Apparent Distress of a Devotee of God Is Transcendental Bliss
The internal experience of a pure devotee is often a mystery to the common man. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that what appears to be the distress of a devotee of God is often, in reality, a variety of spiritual ecstasy. Unlike material suffering, which is caused by the three modes of nature, the emotions of a devotee are connected directly to the Supreme Lord. Therefore, even when a Vaiṣṇava appears disturbed or unhappy externally, they are internally situated in ānanda, or eternal bliss.
Illusion of Material Suffering
According to the ācāryas, a devotee does not experience distress in the same way a materialist does. Because their consciousness is absorbed in the Absolute Truth, they are insulated from the stinging effects of material duality. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that even if a devotee seems to be in a difficult condition, their internal state remains one of transcendental happiness, making the apparent distress illusory to the external observer.
- A devotee always merges in transcendental happiness, and therefore he has no experience of material distresses. This transcendental happiness is called eternal bliss.
- It is said that when one sees apparent unhappiness or distress in a perfect Vaisnava, it is not at all unhappiness for him; rather, it is transcendental bliss.
Ecstasy of Separation
The most confidential example of this principle is found in the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana. When Kṛṣṇa left for Mathurā, the gopīs appeared to be plunged into an ocean of grief. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda cautions us not to judge this by material standards. He clarifies that this intense feeling of separation is actually the highest height of spiritual happiness, a concept that remains inconceivable to those bound by the logic of the material world.
Relishing the Contrast
Furthermore, the experience of difficulty can actually enhance the taste of spiritual life. Just as hunger makes food taste better, the distress of a devotee of God within the material world serves to heighten their appreciation of Kṛṣṇa's shelter. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that when a devotee takes shelter of the Lord after facing tribulations, the resulting relief and happiness are even more relishable than if they had never faced any trouble at all.
- When a devotee, after experiencing the distress of the material world, relishes the spiritual happiness awarded by the Lord, his position is still more pleasant and enjoyable.
- There is no question of material pains or pleasures for either the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His pure devotees, although they are sometimes superficially said to be distressed or happy. One who is atmarama is blissful in both ways.
Conclusion
The external features of happiness and distress do not apply to a soul surrendered to Kṛṣṇa. As Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches, the devotee is ātmārāma, self-satisfied in all conditions. Whether shedding tears in separation or rejoicing in union, the underlying substance of their experience is the same spiritual bliss. Thus, one should never mistake the superficial tribulations of a saintly person for ordinary worldly suffering; they are merely different waves in the ocean of transcendental love.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Distress of a Devotee 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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