| Standard Devotional Service Items | Chanting of mantras
Deity service Fasting Vegetarian Studying the scriptures Going on pilgrimage |
| Advanced Devotional Service Items | Feed people
Feed cows Distribute Vedic knowledge and culture Service to religious and community organizations |
A standard devotee will engage in devotional services for his/her own benefit only. An advanced devotee will engage in devotional services for the benefit of others with no consideration for himself/herself.
Working for the benefit of others is the order of Lord Caitanya (an incarnation of Lord Krishna) and Lord Krishna Himself.
“One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of Bharata [India] should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people.” (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-Lila 9.41)
“It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words.” (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-Lila 9.42)
It is far better to engage in doing something for the benefit of others, this is devotional service unto Lord Krishna. Than to renounce work and do nothing for others. Some people refrain from taking actions or working on certain days or fast or walk long distances to temples. These rituals are all useless if one lies or cheats or treats others badly or does nothing for the benefit of others or is not charitable according to his/her capacity.
If one is engaged in some service unto Lord Krishna, then anytime is best time.
“Arjuna said: O Kṛṣṇa, first of all You ask me to renounce work, and then again You recommend work with devotion. Now will You kindly tell me definitely which of the two is more beneficial? The Personality of Godhead replied: The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation. But, of the two, work in devotional service is better than renunciation of work.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 5.1-2)
“Those who are beyond the dualities that arise from doubts, whose minds are engaged within, who are always busy working for the welfare of all living beings and who are free from all sins achieve liberation in the Supreme.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 5.25)
“Nonviolence, truthfulness, honesty, desire for the happiness and welfare of all others and freedom from lust, anger and greed constitute duties for all members of society.” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 11.17.21)
“All Your pastimes and incarnations certainly appear for the welfare of all living entities…” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 8.24.29)