Uttama-Bhakti or Topmost Devotion
(From "Bhakti Tattva Viveka" - click to read more from it.
You can also read the previous page: People In General Consider The Polluted And Mixed Conceptions To Be Bhakti)
Our previous acaryas have compiled numerous literatures to establish the svarupa of bhakti, and amongst them Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu is the most beneficial.
In defining the general characteristics of shuddha-bhakti, Srila Rupa Goswami has written there (verse 1.1.11):
anyabhilashita-shunyam jnana-karmady anavritam
anukulyena krsnanushilanam bhaktir uttama
“The cultivation of activities which are meant exclusively for the pleasure of Sri Krsna, or in other words the uninterrupted flow of service to Sri Krsna, performed through all endeavours of the body, mind, and speech, and through the expression of various spiritual sentiments (bhavas), which is not covered by jnana (knowledge aimed at impersonal liberation) and karma (reward-seeking activity), and which is devoid of all desires other than the aspiration to bring happiness to Sri Krsna, is called uttama-bhakti, pure devotional service.”
In the above verse, each and every word has to be analysed; otherwise we cannot understand the attributes of bhakti.
In this verse, what is the meaning of the words ‘uttama-bhakti’? Does the phrase uttama-bhakti or topmost devotion also imply the existence of adhama or inferior bhakti? Or can it mean something else?(from Part 1 – "The Intrinsic Nature of Devotion")
Another revelation, People Mostly Practice Mishra-Bhakti (Mixed Devotion). Check out the previous page too: People In General Consider The Polluted And Mixed Conceptions To Be Bhakti. You will benefit from reading the whole work: Bhakti Tattva Viveka.
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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."