The Five Relationships with The Supreme God
A Blueprint for Divine Love: The Eternal Quest for Love and the Supreme Answer
Every soul is searching for a perfect relationship. We seek love in family, friendships, and society, yet often find these bonds tinged with selfishness, conditionality, and eventual disappointment. Swami Mukundananda explains that our hearts are wired to love, but our love remains misdirected. We are looking for the perfect beloved in imperfect souls.
The ultimate destination is not just a relationship with God, but a relationship in God. The Vedic scriptures reveal a breathtaking truth: the Supreme Lord, Shree Krishna, invites us to forge a personal bond with Him through the Five Primary Relationships (Bhavas) . These are not mere concepts but profound stages of intimacy that allow us to experience divine love in its full splendor.
Swami Mukundananda, a senior disciple of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj, brings IIT-IIM-trained logic and deep devotional wisdom to these timeless truths. His commentaries on the Narad Bhakti Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita serve as our guide through these five rasas.
What are the Five Relationships (Bhavas) with God?
Swami Mukundananda begins by clarifying the position of the soul. We are not God; we are His eternal parts and parcels. Just as a ray is one with the sun in quality but not quantity, we are one with God in consciousness but eternally subservient to Him. This eternal positional status is the foundation of relationship.
In the material world, we relate based on designations. In the spiritual realm, these relationships are perfected and directed toward Shree Krishna. They manifest naturally based on the devotee's internal sentiment (bhava). The Narad Bhakti Sutras describes this as the pinnacle of devotion, where the devotee transcends fear and obligation and enters the realm of spontaneous, selfless love.
Swamiji explains: "Bhav is the richness of the sentiment we possess. Our devotion is defined by the quality of our bhav. There is no limit to the extent to which we can keep increasing the devotional sentiments."
The Five Progressive Stages of Intimate Devotion
These five relationships are progressive stages of intimacy, beginning with awe and reverence and culminating in the highest, most passionate love.
1. Shanta Bhava: The Relationship of Passive Awe and Serenity
The Foundation of Devotion
In Shanta Bhava, the devotee recognizes the grandeur and majesty of God. There is a deep sense of awe, reverence, and tranquility. The devotee sees God as the Supreme Controller, the Almighty Father, the Master of infinite universes.
Swamiji draws a parallel to standing before a mighty ocean: a sense of peaceful awe. The devotee is absorbed in contemplating God's omnipotence and omnipresence. They are peaceful, controlled, and free from material desires.
However, Swamiji points out an important distinction. When we worship God with Aishwarya Bhav (opulence and majesty), the heart fills with awe and reverence, creating mental distance. While valid, this stage lacks the intimate exchange of love found in subsequent rasas. It is like knowing the king from a distance but not yet having access to the palace.
2. Dasya Bhava: The Relationship of Loving Service
The Path of Selfless Service
In Dasya Bhava, awe evolves into a loving desire to serve. The devotee finds happiness not just in contemplating God, but in actively doing things for God's pleasure.
Swamiji emphasizes that this is where we dismantle the ego. The ego is not removed by avoiding "I," but by changing its identity. When we think, "I am the servant of God," the ego is spiritualized. It transforms into divine pride that connects rather than separates.
The Supreme Example: Hanuman Ji
Hanumanji's entire identity was in serving Lord Ram. Swamiji shares a profound story: Hanuman once asked Lord Ram about his body's fate after death. When Ram assured him of entry into Saket lok, Hanuman responded with an extraordinary prayer:
"When my soul departs, may all earth elements merge where You walk; may all water elements merge where You bathe; may all fire elements merge into the mirror You use; may all air elements merge with the air that cools You; may all space elements merge where You perform leelas. This is my desire because I do not want any element of my body to be deprived of Your service."
Such was Hanuman's seva-bhav! Swamiji explains that Hanuman reached this stage through life-long contemplation until these sentiments became his second nature. His love made Lord Ram willing to give up His life for such a true devotee.
Dasya Bhava teaches us to serve God by serving His creation and following His commandments.
3. Sakhya Bhava: The Relationship of Equal Friendship
God as Your Beloved Friend
This is a quantum leap in intimacy. In Sakhya Bhava, the devotee transcends awe and servitude to relate to God as an equal friend. Reverence remains but is overshadowed by informal, loving camaraderie.
Sudama and Krishna: Their friendship transcended material status. Krishna, the King of Dwarka, ran to welcome the poor, tattered Sudama. Swamiji explains that God becomes subservient to the love of His friend.
The Cowherd Friends: They climbed on Krishna's shoulders, ate His lunch, and playfully complained to Mother Yashoda. There was no fear, only pure affection.
The Story of Arjun and Krishna
Once, Shree Krishna and Arjun traveled to Dwarka. Arjun, as charioteer, was exhausted and fell into deep sleep. When dinner was ready, Rukmini requested Krishna to eat. Krishna told her he had a guest and would eat only when the guest awoke.
Rukmini went to wake Arjun and saw that each pore of his sleeping body was chanting "Krishna, Krishna!" Her mind became transfixed. This reveals that in Sakhya Bhava, devotion becomes so ingrained that even in sleep, consciousness remains absorbed in the Divine.
4. Vatsalya Bhava: The Relationship of Tender Affection
God as Your Child
In Vatsalya Bhava, the devotee takes on the role of a parent, and God accepts the position of a dependent child. This relationship is filled with pampering, care, and the sweet sentiment: "I must take care of my Krishna."
The Story of Damodar: When Love Bound the Lord
The pinnacle is Mother Yashoda. One morning, young Krishna awoke to the smell of butter. As Yashoda churned yogurt, nursing Krishna, milk boiled over. She rushed to save it, momentarily placing Krishna down.
In that instant, Krishna felt slighted: "So milk is more important than me?" With divine mischief, He grabbed the churning rod, broke pots, splashed yogurt, and fed butter to monkeys.
Returning, Yashoda was stunned. She grabbed a stick and ran after Him. Kunti Mata prays: "He, whom fear itself fears, is trembling before His mother's stick."
Seeing his mother breathless, Krishna thought, "I have come to give her joy." He slowed down and let Himself be caught.
Yashoda decided to tie Him to a mortar. No matter how much rope the Gopis added, it remained two fingers short. Sukhadev Goswami explains: "How can the Lord, in whom the whole universe resides, be tied?"
Radha Rani smiled, handed a silken thread, and with it, Krishna allowed Himself to be tied. From that day, He was called Damodar: He who was bound by a rope around the belly.
Swamiji explains: Why did the all-powerful Lord allow Himself to be tied? Because He is controlled not by power, but by pure, parental love. God becomes Bhakta Vashya, enslaved by the love of His devotees.
5. Madhurya Bhava: The Relationship of Conjugal Love
The Crown of Divine Love
This is the highest and most confidential relationship. Here, the devotee relates to God as the beloved, with Radharani as the ultimate embodiment. It represents the most intense, passionate, and selfless love for the Divine.
Teachings of Swami Mukundananda
In this bhava, there is no trace of awe, only pure, intoxicating love. The Gopis loved Krishna not because He was God, but simply because He was Krishna. Their love was devoid of selfish motive; they did not seek salvation or material boons.
The Raas Leela: The Supreme Expression
On Sharad Purnima, beneath His favorite Kadamba tree, Krishna appeared in His three-fold bending form. "He placed the flute to His lips and began to play, not just a melody, but the very essence of His divine love."
The Pancham Swar was heard only by those spiritually qualified. The Gopis, who had practiced Bhakti across countless lifetimes, recognized the call immediately. They lost external consciousness, leaving everything—homes, husbands, children, social status. "They were helpless. He was the treasure of their life, and He was calling."
The Divine Test
When the Gopis gathered, Krishna greeted them: "Why have you come? Return home. It's not safe here."
Why was Krishna saying this? Swamiji explains: "Krishna was not rejecting them. He was testing their Bhakti. The teacher always tests to see if the student has truly learned."
The Gopis answered in the language of Vedanta: "Are you not the Akhil Atma—the soul of all souls? Then by worshipping You, we worship all. Just as watering the root nourishes all branches, by surrendering to You, we fulfill all duties."
They passed the test. Krishna smiled and accepted their reasoning.
The Supreme Dance
Krishna manifested multiple forms, dancing with each Gopi individually. Each believed she was alone with Him. Swamiji explains: "It was like a child playing with his own shadows on the beach. Krishna played with His fragments—the Gopis."
At the center stood Radha Krishna, dancing in divine harmony—the embodiment of Prem Bhakti.
Radha: The Personification of Divine Love
Swamiji shares: "Radha's Bhakti was of such high purity, Krishna was helpless before it. Her love was not tinged with desire—it was selfless, perfect devotion."
The Disappearance: When Ego Creeps In
At the peak of Maha Raas, each Gopi thought: "Krishna is dancing with me. I must be special."
Swamiji explains: "The moment the ego appears, God disappears." Krishna vanished instantly.
What followed was Viraha Bhakti—the pain of separation that deepens divine love. The Gopis searched forests, crying: "Have you seen Shyamsundar?" Their longing intensified.
Swamiji teaches: "Grace disappears when 'I' comes. In the street of divine love, only one can remain: either 'I' or God."
The Hierarchy of Sweetness
Swamiji shares a verse from Jagadguruttam Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj:
"The divine bliss of God is immensely sweet in all His forms. Yet there is gradation: the bliss of Dwaraka pastimes is sweet, Mathura pastimes sweeter, and Braj pastimes the sweetest."
The pastimes of Braj are founded on intimate devotional sentiments. While Shanta Bhava has its place, the loving bhavas of Dasya, Sakhya, Vatsalya, and Madhurya are infinitely sweeter for increasing our love for God.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Destination of the Soul
1. The Journey from Awe to Love: The five bhavas progress from distant reverence (Shanta) to intimate selfless love (Madhurya). Each stage beckons us deeper into divine intimacy.
2. Love is the Only Power that Binds God: The Supreme Lord who is feared by fear itself becomes subservient to pure love. He is Bhakta Vatsal—He who loves devotees, and Bhakta Vashya—He who becomes enslaved by their love.
3. The Ego is the Only Obstacle: When the Gopis thought "I am special," Krishna disappeared. When "I" remains, God retreats; when "I" dissolves, Divine love rushes in.
4. This Journey is Open to All: Whether beginning with serene contemplation, active service, friendly camaraderie, tender nurture, or passionate longing—every soul has a unique relationship waiting with the Divine.
5. The Goal is Love for Love's Sake: The highest devotion loves God not for what He gives—not for salvation, not for material boons, not even for liberation—but simply because He is Krishna. This is Para Bhakti—supreme devotion where love itself becomes both path and destination.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Narad Bhakti Sutras and why is it important?
The Narad Bhakti Sutras is a profound scripture consisting of 84 aphorisms (sutras) spoken by the divine sage Narada Muni. It systematically explains the science of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), revealing how pure love for God is both the path and the ultimate destination . Swami Mukundananda's new book, "Narad Bhakti Sutras: Journey into the Heart of Bhakti" (Rupa Publications, November 2025), offers an illuminating commentary that guides seekers from sadhan bhakti (preparatory devotion) to siddha bhakti (perfect devotion) .
Q2: What makes Swami Mukundananda's commentary unique?
A graduate of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, Swami Mukundananda uniquely blends scientific reasoning with profound spiritual wisdom . His commentary brings the ancient sutras to life, connecting timeless Vedic truths with modern living. The book simplifies this profound scripture for daily reflection while maintaining deep philosophical rigor. As described, it serves as both a meditative text and a practical guide for purposeful living .
Q3: What is the definition of Bhakti according to Narada?
The very first sutra declares: "Now therefore I shall explain the process of devotional service" . Sutra 2 defines Bhakti as "parama-prema-rupa" —the highest stage of love for God . This is not ordinary love but amrita swarupa (nectar-like, eternal love) that leads to immortality and complete satisfaction. Once attained, the devotee desires nothing else .
Q4: How does Bhakti differ from Karma, Jnana, and Yoga?
Narada boldly declares Bhakti greater than all other paths because "Bhakti itself is its own result—it is both the means and the end" . Swami Vivekananda's translation beautifully explains: just as knowledge or sight of food cannot satisfy hunger, knowing or even perceiving God cannot satisfy the soul until love comes . Bhakti alone leads to param prema—the supreme, selfless love .
Q5: What are the eleven forms in which Bhakti manifests?
According to the Narad Bhakti Sutras, divine love expresses in eleven beautiful forms (asakti) :
- Gunamahatmayaasakti – Love for glorifying God's attributes (Narada, Vyasa)
- Rupasakti – Love for God's enchanting beauty (Gopis of Vraja)
- Pujasakti – Love for worship (Ambarisha)
- Smaranasakti – Love for remembrance (Prahlada, Dhruva)
- Dasyasakti – Love as servant (Hanuman)
- Sakhyasakti – Love as friend (Arjuna, Sudama)
- Kantasakti – Love as husband/wife (Rukmini)
- Vatsalyasakti – Love as child (Yashoda, Nanda)
- Aatmanivedanasakti – Love as self-surrender (Vibhishana)
- Tanmayatasakti – Love as complete absorption (Sukadeva)
- Paramvirahasakti – Love expressed in separation (Radha, Gopis)
Q6: How can one develop Bhakti in daily life?
The sutras prescribe practical methods :
- Give up sense-enjoyments and harmful company
- Constantly hear and speak about God's glories
- Seek association of pure devotees (satsang)
- Worship God ceaselessly with single-minded devotion
- Cultivate humility, non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion
- Pray for the grace of great souls and the Lord Himself
As the sutras declare: "Strive, strive only for the association of pure devotees" —because such association is rare and never fails to save the soul .
Call To Action: How to Cultivate These Relationships in Daily Life
1. Understand Our Eternal Position: Know that "God alone is mine and I am His alone." This attaches the mind to God while detaching it from the material world.
2. Engage in Shravan, Manan, Nididhyasan: First listen to spiritual knowledge (Shravan), then reflect deeply (Manan), and finally internalize it (Nididhyasan). This transforms understanding into living faith.
3. Develop Faith in Three Realities: Faith in God (Radha Krishna), faith in the Guru (as realized guide), and faith in the path of Bhakti itself.
4. Progress Through Stages of Bhakti: Shraddha (faith) → Satsang → Bhajan Kriya → Anartha Nivritti (purification) → Nishtha (steadfastness) → Ruchi (relish) → Asakti (attachment) → Bhav (divine emotions) → Prem (divine love).
5. Pray for the Sentiment: We cannot force these feelings. Pray: "If you desire, give me a drop of that loving devotion your eternal associates have." Grace descends through Guru and Lord's mercy.
6. Practice Seeing God in Everything: See God as friend in your colleague, child in the needy, master in nature. Contemplate: "That Shree Krishna who tends cows is mine. That Shree Krishna who lifted Arjun will also be there for me"
May we, by the grace of Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj and Swami Mukundananda, find our unique place in the divine pastimes of Radha Krishna. May our hearts be purified, our egos dissolved, and our love made perfect in service of the Supreme.
Radhe Radhe!