The conditioned soul is forced to act under the pressure of the modes of material nature. The living entity has no independence. When he is under the direction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead he is free, but when, under the impression that he is satisfying his senses, he engages in sense gratificatory activities, he is actually under the spell of material nature.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.27.2, Purport
The desire to gratify one's own senses is kama (lust), but the desire to please the senses of Lord Krsna is prema (love).
Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi 4.165
Even though in this world we don't get to meet many devotees from the spiritual world, the conversations and pastimes of the devotees of [Caitanya] Mahaprabhu's time eternally exist in the form of books and sound, and that is why we do not feel so much pain from material troubles. If we live here in the association of the words of the spiritual world, then the memory of this association will keep us at a distance from material misery.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
Letter, December 22, 1927
To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.
Lord Sri Krsna
Bhagavad-gita 10.10
We wrongly look upon Krsna and Balarama as ordinary human beings, as whirling men see the whole world whirling around them.
Sri Uddhava
Krsna, Chapter 46
Under no circumstances can the words of persons bewildered by the illusory energy of the Lord deviate the intelligence of those who are completely surrendered souls.
Sri Uddhava
Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.2.10
Do not put faith in this temporary material body, because Yamaraja, the lord of death, is waiting next to you. The flow of karma is just like the ocean of sorrow. Consider this properly and worship the lotus feet of Radha and Krsna with attachment under the guidance of saints and scriptures.
Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura
Sri Prema-bhakti-candrika 8.7