Madhya 17.137

When one understands that he belongs not to the material world but to the spiritual world, one is called liberated. Being situated in the spiritual world is certainly pleasurable, but those who realize the transcendental name, form, qualities and pastimes of Lord Krsna enjoy transcendental bliss many times more than one who has simply realized the self. When one is situated on the platform of self-realization, he can certainly be easily attracted by Krsna and become a servant of the Lord. This is explained in Bhagavad-gita:

"One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything; he is equally disposed to every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me." (Bg. 18.54)

When one becomes spiritually realized (brahma-bhūta), he becomes happy (prasannatma), for he is relieved from material conceptions. One who has attained this platform is not agitated by material action and reaction. He sees everyone on the platform of spirit soul (panḍitaḥ sama-darsinaḥ). When one is completely realized, he can rise to the platform of pure devotional service (mad-bhaktim labhate param). When one comes to the platform of bhakti, devotional service, he automatically realizes who Krsna is.

"One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God." (Bg. 18.55)

It is only on the bhakti platform that one can understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna and His transcendental name, form, qualities, pastimes and entourage. Being thus qualified spiritually (visate tad-anantaram), one is allowed to enter the spiritual kingdom of God and return home, back to Godhead.