Only When The Activities Are Executed For The Pleasure of Krsna It Is Called Bhakti
(From "Bhakti Tattva Viveka" - click to read more from it.
You can also read the previous page: People Mostly Practice Mishra-Bhakti (Mixed Devotion))
What are the svarupa-lakshana or intrinsic attributes of bhakti? To answer this question it is said that bhakti is anukulyena krsnanushilana, the cultivation of activities which are meant exclusively for the pleasure of Sri Krsna.
In his Durgama-sangamani commentary on Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, Srila Jiva Goswami has explained that the word anushilanam has two meanings.
First, it means cultivation through the endeavours to engage and disengage one’s body, mind and words.
Second, it means cultivation towards the object of our priti or affection through manasi-bhava, the sentiments of the heart and mind.
Although anushilana is of two types, the cultivation through manasi-bhava is included within cultivation by ceshta, one’s activities.
Hence, one’s activities or endeavours (ceshta) and one’s internal sentiments (bhava) are mutually interdependent, and in the end it is the ceshta which are concluded to be the sole characteristics of cultivation.
Only when the activities of one’s body, mind and words are favorably executed for the pleasure of Krsna is it called Bhakti.
Kamsa and Shishupala were always endeavouring towards Krsna with their whole body, mind and words but their endeavours will not be accepted as bhakti because such endeavours were unfavorable to Krsna-priti or Krsna’s pleasure.
Unfavorable endeavours cannot be called bhakti.
The word bhakti is derived from the root verb form ‘bhaj’.
It is said in the Garuda Purana (Purva-khanda 231.3):
bhaj ityesha vai dhatuh sevayam parikirtitah
tasmat seva budhaih prokta bhaktih sadhana-bhuyasi
“The verbal root bhaj means to render service.
Therefore, thoughtful sadhakas should engage in the service of Sri Krsna with great endeavour, for it is only by such service that bhakti is born.”
According to this verse, krsna-seva or loving devotional service to Krsna is called bhakti.
Such service is the intrinsic attribute of bhakti.(from Part 1 – "The Intrinsic Nature of Devotion")
Another revelation, Bhagavat-Tattva Is The Only Object Of Bhakti. Check out the previous page too: People Mostly Practice Mishra-Bhakti (Mixed Devotion). 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."
I am interested to learn bhakti in your ashram.
I am very much anxious to give my service to Lord Krishna through your guidelines by which I can become nearer to Lord krishna.
Dear Subrat, Bhaktivinoda Thakura has left this world one hundred years ago. But he has left us many instructions in his books. Please read his books very attentively, and you’ll get the guidance you need.