Dr. Patel: Mādhurya-bhakta is the best. Like gopīs. But that is very difficult to be.
Prabhupāda: No, best . . . it is just one's conception, you see? Otherwise, all are best. All are best. But śānta-bhakta do not take Kṛṣṇa very intimately.
Dr. Patel: (laughs) You are . . . you take me below the belt.
Prabhupāda: Yes, śānta-bhakta means the bhakta who appreciates the greatness of the Supreme but does not take Kṛṣṇa as very intimate. That is śānta-bhakta.
Dr. Patel: How can, ah, can you imagine of God without taking Him very intimately? These are two, I mean . . .
Prabhupāda: No, no. Just like . . . intimately . . . just like I can give this example, that you have got a great regard for me, but not as intimately as my other disciples.
Dr. Patel: Ah, that is possible. Because I am . . . I have not put on the order clothes.
Prabhupāda: This example is, I think, proper.
Dr. Patel: (laughs)
Prabhupāda: They have sacrificed their life for me.
Dr. Patel: That's right.
Prabhupāda: But you have got regard for me, but you cannot sacrifice your life for me.
Dr. Patel: You are trying to tempt me, sir, but I don't think it will be easy for them. I will not be turned away. I've got my duty to do toward my family. (laughing)
Prabhupāda: No, no. This is . . . this is the stage of śānta-bhakta. I am explaining. Śānta-bhakta.
Dr. Patel: I can understand you. You . . . (laughs)
Prabhupāda: No, no, it is according to śāstra, śānta. There are the different types of mellows, variety of mellows. (aside:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. Śānta, dāsya, sākhya . . . I do not say that you become my disciple. I don't say that.