You are right to say that the example and kindly guidance of our elder members in the Society is the most profound force for motivating our students both new and old towards advanced Krishna Consciousness. Neglect of following the regulative activities and so-called advancement on the basis of self-motivation are both offensive. One should sincerely try to bring himself to the stage of devotional service motivated by pure love of Krishna, and our personal example must set a guide for them.

(From Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Satsvarupa — Bombay 25 November, 1970)