In2-MeC

Radhadesh, Belgium
6 June 2004

A Vaisnava is. . .

krpalu, akrta-droha, satya-sara, sama
nidosa, vadanya, mrdu, suci, akincana
sarvopakaraka, santa, krsnaika-sarana
akama, aniha, sthira, vijita-sad-guna
mita-bhuk, apramatta, manada, amani
gambhira, karuna, maitra, kavi, daksa, mauni

Devotees are always merciful, humble, truthful, equal to all, faultless,
magnanimous, mild and clean. They are without material possessions, and
they perform welfare work for everyone. They are peaceful, surrendered to
Krsna and desireless. They are indifferent to material acquisitions and
are fixed in devotional service. They completely control the six bad
qualities--lust, anger, greed and so forth. They eat only as much as
required, and they are not inebriated. They are respectful, grave,
compassionate and without false prestige. They are friendly, poetic,
expert and silent.

-- CC. Madhya 22. 78-80

Controls six bad qualities

"Therefore Rupa Goswami has introduced this system of regulative principles which I have taught you also. These regulative principles, such as rising before 4 A. M. for mangala-arati, chanting sixteen rounds minimum on beads daily, reading books, going for the street sankirtana, preaching to anyone and everyone, offering the prasada, like that, these principles of devotional service are there to safeguard us from maya's attack by keeping us always enthusiastic. If we strictly observe these principles, we shall remain always enthusiastic. These are the sources and the maintainers of our enthusiasm to serve Krsna. "

-- Letter of December 31, 1972

Eats only as much as required

"Everything should be regulated in devotional service. Just like eating. Eating is necessary to remain fit, but too much eating means disease and too little eating means starving. "

-- Letter of November 16, 1970

Without inebriation

"If we try for the very best for Krsna, then we make rapid advancement in Krsna consciousness. But not that we become foolhardy. No, discretion is the better part of valor; so if we keep a cool head then we can try for such big, big things and meet with all success. "

-- Letter of December 5, 1971

Respectful

"Yes, everyone one of us should be ideal to the other so everyone can get impetus to make progress more and more. "

-- Letter of November 23, 1965

Without false prestige

"If you are working for Krsna, it is Krsna's desire if you be successful or not successful. That means don't think that because you are Krsna consciousness, you will always be successful. No. It doesn't matter. Even if you are unsuccessful, you must know it firmly that without Krsna's desire, nothing can happen. "

-- Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 4. 22

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