82 The Nectar of Devotion

go to one’s natural position. This lalasémayi stage of submission
comes in the stage of perfect liberation, which is technically called
svariipa-siddhi, when the living entity understands, by perfect spiri-
tual advancement and revelation, his original relationship with the

Lord.

Submission in Feeling

In the Skanda Purana there is a statement by devotees praying to
the Lord: “My Lord, I know that young girls have natural affection
for young boys, and that young boys have natural affection for
young girls. I am praying at Your lotus feet that my mind may be-
come attracted unto You in the same spontaneous way.” The exam-
ple is very appropriate. When a young boy or girl sees a member of
the opposite sex there is a natural attraction, without the need for
any introduction. Without any training there is a natural attraction
due to the sex impulse. This is a material example, but the devotee is
praying that he may develop a similar spontaneous attachment for
the Supreme Lord, free from any desire for profit and without any
other cause. This natural attraction for the Lord is the perfectional
stage of self realization.

In the same Skanda Purana there is a statement about submission
and humbleness. It is stated there: “My dear Lord, there is no sinful
living entity who is more of a sinner than myself. Nor is there a
greater offender than myself. I am so greatly sinful and offensive that
when I come to confess my sinful activities before You, I am
ashamed.” This is a natural position for a devotee. As far as the con-
ditioned soul is concerned, there is no wonder that he has some sin-
ful activities in his past life, and this should be admitted and con-
fessed before the Lord. As soon as this is done the Lord excuses the
sincere devotee. But that does not mean that one should take advan-
tage of the Lord’s causeless mercy and expect to be excused over and
over again, while he commits the same sinful activities. Such a men-
tality is only for shameless persons. Here it is clearly said, ““When I
come to confess my sinful activities I become ashamed.” So if a per-
