Krishna’s Dutiful Preacher

Prabhupada was not a rebel-rouser.  He didn’t get any particular joy out of people trying to harass; he simply knew that he had to preach seriously and accept the consequences from the materialists who became disturbed.  And of course, he pointed to the long tradition of Vaisnavas who were grateful for all troubles that came as a result of their preaching.  They knew it was bringing them closer to Krishna and accepted it as proof that their preaching was effective.  Prabhupada sometimes gave the example of Jesus Christ on this point of opposition.  He called it “the favorite example,” that Jesus was willing to disturb people, even at the risk of his life.  But he also spoke of those in the Vedic tradition – Lord Nityananda, Haridasa Thakura, and many others – who were willing to give up their lives for the cause of spreading Krishna consciousness.  Prabhupada was in the same mood.