Divine Law of Reciprocation
The divine law of reciprocation governs all meaningful interactions. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that relationships—whether between the soul and God, the guru and disciple, or even among ordinary friends—relies on a mutual exchange. Love, by definition, cannot be one-sided; it is a voluntary transaction of feelings. He teaches that this principle of reciprocity is the foundation of the Vedic social system (sanātana-dharma) and the essential characteristic of personalism.
The Definition of Love
Śrīla Prabhupāda defines love as a "good exchange of feeling" that is voluntary and reciprocal. He warns that if an interaction is forced, it is not love but a crime. True affection implies that both parties are invested in satisfying each other. This mutual satisfaction is the hallmark of a healthy relationship, distinguishing it from the exploitation found in lust.
- Love is reciprocal, voluntary, good exchange of feeling, then there is love; not by force. That is rape.Why one is called lover, another is called rape.
- Even in our ordinary dealings, if we love someone we want to satisfy him or her, and he or she also wants to reciprocate. So if the reciprocation of loving affairs exists in this material world, in what an elevated way must it exist in the spiritual world.
- Feelings of love are reciprocal, especially on the spiritual platform. I know what is your feelings about me, and in the same way I am always dependent on your kind affection.
Guru-Disciple Relationship
The relationship between a spiritual master and a disciple is a prime example of this law. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a bona fide guru is naturally kind, but for knowledge to be transferred perfectly, the disciple must reciprocate with submission and service. This mutual exchange creates a spiritual family where the preceptor instructs and the follower serves, both bound by affection.
- A bona fide spiritual master is by nature very kind toward the disciple. Therefore when the student is submissive and is always ready to render service, the reciprocation of knowledge and inquiries becomes perfect.
- The spiritual master is always instructing his disciples and they in turn are always trying to serve their spiritual master. It is a reciprocal relationship of love.
- You cannot survive without my mercy and I cannot survive without your mercy. It is reciprocal. This mutual dependence is based on love, Krishna Consciousness.
Mutual Satisfaction in Service
Śrīla Prabhupāda often used the analogy of a master and a servant to illustrate spiritual reciprocity. He points out that in a proper relationship, the master is satisfied by receiving service, and the servant is satisfied by rendering it. This principle of mutual dependence and satisfaction is the basis of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, where the Supreme Lord and the living entity eternally exchange loving dealings.
- A faithful servant and a rich master, the reciprocation is service. The master is also satisfied by the service of the servant, and the servant is also satisfied, giving service to the master. This is our relation with Krsna.
- The son serves the father, just as the servant serves the master. There is affection between master and servant and son and father. The father also serves the son in so many ways; therefore the relationship is reciprocal.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that without reciprocation, there is no meaning to life or religion. The "Divine Law of Reciprocation" lifts the living entity from the dry speculation of impersonalism to the dynamic reality of personal relationships. Whether in the material world or the spiritual world, the exchange of love remains the sustaining force of existence.
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 Reciprocation. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.