Text 18] Explanation of Devotional Service 1249
may elevate one another on the path of spiritual understanding. This is
called ista-gosthi.

In Bhagavad-gita there is reference to bodhayantah parasparam,
“discussing among themselves.” Generally pure devotees utilize their
valuable time in chanting and discussing various activities of Lord Krsna
or Lord Caitanya amongst themselves. There are innumerable books, such
as the Puranas, Mahabharata, Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and Upanisads,
which contain countless subjects for discussion among two devotees or
more. Friendship should be cemented between persons with mutual in-
terests and understanding. Such persons are said to be sva-jati, ‘‘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 Vaisnava or
a devotee of Krsna, 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 friend-
ship with persons of the same standard.

TEXT 18
TANS FI
amaanaga feesirrt qa 1ecll

adhyatmikanusravanan
nama-sankirtanac ca me

arjavenarya-sangena
nirahankriyaya tatha

adhyatmika—spiritual matters; anusravanat—from hearing; nama-
sankirtanaét—from chanting the holy name; ca—and; me—My; Grjavena—
with straightforward behavior; arya-saiigena—with association of saintly
persons; nirahankriyaya—without false ego; tatha—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.
