DEVOTION 71

essential nature is immortal;1 having gained
this, a person becomes perfect, he becomes
imperishable, he becomes satisfied;2 when he
attains to this he has no more desires, he
neither mourns3 nor does he hate, he neither
exults nor does he get excited4 (about any-
thing). When he has come to know this he
becomes ecstatic, he becomes still5, he finds
delight in the Self.6 (BS 1-6)

By c Devotion9 the Vaishnava means an undying"
passionate deep love for God, the very possession of
which makes a human soul perfect, immortal, blissful^
free from all changing moods, ever calm and restful in
Him. This blessed mystic state \ of ecstasy brings him
to that ( peace which passes all understanding \ wherein
he abides in the Eternal Being, God Himself.

The devotee has only one desire: to taste love's
sweetness more and more su that he may share in God^s
great Game. lie cares nothing for the psychic powers
that may crowd upon him, for a t( loving devotee of Mine
who has dedicated himself to Me seeks nothing el&e but
Me" (Bh. 11 : 14 : 14), finding in God Himself all he
wants. If he lives it is bliss to serve Him; if he dies
it is also bliss to sleep in Him ; it is bliss always, every-
where. His Beloved is everywhere ; where then can

1 or : nectar-sweet, (awrfaswarupd).

2 i.e., his whole nature is fulfilled by the attainment of life's
real goal.

3 or : grieves (at the loss of something). 1

4 or : eager. »

5 lit: astonished, [stubdhah), (cf. GH. 41 : 5).
0 Skt: Atnwramo bhavati.