Page 61 - Defending Prabhupada Words - By Harivlas Das

A question should be asked at this point. Who should we
believe: Srila Prabhupada, who is simply repeating the
statements made in Narada Muni’s narration or Brahma
das? Brahma das is presenting himself as a greater authority
than Srila Prabhupada (and Narada Muni) by trying to
point out a discrepancy in the use of the word rape by
Srila Prabhupada. The fact is that Srila Prabhupada’s use
of the word rape in this context is correct and Brahma das
is wrong. The aggressive nature of a man in pursuing his
love for a woman is admired in literature, movies and pop
culture. This tendency originally exists in Lord Krishna
(sarva karana karanam, cause of all causes).

In the material world such aggressive pursuit of men for
women can overstep the bounds of proper behavior and
become rape by which a man imposes himself on a woman
against her will. In recent times the Kobe Bryant case is
an example. He claims to have had consensual sex with
a young 19 year old girl. She claims he raped her. Before
going to trial an unusual resting of the case resulted which
led to an interesting public statement by Bryant. He said,
“Although I truly believe this encounter between us was
consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does
not view this incident the same way I did,” Bryant said. “I
now understand how she feels that she did not consent to
this encounter.”
60

09-02-2023 17:30:18
e.indd 60
Defending Prabhupada Words insid
Defending Prabhupada Words inside.indd 60 09-02-2023 17:30:18