Text Three 33

As already explained, one should not be idle but should be
very enthusiastic about executing the regulative prin-
ciples—tat-tat-karma-pravartana. Neglect of the regulative
principles will destroy devotional service. In this Krsna
consciousness movement there are four basic regulative
principles, forbidding illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and
intoxication. A devotee must be very enthusiastic about
following these principles. If he becomes slack in following
any of them, his progress will certainly be checked. Srila
Rapa Gosvami therefore recommends, tat-tat-karma-pra-
vartanat: “One must strictly follow the regulative principles
of vaidhi bhakti.”In addition to these four prohibitions
(yama), there are positive regulative principles (niyama),
such as the daily chanting of sixteen rounds on japa-mala
beads. These regulative activities must be faithfully per-
formed with enthusiasm. This is called tat-tat-karma-pra-
vartana, or varied engagement in devotional service.

Furthermore, in order to be successful in devotional ser-
vice one must give up the association of undesirable people.
This includes karmis, jnanis, yogis and other nondevotees.
Once Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was asked by one of His
householder devotees about the general principles of
Vaisnavism, as well as the general routine activities of the
Vaisnava, and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately
replied, asat-sarga-tyaga,—ei vaisnava-dcara: “Charac-
teristically, a Vaisnava is one who gives up the association of
worldly people, or nondevotees.” Srila Narottama dasa
Thakura has therefore recommended, tdndera carana sevi
bhakta-sane vasa: one has to live in the company of pure
devotees and execute the regulative principles laid down by
the previous dcdryas, the six Gosvamis (namely, Sri Ripa
