Man (8): I have some sympathy for you, sir, but I think that tonight you have been postulating the old concept that most of our established religions have thrown out, that is that the reward for the miseries of this life lie in the transmigration of one's soul. But . . .
Prabhupāda: Yes. That is actual misery.
Man (8): But, but, but . . . in the West, our theologies have taught us that we no longer believe in heaven, we no longer believe in hell, we no longer believe in a soul. So I think that if you want to generate some sympathy, you had better change your tack. (laughter)
Prabhupāda: No, I . . . if you do not believe, that does not mean the things become null and void. That is not a fact. Suppose a thief does not believe in the prison house. That does not mean the prison house will be closed. A thief may think like that—that is another thing—but the prison house will continue, and as soon as you commit theft, you will be put there. That's all.
Man (8): I think that there is no point in answering a question with a parable. In point of fact, the things you've been postulating tonight is a denial of observable truth.
Madhudviṣa: Of what truth?
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Observable truth.
Prabhupāda: Yes. It is truth. (laughter) Anyone who has got eyes to see, he can see the truth.
Man (9): Do you believe in the essential unity of religious paths in such a way that soon people will take to God and yoga?
Madhudviṣa: He said do you believe in any unity between religious paths.
Prabhupāda: Yes, religion is only one. Just like religion . . . our definition of religion is dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam (SB 6.3.19):
(Real religious principles are enacted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although fully situated in the mode of goodness, even the great ṛṣis who occupy the topmost planets cannot ascertain the real religious principles, nor can the demigods or the leaders of Siddhaloka, to say nothing of the asuras, ordinary human beings, Vidyādharas and Cāraṇas.)