May 28, 2026
A detailed explanation of the six favorable and six unfavorable principles for the successful execution of devotional service (bhakti-yoga) as outlined by Srila Rupa Goswami.
The Six Favorable Principles
• 1. Being Enthusiastic (Utsaha): Every endeavor in Krishna consciousness is performed with intelligence. Devotees are expert in engaging everything in Krishna's service. The practice of devotional service has nothing to do with selfish meditation, but means practical activity in spiritual life.
• 2. Endeavoring with Confidence (Niscaya): The devotee thinks "avasya raksibe Krsna" — Krishna will certainly help and protect me, so that I can successfully execute my devotional service.
• 3. Patience (Dhairya): One should patiently execute the orders of the spiritual master and feel dependent on the mercy of guru and Krishna. Srila Prabhupada gave the example: a newly wed girl may naturally expect a child, but she cannot hope to get it right after the marriage; it takes time.
• 4. Acting according to Regulative Principles: Enthusiastically following the four regulative principles and positive rules like chanting Hare Krishna (sravanam kirtanam).
• 5. Abandoning association with Non-Devotees: Giving up the association of unwanted persons (karmis, jnanis, and other non-devotees). Lord Chaitanya defines a Vaishnava as someone who gives up the association with worldly people.
• 6. Following in the Footsteps of Previous Acaryas: Adopting a daily program (sadhana) like early rising, chanting, and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam.
• 2. Endeavoring with Confidence (Niscaya): The devotee thinks "avasya raksibe Krsna" — Krishna will certainly help and protect me, so that I can successfully execute my devotional service.
• 3. Patience (Dhairya): One should patiently execute the orders of the spiritual master and feel dependent on the mercy of guru and Krishna. Srila Prabhupada gave the example: a newly wed girl may naturally expect a child, but she cannot hope to get it right after the marriage; it takes time.
• 4. Acting according to Regulative Principles: Enthusiastically following the four regulative principles and positive rules like chanting Hare Krishna (sravanam kirtanam).
• 5. Abandoning association with Non-Devotees: Giving up the association of unwanted persons (karmis, jnanis, and other non-devotees). Lord Chaitanya defines a Vaishnava as someone who gives up the association with worldly people.
• 6. Following in the Footsteps of Previous Acaryas: Adopting a daily program (sadhana) like early rising, chanting, and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam.
The Six Unfavorable Principles
• 1. Eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required (Atyahara): One should not accumulate more assets than necessary for personal maintenance.
• 2. Over-endeavoring for mundane things (Prayasa): Striving for difficult material gains increases artificial demands. We must guard ourselves from excessive worldly endeavors.
• 3. Talking unnecessarily about mundane subjects (Prajalpa): Wasting valuable time solving riddles, reading newspapers/novels, or gossiping about social/political topics.
• 4. Whimsical or Blind following of rules (Niyamagraha): Either practicing rules only for economic success without spiritual advancement, or completely rejecting scriptural rules to work independently.
• 5. Associating with worldly-minded persons (Jana-sanga): Strictly avoiding those who are against Krishna's supremacy or absorbed in material sense gratification.
• 6. Being greedy for mundane achievements (Laulyam): Greed for mystic powers, merging into Brahman, or whimsically striving for wealth.
• 2. Over-endeavoring for mundane things (Prayasa): Striving for difficult material gains increases artificial demands. We must guard ourselves from excessive worldly endeavors.
• 3. Talking unnecessarily about mundane subjects (Prajalpa): Wasting valuable time solving riddles, reading newspapers/novels, or gossiping about social/political topics.
• 4. Whimsical or Blind following of rules (Niyamagraha): Either practicing rules only for economic success without spiritual advancement, or completely rejecting scriptural rules to work independently.
• 5. Associating with worldly-minded persons (Jana-sanga): Strictly avoiding those who are against Krishna's supremacy or absorbed in material sense gratification.
• 6. Being greedy for mundane achievements (Laulyam): Greed for mystic powers, merging into Brahman, or whimsically striving for wealth.