Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.85

c10.s1.85

This is followed by an elaborate glorification of the Vaiṣṇava devotee and the supreme benefit of his devout company, each statement being illustrated, in the usual manner, by the citation of a large number of texts. The company of the Vaiṣṇava devotee (Bhagavad-bhakta-saṅga) is said to destroy all evil (Anartha-nivartakatā), turning all evil into good (Anarthasyāpyarthāpādakatā), accomplish the attainment of all desired objects (Sarveṣṭa-sādhakatā) and absolution from all sin (Sarva-pātaka-mocakatā), sharpen the intellect (buddhim-viśadayati), produce devotion (Bhakti-sampādakatā), make one forget everything about the Deha (body) and Dehin (soul), bring joy to the whole world (Jagad-ānandakatā) and lead to emancipation (Mokṣa-pradatā). It is indeed superior to taking baths in all holy places (Sarva-tīrthādhikatā) and higher than all pious deeds (Sarva-satkarmādhikatā): in fact, it is the essence of everything (Sarva-sāratā). The evils of bad company (Asat-saṅga) and of reviling the Vaiṣṇava (Vaiṣṇava-nindā) are then dealt with in detail, as well as the mode of approaching the holy company of the Vaiṣṇavas (Vaiṣṇava-samāgama-vidhi). If a Vaiṣṇava meets a devotee of Viṣṇu, he should welcome and embrace him, greet him with sweet words, and salute him by falling prostrate at his feet (daṇḍavat); for Viṣṇu resides in the heart of all Vaiṣṇava devotees. In this connexion Gopāla Bhaṭṭa describes at length the merits of praising and paying respect to the Vaiṣṇava and of reading or listening to their scriptures (Śāstras), of which the most sacred and purifying is the great Śrīmad-bhāgavata. By listening to the deeds of Śrīkṛṣṇa described therein, both the speaker and the hearer ensure the highest religious merit for themselves by the removal of their sins, gratification of all desires, and awakening of resignation and love for the deity.