Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 5 Chapter 6:11-19

Book 5: Chapter 6

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 5: Chapter 6: Verses 11-19 Lord Rsabha quits His body And assured (of their salvation) by their own arbitrary mode of life-which is not supported by the Vedas and which has been indiscriminately followed (as one blind man follows another)-they will descend into the dark abyss of hell by their own choice. This descent (manifestation) of the Lord was (specifically) intended to give a lesson in the art of liberating oneself to those who are steeped in the quality of Rajas. People recite the following verses conformable to the spirit of such teaching:-"Oh, of (all) the Dwipas (main divisions) and Varsas (subdivisions) of the earth, girt with the seven oceans, this land (later known as Bharatavarsa) is exceptionally holy inasmuch as the people of this land celebrate the blessed deeds of Lord Visnu (the Slayer of the demon Mura) associated with His (various) descents. Oh, the race of Priyavrata is resplendent with glory; for, descending in this line, Bhagavan Narayana (the most ancient Person), the Inner Controller of all and the Cause of all causes, observed sacred vows leading to Liberation (which cannot be attained through religious rites). Indeed what Yogi--who hankers after the mystic powers of Yoga, spumed by Lord Rsabhadeva because of their illusory nature, even though striving to serve Him-could even mentally follow in the footsteps of that birthless Lord ?" In this way has been narrated (by me) the sacred story of the Lord bearing the name of Rsabha, the supremely adored (even) of all the Vedas, the (various) spheres, the gods, the Brahmanas and the cows-a story which wipes out all the sins of men (who hear or recite it), and is the abode of the highest blessings. Exclusive devotion to the aforesaid Lord Vasudeva is developed in the heart of him who constantly listens to it as well as of him who regularly recites it (before others) with (ever) increasing reverence and with a concentrated mind. Daily and incessantly immersing their soul--(ever) burning with the agonies of mundane existence, full of manifold sufferings-in (the stream of) Devotion and deriving supreme solace from it, the wise (devotees) show no preference on any account for final beatitude, the highest and everlasting object of human pursuit, even if got without asking (offered by the Lord Himself), having fully realized their objects in their very devotion to the Lord. Lord Sri Krsna (the Bestower of Liberation), dear Pariksit, was surely the protector, preceptor, deity (the object of worship), beloved friend, and head of the family of your grandfathers as well as of the Yadus, and sometimes (when He represented you as your ambassador in the court of the Kauravas at Hastinapura) your servant too. He bestows now and then (even) final beatitude on those who worship Him; but He never (except in very rare cases) grants the boon of loving devotion (to His feet). Obeisance to the celebrated Lord Rsabhadeva, who is (entirely) free from all cravings, rich as He is in the eternal realization of His own Self, and who in His (abounding) compassion revealed the true nature of the Self-which is immune from all fear-to men whose mind had long remained oblivious of their (genuine) welfare, being constantly engrossed in the thought of body etc., (which are other than the Self). Thus ends the sixth discourse forming part of the Narrative of Lord Rsabhadeva, in Book Five of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.