Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj often stated that none of his preachers are God realized, they are under maya, and should not be thought of as Saints. He trained his preachers to be able to speak on the devotional philosophy and thereby guide people towards the path of devotion, but they should not be thought of as Gurus. Having the association of any sadhak who encourages you towards devotion is good association and will help you, whether it is a preacher, or a so-called “normal” devotee.
As far as the asht sattvik bhav goes, there is a big difference between the sattvik bhav revealed by a Saint and the sattvik bhav seen in a sadhak. The Saint’s sattvik bhav are true Divine expressions of the ocean of Krishna love that resides in his heart, whereas the sattvik bhav of a sadhak are the sign that he has some heart purification and has developed some feelings of love for Krishna, but he may still have a long way to go.
Radhey Radhey,
Swami Nikhilanand, pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Thanks Swami ji….Radhe Radhe………………..