Page 17 - MTYOI - Eng

Preface

It may pertinently be asked, “How is it that a
foreigner has the audacity to comment about India
and Indians? This Bhakti Vikäsa Swami even strongly
criticizes and presumes to instruct us!”
In reply, I submit that I have been following
traditional Indian culture for most of my life. I have
travelled throughout most of India, mixed with all
kinds of people at all levels of society, and learned two
Indian languages. Having visited many other countries
also, and observed the people of different lands, I am
convinced that the original Indian culture is the best
the world has ever known. Furthermore, in today’s
troubled world India’s spiritual message is vitally
needed. It is thus regrettable that in this hour of need,
when Indians should be distributing their ancient
wisdom, they are instead giving it up.
If my words seem harsh, it is not out of
antagonism, but from a hope that India will revive
her lost glory and stand as a leader among nations.
As a sannyasi, it is my duty to instruct. Moreover, the
topics in this book are either based on or are direct
quotations from the teachings of His Divine Grace
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda, the founder-
äcärya of iskcon. Admittedly, I am a very insignificant
soul, but my spiritual master, Çréla Prabhupäda, is a

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