So this sacred thread means recognition. Sacred thread means one should understand . . . just like one understands a man (is) learned by the degrees M.A., B.A. or Ph.D., similarly, when there is sacred thread, it is understood that he has undergone the purificatory process under superior management, or guidance of spiritual master.
This is called upanayana, upanayana, in Sanskrit. Upanayana: bringing him more near. The initiation is the beginning of purification, and offering the sacred thread means bringing him more nearer. Therefore the principle is those who are ordinarily initiated, they should not touch the Deity. Only those who are in sacred thread, they should touch. This is the system.
But kṛṣṇa-kīrtana is so nice that even without sacred thread, because he is regularly chanting, he is to be supposed to be purified. That is the recommendation given by Jīva Gosvāmī. Anyone who is chanting regularly Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra . . . Śvādo 'pi sadyaḥ savanāya kalpate (SB 3.33.6). Śvādaḥ. Śvādaḥ. Śvā means dog, and adaḥ, adaḥ means eating. Dog-eaters. The dog-eaters are considered to be the lowest of the mankind. But in Bhāgavata says that śvādo 'pi sadyaḥ savanāya kalpate: even if he is dog-eater, but by this process he immediately becomes qualified to offer sacrifice. Savanāya. This fire sacrifice is called savanāya.
And Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī gives notes on this line that a person born in the family of a brahmin awaits the sacred thread ceremony. But one who has become surely purified by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, he immediately becomes a highly qualified brahmin. So don't misuse the opportunity obtained by you. Use it properly, and the life will be successful.