As to the processes starting with hearing and chanting of the names, which are the ingredients of vaidhi-bhakti, the wise should know them to be essential at the stage of spontaneous devotion as well. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura points out in his comments to this verse, that the processes starting from hearing and chanting of the holy names, the angas of vaidhi-bhakti, which are to be observed in the spontaneous stage, also include the submission to the spiritual master or guru, without such guidance by the spiritual master there is no chance of the following in the footsteps of the residents of Vrindavana.
(_Japa Transformations_)
JAPA POEM
The processes of chanting and hearing
which are the heart
of vaidhi-bhakti, are also
essential in the stage
of spontaneous love.
And submission to the spiritual master
at any stage, is also
mandatory. “Without
such guidance by the spiritual master,
there is no chance of following in
the footsteps of the residents of Vrindavana.”