Text 17] Explanation of Devotional Service 1247
a tiger is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord does not mean that we
embrace him because of his spiritual relationship with the Supreme Lord.
We must associate only with persons who have developed Krsna conscious-
ness.

We should befriend and offer special respect to persons who are
developed in Krsna consciousness. Other living entities are undoubtedly
part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, but because their consciousness is
still covered and not developed in Krsna consciousness, we should renounce
their association. It is said by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura that even if
one is a Vaisnava, if he is not of good character, his company should be
avoided, although he may be offered the respect of a Vaignava. Anyone
who accepts Visnu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead is accepted
as a Vaisnava, but a Vaisnava is expected to develop all the good qualities
of the demigods.

The exact meaning of the word sattvena is given by Sridhara Svami as
being synonymous with dhairyena, or patience. One must perform devo-
tional service with great patience. One should not give up the execution of
devotional service because one or two attempts have not been successful.
One must continue. Sri Ripa Gosvami also confirms that one should be
very enthusiastic and execute devotional service with patience and confi-
dence. Patience is necessary for developing the confidence that “Krsna will
certainly accept me because | am engaging in devotional service.” One has
only to execute service according to the rules and regulations to insure
success.

TEXT 17
meat | WENT | AEA |
Jom TTT TAT TAT F120
mahatam bahu-manena
dinaénam anukampaya
maitryd caivatma-tulyesu
yamena niyamena ca

mahataém—to the great souls; bahu-manena—with great respect; dinanam—
to the poor; anukampaya—with compassion; maitryé—with friendship; ca—
also; eva—certainly; Gtma-tulyesu—to persons who are equals; yamena—
with control of the senses; niyamena—with regulation; ca—and.
