Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 1
Sādhu-saṅga, the Gopīs’ Prema, and the Veda’s Culmination in Exclusive Surrender
श्रीभगवानुवाच न रोधयति मां योगो न साङ्ख्यं धर्म एव च । न स्वाध्यायस्तपस्त्यागो नेष्टापूर्तं न दक्षिणा ॥ १ ॥ व्रतानि यज्ञश्छन्दांसि तीर्थानि नियमा यमा: । यथावरुन्धे सत्सङ्ग: सर्वसङ्गापहो हि माम् ॥ २ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca na rodhayati māṁ yogo na sāṅkhyaṁ dharma eva ca na svādhyāyas tapas tyāgo neṣṭā-pūrtaṁ na dakṣiṇā
Sinabi ng Kataas-taasang Panginoon: O Uddhava, hindi Ako napapasailalim sa yoga, sa sankhya, o sa karaniwang kabanalan; ni sa pagbigkas ng Veda, pag-aayuno at tapat, pagtalikod, mga gawaing pampubliko, o sa limos at handog. Hindi rin sa mga panata, yajña, mga mantra, pagdalaw sa banal na pook, o yama-niyama; ngunit ang sagradong pakikisama sa Aking dalisay na mga deboto—na pumapawi ng lahat ng pagkakapit—iyon ang nagdadala sa Akin sa “kapangyarihan” ng deboto.
The commentary of Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī on these two verses can be summarized as follows. One may serve the devotees of the Lord by assisting them or by having their personal association. Association with pure devotees is sufficient for self-realization because one can learn everything about spiritual advancement from such devotees. With perfect knowledge one can achieve all that one desires, for the process of devotional service immediately brings the blessings of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Pure devotional service is transcendental to the modes of nature, and therefore it appears mysterious to the souls conditioned by those modes.
FAQs
It states that Krishna is not truly conquered merely by yoga, Sāṅkhya, formal dharma, Vedic study, austerity, renunciation, ritual piety, or donations.
Because external disciplines alone do not necessarily produce loving surrender; Krishna emphasizes inner devotion as the real means to attain Him.
Use practices like study, discipline, and charity as supports, but prioritize sincere devotion, humility, and a heart turned toward God rather than mere performance.