Devotional Service is not Sentimental

Room Conversation -- January 8, 1977, Bombay

Prabhupada: "....Our philosophy is very difficult to understand. Suppose you are giving some medical relief, and if I say that "Why you should waste your time by giving medical relief? Why not give him relief from birth and death?" they'll laugh. Is it not? They'll laugh, that "What nonsense he's speaking? This man is suffering. He immediately requires." We don't say that "You don't give medical relief," but why do you forget the real business? That is our.... Vivekananda said, "What is the use of pouring water in tulasi? Better pour water in a eggplant saka. You'll get some eggplant." This is.... Vivekananda said. Eggplant is also a small tree, and tulasi... So if somebody is pouring water on a tulasi leaf for bhakti, he condemns him, "Why you are wasting time? Pour water on this eggplant. Tomorrow you'll get two." (laughs) This is karmi. "God is fictitious. God's service is another sentiment. Do something practical."
Mr. Asnani: He was a politician. Pseudopolitician.
Prabhupada: He went to preach Vedanta, but instead of preaching Vedanta, he learned so many things which is objectionable from Vedic civilization.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.12.47
TRANSLATION: If when falling, slipping, feeling pain or sneezing one involuntarily cries out in a loud voice, "Obeisances to Lord Hari!" one will be automatically freed from all his sinful reactions.

PURPORT Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explains that Lord Sri Caitanya is always loudly chanting the song haraye namah Krsna in the courtyard of Srivasa Thakura and that this same Lord Caitanya will free us from our materialistic enjoying propensity if we also loudly chant the glories of the Supreme Lord Hari.