Bhakti-rasa - The Mellow of Devotional Service to God
Bhakti-rasa refers to the transcendental taste or mellow that arises from the loving reciprocation between a devotee and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. It is the essence of spiritual life, distinguishing the vibrant, emotional nature of pure devotional service from impersonal liberation. This divine science, elaborately analyzed by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, categorizes the various relationships and sentiments a soul can experience in connection with the Lord, proving that spiritual existence is full of dynamic variety.
Definition and Value of Bhakti-rasa
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the core of bhakti-rasa is the exchange of feelings between the finite soul and the Infinite Lord. This spiritual taste is considered the highest attainment, and Rūpa Gosvāmī advises that one should obtain this consciousness at any price, as it is the only means to truly attract Kṛṣṇa and achieve liberation.
- Exchange in loving reciprocation between the lover and the beloved is generally called krsna-bhakti-rasa, the transcendental taste of exchanging loving sentiments between the devotee and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Bhakti-rasa itself is sufficient to produce a feeling of liberation because it attracts the attention of the Supreme Lord, Krsna.
- Rupa Gosvami advised, krsna-bhakti-rasa-bhavita matih kriyatam yadi kuto 'pi labhyate. He advises that "Krsna consciousness, if it is available, you purchase. You purchase anywhere it is available.
- In the daksina-vibhaga (southern division of the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu) there is a general description of the mellow (relationship) called bhakti-rasa, which is derived from devotional service.
Primary Mellows of Devotion
The relationships between the devotee and the Lord are classified into primary mellows, such as dāsya (servitorship), vātsalya (parental affection), and madhura (conjugal love). Śrīla Prabhupāda describes these as stages where the living entity's eternal love for God transforms into specific roles, such as acting as a servant or a parent to the Supreme.
- Dasya-rasa, or dasya-bhakti-rasa, is described in the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (3.2.3-4): When according to his desires the living entity develops love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, this beginning stage of love is called dasya-bhakti-rasa.
- When eternally existing love of Godhead transforms into parental love and is mixed with corresponding emotions, that stage of spiritual existence is described by learned devotees as vatsalya-bhakti-rasa - Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 3.4.1.
Indirect Mellows
In addition to the primary relationships, there are seven indirect or secondary rasas that enhance the variety of spiritual experience. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that even emotions which seem negative in the material world—such as fear, anger, or ghastliness—become spiritualized when directed toward Kṛṣṇa, manifesting as bhayānaka, raudra, or bībhatsa-bhakti-rasa.
- Adbhuta-rasa is described in the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (4.2.1): When one’s general attachment is fixed in wonder, it is called adbhuta-bhakti-rasa.
- The hasya-bhakti-rasa, laughing devotion, is explained as follows: When through devotional service a laughing attachment to Krsna is developed, it is called hasya-bhakti-rasa by learned scholars.
- Vira-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.3.1): When attachment to Krsna mixes with the bellicose tendency, the charitable tendency or the merciful tendency in the heart of the devotee, such devotion is called vira-bhakti-rasa.
- Bibhatsa-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.7.1): When one’s attachment for Krsna develops in an abominable way, and the devotee enjoys it, that is called bibhatsa-bhakti-rasa.
Interaction of Mellows
The science of bhakti is complex and dynamic, allowing for the mixing of different mellows. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a devotee situated in a permanent, primary relationship can simultaneously experience indirect mellows, creating a rich tapestry of emotional exchange with the Lord.
- When a pure devotee is situated in any of the five principal mellows and that mellow is mixed with one or more of the seven indirect bhakti-rasas (hasya, adbhuta, vira, karuna, raudra, bhayanaka or bibhatsa), the indirect mellows become prominent.
- Karuna-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.4.1): When one’s devotional attitude and attachment for Krsna is mixed with lamentation, it is called karuna-bhakti-rasa.
- Raudra-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.5.1): When devotion is mixed with anger in the heart of the devotee, the taste is called raudra-bhakti-rasa.
- Bhayanaka-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.6.1): When devotion is mixed with fear, it is called bhayanaka-bhakti-rasa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bhakti-rasa is the complete and variegated science of loving God. Whether through direct service, parental affection, or even indirect emotions like fear or wonder, every sentiment finds its perfection when reposed in Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that understanding and experiencing these mellows, as delineated in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, constitutes the perfection of human life and leads to eternal residence in the spiritual world.
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