The Bonds of Love

The Bonds of Love
Srila Jagadananda Pandita
Once the devotee captures Lord Krishna’s lotus feet with the bonds of love, the Supreme Lord can never leave the throne of his pristine heart. A first-class devotee of the Lord is auto¬matically free from all standard duties and re-sponsibilities because he is wholly surrendered to the holy name of the Lord. Even in an uncon¬scious state, he utters the Lord’s name purely.
One who understands the temporary nature of material duties and responsibilities, and leaves all material activities to take complete shelter of Krish¬na’s lotus feet is certainly a first-class, highly elevat¬ed devotee. Such a great soul is very rarely found. The devotee who is engaged in devotional service, whilst being fully cognizant of the transcendental truth about Lord Krishna’s original spiritual form, His divine holy name, His pure devotees and the process of devotional service to Him, is indeed topmost amongst all the gradations of Vaisnavas.
One who worships the Supreme Lord and His holy name with undivided faith, knowing Them to be non-different, is also to be considered a very elevated, first-class Vaisnava, even if he does not understand the intricacies of his personal spir¬itual identity. This is Lord Caitanya’s opinion.
— Prema-Vivarta; –Srila Jagadananda Pandita; Translated by Sarvabha¬vana dasa.