Depending on what type of sâdhanâ we perform we can get two types of love –

• Love that contains the knowledge that Sri Bhagavân is almighty
• Simply love

Srila Rupa Goswâmipâd states the same in B.R.S. –

“mâhâtmya-gyâna-yuktashcha kevalashcheti sâ dwidhâ“

Devotional practice is of two types –

1. Vaidhi
2. Râgânugâ

When a sâdhak follows the vaidhi path he has a strong feeling that Sri Bhagavân is majestic. Therefore when he gains love, it is mixed with a sensation of glory. When a sâdhak practices the path of vidhi (or vaidhi path) then he gains love, however this love results in either sâlokya, sârshti, sârupya or sâmipya. These are four types of liberation or mukti that a devotee can get. Then he goes to Vaikuntha.

“aishwarya-gyâne bidhi-marge bhajan koriyâ,

boikunthete jây chaturbidha mukti pâiyâ”

Meaning – “When we practice bhajan in the path of vidhi by considering Sri Bhagavân as majestic, we attain liberation and go to Vaikuntha.”

– (C.C.Âdi.3.17.)

The Râgânugâ devotee worships Sri Krishna as the Son of Vrajendra (King of Vrajadhâm, that is, Nanda Mahârâj). It is devoid of a sense of majesty. Hence such a devotee gains simply love (‘keval’ prem). The devotional practice in Râgânugâ path is without a hint of opulence or aishwarya-gyân. Srila Rupa Goswâmipâd states this in B.R.S. –

“râgânugâshritânâncha prâyashah kevalo bhavet”

Meaning – “The devotees who practice Râgânugâ almost always (prâyashah) gain keval prem.”

Srimat Jiva Goswâmipâd has explained the word ‘prâyashah‘ (almost always) as – “Although a devotee may follow Râgânugâ if his devotion is tainted with vaidhi bhakti then he will not attain simply love.”

This means that not necessarily all Râgânugâ devotees will attain keval prem. However we should note that we can taste the pure sweetness of Vraja-ras only when we possess keval prem.

(to be continued……..)