Srimad-Bhagavatam tells us that four qualities are essential for spiritual growth:

• mercy
• cleanliness
• self-discipline
• truthfulness

Successful evolution of consciousness and purity of heart take root in fertile ground when we live by these qualities and sincerely chant Krishna’s names.

Four activities oppose these uplifting qualities:

• eating meat, fish, or eggs (destroys mercy)
• sex outside scriptural regulations (destroys cleanliness)
• intoxication (destroys self-discipline)
• gambling (destroys truthfulness)

To progress sure and steady by chanting Krishna’s names, one should refrain from meat-eating, prohibited sex, intoxication, and gambling. Though this may seem difficult at first, practitioners of Bhakti yoga all over the world are able to do it because of the spiritual satisfaction they gain through their practices, and because of the strength of conviction they acquire through fellowship with other practitioners.