Speaking the Absolute Truth - Prabhupāda’s Boldness as a Humble Servant
The preaching of Śrīla Prabhupāda was characterized by an uncompromising boldness that shook the foundations of modern materialistic civilization. Yet, this boldness was rooted in a profound humility. Śrīla Prabhupāda did not speak on his own strength; he spoke as a transparent instrument of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This article explores the nature of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s speaking—how sincerity generated his courage, how his speech was actually kīrtana, and how his spoken words continue to live through his books.
Sincerity: The Secret of Boldness
Śrīla Prabhupāda encouraged his disciples who felt shy or unqualified to preach by sharing his own personal experience. He revealed that boldness is not an artificial imposition but a gift from Kṛṣṇa that appears when a devotee is sincere. By serving the Lord without reservation, even a hesitant person becomes a powerful orator.
- You mentioned that you are not yet a very bold preacher, but you will become bold, if you've got sincerity. In the beginning also I could not speak. But Krsna is within you, and when you're serving Him sincerely He'll give you courage, boldness, everything.
- I remember when I was first called for speaking by one of my senior Godbrothers. I felt very much hesitating because I was not practiced to speak.
- I did not like to take the position of Krsna. I remained servant of Krsna, and I spoke what Krsna said. That's all. This is my secret. So everyone can do that. There is nothing magic. The magic will act as soon as you become a pure devotee of Krsna.
Speaking is Kīrtana
While many associate kīrtana solely with musical chanting, Śrīla Prabhupāda expanded the definition to include the speaking of philosophy. He explained that describing the glories of Kṛṣṇa through the authorized scriptures is identical to chanting the Holy Name. Both are transcendental vibrations that purify the heart.
- What I am speaking before you from Srimad-Bhagavatam or Bhagavad-gita, that is also chanting. This is also kirtana. Kirtana means describing.
- I am speaking to you; this is also kirtanam. And you are hearing; this is bhakti. Sravanam kirtanam, about Krsna.
- We are simply Sankirtana men; our program is chanting, dancing, distributing prasadam, and speaking high philosophy, that's all.
A Revolutionary Voice
Śrīla Prabhupāda did not come to the West to flatter the modern civilization. He came to speak the truth, even if it was unpopular. He acknowledged that his speaking was "revolutionary" and diametrically opposed to the habits of intoxication, meat-eating, and illicit sex. Despite the potential for opposition or even government action, he refused to compromise.
- Although I am condemning the western mode of life, still, so many western young boys, they have come. I never came to speak to flatter you, that "Your western civilization is very nice." I never said that.
- It may be that government may take action against me because I'm speaking something revolutionary. Yes. But that is the fact. Why you should work?
- I am just speaking opposite, from the beginning of my preaching. So why you are coming? So if you stick to your position, real human civilization, people will come, gradually. Because they have got the sense.
My Books: Spoken Kīrtanas
A fascinating aspect of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s legacy is that his books are essentially recorded speech. He composed his translations and purports by speaking into a dictaphone. He explained that these recordings, when transcribed, became his books. Therefore, reading his books is not different from hearing him speak personally.
- Why distinguish between chanting and book distribution? These books I have recorded and chanted, and they are transcribed. It is spoken kirtanas. So book distribution is also chanting.
- I compose books by speaking into a dictaphone, and when the dictaphone is replayed, it appears that I am speaking personally, but actually I am not. I spoke personally, but then the dictaphone tape, which is separate from me, acts exactly like me.
- My speaking are there in the books, and if you are intelligent, you can understand. You haven't got to ask.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s speaking was a service, not a performance. It was born from the humility of a servant who simply wanted to repeat the message of his master. This sincerity endowed him with the boldness to challenge the entire world and the potency to transform the lives of thousands. Whether through his physical voice or his written word, Śrīla Prabhupāda continues to speak the Absolute Truth, guiding humanity back to its original consciousness.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category My Speaking (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.