Real Independence

…the author conveys that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the ocean of the jewels of bhakti-siddhānta, and Śrī Rāya Rāmānanda is the rain-cloud filled with ambrosia. This Mahāprabhu, who is the unlimited ocean of the truths about bhakti, has covertly infused the heart of Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya with the vapor of the nectarean flow of mellows in servitorship – dāsya, friendship – sakhya, parenthood – vātsalya, and conjugal relationship – mādhurya rasa. This incomparable flow of nectar rained into the ‘oysters’ of Mahāprabhu’s ears, where they transformed into the precious jewels of siddhāntas which the Lord drank. Thus He became the ocean laden with the jewels of bhakti-siddhānta…

When we adhere to the responsibilities ordained by the scriptures for these social and spiritual divisions, we are engaged in the performance of one’s prescribed duties. By executing the prescribed directives that are suitable for one’s social and spiritual status, it is possible to attain qualification to perform devotional service to Lord Viṣṇu. Sva-dharma-ācaraṇa cannot be called the sādhana to achieve perfect devotion to Viṣṇu, which is the goal of human life. Therefore, the words of scripture determine that devotion to Viṣṇu alone is the true goal…