If the dress is superficial, why should you change your dress to please people who are so serious about the superficial?

Prabhupada: Why your dress is not as a sannyas?

Tusta Krsna: The robes make people uncomfortable, Prabhupada. They see you as different and can’t relate. They won’t relax enough to listen when I wear robes.

Prabhupada: But sannyasis must dress in saffron with robes and shaved head.

Tusta Krsna: I am following all the principles, but the dress is external and superficial. Why should we let it hamper the preaching?

Prabhupada: If the dress is superficial, why should you change your dress to please people who are so serious about the superficial? [Pause.] You understand my point? Superficial people become controlled by superficial and external things. Why do you dress to please superficial people? You should dress to please Krsna.

Tusta Krsna: So you would like me wear saffron and shave up?

Prabhupada: Yes, I want you to promise this. Only wear saffron and keep your head shaved. This is sannyäsi dress. You should promise.

Tusta Krsna: Yes, Prabhupada. I promise.