A Glimpse Into the Path of Loving Attachment

Now, I will explain the process of worshipping the Supreme Lord through the path of attachment (rāgānugā bhakti). These statements are the essence and in accordance with the Vedas and the pure devotees. * One should serve the Lord in Braja following in the footsteps of the sakhīs with a suitable spiritual body. In this way, one’s soul will be cooled and satisfied.

The different types of sakhīs of Śrī Rādhikā are countless. Therefore, I will only describe the principal ones. Lalitā, Viśākhā, Sūcitrā, Champakalatā,Raṅgadevī, Sūdevī...

...Tuṅgavidyā, Indūrekhā are the eight principal sakhīs. They are the most beloved companions of Śrī Rādhikā and are constantly serving Their Lordships with profound love. They are most intimately associated with Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

Leave aside the sakhīs of equal affection (sama-snehā) and of unequal affection (viṣama-snehā); here I speak only of those whose affection is greater (adhika-snehā). They remain always with Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, absorbed in talks of Kṛṣṇa and the joy of Their pastimes. All of them are called narma-sakhīs, the most confidential sakhīs.

The most beloved Śrī Rūpa Mañjarī along with Śrī Rasa Mañjarī, Labaṅga Mañjarī, Maṅjūlalī, Śrī Rati Mañjarī and Kasturikā Mañjarī, eagerly perform loving service to Their Lordships.

I will beg from these sakhīs the loving service to the Lord and understand the various required services simply by their gestures. I will be overwhelmed by the beauty and qualities of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, be always attached to Them and live amongst the sakhīs.

By the indication of the sakhīs, I will offer camara and betelnuts in the lotus mouths of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. The sakhīs, with Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa in their midst, are totally aware of the different services to be rendered at appropriate times.

I will constantly desire to serve the lotus feet of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa with loving attachment. Whatever I contemplate during the practice of devotional service, will certainly be achieved upon perfection in a spiritual body. This is the method on the path of attachment.

Whatever I aspire as a practitioner, I will surely receive in my spiritual body. It is only a consideration of immaturity or maturity. In the immature stage, it is called sādhana-bhakti or regulated devotional service. In the mature stage, it is called prema-bhakti or loving devotional service. This is the essence and truth of pure devotional service.

Narottama dāsa prays, “O my Lord, please allow me to live in Braja and count me as one of the sakhīs. Then only my desires will be fulfilled.”

Furthermore, one should meditate in this way: “I am a companion of the sakhīs and always absorbed in loving devotional service under their guidance. My body is decorated with various ornaments to please the mind of Kṛṣṇa”

The devotee should always think of Kṛṣṇa within himself, and one should choose a very dear devotee who is a servitor of Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana. One should constantly engage in topics about that servitor and his loving relationship to Kṛṣṇa, and one should live in Vṛndāvana. However, if one is physically unable to go to Vṛndāvana, he should mentally live there. (Bhakti-rāsāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.294)