To practice austerity in Krsna consciousness, one should practice under the direction of the spiritual master. We may not know how to perform austerity, but when we accept a spiritual master, we have to carry out his orders. That is austerity. A disciple is one who voluntarily agrees to be disciplined by the spiritual master.
Many people do not accept spiritual discipline, so material nature forces them to undergo austerity. This is one difference between humans and animals: a human can voluntarily accept austerity. Srila Prabhupada gives the example of a cow that will push its mouth toward food even when beaten, showing that animals cannot voluntarily restrain themselves.
Srila Prabhupada says our austerity is very nice. We chant Hare Krsna, dance, and take nice prasada. What is the difficulty in chanting, dancing, and eating nice food? By becoming Krsna conscious, one gets more comfort than through material life.
The three modes of material nature are difficult to overcome, but those who surrender to Krsna can overcome maya. People think, “In the future I will be happy.” Srila Prabhupada compares this to an ass chasing grass that is always just out of reach. Similarly, material life keeps us thinking that happiness is always in the future. This is maya, or illusion.
When living entities forget Krsna, they are in the material world. Krsna includes His name, form, abode, pastimes, and all His energies. Radha represents His energies, and living entities are also one of Krsna's energies. When these energies do not serve Krsna, that is material existence.
The living entities here are like disobedient citizens who are forced to follow the laws of the state in prison. Similarly, those who do not accept Krsna's supremacy are forced to follow the laws of material nature. The Krsna consciousness movement aims to bring them back to their original Krsna-conscious position.
A devotee may still experience bodily illness even after becoming free from karmic reactions. This is compared to a fan that continues to rotate for some time after the electricity is switched off. Similarly, the present body may experience the effects of previous reactions for some time, but this does not mean the devotee is again bound by karma.
A devotee accepts material difficulties as Krsna's mercy. A perfected soul is one who is fully engaged in Krsna consciousness, and returning back to Godhead means attaining perfection.
Srila Prabhupada explains that the best devotee, the uttama-adhikari, sees everyone as a devotee and does not see anyone as a non-devotee. Srimati Radharani is the perfect example. She sees others as better than Herself and recommends sincere devotees to Krsna.
A preaching devotee is a second-class devotee because he can distinguish between devotees and those who are envious of God. The uttama-adhikari, however, sees everyone as better than himself. Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami expresses this mood by considering himself lower than the lowest. This genuine humility is a quality of the best devotee.
A devotee works for others' liberation under the direction of a bona fide guru. Krsna promises to deliver surrendered souls from their sinful reactions. Therefore, becoming a guru is a great responsibility because the spiritual master accepts responsibility for guiding fallen souls.
Srila Prabhupada explains that Jesus Christ also accepted suffering for the benefit of others. A disciple should never think that the spiritual master will take care of his sins, so he can continue doing wrong. Instead, a disciple should avoid sinful activities because the spiritual master has taken responsibility for guiding him. Krsna protects devotees who sincerely serve Him and take such responsibilities.
As long as we are in the material world, we have to follow physical laws. A devotee accepts the necessities of life without unnecessary attachment. For example, while travelling, devotees may sometimes have to eat available food so they can maintain their health and continue serving and preaching.
A devotee does not lose his individuality. He voluntarily uses his individuality to please Krsna. Surrender means giving preference to Krsna's desire over our own.
Bhakti means satisfying Krsna's senses rather than our own. We should offer Krsna what He likes and then accept it as prasada. We should not discriminate by thinking, “I like this prasada but not that one.” Whatever is sincerely offered to Krsna with devotion should be respected as prasada.
Krsna accepts an offering because of devotion, not because He is hungry. Even a simple leaf, flower, or water offered with devotion is accepted by Him. Srila Prabhupada gives the example of Putana, whose approach Krsna accepted from the motherly side and therefore delivered her.
Therefore, a devotee remains humble, accepts prasada respectfully, understands his position, and deals with others intelligently and appropriately.
Conclusion
The essence of a perfect devotee is humility, surrender, and pure love for Krsna. A devotee follows the instructions of the spiritual master, remains engaged in Krsna consciousness, accepts difficulties as Krsna's mercy, considers himself the lowest, and sees others as better devotees than himself. By developing this humble mood and sincerely serving Krsna, one can attain perfection and return to Godhead.