"Just as the oceans of this world are distinct from each other and are thus divided according to their characteristic natures, similarly the nectarean ocean of the mellows of devotion (bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu) can be divided into two categories: meeting (sambhoga) and separation (vipralambha). Those who have the extreme fortune of diving deeply into these oceans discover the invaluable jewels of unprecedented, devotional mellows.
Why is it so important for a sādhaka to experience separation? In order to give motion to any substance within the material world some energy is needed. For example, with the help of excessive combustion, rockets can carry a space shuttle across layers of the atmosphere. Similarly, in the stage of sādhana, the sādhaka will only make advancement when the fire of separation from guru and Kṛṣṇa is present. If properly ignited and blazed in the heart, this fire of separation can even take the jīva beyond the many layers of this material creation to the spiritual world. When the sādhaka associates with a devotee who is already experiencing the intense fire of separation, that fire is ignited within his own heart.
Those with a profound and intimate love for their gurudeva are overwhelmed by the most painful feelings of separation in his absence. Conditioned souls like us cannot possibly imitate the genuine feelings of separation experienced by Kṛṣṇa’s eternal associates. If we ever feel the slightest trace of what they feel our lives will become successful. "
-Rays of the Harmonist, Kartika 2005
