relationships

When one is freed from all material contamination, any one of the relationships with Krishna is relishable transcendentally. Unfortunately, those who are inexperienced in the transcendental science cannot appreciate these different stages of relationship with the Supreme Lord, and they think that all such different stages of relationship with the Supreme Lord, and all these explanations, are due to Maya. But in Chaitanya Charitamrita, the author has given a very nice practical example of this matter. He states that earth, water, fire, air, and ether are the five elements, and these five elements develop from the subtle form to the grosser form. For example, in the ether there is a characteristic which is called sound. But in the air, there is the characteristic of ether, sound, plus a sensation of touch. When one comes to the fire, there is the characteristic of ether plus the characteristic of air, plus the characteristic which is called form. So, in fire there are three characteristics; similarly, when we come to water, there are four characteristics-namely sound, touch, form and taste. When you go to earth, there are five characteristics, namely sound, touch, form, taste, and smell. As there is a development of different characteristics, beginning from ether down to earth, so, if we analyze the different relationships with Lord Krishna and the devotee, we find that all the five characteristics of the devotional attitude are present in the relationship of conjugal love. Therefore, the relationship with Krishna in conjugal love can only be accepted as the highest perfectional stage of love of God.    (More...)

In Srimad Bhagwatam, Tenth Canto, 32nd Chapter [10.32.22], Krishna addressed the Gopis and said, "My dear Gopis, your relationship with Me is completely transcendental, and in exchange for your love, it is not possible for Me to offer anything, even after many births. You have been able to give up all attachment for material enjoyment, and you have searched after Me. I am unable to repay your love; and therefore, be pleased with your own activities."    (More...)