Bhakti

Bhakti: devotion, devotional service to Lord K r i s h n a, love of God, in nine phases of emancipation (see b h â g a v a t a d h a r m a, s â d h a n a - b h a k t i and k e v a l a - b h a k t i). See 7.9: 9 about its unique property (see 11.27).

Bhakti may be considered in three stages, called gunî-bhûta, pradhânî-bhûta and kevala, and according to these stages there are three divisions, which are called jnâna, jnânamayî and rati, or premâ: that is, simple knowledge, love mixed with knowledge, and pure love. By simple knowledge, one can perceive transcendental bliss without variety. This perception is called mâna-bhûti. When one comes to the stage of jnânamayî, one realizes the transcendental opulences of the Personality of Godhead. But when one reaches pure love, one realizes the transcendental form of the Lord as Lord K r i s h n a or Lord R â m a.' (Prabhupâda, 10.3: 32 purport).

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