Room Conversation in Hindi – February 16, 1972, Madras

720216R1-MADRAS [02:30 Minutes]

Prabhupada: So, everyone should engage in chanting of the holy names half an hour each evening and morning. Such is also the instructions of the scriptures:

This is the subject matter of our preaching we do it ourselves and we request you all, to engage in this kirtan and take advantage of it. Now if anyone of you has a question..

Guest: Like, you said that whatever a man does God makes him do it? So…

Prabhupada: And this chanting of God's name is also his inspiration so why don't you do this?

Guest: But like you said that whatever the man does is according to God's will isn't it?

Prabhupada: So, just like there is a jail superintendent he forces the prisoners into labor doesn't he?

Guest: Yes, he does.

Prabhupada: So, he forces them. But what is the need of telling an inmate-hey, take that hammer and break that stone or else be ready for a beating." So, is the superintendent making him or the prisoner doing it by himself? Answer me this…

Guest: I may not be able to answer you…

Prabhupada: No, see… the jailor forces the prisoner-better hit the hammer and break this stone or you will caned for it. So, does he do it by himself or is forced into it? So, these are some duties that the superintendent has to force the prisoners to do.

Guest: That is alright but …

Prabhupada: Well, that is the entire point. If you do something which will lead to your being forced to do something else. That is done by God by execution through His agent. It is not like that to one person God says become a saint and the other he advises to become a thief. No, it is not like that. Rather, God reminds that if you steal you will be beaten up so nicely like this.

Guest: But…

Prabhupada: Yes, you have to understand. That the one who has stolen he later has to beg for mercy with folded hands and not the one who doesn't steel.

[end of recording]