Disciple: How does one stop cheating in a world of cheats?

Prabhupada: This material world is meant for cheating. You cheat, and others will cheat you. That's all. This is material world. It is not "how?" If you inquire, "How it is cold?"… The season is cold; there is no question of how. The place is for cheating and cheaters. So there is no question, "How it is cheating?"

Disciple: So you can't stop the cold.

Prabhupada: Yes.

Disciple: You can't stop the cheaters.

Prabhupada: No. Yes, it is not possible. But you can do everything by becoming Krsna conscious. That is the advantage of Krsna consciousness. Krsna says, aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami [Bg. 18.66]. You cannot get out of sinful action, but Krsna can do it. Therefore He says, "I'll get you released." You cannot get released; therefore He says, "I'll do that."

Disciple: So bringing it to a practical platform…

Prabhupada: Practical means it will be done by Krsna. Your only business is to surrender to Krsna. You cannot do anything. And as soon as you think that "I shall be able to do it," then you are a rascal. Immediately you are rascal.

Disciple: So only a fully surrendered soul can do everything perfectly.

Prabhupada: He cannot do anything, even in his… Everything is to be done by Krsna. But he has to apply his intelligence by Krsna consciousness. Even if he is intelligent, he cannot do anything.

Disciple: Except surrender.

Prabhupada: Yes. He can surrender, and Krsna will do everything. You have to act very sincerely under the direction of Krsna, and then the war will be successful, as Arjuna did.

Disciple: So imperfect activity is a sign of lack of surrender.

Prabhupada: Yes. …avasya raksibe krsna. Raksisyati iti visvasa-palanam. You work sincerely, devoutly, and have faith that "Krsna will save me from all dangers." Raksisyati iti visvasa-palanam. "I have surrendered to Krsna sincerely. Now Krsna will give me all protection." This faith, that is the beginning of devotional life.

(Morning Walk — December 3, 1975, Vrndavana)