# Cc. Madhya 19.214 ## Text > kṛṣṇa vinā tṛṣṇā-tyāga—tāra kārya māni > ataeva 'śānta' kṛṣṇa-bhakta eka jāni ## Synonyms *kṛṣṇa* *vinā*—without Kṛṣṇa; *tṛṣṇā*-*tyāga*—giving up all desires; *tāra*—of *śānta-rasa*; *kārya*—the business; *māni*—I accept; *ataeva*—therefore; *śānta*—the position of equilibrium; *kṛṣṇa*-*bhakta*—a devotee of Kṛṣṇa; *eka*—only; *jāni*—I know. ## Translation **"Giving up all desires not connected with Kṛṣṇa is the business of one who is in the śānta-rasa. Only a devotee of Kṛṣṇa can be situated on that platform. He is thus called a śānta-rasa-bhakta.** ## Purport In this position, one is freed from all material enjoyment. When one is not agitated or disturbed, he can immediately realize his relationship with Kṛṣṇa. A *śānta-rasa* devotee is therefore always fixed in realization. This instruction was given by the Lord Himself to Uddhava. The beginning of pure devotional service is called *anyābhilāṣitā-śūnya.* When one is situated on the platform of neutrality, he is freed from the material platform and fully situated in spiritual life. The word *dama* used in verse 213 means *indriya-saṁyama-*curbing one's senses. The word *dama* can also mean curbing one's enemies. A king has to take steps to curb the criminal activities of his citizens. Great *rājarṣis,* devotee kings, used to control undesirable elements in their states, and this also may be called *dama.* However, *dama* here refers to the conditioned soul who must control his senses. Real *dama* means controlling the undesirable activities of the senses.