Conclusion of Teachings to Sanatan Goswami
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tained even in the highest planetary system—nor in the lowest. The idea is that material happiness and miseries are available, in the course of time, in any of the planetary systems; but the highest achievement, devotional service, cannot be achieved anywhere without endeavor. Therefore, in the  Narada Purana , it is said that one who is serious about understanding the highest perfectional stage of devotional service, simply by his endeavor, can become successful in everything.
One cannot, therefore, achieve the highest perfectional stage of devotional service without personal endeavor. And, as is stated in the  Bhagavad Gita , Tenth Chapter: “For he who is constantly engaged in such devotional service, the Supreme Lord, Who is situated in everyone’s heart, gives the intelligence by which he can make undeterred progress in devotional activities.”
The word  Atma  is also meant for patience and perseverance. By patience and perseverance one can achieve the highest stage of devotional service.
Another meaning for  Muni  is “the bird and large black bee.” Another meaning of  Nirgrantha  is “the foolish person.” Even the birds, even the black bee, and even the foolish engage themselves in the service of the Supreme Lord, when they are favored by the pure devotee. For example, it is stated in the  Srimad Bhagwatam  that the birds are devoted to the service of the Supreme Lord. In the Tenth Canto, Fifteenth Chapter, there is a statement that the black bees are following Krishna and Valarama. Taking that incident, Lord Valarama described the devotional service of the wasps unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He said, “O Supremely Virtuous One, the Original Personality of Godhead, just see how these bees and wasps are following You, glorifying Your transcendental Fame, and thus worshipping You. Actually, these wasps are not as they appear, but they are great sages, and are taking the opportunity to worship the Supreme Soul now. Although You are not knowable by ordinary persons, still they know You and they are following You and glorifying You.”
Similarly, there is another verse in  Srimad Bhagwatam , Tenth Canto, Fifteenth Chapter, in which the peacocks were receiving Valarama and Krishna, and it is said in this connection: “O Worshippable One, just see how the peacocks who are returning to their nests are receiving You in full pleasure. The peacocks are just like the damsels of Vraja. And the cuckoos on the branches of the trees are also receiving You in their own way. The residents of Vrindaban are so glorious that everyone is prepared to render their respective devotional service to the Lord.”
Similarly, there is another verse in the  Srimad Bhagwatam , Tenth Canto,