We should never touch something dirty, then something sacred. That’s why I am always asking the devotees not to fill up the water cup for the Bhagavatam class all the way. If it’s filled to the top, how can I pour it? I can’t drink and then touch the Bhagavatam. We shouldn’t drink or eat anything and then touch something sacred. That’s part of cleanliness.
Lectures from a disciple, Vol 1, p. 351-352. SB 4.2.21 Moscow, 10.27.96