Srimad Bhagavatam

Chapter 12 Skandha 11

Uddhava Gita : Chapter 7

Chapter 1 , Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5 , Ch 6

Uddhava Gita Chapter 7: ( Summary).

Having explained the pathof Bhakti earlier, Lord starts by espousing the association of Saints as the surest path towards liberation. He elaborates on the association with Saints by mentioning the examples of all those who achieved liberation by such association. He elaborates how Gopis though ignorant of the world attained liberation solely because of association with the the Lord. He tells Uddhava that similarly he should give up everything and "follow him". Then Uddhava expresses difficulty '..Oh Lord, though I am listening to your words the doubts in my mind are not dispelled".

 

"Yoga, discrimination, piety, study of the Vedas, renunciation, rites such as Agnihotra, and works of public utility, charity, vows, sacrifices, secret Mantras, places of pilgrimage and moral rules as well as universal – none of these bind me so much as the association of saints that roots out all attachment"

Uddhava Gita

Chapter 7

Bhagavan tells Uddhava that it is the association of Saints that leads one to the right path and Krishna gives examples of such association.

Bhagavan says:

“Yoga, discrimination, piety, study of the Vedas, renunciation, rites such as Agnihotra, and works of public utility, charity, vows, sacrifices, secret Mantras, places of pilgrimage and moral rules as well as universal rules – none of these bind me so much as the association of saints that roots out all attachment".

“O Uddhava! It was through the association of Saints that many who were of Rajasika or Tamasik nature suchas Vritra, Prahlada and others attained me in different ages. Daityas and Rakshasas, beasts and birds, Gandharvas, Apsarasas, Nagas, Siddhas, Charanas, Guhyakas, and Vidhyadharas and among mankind – Vaishyas and Shudras, women and outcasts.

Oh Uddhava ! – Vrishaparva, Bali , Bana, Maya , Vibhishana, Sugriva, Hanuman, , the bear Jambavan, the Elephant Gajendra, the vulture Jataayu, the merchant Tuladhara, , the fowler Dharmavyadha, the hunch backed Kubja, the Gopis as well as the wives of the Brahmanas engaged in sacrifices in Vrindavana and others attained Me".

"They have not studied Vedas, nor served the great saints, nor observed any vows, nor performed any austerities. Yet through their association with Me they attained Me".

"The Gopis, even the cows, trees, beasts, serpents, and others that were dull of understanding easily attained me through Love alone. They attained Me, whom one does not attain even through struggle through Yoga, discrimination, charity, vows, austerities, sacrifices, teaching and study of Vedas or renunciation".

"When I was taken with Balaram to Mathura by Akrura, the Gopis with their minds attached to me through intense love were sorely afflicted at my bereavement and considered nothing else as of interest to them".

"Those very nights my friend, which with me their beloved in their midst at Vrindavana they had passed like moments became in my absence like ages to them".

"With their minds fixed in me through their attachment, they knew neither their kinsmen nor their bodies, nor things far or near – as sages in the super conscious state know not name and form – like the rivers merging in the waters of ocean",

"Not knowing my real nature Gopis who were ignorant women, desired me as their beloved sweetheart, yet they attained Me, the Supreme Brahman, by hundreds and thousands through the power of Holy association".

"Therefore O Uddhava! giving up injunctions, and prohibitions, the path of enjoyment and renunciation, things learnt and yet to be learnt, you whole heartedly take refuge in me alone and be fearless through Me !!

Uddhava says

“ Oh Lord, though I am listening to your words the doubts in my mind are not dispelled. Hence my mind is wandering “

Bhagavan elaborates further:

om tat sat

 

"Thus following a Guru and with axe of knowledge sharpened by service of Guru cut asunder the tree of Samsara rooted in the soul and then being identified with the self lay down the weapon"