(as given in Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu of Srila Rupa Goswami)
Sraddha - General beginning of faith.
Sadhu Sanga - Association of Pure devotees
Bhajana Kriya - Purificatory practices of Devotional service; sadhana bhakti; ie. sravan & kirttan (Hearing & chanting etc.)
Anartha Nivritti - Purging / cleansing of faults & unwanted habits, desires etc.
Nistha - Unbroken steadiness in Devotion ie. 24 hour continuous remembrance in service of Krsna.
Ruchi - Awakening of genuine taste for Devotion. Spontaneous love (raga marga) begins here.
Ashakti - When one cannot tolerate any separation from the continuous sweet taste of Krsna Consciousness.
Bhava - Ecstatic transcendental emotions. The budding stage of the flower of Prema.
Prema - The blossoming stage - Pure Divine Love of Krsna
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My dandabat pranams
ReplyDeleteRecently, I wrote to Vaidehi dd that this talk of the progress of our faith makes me wonder how I am progressing. I wonder because I am missing what is most important for our progress: the direct association of Vaishnav and Gurudev.
Whereas in a more favorable circumstance I would fill the vacuum that is created as we loose material interests with more saddhana and association, I find the vacuum filled with sadness of separation that is at times discouraging and uninspiring. But, Sripad Giri Maharaja says that if I am feeling a hankering for more then this is good and I am making some progress.
If it were not for the BlogTV programs and phone calls to Giri Maharaja I truly would have nothing. So, I am thankful for what I have. But, I want so much more.
Thank you so much for your time and effort in reaching out to us who are far away.
Your servant,
Shyama mohini dd
Dear Shyama Mohini dd.
ReplyDeleteVery happy to receive your comment, and to hear of your progressive inquiry & sincere introspection.
Tonight on the blog tv session maybe we can try to address your enquiry a little.
Certainly hunger is a sign of good health. So that you are hungry for more is sure sign of progress. When we are away from the direct company of Sadhu, Guru & Vaisnava, the natural symptom will be feelings of separation and lamentation. Obviously to read the books of our Guru's, & the scriptures etc. will bring much relief and inspiration in our practice when we don't have direct contact, but ultimately everything will depend upon our inner hankering and sincerity. As Srila Gurudev has said - bugs and lice may live live in the same bed as the sadhu - but what are they getting ? Are they getting sadhu sanga ?
Even we can live with the Vaisnavas, but if we do not have the inner receptivity, the clean & clear mood of surrender & selfles service - then we will only remain on the outside of the honey jar, scratching at the surface.
Separation does makes the heart grow fonder :-)
And fondness of heart is what we need !
More soon
:-)