In The Footsteps of Kṛṣṇa's Eternal Associates - Following Rāgānugā-Bhakti
When a practitioner of bhakti-yoga strictly follows the rules and regulations of the scriptures, their heart is eventually cleansed of all material dirt. But what happens next? Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that upon reaching the liberated stage, the soul awakens a deep, spontaneous desire to serve the Supreme Lord in a specific, intimate relationship. However, this intimate realm of Goloka Vṛndāvana has strict protocols: one cannot approach Kṛṣṇa directly, but must follow in the footsteps of His eternal associates.
The Precondition: Liberation from Matter
Before one can even attempt to understand or follow the intimate residents of Vṛndāvana, a strict foundation must be laid. Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly warns against the cheap imitation of the sahajiyās, who try to jump into Kṛṣṇa's pastimes while still harboring mundane lust. True spontaneous love (rāgānugā-bhakti) only awakens after one is completely freed from material contamination.
- Only after the stage of liberation from material contamination can one actually aspire to follow in the footsteps of the devotees in Vrndavana.
- We must always remember, however, that such eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Braja (Vrndavana) is not possible unless one is freed from material contamination.
- One in this pure state of devotional service gradually develops the desire to follow in the footsteps of an eternal associate of Krsna.
- After taking to devotional service under the regulative principles, a person may come to the platform of spontaneous love of Godhead, following in the footsteps of great devotees like Narada and Sanaka and Sanatana.
Approaching Through the Proper Channels
In the spiritual world, Kṛṣṇa is never alone; He is always surrounded by His loving associates (nitya-siddhas). Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that if a devotee desires to serve Kṛṣṇa in a specific mellow (rasa)—such as servitorship, friendship, or parenthood—they must place themselves under the direct guidance of an eternal resident of Vrajabhūmi who is already perfect in that rasa.
- Since all the inhabitants of Vrajabhumi, Vrndavana, are very dear to Krsna, a devotee selects one of the inhabitants and follows in his footsteps in order to be successful in his own devotional service.
- One should place himself under the direct guidance of a particular associate of Krsna and should follow in his footsteps.
- In the dasya-rasa one follows in the footsteps of servants like Citraka, Patraka or Raktaka. In the friendly sakhya-rasa one can become a friend like Baladeva, Sridama or Sudama.
- Devotees who are attracted to Krsna as parents or as friends should follow in the footsteps of Nanda Maharaj or Subala, respectively.
Supremacy of the Gopis
Of all the intimate associates of Kṛṣṇa, the gopīs (the cowherd girls of Vṛndāvana) hold the absolute highest position, as they serve the Lord in the supreme mellow of conjugal love (mādhurya-rasa). Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that to attain Kṛṣṇa in this most exalted relationship, one has no choice but to become an assistant maidservant and strictly follow the gopīs. Even exalted personalities like the Goddess of Fortune failed to enter the rāsa dance because they refused to follow this strict rule.
- Unless one follows in the footsteps of the gopis, he cannot attain the service of the lotus feet of Krsna, the son of Nanda Maharaja.
- Those attracted by the conjugal love between Radha and Krsna must follow in the footsteps of the gopis. Only then is it possible to enter into the Lord's service in Goloka Vrndavana and directly associate with Radha and Krsna.
- The goddess of fortune, Laksmi, wanted to enjoy Krsna and at the same time retain her spiritual body in the form of Laksmi. However, she did not follow in the footsteps of the gopis in her worship of Krsna.
- In the Caitanya-caritamrta it is said that no one can receive the real favor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead without following in the footsteps of the gopis.
Perfection of Spontaneous Love
When a devotee deeply absorbs themselves in following these eternal associates, their devotion transforms. It is no longer driven by the strict, calculated rules of the scriptures, but by an overwhelming, spontaneous, and covetous desire to please Kṛṣṇa. This intense, loving attachment is the hallmark of rāgānugā-bhakti, and it is the only way to capture the Lord's heart.
- When one becomes deeply affected by the devotion of the residents of Vrajabhumi and tries to follow in their footsteps, he does not care for the restrictions or regulations of the revealed scriptures. This is the characteristic of one in raga-bhakti.
- If one develops devotional service and attachment by following in the footsteps of the Vrajavasis, he attains raga-marga-bhakti, or devotional service in attachment to the Lord.
- If one follows in the footsteps of the inhabitants of Vrndavana out of such transcendental covetousness, he does not care for the injunctions or reasonings of sastra. That is the way of spontaneous love.
- Wherever he may be, one must always think about life in Brajadhama and about following in the footsteps of a particular devotee in the service of the Lord.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that although we are conditioned souls, if we strictly practice regulative devotional service and gradually awaken our desire to serve under the guidance of Kṛṣṇa's eternal associates—be they servants, friends, parents, or the beloved gopīs—we are guaranteed to attain the supreme spiritual kingdom of Goloka Vṛndāvana and associate with the Lord face to face.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Following in the Footsteps of Krsna's Associates. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.