Makhanlāl: It's possible for even a neophyte to chant offenselessly?
Prabhupāda: Not possible, but he has to do it. This is offense, to think that "I have chanted once; my all sinful activities are now neutralized." This is offense. Nāmno balād yasya hi pāpa-buddhiḥ. This is the offense. (break)
Makhanlāl: Chanting, following the orders of the spiritual master...
Prabhupāda: That's all right. No calculation.
Makhanlāl: Is that considered offenseless chanting?
Prabhupāda: Hmm? Yes. You follow strictly the instructions. If you commit offense, how it is offenseless?
Makhanlāl: It's considered offenseless if, chanting, if one follows the orders of the spiritual master carefully?
Prabhupāda: There may be offense. You should go on chanting. That will be adjusted as you advance in chanting. Harer nāma harer nāma, harer nāma eva kevalam (CC Adi 17.21). Simply go on chanting. We shall see later on what is offense and not offense. (laughter) Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, not for any profit. But go on serving Him. That's all.