24 May 2025 evening – How to Progress in Bhakti (English) | Paris, France | Srila BV Vana Maharaja
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Brief history of the life of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu (Sacidananda Goura Hari) in this material world.
Immersed in the illusion of Maya, the conditioned soul forgot Kṛṣṇa, thus remaining trapped in the incessant cycle of birth and death.
Developing the mood of separation (viraha) is essential for progress in spiritual life.
The stages of the process of bhakti are: faith (śraddhā), association with a pure devotee (sādhu-saṅga), learning devotional service (bhajana-kriyā), eradication of anarthas (anartha-nivṛtti), steadfastness (niṣṭhā), taste (ruci), attachment (āsakti), ecstasy (bhāva) and pure love for Kṛṣṇa (prema).
The good fortune of taking shelter of the lotus feet of a bona fide Guru and receiving diksa-mantra begins with the gradual awakening of bhakti in the heart of the devotee.
Sloka: tṛṇād api su-nīcena taror iva sahiṣṇunā…(CC Adi-lila 17.31).
The seed of bhakti should be watered daily by hearing the Harikathā.
Sambandha-jñāna (knowledge of relationship) followed by abhidheya-tattva (process of bhakti) leads to prayojana, the ultimate goal of perfection: Krsna-prema.
