Evidence Regarding Devotional Principles 65

tically, if one very carefully reads the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-
Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya and this Nectar of Devo-
tion, that will give him sufficient knowledge to understand the sci-
ence of Krsna consciousness. One need not take the trouble of read-
ing other books.

In the Seventh Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, 13th Chapter, 7th
verse, Narada Muni, while discussing with Maharaj Yudhisthira the
various functions of the different orders in society, especially men-
tions rules for the sannydasis—those persons who have renounced this
material world. One who has accepted the sannyasa order of life is
forbidden to accept as a disciple anyone who is not fit. A sannyast
should first of all examine whether a prospective student is sincerely
seeking Krsna consciousness. If he is not, he should not be accepted.
However, Lord Caitanya’s causeless mercy is such that He advised
all bona fide spiritual masters to speak about Krsna consciousness
everywhere. Therefore, in the line of Lord Caitanya, even the san-

nydsis can speak about Krsna consciousness everywhere, and if some-
one is seriously inclined to become a disciple, the sannyasi always
accepts him.

The one point is that without increasing the number of disciples,
there is no propagation of the cult of Krsna consciousness. Therefore,
sometimes even at a risk, a sannyasi in the line of Caitanya Maha-
prabhu may accept: even a person who is not thoroughly fit to be-
come a disciple. Later on, by the mercy of such a bona fide spiritual
master, the disciple is gradually elevated. However, if one increases
the number of disciples simply for some prestige or false honor, he
will surely fall down in the matter of executing Krsna consciousness.

Similarly, a bona fide spiritual master has no business to read
many books simply to show his proficiency or to get popularity by
lecturing in different places. One should avoid all these things. It is
also stated that a sannyasi should not be enthusiastic about con-
structing temples. We can see in the life of various dcaryas in the line
of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu that they are not very enthusiastic about
constructing temples. However, if somebody comes forward to offer
some service, the same reluctant dcaryas will encourage the building
of costly temples by such servitors. For example, Rupa Gosvami was
