This human birth is precious. More precious than this, almost unattainable I should say, is the association of a bona fide sadhu. It is very difficult to get the association of a bona fide sadhu. That is, a sadhu who actually practices what he preaches. A sadhu performs bhajan, engaging all his senses for the service of Radha Krishna and Gauranga Mahaprabhu; every moment. He demonstrates how the Supreme Lord should be worshipped and is an example for all. It is very rare for one to obtain a human birth and get the opportunity to come into contact with a suddha bhakta. One who does not realise this is most unfortunate.

Unfortunately it is very common for people to go to the sadhus and go to the temple just for temporary material benefits. They go to the sadhus to ask for a son. They say “Give me a son. Give me a beautiful wife. Give me wealth.” They will get it. Many great sinners have money. But why would one go to the sadhus to get temporary benefits? If they are bona fide sadhus they won't give you this. They cannot deceive. They cannot give temporary things for which they would have to ultimately repent. They cannot deceive the world. Sadhus cannot deceive. If you want material benefit then go to the sinners. They have the wealth and everything material. There is no point in going to the sadhus for such things.

A bona fide sadhu is seldom to be found and one who is actually speaking hari katha, the glories of the Supreme Lord, is even more rare. Those who are not a good example, who are not actually performing bhajan, cannot speak properly about Krishna. Platform speakers cannot speak properly about Krishna. There are those who are business types, professional platform speakers who say “You give me $500 and I will speak.” They are depending on money and not Krishna. If you depend on Krishna, Krishna will protect you. If you have no faith then what is the use of performing bhajan? If you take shelter of a human being and serve him then he will be obliged to protect you, whoever he is. He may be a mischievous person but if you go to his house without wanting anything and you go on serving him, he will be obliged to protect you. The Supreme Lord, Lord of all Lords, is protecting and sustaining all, so if you take shelter of Him He will protect you.