“When the greed of a rāgānugā aspirant leads him down the road of rāga, keeping his beloved object at the center, then a special taste awakens for the forms and pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His associates. At first, an aspirant’s greed will be scattered over many different subject matters and cannot focus on the actual beloved object, but when sādhana bhajana ripens, this greed will give up all other subject matters and will focus on the beloved. In this paragraph, the blessed author shows how this sacred greed gradually develops. After the rāgānugīya practitioner has taken shelter of the lotus feet of Śrī Guru, the stream of his bhajana begins to flow as he engages in hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord in the company of the devotees. Thus, his heart is gradually cleansed of vices like lust and becomes completely immaculate. The purer his heart gets through this cleansing process, the stronger the sacred greed will get in his heart.”
— Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī, Ṭīkā to RVC

These profound words from Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī open the door for us to one of the most sublime and yet subtle aspects of Bhakti-Yoga: rāgānugā-bhakti and the associated development of sacred greed (rāga). As an aspiring Gaudiya Vaishnava, understanding this dynamic is crucial for our spiritual journey. It’s not about a worldly greed for possessions or power, but an all-consuming yearning for Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His eternal associates in Vraja.

Rāgānugā-bhakti: Following in the Footsteps of the Vraja-vāsīs

To grasp the depth of Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī’s words, we first need to recall what rāgānugā-bhakti actually means. As we know, it is devotion that imitates the rāgātmikā-bhakti of the residents of Vraja – that spontaneous, natural, and unconditional love felt by personalities such as the gopīs, Nanda Mahārāja, or Yaśodā for Śrī Kṛṣṇa. These eternal associates of Kṛṣṇa (nitya-siddhas) possess a love that doesn’t depend on scriptures or logical reasoning, but springs from their pure existential nature.
We, as conditioned souls (nitya-baddha-jīvas), cannot develop such spontaneous, “natural” love on our own. Our hearts are covered by countless material attachments and impurities. Our only way is to cling to those who already possess this love – the nitya-siddhas – and yearn to follow their moods and sentiments. This is the essence of rāgānugā-bhakti: It is not our own invention, but a gift awakened within us through hearing, grace, and the sincere aspiration to follow these great souls.

The Metamorphosis of Greed: From Scattered to Focused

Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī speaks of the “greed” of a rāgānugā aspirant leading him along the path of Rāga when his beloved object is at the center. This is a fascinating concept. Normally, we associate greed with something negative, something that binds us and distances us from our true self. Yet here, it becomes a spiritual catalyst. It is the greed for pure love, for service, for union with the Divine.
Initially, he explains, this greed is scattered. How often do we feel drawn to the many facets of spiritual life? We read something here, something there, interested in various practices, perhaps even different schools. Our curiosity and desire to grow are great, but the focus isn’t yet clear. Our spiritual energy is like a river dividing into many small streams instead of consolidating into a mighty current. Material distractions, mental desires, and attachments to the world constantly pull us in different directions. We want to concentrate on Radha Kṛṣṇa, but our minds jump from one object to the next, like a monkey swinging from branch to branch.
But Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī assures us: When sādhana-bhajana (devotional practice) ripens, this greed will give up all other subjects and focus on the beloved object. This is the key moment. Through consistent, sincere practice, we begin to recognize the true nature of our yearning. Outer objects lose their luster, their allure fades, and the inner flame of yearning for Kṛṣṇa becomes brighter and more intense. The scattered flow of our greed gathers into a single, mighty current that flows directly towards Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

The Invaluable Worth of Śrī Guru

Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī shows us how this sacred greed gradually emerges and develops. The first and arguably most important step, as he emphasizes, is to take shelter of the lotus feet of Śrī Guru. This is not a mere formality, but the fundamental anchor point for the entire spiritual journey in Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
The Guru is the captain who guides us through the turbulent waters of material existence. He is the one who can explain the Vedic scriptures in their true meaning, who imparts the principles of Bhakti-Yoga, and initiates us into the specific practices necessary for our development. Without the guidance of a genuine Guru, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to traverse the complex path of rāgānugā-bhakti. The Guru sees our individual propensity, our weaknesses, and our potentials, and can give us precisely the instructions we need. He ignites the fire of devotion within us and sets the direction for how we can cultivate our yearning.
Through Diksha (initiation) and Siddha Pranali, the foundation for this development is laid. It is the formal entry into the line of spiritual succession and the acceptance of responsibility to follow the Guru’s instructions.

The Purifying Stream of Bhajana

Once the rāgānugīya practitioner has taken shelter of the Guru, the stream of his Bhajana begins to flow. And how? Through hearing (śravaṇa) and chanting (kīrtana) the glories of the Lord in the company of devotees (sādhu-saṅga). These are the cornerstones of Bhakti-Yoga.

Śravaṇa (Hearing): Systematically hearing about Kṛṣṇa, His names, forms, qualities, and pastimes is absolutely essential. It’s like watering a plant; without water, it cannot thrive. When we hear the stories from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, read about the pastimes in Vraja, study the explanations of the ācāryas – especially those focused on the moods of the Vraja-vāsīs – our hearts begin to open. This hearing must not be merely intellectual; it must happen with attention, respect, and a deep yearning. It is the nourishment that feeds our sacred greed. Every word about Kṛṣṇa is like a drop of nectar that ignites the flame of our devotion.

Kīrtana (Chanting): Chanting the Holy Names, especially the Mahā-Mantra (Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare / Hare Rāma Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma Hare Hare), is the most powerful purification process for the heart. The sound of Kṛṣṇa’s names has a transformative power that burns our karmic reactions and removes the layers of dust from illusion and attachment. Through continuous chanting, the mind is calmed, the senses are controlled, and the heart becomes more receptive to spiritual reality.

Sādhu-saṅga (Company of Devotees): Hearing and chanting are most effective when practiced in the company of like-minded individuals. The atmosphere of community is a supportive environment where we can inspire and encourage each other. When we see others practicing with devotion, when we share their experiences and learn from their insights, it strengthens our own determination. The energy of Bhakti in a community is contagious and helps us overcome obstacles that we might not be able to conquer alone. The vibration and purity of the devotees help to cleanse our own hearts.

The Purified Heart and Increasing Greed

Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī describes a process: “Thus his heart is gradually cleansed of vices like lust and becomes completely immaculate. The purer his heart gets through this cleansing process, the stronger the sacred greed will get in his heart.”
This is the wonderful causality of spiritual life. It is a mutual reinforcement mechanism: the more we engage in Śravaṇa, Kīrtana, and Sādhu-saṅga, the more our heart is purified. The material impurities – especially lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, and envy (kāma, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, mātsarya) – are gradually removed. It’s not a sudden flash, but a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.
When the heart is freed from these qualities, it becomes clearer, more transparent, and more receptive to the subtle energies of the spiritual world. It’s like removing a dense cloud cover that obscures the view of the sun. The more clouds dissipate, the brighter the sun shines. Similarly, the purer our heart becomes, the stronger and more intense the sacred greed. It is no longer just a diffuse yearning, but a burning, focused flame.

This greed is the sign that our original, spiritual self is gradually unfolding. This sacred greed is the fuel that drives us on the path of Rāga. It motivates us to dive deeper into our practice, to hear more intensely, to chant more sincerely, and to seek the company of devotees more intimately.

The Fruit of Sacred Greed: A Special Taste

When this greed focuses more and more on the beloved object – Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His eternal associates – then, as Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī says, “a special taste awakens for the forms and pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His associates.”
This is the sweetness that all rāgānugā aspirants hope for. It is a deep, inner taste (ruci) for spiritual reality that goes far beyond intellectual understanding. We begin to feel a deep attraction to Kṛṣṇa’s beautiful forms, to His lovable qualities, to the intimate relationships of His associates in Vraja, and to the transcendental pastimes He performs there.
This taste is not merely theoretical; it is a heartfelt sensation, a deep joy and satisfaction that fills us when we hear or chant about Kṛṣṇa. It is the feeling of coming home, sensing a deep connection with the Divine that makes all material pleasures pale in comparison. This special taste is proof that our practice is bearing fruit and that we are on the right path to follow in the footsteps of the Vraja-vāsīs.

The Journey Continues

The path of rāgānugā-bhakti and the cultivation of sacred greed are a lifelong journey that requires consistency, patience, and faith. It is a process of letting go of what binds us and holding on to what liberates us.

Śrīla Ananta dās Bābājī gives us a map and a compass for this journey with his words. The path may be long and full of challenges, but the promise is infinitely sweet: the development of an all-consuming love for Śrī Radha and Kṛṣṇa, which will eventually draw us into His eternal pastimes in Vraja. May we all progress on this sacred path, driven by this noble greed that ultimately leads us to the highest fulfillment.