Question 1: One of the nama aparadhas (offenses against the holy name) is to preach to a non believer. Would you please elaborate on this. It’s confusing me as devotees many times preach to a non believer.
Answer by Romapada Swami: Preaching to a non-believer is in itself not an offense. The ninth offense to the Holy Name is stated as follows: ‘To instruct a faithless person about the glories of the Holy Name’. The offense is, therefore, in disclosing very confidential truths about the nature of devotional service to someone who hasn’t yet developed faith in spiritual existence. On the other hand, one could very well help such persons come to the point of faith, by addressing their basic misconceptions about spiritual life, provided they are innocent and open-minded. Srila Prabhupada often demonstrated this and won over so many scientists and philosophers. If one is totally envious of Krishna or of devotees, however, then the injunction is that their intimate association should be avoided.
Question 2: What are the essential training that a person should undergo before he can preach?
Answer by Romapada Swami: We had discussed in a previous question, that anyone could preach by simply repeating faithfully what he or she has heard from a bona fide devotee. However, for a more systematic preaching effort in representing the Krishna consciousness philosophy, minimally one should have thoroughly studied, and be conversant with four main books written by Srila Prabhupada, under the guidance of devotees: Bhagavad Gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Instruction, and Nectar of Devotion. Srimad Bhagavatam Canto One also contains our essential Gaudiya vaisnava teachings, and should also be studied very carefully. Practicing the rules and regulations of devotional life strictly, accepting a qualified spiritual master, and working under his shelter and guidance makes one further eligible to effectively represent the message of disciplic succession.
Question 3: Srila Prabhupada said that unless one is empowered, he cannot preach, could you kindly explain?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Knowledge of Krishna, devotional service to Him, the Holy Name – all of these belong to the spiritual region and cannot be accessed by our mundane efforts. What then to speak of being instrumental in awakening these in the hearts of others, through one’s material influence? One must be invested with spiritual ‘shakti’, through the mercy of Krishna and His representative, and then one can preach Their message.
