Prabhupāda: There is another English word, that "Obedience is the first law of discipline," or something. They say "Obedience is the first law of discipline"? So I am right? "Obedience is . . ."? That is the . . .
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Yes, that's more or less what it is.
Prabhupāda: No, what is the word, exact? There is an English word. "Obedience is the first law of discipline." So unless there is obedience, there cannot be any discipline. And unless there is discipline, there is no question of disciple. Disciple means one who follows the discipline. So . . .
Siddha-svarūpānanda: So there is no disagreement with that. I have no disagreement.
Prabhupāda: Yes, that is the point. That is . . .
Siddha-svarūpānanda: But I consider that discipline and the person being disciplined must be voluntary. He must voluntarily put himself under someone's discipline.
Prabhupāda: Yes, that is . . . Accepting spiritual master means voluntarily accepting somebody to rule him. There is no question . . . I have no power to rule over you unless you voluntarily surrender.
Siddha-svarūpānanda: Yes.
Prabhupāda: I am Indian. Why you Americans, you should obey me? You have done it voluntarily. Yes. So, (chuckles) in India they appreciate me only on this point, that I am Indian; how I am controlling so many Americans? That is their appreciation.