Closer to Śrīla Prabhupāda
Exploring the authentic preservation of Śrīla Prabhupāda's literary legacy through careful examination of BBT editions.
What does Śrīla Prabhupāda want for his books?
Because Śrīla Prabhupāda's books are sacred works, his followers may sometimes wonder: Is it right to edit them? Is it proper to revise them? On this site we examine what Śrīla Prabhupāda told the BBT to do, and we look at history, myths, and controversies.
Historical Background
To understand the myths and controversies surrounding the BBT's revised editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, it is important to begin by understanding the history of how Śrīla Prabhupāda directed his editors to work.
Common Myths
Fueled by misinformation (and a bit of politics), many myths about BBT editing have entered ISKCON lore. Here are some of the most prominent.
Latest Updates
The Jaya-Haya Letters: New Insights
Recently added correspondence between Jayādvaita Dāsa and Hayagrīva Dāsa about the editing of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, 1970–71.
Read MoreVideo FAQ: Understanding BBT Editing
New video series featuring senior devotees discussing the history and importance of proper editorial work in ISKCON publications.
Watch NowŚrīla Prabhupāda on Editing
Śrīla Prabhupāda Says
Read full quoteWe should be very much careful about grammatical and printing mistakes
Read full quoteConcerning the editing of Jayadvaita Prabhu, whatever he does is approved by me.
Read full quoteIf the books are printed with spelling mistakes and other mistakes, that will be a discredit for our publication.
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"We should be very much careful about grammatical and printing mistakes. That will mar the prestige of the press and the institution."
Understanding BBT Editorial Work
Historical Documentation
Explore the documented history of changes and Śrīla Prabhupāda's instructions.
View History
Video Explanations
Do you think Śrīla Prabhupāda is pleased with the 2nd edition of Bhagavad-gītā?
Vaiśeṣika Dāsa
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Dhāriṇī Devī Dāsī
Read full testimonial →Brahmatīrtha Dāsa
Read full testimonial →Rāmeśvara Dāsa
Read full testimonial →Explore the Changes
Want to see the actual revisions made for Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and Teachings of Lord Caitanya?
View the ChangesUnderstanding BBT Editorial Work
Historical Context
Understand the timeline and background of various BBT editions, and how Śrīla Prabhupāda directed his editors to work.
Learn more →Comparative Analysis
Examine the differences between original and revised editions with detailed explanations of each change.
View changes →Śrīla Prabhupāda Says
Direct instructions from Śrīla Prabhupāda about the editing of his books.
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