samartha rati | समर्था रति
Samartha Rati (Devanagari: समर्था रति; ISO 15919: samarthā rati) refers to the Perfect State of Selfless Love.
The Highest Madhurya In this specific manifestation of Madhurya Bhava (sweet devotional love), the devotee holds a dual allegiance: regarding Shri Krishna as her Beloved and Shri Radha as her Ladyship (Swamini).
Absolute Selflessness The defining characteristic of Samartha Rati is the total absence of self-interest. The devotee desires to serve her Beloved at all times and in every way possible. The thought of her own happiness never crosses her mind; her sole happiness lies in the happiness of The Divine Couple (Tat-sukha-sukhitvam).
Example The illustrious examples of this love are the Ashta Mahasakhis (The Eight Great Gopis), who serve Radha and Krishna with this pure, selfless intent.
Further Reading and Reference
- Related Concepts: bhava, sadharani rati, samanjasa rati
- Reference: Bhakti Shatak - Hundred Gems of Devotion - an in-depth analysis