Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 7
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Meets Lord Śiva: Devotee as Living Tīrtha and the Lord’s Māyā
अथापि संवदिष्यामो भवान्येतेन साधुना । अयं हि परमो लाभो नृणां साधुसमागम: ॥ ७ ॥
athāpi saṁvadiṣyāmo bhavāny etena sādhunā ayaṁ hi paramo lābho nṛṇāṁ sādhu-samāgamaḥ
Pourtant, ô Bhavānī, parlons avec ce saint; car pour les hommes, le plus grand gain est la fréquentation des sādhus.
FAQs
This verse states that the supreme benefit for human beings is sādhu-samāgama—meeting and associating with saintly devotees—because such association awakens and strengthens bhakti.
Śukadeva highlights that genuine spiritual progress comes through hearing and dialogue in the company of realized devotees; therefore he directs Parīkṣit toward saintly association as the greatest human advantage.
Seek regular contact with sincere devotees—through satsanga, Bhagavatam study groups, and hearing authentic teachings—because consistent association is presented here as the highest practical gain for spiritual growth.