The 5th Type of Impure Bhakti

(From "Bhakti Tattva Viveka" - click to read more from it.
You can also read the previous page: The 4th Type of Impure Bhakti)

In the scriptures there are many examples of bhakti-uddipaka vastu-shakti janita bhakti-abhasa.

Tulasi plant, Maha-prasada, Vaisnava-prasada, the days of devotional observance such as Ekadashi, the Deity of Bhagavan, the Holy Dhamas, the Ganga, the footdust of Vaisnavas and so on are various objects which act as bhakti-uddipaka or stimuli to bhakti.

The jiva receives immense benefit even by coming in contact with these objects unknowingly.

Sometimes benefit is accrued even when the innocent jiva unknowingly commits an offence to them.

Coming into contact with these objects in this way is also bhakti-abhasa.

Devotees won’t be astonished upon witnessing such remarkable results of bhakti-abhasa; all such results are due solely to the immense power of shuddha-bhakti.

If the processes of jnana and yoga are not executed purely and if they are not supported by bhakti-abhasa, then they are incapable of granting any result.

On the other hand, Bhakti-devi is completely independent; regardless of the motives of those who take shelter of her, she fulfills their innermost desires.

Although all these results are visible in bhakti-abhasa, it is not the prescribed conduct.

The execution of shuddha-bhakti is our only duty.

Those who desire absolute success should not in any circumstances give a place to pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa within their hearts.

By the strength of bhajana performed under the guidance of pure Vaisnavas, they should cross beyond chaya-bhakti-abhasa and take exclusive shelter at the lotus feet of Bhakti-devi.

Therefore, all of you kindly accept the following principle presented by Vishva-Vaisnava dasa:

pratibimbas tatha chaya bheda-tattva – vicaratah

bhaktyabhaso dvidha so ’pi varjaniyah rasarthibhih

Those who desire to relish bhakti-rasa should always remain aloof from both types of bhakti-abhasa.

By reviewing the tattva, it is concluded that bhakti-abhasa is of two types, pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa and chaya-bhakti-abhasa.

Pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa has a tendency to make the jiva commit offences while chaya-bhakti-abhasa is incomplete in itself.

The execution of shuddha-bhakti is the only recommended activity for the jiva.(from Part 2 – "An Analysis of Bhakti-abhasa or the Semblance of Bhakti")

Another revelation, Offences towards Bhakti. Check out the previous page too: The 4th Type of Impure Bhakti. You will benefit from reading the whole work: Bhakti Tattva Viveka.

And now listen to this sound >>

Harih Om Tat Sat.