Reciprocation in Loving Devotional Service
The essence of devotional service is the living, dynamic reciprocation between the devotee and the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that God is not an inert force but a Person who actively responds to the love offered to Him. This transcendental exchange, known as kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa, is the unique treasure of the personalist philosophy and is entirely absent in impersonal liberation.
Personalism vs. Impersonalism
Śrīla Prabhupāda posits that true religion must involve a reciprocal relationship. He argues that one cannot render service to a void or an impersonal light because service implies a master and a servant. Therefore, the bliss of devotional service is superior to the "bliss" of brahmānanda (impersonal realization) because it allows for an eternal, emotional exchange between two conscious beings.
- In the impersonal philosophy there is no reciprocation between the Supreme and the living entity, but in the personalist philosophy there is.
- Devotional service is reciprocation between two, and therefore it cannot be located simply within one’s self. Therefore the bliss of self-realization, brahmananda, cannot be equated with devotional service.
- No one can render devotional service to an impersonal entity because such service implies a reciprocal personal relationship between the servant and the master.
Lord's Response to Sincerity
Kṛṣṇa is exquisitely sensitive to the attitude of His devotee. The Lord reciprocates in proportion to the devotee's surrender. If a devotee takes one step toward Kṛṣṇa, Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that Kṛṣṇa acts to give the intelligence and protection needed to advance further. This creates a cycle of ever-increasing love.
- As more and more you increase in sincerity, similarly Krishna will more and more reciprocate by giving you the intelligence to serve Him nicely.
- There is science, and there is also loving reciprocation. Krsna is very dear to the wise man, and the wise man is very dear to Krsna. Krsna will return our love a thousand-fold.
- Just like we become devoted, similarly, God also becomes devoted to us. You don't think that one-sided devotion. No. Just like love is never one-sided. Love is reciprocation.
Varieties of Spiritual Exchange
The spiritual world is not a monolith of neutral service; it is filled with diverse mellows, or rasas. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how the Lord reciprocates differently with servants, friends, parents, and lovers. He highlights that while Vaikuṇṭha offers majestic worship, the highest standard of intimate reciprocation is found in Vṛndāvana, where the formal distance between God and devotee is removed by the intensity of love.
- Reciprocations of loving affairs in ecstasy are possible only in Vrndavana. Therefore just after His (Krsna's) appearance as the son of Vasudeva, the Lord immediately left for Vrndavana.
- The whole process of devotional service involves a transcendental reciprocation in the relationship between the worshiper and the worshiped. Without such a diverse exchange of transcendental flavors, devotional service has no meaning.
- In Vrindaban the reciprocation of transcendental humor is higher than in Vaikuntha.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that the ultimate goal of life is to enter into this reciprocal relationship with Kṛṣṇa. By engaging in devotional service, the living entity awakens their dormant propensity to love and be loved. This exchange is not merely a theological concept but the practical reality of the spiritual world, where every action is a loving response to the Supreme Lord's infinite affection.
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.