That Is the Difficulty - Why the Simple Truth Is Rejected
The philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is described as susukham—very joyful and easy to perform. Yet, when we look at the world, we see a widespread reluctance to embrace this simple path. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the phrase "that is the difficulty" to analyze this paradox. The difficulty is not in the process itself, which involves singing, dancing, and eating spiritual food; the difficulty lies in the misplaced independence, ignorance, and stubbornness of the modern human being.
The Paradox of Simplicity
It is often said that "it is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss." The entire world is enjoying the slumber of ignorance. When the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement offers a simple cure—chanting the holy names—people are suspicious. They prefer complicated philosophies or material solutions that ultimately fail. Śrīla Prabhupāda laments that although Kṛṣṇa is offering all opportunities, the "rascals" will not accept them.
- Simply chant and it will..., you'll become perfect. So easiest. But still they will not accept. That is the difficulty. When you give the easiest way they won't accept. Easiest way is we are recommending the chant the holy name of God. Do it.
- Everything is there. Even a child can take benefit out of Krsna consciousness. That you have seen practically. But we will not take it. That is the difficulty.
- Ignorance is not bliss, but it is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss. That is the difficulty, our. The whole world is enjoying ignorance, and when we say about Krsna consciousness, they do not very much appreciate.
A Crisis of Leadership
A major cause of this difficulty is the lack of ideal leadership. In Vedic culture, the leaders were rājarṣis—saintly kings who set a perfect example for the citizens to follow. Today, however, leaders are often men of low character, described by Śrīla Prabhupāda as "rascals elected by rascals." Without a śreṣṭha, or ideal man, the common people have no one to guide them toward the goal of life.
- There must be one srestha, ideal man, and then everyone will follow. And there is no srestha. That is the difficulty.
- Government means, nowadays, all rascals. They are elected by rascals and they are rascals. That is the difficulty. Everywhere you go, you will meet only rascals. Manda. The definition is given, manda.
- Everyone can understand it (that we are spirit souls). It is very simple thing. But the modern education has made them so dull brain, they cannot understand, neither do they try to understand. That is the difficulty.
Cheaters and the Cheated
The difficulty is further compounded by "cheating religion." Because people want cheap success—magical cures, material adjustments, or instant enlightenment without austerity—they are exploited by bogus svāmīs and yogīs. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that these charlatans mislead the population, making them skeptical of the genuine Vedic path.
- Unfortunately, the so-called yogis, svamis come (to Western countries) and cheat them. That is the difficulty. This is the first time that systematically we are presenting what is actual Vedic dharma, or Bhagavata-dharma.
- Because people are not educated, they're accepting these rascals as Vedantists. Really, the Mayavadi Vedantists - they are bluffers. They are not Vedantists. They do not know anything of the Vedanta-sutra. That is the difficulty.
The Anchor of Bad Habits
For many, the difficulty is simply the refusal to give up sinful life. Kṛṣṇa consciousness requires the abandonment of illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating, and gambling. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that illicit sex, in particular, is a "killing" agent that drags the soul down. Even when the philosophy is understood, the attachment to these lower modes makes the practical application difficult.
- We are preaching, "No intoxication, no meat-eating." So how they'll like us? That is the difficulty. "It is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss." But still, we are struggling.
- This sex, this illicit sex, how is killing him. Illicit sex is so dangerous. He's a good boy. Similarly, Gaurasundara is killed by this illicit sex. Everyone will be killed with the illicit sex. That is the difficulty - falldown. What can I do?.
Internal Vigilance
Finally, Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that difficulty can arise even within the movement if devotees are not careful. If old habits are revived, or if leaders (GBCs) mismanage the society, the progress is stalled. Maintaining the spiritual standard is the key to overcoming all difficulties.
- I want that what I have established may go on nicely, but I see that some of the devotees are reviving their old "good qualities. That is the difficulty. If the old habits come back, then everything is finished.
- Whatever property we have now made, Krsna has given us. But now, to maintain this, to save this prestigious position, that is difficult. Little mismanagement, there may be so many difficulties.
Conclusion
"That is the difficulty" is not a statement of defeat, but a diagnosis of the disease. By understanding that the obstacles lie in our own stubbornness, bad association, and lack of purity, we can take the necessary steps to remove them. The cure remains simple: surrender to Kṛṣṇa, follow the genuine spiritual master, and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. The only difficulty is our unwillingness to take the medicine.
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 That is the Difficulty. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.