The First Stages of Devotion 19

by the learned scholars of bygone ages. According to their general
opinion, a person may become governed by certain convictions de-
rived by his own arguments and decisions. Then another person, who
may be a greater logician, will nullify these conclusions and establish
another thesis. In this way the path of argument will never be safe
or conclusive. The Srimad-Bhagavatam recommends, therefore, that
one follow in the footsteps of the authorities.

Here is a general description of devotional service given by Sri
Rupa Gosvami in his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. Previously, it has been
stated that devotional service can be divided into three categories—
namely, devotional service in practice, devotional service in ecstasy,
and devotional service in pure love of God. Now Sri Rupa Gosvami
proposes to describe devotional service in practice.

Practice means employing our senses in some particular type of
work. Therefore devotional service in practice means utilizing our
different sensory organs in service to Krsna. Some of the senses are
meant for acquiring knowledge, and some are meant for executing
the conclusions of our thinking, feeling and willing. So practice
means employing both the mind and the senses in practical devo-
tional service. This practice is not for developing something artificial.
For example, a child learns or practices to walk. This walking is not
unnatural. The walking capacity is there originally in the child, and
simply by a little practice he walks very nicely. Similarly, devotional
service to the Supreme Lord is the natural instinct of every living
entity. Even uncivilized men like the aborigines offer their respectful
obeisances to something wonderful exhibited by nature’s law, and
they appreciate that behind some wonderful exhibition or action
there is something supreme. So this consciousness, though lying
dormant in those who are materially contaminated, is found in
every living entity. And, when purified, this is called Krsna con-
sciousness.

There are certain prescribed methods for employing our senses and
mind in such a way that our dormant consciousness for loving Krsna
will be invoked, as much as the child, with a little practice, can begin
to walk. One who has no basic walking capacity cannot walk by
practice. Similarly, Krsna consciousness cannot be aroused simply by
