Śyāmasundara: The whole thing is that we're sort of at a crisis in India, in terms of our presence here. Our prestige has hit an all-time low simply because of our conduct, that's all. Not because of our teaching, or because we are white, or anything like that. It's just because of our conduct. It's been so bad. Abominable. We don't in any way compare with the Indian sannyāsīs in our conduct. So how can we expect to honor Śrīla Prabhupāda if we conduct ourselves like that? So it's part of our responsibilities as the leaders not to avoid it, not to avoid the other devotees, but to train them now, begin training them.
Prabhupāda: Yes, this is the Vaiṣṇava training. Now we should have our routine work. Just like here, punctually, as soon as I see seven, I ask, "When is he coming?" (indistinct). As soon as (indistinct), immediately I ask. So there may be more (indistinct), but the routine work must be followed. If somebody is slipping, the kīrtana is going on (indistinct) morning, (indistinct) is going on. So he maybe said that if you sleep like that then you cannot do it.
Devotee: I said that to that boy previously. I told him not to do...
Prabhupāda: That's all right, but why you (indistinct) something, pour water on his body?
Devotee: Simply to wake him.
Prabhupāda: You should not do anything which may provoke some kind of...
Devotee: Yes.
Prabhupāda: So, best thing was to say that he is not in good (indistinct) now, say to me that he is incorrigible. (indistinct) He may be one day, once, twice, if he does not follow, then you shall ask him just to please leave this place. That's all. That should be offered. We should also... The police said that when I told him that our regulation is that everyone should get up at four, so he immediately, "I don't see anyone who is rising at four." Nobody. What can I answer?
Devotee: How can he say that Śrīla Prabhupāda? How can he see if anyone is rising at four or not?
Prabhupāda: Now here is the (indistinct). He says that nobody rises early in the morning. Just like yourself.
Śyāmasundara: But he is rising.
Devotee: I am, I am rising.
Prabhupāda: He is rising, but others!
Pañcadraviḍa: Some others are rising, not, not all, but some of them are rising.
Śyāmasundara: The whole point is that the sannyāsīs must see that that standard is kept to the highest. That's their job. That's why you've taken...
Prabhupāda: But that should be observed and peacefully it should be settled. If it is not peacefully settled, the man who will continually disobey, he should be respectfully asked, "Please go home." You cannot... That...
Pañcadraviḍa: Who has the authority to say to somebody, "Please go," though?
Prabhupāda: Huh?
Pañcadraviḍa: Who has the authority to tell a person, "Please go." We don't know who, I don't know who has that authority.
Prabhupāda: The president will say. So long I am here, I shall say. (indistinct)
Śyāmasundara: This, this daṇḍa gives authority to the...
Prabhupāda: That gives authority.
Acyutānanda: Not in ISKCON.
Prabhupāda: That gives authority.
Acyutānanda: Not in ISKCON.
Śyāmasundara: Yes it does. In U.S. ...
Acyutānanda: No, no it doesn't. They do not respect sannyāsīs. (devotees all talk at once)
Śyāmasundara: Because you may not deserve it then.
Acyutānanda: Now I'm getting so... The thing is they may say like that but behind my back people are talking, saying this...
Prabhupāda: Now if they do not offer, obey the orders of the sannyāsī, then naturally... But that thing should be brought to the notice of higher or some official, president. Then steps should be taken, that if you cannot follow the rules and regulations, then you must leave. It is plain thing. There is no question of fighting. First thing is that a sannyāsī, leader, they should behave themselves according to the rules and regulations. And then ask others to follow. The others who do not follow, once, twice excused, three times please... Like that.
Śyāmasundara: If, if he follows strictly the principles, then he'll be automatically respected.