32 / Symptoms of Continuous Ecstasy

The continuous ecstasy of love can remain like a powerful king,
subduing all temporary manifestations of love as well as any opposing
elements of anger. It can be exhibited directly or indirectly, and thus
ecstatic love can be described as direct or indirect. These symptoms
of ecstatic love are possible only when one is fully situated in a tran-
scendental position. Direct ecstatic love can be divided into two
groups—namely, selfish and selfless.

When noncontradictory symptoms: of ecstatic love are distinctly
manifest, any contradictory symptoms create a sense of abomination.
Contradictory ecstatic love is called selfish. That ecstatic love which
can adjust all contradictory or noncontradictory symptoms is called
direct selfless love. These selfless symptoms can again be divided into
five groups: neutrality, servitude, fraternity, parenthood and conjugal
love. Such ecstatic love assumes a particular mode in contact with
different objects of love.

Neutrality can be further subdivided into general, transparent and
peaceful. An attraction for Krsna by the people in general or by chil-
dren cannot take any specific or satisfactory position. It can be mani-
fest sometimes in trembling of the body and changing of the color of
the eyes (to red, white, etc.), although there is no symptom of any
particular affection.

One old man was told by a young man: “Just see how this child—
only three years old—is so jubilant! Simply by seeing Krsna he is run-
ning so swiftly, making a tumultuous sound. Just see!” This is an
instance of neutral ecstatic love in the heart of a child, without any
specific subdivision. Due to the different types of attraction for

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