In truth, all Vedic literature directs the human being toward the perfect stage of devotion. The paths of fruitive activities, speculative knowledge, and meditation do not lead one to the perfectional stage, but the Lord is actually approachable by one who follows the process of devotional service. Therefore all Vedic literature recommends that one accept this process. In this regard, Caitanya Mahāprabhu quoted from the Lord's instructions to Uddhava in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.14.20-21):
- na sādhayati māṁ yogo na sāṅkhyaṁ dharma uddhava
- na svādhyāyas tapas tyāgo yathā bhaktir mamorjitā
- bhaktyāham ekayā grāhyaḥ śraddhayātmā priyaḥ satām
- bhaktiḥ punāti man-niṣṭhā śva-pākān api sambhavāt
"My dear Uddhava, neither philosophical speculation nor meditational yoga nor penances can give Me such pleasure as devotional service practiced by the living entities. I am dear only to My devotees, and I can be achieved only by devotional service. Even an extremely lowborn person will become free from all contamination if he takes to My devotional service." Devotional service is the only path by which one can achieve the Supreme Person.