6.100
krsnera samata haite bada bhakta-pada
atma haite krsnera bhakta haya premaspada
SYNONYMS
krsnera—with Lord Krsna; samata—equality; haite—than this; bada—greater; bhakta-pada—the position of a devotee; atma haite—than His own self; krsnera—of Lord Krsna; bhakta—a devotee; haya—is; prema-aspada—the object of love.
The position of being a devotee is higher than that of equality with Lord Krsna, for the devotees are dearer to Lord Krsna than His own self.
PURPORT
The conception of oneness with the Supreme Personality of Godhead is inferior to that of eternal service to the Lord because Lord Krsna is more affectionate to devotees than to His personal self.
In Srimad-Bhagavatam (9.4.68) the Lord clearly says:
sadhavo hrdayam mahyam
sadhunam hrdayam tv aham
mad anyat te na jananti
naham tebhyo manag api “The devotees are My heart, and I am the heart of My devotees.
My devotees do not know anyone but Me; similarly, I do not know anyone but My devotees.” This is the intimate relationship between the Lord and His devotees.