Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 17
Lord Śiva Instructs the Pracetās (Śiva-stuti and the Path of Bhakti)
सङ्गम: खलु विप्रर्षे शिवेनेह शरीरिणाम् । दुर्लभो मुनयो दध्युरसङ्गाद्यमभीप्सितम् ॥ १७ ॥
saṅgamaḥ khalu viprarṣe śiveneha śarīriṇām durlabho munayo dadhyur asaṅgād yam abhīpsitam
Hỡi bậc tối thượng trong hàng brāhmaṇa, đối với chúng sinh bị giam trong thân vật chất, việc được trực tiếp gặp Śiva thật khó. Ngay cả các muni không vướng chấp, dù luôn nhập định mong cầu sự tiếp xúc ấy, cũng chẳng dễ đạt được.
Since Lord Śiva does not incarnate himself unless there is some special reason, it is very difficult for an ordinary person to contact him. However, Lord Śiva does descend on a special occasion when he is ordered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this regard, it is stated in the Padma Purāṇa that Lord Śiva appeared as a brāhmaṇa in the Age of Kali to preach the Māyāvāda philosophy, which is nothing but a type of Buddhist philosophy. It is stated in Padma Purāṇa:
FAQs
This verse states that sages regard asaṅga—freedom from worldly association and attachment—as the truly desirable goal, especially since exalted association like that of Lord Śiva is rare.
He highlights the rarity of direct, auspicious contact with great devotees like Lord Śiva to emphasize that one should cultivate the attainable essence of such association—detachment and purity of heart.
Practice conscious non-attachment: reduce unhealthy influences, simplify desires, keep devotional company when possible, and engage the mind in spiritual hearing and remembrance so relationships and work don’t bind the heart.