Prabhupada: Yes, it is because he is always free. Why do you make Krsna dependent on your so-called goodwill, that “Krsna must give me always pleasure”? This is sense gratification. This is sense gratification, that you approach Krsna for your comfort, sense gratification. That is not bhakti. That is sense gratification. Prahlada Maharaja was given suffering by his father so harshly, but he never said, “Oh, I am devotee of Krsna and giving me so much trouble? Oh! Give it up.” He never said that. Neither he asked Krsna to come and save him. That is krsna-bhakti. The Pandavas… The Pandavas, they were always with Krsna, and they were suffering. They never asked Krsna that “You are the Supreme, and why we are suffering?” Never said. Never said. That is krsna-bhakti.

Giriraja: “Because You are the Absolute Truth, there is no difference between Your mercy and punishment.”

Prabhupada: Yes. This is to be understood. If we understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Absolute Truth, then this is understanding, that either suffering or enjoying, it is all Krsna’s mercy. There must be some purpose. When Krsna puts me into suffering, there must be some purpose. So we should welcome, because it is Krsna’s mercy. Tat te ‘nukampam susumiksamano bhunjana evatma-krtam vipakam [SB 10.14.8]. It is Krsna’s mercy that He is reforming me, slightly suffering. I would have suffered very greatly on account of my past deeds, but He is kindly accommodating me by giving little suffering. That’s all.”

Morning Walk Conversation – May 1, 1974, Bombay