Pratibimba-Bhakti-Abhasa and Chaya-Bhakti-Abhasa
(From "Bhakti Tattva Viveka" - click to read more from it.
You can also read the previous page: How Jiva Acquires Various Material Designations)
Srila Rupa Goswami has not given a separate analysis of bhakti-abhasa in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu.
Within the first half of the verse “anyabhilashita-shunyam jnana-karmady anavritam” he has given a complete yet hidden explanation of bhakti-abhasa.
While discussing the topic of rati-abhasa or the semblance of rati in his review of rati-tattva, Srila Rupa Goswami has nicely explained bhakti-abhasa.
I am presenting this deliberation on bhakti-abhasa upon the basis of the conception of rasacarya Srila Rupa Goswami.
Bhakti-abhasa exists prior to the stage of shuddha-bhakti.
From bhakti-abhasa the stages of shuddha-bhakti and rati in shuddha-bhakti appear in sequence.
Srila Rupa Goswami says (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.3.45), “pratibimbas tatha chaya ratyabhaso dvidha matah.” There are two types of bhakti-abhasa: pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa and chaya-bhakti-abhasa.
The difference between the two is that pratibimba remains apart from the original object and appears as another separate entity, while chaya is completely dependent on the original object and from a position of proximity to it appears as a partial manifestation of the original object.
When a tree is reflected in water, the tree which is visible in the water is called the pratibimba or reflection of the original tree.
The reflection is never in touch with the original object.
The existence of the reflection is due solely to the existence of the original object; still, the reflection is accepted as a separate identity.
The form which appears because of the tree’s blockage of the path of light and which resembles the form of the tree itself is called the chaya or shadow.
The existence of the chaya is entirely dependent upon the original object.(from Part 2 – "An Analysis of Bhakti-abhasa or the Semblance of Bhakti")
Another revelation, Pure Bhakti is Free from Pratibimba and Chaya!. Check out the previous page too: How Jiva Acquires Various Material Designations. You will benefit from reading the whole work: Bhakti Tattva Viveka.And now listen to this sound >>
Harih Om Tat Sat.
Natural Brotherhood (Bhaktivinoda Thakura):
"Gradually, when the offensive portions of the established religions are destroyed, there will be no more differences in the bhajana performed by the various Sampradayas nor any quarrel between them.
Then as brothers, the people of all castes and countries will spontaneously chant the Holy Names of the Supreme Lord together.
At that time, no one will hate anyone or consider others dogeaters; nor will anyone be overwhelmed by the pride of high birth.
The living entities will not forget the principle of natural brotherhood."