Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.23.55
Mukti· LiberationSaintly Association Leads Toward Liberation
“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.”
What the purport teaches
- Association for sense gratification leads to bondage. Association with a saintly person leads toward liberation, even when its value is not understood.
- Those who associated with Lord Kṛṣṇa in different ways all received liberation. Association with the Lord has spiritual efficacy even when one does not understand who He is.
- Saintly association is compared to approaching fire: knowingly or unknowingly, one becomes warm. Devahūti feels grateful because Kardama Muni’s spiritual greatness can bring her liberation.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to hear or read the teachings of a saintly person.
Ask yourself
How does this teaching change the value I place on saintly association?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.