ATTRACTING KṚṢṆA
I. Devotional Service as a Superior Attractor
• Fundamental Statement:
• Devotional service is unique because it not only attracts everyone but specifically attracts Kṛṣṇa Himself.
• While Kṛṣṇa naturally attracts all, devotional service has the special power to draw Him closer.
• Symbolism of Rādhārāṇī:
• Rādhārāṇī is presented as the highest symbol of devotional service.
• She is described as even more attractive than Kṛṣṇa—so much so that devotees call her Madana-mohana-mohinī (the attractor of the attractor of Cupid).
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II. The Mode of Devotional Service
• Following Rādhārāṇī’s Footsteps:
• To perform devotional service means to follow the example set by Rādhārāṇī.
• Devotees in Vṛndāvana place themselves under her care to perfect their service to Kṛṣṇa.
• Transcendence of Material Activities:
• Unlike material or ritualistic activities, devotional service is not governed by the laws of the material world.
• It is directly controlled by Rādhārāṇī, the internal energy (daivī prakṛti) of Kṛṣṇa, as also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā regarding the protection of great souls (mahātmās).
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III. Kṛṣṇa’s Attraction to Devotional Service
• Scriptural Confirmation:
• In the Eleventh Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (fourteenth chapter, verse 20), Kṛṣṇa explains that even mystic yoga, philosophical pursuits, ritual sacrifices, Vedānta study, austerities, or charity cannot attract Him as much as the transcendental loving service rendered by His devotees.
• The Process Illustrated by Nārada:
• Nārada’s description in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Seventh Canto, tenth chapter, verses 48–49) highlights how devotion naturally cultivates humility and the spirit of praising other devotees.
• King Yudhiṣṭhira’s sincere appreciation of Prahlāda Mahārāja’s qualities is used as a symptom of true devotion.
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IV. The Unique Privilege of Devotional Service
• Divine Proximity:
• Despite being the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa chooses to dwell among His devotees—as a friend, cousin, and even messenger—because He is attracted by their genuine devotion.
• Exalted Value:
• The relationship established through devotional service is so intimate that it is said to “purchase” the Lord.
• This unique bond underscores that devotional service is of a higher order than all other material or spiritual pursuits.
• Understanding Its Greatness:
• Those not engaged in devotional service may never grasp its immense value, as its transformative power is experienced only by those truly involved in loving service to Kṛṣṇa.
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This outline encapsulates the central themes of the passage, emphasizing that devotional service is not merely a human activity—it is a divine, transcendent process that not only brings the devotee closer to Kṛṣṇa but also attracts Him in a uniquely personal and intimate way.
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