Deviation and the neophyte mentality

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There are two kinds of neophyte devotee: those serious to make advancement

and those not. The former being merely inexperienced can if they get good

association quickly progress to the madhyama-adhikari level from which

advancement is actually effected. The latter being insincere often pose

themselves as advanced despite being thoroughly materially attached;

otherwise they may try to justify or make light of their inadequacy. It is

such neophytes, claiming themselves as advanced, realists, or whatever, who

insidiously introduce all kinds of compromises, contaminations, and

misconceptions into the sphere of devotional service. Such parodies of

bhakti particularly victimize newcomers, but may also seduce even

experienced practitioners who remain vulnerable to deviation if they do not

assiduously apply themselves to the practice of devotional service or have

not fully taken to heart the principle of faith in guru, sadhu, and sastra.