Harikesa Maharaja discussed with Srila Prabhupada some of the practical problems in keeping the Eastern European program going. In the course of their exchange, Prabhupada revealed the radical steps he was prepared to take to ensure that this preaching go on.
Harikesa began to explain that, apart from the risks involved, a big obstacle was a lack of funding. He said that even something as basic as finding something to eat was a major difficulty.
"So if there is nothing else, you can eat meat if you have to," Srila Prabhupada told him matter-of-factly.
Harikesa's mouth dropped open a little bit and his eyes widened. Not knowing if Prabhupada was serious or not, he tried to ignore what he had just heard and continued to say that even if he had money, there was nothing to buy.
Completely serious, Prabhupada again told him, "So if there is difficulty, you can take meat."
Harikesa stopped. He appeared dazed as he contemplated the possible implications. "But Prabhupada, what about my consciousness?"
"Damn your consciousness," Prabhupada replied. "You must go on preaching."
- From "A Transcendental Diary Vol 4" by HG Hari Sauri Prabhu
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