Verse Text
rāgānugā-vivekārtham ādau rāgātmikocyate ||271||
Translation
In order to define rāgānuga-bhakti first rāgātmika-bhakti should be discussed.
Purport (Nectar of Devotion)
NoD 15: Spontaneous Devotional Service
Examples of spontaneous devotional service can be easily seen in Kṛṣṇa’s direct associates in Vṛndāvana. The spontaneous dealings of the residents of Vṛndāvana in relationship with Kṛṣṇa are called rāgātmikā. These beings don’t have to learn anything about devotional service; they are already perfect in all regulative principles and have achieved the spontaneous loving service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. For example, the cowherd boys who are playing with Kṛṣṇa do not have to learn by austerities or penances or yogic practice how to play with Him. They have passed all tests of regulative principles in their previous lives, and as a result they are now elevated to the position of direct association with Kṛṣṇa as His dear friends. Their spontaneous attitude is called rāgātmikā-bhakti.