The Three Higher Forms Surpass the Lower
Narada notes that within devotion, the loftiest expressions of love are higher still than the earlier, more elementary forms.
Narada observes that the later, more intimate forms of love surpass the earlier ones, as conjugal love and complete absorption transcend mere glorification (Narada Bhakti Sutra 56, theme). This is not to despise the beginning stages but to mark a real progression: love deepens from awe toward intimacy, from worship toward union. The aspirant is thus encouraged not to remain content with the first stirrings but to allow love to grow toward its fullest, most self-giving expressions. Narada maps a ladder of love along which the devotee may ascend. Each rung is genuine, yet the heights call the lover onward. What begins as reverent distance is meant to ripen into the closest embrace.
Each later form of love is higher than the one before, drawing nearer to perfect union.
The graded ascent of love toward ever-greater intimacy parallels the contemplative ladders of ascent mapped by mystics such as John of the Cross, who charted the soul's progress from beginning purgation to transforming union.
Narada Bhakti Sutras