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On «On Speaking Strongly in Śrila Prabhupāda’s Service»

Explanation of guidelines required for preaching boldly by HH BHAKTI VIKAS SWAMI MAHARAJ.

Reviewed book

On «On Speaking Strongly in Śrila Prabhupāda’s Service»

I admit that I usually do not read books written by my godsisters and godbrothers, save and except for publications that share personal memories of Śrīla Prabhupāda. Time is precious. Therefore I prefer to read the literature of my spiritual master almost exclusively.

That said, I am glad that I picked up this book. Sure, one reason was that I was intrigued by the fact that this publication is considered controversial by many. Which is astonishing. For it becomes crystal clear after reading the first few paragraphs that the author is reminding the reader of the most precious thing in this miserable world: The very essence and purpose of the original undiluted mission of our Śrīla Prabhupāda, the Hare Krishna Movement, and the entire Sampradaya. And the genuine bliss and ecstasy that comes with delivering the message As It Is.

I consider this publication a highly responsible undertaking. I fail to see any controversy. There is not a single sentence that would suggest that the author tends to be fanatic or, in ISKCON-devotee vernacular, “too heavy”.

Quite the opposite is true. Bhakti Vikāśa Maharaj lucidly and eloquently encourages the use of our discretion and intelligence when delivering the urgent message of the Supreme Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa to the suffering Jīvas. Just as our Ācāryas did, but in our own individual capacity – and based on an honest assessment of our own stage of realization; but never to compromise – as we would be failing in our duty to Śrīla Prabhupāda if we did. The truth is unpalatable to almost every conditioned soul, there is not much we can do about it. Bhakti Vikāśa Swami warns his readers of the traps of speaking to people what they like to hear, rather than what they need to hear – and that the dangers in doing so are real. Both for the speaker and the listener.

The entire book is articulately written in illustrative language. Yet perfectly sober and uncompromising as you would expect from Bhakti Vikāśa Maharaj. Be assured that the book is refreshingly free of any personal opinion. Each and every statement is thoroughly supported by Guru, Sādhu, and Śastra. In addition, the author delivers the proof that humility and speaking strongly do not necessarily exclude each other.

In conclusion, I can only humbly suggest that you get your copy. I go as far as saying that this publication is a must-read for every Śrīla Prabhupāda follower worth his salt. The book stands out as a highly potent reminder of what our sacred duty is and shows how to put it into practice. “Back to the roots,” you could say – which does apply – if by ‘roots’ we understand the undiluted, unobscured, and uncompromised words of Guru, Sādhu, and Śāstra.

Reviewed book

On «On Speaking Strongly in Śrila Prabhupāda’s Service»

I have just read your recent book On Speaking Strongly. Congratulations on doing exactly that. It is quite a wake-up call, and I hope it awakens within many a reassesment of where they are at or going. Perhaps it will also evoke some meaningful and beneficial counter-approaches for further understanding. So many relevant and well-chosen quotes. At least a desire to study and hear from Çréla Prabhupäda resulted from my reading. It struck me that the strong speaking was first to be applied to myself - cut out compromise. The influence of reading so many other books by outsiders appears to affect our way of thinking and acting a lot - everything from rasika to science, other sampradäyas, other religions. Devotees who are scholars seem to be directing the ways of the movement in terms of the preaching approach and application of the philosophy often at the cost of pure bhakti. Heavy saìkértana, pioneering, challenging situations, difficulties are not in vogue.
By preaching strongly we have to become strong. We have to let go of the anarthas within.
Sometimes ulterior motives dictate our modus operandi. We do not want to expose, accept, or remove shortcomings.
I believe we need to be on the preaching front, and if we are not, there is more likelihood to adopt an indirect approach to preaching.