The holy name is the source of all devotional relationship in this age, and it is the cornerstone practice in sadhana-bhakti. Those who wish to serve Krishna’s holy name purely should receive it from a pure devotee at the time of initiation, and make a serious commitment to chanting it. It is therefore an important point in a person’s life to come to the platform of accepting Vaisnava initiation. But initiation is not the end of one’s practice; it is the beginning. Devotees sometimes misunderstand this point; they think that initiation is the main achievement. They see initiation as the goal, and when they receive it, imagine that they will be carried back to Godhead without any endeavor on their part. Those who have received initiation soon realize that they have only just begun their spiritual life.
(LFD, Vol2, Glories of the Holy Name, Pg 66, 4th paragraph)