1250 Stimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 3, Ch. 29
PURPORT

In order to advance in spiritual understanding, one has to hear from
authentic sources about spiritual knowledge. One can understand the
reality of spiritual life by following strict regulative principles and by
controlling the senses. To have control it is necessary that one be non-
violent and truthful, refrain from stealing, abstain from sex life and possess
only that which is absolutely necessary for keeping the body and soul
together. One should not eat more than necessary, he should not collect
more paraphernalia than necessary, he should not talk unnecessarily with
common men, and he should not follow the rules and regulations without
purpose. He should follow the rules and regulations so that he may actually
make advancement.

There are eighteen qualifications mentioned in Bhagavad-gita, among
which is simplicity. One should be without pride; one should not demand
unnecessary respect from others, and one should be nonviolent. Amanitvam
adambhitvam ahirnsa. One should be very tolerant and simple, one should
accept the spiritual master, and one should control the senses. These are
mentioned here and in Bhagavad-gita as well. One should hear from
authentic sources how to advance in spiritual life; such instructions should
be taken from the dcarya and should be assimilated.

It is especially mentioned here, nama-sankirtanac ca: one should chant
the holy names of the Lord, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare
Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, either individually
or with others. Lord Caitanya has given special stress to chanting of these
holy names of the Lord as the basic principle of spiritual advancement.
Another word used here is arjavena, meaning “without diplomacy.” A
devotee should not make plans out of self-interest. Of course preachers
sometimes have to make some plan to execute the mission of the Lord
under proper guidance, but regarding personal self-interest, a devotee
should always be without diplomacy, and he should avoid the company of
persons who are not advancing in spiritual life. Another word is arya.
Aryans are persons who are advancing in knowledge of Krsna consciousness
as well as in material prosperity. The difference between the Aryan and
non-Aryan, the sura and asura, is in their standards of spiritual advance-
ment. Association with persons who are not spiritually advanced is for-
bidden. Lord Caitanya advised, asat-saiga-tyaga. One should avoid persons
who are attached to the temporary. Asat is one who is too materially
attached, who is not a devotee of the Lord and who is too attached to
women or enjoyable material things. Such a person, according to
Vaisnava philosophy, is a persona non grata.
