The Lord teaches the science of Sankhya.

When the consciousness of the living entity is attracted by the three forms of influences of material nature, he is said to be conditioned. But let this same consciousness attach itself to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the living entity is then at the liberated stage.

He who is completely free from lust and greed, these defilements arising from the illusory concept of “I” as applied to the body and “mine” as applied to the possessions of the body, will have his thoughts purified. Having attained this state of purity, he transcends the level of so-called material happiness and unhappiness.

The soul can then see itself as it is, transcendent to material existence, shining forever with its own light, never fragmented, and this, even though it is infinitesimal.

At this stage of spiritual realization, the application of knowledge and renunciation in devotional service enables one to see all things in their right perspective. One then becomes indifferent to worldly existence, and material influences begin to loosen their hold.

No spiritualist can attain the perfection of spiritual realization without adopting the path of devotional service to the Supreme Lord, for that is the only path that is truly auspicious.

A man of knowledge knows that attachment to material things is the greatest bondage for the spirit soul. But this same attachment, when transferred to the realized saints, opens the door to liberation.

The distinguishing marks of a saint are his tolerance, compassion and friendly attitude towards all living entities. He has no enemies, is peaceful, conforms to the scriptures, and all his personality traits are sublime.

Such a saint is firmly engaged in devotional service to the Lord without any deviation. For the sake of the Lord, he renounces all other relationships, such as family relations or worldly friendships.

Because they constantly engage in listening to and singing My divine glories, the saints do not suffer from the evils inherent in material existence, for they are always absorbed in the thought of My Pastimes and My Deeds.

O my mother, virtuous woman, know that these are the qualities of great devotees who are free from all attachment. You yourself must learn to attach yourself to these holy ones, for this will have the effect of neutralizing the pernicious effects of attachment to material things.

In the association of pure devotees, the discussions on the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are very pleasant and satisfying to the ear and the heart. One who cultivates this knowledge advances with certainty on the path of liberation; from there, he becomes free from all material constraints, and his attraction to the Lord becomes unalterable. Then true devotion arises and devotional service begins.