We follow all these regulative principles to get the mercy of the Lord, but it’s that mercy that carries us beyond material conceptions. There is no other way. Ultimately we are simply begging for mercy. If you are not begging, you are not going to get it.
We cannot grasp Krishna by any of our material talents or attributes. We should use all these things in His service.
Every moment is an opportunity to receive the highest mercy if we just have the right consciousness.
What is the association of devotees? It does not mean that being around with people with tilak and shaved heads or with saris. It means engaging in the nine processes of bhakti (devotional service) together.