Answer
There is credit both for action and for intention. Action itself produces results. When action is accompanied by pure intention, it produces its fullest effect.
At our present stage, we may not continuously possess pure spiritual intention. Therefore, we practice sadhana. Sadhana means disciplined practice. Sometimes we may not even feel like attending mangala-arati, yet we still go. Even that action carries spiritual value and earns spiritual credit because we are training ourselves.
As one advances, service gradually becomes devotional service in the pure sense. Initially we begin with service, but Krishna wants devotional service. Therefore, we practice so that ordinary service becomes fully infused with devotion.
It is not necessary to consciously think at every moment, "I want to go back to Godhead; therefore I must attend mangala-arati." Rather, at some point you have already made the decision to follow Srila Prabhupada and the spiritual master, trusting that they will lead you back to Godhead. That decision continues to guide your actions.
In devotional service, our intention is always to please the spiritual master. The first and foremost way to please the spiritual master is through obedience to his instructions. Pleasing the spiritual master does not begin with producing spectacular results in preaching. It begins by faithfully following his instructions.
If you attend mangala-arati, you are pleasing the Supreme Lord. If you honor prasadam, you are pleasing the Supreme Lord. If you preach on His behalf, you are pleasing the Supreme Lord. In doing so, you are also pleasing Srila Prabhupada.
