Introduction to Six Psychological Roadblocks

31.12.2016

While treading the path of sadhana-bhakti, scorching rays of contrary mentalities burn in our head; our feet stumble on pebbles of misconception; thorny bushes of material desire obstruct our passage. Although our mind screams with good reason to retreat, we somehow push on. Stumbling to the ground we notice something….

Stage 1: Enthusiasm in Prideful Practice – utsaha-mayi

31.12.2016

Stage 1: Enthusiasm in prideful practice – utsaha-mayi

Upon taking on a new and exciting endeavor one feels invigorated and enthused by the prospect of enhancing their life. For example, one striving for health, fitness, and that king of all modern accomplishments – weight loss, will join the gym,...

Stage 2: Running Hot Running Cold – ghana-tarala

31.12.2016

Stage 2: Productive and inattentive service - ghana-tarala.

The nature of the mind is flickering and unsteady [cancala], constantly accepting and rejecting according to various considerations and circumstances. At times scriptural purport is easily comprehended and appreciated, and at other times clear understanding does not come and we are not...

Stage 3: Parading possibilities – vyudha vikalpa

31.12.2016

Stage 3: Parading possibilities - vyudha vikalpa.

During this stage doubts and wild speculations assail one’s resolve by presentation of various prospects of accelerated advancement through a major adjustment of lifestyle or service. The householder may think of renouncing his family responsibilities; the brahmacari contemplates family life; one engaged in...

Stage 4: A battle with the senses – visaya sangarah

31.12.2016

Stage 4: A battle with the senses - viṣaya sangaraḥ . The beginning sadhaka’s battle [sangaraḥ] with material sense enjoyment [visayah] differs considerably from that undertaken by the religionist, jnani or yogi. The bhakta’s practice has a positive orientation of engagement in the activities of pure devotion - sravanam, kirtanam,...

Stage 5: Unfulfilled commitment – niyamaksamah

31.12.2016

Stage 5: Unfulfilled commitment – niyamaksamah Broken vows [niyamaksamah] as presented in the section of Madhurya Kadambini dealing with anistha bhajana kriya refers to the recurring unfulfilled desire on the part of the sadhaka to enhance their devotional practice. The distinction between the 4th stage, battling the senses [visaya...

Stage 6: Exploiting bhakti’s benedictions – taranga rangini

31.12.2016

Stage 6: Frolicking in bhakti’s pleasant waves - taranga rangini. Distinguished in human society the devotee is awarded labha (profit), puja (adoration) and pratistha (distinction). In the vast and unlimited ocean of bhakti-rasa such rewards, by-products of bhakti, are only small waves (taranga) of personal pleasure (ranga). However, such benefits,...

Conclusion: Maintaining Devotion during Unsteady Practice

31.12.2016

By highlighting the mentalities of unsteady devotional practice in his Madhurya Kadambini, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura has provided great assistance to the devotional neophyte. Direct experience or observance of the six specific stages, and other lingering materialistic mentalities and emotions not mentioned, that arises during initial devotional practice affords a...

Maintaining Steady Devotion during Unsteady Practice