Answer
Yes, certainly.
Whenever there is an opportunity, one may stand before the Deities and meditate upon the Lord.
However, for most people this is not easy. The mind tends to wander, and maintaining concentration can be difficult.
That is why chanting the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra is considered the most practical process for Kali-yuga.
This does not mean that meditation on the Deities or the Lord's form is unimportant. Rather, chanting provides a practical means of fixing the mind upon Krishna.
Even while standing before the Deities, the mind may become distracted. Therefore, chanting serves as a powerful aid in focusing one's consciousness on the lotus feet of the Lord.
There are many ways to fix the mind upon Krishna, and meditation on the Deities is certainly one of them. We should not reject any aspect of devotional service.
As one continues chanting, the Lord's form, qualities, names, and pastimes gradually become revealed within one's consciousness.
When Krishna says that one should know Him in truth, it means understanding His form, qualities, philosophy, pastimes, and all the various aspects connected with Him. In this way one's realization gradually becomes complete.
Part of spiritual life is waiting for the Lord's revelations, but another part is making sincere endeavor. Both are required.
We make our effort, and the Lord reciprocates by revealing Himself according to our sincerity.
