THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF SADĀCĀRA The basis of Vaiṣṇava behavior is the understanding that Kṛṣṇa is the supreme enjoyer and that everything should be done for His pleasure, without a trace of personal motivation. Kṛṣṇārthe akhila-ceṣṭā, [i] anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam [ii] — these are the mottos of pure devotional service, and a pure Vaiṣṇava is one who lives according to these principles, acting on them at every moment. However, it is essential that devotees understand the concept of sadācāra (proper behavior), a term well-known among followers of Vedic culture because, as the Manu-saṁhitā (1.110) states, dharma has sadācāra as its root. Sadācāra is said to be the basis of religion, for without it many high things may be taught, but one will not be able to maintain realization of them and will falldown. Indeed, to deviate from sadācāra is in itself a falldown. Thus, Vedic culture can be said to be based upon, characterized by, and maintained by sadācāra. The importance of
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu instructed Sanātana Gosvāmī: tath ā pi bhakta-svabh ā va—mary ā d ā -rak ṣ a ṇ a mary ā d ā -p ā lana haya s ā dhura bh ūṣ a ṇ a mary ā d ā -la ṅ ghane loka kare upah ā sa iha-loka, para-loka—dui haya n āś a It is the characteristic of a devotee to observe and protect Vai ṣṇ ava etiquette ( mary ā d ā ) . Maintenance of Vai ṣṇ ava etiquette is the ornament of a devotee. If one transgresses the laws of etiquette, people make fun of him, and thus he is vanquished in both this world and the next. [i] Maryādā, often translated as “etiquette,” means “that which clearly defines a boundary or limit.” Culture, etiquette, and proper behavior distinguish men from animals, advanced persons from inferiors, and developed civilizations from those of barbarians. Vedic culture is the highest because it operates according to specific, detailed knowledge of the ultimate purpose of life and the means to attain it, all under the rubric of dharma, a concept that, although essentia