Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 23.14-15
Love Develops Through Regulated Devotional Service
“ ‘In the beginning there must be faith. Then one becomes interested in associating with pure devotees. Thereafter one is initiated by the spiritual master and executes the regulative principles under his orders. Thus one is freed from all unwanted habits and becomes firmly fixed in devotional service. Thereafter, one develops taste and attachment. This is the way of sādhana-bhakti, the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles. Gradually emotions intensify, and finally there is an awakening of love. This is the gradual development of love of Godhead for the devotee interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.’
What the purport teaches
- Faith comes first, followed by interest in associating with pure devotees. One then receives initiation from the spiritual master and follows the regulative principles under his orders.
- Through this practice, one becomes free from unwanted habits and firmly fixed in devotional service. Taste and attachment then develop.
- This path is sādhana-bhakti, devotional service according to the regulative principles. Emotions gradually intensify until love of Godhead awakens.
Try this today
Write down the progression from faith to love, and reflect on one step you need to understand better.
Ask yourself
What does this gradual path teach you about becoming firmly fixed in devotional service?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.