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The Four R egulative Principles

Initiated devotees vow to follow four regulative principles

These are:

1. No eating of meet, fish

2. No illicit sex

3. No gambling

4. No intoxication

These regulative principles are based on the four pillars of religion: Truth (satyam ohonesty), Austerity (tapah or self-discipline), cleanliness (saucam or purity), and merc(daya or compassion).

Truthfulness (S a t y a m )

Truthfulness is the basic principle for all religions.

Satyam, truthfulness, means that facts should be presented as they are, for the benefit o

others. Facts should not be misrepresented. (Bhagavad-gita10.4–5)

Satyam. This word means that one should not distort the truth for some personal interes(Srimad-Bhagavatam 16.1–3 purport)

What are some do's and don'ts associated with truthfulness? Speaking a lie is one way obeing dishonest but how else can this principle be broken?

Further reading: Truthfulness, The Last Leg of Religion by Sarvarupa Dasa Goswami

 Aus terity (T a p a s )

"Without tapasya, or austerity, no human being can get liberation."

Mercy / Com passion ( Da y a )

Material compassion, lamentation and tears are all signs of ignorance of the real sel

Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realization. (Bhagavad-gita 2.1 purport)

Srila Prabhupada defines daya as intolerance of others' unhappinessWhy is being compassionate and merciful toward other living entities important in spiritua

life?

Further reading: Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.43, or the story of Mrgari the hunter from S

Caitanya-caritamrta 

Cleanliness

In regulated life only can one understand transcendental knowledge. (Srimad-Bhagavatam

3.25.1 purport)

He who is regulated in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work can mitigate a

material pains by practicing the yoga system. (Bhagavad-gita 6.17)Importance o f regulation and cleanliness

A devotee lives a much regulated life. At every time of the day he has something to do fo

Krishna. On top of that, a devotee needs to know many other rules related to etiquettecleanliness, and regulation. So many rules and regulations may seem a bit overwhelmin

at first, but don't worry — we are not the International Society for Rules and RegulationsAs long as you remember the basic principles, you'll pick them up and in time they

become second nature.

What are the advantages and benefits of having a regulated lifestyle?

·

It helps cultivate the mode of goodness.· It helps to cultivate self-discipline.

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  It helps you conquer the mind, keep it peaceful and free of speculation.

· It ensures you don't waste your time and energy (efficiency).

· It keeps the senses engaged.

· It is good for health.

 W hat does cleanliness m ean in the Vedic context?

The Vedic injunctions have a very subtle approach to cleanliness and purity (saucam). Fo

example, they require one to wash his hand after drinking from a glass of water, to nooffer food to the Deities if it has been seen by a dog, and to not enter the temple afteseeing a dead body. Of course, being externally clean, tidy, and orderly is also includewith the term saucam.

 W hat are the advan tages and benefits of maintaining cleanliness?

· It affects your consciousness; keeps the mind pure.

· It supports the process of Krishna consciousness by helping you to clean the heart.

· Being clean is one of the items that constitute a state of knowledg

(Bhagavad-gita 13.8–12); Srila Prabhupada says: “Cleanliness is essential for makin

spiritual advancement.” 

· It is one of the qualities of “godly men endowed with the divine nature

(Bhagavad-gita 16.1–3)

·  “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” 

· It is one of the four pillars of religion.

· Helps us to remember and respect Krishna and thus please Him.

· One of two main qualities of a brahmana (the other is truthfulness).

· One of two main qualities for Deity worship (Gurv-astaka 3) (the other is punctuality).

·It helps cultivate the mode of goodness.

· Uncleanliness = laziness = mode of ignorance.

· It is good for health and hygiene.

· It prepares you to enter Vaikuntha