The next question is, "So, what is the significance . . ." I think I've already explained this. "Is there a probationary period for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or does one attain this enlightening according to his own rate of development?" Yes. Everything requires little enthusiasm. Just like a boy is going to school with no enthusiasm and a boy is going to school with nice enthusiasm. One boy is passing in the first class, first division, and another boy is failing or he's passing in the third division. So the probation period, of course, I've already explained: to associate with us, the second stage. First stage is faith and respect, the second stage is association. That is probational period.
And so far attaining enlightenment according to one's rate of development, that development depends on your enthusiasm, how far you are serious. But one should become very serious. That is the law in every sphere of achievement. So for attaining to the perfectional stage of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one should be very much enthusiastic. Yes. I must attain to the perfectional stage in this life.
And then one should be patient also. Enthusiasm does not mean if I attain something, immediately the result is immediate. No. The result may be delayed, but we should not be disturbed. But we must go on working with enthusiasm. This is called patience. So enthusiasm, patience and confidence. Because we believe in Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa says that if you do this, you get this result.
Therefore I must have confidence. Just like Kṛṣṇa says that simply by understanding Him, what He is, how does He come, how does He walk, one immediately gets passport to enter into the spiritual kingdom. So we must have confidence that, "I am working in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, I must go back to Godhead, back to home." This confidence. So enthusiasm, patience, confidence.
And . . . uttsayād dhairyāt tat-tat-karma . . . niścayād dhairyāt tat-tat-karma-pravartanā (Upadeśāmṛta 3). Simply enthusiasm but no work . . . but you must be engaged in the prescribed duties of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. And you must keep always yourself in the association of devotees. These things are, I mean to say, impetus for development of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So the more you enthuse yourself with these six principles: patience, enthusiasm, then confidence, then engaging in the activities, keeping association with devotees and avoiding association with nondevotees . . . that is also another thing. Just like if you want to ignite a fire, then the more the dried the wood is, you get good fire. If you get wet wood, the fire is very difficult to burn.