The Beginning

In Madhurya Kadambini, Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura scientifically analyses the soul’s spiritual journey. He systematically delineates a sequence of eight stages that a sincere and serious practitioner will progress through before arriving at the ultimate goal, pure love of God (prema). Before describing the journey, Visvanatha Chakravarti spends considerable time discussing how one begins that spiritual journey.

Our attraction for devotional activities (which is carried from previous lives) impels us towards further execution of those devotional activities in this life. That subsequent execution further increases one’s attraction. But where does the initial attraction come from? During our material sojourn, what is the turning point at which one begins cultivating their relationship with God? How is that seed of bhakti implanted within the heart?

Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura explores a variety of options. Some may posit that the cause of bhakti is good fortune. Such an explanation is inconclusive, since the question remains as to how that good fortune arises. Others may propose that the cause of bhakti is good karma and pious activity. This is unacceptable since piety is still a material activity, and how could something material be the cause of something divinely spiritual? Some may posit that Krishna is the cause of bhakti. But then we face another problem since Krishna says “I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all.” (BG 9.29). With that in mind, why would He bestow good fortune on some and not others?

In a deeply realised and illuminating fashion, Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura reveals that the journey to pure love ultimately begins when one contacts a devotee of Krishna: “The root cause of devotional service to Lord Krishna is association with advanced devotees. Even when one’s dormant love for Krishna awakens, association with devotees is still most essential.” (CC Madhya 22.83)

Since Vaisnavas have bhakti implanted within their hearts, they are impelled and equipped to give it to others, and in this way instigate the spiritual journey of another. Thus, in the deepest sense, bhakti is the cause of bhakti. Although this analysis may seem deeply philosophical, it’s incredibly practical and simple. We have all experienced that even ordinary love can’t be bought, forced, or manufactured. It is the product of an individual’s free will and desire. Only love creates love, and only divine love creates divine love. So, if we want divine love, we must encounter someone who has it. If we are fortunate to meet such a person, and receptive enough to accept that divine gift, our spiritual journey begins.