The Creeper of Devotion Grows

ChapTer Three

parT 2

When one’s creeper of devotion matures and one comes to the stage of an uttama-bhägavata1 (the highest stage of devotional perfection), crossing bhäva-bhakti and coming to prema-bhakti, at that time the devotee can go to Vraja (the highest abode of the Lord), and especially to Rädhä-kuëòa (the most confidential place of the Lord’s pastimes).

1. One who is expert in logic, argument and the revealed scriptures and who has firm faith in Kåñëa is classified as a topmost devotee. He can deliver the whole world. (Caitanya-caritämåta, Madhya-lélä 22.65)

The uttama-adhikäré, or highest devotee, is one who is very advanced in devotional service. An uttama-adhikäré is not interested in blaspheming others, his heart is completely clean, and he has attained the realised state of unalloyed Kåñëa consciousness. According to Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé, the association and service of such a mahä-bhägavata, or perfect Vaiñëava, are most desirable. (Nectar of Instruction Text 5)

One who perceives [just like the gopés] his own bhagavad-bhäva, ecstatic mood of attraction towards Çré Kåñëacandra, in the hearts of all jévas and sees all beings within Çré Kåñëacandra is an uttama-bhägavata. (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.2.45)