Shloka 23
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
सर्वतो मनसोऽसङ्गमादौ सङ्गं च साधुषु । दयां मैत्रीं प्रश्रयं च भूतेष्वद्धा यथोचितम् ॥ २३ ॥
sarvato manaso ’saṅgam ādau saṅgaṁ ca sādhuṣu dayāṁ maitrīṁ praśrayaṁ ca bhūteṣv addhā yathocitam
Seorang murid yang ikhlas hendaklah belajar melepaskan minda daripada segala keterikatan material dan memupuk pergaulan suci dengan guru rohani serta para sadhu-bhakta. Kepada yang lebih rendah, berbelas kasihan; kepada yang setara, bersahabat; dan kepada yang lebih tinggi rohaninya, berkhidmat dengan rendah hati—demikianlah dia berurusan dengan semua makhluk dengan wajar.
Śrīla Madhvācārya has quoted from the Garuḍa Purāṇa to demonstrate that within this universe those who take birth as demigods, great ṛṣis or pious human beings are all considered santaḥ, or saintly persons. According to Bhagavad-gītā, traiguṇya-viṣayā vedāḥ: the varṇāśrama culture described in Vedic literature deals mostly with the living entities who are struggling within the three modes of nature. The Vedic literatures teach such conditioned souls that material happiness can be achieved only through pious works. In this sense, the demigods are to be considered the most pious living entities within the three modes of material nature. The ṛṣis, or the great saintly mystics of the universe, who are able to travel at will to various planets and who cultivate mystic powers, are to be considered somewhat below the demigods. And those human beings on earth who perfectly execute the Vedic rituals are to be considered in the third or lowest category of santaḥ, or saintly persons. But a devotee of the Lord is beyond the three modes of material nature. Lord Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā (14.26) :
FAQs
This verse teaches a clear progression: first cultivate mental non-attachment to worldly objects, and then take shelter of saintly association, which nourishes steady bhakti and right conduct.
Kṛṣṇa was preparing Uddhava with essential principles for spiritual life—detachment, saintly association, and compassionate humility—so Uddhava could remain steady in devotion as the Lord’s manifest pastimes were concluding.
Reduce mental clinging to distractions, intentionally seek uplifting devotee company, and practice respectful speech and helpful action toward others—showing compassion and friendliness in ways that are appropriate and beneficial.