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Why should one be a fanatic? If one has got brain, one has got logic, why should he be a fanatic? Fanatic means dullheaded rascal.

However, the term "fanaticism" should not be misunderstood. Srila Prabhupada defines fanaticism as a manifestation of religion without philosophy. "Religion without philosophy is sentiment, or sometimes fanaticism." (Bg. 3.3 purport.) If a devotee has realization and is preaching according to sastra, even if his presentation is strong, it cannot be called fanaticism.

The fanatic is a neophyte who preaches without proper discrimination, knowledge or compassion. Another type of neophyte is the sentimentalist who is uncomfortable with any kind of forceful preaching. The mature preacher is neither a fanatic nor a sentimentalist, though he may be imitated by one class and denigrated by another.

A sentimentalist deems it inappropriate and hypocritical for devotees who are still influenced by the illusory energy (as most devotees are) to condemn all that is non-devotional. However, although the aspiring devotee is not fully free from maya, there is a great difference between him and the non-devotee. The devotee is seriously endeavoring to surrender to Krsna and leave maya behind forever. The non-devotees and pseudo-devotees are have entered a pact to remain within maya forever (matir na krsne...). Furthermore, the devotee is under order to preach with vigor, and does not give up his commitment despite the misgivings of others.

Thus, even if the realization of an uncompromising preacher is considered to be incomplete, that he goes on with his unmixed preaching throughout the years, despite all opposition, is in itself a sign of realization. Those who accuse him of fanaticism lack knowledge, thus revealing themselves as possessed of the other manifestation of religion without philosophy -- sentimentalism.



- From the "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" by HH Bhakti Vikas Swami