# Lord & Devotee > [!summary] > *The relationship between the Supreme Lord and His devotees is the heart of devotional service. These analogies illuminate the intimacy, protection, and mutual love that characterize this eternal bond.* ## Bee & Flower ### Devotees Drink the Nectar As bees are naturally attracted to lotus flowers and drink their nectar, pure devotees are attracted to the Lord's lotus feet and drink the nectar of devotional service. ![[sb/1/11/26#purport|bees]] —SB [[sb/1/11/26|1.11.26]] Purport See also: [[sb/5/1/19|SB 5.1.19]], [[cc/adi/2/2|Ādi 2.2]] ## Kitten & Mother Cat ### Complete Dependence The devotee depends on the Lord like a kitten depends on its mother—carried in her mouth, completely surrendered, trusting fully in her protection. ![[sb/4/12/30#purport|kitten]] —SB [[sb/4/12/30|4.12.30]] Purport See also: [[sb/9/13/9|SB 9.13.9]] ## Child & Father ### The Lord's Protection As a father protects his child and tolerates the child's mistakes, the Lord protects His devotees and overlooks their faults. ![[sb/4/20/20#purport|father]] —SB [[sb/4/20/20|4.20.20]] Purport See also: [[sb/4/20/31|SB 4.20.31]], [[sb/9/4/68|SB 9.4.68]] ## Servant & Master ### Loving Service The devotee serves the Lord like a faithful servant serves a beloved master—not out of obligation but out of love. ![[bg/9/29#purport|servant]] —Bg. [[bg/9/29|9.29]] Purport ## Moon & Cakora Bird ### Gazing with Love As the cakora bird gazes only at the moon and drinks its rays, the devotee gazes only at the Lord and is nourished by His beauty. ![[cc/antya/1/175|cakora]] —Cc. [[cc/antya/1/175|Antya 1.175]] ## Calf & Mother Cow ### Natural Affection The devotee runs to the Lord like a calf runs to its mother, and the Lord responds with natural affection. ![[sb/4/9/17#purport|calf]] —SB [[sb/4/9/17|4.9.17]] Purport ## King's Assistant ### Special Favor Though the Lord is equal to all, the devotee receives special favor like a king's personal assistant receives privileges ordinary citizens do not. ![[bg/14/26#purport|assistant]] —Bg. [[bg/14/26|14.26]] Purport ## Kept Animal ### Under Divine Protection The devotee is like an animal kept by its owner—fully provided for, protected, and cared for without anxiety. ![[bg/4/21#purport|kept animal]] —Bg. [[bg/4/21|4.21]] Purport ## Boy & Girl in Love ### Attraction to Scripture As a young man is attracted to a young woman, the devotee becomes attracted to transcendental literature about the Lord. ![[bg/10/10#purport|boy and girl]] —Bg. [[bg/10/10|10.10]] Purport ## Fish out of Water ### Separation from the Lord A devotee separated from the Lord feels like a fish out of water—unable to live without that connection. ![[cc/madhya/13/142#purport|fish]] —Cc. [[cc/madhya/13/142|Madhya 13.142]] Purport ## Moon with Spots ### Devotee's Minor Faults As the moon is beautiful despite its spots, a devotee is glorious despite minor faults. The Lord does not reject such devotees. ![[bg/9/30#purport|moon]] —Bg. [[bg/9/30|9.30]] Purport ## Shadow Following ### Lakṣmī Following Nārāyaṇa As a shadow follows its substance, the goddess of fortune follows Nārāyaṇa, and similarly, all good qualities follow a pure devotee. ![[sb/5/18/22#purport|shadow]] —SB [[sb/5/18/22|5.18.22]] Purport *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/devotional-service|Devotional Service]], [[wiki/analogies/guru-disciple|Guru & Disciple]]*