"Fight Like Brave Soldiers" - Overcoming Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement Obstacles from Without
Spreading God consciousness in a godless society is inherently a revolutionary act. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently reminded his followers that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is a "declaration of war" against the illusory energy, māyā. As in any war, the opposing side fights back. From accusations of "brainwashing" to slanderous media campaigns and governmental indifference, the movement faces a barrage of external obstacles. This article explores the nature of these attacks and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s stirring command to his disciples to stand their ground and fight like brave soldiers.
The "Brainwashing" Accusation
In the 1970s, as the movement gained traction in the West, it faced a coordinated attack from "deprogrammers" and media outlets who claimed it was a cult. Śrīla Prabhupāda noted that "because of gross ignorance," people regarded the movement as "brainwashing" or hypnotism. He countered this by explaining that modern society is actually brainwashed by materialism, and the movement is merely trying to wake people up to their original consciousness. He urged devotees not to be cowed by these "uncivilized activities" or false propaganda.
- Because of gross ignorance, they regard the Hare Krsna movement as a brainwashing movement.
- In Europe and America they are now combining to oppose this Hare Krsna movement, that we are brainwashing him, controlling the mind by hypnotism.
No Truce with Demons
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions for dealing with atheistic opposition were martial and uncompromising. He advised against timidity. When confronted by "demons" and atheists who try to suppress the movement, the instruction was to "fight like brave soldiers." The weapons for this battle are not physical, but intellectual and spiritual—specifically, "reason and argument" and the sankīrtana-yajña. Śrīla Prabhupāda declared that there should be "no truce" with the forces of ignorance.
- 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.
- Following in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, whenever there are obstacles the Hare Krsna movement should kill the opposition with reason and argument and thus stop their demoniac behavior.
Opposition from Family and Society
The conflict often hits closer to home. Śrīla Prabhupāda acknowledged that "animosity between parents and the Krsna consciousness movement has existed since time immemorial," citing the examples of Prahlāda Mahārāja and Nārada Muni. Parents often view the movement as a threat to their material aspirations for their children. While devotees should be respectful, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarified that if a father becomes an obstacle to devotional service, he must be disregarded in that respect, just as Prahlāda did not compromise with Hiraṇyakaśipu.
- Animosity between parents and the Krsna consciousness movement has existed since time immemorial. Even Narada Muni was condemned, not to speak of others. Nevertheless, Narada Muni never gives up his mission.
- Responsible fathers should not hinder their sons who are making cultural advancement in association with the Krsna consciousness movement. This is not a father's duty.
Assurance of Victory
Despite the formidable array of obstacles—from slanderous newspapers to hostile governments—Śrīla Prabhupāda remained supremely confident. He assured his disciples that Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate protector. He viewed the obstacles as temporary checks that would ultimately fail to stop the spread of the movement. His advice was to remain pure, tolerate the difficulties, and trust that Kṛṣṇa would "kill" the demoniac elements in due course.
- Don't be disappointed. Krsna will act through His movement and kill them, these demons. How it will be done, that you cannot know now, but it will be done. Let us remain true soldiers. That's all.
- The movement for Krishna Consciousness can in no way be stopped and be faded away. Rather those who are trying to do any harm by uncalled for agitation after spreading false facts, they are sure to be disheartened.
Conclusion
Obstacles are the "tax" one must pay for preaching the truth in the age of Kali. Whether facing the ridicule of scientists or the anger of parents, the devotee remains undeterred. By maintaining the spirit of a soldier and the purity of a saint, the members of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement turn every external attack into an opportunity to demonstrate the superior power of the Holy Name.
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 Krsna Consciousness Movement - obstacles from without. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.