Hamsaduta: So Prabhupada, a neophyte devotee, he may think it might be very nice to be Krsna’s friend, but he may actually be a blade of grass and he’ll be fully satisfied when he comes to that stage.

Prabhupada: No. If he thinks like that, then he should cultivate that knowledge in that way. Yes. That is described in The Nectar of Devotion and Teachings of Lord Caitanya.

Hamsaduta: But that may not be his actual position. It may be something else.

Prabhupada: No. But when, at the time of devotional service, if such impetuses come, that means he has got such relation. It is to be developed. That’s all. That means the actual relationship with Krsna is coming out gradually. It is being developed. So one has to develop it, following the footsteps of the Krsna’s friends in Vrndavana. These are described here. Yes. Not directly. No. You cannot say that “I have become Sudama.” No. You have to follow the footsteps of Sudama. “I have become Mother Yasoda.” No. You have to follow the footsteps of Mother Yasoda. That is real position. And as soon as you say, “I am Yasoda. I am Su…,” then it is as good as the Mayavadis say, “I am God.” You see? So dasa-dasanudasa. That process should be followed.

Hamsaduta: Suppose someone is satisfied simply being related with the spiritual master.

Prabhupada: That is everyone’s business. Everyone’s business. That is not a particular taste. That is the duty of all devotees.

(Discussion after Srila Prabhupada’s class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.3.16-17 — February 10, 1971, Gorakhpur)