Caught in the cycle of rebirth, it is very common to come across devotees who express contrition and seek ways to negate their sins. Bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganga, undertaking penance or working hard to make others prosperous in a dharmic way are the usual avenues pursued to find inner peace. The same can also be attained by cultivating the company of venerable men, said S. Sarma.Scriptures say when a person invites a spiritually evolved personage home and welcomes him with due honour, the environment takes on a different vibe, which will have a positive impact on not only the host but all the others who keep him company. Divine grace is exuded by the saintly person resulting in an overpouring of devotion in the host and his associates. The Bhagavatam is replete with examples of such benefits derived by welcoming the spiritually evolved.The other recommendation is the study of sacred literature at various points of time. Ideally, one should read the epic on gambling (the Mahabharata) in the forenoon, about the outcome of passion (the Ramayana) in the afternoon and about the activities of a ‘thief’ (Lord Krishna who steals the heart of a devotee) via the Bhagavatam which details the incarnation of Krishna in the evenings.Parikshit was a powerful king and yet, due to an unwitting mistake was cursed to die within seven days. Rather than lament his fate, he chose to seek the company of a wise sage and listen to the exposition of Bhagavatam. The sacred text says bhakti is a value attainable by an ordinary man. In fact, bhakti is held to be superior to mukti (merging in the Divine). The marriage of Rukmini with Krishna details how, when a soul deeply yearns to be with Lord, that prayer will come to fruition with the help of evolved souls. When a devotee takes only one step forward towards Perumal, He will rush to the devotee’s side at once. Published - June 06, 2026 05:00 am IST