Our Declaration of War Against Māyā

Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently describes the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement not as a passive religious gathering, but as a "declaration of war" against māyā. He calls upon his disciples to become "fighting soldiers," armed with the weapons of sankīrtana, to combat the forces of atheism, ignorance, and godlessness. In this battle, there is no question of compromise; the goal is to save humanity from the onslaught of material energy.

Declaration of War

Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that his centers are not retreats for "so-called peaceful meditation" but bases for active conflict. The enemy is ignorance and the bodily concept of life. Just as Kṛṣṇa descended to kill the demons, the devotee’s mission is to fight against the demonic mentality that pervades modern society.

• Our Movement is a declaration of war against Maya, that you can understand very well, so we have to recruit many fighting soldiers - so do it vigorously.
• Our centers are not practically secluded ashrams for so-called peaceful meditation. We are for activities and fighting like the battle of Kurukshetra.
• I can understand from your letter that you are a quite fit soldier for fighting with Maya. Our Krishna Consciousness Movement is a declaration of war against the activities of Maya.

Weapons of Sankīrtana

Every soldier needs weapons, and for the soldier of Kṛṣṇa, the weapons are the holy names and the literature. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while we do not use material rifles, we use karatālas and books to revolutionize the consciousness of the people. Book distribution is described as the "first-class campaign" in this war.

• Krishna Consciousness is also a sort of fight; but not with rifles. Our weapon is karatalas.
• The brainwash books are already there. Even if they stop externally, internally it will go on. Our first class campaign is book distribution. Go house to house. The real fighting is now. Krsna will give you all protection.

No Truce with Māyā

In this fight, there is no room for negotiation or idleness. Śrīla Prabhupāda demands full engagement, warning that māyā is very strong and will take advantage of any weakness. The devotee must be prepared to struggle against opposing elements, "hoodlums," and "unauthorized scientists" without ever calling a truce with the demons.

• Fight like brave soldiers, Krsna will help you. Don't make any compromise. No truce with these demons. Fight must be. Our fighting weapon is Hare Krsna movement. That's all. Sangopangastra-parsadam. Astra. That astra is yajnaih sankirtana.
• Those who have taken to Krsna consciousness preaching work, they should always know that things are not going to happen so easily. Maya is very, very strong. But still, we have to struggle against maya. It is a declaration of war with the maya.

Casualties Are Expected

Śrīla Prabhupāda offers a sobering reality check: in war, soldiers die. He explains that we should not be surprised if some devotees fall down or are "killed" by māyā. Citing his own Guru Mahārāja, he urges that even if casualties occur, the fight must not stop. The fall of a weak soldier is regrettable, but it does not invalidate the war.

• Regarding Damodara's plight, we are very sorry but we must always expect that some of the weak soldiers may fall down in a fight waged against the great Maya external energy of Krishna.
• When there is fight, my Guru Maharaja used to say, "Some of our soldiers will die. It doesn't matter." You don't expect that not a single soldier of your party will not die. No, some of them will die. Still fight must go on. Fight cannot be stopped.

Victory Through Dependence

Ultimately, victory is not achieved by our own power but by the mercy of the Commander, Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that we must fight sincerely and depend on Kṛṣṇa for the result. Whether victorious or defeated (like Jaṭāyu), the effort itself is the service. If one sticks to the "regulative principles of a battlefield," Kṛṣṇa gives all strength.

• You have to work for Krsna sincerely, intelligently, and victory or defeat, it doesn't matter. Just like Jatayu was defeated fighting with Ravana. His wings were cut off. Ravana was very strong. And Lord Ramacandra, He did his last funeral ceremonies.
• Fight and depend on Krsna, that will bring you victory.
• You don't sleep. Never Krsna said to Arjuna that "I am your friend. I am God. You sleep here. (laughter) I'll do everything." No! "You must fight." That is wanted. Yuddhyasva mam anusmara "You fight and remember Me. Then I'll do everything."

Conclusion

The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement provides a program for "no more death." By declaring war on māyā and fighting vigorously with the weapons of sankīrtana, the devotee rises above the material platform. As long as the fight continues, the soldier is glorified, regardless of the immediate outcome. As Śrīla Prabhupāda declares, "We prefer that life. We shall die fighting with māyā."

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Our Fighting Against Maya (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.