Conclusion of Teachings to Sanatan Goswami 143

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 per-
fectional stage of devotional service, simply by his endeavor, can become suc-
cessful in everything.

One cannot, therefore, achieve the highest perfectional stage of devo-
tional 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 intel-
ligence 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 or-
dinary persons, still they know You and they are following You and glorifying
You.”

Similarly, there is another verse in Srimad Bhagwatam, Tenth Canto, Fif-
teenth Chapter, in which the peacocks were receiving Valarama and Krishna,
and it is said in this connection: “O Worshippable One, just see how the pea-
cocks 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 Vrin-
daban are so glorious that everyone is prepared to render their respective devo-
tional service to the Lord.”

Similarly, there is another verse in the Srimad Bhagwatam, Tenth Canto,
