Defining Suddha-Bhakti

The Goswamis of Vrindavana were deputed with the task of documenting the theology, practice and perfection of bhakti. To this end, Rupa Goswami wrote an entire treatise to summarise the subject matter, and entitled the book ‘Bhakti-rasamrita Sindhu,’ which literally means ‘The nectarean ocean of devotional service.’ The entire book is based upon a very famous verse which clearly defines what pure devotional service is:

anyabhilasita-sunyam jnana-karmady-anavrtam anukulyena krsnanu- silanam bhaktir uttama

“When first-class devotional service develops, one must be devoid of all material desires, knowledge obtained by monistic philosophy, and fruitive action. The devotee must constantly serve Krishna favourably, as Krishna desires.” (BrS 1.1.11)

This verse has been analysed by the acaryas in a variety of ways in order to give us a clear understanding and application for our own lives. There are six main qualities described in this verse - three of them are considered svarupa-laksana, or primary (essential) qualities, while the other three are considered tatastha-laksana, or secondary (marginal) qualities. The svarupa-laksana define the inherent nature of bhakti. The tatastha-laksana are those characteristics which are often observed in pure devotional service but not an inherent part of.