According to sastra, we have prescribed, “No illicit sex, no meat-eating, no gambling, no intoxication.” Four no’s. Then you become free from sinful activities. And then chant Hare Krsna. Your life is successful. It is not very difficult, provided you are serious to take it. So that is our request. Harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam [Cc. Adi 17.21]. Even if you cannot give up the four principles of sinful life immediately, but you take to Krsna consciousness. Chant Hare Krsna mantra. Then you gradually get strength.

Just like these European, American boys. From their childhood they are trained up for this sinful life but they have given up completely. Young men. Still, they have given up. So the method is very simple.

From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Bhagavad-gita 3.27 — Madras, January 1, 1976