Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 2
Ṛṣabhadeva Instructs His Sons: Tapasya, Mahātmā-Sevā, and Cutting the Heart-Knot
महत्सेवां द्वारमाहुर्विमुक्ते- स्तमोद्वारं योषितां सङ्गिसङ्गम् । महान्तस्ते समचित्ता: प्रशान्ता विमन्यव: सुहृद: साधवो ये ॥ २ ॥
mahat-sevāṁ dvāram āhur vimuktes tamo-dvāraṁ yoṣitāṁ saṅgi-saṅgam mahāntas te sama-cittāḥ praśāntā vimanyavaḥ suhṛdaḥ sādhavo ye
One can attain the path of liberation from material bondage only by rendering service to highly advanced spiritual personalities. These personalities are impersonalists and devotees. Whether one wants to merge into the Lord’s existence or wants to associate with the Personality of Godhead, one should render service to the mahātmās. For those who are not interested in such activities, who associate with people fond of women and sex, the path to hell is wide open. The mahātmās are equipoised. They do not see any difference between one living entity and another. They are very peaceful and are fully engaged in devotional service. They are devoid of anger, and they work for the benefit of everyone. They do not behave in any abominable way. Such people are known as mahātmās.
The human body is like a junction. One may either take the path of liberation or the path leading to a hellish condition. How one can take these paths is described herein. On the path of liberation, one associates with mahātmās, and on the path of bondage one associates with those attached to sense gratification and women. There are two types of mahātmās — the impersonalist and the devotee. Although their ultimate goal is different, the process of emancipation is almost the same. Both want eternal happiness. One seeks happiness in impersonal Brahman, and the other seeks happiness in the association of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As described in the first verse: brahma-saukhyam. Brahman means spiritual or eternal; both the impersonalist and the devotee seek eternal blissful life. In any case, it is advised that one become perfect. In the words of Caitanya-caritāmṛta ( Madhya 22.87) :
FAQs
Bhagavatam 5.5.2 states that serving great souls is the doorway to liberation because their association purifies the heart and awakens devotion.
Ṛṣabhadeva instructed his sons on the path of spiritual freedom, contrasting saintly association that leads to mokṣa with sense-centered association that leads to ignorance and bondage.
Seek regular association with sincere devotees and teachers, serve them through hearing, helping, and practicing their guidance, and reduce influences that intensify lust, greed, and distraction.