166 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 2, Ch. 3

affected sometimes by the reflection of such transcendental symptoms,
yet if they still do not give up the forbidden habits, then they are hopeless
cases for transcendental realization.

When Lord Caitanya met Srila Ramananda Raya of Kavaur on the bank
of Godavari, the Lord developed all these symptoms, but because of the
presence of some nondevotee brahmanas who were attendants of the Raya,
the Lord surpressed these symptoms. So sometimes they are not visible
even in the body of the first-class devotee for certain circumstantial
reasons. Therefore real steady bhava is definitely displayed in the matter
of cessation of material desires (ksdnti), utilization of every moment in
the transcendental loving service of the Lord (avydartha-kdlatvam), eager-
ness for glorifying the Lord constantly (ndma-gane sada ruci), attraction
for living in the land of the Lord (pritis tad-vasati sthale), complete de-
tachment from material happiness (virakti), and pridelessness (manasiin-
yata). One who has developed all these transcendental qualities is really
possessed of the bhdva stage, as distinguished from the stone-hearted
imitator or mundane devotee.

The whole process can be summarized as follows: the advanced devotee
who chants the holy name of the Lord in a perfectly offenseless manner
and is friendly to everyone can actually relish the transcendental taste of
glorifying the Lord. And the result of such realization is reflected in the
cessation of all material desires, ctc., as mentioned above. The neophytes,
due to their being in the lower stage of devotional service, are invariably
envious, so much so that they invent their own ways and means of devo-
tional regulations without following the dearyas. As such, even if they
make a show of constantly chanting the holy name of the Lord, they
cannot relish the transcendental taste of the holy name. Therefore, the
show of tears in the eyes, trembling, perspiration or unconsciousness, etc.,
are all condemned. They can, however, get into touch with a pure devotee
of the Lord and rectify their bad habits; otherwise they shall continue to
be stone-hearted and unfit for any treatment. A complete progressive
march on the return path home, back to Godhead, will depend on the
instructions of the revealed scriptures directed by a realized devotee.

TEXT 25

AAUMTTAF WAISTRG
TAT =| - ATA? |
