Update On Book Changes Issue (SP Quotes)

 krishna1008: Jayadvaita's rotten changes to the Gita

krishna1008: Book Changes Discussion (Update)

krishna1008: BBT Book changes vs Original Books (ISKCON)

krishna1008: Srila Prabhupada: a "Writer For Hire"?

https://krishna1008.blogspot.com/2021/12/iskcons-changed-books-history.html?

Krishna Is Dictating These Books

[PADA: Thanks prabhu. Yes Prabhupadanugas eu did not bother to ask us what happened when Srila Prabhupada said "print the original way." Unauthorized edits were already taking place while he was here -- and he did not approve of those edits. I really do not look at their site anymore because they are speculating, if not opposing us, on this and so many other matters. They do not consult with the people who know the history. 

"Print the original way" -- is what Srila Prabhupada had said must be done. They are trying to re-write history. Again. They should consult with those of us who were part of the history if they want to know what it is. 

For example, Jayadvaita changes "We are all originally servants of Krishna" to "One is originally a servant of Krishna." OK even kindergarten children know that "we" is plural and not "one." Jayadvaita does not even have a grasp of kindergaten level grammar. His changes should not be accepted as authorized.

ys pd] angel108b@yahoo.com      

FROM THE LOTUS MOUTH OF THE ACHARYA.

Regarding Sri Isopanisad changes: (Srila Prabhupada disapproves the changes)

Yaśodā-nandana: In the Gurukula we were teaching Īśopaniṣad class to the children. So we took… [break] …Prabhupāda and the words which the recent edition of the Press is wrong. Many changes were brought. They were trying to make better English, but sometimes, to make better English, I think they were making philosophical mistakes also. There is no so much need of making so much better English. Your English is sufficient. It is very clear, very simple. We have caught over 125 changes. They’re changing so many things. We are wondering if this is necessary. I will show you today. I have kept the book.
Srila Prabhupāda: I know that these rascals are doing. What can be done? How they can be relied on?
[........]

Yaśodā-nandana: Sometimes they appeal that "We can make better English," so they change like that, just like in the case of Īśopaniṣad. There are over a hundred changes. So where is the need? Your words are sufficient. The potency is there. When they change, it is something else.

Svarūpa Dāmodara: That's actually a very dangerous mentality.

Yaśodā-nandana: What is it going to be in five years? It's going to be a different book.

Prabhupāda: So, you... What you are going... It is very serious situation. You write one letter that "Why you have made so many changes?" And whom to write? Who will care? All rascals are there. Write to Satsvarūpa that "This is the position. They are doing anything and everything at their whim." The next printing should be again to the original way.

[Rascal editors' conversation, June 22,1977, Vrindavan]

Srila Prabhupada's Quotes against Book changes

"That is his tendency, to correct. That's very bad. He should not do that. The system is: whatever authority has done, even there is mistake, it should be accepted." Room Conversation -- February 27, 1977, Mayapura

The authorized edition of Bhagavad-gita will help to stop the terrible cheating of 'gurus' and 'yogis' who are false and unauthorized. 

Letter to Svarupa, Ranadhira -- Mayapur 3 February, 1976

Yes, there is no need for corrections for the first and second Cantos. Whatever is there is alright. Once Pradyumna comes to join me here from India, then there will be no need for Nitai das or Jagannatha das to edit the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Letter to Radhavallabha, May 4, 1976

"Yes. Others may be done by others. You print it. Even there is some mistake, that doesn't matter." Room Conversation -- August 21, 1971, London

"So, your proposal for preaching the gospel on the basis of Bhagavad-gita will not be successful. If you want to do that I cannot check you but I cannot allow you to do such things from within our society. You have to understand our philosophy perfectly, follow the regulative principles, and then in fact you can edit our books and papers." Letter to Rayarama -- Bombay 22 October, 1971

"I was not satisfied with the corrections that were made before. I saw some changes which I did not approve. Nitai may correct whatever mistakes are there, but the corrected material must be sent to me for final approval. So, reprinting the volumes will have to wait until the mistakes are corrected and approved by me." Letter to Radhavallabha -- Nellore 5 January, 1976

"Regarding your proposed program of editing, the Bhagavatam First Canto is already edited, so when making final typing, you shall simply see it for proofreading. I do not think that you need take too much burden because you may fall ill with too much work. Now you are editing Back to Godhead, and when we get the Composer there will be so much proofreading for you. So, I think this will be sufficient work for you." 15 May 1969- Letter to Rayarama written from Columbus

"It is not our philosophy to print errors. Of course, our spiritual subject matter is transcendental and therefore it remains potent despite mistakes in grammar, spelling, etc. But this type of translation may only be allowed if there is no other way to correct it, then it is all right. But if you know the correct order, then you must make it perfect. That is our philosophy: everything perfect for Krishna." Letter to Mandali Bhadra -- Jaipur 20 January, 1972

"To interpret Bhagavad-gita without any reference to the will of Krsna is the greatest offense. In order to save oneself from this offense, one has to understand the Lord as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as He was directly understood by Arjuna, Lord Krsna's first disciple. Such understanding of Bhagavad-gita is really profitable and authorized for the welfare of human society in fulfilling the mission of life. "Preface, Bhagavad Gita As It Is,1972 Edition

"We are not meant for presenting any literary masterpieces, but we have to inform people that there is a fire of maya which is burning the very vitality of all living entities, and they should guard against the indefatigable onslaught of material existence. That should be our motto." Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 13 February, 1969

"This is our protest to all of the interpreters of the Bhagavad-gita. If they do not believe in God, Krsna, and they don't want to surrender to Him, then let him preach atheism. Everyone has got the right to do this, but why through the Gita? This is like a man who wants to smoke ganja, but he does not want to be caught. So, he takes a friend's hand and smokes it in his hand, and then when the authorities come, he says, 'Oh, I have not smoked ganja, see, my hands are clean!' The idea is that if one wants to preach the Gita, he must preach it as it is, otherwise, don't go through the Gita." Letter to Giriraja, 6/6/76

"Our literature is not sentimental stories. It is meant to be understood by the intelligent class of men. Children and those with child-like mentalities will do better to chant "Hare Krishna" and take prasadam. We cannot water down the philosophy to make it more palatable. 

Our books must remain as they are. Do not waste your time anymore with such attempts. We are not going to publish it. Whatever books we have got, let them try to understand, and if they cannot then let them chant "Hare Krishna" and take prasadam. Hoping this finds you and your husband well." Letter to Lilavati -- Bombay 31 March, 1977

"We should always remember that we have to give more stress on our spiritual side than the scholastic side. But at the same time, if our books are presented in a scholarly way, that will be very nice. So, you use the best part of discretion and do the needful." Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 5 April, 1970

"We have to do things now very dexterously, simply we have to see that in our book there is no spelling or grammatical mistake. We do not mind for any good style, our style is Hare Krishna, but, still, we should not present a shabby thing. Although Krishna literatures are so nice that, even if they are presented in broken and irregular ways, such literatures are welcomed, read and respected by bona fide devotees." Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 9 January, 1970

"He should not think his authority mistake. He's such irresponsible man. He should not be given any responsible work. Our first business should see how he is advanced in devotion. We don't want so-called scholars." Room Conversation -- February 27, 1977, Mayapura

"There is a verse in Srimad-Bhagavatam that a book or poetry in which the Holy Name of Krishna is depicted, such language is revolutionary in the matter of purifying the material atmosphere. Even though such literature is presented in broken language or grammatical inconsistency or rhetorical irregularity, still, those who are saintly persons adore such literature. 

They hear such literature, and chant it and adore it, simply because the Supreme Lord is being glorified in this literature. In other words, we are not meant for presenting any literary masterpieces, but we have to inform people that there is a fire of maya which is burning the very vitality of all living entities, and they should guard against the indefatigable onslaught of material existence. That should be our motto." Letter to: Krsna dasa – Los Angeles 13 Feb, 1969)

Regarding Srimad-Bhagavatam, please send me the chapters which you have already revised. I want to see it, how it is being done. I am glad that you are not omitting anything, but just making grammatical correction, and phrasing for force and clarity, and adding Pradyumna's transliteration, that is very nice. Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 18 November, 1968

"I also do not like too much editorial work. This too much editorial work on Geetopanishad has created some misunderstanding between the members of the editorial staff. Anyway, in the future one man should edit it, and that will be sufficient for our printing. And I do not want that Teachings of Lord Chaitanya should be edited again and typed again and time wasted in that way. I have also informed Rayrama of this, and you can also inform him like this. The book should be printed immediately, without any waste of time. That is my desire. " Letter to Satsvarupa, Dec 23, 1967

"No, the printing of the Gitar-gan cover this fashion is not at all approved by me. You have done most nonsensically. Why change the cover? When people look to see the Bhagavad-gita they expect to see Krishna and Arjuna, not the picture of Krishna with cow. You have done a great mistake by changing the front picture and it will hamper the sale. In future you don’t do any changes without asking me first.

Simply because there is no stock of books, we can do anything whimsically??? Is this logic? Gita is not spoken in Vrindaban, it is spoken on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, but this is Vrindaban picture. That chariot driven by 4 horses, that is the real Kuruksetra picture. It is not that because there is no stock we can do whimsically as we like and lose the idea, that is rasa-bhasa. Because there is no bread, you take stone to eat? 

There is no stock of bread so you will take stone??? The front picture is most important thing and you have changed it. It must remain standard, and not change. Also, the lettering is not nice on the cover. You could have taken a color picture of Krishna and Arjuna and used it black and white (one color) on the front cover. Just as you did with the inside back cover of the Bhagavat darsana, the original picture of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in color but you have printed it in black and white. You could have done this on the front cover with Krishna and Arjuna on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, but the cover must not be changed. Letter: Bhargava, May 29, 1976

You may title this book, Teachings of Lord Kapila, but it must be subtitled, “The Son of Devahuti”. That will remain, do not try to change it. The Americans may like it or not like it, but we must make the distinction between devahuti putra kapila, and the atheistic Kapila. Do not try to change anything without my permission." Letter to Radhavallabha, Aug 26, 1976

"Titling of the Ninth Canto as Liberation is good, and the Tenth Canto should be called “The Summum Bonum”. As far as the 11th and 12th Cantos are concerned they shall be named when they are presented. The title which you have given to the Eighth Canto was a little hard to understand at first but if it refers to pralaya, then it is alright. You must consult with me on such matters. Do not manufacture anything." Letter to Radhavallabha, Oct 7, 1976

"Please accept my blessings. With reference to your letter to Harikesa dated 21st inst., regarding the purport, 2nd paragraph to Bhagavatam 2.2.38, it is clear. Do not try to change anything. " Letter to Gopiparanadhana, Sep 28, 1976

"I don’t think that Hayagriva is at fault. He has not changed the meaning or the philosophy in any way. But if you like to use the original manuscript, then if it is possible, you can use it." Letter to Hamsaduta, Jun 8, 1975

Hayagrīva: There is nothing specifically objectionable?
Prabhupāda: No, no. There is nothing.
Hayagrīva: Our process thus far has been to halve up the material about 50-50. He takes half, and I'll take a half, and that seems to be working fairly nicely.
Prabhupāda: That's all right. But first thing is that when you are in the post of editors, you are supposed to know. But whenever there is some difficulty, either you get it solved by consulting amongst yourselves, or if it is not possible, then refer to me. That's all.

Discussion about New Vrindaban Gurukula -- December 24, 1969, Boston
I will have to see personally what are the mistakes in the synonyms and also how you intend to correct them. I was not satisfied with the corrections that were made before. I saw some changes which I did not approve. Nitai may correct whatever mistakes are there, but the corrected material must be sent to me for final approval. 

So, reprinting the volumes will have to wait until the mistakes are corrected and approved by me. In the meantime, you can supply the standing orders whatever new volumes are published. Letter to Radhavallabha, Jan 5, 1976

Transcendental literature that strictly follows the Vedic principles and the conclusion of the Puranas and pancaratrika-vidhi can be written only by a pure devotee. It is not possible for a common man to write books on bhakti, for his writings will not be effective. He may be a very great scholar and may be expert in presenting literature in flowery language, but this is not at all helpful in understanding transcendental literature.

Even if transcendental literature is written in faulty language, it is acceptable if it is written by a devotee, whereas so-called transcendental literature written by a mundane scholar, even if it is a very highly polished literary presentation, cannot be accepted. The secret in a devotee’s writing is that when he writes about the pastimes of the Lord, the Lord helps him; he does not write alone.

As stated in the Bhagavad-gita (10.10), dadami buddhi-yogam tam yena mam upayanti te. Since a devotee writes in service to the Lord, the Lord from within gives him so much intelligence that he sits down near the Lord and goes on writing books. (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-Lila 8.39)

So, unless one is self-realized, there is practically no use writing about Krsna. This transcendental writing does not depend on material education. It depends on the spiritual realization. You’ll find, therefore, in the comments of Bhagavatam by different acaryas, even there are some discrepancies, they are accepted as asat-patha. It should remain as it is. Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23-24 — Vrndavana, Mar 31, 1976

I have sent a few tapes to Bhagavan das. He sends to you his edited copies and they may be made final. I want two editings only, just to see if there is any grammatical or spelling mistake. Your present program of two editions first by yourself and then by Jayadvaita is a nice arrangement. Jayadvaita has good knowledge. (Letter to Satsvarupa, Feb 15, 1970)

Regarding the editorial policy of BTG, if the editorial board is not expert enough they should be changed...See if the board can be changed. If experienced editors are not there it will be unpopular magazine. These things are to be seen to immediately by the GBC. The board should be judged immediately and be changed if required. Letter to Rupanuga -- Vrindaban 23 September, 1976

"The spirit of Bhagavad-gita is mentioned in Bhagavad-gita itself. It is just like this: if we want to take a particular medicine, then we have to follow the directions written on the label. We cannot take the medicine according to our own whim or the direction of a friend. It must be taken according to the directions on the label or the directions given by a physician. Similarly, Bhagavad-gita should be taken or accepted as it is directed by the speaker himself." Introduction, Bhagavad Gita As It Is,1972 Edition

"That is his tendency, to correct. That's very bad. He should not do that. The system is: whatever authority has done, even there is mistake, it should be accepted." Room Conversation -- February 27, 1977, Mayapura

The authorized edition of Bhagavad-gita will help to stop the terrible cheating of 'gurus' and 'yogis' who are false and unauthorized… Letter to Svarupa, Ranadhira -- Mayapur 3 February, 1976

Yes, there is no need for corrections for the first and second Cantos. Whatever is there is alright. Once Pradyumna comes to join me here from India, then there will be no need for Nitai das or Jagannatha das to edit the Srimad-Bhagavatam. (Letter to Radhavallabha, May 4, 1976)

"Yes. Others may be done by others. You print it. Even there is some mistake, that doesn't matter. "Room Conversation -- August 21, 1971, London

"So, your proposal for preaching the gospel on the basis of Bhagavad-gita will not be successful. If you want to do that I cannot check you but I cannot allow you to do such things from within our society. You have to understand our philosophy perfectly, follow the regulative principles, and then in fact you can edit our books and papers." Letter to Rayarama -- Bombay 22 October, 1971

"I was not satisfied with the corrections that were made before. I saw some changes which I did not approve. Nitai may correct whatever mistakes are there, but the corrected material must be sent to me for final approval. So, reprinting the volumes will have to wait until the mistakes are corrected and approved by me." Letter to Radhavallabha -- Nellore 5 January, 1976

"Regarding your proposed program of editing, the Bhagavatam First Canto is already edited, so when making final typing, you shall simply see it for proofreading. I do not think that you need take too much burden because you may fall ill with too much work. Now you are editing Back to Godhead, and when we get the Composer there will be so much proofreading for you. So, I think this will be sufficient work.

Quotes against unnecessary book changes "That is his tendency, to correct. That's very bad. He should not do that. The system is: whatever authority has done, even there is mistake, it should be accepted." Room Conversation -- February 27, 1977,

The authorized edition of Bhagavad-gita will help to stop the terrible cheating of 'gurus' and 'yogis' who are false and unauthorized Letter to Svarupa, Ranadhira
-- Mayapur 3 February, 1976 Yes, there is no need for corrections for the first and second Cantos. Whatever is there is alright. Once Pradyumna comes to join me here from India, then there will be no need for Nitai das or Jagannatha das to edit the Srimad-Bhagavatam. (Letter to Radhavallabha, May 4, 1976)

"Yes. Others may be done by others. You print it. Even there is some mistake, that doesn't matter. "(Room Conversation -- August 21, 1971, London)

"So, your proposal for preaching the gospel on the basis of Bhagavad-gita will not be successful. If you want to do that I cannot check you but I cannot allow you to do such things from within our society. You have to understand our philosophy perfectly, follow the regulative principles, and then in fact you can edit our books and papers." Letter to Rayarama -- Bombay 22 October, 1971

"I was not satisfied with the corrections that were made before. I saw some changes which I did not approve. Nitai may correct whatever mistakes are there, but the corrected material must be sent to me for final approval. So, reprinting the volumes will have to wait until the mistakes are corrected and approved by me." Letter to Radhavallabha -- Nellore 5 January, 1976

"Regarding your proposed program of editing, the Bhagavatam First Canto is already edited, so when making final typing, you shall simply see it for proofreading. I do not think that you need take too much burden because you may fall ill with too much work.