Jnana sunya bhakti, the path of devotion devoid of speculative knowledge, advocates unwavering focus on one's chosen deity (ishta deva) in one of the five primary rasas (loving relationships) with Lord Krishna. However, for devotees aiming to cultivate a specific relationship with Krishna, emphasizing His Brahman feature can present a unique challenge. This essay explores the intricacies of how the Brahman emphasis can act as a "rasa bhasa" (mimicry of rasa) within the framework of jnana sunya bhakti and its impact on nurturing a genuine and personal connection with the Supreme.
Jnana Sunya Bhakti and Rasa-Focused Devotion: Jnana sunya bhakti encourages devotees to channel their devotional energy exclusively towards their chosen ishta deva, in one of the primary loving relationships: shanta (peaceful), dasya (servitude), sakhya (friendship), vatsalya (parental love), or madhurya (romantic love). The aim is to foster a profound and intimate devotional bond within the chosen rasa.
Emphasizing Krishna's Brahman Feature: Krishna's Brahman feature represents His all-pervading, transcendental effulgence, which is devoid of specific attributes or loving exchanges. Emphasizing this aspect can lead to a meditative and abstract understanding of Krishna, temporarily distancing the devotee from the dynamics of personal relationships and unique expressions of love within a specific rasa.
The Rasa Bhasa Dilemma: For devotees seeking a personal relationship with Krishna, focusing on His Brahman aspect may result in jnana misra bhakti rather than jnana sunya bhakti. While the devotee may experience a sense of oneness with the Supreme, the depth of emotions and intimate exchanges characteristic of a particular rasa might remain elusive.
Balancing Impersonal and Personal Aspects: The dilemma can be resolved by balancing the impersonal aspect with the personal facets of Krishna's nature. By acknowledging the Brahman realization as a foundation and embracing one's chosen ishta deva, devotees can gradually progress from the impersonal understanding to a more intimate and loving relationship within the desired rasa.
The Role of Brahman Emphasis in Spiritual Progression: Emphasizing Krishna's Brahman feature can serve as a preparatory phase in a devotee's spiritual journey. It can help purify the heart, foster detachment from material entanglements, and develop humility and surrender to the Supreme. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for deeper realizations and a more profound experience of a specific rasa with Krishna.
From Rasa Bhasa to Rasa-Svarupa: While Brahman emphasis may create a semblance of rasa, genuine progress in the devotee's chosen relationship with Krishna requires a transition from rasa bhasa to bhakti rasa. This transition is possible when devotees, with the help of guru and scriptures, gradually shift their focus from the impersonal to the/a personal aspect of Krishna, allowing for authentic and heartfelt devotional exchanges.
Conclusion: In jnana sunya bhakti, devotees seek to develop a personal relationship with Lord Krishna by concentrating on their chosen ishta deva within a specific rasa. Emphasizing Krishna's Brahman feature, though important for spiritual progression, can present a rasa bhasa dilemma, potentially hindering the depth of personal connections with the Supreme. By balancing the impersonal and personal aspects of Krishna's nature, devotees can navigate this challenge, progress from jnana misra bhakti (love mixed with knowledge) to jnana sunya bhakti (love with no knowledge mixed in) and ultimately savor the bhava laden sweetness of genuine and intimate loving exchanges with their beloved ishta deva, Lord Krishna.
PS. Upon further consideration on this topic I want to acknowledge that relation with Krishna as everywhere is also a bhava. I would personally love to be able to see Him everywhere and I see value in this in terms of being able to dialogue with persons in other faiths. This is a topic I will constantly grow in my understanding of. Please share your thoughts.
Love,
Muchukunda das
