Napoleon , Nityananda Prabhu , Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami , Srila Prabhupada. Straight to the point.

One may wonder what possible connection can there be between Napoleon , Lord Nityananda, and Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami , and the mission of Srila AC Bhavtivedanta Swami Prabhupada .Srila B.R .Sridhar Swami tells the story.

When Napoleon came to lead the military , he uniquely and  unexpectedly used new and surprising tactics .Generally , military commanders would first attack the weakest points of the opposing army . However, when Napoleon took charge, he immediately attacked the strongest elements of the enemy , this caught the enemy by complete  surprise,  and thus, they retreated from the battle in shock being unfamiliar with such boldness and these types of straightforward tactics.

Similarly , Srila B.R. Swami says that Nityananda prabhu attacks the strongest elements of Maya , those who are the most degraded receive immediate relief . One can say mercy above justice . In doing so , those that are afflicted by Kali yuga and who are feeling the strongest influences are very quickly lifted , and  extraordinary it is that such rescued persons become the teachers of the rest of humanity at large .Sometimes in spiritual consciousness what appears as simple is the most exhalted. Krishna Himself took the position of a chariot driver and Arjuna ordered Him to move the Chariot .Jesus Christ was born in a stable. Many examples within the Vedas can be given in those regards .

Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja demonstrated through his strong preaching that the whole of society is to be challenged. This was another side of Lord Nityananda and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu.   The purposes of both the Gaudia math and ISKCON missions  were to face Kali yuga head on in with strong vigorous argumentations on all fronts . Through science , sociology , religion , politics , the arts , as Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja did . He issued major challenges to the status quo both within spiritual and socio-political circles. Srila AC Bhavtivedanta Swami Prabhupada followed this boldness in his world preaching.

Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja lived in Calcutta during his preaching efforts of facing down the challenges of contemporary industrialised materialism ,as well as scientific materialism. People would say, “Why don’t you live in the Holy places ,” he responded by saying that he would live where the greatest preaching opportunities were and where he could bring his bold  challenges . As far as Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami was concerned, there was no shortage of anything except Krishna consciousness. He once said if all the books in the British library were to disappear, there would be no loss as long as the Srimad Bhagavatam remained.

We know Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami carried that spirit deep within his heart .  Calling out Darwinian scientists as  cheaters. Who  presented the hypothesis as fact based sciences, and he also  called out  hypocritical political leaders as rascals . Modern-day economics is driving men to work like unthinking asses , AC Bhaktivedanta Swami would say .Preaching means no compromise , but everything should be  explained in a balanced, rational way and logically.

So real Gaudia Vaisnava followers  don’t beat about the bush , but rather challenge those who are rascals and cheaters or who are political hypocrites and who mislead society .

At times, modern spiritual movements lose this spirit and concern themselves with a softer safer approach,  yoga kirtan , temple building, and practically finding no problems with modern economics .  It’s become very popular to teach psychology in one form or another these days and have smiling Gurus. AC Bhaktivedanta Swami and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaj would look very, very stern at times and unleash uncompromising statements and challenges.

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