When bhakti is executed on the transcendental platform of pure goodness (suddha-sattva), it is like a sun-ray of love for Krishna. At such a time, bhakti causes the heart to be softened by various tastes, and one is then situated in bhava (ecstatic emotion).” There are 9 symptoms of Bhava Bhakti.
"kshantir avyartha-kalatvam viraktir mana-sunyata
asa-bandhah samutkantha nama-gane sada rucih
asaktis tad-gunakhyane pritis tad-vasati-sthale
ity-adayo ‘nubhavah syur jata-bhavankure jane"
Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.3.1)
Verse reveal nine symptoms which can be seen in the character of one who has achieved the stage of bhava. These symptoms are seen as an excellent criterion for determining advancement in bhakti, as opposed to other types of displays which may be easily imitated.
1) Kshanti: perseverance. Remaining tolerant and patient, even amid disturbance.
2) Avyartha-kalatvam: utilization of time. Refers to constant engagement in devotional seva (service).
3) Virakti: detachment. Completely indifferent to the objects of sense gratification.
4) Mana-shunyata: absence of false prestige or pridelessness. To feel humble, free from the longing for being shown respect.
5) Asha-bandha: hope. To be always certain that Krishna will bestow His mercy on oneself.
6) Samutkanta: An intense eagerness to achieve or ardent desire for attaining one’s desired supreme object (prema).
7) Nama-gane sada ruci: Thirst arising out of affection for constantly chanting the Lord’s holy names.
8) Asaktis tad-gunakhyane: A natural attachment to describe the Lord’s most sweet qualities, pastimes, and so on.
9) Pritis tad-vasati-sthale: The desire to reside in the places of the Lord’s pastimes such as Vrindavana.
"kshantir avyartha-kalatvam viraktir mana-sunyata
asa-bandhah samutkantha nama-gane sada rucih
asaktis tad-gunakhyane pritis tad-vasati-sthale
ity-adayo ‘nubhavah syur jata-bhavankure jane"
Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.3.1)
Verse reveal nine symptoms which can be seen in the character of one who has achieved the stage of bhava. These symptoms are seen as an excellent criterion for determining advancement in bhakti, as opposed to other types of displays which may be easily imitated.
1) Kshanti: perseverance. Remaining tolerant and patient, even amid disturbance.
2) Avyartha-kalatvam: utilization of time. Refers to constant engagement in devotional seva (service).
3) Virakti: detachment. Completely indifferent to the objects of sense gratification.
4) Mana-shunyata: absence of false prestige or pridelessness. To feel humble, free from the longing for being shown respect.
5) Asha-bandha: hope. To be always certain that Krishna will bestow His mercy on oneself.
6) Samutkanta: An intense eagerness to achieve or ardent desire for attaining one’s desired supreme object (prema).
7) Nama-gane sada ruci: Thirst arising out of affection for constantly chanting the Lord’s holy names.
8) Asaktis tad-gunakhyane: A natural attachment to describe the Lord’s most sweet qualities, pastimes, and so on.
9) Pritis tad-vasati-sthale: The desire to reside in the places of the Lord’s pastimes such as Vrindavana.
