Page 16 - Sri Vamsidasa Babaji (English)

Introduction

paramahaàsas, they did not observe all the rules necessary
for immature devotees—they did not wear tilaka or use
japa-mäläs, nor did they chant a fixed number of mantras
or follow daily regulated programs of sädhana.
In Aiçvarya-kädambiné, Çréla Viçvanätha Cakravarté
Öhäkura states that devotees on the higher level
of devotional service, practicing mänasa-bhajana
(devotional service performed principally within the
mind), do not want any restrictions on their free-flowing
offering of spontaneous love to Kåñëa. This elevated level
of devotional service is not to be imitated. In Bhakti-
rasämåta-sindhu, Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé warns:
çruti-småti-puräëädi- païcarätra-vidhià vinä
aikäntiké harer bhaktir utpätäyaiva kalpate

The purport of this verse is that the scriptural regulations
of devotional service are essential, and neglect of them by
a practitioner of Hari-bhakti will simply cause disturbance.
Yet in the same book Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé instructed:

smartavyaù satataà viñëur vismartavyo na jätucit
sarve vidhi-niñedhäù syur etayor eva kiìkaräù

Always remember Kåñëa (Viñëu) and never forget
Him. All rules and regulations are subservient to
this injunction.

For a reluctant student, a disciplined atmosphere is
necessary to see him through his course. But an eager
student does not need inducement or pressure to open
his books. Similarly, for those who have not developed
spontaneous taste for devotional service, rules are required,

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