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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 11: Verses 21-31
Having cast aside, through inquiry on the lines indicated in the foregoing verses, the mistaken notion of diversity with respect to the soul, and focussed one's mind, free from (all) impurities, on Me, the omnipresent Lord, one should retire (from all activity). If (however) you are unable to fix your mind irrevocably on Brahma, do all your (allotted) duties efficiently in a disinterested spirit for My sake. Hearing with reverence My stories, which bring merit (to the hearer) and purify the worlds, chanting them (if there is someone to hear) and constantly recalling them (even when there is none to chant or hear them), arranging dramatic representation of My advent and pastimes again and again, (nay,) pursuing righteousness, enjoyment and wealth for My sake and depending on Me, 0 Uddhava ! one develops unflinching devotion to Me, the Eternal. Equipped with Devotion acquired through the fellowship of saints, he becomes My worshipper. (And) such a worshipper undoubtedly attains with ease to My state as shown by the righteous. Uddhava submitted : What kind of man is considered by You to be a pious soul, 0 illustrious Lord ? And what kind of devotion has been esteemed by the righteous and may be directed towards You ? Let this be pointed out to me, bent low (before You), devoted (to You) and fallen at Your feet, 0 Ruler (even) of Brahma and others (the highest souls), the Controller of the spheres, the Lord of the (entire) creation ! You are the supreme Brahma, taintless like the sky, the Spirit beyond Prakrti; yet, 0 Lord ! You have descended (on this earth) having assumed a distinct (finite) personality at Your own (sweet) will,
The glorious Lord replied A pious soul is compassionate to all embodied souls, harms none, is forbearing, has truthfulness for his strength, faultless of mind, equipoised (in joy and sorrow) and beneficent to all; his judgment is never clouded by (attachment to) the pleasures of sense; he is self-disciplined, soft (by nature), pure (perfectly moral in his dealings), resourceless and effortless, lives on a scanty meal, is free from passions and constant, solely depends on Me and is given to contemplation and vigilant, remains unexcited (even when there is room for excitement) and firm (even in adversity); he must have conquered the six waves (viz., cold and heat, greed and infatuation, hunger and thirst), does not seek honour, though bestowing it (on others),is capable of imparting knowledge to others, sincere altruistic and possessed of right knowledge.
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