134 The Nectar of Devotion

there were some changes in his body, and tears were falling from his
eyes. These symptoms are activities of ecstasy. They are visible in the
shivering of the body and the shedding of tears. After the outward
appearance of these ecstatic symptoms, they stay within the mind,
and continuation of the ecstasy is called samadhi. This stage of ap-
preciation becomes the cause of future exchanges of loving affairs
with Krsna.

Elevation to this stage of ecstasy can be possible in two ways. One
way is constant association with pure devotees. The other way is by
the special mercy of Krsna, or by the mercy of a pure devotee of
Krsna. Elevation to the ecstatic stage of life is generally attained
through association with pure devotees, while elevation to that stage
by the special mercy of Krsna or His devotee is very rare. The pur-
port is that one should execute devotionai service rigidly in the asso-
ciation of devotees so that there will be certainty in raising oneself
to that ecstatic position. In special cases, of course, there is special
favor from Krsna, and although we should always expect that, we
should not sit idly and simply wait for Krgna’s special mercy; the
regular duties must be performed. It is just as when, sometimes, it
is found that a person who never attended school or college may be
recognized as a great scholar, or an honorary degree from great uni-
versities may be offered to him. But this does not mean that one
should avoid school and expect to automatically receive an honorary
degree from some university. Similarly, one should devoutly execute
the regulative principles of devotional service and at the same time
hope for Krsna’s favor or for His devotee’s favor.

An example of rising to the stage of ecstatic love by executing the
regulative principles of devotional service is given in the life story of
Narada, which is described to Vyasadeva in the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Narada tells there of his previous life and how he developed to the
stage of ecstatic love. He was engaged in the service of great devotees
and used to hear their talks and songs. Because he had the oppor-
tunity to hear these pastimes and songs of Krsna from the mouths of
pure devotees, he became very attracted within his heart. Because he
had become so eager to hear these topics, he gradually developed
within himself an ecstatic love for Krsna. This ecstatic love is prior
