Preface

1. For who is Nectar of Devotion specifically presented?

The Nectar of Devotion is specially presented for persons who are now engaged in the Krishna Consciousness
movement.

2. Give the English meaning of the words: rüpänugas, rasa, capala-sukha, bhoga-tyäga and amrta.

Rupanugas: The Krishna Consciousness movement is based on the authority of Rupa Goswami. Rupanugas are
the followers in the footsteps of Srila Rupa Goswami.

3. What is Lord Caitanya’s universal principle?

The principle of Lord Caitanya’s movement is educating and elevating everyone to the exalted post of a
Goswami which is taught through The Nectar of Devotion.

4. What is the example Srila Rupa Goswami set for devotees and for humanity in general?

When Rupa Goswami retired from Dabir Khasa's post, he collected all his savings [that was gold coins] and
divided them in a very exemplary way which is as follows.

50% - Was given to Brahmanas and Vaishnavas.

25% - Was given to relatives

25% - Was kept for emergency expenses or personal difficulties.

5. Where did Srila Rupa Goswami first meet Lord Caitanya?

a} Lord Caitanya met two brothers Dabir Khas [Rupa Goswami] and Sakara Malik [Sanatan Goswami] in a
village known as Ramakeli in the district of Maldah. After that meeting, both brothers decided to retire from
their posts in government service.

Introduction
6. List the twelve rasas in Sanskrit or English.

1. Santa rasa – passive adoration

2. Dasya rasa – active service

3. Sakhya rasa – friendship

4. Vatsalya rasa- parental love

5. Madhurya rasa – conjugal love

 6. Raundra rasa – anger

7. Adhbuta rasa- wonder

8. Hasya rasa- comedy

9. Vira rasa – chivalry

10. Daya rasa – mercy

11. Bhayanaka rasa – horror

12. Bibhatsa – shock

7. Give the English meaning of the terms pravrtti and nirvrtti.

Pravatti – Positive action that is done with body, mind, and speech.

Nirvatti – Negative action that is done with body, mind, and speech.

8. Give the English meaning of the word anuśīlana.

Anusilana: Cultivation by following the predecessor teachers.

9. What does the term jñāna-karmādi refer to?

The fruitive work consists of activities that are unable to help one attain pure devotional service.

Chapter 1
10. List, in Sanskrit or English, the six characteristics of pure devotional service.

1. Klesa-ghni: Pure devotional service brings immediate relief from all kinds of material distress.

2. Subha- da: Pure devotional service is the beginning of all auspiciousness.

3. Moksa-laghuta-krt: Pure devotional service automatically puts one in transcendental pleasure. A

person who has developed even a small amount of devotional service doesn’t care a fig for any kind of
happiness derived from religiousness, economic development, a sense of gratification, or the five kinds
of liberation.

4. Su-Durlabha: Pure devotional service is rarely achieved. By the mercy of the spiritual master
who is a pure devotee and by the mercy of Krsna one can achieve the platform of devotional service.
There is no other way.

5. Sandrananda visesatma: Those in pure devotional service deride even the concept of liberation.
 6. Sri Krsnakarsini: Pure devotional service is the only means to attract Krsna.

11. List, in Sanskrit or English, the four effects that are due to sinful activities.

1. The effect that is not yet fructified

2. The effect that is lying as seed - Kutam

3. The effect that is already mature

4. The effect that is almost mature

12. List four examples Prabhupäda gives of ‘mature’ sinful reactions.

1. One is suffering from some chronic disease.

2. One is suffering from some legal implications.

3. If one is born in a low and degraded family.

4. If one is uneducated or very ugly.

13. What does the comparison between mystic perfections and modern scientific improvements
indicate?

After comparing mystic yoga siddhis to modern scientific improvements, we understand that materialistic
scientists are trying to achieve the same perfection as mystic yoga siddhis. So, there is no difference between
them. Both perfections only give temporary material happiness.

14. Why does Kåñëa rarely agree to offer a soul devotional service?

Krsna easily offers liberation, but he rarely agrees to offer a soul devotional service. Because through
devotional service the Lord himself becomes purchased by the devotee.

15. List the three sources of happiness according to the analysis of Śrīla Rūpa Goswāmī

Srila Rupa Goswami has analyzed the different sources of happiness into three categories.

1. Happiness derived from material enjoyment.

2. Happiness derived by identifying oneself with the Supreme Brahman.

3. Happiness derived from Krsna consciousness.

 16. What is the meaning of the words madana-mohana-mohinī?

Krsna’s one name is Madan Mohan which means that He is so attractive that He can defeat the attraction of
thousands of Cupids. However, Radharani is still more attractive as she can even attract Krsna. Therefore,
devotees call Her Madan Mohan Mohini which means the attractor of the attractor of cupid.

Chapter 2
17. Name the three main categories of devotional service.

The three categories of devotional service that Srila Rupa Goswami describes in Nectar of Devotion are
as follows

a. Devotional service in practice

b. Devotional service in ecstasy

c. Devotional service in pure love of Godhead

18. List the two types of sādhana-bhakti in both English and Sanskrit.

There are two types of sadhana- bhakti

a. Vaidhi – Regulated: when there is no attachment or no spontaneous loving service of the Lord
and one is engaged in the service of the Lord simply out of obedience to the order of the spiritual
master or in pursuance of the scriptures, such obligatory service is vaidhi-bhakti.

b. Raganuga-bhakti: Refres to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one
becomes a little more attached to Krishna and executes devotional service out of natural love.

19. What is the most basic of all regulative principles?

The most basic of all regulative principles is

a. Always remember Krishna

b. Never forget Krishna

20. What is the benefit of feeding one who preaches the message of the Bhagavad-Gītā?
Brahmana is born out of the head of the Lord. He should preach transcendental Vedic sounds or sabda-brahma.
It is confirmed in the Gita that whoever preaches a message of Gita is very dear to Krishna. Such a preacher is
Brahmana and thus by feeding him, one feeds the supreme Lord directly.

Chapter 3
21. List the four examples given of the neophyte devotees who begin devotional service for relief in the
matter of their respective self-satisfaction.

The list of the Neophyte devotee who begin devotional service for relief in the matter of their respective self-
satisfaction is as follows

a. Those who are distressed

b. Those who are in need of money

c. Those who are inquisitive

d. Those who are wise

22. Without being elevated to what position can one stick to the principle of worshiping the Supreme
Personality of Godhead?

Without being elevated to the position of Jnani, or wise man, one cannot stick to the principle of worshiping the
Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Chapter 4
23. List, in Sanskrit or English, the five kinds of liberation.

The five kinds of liberation are as follows

1. To be one with Krishna
2. To achieve residence on Krishna’s planet
3. To have Krishna’s opulences
4. To possess bodily features similar to Krishna
5. To gain personal association with Krishna

24. Liberated persons who have achieved these four stages of liberation may also be promoted where?

Liberated persons who have achieved these four stages of liberation may also be promoted to Goloka
Vrndavana or KrsnaLoka.

Chapter 5
25. What is the mystery of the Vaiśnava (devotional) cult?
As per Rupa Goswami, if one is regularly discharging devotional service, there will be no question of a fall
down. But even if circumstantially there is some fall down, the Vaishnava need have nothing to do with the
prayascitta, the ritualistic ceremony for purification. A Vaishnava simply has to execute the rules and
regulations for discharging devotional service, and this is sufficient for his reinstatement. This is the mystery of
the Vaishnava (devotional) cult.

Chapter 6
26. List the first 10 of the 64 items of sādhana in English or Sanskrit.

1. One must give up the company of non-devotees.

2. One must not instruct a person who is not desirous of accepting devotional service.

3. One should not be very enthusiastic about constructing costly temples or monasteries.

4. One should not try to read too many books, nor one should develop the idea of earning one’s livelihood by
lecturing on or professionally reciting Srimad Bhagavad or Bhagavad – Gita.

5. One should not be neglectful in ordinary dealings.

6. One should not be under the spell of lamentation in loss or jubilation in gain.

7. One should not disrespect the demigods.

8. One should not give unnecessary trouble to any living entity.

9. One should carefully avoid the various offenses in chanting the holy name of the lord or in worshipping the
Deity in the temple.

10. One should be very intolerant toward the blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, or His
devotees.

27. Out of the first 20 items of sādhana, which are considered the most important?

1. One must give up the company of non-devotees.

2. One must not instruct a person who is not desirous of accepting devotional service.

3. One should not be very enthusiastic about constructing costly temples or monasteries.

4. One should not try to read too many books, nor one should develop the idea of earning one’s livelihood by
lecturing on or professionally reciting Srimad Bhagavad or Bhagavad – Gita.

5. One should not be neglectful in ordinary dealings.

6. One should not be under the spell of lamentation in loss or jubilation in gain.

7. One should not disrespect the demigods.

8. One should not give unnecessary trouble to any living entity.

9. One should carefully avoid the various offenses in chanting the holy name of the lord or in worshiping the
Deity in the temple.

10. One should be very intolerant toward the blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, or His
devotees.

11. One should decorate the body with Tilaka.

12. In marking such Tilaka, sometimes one may write Hare Krishna on the body.

13. One should accept flowers and garlands that have been offered to the Deity and the spiritual master and put
them on one’s body.

14. One should learn to dance before the Deity.

15. One should learn to bow down immediately upon seeing the Deity or the spiritual master.

16. As soon as one visits the temple of Lord Krishna, one must stand up.

17. When the Deity is being borne for a stroll in the street, a devotee should immediately follow the procession

18. A devotee must visit a Visnu temple at least once or twice every day, morning and evening.

19. One must circumambulate the temple building at least three times.

20. One must worship the Deity in the temple according to the regulative principles.

28. List the five most potent items of sādhana.

1. Worshiping the Deity

2. Hearing Srimad – Bhagavatam

3. Associating among the devotees

4. Sankirtana

5. Living in Mathura

Chapter 7
29. What is the crucial point for advancement in spiritual life?

Adau guru padasraya- Accepting the shelter of a bonafide spiritual master is the crucial point for advancement
in spiritual master.
30. Why can the followers of Buddha not be accepted as devotees?
The Buddhists do not care for revealed scriptures, they show service to Lord Buddha. Srila Rupa Goswami says
that followers of Buddha cannot be accepted as devotees.
31. What is the real reason for observing fasting on Ekādasi?

One who observes fasting on Ekadashi is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in
pious life. The basic principle is to increase one’s faith and love for Krishna. The real reason for observing
fasting Ekadashi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by
chanting or performing similar service.
32. List the two kinds of non-devotees whose association should be avoided.

The two kinds of non-devotees are as follows.

1. One class is against the supremacy of Krishna.

2. Another class is too materialistic.

Chapter 8
33. Define sevāparādhah and nāmāparādhah.

Seva- aparadha – offenses in Deity worship.

Nama- aparadha – offenses to the holy names.

34. How can an offender unto the Lord Himself be delivered?

Even when a person becomes an offender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, he can still be
delivered simply by taking shelter of the holy names of the Lord.

Chapter 9
35. What is the result of decorating one’s body with sandalwood pulp?

In Padma Puran, it is mentioned that “A person whose body is decorated with the pulp of sandalwood with
paintings of the holy name of the Lord is delivered from all the sinful reactions, and after his death, he goes
directly to Krishnaloka to live in association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

36. Who are the impersonalists who became devotees after smelling the remnants of flowers and incense
in the temple?

There are several instances of this, a prime one being the advancement of the four Kumaras. They were
impersonalist Mayavadis, but after smelling the remnants of flowers and incense in the temple, they turned to
become devotees.
37. Define laulyam and lālasāmayī.

Laulyam: This is the excessive eagerness for meeting and serving the Lord in a particular way, that is the price
to enter into the kingdom of God.

Lalasamayi: This is when a person understands his original position with the Supreme Personality of Godhead
and wants to be reinstated in this position.
38. What is the result of drinking caraņāmrta, even for sinful people?

Per Padma Purana, even a person who has never been able to give in charity, who has never been able to
perform a great sacrifice, who has never been able to study the Vedas, who has never been able to worship the
Lord – or, in other words, even one who has never done any pious activities will become eligible to enter into
the kingdom of God if he simply drinks Caranamrta.

Chapter 10
39.Define dāya-bhāk.

Daya-bhak refers to a son’s becoming the lawful inheritor of the property of the father. Similarly, a pure
devotee who is prepared to undergo all kinds of tribulations in executing Krishna Consciousness duties becomes
lawfully qualified to enter into the transcendental abode.

Chapter 11
40. Which two of the nine types of devotional service are rarely seen?

As per Rupa Goswami devotional service in friendship and devotional service in self-surrender are two difficult
processes. Therefore it is rarely in the nine types of devotional service.

Chapter 12
41. A person who keeps Vaiñëava literature at home always has what?

As per Skanda Purana, A person who very carefully keeps such literature at home and offers respectful
obeisances to it becomes freed from all sinful reactions and ultimately becomes worshipable by the demigods.

42. What is even higher than the worship of the Lord?

In Padma Purana, Lord Shiva tells Parvati, there are different methods of worship, and out of all such methods
the worship of the Supreme Person is considered to be the highest. But even higher than the worship of the Lord
is the worship of the Lord’s devotee.

Chapter 13
43. A small attachment for any one of the five potent items can arouse what, even in a neophyte?

Rupa Goswami mentions that they are five kinds of devotional activities - namely, residing in Mathura,
worshiping the Deity of the Lord, reciting Srimad Bhagavatam serving devotee and chanting the Hare Krishna
mantra are so potent that a small attachment to any of these five items can arouse devotional ecstasy even in a
neophyte.
 Chapter 14
44. List the examples of devotees who achieved perfection by practicing simply one process of nava-
vidhä-bhakti.

The List of the devotees who achieved perfection by practicing simply one process of nava- vidha bhakti are as
follows

King Pariksit achieved the desired goal of life simply by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam.
Sukadeva Goswami achieved the goal of life simply by reciting Srimad Bhagavatam.
Prahlada Maharaj became successful in his devotional service by always remembering the Lord.
Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, was successful by engaging herself in massaging the lotus feet of the Lord.
King Prthu became successful by worshipping in the temple.
Akrura became successful by offering prayers.
Hanuman became successful in rendering personal service to Lord Ramachandra.
Arjuna became successful by being a Friend of Krishna
Bali Maharaj became successful simply by offering all of his possessions to Krishna.

Chapter 15
45. Where can spontaneous devotional service easily be seen?
Spontaneous devotional service easily be seen in Krishna’s direct associates in Vrindavana.

46. What is the meaning rägä?

Raga means intense affection with complete absorption in Krishna.

47. Define rägätmikä-bhakti and rägänuga-bhakti.

Ragatmika Bhakti: It is the Bhakti that consists of Raga [i.e. intense affection with complete absorption in
Krishma] And it is distinctively found in the inhabitants of Vraja.
Raganuga Bhakti: It is the Bhakti that follows Raga [i.e. intense affection with complete absorption in Krishma]

Chapter 16
48. At what stage is it possible to achieve eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Vraja?

49. Define präkåta-sahajiyä.

50. Briefly describe the two categories of conjugal love.

Chapter 17
51. What is the first symptom of pure love for the Personality of Godhead?

Chapter 18
52. List the nine characteristics of a person who has developed ecstatic love for Kåñëa.
 Chapter 19
53. List in Sanskrit or English the two types of prema-bhakti.

54. List in Sanskrit or English the nine stages from çraddhä to prema.