237 The Nectar of Devotion

swollen and whitish, and sometimes the lenses of the eyes become
differently focused. Faltering of the voice may sometimes cause
choking in the throat and extreme anxiety. As the different symp-
toms of these ecstatic manifestations are localized, they are accom-
panied by different local reactions; e.g., when the throat is choked up
because of a faltering voice, there may be a sound like “ghra.” Such
sounds choke up the voice, and with extreme mental anxiety they
may manifest in different ways. All these symptoms are listed under
the dried-up existential condition known as smoky, and they are
exhibited in different ways.

Sometimes, while participating in ceremonies celebrating Krsna’s
pastimes, or in the society of devotees, there is dancing ecstasy. Such
sentiments are called blazing.

None of the above symptoms can be manifested without the basic
principle of strong attachment for Krsna. In the smoky condition of
such ecstatic expressions, the symptoms could otherwise be hidden.
This type of symptom was experienced by Priest Gargamuni, who
was performing some ritualistic ceremony in the house of Nanda
Maharaj. When he heard about Krsna’s killing of the Aghasura demon,
there were some tears visible in his eyes, his throat was trembling, and
perspiration covered his whole body. In this way Priest Gargamuni’s
beautiful face assumed a nice condition.

When several such ecstatic symptoms are visible, the condition is
called blazing. For example, some of Krsna’s friends told Him, “My
dear friend, as soon as I heard the sound of Your flute from within
the forest, my hands became almost motionless and my eyes became
full of tears. So much so, in fact, that I could not recognize Your
peacock feather. My thighs became almost completely stunned so
that I could not move even an inch. Therefore, my dear friend, I
must acknowledge the wonderful vibration of Your transcendental
flute.”

Similarly, one gopi said to another, “‘My dear friend, when I heard
the sound of Krgna’s flute, I tried to hide myself from the reaction of
the vibrations. But still I could not check the trembling of my body,
and therefore all of my friends in the house could detect my attach-
ment for Krsna without any doubt.”
