We may often hear statements about the necessity for being strict and undeviating on the path back home, back to Godhead, if one wishes to achieve success in spiritual life. Although this is true, Krishna is not such a rigid God. He is the most kind and forgiving. He knows our hearts and is influenced by the love and repentance in our hearts more than by our strict adherence to rules and regulations. Of course this should not be taken as an excuse to not follow rules and regulations. To not follow on that basis would be like trying to cheat Krishna, although really we would be cheating ourselves.