Take Shelter of Advanced Devotees

The key to making rapid advancement on the path of Krishna bhakti is to take shelter of those devotees who are more advanced in Krishna consciousness than we are, because simply by their blessings, their well-wishes, one can become solidly fixed in Krishna consciousness. In this connection we should always remember this verse (Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya Lila 22.54):

’sādhu-saṅga’, ‘sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can attain the topmost perfection of Krishna consciousness".

It is sometimes said, "Man, is a social animal." Because our nature is to always want to be in the association of others , if we properly utilize this nature by always associating with advanced devotees as much as possible, we naturally rapidly advance on the ultimate pathway of self-realization, the pathway of Krishna consciousness.

Devotees Take Advantage of Prabhupada's Association
San Francisco, Golden Gate Park--1967

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version:

Question: What to Eat in a Meat-eater's Home?

It was really nice to meet you and Gurumataji in Pretoria. Thank you for your kind association. I have read bits of your book, Truth Works. It is a very nice practical guide to Krishna consciousness..

If we visit families who eat meat, can we still use their utensils? How to behave with them without insulting them and without compromising our principles?

Thank You.

Your servant,
Charlene

Answer: Only Accept Some Uncut Fruits

Only accept some uncut fruits such as a banana, an apple, or some grapes. In such a home all of their utensils are contaminated by having come in contact with meat.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari