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
Service to the mahātmās is said to be the doorway to liberation; association with the companions of those addicted to women and sex is the doorway to darkness (hell). The mahātmās are even-minded, peaceful, free from anger, well-wishers of all, saintly sādhus, always engaged in bhakti-sevā.
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.