Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 18
The Deliverance of Nalakūvara and Maṇigrīva
Yamala-Arjuna Līlā Prelude and Culmination
साधूनां समचित्तानां मुकुन्दचरणैषिणाम् । उपेक्ष्यै: किं धनस्तम्भैरसद्भिरसदाश्रयै: ॥ १८ ॥
sādhūnāṁ sama-cittānāṁ mukunda-caraṇaiṣiṇām upekṣyaiḥ kiṁ dhana-stambhair asadbhir asad-āśrayaiḥ
Saintly persons [sādhus] think of Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours a day. They have no other interest. Why should people neglect the association of such exalted spiritual personalities and try to associate with materialists, taking shelter of nondevotees, most of whom are proud and rich?
A sādhu is one who is engaged in devotional service to the Lord without deviation ( bhajate mām ananya-bhāk ).
FAQs
This verse teaches that pride born of wealth is spiritually useless to true sādhus; devotees seeking Mukunda’s feet simply disregard such arrogance and impiety.
In the narrative context of Canto 10, Chapter 10, he contrasts the saintly, equal-minded devotees with those attached to impure shelter and wealth-pride, emphasizing that bhakti thrives by avoiding such association.
Seek the company of sincere devotees, stay focused on devotion to Kṛṣṇa, and don’t be pulled into status, ego, or toxic influence driven by money and pride.