Answer
Yes.
In the beginning, even our conviction in Krishna consciousness is influenced by the three modes of material nature.
That is why our conviction is sometimes strong and sometimes weak.
If conviction were fully situated at the spiritual level, one would never abandon Krishna consciousness.
True spiritual conviction develops gradually.
Through proper association, hearing transcendental knowledge, and favorable circumstances, our initial material conviction gradually matures into conviction at the level of the soul.
This is a progressive journey with different stages.
Initially, whatever qualities we display—including faith and conviction—are expressed through the material field (kshetra).
That is why devotional service to the spiritual master is so important.
By serving Srila Prabhupada and the guru, we accumulate spiritual merit (punya), which purifies our material nature.
As purification takes place, the body and mind become increasingly influenced by the mode of goodness (sattva-guna).
Having a body situated in sattva is itself a great blessing.
In that condition, hearing Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and other transcendental teachings has a much deeper impact.
This is why our spiritual journey begins with purification of the material field.
In Bhagavad-gita, while describing the kshetra, determination and conviction are included among its characteristics.
Why?
Because conviction is necessary for every human being, whether spiritual or material.
Even materialistic people possess strong convictions.
Those convictions do not arise from the soul. They arise from the material field under the influence of the modes of nature.
The material field is designed to imitate spiritual existence.
It creates a temporary sense of identity, purpose, conviction, and personality.
Even a completely ignorant person possesses convictions because the material nature provides them.
When we first become devotees, our conviction in Krishna consciousness also begins at this material level.
For example, when a conditioned person first reads Srila Prabhupada's books, he reads them through his existing material conditioning and values.
Gradually, through sincere hearing, chanting, and devotional service, that conviction becomes purified.
Eventually, it reaches the spiritual platform.
The material field merely imitates the qualities of spiritual life.
Real conviction, real identity, and real spiritual qualities belong to the soul itself. Material nature only produces temporary reflections of those eternal realities.
