गोविन्द भाष्य (श्रील बलदेव विद्याभूषण - अचिन्त्यभेदाभेद वेदान्त ब्रह्मसूत्र भाष्य सटीक)

processes to understand the Absolute Truth, but the Absolute Truth is only revealed to one who has attained the mercy of a great devotee."* In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.12.1-2), Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself explains: na rodhayati māṁ yogo na saṅkhyaṁ dharma uddhava na svādhyāyas tapas tyāgo neṣṭa-pūrtaṁ na dakṣiṇā vratāni yajñās chandāṁsi tīrthāni niyamā yamāḥ yathāvarundhe sat-saṅgaḥ sarva-saṅgāpaho hi mām "My dear Uddhava, neither through aṣṭāṅga-yoga (the mystic yoga to control the senses), nor through impersonal monism or an analytical study of the Absolute Truth, nor through study of the Vedas, nor through practice of austerities, nor through charity, nor through acceptance of sannyāsa, nor through many pious deeds, nor through giving dakṣiṇā, nor through following vows, nor through performing many yajñas, nor through chanting Vedic hymns, nor through visiting holy places, nor through controlling the senses can one bring Me under his control as much as one can by associating with saintly devotees. Their association frees one from the touch of matter." Here Lord Kṛṣṇa personally teaches the importance of associating with saintly devotees. The Lord here teaches a great secret of how to engage in devotional service. The word “ādi" in this sūtra indicates that one should also visit holy places of pilgrimage and one should avoid they who commit blasphemy. In Śrīmad- Bhāgavatam (1.2.16) it is said: śuśrūṣoḥ śraddadhānasya vāsudeva-kathā-ruciḥ syān mahat-sevayā viprāḥ puṇya-tīrtha-niṣevaṇāt "O twice-born sages, by serving those devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service one gains affinity for hearing the message of Vāsudeva."* In the Padma Purāṇa it is said: harir eva sadārādhyaḥ