From Longing to Living: The Beginning of Deliberate Devotional Life

Once śraddhā has awakened and the soul has come under the loving influence of sādhu-saṅga, the natural progression is into the realm of bhajana-kriyā—the formal and structured engagement in the practices of bhakti.

In this stage, the soul takes her first real steps toward Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa in conscious action. She is no longer only inspired; now she begins to live her faith through deliberate practice.

Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartīpāda explains that bhajana-kriyā is the gateway to transformation, where inner aspiration is externalized through activities like chanting, deity worship, studying śāstra, observing vows, and performing sevā.

Definition of Bhajana-kriyā

Bhajana-kriyā literally means “engaging in the systematic performance of devotional service.” According to Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, it refers to both:

1. Vaidhī-sādhana — practice based on scriptural rules.
2. Rāgānugā-sādhana — practice inspired by love and spontaneous attachment.

Śrīla Ananta Dās Bābājī Mahārāja emphasizes that for aspirants in the line of mañjarī-bhāva, bhajana-kriyā gradually transitions from rule-based practices to spontaneous service modeled after the residents of Vraja, Bit still in the realm of rāgānugā-bhakti.

The Components of Bhajana-kriyā

Bhajana-kriyā is not random. Under the guidance of one’s guru, it includes:

• Nāma-japa and Nāma-saṅkīrtana
  Repetition of the Holy Name on beads and in kīrtana is the central limb of all bhajana. The Name is Kṛṣṇa Himself, and through it all other practices are nourished.
• Śravaṇam (Hearing)
  Hearing about Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, qualities, and Names from pure devotees infuses the heart with life.
• Kīrtanam (Chanting and glorifying)
  Vocal expression of bhakti in poetry, songs, and scriptural recitation—especially kīrtana infused with mādhurya-rasa.
• Smaraṇam (Remembrance)
  Meditative contemplation of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa’s līlās, guided by the guru and supported by śāstra.
• Sevā (Service to deity, guru, and Vaiṣṇavas)
  Practical, physical and emotional offerings made with affection and humility.
• Sadācāra (Behavioral purity)
  Regulating lifestyle, eating habits, speech, sleep, and interactions in a way that pleases the Lord and supports remembrance.

This architecture of practice is tailor-made for the soul by her guru, who understands her inclinations and ultimate destination.

The Fire of Discipline and the Flowering of Devotion

At first, bhajana-kriyā may feel like discipline. The mind resists, the senses rebel, and one may even doubt its effectiveness. But just as a child first learns to walk unsteadily, the sādhaka in this stage learns to submit her entire being to a rhythm of devotion.

Śrīla Bābājī Mahārāja explains that the early stage of bhajana is like a gardener planting seeds in rocky soil. The practices may seem dry or mechanical, but if pursued with sincerity and in the company of real sādhus, they eventually break through the soil of the heart.

He beautifully compares the Holy Name to the rising sun. Even when hidden by clouds of anarthas, the sun is still present and working. Eventually, its brilliance pierces through, and bhajana becomes sweet.

Types of Bhajana-kriyā: Steady and Unsteady

Cakravartīpāda identifies two categories:

1. Ghaṭita-bhajana-kriyā (Unsteady practice)
   Marked by starts and stops, oscillating enthusiasm, irregular habits, and occasional lapses. The sādhaka in this phase struggles but remains hopeful.
2. Nisṭhita-bhajana-kriyā (Steady practice)
   Practice becomes regulated, prioritized, and internally anchored. Even when sweetness is lacking, the sādhaka does not give up.

Śrīla Bābājī Mahārāja adds that every sādhaka must pass through the first to reach the second. One must not become discouraged by one’s failings, for every moment of sincere practice is stored by the Lord.

The Role of Guru in Bhajana-kriyā

The guru acts as the architect and guardian of the sādhaka’s bhajana. He:

• Prescribes the number of Holy Names to chant.
• Offers guidance on how to live and serve.
• Gradually introduces the inner meditative līlās when the disciple is ready.
• Corrects missteps with compassion and clarity.

The disciple should never independently alter her practices without consulting her guru. This loyalty, guru-niṣṭhā, is itself a form of bhajana.

The Challenges of Bhajana-kriyā

The sādhaka faces many inner enemies at this stage:

• Laziness and procrastination
• Pride in one’s own sādhana
• Jealousy of other devotees
• Mechanical chanting
• Complacency born of early spiritual experiences

These are symptoms of residual anarthas, which still lurk below the surface. Bhajana-kriyā is the medicine that weakens them.

Signs of Progress

Despite the obstacles, certain signs begin to appear:

1. Increased taste for the Holy Name
2. Gratitude toward the guru
3. Natural aversion to sinful acts
4. A longing for simplicity and solitude
5. Initial glimpses of sweetness in remembrance of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa

These are subtle but stable signs that the soul is maturing.

Rāgānugā Bhajana-kriyā: The Special Gift of Gaura-līlā

For those on the path of mañjarī-bhāva in the Gauḍīya tradition, bhajana-kriyā includes:

• Studying the intimate līlās of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa in texts like Govinda-līlāmṛta and Stava-mālā.
• Practicing manasī-sevā (mental service) in the mood of a mañjarī.
• Meditating on one’s siddha-deha (spiritual identity), as revealed through the guru.

However, Śrīla Bābājī Mahārāja warns that this inner practice must not be imitated prematurely. It is the guru who initiates it when the disciple is internally ripe.

Without Bhajana-kriyā, Nothing Blossoms

Cakravartīpāda teaches that bhajana-kriyā is the bridge between hearing and realization. Without sustained practice, śraddhā and sādhu-saṅga do not bear fruit. They are the inspiration; bhajana is the application.

In this stage, the soul becomes like a brāhmaṇa performing yajña—her life is now an offering into the fire of devotion. Every name chanted, every tear shed, every resistance overcome is fuel for the flame.

Conclusion: The Devotee Becomes a Practitioner

Having passed from faith to inspiration and now into deliberate practice, the sādhaka is reborn. Her life begins to revolve around Hari, Guru, and Vaiṣṇava. Her senses, speech, and thoughts are gradually aligned with her heart’s longing.

And yet, the journey is only beginning.

As the sādhaka continues to chant and serve, a storm begins to rise from within—the surfacing of deep impurities. This is the next unavoidable phase: anartha-nivṛtti, the cleansing of unwanted things.