1. Initiation, not by canvassing

    This initiation is not canvassing. We don't canvass that "You become our disciple." Anyone who understands, "Oh, this is very nice," if he comes, "Swamiji, initiate me," he is welcome. But there is no canvassing or selling the mantra. No. We have no such business. We give everyone freedom to hear this chanting Hare Krsna mantra without any charges. We go from door to door, street to street: "Hear and be purified." And if anyone wants to be intimately associated with us, we welcome. But we don't canvass. That is no use. If I artificially ask somebody that "You become initiated and…," no, that will not stand. One must willingly come. Therefore, as a general principle, we distribute this Hare Krsna mantra. But if we find somebody reluctant, then we become callous. We don't mind. There are many others.

    (Srila Prabhupada, Initiation lecture — Los Angeles, January 10, 1969)