Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Shri Radha Krishna Bhakti
Bhagwan Shri Krishna is the Supreme God. However, it is the power of divine love that is sacrosanct.
The avatar of Shri Krishna is the beholder of innumerable divine powers. He is unique because of four attributes revealed only in this avatar:
- Leela Madhuri
- Prem Madhuri
- Roop Madhuri
- Murali Madhuri
It is because of these attributes that devotees are naturally attracted to Shri Krishna. All other avatars (descensions) of God, including Lord Mahavishnu, emanate from their supreme source, Shri Krishna.
All the powers of Shri Krishna are infinite, divine and personified. However, amongst his uncountable powers, the power of love is so unique that instead of being under the control of its Master, it controls the Master Himself.
Shri Radha is the power of divine love in Shri Krishna, referred to as Shri Radha Krishna. Thus, saints recommend that meditating on God in the form of Shri Radha Krishna is the easiest way to practise roopdhyan and develop a loving relationship.
Four Types of Loving Relationships With Shri Krishna
Dasya Bhav
“I am a servant of God.” There are more rules and regulations and less privileges in this relationship.
Sakhya Bhav
“God is my friend.” Some of the restrictions melt away as you feel more closeness.
Vatsalya Bhav
“God is my child.” You feel further closer to Him and care deeply for Him.
Madhurya Bhav
“God is my beloved.” There are no restrictions in this relationship.
Madhurya bhav is the greatest, most profound relationship of all and naturally includes access to all the other previous relationships. The gopis were the highest class of saints who selflessly love Shri Krishna for His happiness. They gave the dust of their feet to their Beloved Shri Krishna to cure Him of His maladies if needed. Such is the unfathomable depth of their love for Him.
How to practice devotion of Shri Radha Krishna
You are free to choose any form, but whatever form you meditate on, you must feel that it is divine. Always feel the presence of Shri Radha Krishna with you.
- Shed tears of longing for the divine vision and divine love of Shri Radha Krishna. Sing the glories of Their names, qualities, and pastimes along with roopdhyan.
- Abandon all desires, including the desire for liberation. Practice devotion only with the desire of attaining selfless divine love.
- Develop a strong faith that “Shri Krishna alone is mine” and intensify your yearning for Him.
- Avoid spiritual transgressions such as fault finding of God and Guru, and consider each moment of this human life to be invaluable.
While practicing devotion, it is important to remember that the 3 most indispensable requirements of practical sadhana are nishkamata (abandonment of selfish desire), ananyata (undivided or exclusive devotion) and roopdhyan (visualising the divine form of God).
