Hare Krsna,
In the context of the discussion between Mother Devahuti and Lord Kapiladeva, I am reminded of a verse that Mother Devahuti spoke to Kardama Muni (her husband) that shows the value she knew of the power of association with devotees. She said:
“Association for sense gratification is certainly the path of bondage. But the same type of association, performed with a saintly person, leads to the path of liberation, even if performed without knowledge.” (SB 3.23.55)
In the purport to this verse, Srila Prabhupada explains how the association of a saintly person in any way bears the same result. Even if one does not understand who the Supreme Lord is, the results have the same efficacy. Association with a great saintly person also results in liberation, just as whether one goes toward fire knowingly or unknowingly, the fire will make one warm.
In this chapter on the glories of devotional service, it is amazing how Lord Kapiladeva weaved Devahuti’s questions into the power of association of sadhus. Devahuti expressed her lamentation about being disturbed by her material senses due to which she has fallen into the abyss of ignorance. She pleaded her Son to pull her out of the ignorance. The solution that Lord Kapiladeva gave is the bhakti yoga system which relates to the Lord and the individual soul.
“The yoga system which relates to the Lord and the individual soul, which is meant for the ultimate benefit of the living entity, and which causes detachment from all happiness and distress in the material world, is the highest yoga system.” (SB 3.25.13)
Through this bhakti yoga process, a living entity has the free will to dovetail his consciousness to the right object. The stage in which the consciousness of the living entity is attracted by the three modes of material nature is called conditional life. But when that same consciousness is attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one is situated in the consciousness of liberation. (SB 3.25.15)
However the practice of this dovetailing process is easier said than done. One needs expert guidance to learn and apply this principle. This is where association with a genuine sadhu truly helps. Lord Kapiladeva again reiterated Mother Devahuti’s concept of the association with a sadhu. He said that “every learned man knows very well that attachment for the material is the greatest entanglement of the spirit soul. But that same attachment, when applied to the self-realized devotees, opens the door of liberation.” (SB 3.25.20).
How do we identify such a sadhu? What are his/her qualities? Lord Kapiladeva then explains the following important verses about the qualities of a sadhu and the benefit of associating with them.
Qualities of a sadhu: The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime. (SB 3.25.21)
Activities of a sadhu: Such a sādhu engages in staunch devotional service to the Lord without deviation. For the sake of the Lord he renounces all other connections, such as family relationships and friendly acquaintances within the world. (SB 3.25.22)
Do the sadhus suffer from material miseries? Engaged constantly in chanting and hearing about Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the sādhus do not suffer from material miseries because they are always filled with thoughts of My pastimes and activities. (SB 3.25.23)
Benefits of associating with such a sadhu: In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin. Thus consciously engaged in devotional service in the association of devotees, a person gains distaste for sense gratification, both in this world and in the next, by constantly thinking about the activities of the Lord. (SB 3.25.25-26)
I am extremely grateful to be associated with our group – sadhusangaonline- where we like-minded devotees are associating with each other sincerely in line with Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, and gradually and sincerely trying to progress on the path of devotional service. This is the essence and goal of human life.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 