Srila Prabhupada says that we should first become convinced about Krsna consciousness ourselves, and then we can convince others. So, we should first perfect our own life and then try to teach others.
If one becomes Krsna conscious, they will always remain happy. For example, if a screw falls out of a machine, what use is it? It has no value. But when we put it back in its proper place, it becomes useful again. Similarly, we are part and parcel of Krsna, so we must join Krsna. We can immediately join Krsna by simply thinking, “I am Krsna’s, and Krsna is mine.”
How can we feel closer to Krsna? By following the regulative principles, we become purified and feel closer to Krsna. When one becomes purified, they lose the tendency to seek material enjoyment.
So, we should purify our existence. This is necessary. If we do not, we have to transmigrate from one body to another, sometimes higher or lower, and we will hanker after happiness, but we will not actually be happy. If we are serious, we can keep ourselves pure anywhere, so we should seriously follow the regulative principles.
People do not know how to become happy and purified. Srila Prabhupada says that we are trying to purify people and want to see everyone happy, but people do not know how to become happy, so they manufacture their own ways. Therefore, Rishabhadeva gave this advice to his sons: “My dear boys, just undergo austerity for transcendental realization.” Everyone is undergoing some austerity for temporary material happiness, so why not take that austerity for permanent happiness?
We have to purify our existence. We accept a material body due to our material contamination and are developing the material body, but if we associate with spiritual life, then we shall develop a spiritual body. For example, if you put an iron rod in fire, it becomes red-hot. If you touch it anywhere, your hand will burn. It takes on the quality of fire, although it is still iron. Similarly, if you always keep yourself in Krsna consciousness, your body will become spiritualized and act spiritually, although it is material. There will be no more material demands.
Krsna consciousness is very easy to follow, but not cheap. We should follow the four regulative principles and chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra. Association with Krsna devotees is also very influential. If you associate with drunkards, you may become a drunkard, but if you associate with Krsna’s devotees, you will become a devotee.
The difference between devotees and others is that others are trying to serve their senses, but devotees of Krsna, instead of serving their own senses, serve God. Devotees also use tables, chairs, beds, etc.; the difference is that they use everything for Krsna.
Spiritual pleasure comes when you desire to please Krsna. For example, a mother is more pleased by feeding her son. She is not eating, but when she sees that her son is eating nicely, she becomes pleased. Material pleasure means the pleasure of the senses, whereas when you simply try to please Krsna, that is spiritual pleasure.
But this does not mean that you can manufacture your own way to please God. For example, suppose you want to please your brother. You should ask your brother, “How can I serve you?” It is not that you manufacture some service yourself. If your brother wants a glass of water, but you think, “I will give him a glass of hot milk; then he will be more pleased,” that will not necessarily please him. You should ask him how you can please him, and if you do what he asks, that will please him.
Similarly, a devotee is one who is always trying to please Krsna and has no other business. That is a devotee.
Conclusion
By sincerely chanting the Hare Krsna Mahamantra, one becomes purified, and by always trying to please Krsna, one becomes His devotee.