All outside attacks of maya will make us stronger if we are sincere. But when she attacks from within – in the mind, when she drops the sees of dissent and envy, she creates a sense of competition, which ultimately results in a breakdown of love and trust and the mission is crippled.
Our humble service attitude in our life is what determines what effect chanting will have on our consciousness. Otherwise we can be chanting for millions and millions of births before we actually achieve the goal.
Renunciation means death of ego.
Krishna creates excitement in a devotee's life – just like in sport, one-sided game is not very much appreciated, but if it is competitive, then it creates excitement. Similarly Krishna does this during the protection of his devotees.
First we think we are das das anu das, then das anu das, then we are das, then we are prabhu, and then we want to compete with Mahaprabhu.
What is painful for saintly persons who strictly adhere to the truth? How could there not be independence for pure devotees who know the Supreme Lord as the substance? What deeds are forbidden for persons of the lowest character and what cannot be given up for the sake of Lord Krishna by those who have fully surrendered at His lotus feet?
One must accept the words of an Acharya, a bona fide spiritual master, to clear the path for spiritual advancement. This is the secret of success. However, one’s guide must be a spiritual master who is actually an unalloyed devotee strictly following the instructions of the previous acharya without deviation. Whatever the spiritual master says must be accepted by the disciple. Only then is success certain. This is Vedic system.
If one chants the holy names of the lord, even in helpless condition or without desiring to do so, all the reactions of his sinful life departs, just as when lion roars, all the small animals flee in fear.
The chanting of the holy name of Krishna expands the blissful ocean of transcendentak life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step.
Chaitanya Caritamrta,
Antya Lila 20.12,
Srila Prabhupada
The moonlike face of Krishna is the reservoir of nectarean songs and the abode of His flute.
Chaitanya Caritamrta,
Madhya Lila 2.29,
Srila Prabhupada