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Translation: Remembering the Vṛndāvana form of Kṛṣṇa and His dear associates
who have inclinations for service similar to one’s own, absorbing oneself in
should live physically in the places where Kṛṣṇa lived, such as Vṛndāvana. If one
remember the most dear form of Kṛṣṇa (preṣṭham kṛṣṇam), the son of Nanda of
kaiśora age, and the devotees of that particular form of Kṛṣṇa (asya janam), who
have the same type of desires (for serving Kṛṣṇa) as oneself (nija-samīhitam).
Remembering such devotees, one should live in Vraja. If possible, one should
physically live in Vṛndāvana, the place where Kṛṣṇa resided as Nanda’s son. If
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Rūpa Gosvāmī About Rāgānugā Sādhana - Translation by Bhānu Swāmī (Iskcon)
Translation: Following after the inhabitants of Vraja, one should perform service
in one’s physical body and in one’s siddha body, with a desire for a particular
bhāva.
developed by internal meditation.[125] One serves with a desire for the particular
siddha-rūpa—the body which is suitable for serving Vraja Kṛṣṇa in the particular
type of rati or bhāva one desires, and which appears through inner contemplation,
with a desire for a particular rati directed to one’s beloved Kṛṣṇa situated in
of Kṛṣṇa such as Rādhā, Lalitā, Viśākhā, Śrī Rūpa-mañjarī and those following
after them —persons such as Śrī Rūpa and Sanātana Gosvāmīs (vraja-
lokānuṣārataḥ). Accordingly, one should perform mental service in one’s siddha-
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Rūpa Gosvāmī About Rāgānugā Sādhana - Translation by Bhānu Swāmī (Iskcon)
rūpa, following after the examples of Śrī Rādhā, Lalitā, Viśākhā, Śrī Rūpa-mañjarī
and others. In one’s physical body, one should perform services using one’s
body, following after persons such as Śrī Rūpa and Sanātana Gosvāmīs situated
in Vraja. By the word vraja-lokā, one should understand persons situated in Vraja
— Rādhā, Candrāvalī and others. Following after them, one should perform
persons such as Rādhā did not perform services such as surrendering to guru,
following Ekādaśī vows, and serving śālagrāma and tulasī, we also need not do
those activities. That idea is defeated here. Jīva Gosvāmī in his commentary has
anugatāś ca tadanusārataḥ: vraja-lokā means those dear to Kṛṣṇa (like Śrī Rādhā
etc.) and persons following after them (like Śrī Rūpa etc.); one should follow in
their footsteps.
Translation: The discriminating practitioners should accept the aṅgas which were
rāgānuga-bhakti.
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Rūpa Gosvāmī About Rāgānugā Sādhana - Translation by Bhānu Swāmī (Iskcon)
The aṅgas here refer to those aṅgas of vaidhi-bhakti which are favorable to one’
Along with hearing and chanting, items such as surrendering to the lotus feet of
guru should be understood as favorable. Without those favorable items how can
one accomplish following after the eternal inhabitants of Vraja? After considering
with intelligence, one should select activities conducive to one’s own sentiments
for Kṛṣṇa, and not those activities which are contrary to one’s sentiments. Though
identifying oneself with the Lord and worshipping oneself, should be rejected. The
scriptures also say that, on the path of bhakti, there is no fault in omitting some
O King, one who accepts this process of devotional service to the Supreme
Personality of Godhead will never blunder on his path in this world. Even while
running with his eyes closed, he will never trip or fall. SB 11.2.35
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Rūpa Gosvāmī About Rāgānugā Sādhana - Translation by Bhānu Swāmī (Iskcon)
motivation. Certainly, a devotee never suffers even the slightest loss by adopting
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Note [125] The siddha-rūpa is given by a guru on the path of rāga-bhakti when
madhura. Along with the form, specific dress and service for Kṛṣṇa throughout
the day would be given. However, forms of mañjarīs, assistants to the sakhīs of
Rādhā, seem to be the most prominent forms given. The details are given in
Cakravartī Ṭhākura.
Note [126] The idea here is that, it is simultaneous in rāgānuga-bhakti, not at the
same instant, but during the same period. For instance, for some hours he will
meditate, and the rest of the day he will chant, read, and do deity services.
Note [127] Mudrās are gestures using hands and fingers. Some are functional,
indicating stages of the arcana; some indicate the weapons of the Lord; some
indicate the items offered in worship. Nyāsa consists of touching various parts of
the body with the fingers while uttering mantras. Both of these items are
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Rūpa Gosvāmī About Rāgānugā Sādhana - Translation by Bhānu Swāmī (Iskcon)
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