Pundarika: One time Guru Kripa Maharaj wrote a letter to Srila Prabhupada and in this letter he expressed that the devotees were having a hard time in Japan. There was a lot of opportunity for sense gratification and sometimes devotees were taking advantage of it in various ways. I believe what he was trying to put across to Srila Prabhupada was, “Can we get out of here?” But this was the service that was important because that’s where the money was being collected for Vrindavan, Mayapur and Bombay.
Prabhupada wrote back in his letter, “You should know that I am actually pleased when my devotees are struggling.” So Krishna consciousness is not easy, not easy to follow the principles, not easy to follow the instructions, chanting 16 rounds, or going to mangal arati and so many other instructions. Also service in Krishna consciousness may not be easy either. But Prabhupada said, “You should know I am pleased when my devotees are struggling (for Krishna’s service).” He knew we had to be determined to advance.
Reference: Memories Anecdotes of a Modern Day Saint – Volume 4 by Siddhanta Dasa
