Text 18]
Explanation of Devotional Service
1249
may elevate one another on the path of spiritual understanding. This is called  iṣṭa-goṣṭhi .
In  Bhagavad-gītā  there is reference to  bodhayantaḥ parasparam , “discussing among themselves.” Generally pure devotees utilize their valuable time in chanting and discussing various activities of Lord Kṛṣṇa or Lord Caitanya amongst themselves. There are innumerable books, such as the  Purāṇas ,  Mahābhārata ,  Bhāgavatam ,  Bhagavad-gītā  and  Upaniṣads , which contain countless subjects for discussion among two devotees or more. Friendship should be cemented between persons with mutual interests and understanding. Such persons are said to be  sva-jāti , “of the same caste.” The devotee should avoid a person whose character is not fixed in the standard understanding; even though he may be a  Vaiṣṇava  or a devotee of Kṛṣṇa, if his character is not correctly representative, then he should be avoided. One should steadily control the senses and the mind and strictly follow the rules and regulations, and he should make friendship with persons of the same standard.
TEXT 18
आच्यात्मिकानुभवणामामसङ्गीतेनाच्च मे ।
आज्वैनार्यसङ्गेन निरहङ्क्रियया तथा ॥१८॥
ādhyātmikānuśravaṇān 
    nāma-saṅkīrtanāc ca me 
    ārjavenārya-saṅgena 
    nirahaṅkriyayā tathā
ādhyātmika—spiritual matters;  anuśravaṇāt —from hearing;  nāma-saṅkīrtanāt —from chanting the holy name;  ca —and;  me —My;  ārjavena —with straightforward behavior;  ārya-saṅgena —with association of saintly persons;  nirahaṅkriyayā —without false ego;  tathā —thus.
TRANSLATION
A devotee should always try to hear about spiritual matters and should always utilize his time in chanting the holy name of the Lord. His behavior should always be straightforward and simple, and although he is not envious but friendly to everyone, he should avoid the company of persons who are not spiritually advanced.