The sage feels transcendental pleasure in the gradual advancement of spiritual culture, whereas the man in materialistic activities, being asleep to self-realization, dreams of varieties of sense pleasure, feeling sometimes happy and sometimes distressed in his sleeping condition. The introspective man is always indifferent to materialistic happiness and distress. He goes on with his self-realization activities undisturbed by material reactions.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.69, Purport
I do not pray for heavenly pleasure. I do not even aspire for liberation. Simply let the nectar of Lord Krsna's transcendental pastimes flood my ears, day after day.
Sri Kaviratna
Padyavali 2.10
All sins are destroyed and all good fortune is created by the Supreme Lord's qualities, activities, and appearances, and words that describe them animate, beautify, and purify the world. On the other hand, words bereft of His glories are like the decorations on a corpse.
Sri Akrura
Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.38.12
The Supreme Lord cannot be obtained by one who is qualified by being a great lecturer, a great scholar, or a great student of the Vedic literature. The Lord reveals His own form to one with whom He is pleased.
Katha Upanisad 1.2.23
The Lord is very satisfied with His devotee when the devotee greets other people with tolerance, mercy, friendship, and equality.
Svayambhuva Manu
Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.11.13
O Krsna, those who continuously hear, chant, and repeat Your transcendental activities, or take pleasure in others' doing so, certainly see Your lotus feet, which alone can stop the repetition of birth and death.
Srimati Kunti Devi dasi
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.36
What is unattainable for one who has satisfied the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the shelter of the goddess of fortune? Even so, those who are dedicated to His devotional service never want anything from Him.
Srila Sukadeva Gosvami
Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.39.2
Contributors of Vedic Thoughts for this issue: Ramesvara Dasa (Nava Jiyada Nrsimha Ksetra, Germany), Sudarsana Ramanuja Dasa (Mumbai), Gour Govinda Dasa (Honolulu), Bhakti Vikasa Swami (Baroda, India), Kadrudhanayu Devi Dasi (Wroclaw, Poland)