View source for Reciprocal Nature of Affection for Devotees of God

According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the exchange of affection between the Supreme Lord and His devotees is the foundation of spiritual life. He explains that this affection is reciprocal: just as a devotee directs their love toward God and His representatives, the Lord, though equal to all, acts with special affection toward His surrendered servants. This dynamic creates a transcendental bond that protects the devotee and reveals the personal nature of the Absolute Truth.

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=== Lord's Special Affection ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while the Supreme Personality of Godhead is impartial and equal to every living being, He harbors a specific affection for His devotees. He compares this to a father who provides for all his children but naturally has a special inclination toward the obedient one. This affection moves the Lord to act as the Supersoul, giving direct guidance from within the heart.

* [[Vaniquotes:The Lord is equal in behavior to all living beings, but He is partial to His pure devotees, being very affectionate toward them. The city of Dvaraka was flourishing, being enriched with the best of things in the material world|The Lord is equal in behavior to all living beings, but He is partial to His pure devotees, being very affectionate toward them. The city of Dvaraka was flourishing, being enriched with the best of things in the material world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In the Bhagavad-gita it is said that the Lord, being equally disposed toward every living being, has no enemies and no friends but that He has special affection for a devotee who always thinks of Him in love|In the Bhagavad-gita it is said that the Lord, being equally disposed toward every living being, has no enemies and no friends but that He has special affection for a devotee who always thinks of Him in love.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Because of His (Krsna's) affection for His devotees, He acts as Supersoul to give them directions - sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto mattah smrtir jnanam apohanam ca - BG 15.15|Because of His (Krsna's) affection for His devotees, He acts as Supersoul to give them directions - sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto mattah smrtir jnanam apohanam ca.]]

=== Affection Amongst Devotees ===

According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, a primary symptom of spiritual advancement is the development of affection for one's God-brothers and other living entities. He explains that this affection is not material but is an extension of one's love for Kṛṣṇa. Even familial affection, when centered on the Lord's service, as demonstrated by Kuntī Devī, falls within the range of devotional service.

* [[Vaniquotes:Affection for God-brothers is nice, it is a good sign. Affection for God-brothers as well as for all other living entities, even they are not God-brothers, these signs are seen in the advanced devotees|Affection for God-brothers is nice, it is a good sign. Affection for God-brothers as well as for all other living entities, even they are not God-brothers, these signs are seen in the advanced devotees.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Her (Kunti Devi) affection for the Pandavas and the Vrsnis is not out of the range of devotional service because the service of the Lord and the service of the devotees are identical|Her (Kunti Devi) affection for the Pandavas and the Vrsnis is not out of the range of devotional service because the service of the Lord and the service of the devotees are identical.]]

=== Transcendental Nature of Familial Love ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates the transformative power of this reciprocal affection through the pastimes of Vṛndāvana. He notes that when Brahmā stole the calves and cowherd boys, Kṛṣṇa expanded Himself to replace them. Consequently, the cowherd men and women felt an increase in affection for their "sons" because those sons were actually Kṛṣṇa. This proves that affection for Kṛṣṇa is the source of all satisfaction.

* [[Vaniquotes:Although the cowherd men and cowherd women previously had more affection for Krsna than for their own children, now, for one year, their affection for their own sons continuously increased, for Krsna had now become their sons - SB 10.13.26|Although the cowherd men and cowherd women previously had more affection for Krsna than for their own children, now, for one year, their affection for their own sons continuously increased, for Krsna had now become their sons.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Previously, from the very beginning, the gopis had motherly affection for Krsna. Indeed, their affection for Krsna exceeded even their affection for their own sons - SB 10.13.25|Previously, from the very beginning, the gopis had motherly affection for Krsna. Indeed, their affection for Krsna exceeded even their affection for their own sons - SB 10.13.25.]]

=== Conclusion ===

The reciprocal nature of affection between the Lord and His devotees is the essence of ''bhakti''. The Lord's actions to favor His devotees are not signs of partiality in the material sense, but evidence of His natural affection. By cultivating this spiritual affection for the Lord and His devotees, one transcends the limited sphere of material relationships and enters the eternal family of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Affection for Devotees of God|Affection for Devotees of God]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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