I have most probably given many people troubles in the mind. Some of them might have thought that I am their enemy because I was obliged to speak the plain truth for service and devotion towards the Absolute Godhead. I have given them all those troubles only so that they may turn their face towards the Personality of Godhead without any desire for gain and with unalloyed devotion. I hope some day or other they may understand me rightly. (Quoted in BTG Vol. 1, 1944)
Srila Prabhupada made a similar apology in his final days. (c.f. Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Vol. 6 Ch. 10). I have heard this explained to mean that Srila Prabhupada considered himself to be wrong for speaking forthrightly, and that therefore we should not repeat the same ''mistake.'' Such misinterpretation of our acarya's words is certainly rascaldom. The combative preacher should not be misunderstood as egotistically arrogant. His stinging words are meant for cutting the arrogance of nondevotees and demons, and for dismantling the false pride of aspiring devotees.
- From the "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" by HH Bhakti Vikas Swam
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