Answer
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna first instructs that people should dedicate their work to Him—that is, begin with karma-yoga, along with chanting.
At the same time, we should understand that we cannot be overly rigid in thinking that only people in sattva-guna can take to Krishna consciousness, and those in tamo-guna cannot. That is the gradual, step-by-step path, like climbing a staircase.
But chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is like taking a lift (elevator)—it can elevate a person directly. However, while taking the lift, one must also manage one’s “baggage,” meaning one’s habits and conditioning.
Therefore, we do not say that sattva-guna alone leads to Krishna consciousness or that tamo-guna prevents it. Krishna consciousness is transcendental to all the gunas.
Our primary instruction to everyone is simple:
Chant Hare Krishna (even 1, 2, or more rounds)
Be happy and continue steadily
This is the example set by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He did not wait for people to become purified first. He did not think, “Let me first elevate them from tamo-guna to sattva-guna, and then give them the holy name.”
No—he gave the holy name from day one, because the holy name itself purifies and elevates.
As long as a person is in the human form of life, they can chant and hear. Even if one is in tamo-guna, by chanting sincerely, the soul is elevated.
Alongside chanting, we encourage the four regulative principles (no intoxication, no meat-eating, no illicit sex, no gambling). These help ensure that one does not “pour water on the fire” created by chanting through sinful activities.
So the practical approach is:
First priority: Chanting the holy name
Follow the regulative principles
Gradually align one’s lifestyle and work (karma) to support steady spiritual practice
Our goal is not primarily to move people step-by-step from tamo-guna → rajo-guna → sattva-guna. That process exists, but it is secondary.
Our real goal is to infuse the holy name, which naturally elevates a person beyond the gunas.
Regarding preaching to others:
If someone believes that Vishnu is Supreme but does not accept Krishna as the source, there is no need to argue unnecessarily.
If a person does not deeply understand either Vishnu or Krishna, debating whether Krishna comes from Vishnu or Vishnu comes from Krishna has little practical value. If they accept Vishnu as God, that itself is a good foundation.
However, if a sincere seeker or devotee is genuinely trying to understand the philosophy, then you can carefully explain, with proper reasoning and scriptural references, that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The key principle in preaching is intelligence and sensitivity:
Do not argue for the sake of winning
Focus on helping people progress spiritually
Give what is appropriate for their level of understanding
In essence, begin with the most powerful and universal instruction:
chant the holy name and gradually purify one’s life.
