Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Six qualities that enhance Bhakti
Sadhu-vrtti
Following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas
How a devotee should remain aloof from the rules and regulations is explained in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 16.144, 147):
yata vidhi, nisedha-sakalai bhakti dasa
ihate yahara duhkha, sei yaya nasa
visaya madandha saba e marma na jane
suta dhana kula-made vaisnava na cine
"All the rules and regulations are servants of Bhakti. One who has trouble accepting this is destroyed. One who is blinded by false pride can never understand this secret. Being proud of his children, wealth, and high birth, he fails to recognize a Vaisnava."
A devotee should avoid conversing with an atheist. As stated in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 17.19):
nagare haila kiba pasandi sambhasa
ei va karane nahe prema parakasa
"Did I speak with an atheist in town? Is that why love of God is not manifesting today?"
Giving up relationships with nondevotees is most essential; Srila Advaita Prabhu gives the following statement in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 19.175):
yadi mora putra haya, haya va kinkara
vaisnavaparadhi muni na dekhon gocara
"Even if he is My son or servant, I will never see the face of a person who offends Vaisnavas."
There is no comparison between bhakti and pious activities. As explained in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 23.54):
prabhu bale,-tapah kari na karaha bala
visnu-bhakti sarva-srestha janaha kevala
"The Lord said: Don't think you have become powerful by performing austerities. Know for certain that devotion to Lord Visnu is the highest goal."