Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 3 Chapter 32:33-43

Book 3: Chapter 32

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 3: Chapter 32: Verses 33-43 Destiny of the souls departing from this world by the "Bright Path", the "Dark Path" and so on, and the superiority of Bhaktiyoga Just as one and the same substance possessed of several attributes (such as colour, taste and so on) is perceived in different ways through the senses, following different courses, even so the Lord, though one, is variously realized through different paths recommended by the scriptures. Through works of public utility (such as the digging of wells and tanks, construction of roads etc.) and sacrifices, charitable gifts and austere penance, study of the Vedas and an enquiry into their meaning, nay, even through the control of the mind and senses ((i.e., abstaining from prohibited acts) as well as through the renunciation of action, through Yoga with different limbs (such as Yama, Niyama and so on) and likewise through the discipline of Devotion, through the twofold Dharma, viz., that which is accompanied by worldly activity and that which is characterized by renunciation, and again through the realization of the true nature of the Self and through dispassion do we attain to the same self-effulgent Lord, who is both with attributes and without attributes. I have already told you the fourfold character (according as it is predominated by any-one of the three Gunas or is absolutely free from their influence) of Bhaktiyoga (the discipline of Devotion) as well as the nature of Kala (the Time-Spirit), whose movement cannot be perceived (through the senses) and who brings about the birth and death etc., of living beings. I have also described the various states of existence of the Jiva-brought about by his actions prompted by Avidya (ignorance)- passing through which, O mother, the soul forgets his true nature. One should never teach this gospel of Mine to a wicked person(a source of annoyance to others) nor to him who is wanting in modesty, nor to an arrogant man nor again to a moral rake and in no case to a hypocrite. Nor should one impart it to a man thirsting after pleasures, nor to him who is attached to his home, nor again to him who is not My devotee, nor to those who hate My devotees. It may no doubt be imparted to a man full of reverence, a devotee, a meek soul, an uncavilling man, one who is friendly to living beings, and (likewise) to him who takes delight in service, one who has developed a distaste for external objects, a man who is serene of mind, one who is free from jealousy, one who is pure both within and without and above all to him who holds Me dearer than all. With his mind fixed on Me, O mother, the man who reverently listens to or repeats this (discourse of Mine) but once will surely attain to My state. Thus ends the thirty-second discourse, forming part of the "Story of Lord Kapila", in Book Three of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.