In the third phase of transcendental love, there is an exchange of feelings, an affection of love and respect between equals and Krishna, the Supreme Being. Progressing further at this level, laughter and jokes flow into an atmosphere of relaxation. These are fraternal exchanges with the Divine Person, free from all bondage. One almost forgets his lower position as a distinct soul, but while experiencing for Krishna, God, the Supreme Person, the highest respect. It is the one that allows Krishna to be considered his best friend.

The fourth phase sees the brotherly affection shown at the previous level develop into parental affection. We would then like to play the role of parent with the Lord. Instead of worshiping it, the distinct soul instead becomes the object of worship of the Supreme Being, who then depends entirely on his pure devotee and relies on him for his “education”. The devotee then reaches the level where he can embrace the Lord and even cover his head with kisses. Thus manifests the parental affection for Krishna, God, the Supreme Person. It is the one that allows us to see Krishna as his Son.

The fifth phase enables a true transcendental exchange of marital love between beloved ones. It is at this level that Krishna and the gopis, the young girls of Vraja contemplate each other in an exchange of affectionate looks, eyebrow movements, sweet words and charming smiles.

Attachment to Krishna can also take two forms, the first being respectful and venerated.

This form of attachment, characterized by a certain lack of freedom, manifests itself in Mathura and on the spiritual planets. In these places of residence of the Lord, exchanges of spiritual love are restricted, while in Gokula Vrindavana, the major planet where Krishna lives in person, they have free rein. Even though the girls and shepherds of Vrindavana know that Krishna is God, the Supreme Person, they do not show Him much respect or reverence for the immeasurable intimacy that marks their relationship with Him.

In the context of the five main spiritual relationships, respect and veneration sometimes veil the true greatness of the Lord, and sometimes even hinder the service offered to Him. But where friendship, parental affection and conjugal love reign, respect and veneration are minimized.

In truth, unless one serves Krishna, God, the Supreme Person with love and devotion, no one can find real satisfaction. The individual being distinct from God that each of us really is, is the eternal servant of the Eternal Master, Krishna, God, the Supreme and Sovereign Person. This is the natural and eternal relationship that unites them.

After the liberation which is the last of the four principles which are: the search for wealth, the pleasure of the senses, and salvation based on acts of piety, the being adopts the practice of pure devotional service, and is therefore at the level of spiritual realization where he finally finds full satisfaction.

But this satisfaction is in itself only the beginning of spiritual bliss. It is therefore necessary first to make some progress in this relative world, that of matter, by attaining equanimity or equality of soul, in order then to establish oneself in the sublime service of love of the Lord.