Page 17 - OSSISPS - Eng
P. 17

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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