Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

What one hears of but does not behold in the ordinary world is apprehended through the vision of revelation.
Hearing it, the mind accepts it as true: this natural acceptance is faith.

When one takes up that devotional feeling, it is then put to the test.
Although the mind suffers disturbances of many kinds, one does not abandon it.

Recognise this as the consequent sign of steadfastness in a person’s heart.
There is no doubt that such a person will meet both Rama and Sita.

Even when one sees something contrary to that upon which love has been fixed,
no absence of feeling enters the heart: this is the way of steadfastness.

Great happiness arises from seeing and touching them, and profound sorrow without their vision.
Friend, this is the consequent sign of taste; it does not allow Raghubar to remain distant.

Know bhāva-bhakti to be present when these natural qualities arise in the heart:
forbearance, detachment, humility, and the refusal to let time pass uselessly;

firm hope of meeting them, intense longing,
attachment to recounting their virtues, and love for the places where they dwell;

together with constant taste for their names and sacred places. These are the nine signs.
Recognise such a person as eligible to meet Sita and Raghunandana.

Even when many obstacles arise, the current of affection suffers no loss,
and attachment grows ever new: recognise this as predominant prema.

Know the excellent mark of sneha: the heart is seen to melt.
One no longer regards body and wealth as separate from them and abandons whatever creates separation.

Sorrow connected with Sita and Raghubar appears like happiness,
while happiness without connection to Sita and Raghubar becomes an abode of sorrow.

Know these as the marks of anurāga in the lover’s heart.
Keep such a lover’s holy company and bring those same marks into your own heart.

Recognise this as the mark of praṇaya: firm and profound trust.
Great friendship grows within the heart, and the companion experiences equality with the Beloved.

Understand worship to be of two kinds: one takes refuge in divine majesty,
and the second takes refuge in sweetness. Choose a home in either according to your taste.

To meditate continually in Goloka upon transcendent, four-armed Rama and Sita, accompanied by the rāsa and other divine plays,
is called worship that takes refuge in majesty.