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preface to the second edition
Intense discussion with devotees and further reflection about the
topics of this book have led to this enhanced and slightly enlarged
edition. A particularly valuable appendage is a recently published
transcript of Çréla Prabhupäda’s rejoinder to the criticism of an
envious Oxford scholar. The overall response to the first edition
has been encouraging, and I pray that this second edition will be
equally well received and, more importantly, will inspire devotees
to speak strongly and clearly in Çréla Prabhupäda’s service.
preface to the first edition
I speak too strongly. People don’t like it. I burn people out. Or so
I’m told. Some devotees warn me to tone down and speak in a way
that will make everyone feel satisfied.
I disagree. I have been disagreeing about this for years, and will
probably continue disagreeing until my last breath. Pig-headed
arrogance? Maybe. However, just as my critics advocate being mild
with others, I request them to be mild with me. Kindly consider
that my vitriol might not be impelled by ad hominem nastiness
but by the desire to satisfy Çréla Prabhupäda—as will be explained
in this book.
The impetus to write this volume came after a preaching skirmish
in London in the mid-1990s. Romapäda Däsa (a disciple of Çré
Gopäla Kåñëa Goswami), who is an old acquaintance of mine,
had invited me to address a weekly meeting of Indian Vaiñëava
youth at a temple in East London. Knowing my proclivity for
*
straightforward speaking, Romapäda Däsa cautioned me that
* Romapäda Däsa has assented to the publishing of this anecdote,
and even furnished some details and emended some points that I had
incorrectly recalled.
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