Obtain the loving service

Expressions researched:
"obtain the loving service"

SB Canto 5

Certainly a pure devotee's association is necessary in order to obtain the loving service of the Lord.

SB 5.3.14, Purport: Only a devotee can surpass māyā's great influence. It was no fault on Mahārāja Nābhi's part that he wanted a son. He wanted a son like the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the best of all sons. By the association of the Lord's devotee, one no longer desires material opulence. This is confirmed in Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 22.54):

"sādhu-saṅga", "sādhu-saṅga" sarva-śāstre kaya

lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

and [Cc. Madhya 22.51]:

mahat-kṛpā vinā kona karme 'bhakti' naya

kṛṣṇa-bhakti dūre rahu, saṁsāra nahe kṣaya

If one is serious about escaping māyā's influence and returning home, back to Godhead, one must associate with a sādhu (devotee). That is the verdict of all scriptures. By the slight association of a devotee, one can be freed from the clutches of māyā. Without the mercy of the pure devotee, one cannot get freedom by any means. Certainly a pure devotee's association is necessary in order to obtain the loving service of the Lord. One cannot be freed from māyā's clutches without sādhu-saṅga [Cc. Madhya 22.83], the benediction of a great devotee.