Question: I have heard that in Krishna consciousness it is bad to be in contact with non-devotees. But I am a student who stays in a hostel. So what can I do to avoid contamination of mind when I have to live with non-devotees even though I am an initiated devotee.
Answer by Romapada Swami: Giving up ‘bad association’ is very much emphasized in Vaishnava teachings. But just coming in contact with non-devotees is not considered to be ‘bad’. Intimate association is what is detrimental to one’s bhakti. This means cultivating deep friendships or exchanges or extensive interaction more than essential with those who are too materialistic or disinclined towards Krishna consciousness.
It can certainly be very challenging to practice Krishna consciousness while living in the midst of non-devotees. However, if you keep your Krishna conscious practices and sadhana strong (such as rising early, chanting attentively, studying Prabhupada’s books, offering your food to Krishna—this item is VERY important!), and if in all of your dealings with others you try to maintain a mood of service to guru and Krishna, then you will find an amazing potency of protection; this attentive acts will go a long way to protecting you from material contamination. By Krishna’s mercy you may find some other students who are favorable to Krishna consciousness or show some appreciation for a devotional way of life. If Krishna arranges this, such a circumstance can be a wonderful opportunity for you to bring Krishna into their lives and thus gradually creating for yourself the association of like-minded devotees with whom you can share your devotional life. Ref. NOI Text2
