Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 67
Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
मत्सेवया प्रतीतं ते सालोक्यादिचतुष्टयम् । नेच्छन्ति सेवया पूर्णा: कुतोऽन्यत् कालविप्लुतम् ॥ ६७ ॥
mat-sevayā pratītaṁ te sālokyādi-catuṣṭayam necchanti sevayā pūrṇāḥ kuto ’nyat kāla-viplutam
Bagaman sa Aking paglilingkod ay kusang nakakamit ang apat na uri ng kalayaan gaya ng sālokya at iba pa, ang Aking mga deboto na ganap na nasisiyahan sa mapagmahal na seva ay hindi man lang iyon ninanais; lalo pa ang ibang ligayang nilalamon ng panahon.
Śrīla Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura has estimated the value of liberation as follows:
FAQs
This verse says that although the four liberations (sālokya, etc.) come automatically through service to Viṣṇu, devotees who are fulfilled by bhakti do not even desire them, preferring loving service itself.
In the context of protecting Ambarīṣa Mahārāja and instructing Durvāsā Muni, the Lord emphasizes that He is bound by His devotee’s service, and that true devotees seek only devotion—not even liberation.
Use spiritual practice (hearing, chanting, service) as the primary aim, and treat status, achievements, and even spiritual “results” as secondary—because time erodes worldly gains, while devotion deepens one’s relationship with God.