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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 12: Chapter 12: Verses 49-57
That speech which, though full of figurative expressions, never utters the praises of Sri Hari-that are capable of sanctifying the (whole) world-is the delight of voluptuous men (who wallow in the pleasures of sense like crows, that feed upon the dirty leavings of food). It is never resorted to by the swan-like wise men; for pure-minded saints take delight only where the (immortal) Lord Visnu is sung. On the other hand, that composition (alone) which, though faulty in diction; consists of verses each of which contains the names of the immortal Lord, bearing the impress of His glory, wipes out the sins of the people; it is such composition that pious men (love to) hear, sing and repeat (to an audience). That wisdom too which is free from blemish in that it is a direct means to the attainment of Liberation does not adorn one's soul so much if it is destitute of devotion to (the immortal) Lord Sri Hari. How, then, can action which has not been consecrated to God, no matter if it is of the noblest type, heighten the beauty of the soul, rooted as it is in sorrow at every stage (both while it is being performed and when it yields its fruit). The great pains taken over discharging the duties pertaining to one's Varna (grade in society) and Mrama (stage in life), austerities and learning etc., culminate only in glory and prosperity. Through the utterance and hearing etc., of the praises of Sri Hari (however) is secured unceasing remembrance of the lotus-feet of that Spouse of Sri (the goddess of fortune). Ceaseless thought of the lotus-like feet of Sri Krsna puts an end to all evils and increases tranquillity (of the mind), enhances purity of the intellect, stimulates devotion to the Supreme Spirit and promotes spiritual enlightenment coupled with Self-Realization and dispassion. Oh, you are highly blessed, 0 jewels among the Brahmanas ! in that, having installed in your mind Lord Narayana, who is the adored of all, and (as such) has no other object of adoration, and who is the Inner Controller of all, constantly worship Him, full of ceaseless Devotion (as you are) ! I am also blessed in that I have been reminded (by you) of the exposition of the true nature of the Supreme Spirit (contained in this Purana), which I listened to the other day from the lips of Sri Suka (the great seer) in the assembly of eminent sages, who also listened to it, while King Pariksit sat (on the bank of theGanga) with a vow to fast unto death.
In this way has been recounted to you, 0 Brahmana sages, the glory-that is capable of uprooting all evil-of Lord Vasudeva, whose great exploits are worth narrating.
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