Plunging into the Ocean of Nectar of Devotional Service
The concept of an "ocean of nectar" is frequently used in Vaiṣṇava philosophy to illustrate the boundless and sweet nature of devotional service. Unlike the dry speculation of logic or the limited pleasures of the material world, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu offer an immersive experience of spiritual bliss that completely satisfies the self.
The Vast Difference Between Material and Spiritual Happiness
Śrīla Prabhupāda often contrasts the varying degrees of happiness available to the soul. He explains that material enjoyment is dry and insignificant, comparable to a small ditch of water, whereas the happiness derived from Kṛṣṇa consciousness is vast, deep, and ever-expanding like an ocean.
- Any material happiness is like water in a ditch, whereas the spiritual happiness eternally enjoyed in the spiritual world is like an ocean of nectar in which a devotee wants to swim.
- Whereas I once associated with the disciples of logic, all nondevotees, I am now merged in the waves of the nectarean ocean of the association of devotees.
Nectarean Pastimes of Lord Caitanya and Kṛṣṇa
The activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are not ordinary historical events but are reservoirs of nectar. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that understanding these beautiful qualities and pastimes allows one to reside within this ocean, far beyond the reach of material fear or suffering.
- The life and characteristics of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are exactly like an ocean of nectar, one drop of which can please the mind and ear.
- My dear Lord, Your pastimes are just like an ocean of nectar. It is not possible for me to conceive how great that ocean is or even to understand a drop of it.
- Caitanya told Sanatana Gosvami about the beautiful aspects of Krsna. He said that one who understands these beautiful qualities enjoys an ocean of nectar.
Immersion in the Ocean of Love
Devotional service involves a complete immersion in the relationship between the Lord and His devotee. This exchange is described by Śrīla Prabhupāda as a mutual plunging into an ocean of nectar, where the devotee exhibits symptoms of ecstasy such as dancing and crying in pure love.
- Again let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. O my Lord, I offer my obeisances hundreds and thousands of times with all affection because by Your personal pastimes You plunge the gopis into an ocean of nectar.
- The exchange of spiritual happiness between Krsna and His devotee in which Krsna is controlled by His devotee is compared to an ocean of nectar into which the devotee and Krsna plunge.
- There are various ecstatic symptoms evinced: crying, changing bodily color, madness, bereavement, silence, pride, ecstasy and gentleness. Frequently the person in love with God dances, & such dancing places him in the ocean of the nectar of love of Krsna.
Potency of a Single Drop
The ocean of nectar is so potent that one does not need to comprehend the whole to experience its effect. According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, even a single drop of this transcendental ocean has the power to inundate the entire world with bliss and purify the heart.
- The pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are an ocean of nectar. Even a drop of this ocean can inundate the whole world with transcendental bliss.
- My Lord, Your opulence is like an unlimited ocean of nectar, and it is verbally and mentally impossible for me to realize even a drop of that ocean.
Conclusion
The invitation to plunge into the ocean of nectar of devotional service is the ultimate benediction for the living entity. By turning away from the insignificant droplets of material pleasure and diving into the unlimited ocean of Kṛṣṇa's pastimes and qualities, the devotee attains a state of fearlessness and eternal bliss. As confirmed by Śrīla Prabhupāda, this ocean is ever-expanding, offering fresh nectar at every moment to those who are fortunate enough to swim within it.
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 Ocean of Nectar. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.