(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 July 2016, London, England, Initiation Lecture)
When one is chanting and purposefully commits sinful activities, what happens is that Krsna withdraws himself from the holy name. One may still chant but all that is there is an empty shell; one may chant for many, many births and still not get the benefit from such chanting. So one should try to avoid sinful activity. There may be accidental fall-down and Krsna may let you off on an accident, but we must be very careful to remain pure.
As of late, many devotees have confided in me that they sometimes drink coffee. They say, “I got to drive and need to keep awake so it is a matter of life and death. It is an emergency!” Others say, “It helps me digest,” or, “I have to work on the computer for a long time and I get tired so I just need something to keep me going.” This is outrageous! What has become of this Hare Krsna Movement that now gradually this is slipping in and this is looked upon as acceptable, do not make a big deal about it.
But I am making a big deal about it! It is total nonsense. I am from the Netherlands and it is a country of boats. If in a boat, there is a hole and water comes in through that hole then what happens is that the hole gets bigger due to the force of the water. So, if you make a hole in your spiritual life and let in some maya, then more maya will come in! Letting in a little maya is opening the door for more, I guarantee you that!