Radhe Radhe!

Rāgānugā-bhakti is often misunderstood within devotional circles. Contrary to common belief, it is not an advanced stage of vaidhi-bhakti (devotion guided by scriptural rules), but a distinct path of devotion inspired by the spontaneous love (rāga) exhibited by the eternal associates of Śrī Kṛṣṇa in Vraja. This essay aims to clarify the nature of rāgānugā-bhakti, drawing upon authoritative sources and the insights presented my earlier article “Rāgānugā-bhakti: From Interest to Perfection.”

Understanding Rāgānugā-bhakti

Rāgānugā-bhakti is defined as devotion that follows in the wake of the rāgātmikā-bhakti of the residents of Vraja, such as the gopīs, Nanda, Yaśodā, and others, who possess an innate and spontaneous love for Śrī Kṛṣṇa. This form of devotion is characterized by a deep, natural affection (rāga) that is not dependent on scriptural injunctions or logical reasoning.

It’s crucial to distinguish between rāgātmikā-bhakti and rāgānugā-bhakti. Rāgātmikā-bhakti refers to the spontaneous devotion inherent in the eternal associates of Kṛṣṇa (nitya-siddhas), while rāgānugā-bhakti is the practice of aspiring devotees (nitya-baddha-jīvas) who seek to follow and emulate that spontaneous devotion. Nitya-baddha-jīvas—conditioned souls bound by material nature—can never possess true spontaneous devotion on their own. Their only hope is to cultivate devotion by following the moods of the nitya-siddhas, the eternal liberated souls.

Therefore, labeling rāgānugā-bhakti as “spontaneous devotion” is a misnomer; it is, in fact, devotion that follows the spontaneous devotion of the Vraja-vāsīs. It is not self-originated, but awakened through hearing, grace, and aspiration to follow those who possess rāga inherently.

The Role of Mercy (Kṛpā)

The initiation into rāgānugā-bhakti is not achieved through personal effort or the accumulation of pious activities alone. Instead, it is entirely dependent on the mercy (kṛpā) of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees. As stated in Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.309):

“The mercy of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees is the only cause of attaining rāgānugā-bhakti. Some call this type of devotion puṣṭi-mārga.”

This mercy may manifest in two forms: prāktana (bestowed in a previous life) and ādhunika (bestowed in the present life). Regardless of the form, it is this mercy that awakens the sacred greed (lobha) necessary for the pursuit of rāgānugā-bhakti.

Parallel Paths: Vaidhi and Rāgānugā

Vaidhi-bhakti and rāgānugā-bhakti are parallel paths within the practice of devotion. While vaidhi-bhakti is governed by scriptural rules and regulations, rāgānugā-bhakti is motivated by an intense longing to serve Kṛṣṇa in the mood of the Vraja-vāsīs. Both paths may begin with similar practices, but their motivations and goals differ significantly.

It’s a misconception to view rāgānugā-bhakti as a higher stage that follows vaidhi-bhakti. Instead, rāgānugā-bhakti is a distinct path that one may embark upon when the requisite sacred greed arises, irrespective of one’s stage in vaidhi-bhakti. In fact both paths start with bhajana-kriya.

The Awakening of Sacred Greed (Lobha)

The journey of rāgānugā-bhakti begins with the awakening of lobha, a deep, insatiable longing to serve Kṛṣṇa in the specific mood of a Vraja associate. This longing arises from hearing about the sweet pastimes and emotions of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees. As described in Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.292):

“When one hears about the sweetness of their feelings and so forth, and a desire for attaining the same awakens in the consciousness without dependence on scripture and logic, this is a symptom of the awakening of greed (lobha).”

This sacred greed propels the aspirant to seek initiation into rāgānugā-bhakti under the guidance of a qualified guru who embodies the desired mood.

Conclusion

Rāgānugā-bhakti is a unique and independent path of devotion that is initiated by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees. It is characterized by an intense longing to serve Kṛṣṇa in the mood of the Vraja-vāsīs and is not contingent upon the completion of vaidhi-bhakti or the attainment of a purified heart. Understanding this distinction is crucial for practitioners who aspire to deepen their devotional practice.

For a more in-depth exploration of rāgānugā-bhakti, refer to my article: “Rāgānugā-bhakti: From Interest to Perfection.”