On Speaking Strongly in Srila Prabhupada's Service

On Speaking Strongly in Srila Prabhupada’s Service was written for the perusal of all members of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON, especially for devotees who feel impelled to follow Srila Prabhupada’s example of preaching Krsna’s message in a strong, clear, provocative manner. Speaking Strongly is particularly for those who maintain Srila Prabhupada’s vision of ISKCON as a revolutionary movement with a mission to change society, to rouse people to think about life’s important questions, and to get them to embrace the only permanent solution to life’s problems: Krishna consciousness.

In Speaking Strongly, Bhakti Vikasa Swami submits hundreds of quotes wherein Srila Prabhupada indicates that his followers should speak strongly for the benefit of the world and not shy away from embracing the uncompromising, realistic style of sastra, which presents not vague notions such as “spreading-love,” but solutions to the undeniable problems of material existence, and is especially relevant to the disastrous condition of human society today.

Taking a holistic and practical approach, Bhakti Vikasa Swami carefully examines the pros and cons of speaking strongly under various circumstances.. Drawing on almost fourty years of personal experience, the author discusses issues such as:

- Who is qualified to speak strongly?
- When should strong speech be used?
- Is the strong preacher a fanatic?
- Is strong speaking contrary to humility?
- When and how should tact be employed?

The ultimate merit of On Speaking Strongly in Srila Prabhupada’s Service is that it reminds the reader of what ISKCON is supposed to be—a distinct, vital spiritual movement—and offers a philosophical basis from which to help restore ISKCON to its original glory.