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Oh, then it is useless!

Late in the evening, Harikesa Swami and I met Srila Prabhupada about the possibility of him being attacked by the Communists. Since our arrival, several reports have appeared in the newspapers indicating that in Delhi the Communists are instigating the government to investigate our Society. 
 
A tabloid-style paper, obviously appealing to the lower class, carried a report saying that the Mayapur scheme was "fishy." We discussed whether Srila Prabhupada should have a body guard, debating the pros and cons. Harikesa Maharaja put forth some convincing arguments. His recent experiences in eastern Europe have made him doubly cautious and fully aware of the extremes that these people might go to. At one point I began to say, "Well, in my opinion Srila Prabhupada ..." Prabhupada cut me off. With a look of disdain he said, "Oh, then it is useless!" He meant that there was no value in my speculation. We should either speak authoritatively, or not at all.

Srila Prabhupada was not very concerned for his own safety, although he conceded there may be some danger. He said that his Guru Maharaja also had a guard due to threats on his life. So he finally agreed that a man could be added to the party, at least to guard his door in the night.


Reference: Transcendental Diary Volume 4 by Hari Sauri Dasa