The gift of associating with a great saint has been explained by the incarnation of the supreme personality of Godhead, Lord Kapiladeva, to His divine mother, Devahuti. Lord Kapiladeva's words are quoted in the ancient vedic literature as follows:
 
Every learned man knows very well that attachment of the material is the greatest entanglement of the spirit soul. But that same attachment when applied to the self realized devotees, opens the door of liberation.
The sysptoms of a sadhu are that he is tolerant, merciful, and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.
 
Engaged constantly in chanting and hearing about Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the sadhus do not suffer from material miseries, because they are always filled with thoughts of my pastimes and activities.
O My mother, O virtuous lady, these are the qualities of great devotees who are free from all attachment. You must seek attachment to such holy men, for this counteracts the Pernicious effects of material attachment.