Nectar of Devotion - The Complete Science of Bhakti-yoga
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not based on blind faith or emotional fanaticism. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that The Nectar of Devotion, a summary study of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, provides the systematic, authoritative, and completely scientific methodology for awakening one's dormant love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The Science of Devotional Service
To progress steadily in spiritual life, one must understand the exact definitions and processes of devotion. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that The Nectar of Devotion teaches bhakti not as a vague sentiment, but as a precise science that purifies the heart and guarantees spiritual perfection.
- Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, The Nectar of Devotion, is the actual science of bhakti. Bhakti is not sentiment; it is a great science, and we have to learn it scientifically.
- Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu by Rupa Gosvami which we have translated by the name, Nectar of Devotion, the Complete Science, the Complete Science of Bhakti-yoga, this is very important book of understanding how to become purified in devotional service.
- One must taste the nectar of devotion by reason, argument and knowledge, and then he must pass it on to others. One should not think that Krsna consciousness is mere sentimentality. The dancing and singing are all scientific.
- The Nectar of Devotion teaches all men how to perform the simple and natural method of loving Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If we learn how to love Krsna, then it is very easy to immediately and simultaneously love every living being.
The Manual for Cultivation
Spiritual life requires daily practice and strict adherence to regulative principles. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that The Nectar of Devotion serves as the ultimate manual for devotees, detailing the sixty-four items of devotional service, the rules for Deity worship, and the specific offenses to avoid.
- Cultivation means practice, and the great acaryas have given a routine we can cultivate. For instance, The Nectar of Devotion by Srila Rupa Gosvami deals with the cultivation of devotional service.
- In The Nectar of Devotion, these (the nine devotional processes) are expanded into sixty-four items.
- Everything should be always kept neat and clean, and the foodstuffs should be prepared in a neat and clean manner. All these regulative principles are described in The Nectar of Devotion.
- Everyone engaged in Deity worship, whether at home or in the temple, should always seek the mercy of Narada Muni in order to avoid the thirty-two offenses while worshiping the Deity. These offenses in Deity worship are mentioned in The Nectar of Devotion.
The Higher Stages of Ecstasy
As a devotee matures beyond the basic rules and regulations, they begin to experience profound spiritual emotions. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the later chapters of The Nectar of Devotion vividly map out these transcendental developments, describing the various symptoms of ecstatic love (bhāva).
- The Nectar of Devotion, a summary study of Srila Rupa Gosvami's Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, explains those symptoms (of bhava stage) and vividly describes other transcendental developments, both in steady and accelerating manifestations.
- These symptoms are called bhava. In The Nectar of Devotion, various bhavas, ecstatic conditions of a devotee, are fully described. These bhavas are visible in the activities of a perfect devotee.
- There are eight types of transcendental ecstasy (known as bhava, anubhava, sthayi-bhava and so on), and these are discussed in The Nectar of Devotion.
- In this portion (of Nectar of Devotion), Srila Rupa Gosvami further describes these ecstasies of devotional feelings, some being compatible and others incompatible with one another.
Direct Association with Rūpa Gosvāmī
Reading the scriptures is not a mundane academic exercise; it is a direct transaction of spiritual energy. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures his disciples that by repeatedly studying The Nectar of Devotion, one directly associates with Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and easily receives his transcendental guidance.
- This book, Nectar of Devotion, Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, if you read regularly, try to understand, this means you are associating with Srila Rupa Gosvami directly. And if you act accordingly, then you are serving their lotus feet.
- So every one of you should read this Nectar of Devotion repeatedly. The whole substance of Vaisnava philosophy and activities, everything is there. So every one of you read this Nectar of Devotion once, twice, thrice.
- One after another, everything is very clearly explained in this Nectar of Devotion. So each chapter you should read very carefully. And if you cannot understand, read it repeatedly.
- You read regularly, Nectar of Devotion, regularly. All these books should be regularly read. That will give you guidance. You haven't got to ask repeatedly to me; everything is there.
The Foundation for Brāhmaṇas
To ensure the purity and strength of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, a solid philosophical foundation is required. Śrīla Prabhupāda mandated that The Nectar of Devotion be a required study for all initiated brāhmaṇas, forming the core of the Bhakti-śāstrī examination.
- Brahmanas should study carefully, especially Gita, Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion and Nectar of Instruction as well as all the small paperbacks. Soon we will have yearly examinations for brahmanas based on these books and those who pass will be awarded Bhakti-sastri titles.
- Whatever books we have got, it should be studied. Bhakti-sastri means Nectar of Devotion, Bhagavad-gita, Nectar of Instruction, Beyond Death -- in this way we select some ten books. That is bhakti-sastri.
- You should all read very carefully Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and Nectar of Devotion.
- Practically, if one very carefully reads the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya and this Nectar of Devotion, that will give him sufficient knowledge to understand the science of Krsna consciousness. One need not take the trouble of reading other books.
Revolutionary Literature for the World
The distribution of this transcendental science is the highest welfare work. Śrīla Prabhupāda considered The Nectar of Devotion to be revolutionary literature, capable of transforming the consciousness of anyone—from university professors to ordinary citizens—who sincerely reads it.
- Actually these two books, KRSNA book and Nectar of Devotion, are revolutionary to your country. Not only your country, but all over the world.
- Our book distribution program is most important work. Anyone reading our KRSNA book, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Nectar of Devotion, and Bhagavad Gita As It Is, is sure to become a Krishna Conscious person.
- Anyone reading our Krsna book, Nectar of Devotion, Teachings of Lord Caitanya and Bhagavad Gita will certainly become a Krsna conscious person. Someway or other we have to push these literatures, whether through schools, colleges, libraries, membership or ordinary sales.
- This book (Nectar of Devotion), which we have translated, has been very well received in European and American universities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes The Nectar of Devotion as an indispensable masterpiece for anyone serious about attaining the ultimate goal of life. Translating and summarizing Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī's profound Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, Śrīla Prabhupāda provides the world with the complete, perfect science of bhakti-yoga. This book thoroughly dismantles the misconception that devotion to God is merely a sentimental or fanatical pursuit. Instead, it offers a highly systematic, practical methodology for cultivating love for Kṛṣṇa, guiding the practitioner from the most basic regulative principles of Deity worship to the breathtaking heights of transcendental ecstasy (bhāva). By repeatedly reading this revolutionary literature, a sincere student directly associates with the great ācāryas, receiving all the necessary guidance to completely purify their heart. Along with the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and Kṛṣṇa book, The Nectar of Devotion forms the absolute philosophical bedrock of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. By eagerly studying these texts to attain the Bhakti-śāstrī qualification, and by vigorously distributing them to universities, libraries, and the general public, devotees execute the highest welfare work, ensuring that the nectar of pure devotion floods and saves the entire modern world.
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 Nectar of Devotion. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.