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Krsna says, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja: "Let aside everything. Just become My devotee, a surrendered soul." So we are preaching that. We don't make compromise. Therefore all people are against me. Because "This man simply says, Krsna.' " But I cannot say anything more.

In spiritual matters, everything is spoken frankly, without compromise. We say, "If you are not Krsna conscious, then you are a rascal. You may be the president. That doesn't matter. But because you are not Krsna conscious, you are a rascal." There is no compromise, "Oh, he is a big man." So many scientists come. I say, "You are a rascal. You are a demon." (laughter) I say it.

If I criticize them, they become angry. So what can I do? I have to speak the truth. I cannot amalgamate real and nonreal. That is not possible. 

We have got a very nice diamond. Try to sell it. If there is a purchaser, he will purchase. Otherwise not. It is our duty to canvas. But we cannot sell iron instead of diamonds.

To preach straightforwardly, without compromise or fear, is an instruction to all Srila Prabhupada's followers. Those with faith and conviction can take it up and get the mercy. Indeed, it is the right and the duty of a brahmana to clearly tell what is correct and what is not. It is particularly the duty of sannyasis to preach staightforwardly and without compromise.

These rascals will not understand Krsna. Just like the owl. The owl will never open his eyes to see that there is sunlight. However you may say, Mr. Owl, please open your eyes and see the sun, No, there is no sun. I don't see. This owl civilization. So you have to fight with these owls. You must be very strong, especially the sannyasis. We have to fight with the owls. We have to open their eyes by force. This Krsna consciousness movement is a fight against all the owls. 

But it is not that only sannyasis may speak strongly. Many of Srila Prabhupada's most caustic writings are from his pre-sannyasa days. All devotees are obligated to speak the truth, even if it is unpalatable.


- From the "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" by HH Bhakti Vikas Swami