The senses represent divine beings, and their natural inclination is to act according to the guidelines of the Vedas [the original Scriptures]. Similarly, the mind represents the Sovereign Lord, and his natural duty is to serve. Now, when this inclination is employed in the devotional service offered to the Sovereign Person, without any ulterior motive, then it becomes much more precious than salvation.
Devotional service by itself dissolves the subtle (ethereal) body of the distinct being, just as the fire in the stomach digests everything we eat.
The pure sage, attached to devotional service activities and constantly absorbed in the service of My lotus feet, does not desire at any time to merge into Me. Steadfast, such a wise man constantly glorifies My deeds and My entertainments. My devotees constantly contemplate My smiling face and My eyes like the rising sun; they love to admire My multiple spiritual and absolute forms, infinitely benevolent, and to converse pleasantly with Me.
Seeing the ravishing forms of the Lord, smiling and attractive, and hearing his very sweet words, the pure sage practically loses any other form of consciousness. His senses are freed from any other occupation, and he is absorbed in devotional service. Thus, even if he does not desire it, he achieves liberation without further effort.
Thus, because he completely absorbs his thoughts into Me, the sage does not desire even the highest blessing that can be obtained on the higher planetary systems, including on Satyaloka (the highest planet in our galaxy). Neither does he desire the eight material perfections conferred by the practice of astanga-yoga, nor does he aspire to be elevated to the kingdom of God. However, even without desiring them, the holy being enjoys all these blessings in this very life.
Thus, worshipping Me through unfailing devotional service, I, the omnipresent Lord of the universe, the wise man renounces any desire to reach the heavenly planets or to be happy in this world, with riches, children, cattle, house or any other object related to the body.
This one, I take it beyond birth and death. He who seeks refuge elsewhere than in Me can never get rid of the terrible fear of death and rebirth, for I am the almighty Lord, the Sovereign Person, the original source of all creation, and the Supreme Soul, the Soul of all souls.
It is because of My supremacy, for fear of Me, that the wind blows. For fear of Me that the sun will shine and that Indra, the master of the clouds, will make the rain fall. For fear of Me again that the fire burns and that death goes, taking its due.
Spiritualists, enriched with spiritual knowledge and renunciation, and absorbed in devotional service for their eternal benefit, seek refuge at My lotus feet; and since I am the Lord, they thus qualify to enter My divine kingdom without any fear. Consequently, men whose thoughts are fixed on the Lord, intensively practice devotional service. This is the only way to achieve the ultimate perfection of existence.