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From Kalyan-kalpataru, Upadesh 14
by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur

O mind! You are always attached to places of pilgrimage—Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kasi (Varanasi), Kanchipuram, Avantiya, Dvaraka, and so many other places.

You want to travel all these places again and again for the sake of some liberation. These places will never help you fix your mind, so all this is just your illusion, a meaningless labour.

The result of visiting a place of pilgrimage is sadhu-sanga (pure devotees’ association) and being drawn to the exclusive service of Sri Krishna. A place of pilgrimage is where a sadhu (pure devotee) is. Always keep the association of pure devotees and firmly fix your mind by such association.

I never go to a place of pilgrimage if there are no Vaishnavs in that place (what is the use walking so far?). Vrindavan is where Vaishnavs are, in such a place there is no end of joy.

Liberation is a maidservant, all water is Mandakini, all mountains are Govardhan, all land is Vrindavan, and the internal energy of the Lord automatically appears at the place where there is devotion to Krishna.

Vinod says, "O brother! What will I get by all this pilgrimage? My sole vow is service to Vaishnavs."

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• Recited at Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur's appearance day festival at Sri Surabhi Kunja:
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