Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 2
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
至上人格神说道：亲爱的乌达瓦，瑜伽、数论、一般的义法、诵习吠陀、苦行、出离、祭祀、公益善行或布施，都不能使我受人支配；唯有与我清净奉献者相交的圣贤之会（sat-saṅga），能摧毁对感官享乐的一切执著，并以其净化之力使我受奉献者所摄。
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
In 11.12.2, Lord Kṛṣṇa says that vows, sacrifices, pilgrimages, and disciplines do not bind Him as effectively as sat-saṅga, because saintly association removes all other attachments and turns the heart toward Him.
Kṛṣṇa emphasizes that external practices or even philosophical systems, when disconnected from pure devotion, do not compel His presence; He is most pleased and approached through wholehearted devotion nourished by the company of realized devotees.
Seek regular association with sincere devotees—through satsang, kīrtana, Bhagavatam study, and service—so that worldly attachments gradually weaken and devotion becomes steady.