Text 56] The Process of Devotional Service 357

TRANSLATION

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment's asso-
ciation with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.

PURPORT
According to astronomical calculations, lava is one eleventh of one second.

TEXT 55

Basta acaatiat a ws aAAS A |
SAT AHARD AS late feyEtfaras yee bi

tulayama lavenapi
na svargarh naépunar-bhavam
bhagavat-sangi-sangasya
martyanarm kimutasisah

SYNONYMS

tulayama—we make equal; lavena—with one instant; api—even; na—not;
svargam—heavenly planets; na—nor; apunah-bhavam—merging into the exis-
tence of the Supreme; bhagavat-sangi-sangasya—of the association of devotees
who are always associated with the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mar-
tyanam—of persons destined to die; kim uta—what; 4sisah—the blessings.

TRANSLATION

‘The value of a moment's association with a devotee of the Lord cannot
even be compared to the attainment of heavenly planets or liberation from
matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material
prosperity, which is for those who are meant for death.’

PURPORT

This is a quotation from Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.18.13). This verse concerns the
Vedic rites and sacrifices performed by the great sages of Naimiséranya, headed
by Saunaka Rsi. The sages pointed out that association with a devotee for even
less than a second is beyond comparison to a thousand Vedic rituals and
sacrifices, elevation to heavenly planets or merging into the existence of the
Supreme.

TEXT 56

FB SAA AY Cara Hy SHA |
TASCA Atfaicear Voters fea uw t
