120 The Nectar of Devotion

The idea is that we should follow in the footsteps of great devo-
tees. If we are unable to execute all the different items of devotional
service, we must try to execute at least one of them, as exemplified
by previous acaryas. If we are engaged in the execution of all the
items of devotional service, as was Maharaj Ambarisa, then the per-
fection of devotional service is guaranteed from each one of these
items. With the first complete engagement, one becomes automatical-
ly detached from material contamination, and liberation becomes the
maidservant of the devotee. This idea is confirmed by Bilvamangala
Thakur: If one develops unalloyed devotion to the Lord, liberation
will follow the devotee as his maidservant.

Srila Riipa Gosvami says that the regulative principles of devo-
tional service are sometimes described by authorities as the path of
serving the Lord in opulence.
