The Characteristics of an Unalloyed Devotee

I will meditate on Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. I will not speak about any other topics even in my dreams. I will not hanker for anything else except loving service to the Divine Youthful Couple. The loving sentiments of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are like gold refined a million times. Therefore, O my mind, please constantly meditate on Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa as your only loveable object.

Just as a fish out of water feels great distress and dies, similarly the devotee feels distressed without love of God. As a cātaka bird drinks only rain water, similarly unalloyed devotees relish only love of God.

Just as a bumblebee is attached to honey, a cakora bird is attached to the nectar of the moon, a chaste wife is attached to her husband, and a poor man is attached to wealth, similarly the minds of devotees are attached to the loving service of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

Material enjoyments are full of poison, but you consider them pleasing. Do not think of them as a source of happiness, but understand them as distress. Be absorbed in full thought of Govinda, associate with His devotees and conclude that loving devotional service is the goal of life.

Sometimes the mischievous people become angry by seeing the dealings of devotees. They accept the good qualities of devotees as bad qualities. The wealth of loving devotional service does not manifest in the hearts of those who are averse to Govinda because they consider this wealth as mundane.

Those who are overwhelmed with nescience do not take to the path of devotion. Such persons are full of false ego, pride and innumerable useless desires. They are most fallen in this world and are devoid of devotional service.

O my mind, abandon everything and serve the Supreme Controller Lord Hari, with a desire to attain love of God. Only hanker for the service of Govinda, the reservoir of all pleasure in Braja.

Narottama dāsa says, “My mind is constantly burning without the association of pure devotees. There is no end to my misfortune as I am absorbed in misconceptions and my heart is filled with distress.”