128 The Nectar of Devotion

We must always remember, however, that such eagerness to follow
in the footsteps of the denizens of Braja (Vrndavana) is not possible
unless one is freed from material contamination. In following the
regulative principles of devotional service, there is a stage which is
called anartha-nivrtti, which means the disappearance of all material
contamination. Sometimes it is found that someone is imitating
such devotional love, but factually he is not freed from anarthas, or
unwanted habits. It has been seen that a so-called devotee proclaims
himself a follower of Nanda, YaSoda or the gopis, while at the same
time his abominable attraction for mundane sex life is visible. Such a
manifestation of divine love is mere imitation and has no value. When
one is actually spontaneously attracted to the loving principles of the
gopis, there will be found no trace of any mundane contamination
in his character.

Therefore, in the beginning, everyone should strictly follow the
regulative principles of devotional service, according to the injunc-
tions of the scriptures and the spiritual master. Only after the stage of
liberation from material contamination can one actually aspire to fol-
low in the footsteps of the devotees in Vrndavana.

It is said by Sri Ripa Gosvami: “When one is actually liberated
from material contamination, he can always remember an eternal
devotee in Vrndavana in order to love Krsna in the same capacity.
And developing such an aptitude, one will always live in Vrndavana,
even within his mind.” The purport is that, if it is possible, one should
go and physically be present at Brajabhimi, Vrndavana, and be en-
gaged always in the service of the Lord, following the devotees in
Brajadhama, the spiritual realm of Braja. If it is not possible, how-
ever, to be physically present at Vrndavana, one can meditate any-
where upon living in that situation. Wherever he may be, one must
always think about life in Brajadhama and about following in the
footsteps of a particular devotee in the service of the Lord.

A devotee who is actually advanced in Krsna consciousness, who is
constantly engaged in devotional service, should not manifest himself
even though he has attained perfection. The idea is that he should
always continue to act as a neophyte devotee as long as his material
body is there. Activities in devotional service under regulative princi-
