While reaching out to contemporary audiences who may be receptive only to a pre-devotional message how can we stay faithful to Srila Prabhupada’s direct devotional approach to outreach?
As those engaged in outreach today, we often find ourselves working within contemporary frameworks — such as corporate outreach — where we may be constrained and unable to directly mention Krishna. However, Srila Prabhupada was very direct in speaking about Krishna and in exposing or critiquing thought systems that diverged from bhakti. This brings up a crucial question: How do we reach specific audiences while staying faithful to Srila Prabhupada’s example?
I’ve reflected on three key factors: the subject, the audience, and the speaker. You can think of this as SAS (though admittedly, not the most elegant acronym — some might say it’s a bit “sassy”!).
Srila Prabhupada’s Guideline
Prabhupada, in the Narada-Vyasa Samvad, speaks about realization. He says we should speak the scriptural subject in a way that is interesting to the audience — but without extracting unscrupulous meanings. So while we stay true to the scripture, the presentation must resonate with the audience.
The Venn Diagram of Communication
Imagine two intersecting ellipses:
- One vertical — representing scripture, deeply rooted in the past.
- One horizontal — representing contemporary audiences and their interests.
There are topics the audience is interested in that aren’t directly addressed in scripture. And there are topics from scripture — like the meaning of Vedanta Sutras or distinctions between Vaishnava sampradayas — which may not be relevant for most people today. Realization, then, is the ability to find the intersection of these two spheres — the point where the scriptural message connects with the audience’s interest.
Not Just Bhakti — Sattvic and Rajasic Wisdom Too
Scripture contains more than just pure devotional content. It includes sattvic wisdom, and even aspects of rajasic (e.g., karmakanda) guidance. Prabhupada himself sometimes used motivational, materially relevant language.
For instance, when speaking to Indian businessmen, he once said, “I went to America with ₹40 and now I have ₹40 crores worth of temples. Doing business with Krishna is great.” This isn’t karmakanda — it’s Krishna-centered encouragement, using language the audience can relate to.
Prabhupada’s Adaptability
Although the International Society for Krishna Consciousness uses Krishna’s name explicitly, in books like Ishopanishad, Prabhupada rarely uses the name “Krishna.” He uses more general terms like “the Lord” or “the Supreme.” Why? Because Upanishadic texts often attract those from impersonal or monistic backgrounds, and using overtly sectarian language could alienate them.
Similarly, in Easy Journey to Other Planets, Prabhupada used the term “antimatter” — a then-contemporary scientific term — to describe the soul, although this is not its meaning in mainstream science.
This shows that Prabhupada’s presentation was flexible and strategic, without compromising core principles.
Prabhupada Was Bigger Than Our Conceptions
I’ve come to realize that Prabhupada was far bigger than our mental image of him. Yes, there is a version of “hardline Prabhupada” that some focus on — but that is not the only Prabhupada.
Consider the life members who helped Prabhupada in India. Many of them were followers of Mayavadi gurus. Some even had large pictures of their gurus at home. Senior devotees have told me that Prabhupada didn’t make it a point to criticize their gurus while interacting with them. He remained principled but not impractical.
Prabhupada focused not on changing their core philosophical beliefs but on engaging them in Krishna’s service. That was his priority.
Multiple Forums, Multiple Strategies
So to say that a particular modern approach is “deviant” from Prabhupada’s mood might actually limit Prabhupada. He worked with diverse audiences and used multiple strategies.
For example, when instructing scientists working in the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Prabhupada didn’t say, “Convert them to chant Hare Krishna.” He said the purpose of the Institute was to increase ISKCON’s prestige. If they become devotees, wonderful — but the immediate aim was outreach and reputation-building.
In contrast, if a preacher on a Vyasasana in a Bhagavatam class speaks with no reference to Krishna, that would be deeply concerning. That platform is meant for direct Krishna-katha. But not all platforms are the same.
Strategic Preaching in Today’s World
We live in a spiritual marketplace. If we don’t reach out to certain demographics, others — including impersonalists, Buddhists, and Christians — will. Christians have been very successful in the self-help space, starting with Norman Vincent Peale’s Power of Positive Thinking. If we ignore this space, we miss a huge demographic that is open to sattvic wisdom, though not ready for bhakti wisdom.
In fact, having devotee monks speaking in such forums boosts ISKCON’s public image. Over the past decade, the image of monks in India has changed. Publishers now want monks on book covers because it sells — and some devotee authors have contributed significantly to this shift.
Risks and Safeguards
That said, there are dangers, which I group into three categories:
- Dilution in Devotional Forums
If satsangs or Bhagavatam classes start featuring only pre-devotional or motivational content, it’s a problem. - Imitation by Other Preachers
Popularity may tempt others to follow this model. But in my experience, this hasn’t been widespread. Not everyone has the skills — or the calling — for this kind of outreach. - Public Misconception
There’s a risk that the public may think ISKCON only offers humorous or motivational speakers. But most now recognize that certain speakers represent certain styles, and ISKCON stands for something deeper.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
Interestingly, many such talks are also a means for fundraising. A common principle followed is:
- The less devotional the talk, the higher the honorarium.
- The more devotional, the lower (often zero).
Some devotee speakers earn significant funds — ₹5 to ₹15 lakhs per talk — which support temple and outreach efforts.
After all, fundraising too involves relationship building, just like this form of outreach. And how many of those we raise funds from become devotees? Very few — yet their support is valuable.
My Personal Experience
When I speak to corporate audiences — e.g., at Google or Intel — I always try to mention the concept of consciousness, if not directly the soul. I focus on the mind because it’s relatable. For instance, I use the metaphor:
- Body = hardware
- Mind = software
- Soul = user
This helps people grasp the idea of a deeper identity beyond body and mind. But I don’t mention Krishna directly — unless the forum allows for it, like in interfaith or Hindu gatherings.
I’ve even written a book called “You Are Not Your Mind, You Are Better”, to help make this connection more accessible.
Final Thought:
This is just one part of outreach — not a complete spiritual path in itself. But it plays a role in bringing people to Shraddha, the first step. And we must remember: not all devotees serve in the same way. Some plant the seed, others nurture it, and some help it blossom.
As long as devotional integrity is preserved in devotional forums, and outreach stays connected with Prabhupada’s mission, there is space for diversity in service.