In the context of Bhakti (devotional) traditions, the five Bhavas (or Pancha Bhava) represent different attitudes or relationships (bhakti moods) that a devotee can have toward the Divine. One of these is Vātsalya Bhava (parental love). Here are the five:
1. Śānta Bhāva (शान्त भाव) – A peaceful, neutral devotion, where the devotee sees God with reverence but without active emotional involvement. (Example: Rishis and sages like Sanaka, Sanandana, and Shukadeva)
2. Dāsya Bhāva (दास्य भाव) – The attitude of a servant toward their master, where the devotee worships God with deep obedience and surrender. (Example: Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama)
3. Sākhyā Bhāva (साख्य भाव) – The mood of friendship, where the devotee considers God as a close friend and interacts with Him informally. (Example: Arjuna and Sudama’s relationship with Krishna)
4. Vātsalya Bhāva (वात्सल्य भाव) – The mood of parental love, where the devotee sees God as their own child, expressing love, care, and affection. (Example: Yashoda and Nanda’s love for baby Krishna)
5. Mādhurya Bhāva (माधुर्य भाव) – The attitude of divine romantic love, where the devotee sees God as their beloved, experiencing devotion through deep emotional and even mystical union. (Example: Radha’s love for Krishna, the Gopis of Vrindavan)
Each of these bhavas represents a different way of experiencing and expressing devotion toward the Divine, with Mādhurya Bhāva often considered the highest in traditions like Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Are you exploring these concepts for spiritual practice, philosophy, or something else?
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