Pure Bhakti

“According to Srila Sridhara Swami, the essence of a pure devotee’s qualifications is given in this verse. A pure devotee is one who has attracted the Lord by his love so that the Lord cannot give up the devotee’s heart. According to Srila Jiva Goswami, the word saksat in this verse indicates that a pure devotee has realised knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, having given his heart to the Supreme Lord, Krishna, who is all-attractive in six opulences, including beauty.” (SB 11.2.55)

In this section, Sri Havi’s teachings highlight the qualities of the bhagavata-pradhana, or most exalted Vaisnava. This purity of devotion is what the Srimad- Bhagavatam repeatedly describes in practically every narration. The stories, prayers and philosophical exchanges all stress this purity above and beyond any other consideration.

Reflect for a moment upon the people you admire most in your life, and then ask yourself why you have such appreciation for them. In practically all cases it will be something about their character, qualities, personality and pure heart that captures your imagination. We rarely feel emotionally moved by people because of their external abilities and practical accomplishments. We are more concerned about who they are rather than what they have achieved. It is that internal quality which is attractive. Krishna highlights this point in the Bhagavad-gita when He states: “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.” (BG 9.26). It is not so much about what we give, but the mood with which we offer it.