge and simply engages in devotional service, he has attained his perfection. The devotee has no need for speculative knowledge, pious activity or mystic yoga. All these are automatically present when one renders the Lord transcendental loving service.

Translation

“ ‘For one who is fully engaged in My devotional service, whose mind is fixed on Me in bhakti-yoga, the path of speculative knowledge and dry renunciation is not very beneficial.’

Word meanings

tasmāt — therefore ; mat - bhakti — in My devotional service ; yuktasya — of one who is engaged ; yoginaḥ — the first-class yogī or mystic ; vai — certainly ; mat - ātmanaḥ — whose mind is always engaged in Me ; na — not ; jñānam — speculative knowledge ; na — not ; ca — also ; vairāgyam — dry renunciation ; prāyaḥ — for the most part ; śreyaḥ — beneficial ; bhavet — would be ; iha — in this world .

Purport

The path of devotional service is always independent of other activity. The path of speculative knowledge and mystic yoga may be a little beneficial in the beginning, but it cannot be considered part of devotional service. This verse ( Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.20.31 ) was spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa when He was speaking to Uddhava before His departure from this material world. These are important instructions given directly by Lord Kṛṣṇa. Śrī Uddhava asked the Lord about the two kinds of instructions given in the Vedas. One instruction is called pravṛtti-mārga, and the other is called nivṛtti-mārga. These are directions for enjoying the material world according to regulative principles and then giving up the material world for higher spiritual understanding. Sometimes one does not know whether to practice speculative knowledge and mystic yoga for advancement in spiritual knowledge. Kṛṣṇa explains to Uddhava that the mechanical process of speculative knowledge and yoga is not necessary for advancing in devotional service. Devotional service is completely spiritual; it has nothing to do with material things. It is awakened by hearing and chanting in the association of devotees. Because devotional service is always transcendental, it has nothing to do with material activity.

Translation

“ ‘O hunter, good qualities like nonviolence, which you have developed, are not very astonishing, for those who are engaged in the Lord’s devotional service are never inclined to give pain to others because of envy.’

Word meanings

ete — all these ; na — not ; hi — certainly ; adbhutāḥ — wonderful ; vyādha — O hunter ; tava — your ; ahiṁsā - ādayaḥ — nonviolence and others ; guṇāḥ — qualities ; hari - bhaktau — in devotional service ; pravṛttāḥ — engaged ; ye — those who ; na — not ; te — they ; syuḥ — are ; para - tāpinaḥ — envious of other living entities .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Skanda Purāṇa. It was spoken by Nārada Muni to the reformed hunter Mṛgāri.

Translation

“My dear Sanātana, I have now in detail described devotional service according to the regulative principles. Now hear from Me about spontaneous devotional service and its characteristics.

Word meanings

vaidhī bhakti — of devotional service according to the regulative principles ; sādhanera — of the execution ; kahiluṅ — I have made ; vivaraṇa — description ; rāgānugā - bhaktira — of spontaneous devotional service ; lakṣaṇa — the symptoms ; śuna — please hear ; sanātana — O Sanātana .

Translation

“The original inhabitants of Vṛndāvana are attached to Kṛṣṇa spontaneously in devotional service. Nothing can compare to such spontaneous devotional service, which is called rāgātmikā bhakti. When a devotee follows in the footsteps of the devotees of Vṛndāvana, his devotional service is called rāgānugā bhakti.

Word meanings

rāgātmikā - bhakti — spontaneous devotional service ; mukhyā — preeminent ; vraja - vāsi - jane — in the inhabitants of Vraja, or Vṛndāvana ; tāra — that ; anugata — following ; bhaktira — of devotional service ; rāgānugā - nāme — named rāgānugā or following after spontaneous devotional service .

Purport

In his Bhakti-sandarbha, Jīva Gosvāmī states:

tad evaṁ tat-tad-abhimāna-lakṣaṇa-bhāva-viśeṣeṇa svābhāvika-rāgasya vaiśiṣṭye sati tat-tad-rāga-prayuktā śravaṇa-kīrtana-smaraṇa-pāda-sevana-vandanātma-nivedana-prāyā bhaktis teṣāṁ rāgātmikā bhaktir ity ucyate. . . . tatas tadīyaṁ rāgaṁ rucyānugacchantī sā rāgānugā.

When a pure devotee follows the footsteps of a devotee in Vṛndāvana, he develops rāgānugā bhakti.

Translation

“ ‘When one becomes attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead according to one’s natural inclination to love Him and is fully absorbed in thoughts of the Lord, that state is called transcendental attachment, and devotional service according to that attachment is called rāgātmikā, or spontaneous devotional service.’

Word meanings

iṣṭe — unto the desired object of life ; svā - rasikī — appropriate for one’s own original aptitude of love ; rāgaḥ — attachment ; parama - āviṣṭatā — absorption in the service of the Lord ; bhavet — is ; tat - mayī — consisting of that transcendental attachment ; yā — which ; bhavet — is ; bhaktiḥ — devotional service ; sā — that ; atra — here ; rāgātmikā - uditā — called rāgātmikā, or spontaneous devotional service .

Purport

This verse is found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.272).

Translation

“The primary characteristic of spontaneous love is deep attachment for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Absorption in thought of Him is a marginal characteristic.

Word meanings

iṣṭe — in the desired object, the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; gāḍha - tṛṣṇā — deep attachment ; rāgera — of spontaneous love ; svarūpa - lakṣaṇa — the primary symptom ; iṣṭe — unto the Supreme ; āviṣṭatā — absorption ; ei — this ; taṭastha - lakṣaṇa — the marginal symptom .

Translation

“Thus devotional service which consists of rāga [deep attachment] is called rāgātmikā, spontaneous loving service. If a devotee covets such a position, he is considered to be most fortunate.

Word meanings

rāga - mayī — consisting of attachment ; bhaktira — of devotional service ; haya — is ; rāgātmikā — spontaneous love ; nāma — the name ; tāhā śuni’ — hearing this ; lubdha — covetous ; haya — becomes ; kona bhāgyavān — some fortunate person .

Translation

“If one follows in the footsteps of the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana out of such transcendental covetousness, he does not care for the injunctions or reasonings of śāstra. That is the way of spontaneous love.

Word meanings

lobhe — in such covetousness ; vraja - vāsīra bhāve — in the moods of the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana, Vraja ; kare anugati — follows ; śāstra - yukti — injunctions or reasonings of the śāstras ; nāhi māne — does not abide by ; rāgānugāra — of spontaneous love ; prakṛti — the nature .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that a devotee is attracted by the service of the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana — namely the cowherd men, Mahārāja Nanda, mother Yaśodā, Rādhārāṇī, the gopīs and the cows and calves. An advanced devotee is attracted by the service rendered by an eternal servitor of the Lord. This attraction is called spontaneous attraction. Technically it is called svarūpa-upalabdhi. This stage is not achieved in the beginning. In the beginning one has to render service strictly according to the regulative principles set forth by the revealed scriptures and the spiritual master. By continuously rendering service through the process of vaidhī bhakti, one’s natural inclination is gradually awakened. That is called spontaneous attraction, or rāgānugā bhakti.

An advanced devotee situated on the platform of spontaneity is already very expert in śāstric instruction, logic and argument. When he comes to the point of eternal love for Kṛṣṇa, no one can deviate him from that position, neither by argument nor by śāstric evidence. An advanced devotee has realized his eternal relationship with the Lord, and consequently he does not accept the logic and arguments of others. Such an advanced devotee has nothing to do with the sahajiyās, who manufacture their own way and commit sins by indulging in illicit sex, intoxication and gambling, if not meat-eating. Sometimes the sahajiyās imitate advanced devotees and live in their own whimsical way, avoiding the principles set down in the revealed scriptures. Unless one follows the six Gosvāmīs — Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Śrī Jīva, Gopāla Bhaṭṭa and Raghunātha dāsa — one cannot be a bona fide spontaneous lover of Kṛṣṇa. In this connection, Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura says, rūpa-raghunātha-pade haibe ākuti kabe hāma bujhaba se yugala pirīti. The sahajiyās’ understanding of the love affairs between Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa is not bona fide because they do not follow the principles laid down by the six Gosvāmīs. Their illicit connection and their imitation of the dress of Rūpa Gosvāmī, as well as their avoidance of the prescribed methods of revealed scriptures, will lead them to the lowest regions of hell. These imitative sahajiyās are cheated and unfortunate. They are not equal to advanced devotees ( paramahaṁsas ) . Debauchees and paramahaṁsas are not on the same level.

Translation

“ ‘Devotional service in spontaneous love is vividly expressed and manifested by the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana. Devotional service that accords with their devotional service is called rāgānugā bhakti, or devotional service following in the wake of spontaneous loving service.’

Word meanings

virājantīm — shining intensely ; abhivyaktām — fully expressed ; vraja - vāsi - jana - ādiṣu — among the eternal inhabitants of Vṛndāvana ; rāga - ātmikām — devotional service consisting of spontaneous love ; anusṛtā — following ; yā — which ; sā — that ; rāga - anugā — devotional service following in the wake of spontaneous love ; ucyate — is said .

Purport

This verse is also found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.270).

Translation

“ ‘When an advanced, realized devotee hears about the affairs of the devotees of Vṛndāvana — in the mellows of śānta, dāsya, sakhya, vātsalya and mādhurya — he becomes inclined in one of these ways, and his intelligence becomes attracted. Indeed, he begins to covet that particular type of devotion. When such covetousness is awakened, one’s intelligence no longer depends on the instructions of śāstra [revealed scripture] or on logic and argument.’

Word meanings

tat - tat — respective ; bhāva - ādi - mādhurye — the sweetness of the loving moods (namely śānta-rasa, dāsya-rasa, sakhya-rasa, vātsalya-rasa and mādhurya-rasa ) of the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana ; śrute — when heard ; dhīḥ — the intelligence ; yat — which ; apekṣate — depends on ; na — not ; atra — here ; śāstram — revealed scriptures ; na — not ; yuktim — logic and argument ; ca — also ; tat — that ; lobha — of covetousness to follow in the footsteps ; utpatti - lakṣaṇam — the symptom of awakening .

Purport

This verse is also found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.292).

Translation

“There are two processes by which one may execute this rāgānugā bhakti — external and internal. When self-realized, the advanced devotee externally remains like a neophyte and executes all the śāstric injunctions, especially those concerning hearing and chanting. But within his mind, in his original, purified, self-realized position, he serves Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana in his particular way. He serves Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours a day, all day and night.

Word meanings

bāhya — externally ; antara — internally ; ihāra — of this spontaneous love of Godhead ; dui — two ; ta’ — indeed ; sādhana — such processes of execution ; bāhye — externally ; sādhaka - dehe — with the body of a neophyte devotee ; kare — does ; śravaṇa - kīrtana — hearing and chanting ; mane — the mind ; nija — own ; siddha - deha — eternal body or self-realized position ; kariyā bhāvana — thinking of ; rātri - dine — night and day ; kare — executes ; vraje — in Vṛndāvana ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; sevana — service .

Translation

“ ‘The advanced devotee who is inclined to spontaneous loving service should follow the activities of a particular associate of Kṛṣṇa’s in Vṛndāvana. He should execute service externally as a regulative devotee as well as internally from his self-realized position. Thus he should perform devotional service both externally and internally.’

Word meanings

sevā — service ; sādhaka - rūpeṇa — with the external body as a devotee practicing regulative devotional service ; siddha - rūpeṇa — with a body suitable for eternal, self-realized service ; ca — also ; atra — in this connection ; hi — certainly ; tat — of that ; bhāva — the mood ; lipsunā — desiring to obtain ; kāryā — to be executed ; vraja - loka — of a particular servant of Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana ; anusārataḥ — by following in the footsteps .

Purport

This verse is also found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.295).

Translation

“Actually the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana are very dear to Kṛṣṇa. If one wants to engage in spontaneous loving service, he must follow the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana and constantly engage in devotional service within his mind.

Word meanings

nija - abhīṣṭa — one’s own choice ; kṛṣṇa - preṣṭha — the servitor of Kṛṣṇa ; pācheta’ lāgiyā — following ; nirantara — twenty-four hours a day ; sevā — service ; kare — executes ; antarmanā — within the mind ; hañā — being .

Translation

“ ‘The devotee should always think of Kṛṣṇa within himself and should choose a very dear devotee who is a servitor of Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana. One should constantly engage in topics about that servitor and his loving relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and one should live in Vṛndāvana. If one is physically unable to go to Vṛndāvana, he should mentally live there.’

Word meanings

kṛṣṇam — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; smaran — thinking of ; janam — a devotee ; ca — and ; asya — of His ; preṣṭham — very dear ; nija - samīhitam — chosen by oneself ; tat - tat - kathā — to those respective topics ; rataḥ — attached ; ca — and ; asau — that ; kuryāt — should do ; vāsam — living ; vraje — in Vṛndāvana ; sadā — always .

Purport

This verse is also found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.294).

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa has many types of devotees — some are servants, some are friends, some are parents, and some are conjugal lovers. Devotees who are situated in one of these attitudes of spontaneous love according to their choice are considered to be on the path of spontaneous loving service.

Word meanings

dāsa — servants ; sakhā — friends ; pitṛ - ādi — parents ; preyasīra gaṇa — conjugal lovers ; rāga - mārge — on the path of spontaneous loving service ; nija - nija — of one’s own choice ; bhāvera — of the ecstasy ; gaṇana — counting .

Translation

“ ‘My dear mother, Devahūti! O emblem of peace! My weapon, the disc of time, never vanquishes those for whom I am very dear — for whom I am the Supersoul, son, friend, spiritual master, well-wisher, worshipable Deity and desired goal. Since the devotees are always attached to Me, they are never vanquished by the agents of time.’

Word meanings

na — not ; karhicit — at any time ; mat - parāḥ — devotees of Me ; śānta - rūpe — O mother, the symbol of peacefulness ; naṅkṣyanti — will perish ; na u — nor ; me — My ; animiṣaḥ — time ; leḍhi — licks up (destroys) ; hetiḥ — weapon ; yeṣām — of whom ; aham — I ; priyaḥ — dear ; ātmā — the Supersoul ; sutaḥ — the son ; ca — and ; sakhā — friend ; guruḥ — spiritual master ; suhṛdaḥ — well-wisher ; daivam — the Deity ; iṣṭam — chosen .

Purport

This was spoken by Kapiladeva to His mother Devahūti and is recorded in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.25.38) . Kapiladeva instructed His mother in sāṅkhya-yoga, but the importance of bhakti-yoga is mentioned here. Later sāṅhkya-yoga was imitated by atheists, whose system was founded by a different Kapiladeva, Ṛṣi Kapiladeva.

Translation

“ ‘Let me offer my respectful obeisances again and again to those who always eagerly meditate upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead as a husband, son, friend, brother, father or intimate friend.’

Word meanings

pati — a husband ; putra — a son ; suhṛt — a friend ; bhrātṛ — a brother ; pitṛ — a father ; vat — like ; mitra — an intimate friend ; vat — like ; harim — on the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; ye — all those who ; dhyāyanti — meditate ; sadā — always ; udyuktāḥ — full of eagerness ; tebhyaḥ — unto them ; api — also ; iha — here ; namaḥ namaḥ — repeated respectful obeisances .

Purport

This verse appears in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.308).

Translation

“If one engages in spontaneous loving service to the Lord, his affection for the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa gradually increases.

Word meanings

ei mata — in this way ; kare — executes ; yebā — anyone who ; rāgānugā - bhakti — spontaneous devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇera caraṇe — for the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa ; tāṅra — his ; upajaya — awakens ; prīti — affection .

Translation

“In the seed of affection, there is attachment which goes by two names, rati and bhāva. The Supreme Personality of Godhead comes under the control of such attachment.

Word meanings

prīti - aṅkure — in the seed of affection ; rati — attachment ; bhāva — emotion ; haya — there are ; dui nāma — two names ; yāhā haite — from which ; vaśa — controlled ; hana — is ; śrī - bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura comments on this verse. Externally a devotee performs all the items of devotional service in nine different ways, beginning with śravaṇa and kīrtana, and within his mind he always thinks of his eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa and follows in the footsteps of the devotees of Vṛndāvana. If one engages himself in the service of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa in this way, he can transcend the regulative principles enjoined in the śāstras and, through his spiritual master, fully engage in rendering spontaneous love to Kṛṣṇa. In this way, he attains affection at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa actually comes under the control of such spontaneous feelings, and ultimately one can attain association with the Lord.

Translation

“That by which one can attain loving service to the Lord I have described in detail as the execution of devotional service, called abhidheya.

Word meanings

yāhā haite — from which ; pāi — I can get ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; prema - sevana — affectionate service ; eita’ — this ; kahiluṅ — I have done ; abhidheya - vivaraṇa — description of the means (devotional service) in detail .

Translation

“My dear Sanātana, I have briefly described the process of devotional service in practice, which is the means for obtaining love of Kṛṣṇa. It cannot be described broadly.”

Word meanings

abhidheya — the means of obtaining the desired object ; sādhana - bhakti — devotional service performed by means of the body and senses ; ebe — now ; kahiluṅ — I have described ; sanātana — My dear Sanātana ; saṅkṣepe — in short ; kahiluṅ — I have described ; vistāra — expansion ; nā yāya — is not possible ; varṇana — describing .

Translation

Whoever hears this description of the process of practical devotional service very soon attains shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa in love and affection.

Word meanings

abhidheya — necessary duty ; sādhana - bhakti — devotional service in practice ; śune — hears ; yei jana — anyone who ; acirāt — very soon ; pāya — gets ; sei — that person ; kṛṣṇa - prema - dhana — the treasure of love of Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

Praying at the lotus feet of Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Raghunātha, always desiring their mercy, I, Kṛṣṇadāsa, narrate Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, following in their footsteps.

Word meanings

śrī - rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; raghunātha — Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; pade — at the lotus feet ; yāra — whose ; āśa — expectation ; caitanya - caritāmṛta — the book named Caitanya-caritāmṛta ; kahe — describes ; kṛṣṇadāsa — Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī .

Purport

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, twenty-second chapter, describing the execution of devotional service.