CC Madhya 8.251 (1975)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Below is the 1996 edition text, ready to be substituted with the 1975 one using the compile form.
TEXT 251
- ‘śreyo-madhye kona śreyaḥ jīvera haya sāra?’
- ‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-saṅga vinā śreyaḥ nāhi āra’
SYNONYMS
śreyaḥ-madhye—among beneficial activities; kona—which; śreyaḥ—beneficial function; jīvera—of the living entity; haya—is; sāra—the essence; kṛṣṇa-bhakta-saṅga—for associating with the devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa; vinā—except; śreyaḥ—beneficial activity; nāhi—there is not; āra—another.
TRANSLATION
Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Out of all auspicious and beneficial activities, which is best for the living entity?” Rāmānanda Rāya replied, “The only auspicious activity is association with the devotees of Kṛṣṇa.”
PURPORT
According to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (SB 11.2.30):
- ata ātyantikaṁ kṣemaṁ pṛcchāmo bhavato ’naghāḥ
- saṁsāre ’smin kṣaṇārdho ’pi sat-saṅgaḥ śevadhir nṛṇām
“We are asking you to tell us what is the most perfect welfare activity. I think that in this material world, association with devotees—even if it be for a moment—is the greatest treasure house for mankind.”