The Real Association

[Paramhamsa Vani]

Sree Sree Guru Gaurangau Jayatah!

Sri Rupa Goswami has taught us how to associate with the sadhus. If you behave with love by mere speaking, it is not the actual association. How do we behave with the object of our love? Through our six-fold behavior–we take something and we give something. we feed them sumptuously and take their food, we open our hearts and hear the feelings of their hearts. If we deal in such a manner with the conditioned souls of this world, we will have their association. If you give something to the sadhu, he will then offer it to the Supreme Lord and give you prasad. Then the poison (material nature) of that object will be removed.

This sort of exchange should be developed with the sadhu. You should disclose your heart to the sadhu and the sadhu will then speak about the significance of bhajan. If you speak your heart to him, he will speak to you. You have to serve him with love and you take whatever he gives you. If you closely associate with the suddha bhaktas and also serve them, then you will have the real association.

–-- Jagad-guru His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaj