On Speaking Strongly in Srila Prabhupada's Service
In 1975 there was much protest in American newspapers over Srila Prabhupada's assertion that women are less intelligent than men. Several women reporters came to interview Srila Prabhupada, but he would not compromise with them. Totally frustrated, a lady journalist once stormed out, slamming the door. Srila Prabhupada just laughed. The press coverage went from bad to worse, but Srila Prabhupada stood by his principles.
A critic might contend that Srila Prabhupada could have handled these situations in a more sensitive, careful manner. Although on many occasions Srila Prabhupada did deal tactfully, often he chose to fight -- sometimes by all out attack.
Journalist: I think an awful lot of our readers, and an awful lot of people in the United States, are terribly confused with the many people who claim to be gurus and gods and who pop up in this country, one after the other, and they say that...
Srila Prabhupada: I can declare that they are all nonsense.
Journalist: I wonder if you could elaborate on that a little bit?
Srila Prabhupada: I can say, furthermore, they're all rascals. -- Journey of Self Discovery
Srila Prabhupada fought, and commanded his disciples to also.
These are all nonsense, simply nonsense, mudha. Of course, we use this word mudha, and people become very angry, but what can we do? (laughter) The mudhas must be explained as mudhas. And because the mudha are going as intelligent, therefore there is chaotic condition. So our Krsna consciousness movement is to become intelligent, not to remain mudhas, and to expose these rascal mudhas. That is our Krsna consciousness movement. So you must be prepared. While making propaganda, expose these mudhas. That is one of the services of Krsna. Don't remain foolish. Wherever there is required, fight with these mudhas and tell them rightly, straightforwardly, that "You are mudhas." Thank you very much.
- From the "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" by HH Bhakti Vikas Swami
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