Categories of Devotion Based on Faith

(written on June 6, 2020)

The different levels of devotees are decided based on two factors, according to the Bhakti-Rasamrita-Sindhu. These two factors are knowledge and faith. According to the depth of the devotee’s faith and knowledge, their eligibility to advance in devotional service is shown.

Kanishta-adhikari	Weak faith Weak scriptural knowledge Such a devotee is easily swayed by the opposing people and cannot answer any arguments made by others. Notice that this devotee still has a little faith. Such a devotee is in the beginning stages of his path to pure devotional service. Interestingly, in their initial stages, the four Kumaras and Dhruva Maharaj were characterized as kanishta-adhikaris before they completely surrendered to the Lord.
Madhyama-adhikari	Very strong faith Lacking in scriptural knowledge Such a devotee is convinced of his faith in Krsna, yet he sometimes cannot address arguments made by other people. According to Srila Prabhupada, in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, “He is not very expert in arguing on the strength of revealed scripture, but he has firm faith in the objective.” (page 30)
Uttama-adhikari (also maha-bhagavatas)	Very strong, convincing faith Very strong scriptural knowledge Such a devotee is so firmly fixed in faith and knowledge that he can convince others and has the ability to defeat any opposing opinions. Prabhupada explains in the Nectar of Devotion, “He is very expert in the study of relevant scriptures, and he is also expert in putting forward arguments in terms of those scriptures .” (page 29)