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In fact, the commentator Svapneshvara further states that by the word '''ādi''<nowiki/>' (etc.), the actions of Uddhava, Akrura etc. must also be taken into account.<ref name=":0" />

In fact, the commentator Svapneshvara further states that by the word '''ādi''<nowiki/>' (etc.), the actions of Uddhava, Akrura etc. must also be taken into account.<ref name=":0" />

== भक्तिक्रमः ॥ Stages in Bhakti ==

== भक्तिक्रमः ॥ Stages in Bhakti ==

Sanatana Dharma leads the aspirants gradually from material images to mental images, from the diverse mental-images to one Ishta Devata, and from the Ishta Devata to the Impersonal Absolute or the Transcendental Nirguna Brahman.<ref name=":5" /> Accordingly, there are various steps and paths in Bhakti described by the rshis and acharyas.

Sanatana Dharma leads the aspirants gradually from material images to mental images, from the diverse mental-images to one Ishta Devata, and from the Ishta Devata to the Impersonal Absolute or the Transcendental Nirguna Brahman.<ref name=":5">Swami Sivananda (1999), [https://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref> Accordingly, there are various steps and paths in Bhakti described by the rshis and acharyas.

=== पराभक्तिः अपराभक्तिश्च ॥ Para Bhakti and Apara Bhakti ===

=== पराभक्तिः अपराभक्तिश्च ॥ Para Bhakti and Apara Bhakti ===

Para Bhakti or the highest devotion is actually the devotion that arises after the realisation of the Supreme Being.

Bhakti is of two kinds, viz., Para-Bhakti (higher Bhakti) and Apara Bhakti (lower or ritualistic Bhakti).

* Apara Bhakti consists of Ritualistic worship that is  formal in nature and is referred to as Vaidhi or Gauni Bhakti. Thus, Vaidhi Bhakti is a type of devotion depending on external aids. The one who does ritualistic worship adores a pratīka (symbol) or a pratimā (image), does Puja with flowers and sandal paste, offers incense, waves the lamp before the Supreme, offers Naivedya or food for Him, etc. Through this ritualistic worship, the mind becomes purer and purer and the aspirant gradually develops love for the Supreme.

* Para Bhakti (or higher Bhakti) is advanced type of devotion that transcends all convention. A devotee of this type knows no rule. He does not perform any external worship. He beholds his Lord everywhere, in every object. His heart is saturated with love for the Supreme. His state is ineffable. He attains the pinacle of bliss. He radiates love, purity and joy wherever he goes and inspires all who come in contact with him.

The aspirant who worships the idol in the beginning beholds the Lord everywhere and develops Para Bhakti. From Vaidhi Bhakti, he passes on to Ragatmika Bhakti or Prema Bhakti. He beholds the whole world as the Lord. The ideas of good and bad, right and wrong, etc., vanish. He sees the Lord in a rogue, dacoit, cobra, scorpion, ant, dog, tree, log of wood, block of stone, sun, moon, stars, fire, water, earth, etc. His vision or experience baffles description.<ref name=":5" />

Apara Bhakti or the lower devotion, also known as Gauni Bhakti is the means thereof. This is of the form of chanting the Lord's name, singing His glories, etc.<ref name=":0" />

Thus, Para Bhakti or the highest devotion is actually the devotion that arises after the realisation of the Supreme Being. And Apara Bhakti or the lower devotion, also known as Gauni Bhakti is the means thereof. This is of the form of chanting the Lord's name, singing His glories, etc.<ref name=":0" />

 

 

 

The aspirant who worships the idol in the beginning beholds the Lord everywhere and develops Para Bhakti. From Vaidhi Bhakti, he passes on to Ragatmika Bhakti or Prema Bhakti. He beholds the whole world as the Lord. The ideas of good and bad, right and wrong, etc., vanish. He sees the Lord in a rogue, dacoit, cobra, scorpion, ant, dog, tree, log of wood, block of stone, sun, moon, stars, fire, water, earth, etc. His vision or experience baffles description. Glory to such exalted Bhaktas who are veritable Gods on earth, who live to lift others from the quagmire of Samsara and save them from the clutches of death!<ref name=":5">Swami Sivananda (1999), [https://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>

=== नवविधाभक्तिः ॥ Navavidha ===

=== नवविधाभक्तिः ॥ Navavidha ===