QUOTES:
Prabhupada: "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 no 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 -- Nellore 5 January, 1976)
one cannot defy the previous acaryas. The false pride that makes one think that he can write better than the previous acaryas will make one's comments faulty. At the present moment it has become fashionable for everyone to write in his own way, but such writing is never accepted by serious devotees. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Antya 7.134
So Vyasadeva is the spiritual master. So the later acaryas, they did not think it proper that whatever the... Because their spiritual master has had already made a commentary on the Vedanta-sutra, "Oh, that is sufficient. Why should we do again?" These are some of the etiquette. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 22.21-28 -- New York, January 11, 1967
you will attain a hellish destination. You do not know how to describe the Absolute Truth, but nevertheless you have tried to do so. Therefore you must be condemned. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Antya 5.120
The difference between other Gitas and our Gita... We therefore said, "As It Is." No interpretation. That is the disaster. Authority, Krsna, and to interpret on His word, this is very disastrous. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Roof Conversation -- January 5, 1977, Bombay
Everything is clearly said in the Bhagavad-gita. I speak, therefore, to my disciples that "You simply repeat like parrot Bhagavad-gita and follow by your life. Don't try to become very big scholar, do interpretation. Remain foolish and believe in Krsna. Then life is perfect." >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- January 2, 1977, Bombay
Unless one is blessed by Vyasadeva, he cannot write transcendental literature. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- February 16, 1977, Mayapura
Prabhupada: Yes. Spoil their own life and spoil others. This is going on. The meaning is clear, but these rascals are thinking that "Meaning is not clear. Krsna left for me to clear the meaning." That's all. Such rascals, they are touching Bhagavad-gita. As if Krsna left for him to clear the meaning. These rubbish things we want to stop. Of course, it is not possible....That is misleading. If you can interpret Bhagavad-gita by your own interpretation, then what is the authority of Bhagavad-gita? Everyone can do like that. Everyone can say "It is my interpretation." Then where is the authority of Bhagavad-gita? These things should be stopped. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Interview with Mr. Koshi (Asst. Editor of The Current Weekly) -- April 5, 1977, Bombay
Unless one is a fully unalloyed devotee of the Lord, one should not try to describe the pastimes of Krsna in poetry, for it will be only mundane. There are many descriptions of Krsna's Bhagavad-gita written by persons whose consciousness is mundane and who are not qualified by pure devotion. Although they attempted to write transcendental literature, they could not fully engage even a single devotee in Krsna's service. Such literature is mundane, and therefore, as warned by Sri Sanatana Gosvami, one should not touch it. Antya 1.212 >>> Ref. VedaBase => Antya 1.212
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. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 13 February, 1969
one cannot write such transcendental literature by mental speculation. One who writes about the Supreme Personality of Godhead must be especially favored by the Lord. Simply by academic qualifications it is not possible to write such literature. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 14.1
Such transcendental narrations of the pastimes of the Lord can be described only by liberated souls like Vyasadeva and his bona fide representatives who are completely merged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. Only to such devotees do the pastimes of the Lord and their transcendental nature become automatically manifest by dint of devotional service. No one else can either know or describe the acts of the Lord, even if they speculate on the subject for many, many years. The descriptions of the Bhagavatam are so precise and accurate that whatever has been predicted in this great literature about five thousand years ago is now exactly happening. Therefore, the vision of the author comprehends past, present and future. Such liberated persons as Vyasadeva are perfect not only by the power of vision and wisdom, but also in aural reception, in thinking, feeling and all other sense activities. A liberated person possesses perfect senses, and with perfect senses only can one serve the sense-proprietor, Hrsikesa, Sri Krsna the Personality of Godhead. Srimad-Bhagavatam, therefore, is the perfect description of the all-perfect Personality of Godhead by the all-perfect personality Srila Vyasadeva, the compiler of the Vedas. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 1.5.13
Now we have to accept knowledge from Vedas, Vedic knowledge, not this rascal's knowledge. Rascal knowledge is that "Yes," as soon as he comes to the imperfect point, "yes, we are trying." You are trying. What is this trying? Trying means that your knowledge is imperfect. And another rascal will come, he will say, "Now here is the perfect." And ten years after, another rascal will come," No, this is not perfect. This is perfect." This is going on. This is called scientific advancement. This is... Advancement means... But we don't change our Vedic knowledge. We do not say, "Now, Krsna, five thousand years ago, said like this. Now we are advanced. We change this line." Of course, others are doing. In the scriptures... Just like the Christians, they are changing the words. But you cannot do that. Then where is the authority? If you change the word of the scripture, then where is the authority of the scripture? Just like in lawbooks, there is some law made already. Whimsically you cannot, I mean to say, erase the words and put something that "It should be changed like this." That will not be accepted. Law, if there is change... Actually, there is no change. There cannot be change. Real law means there is no change. Just like day and night, it is coming. The fortnight, the dark period and the light period, it is coming for millions and millions and time immemorial. The same law is going, going on. You cannot change. So as soon as you change, that means it is imperfect. You change. So Vedic laws are not like that. You cannot change. Five thousand years ago Krsna said, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja: [Bg. 18.66] "You give up all other religious principles. Simply surrender unto Me." We are preaching the same thing. No change. No change. There is no possibility of change. Then how Krsna is authority? So change means imperfect knowledge. This very change. And perfect knowledge... You will find that one who is very experienced medical practitioner, he gives you a prescription, and you visit him again and again, he gives you the same prescription unless you are cured. His prescription is so nice that he doesn't change. But a nonexperienced physician, every time you go, he will change the prescription. But actually, those who are experienced, he knows "This is the disease, and ultimately this medicine will cure. So let him repeat that medicine." So our is that platform. Harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam [Cc. Adi 17.21].
We repeat only. We don't change: "Now hari-nama is not curing so let me add, instead of Hare Krsna, 'John Krsna,' if I may." No. No "John Krsna." (laughter) That same Hare Krsna must be repeated. And you will be cured. So change means imperfect knowledge. No change means that is perfect knowledge. So we follow that no change policy. No, not that because I think I have become now advanced, I change this to that. That mean I am not advanced. My knowledge is imperfect. Therefore I am changing. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.15 -- Los Angeles, September 20, 1972
One cannot write on spiritual matters without being blessed by Krsna and the disciplic succession of gurus. The blessings of the authorities are one's power of attorney. One should not try to write anything about Vaisnava behavior and activities without being authorized by superior authorities. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita: evam parampara-praptam imam rajarsayo viduh. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 24.345
Unless one is a fully unalloyed devotee of the Lord, one should not try to describe the pastimes of Krsna in poetry, for it will be only mundane. There are many descriptions of Krsna's Bhagavad-gita written by persons whose consciousness is mundane and who are not qualified by pure devotion. Although they attempted to write transcendental literature, they could not fully engage even a single devotee in Krsna's service. Such literature is mundane, and therefore, as warned by Sri Sanatana Gosvami, one should not touch it. (Antya 1.212)
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. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 8.39
When a pure Vaisnava speaks, he speaks perfectly. How is this? His speech is managed by Krsna Himself from within the heart. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 8.200
if somebody has translated properly, it can be published. But amongst our disciples, I don't think there are many who can translate properly….A realized soul, must be. Otherwise, simply by imitating A-B-C-D will not help. My purports are liked by people because it is presented as practical experience….Our translation must be documents. They are not ordinary... One cannot become unless one is very realized. It is not A-B-C-D translation. Bhagavän: It's not a matter of scholarship. >>> Ref. VedaBase => GBC Meets with Srila Prabhupada -- May 28, 1977, Vrndavana
Srila Vyasadeva revealed these statements after perfect realization, and therefore they are perfect, for liberated sages like Vyasadeva never commit errors in their rhetorical arrangements. Unless one accepts this fact, there is no use in trying to obtain help from the revealed scriptures. Bhrama refers to false knowledge or mistakes, such as accepting a rope as a snake or an oyster shell as gold. Pramada refers to inattention or misunderstanding of reality, and vipralipsa is the cheating propensity. Karanapatava refers to imperfectness of the material senses. There are many examples of such imperfection. The eyes cannot see that which is very distant or very small. One cannot even see his own eyelid, which is the closest thing to his eye, and if one is disturbed by a disease like jaundice, he sees everything to be yellow. Similarly, the ears cannot hear distant sounds. Since the Personality of Godhead and His plenary portions and self-realized devotees are all transcendentally situated, they cannot be misled by such deficiencies. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 2.86
Prabhupada: Yes. They will commit so many mistakes and they'll take it for granted. Just like this "Nitai-Gaura, Radhe-Syama." That is avoided for kanistha-adhikari. There are so many mistakes, rasabhasa. So two things are there always, two sides. One for the maha-bhagavata, one for the ordinary kanistha-adhikari, madhyama-adhikari. So in the temple it is to be supposed generally for the madhyama-adhikari and kanistha-adhikari especially. So in the temple we should not... Hari-sauri: We should just listen to whatever the acaryas have... Prabhupada: Yes. Hari-sauri: I remember once before, a few years ago, you sent a letter out saying that no one should try to compose songs or... Prabhupada: Yes. I do not encourage. What they will compose? They have no realization. But they're speaking something about Krsna. That's his beginning. Just like a child, he speaks half-broken. That is not language. It has no meaning. But still the child, "Ah, ah, you are so nice. You are so nice." Because he's trying to speak something. "Papa, mama." And mama is... Not that his words are complete. Hari-sauri: When we go out and preach and we just repeat or try to repeat whatever we've heard from the spiritual master, but we may not have fully realized what we're speaking about, does that somehow or another reduce the potency of the Gita or the Bhagavatam or... Prabhupada: Yes, realization takes time. Therefore there is no question of realization. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says you simply repeat as Krsna says. That will save you. The so-called political leaders, they have no realization, but they manufacture their ideas. That is dangerous. Mislead themselves and others. In Bhagavad-gita it is clearly said, acaryopasanam. Amanitvam adambhitvam. This is the process of knowledge. These so-called scholars and politicians, they have no acarya. Instead of being amanitvam, they're mani... "I have become a leader, so whatever I shall say, it will be accepted." This is going on. Very bad. It is clearly said, as soon as you give up the acarya system it is rotten. Sa kaleneha yogo nastah parantapa. So things which is rotten, what you'll get benefit? That is going on. Therefore in spite of so many Gita commentators, big, big leaders, scholars, not a single person is converted into a devotee. Not a single person amongst their followers. It's useless talking. Therefore it is forbidden. Avaisnava-mukhodgirnam putam... Because they are not Vaisnava, politicians and -- reject them immediately. Immediately. That is the injunction. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- December 31, 1976, Bombay
one cannot write such transcendental literature by mental speculation. One who writes about the Supreme Personality of Godhead must be especially favored by the Lord. Simply by academic qualifications it is not possible to write such literature. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 14.1
To describe Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu or Lord Sri Krsna, one needs supernatural power, which is the grace and mercy of the Lord. Without this grace and mercy, one cannot compose transcendental literature. By dint of the grace of the Lord, however, even one who is unfit for a literary career can describe wonderful transcendental topics. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 13.1
standard for whose words we should hear read and trust: "The words spoken by the Lord are different from words spoken by a person of the mundane world who is infected with four defects. A mundaner 1) is sure to commit mistakes, 2) is invariably illusioned, 3) has the tendency to cheat others and 4) is limited by imperfect senses. With these four imperfections, one cannot deliver perfect information of all-pervading knowledge. Vedic knowledge is not imparted by such defective living entities....One cannot say anything about the transcendental world without being free from materially contaminated consciousness." ...Had His consciousness been materially affected, He was unfit to speak about the transcendental subject matter in the Bhagavad-gita. One cannot say anything about the transcendental world without being free from the materially contaminated consciousness. So the Lord was not materially contaminated. But our consciousness, at the present moment, is materially contaminated. So whole thing, as the Bhagavad-gita teaches, we have to purify the materially contaminated consciousness and in that pure consciousness, the actions will be done...So our consciousness is materially contaminated, we should know. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Introduction to Gitopanisad
As soon as we adulterate or add something of our own manufacture, the whole thing is spoiled. Letter to: Hayagriva, 18 January, 1972
One cannot say anything about the transcendental world without being free from materially contaminated consciousness. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bg-1972 introduction
When you write on this subject, Krsna will help you by spiritually awakening you." PURPORT One cannot write on spiritual matters without being blessed by Krsna and the disciplic succession of gurus. The blessings of the authorities are one's power of attorney. One should not try to write anything about Vaisnava behavior and activities without being authorized by superior authorities. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita: evam parampara-praptam imam rajarsayo viduh. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 24.345
The writing of Vaisnava literatures is not a function for ordinary men. Vaisnava literatures are not mental concoctions. They are all authorized literature meant to guide those who are going to be Vaisnavas. Under these circumstances, an ordinary man cannot give his own opinion. His opinion must always correspond with the conclusion of the Vedas. Unless one is fully qualified in Vaisnava behavior and authorized by superior authority (the Supreme Personality of Godhead), one cannot write Vaisnava literatures or purports and commentaries on Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 24.326
He's giving some examples, but the knowledge has to be received by the parampara. But some way or other, the parampara being lost... Just like I have spoken something to my disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. But some way or other, if it is distorted at a certain point, then the knowledge is lost. As soon as any of the disciples in the succession distort the knowledge, then it is lost. That is being explained. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.2 -- Bombay, March 22, 1974
He's giving some examples, but the knowledge has to be received by the parampara. But some way or other, the parampara being lost... Just like I have spoken something to my disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. But some way or other, if it is distorted at a certain point, then the knowledge is lost. As soon as any of the disciples in the succession distort the knowledge, then it is lost. That is being explained. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.2 -- Bombay, March 22, 1974
It is therefore the duty of the transcendental students to hear of pure devotees, as explained by similar devotees of the Lord, because one cannot explain about the Lord or His devotee unless one happens to be a pure devotee himself. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 3.13.4
Prabhupada: The system is: whatever authority has done, even there is mistake, it should be accepted. Radha-vallabha: Oh. Prabhupada: Asa-praya(?)[NOTE: should be - “arsha prayoga”. Arsha-prayoga is a Sanskrit word meaning complete acceptance of what is left by the authorities, as it is, without any change at all] That is ha... He should not become more learned than the authority. That is very bad habit.... Prabhupada: Why finish it? Whatever is done is done. No more.... Radha-vallabha: Well, now that this system of no corrections anywhere, that makes it very simple. Then he can't do anything. I don't think he wants to, either. It makes it more simple for him. It makes him very uncomfortable. Prabhupada: No corrections. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Conversation with Italian Woman with Translator -- February 28, 1977, Mayapura
The difference between other Gitas and our Gita... We therefore said, "As It Is." No interpretation. That is the disaster. Authority, Krsna, and to interpret on His word, this is very disastrous. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Roof Conversation -- Janua
In Bengali there is a saying, “If you can walk on your hands, do it, but whatever you do, change.” Prabhupäda told this to illustrate his dislike for whimsical changes. He was especially anxious that after his departure his followers might take a free hand with his books or the Deity worship and make unnecessary, unauthorized changes. From Prabhupada nectar by Satsvarupa Gosvami.
"This is a matter of etiquette. If a previous acarya has already written about something, there is no need to repeat it for personal sense gratification or to outdo the previous acarya." [CC, Madhya, text 151]
The importance of being a self-realized devotee, when presenting Vedic literature
Srila Prabhupada....."Similarly, any transcendental message, any Vedic literature, unless it is presented by a self-realized devotee, it is poison. You simply misunderstand the whole thing, and you do not get the benefit. Rather, you become a victim of misunderstanding."
Lectures : Bhagavad-gita 4.1-2 -- Columbus, May 9, 1969 :
Vyapaka Dasa: "Do you have explicit instructions from Srila Prabhupada authorizing you to make post-samadhi changes to his books?"
Jayadvaita Swami: No.
(from published email correspondence between Jayadvaita Swami and Vyapaka Dasa)
Govinda Dasi: "...Jayadvaita Maharaja has said that Srila Prabhupada did not specifically give him the permission to…"
Jayadvaita Swami: "I never got an explicit word from Srila Prabhupada to do this work at an explicit time."
(Conversation between Govinda Dasi og Jayadvaita Swami about the changes in Bhagavad-gita, Honolulu on Jan 19, 2003)
"Srila Prabhupada used to like to sit in his garden in Vrindavan especially in the mornings. He liked to hear his books read to him daily. One time Yasodanandan Prabhu was reading Sri Isopanisad when Srila Prabhupada stopped him and asked him to reread the last paragraph. After hearing it again Srila Prabhupada said, “Those are not my words! They are changing my words! Is my English not good enough?” Srila Prabhupada became very angry and continued, “This is the worst thing a disciple can do! Do not become like a leap frog and try to jump over the spiritual master thinking you know better than him. Tell them immediately [the editors] do not change my words!” (Memories of Prabhupada as told by Gauridas Pandit dasa )
When Srila Prabhupada was asked by Revatinandan Prabhu if we could read Srila Bhaktisidhanta Sarasvati’s books; Srila Prabhupada said not the ones that were edited by his disciples. Srila Prabhupada also told him that we really couldn’t understand Bhaktisidhanta’s books. He said not even his Godbrothers could understand them. Then Srila Prabhupada said, ” actually, he wrote those books for me.” (Memories of Srila Prabhupada)
IN 2012 DANAVIR GOSWAMI (GURU AND DISCIPLE OF SRILA PRABHUPADA) TOGETHER WITH OTHER DEVOTEES SENT A 200+ PAGES COMPLAIN LETTER TO GBC WHERE THEY ARGUE THAT BBT HAS WENT TO FAR IN THEIR CHANGES OF SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS, AND THEY CONSIDER IT OFFENSIVE TO CHANGE SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS POST SAMADHI.
30.08.2012: "However, apart from the longstanding factors of bureaucracy etc., a more recent one has convinced me not to print with the BBT. The GBC Resolution calling for footnoting Srila Prabhupada’s books was withdrawn, but there is no telling what will happen in future. I will continue to publish via a trust whose deed specifies that my books may not be altered after my passing. The BBT affords no such security." (Bhakti Vikasa Swami -disciple of Srila Prabhupada)
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Prabhupada: "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 no 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 -- Nellore 5 January, 1976)
one cannot defy the previous acaryas. The false pride that makes one think that he can write better than the previous acaryas will make one's comments faulty. At the present moment it has become fashionable for everyone to write in his own way, but such writing is never accepted by serious devotees. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Antya 7.134
So Vyasadeva is the spiritual master. So the later acaryas, they did not think it proper that whatever the... Because their spiritual master has had already made a commentary on the Vedanta-sutra, "Oh, that is sufficient. Why should we do again?" These are some of the etiquette. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 22.21-28 -- New York, January 11, 1967
you will attain a hellish destination. You do not know how to describe the Absolute Truth, but nevertheless you have tried to do so. Therefore you must be condemned. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Antya 5.120
The difference between other Gitas and our Gita... We therefore said, "As It Is." No interpretation. That is the disaster. Authority, Krsna, and to interpret on His word, this is very disastrous. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Roof Conversation -- January 5, 1977, Bombay
Everything is clearly said in the Bhagavad-gita. I speak, therefore, to my disciples that "You simply repeat like parrot Bhagavad-gita and follow by your life. Don't try to become very big scholar, do interpretation. Remain foolish and believe in Krsna. Then life is perfect." >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- January 2, 1977, Bombay
Unless one is blessed by Vyasadeva, he cannot write transcendental literature. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- February 16, 1977, Mayapura
Prabhupada: Yes. Spoil their own life and spoil others. This is going on. The meaning is clear, but these rascals are thinking that "Meaning is not clear. Krsna left for me to clear the meaning." That's all. Such rascals, they are touching Bhagavad-gita. As if Krsna left for him to clear the meaning. These rubbish things we want to stop. Of course, it is not possible....That is misleading. If you can interpret Bhagavad-gita by your own interpretation, then what is the authority of Bhagavad-gita? Everyone can do like that. Everyone can say "It is my interpretation." Then where is the authority of Bhagavad-gita? These things should be stopped. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Interview with Mr. Koshi (Asst. Editor of The Current Weekly) -- April 5, 1977, Bombay
Unless one is a fully unalloyed devotee of the Lord, one should not try to describe the pastimes of Krsna in poetry, for it will be only mundane. There are many descriptions of Krsna's Bhagavad-gita written by persons whose consciousness is mundane and who are not qualified by pure devotion. Although they attempted to write transcendental literature, they could not fully engage even a single devotee in Krsna's service. Such literature is mundane, and therefore, as warned by Sri Sanatana Gosvami, one should not touch it. Antya 1.212 >>> Ref. VedaBase => Antya 1.212
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. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 13 February, 1969
one cannot write such transcendental literature by mental speculation. One who writes about the Supreme Personality of Godhead must be especially favored by the Lord. Simply by academic qualifications it is not possible to write such literature. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 14.1
Such transcendental narrations of the pastimes of the Lord can be described only by liberated souls like Vyasadeva and his bona fide representatives who are completely merged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. Only to such devotees do the pastimes of the Lord and their transcendental nature become automatically manifest by dint of devotional service. No one else can either know or describe the acts of the Lord, even if they speculate on the subject for many, many years. The descriptions of the Bhagavatam are so precise and accurate that whatever has been predicted in this great literature about five thousand years ago is now exactly happening. Therefore, the vision of the author comprehends past, present and future. Such liberated persons as Vyasadeva are perfect not only by the power of vision and wisdom, but also in aural reception, in thinking, feeling and all other sense activities. A liberated person possesses perfect senses, and with perfect senses only can one serve the sense-proprietor, Hrsikesa, Sri Krsna the Personality of Godhead. Srimad-Bhagavatam, therefore, is the perfect description of the all-perfect Personality of Godhead by the all-perfect personality Srila Vyasadeva, the compiler of the Vedas. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 1.5.13
Now we have to accept knowledge from Vedas, Vedic knowledge, not this rascal's knowledge. Rascal knowledge is that "Yes," as soon as he comes to the imperfect point, "yes, we are trying." You are trying. What is this trying? Trying means that your knowledge is imperfect. And another rascal will come, he will say, "Now here is the perfect." And ten years after, another rascal will come," No, this is not perfect. This is perfect." This is going on. This is called scientific advancement. This is... Advancement means... But we don't change our Vedic knowledge. We do not say, "Now, Krsna, five thousand years ago, said like this. Now we are advanced. We change this line." Of course, others are doing. In the scriptures... Just like the Christians, they are changing the words. But you cannot do that. Then where is the authority? If you change the word of the scripture, then where is the authority of the scripture? Just like in lawbooks, there is some law made already. Whimsically you cannot, I mean to say, erase the words and put something that "It should be changed like this." That will not be accepted. Law, if there is change... Actually, there is no change. There cannot be change. Real law means there is no change. Just like day and night, it is coming. The fortnight, the dark period and the light period, it is coming for millions and millions and time immemorial. The same law is going, going on. You cannot change. So as soon as you change, that means it is imperfect. You change. So Vedic laws are not like that. You cannot change. Five thousand years ago Krsna said, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja: [Bg. 18.66] "You give up all other religious principles. Simply surrender unto Me." We are preaching the same thing. No change. No change. There is no possibility of change. Then how Krsna is authority? So change means imperfect knowledge. This very change. And perfect knowledge... You will find that one who is very experienced medical practitioner, he gives you a prescription, and you visit him again and again, he gives you the same prescription unless you are cured. His prescription is so nice that he doesn't change. But a nonexperienced physician, every time you go, he will change the prescription. But actually, those who are experienced, he knows "This is the disease, and ultimately this medicine will cure. So let him repeat that medicine." So our is that platform. Harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam [Cc. Adi 17.21].
We repeat only. We don't change: "Now hari-nama is not curing so let me add, instead of Hare Krsna, 'John Krsna,' if I may." No. No "John Krsna." (laughter) That same Hare Krsna must be repeated. And you will be cured. So change means imperfect knowledge. No change means that is perfect knowledge. So we follow that no change policy. No, not that because I think I have become now advanced, I change this to that. That mean I am not advanced. My knowledge is imperfect. Therefore I am changing. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.15 -- Los Angeles, September 20, 1972
One cannot write on spiritual matters without being blessed by Krsna and the disciplic succession of gurus. The blessings of the authorities are one's power of attorney. One should not try to write anything about Vaisnava behavior and activities without being authorized by superior authorities. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita: evam parampara-praptam imam rajarsayo viduh. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 24.345
Unless one is a fully unalloyed devotee of the Lord, one should not try to describe the pastimes of Krsna in poetry, for it will be only mundane. There are many descriptions of Krsna's Bhagavad-gita written by persons whose consciousness is mundane and who are not qualified by pure devotion. Although they attempted to write transcendental literature, they could not fully engage even a single devotee in Krsna's service. Such literature is mundane, and therefore, as warned by Sri Sanatana Gosvami, one should not touch it. (Antya 1.212)
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. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 8.39
When a pure Vaisnava speaks, he speaks perfectly. How is this? His speech is managed by Krsna Himself from within the heart. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 8.200
if somebody has translated properly, it can be published. But amongst our disciples, I don't think there are many who can translate properly….A realized soul, must be. Otherwise, simply by imitating A-B-C-D will not help. My purports are liked by people because it is presented as practical experience….Our translation must be documents. They are not ordinary... One cannot become unless one is very realized. It is not A-B-C-D translation. Bhagavän: It's not a matter of scholarship. >>> Ref. VedaBase => GBC Meets with Srila Prabhupada -- May 28, 1977, Vrndavana
Srila Vyasadeva revealed these statements after perfect realization, and therefore they are perfect, for liberated sages like Vyasadeva never commit errors in their rhetorical arrangements. Unless one accepts this fact, there is no use in trying to obtain help from the revealed scriptures. Bhrama refers to false knowledge or mistakes, such as accepting a rope as a snake or an oyster shell as gold. Pramada refers to inattention or misunderstanding of reality, and vipralipsa is the cheating propensity. Karanapatava refers to imperfectness of the material senses. There are many examples of such imperfection. The eyes cannot see that which is very distant or very small. One cannot even see his own eyelid, which is the closest thing to his eye, and if one is disturbed by a disease like jaundice, he sees everything to be yellow. Similarly, the ears cannot hear distant sounds. Since the Personality of Godhead and His plenary portions and self-realized devotees are all transcendentally situated, they cannot be misled by such deficiencies. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 2.86
Prabhupada: Yes. They will commit so many mistakes and they'll take it for granted. Just like this "Nitai-Gaura, Radhe-Syama." That is avoided for kanistha-adhikari. There are so many mistakes, rasabhasa. So two things are there always, two sides. One for the maha-bhagavata, one for the ordinary kanistha-adhikari, madhyama-adhikari. So in the temple it is to be supposed generally for the madhyama-adhikari and kanistha-adhikari especially. So in the temple we should not... Hari-sauri: We should just listen to whatever the acaryas have... Prabhupada: Yes. Hari-sauri: I remember once before, a few years ago, you sent a letter out saying that no one should try to compose songs or... Prabhupada: Yes. I do not encourage. What they will compose? They have no realization. But they're speaking something about Krsna. That's his beginning. Just like a child, he speaks half-broken. That is not language. It has no meaning. But still the child, "Ah, ah, you are so nice. You are so nice." Because he's trying to speak something. "Papa, mama." And mama is... Not that his words are complete. Hari-sauri: When we go out and preach and we just repeat or try to repeat whatever we've heard from the spiritual master, but we may not have fully realized what we're speaking about, does that somehow or another reduce the potency of the Gita or the Bhagavatam or... Prabhupada: Yes, realization takes time. Therefore there is no question of realization. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says you simply repeat as Krsna says. That will save you. The so-called political leaders, they have no realization, but they manufacture their ideas. That is dangerous. Mislead themselves and others. In Bhagavad-gita it is clearly said, acaryopasanam. Amanitvam adambhitvam. This is the process of knowledge. These so-called scholars and politicians, they have no acarya. Instead of being amanitvam, they're mani... "I have become a leader, so whatever I shall say, it will be accepted." This is going on. Very bad. It is clearly said, as soon as you give up the acarya system it is rotten. Sa kaleneha yogo nastah parantapa. So things which is rotten, what you'll get benefit? That is going on. Therefore in spite of so many Gita commentators, big, big leaders, scholars, not a single person is converted into a devotee. Not a single person amongst their followers. It's useless talking. Therefore it is forbidden. Avaisnava-mukhodgirnam putam... Because they are not Vaisnava, politicians and -- reject them immediately. Immediately. That is the injunction. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- December 31, 1976, Bombay
one cannot write such transcendental literature by mental speculation. One who writes about the Supreme Personality of Godhead must be especially favored by the Lord. Simply by academic qualifications it is not possible to write such literature. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 14.1
To describe Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu or Lord Sri Krsna, one needs supernatural power, which is the grace and mercy of the Lord. Without this grace and mercy, one cannot compose transcendental literature. By dint of the grace of the Lord, however, even one who is unfit for a literary career can describe wonderful transcendental topics. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 13.1
standard for whose words we should hear read and trust: "The words spoken by the Lord are different from words spoken by a person of the mundane world who is infected with four defects. A mundaner 1) is sure to commit mistakes, 2) is invariably illusioned, 3) has the tendency to cheat others and 4) is limited by imperfect senses. With these four imperfections, one cannot deliver perfect information of all-pervading knowledge. Vedic knowledge is not imparted by such defective living entities....One cannot say anything about the transcendental world without being free from materially contaminated consciousness." ...Had His consciousness been materially affected, He was unfit to speak about the transcendental subject matter in the Bhagavad-gita. One cannot say anything about the transcendental world without being free from the materially contaminated consciousness. So the Lord was not materially contaminated. But our consciousness, at the present moment, is materially contaminated. So whole thing, as the Bhagavad-gita teaches, we have to purify the materially contaminated consciousness and in that pure consciousness, the actions will be done...So our consciousness is materially contaminated, we should know. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Introduction to Gitopanisad
As soon as we adulterate or add something of our own manufacture, the whole thing is spoiled. Letter to: Hayagriva, 18 January, 1972
One cannot say anything about the transcendental world without being free from materially contaminated consciousness. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bg-1972 introduction
When you write on this subject, Krsna will help you by spiritually awakening you." PURPORT One cannot write on spiritual matters without being blessed by Krsna and the disciplic succession of gurus. The blessings of the authorities are one's power of attorney. One should not try to write anything about Vaisnava behavior and activities without being authorized by superior authorities. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita: evam parampara-praptam imam rajarsayo viduh. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 24.345
The writing of Vaisnava literatures is not a function for ordinary men. Vaisnava literatures are not mental concoctions. They are all authorized literature meant to guide those who are going to be Vaisnavas. Under these circumstances, an ordinary man cannot give his own opinion. His opinion must always correspond with the conclusion of the Vedas. Unless one is fully qualified in Vaisnava behavior and authorized by superior authority (the Supreme Personality of Godhead), one cannot write Vaisnava literatures or purports and commentaries on Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 24.326
He's giving some examples, but the knowledge has to be received by the parampara. But some way or other, the parampara being lost... Just like I have spoken something to my disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. But some way or other, if it is distorted at a certain point, then the knowledge is lost. As soon as any of the disciples in the succession distort the knowledge, then it is lost. That is being explained. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.2 -- Bombay, March 22, 1974
He's giving some examples, but the knowledge has to be received by the parampara. But some way or other, the parampara being lost... Just like I have spoken something to my disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. He says the same thing to his disciple. But some way or other, if it is distorted at a certain point, then the knowledge is lost. As soon as any of the disciples in the succession distort the knowledge, then it is lost. That is being explained. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.2 -- Bombay, March 22, 1974
It is therefore the duty of the transcendental students to hear of pure devotees, as explained by similar devotees of the Lord, because one cannot explain about the Lord or His devotee unless one happens to be a pure devotee himself. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 3.13.4
Prabhupada: The system is: whatever authority has done, even there is mistake, it should be accepted. Radha-vallabha: Oh. Prabhupada: Asa-praya(?)[NOTE: should be - “arsha prayoga”. Arsha-prayoga is a Sanskrit word meaning complete acceptance of what is left by the authorities, as it is, without any change at all] That is ha... He should not become more learned than the authority. That is very bad habit.... Prabhupada: Why finish it? Whatever is done is done. No more.... Radha-vallabha: Well, now that this system of no corrections anywhere, that makes it very simple. Then he can't do anything. I don't think he wants to, either. It makes it more simple for him. It makes him very uncomfortable. Prabhupada: No corrections. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Conversation with Italian Woman with Translator -- February 28, 1977, Mayapura
The difference between other Gitas and our Gita... We therefore said, "As It Is." No interpretation. That is the disaster. Authority, Krsna, and to interpret on His word, this is very disastrous. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Roof Conversation -- Janua
In Bengali there is a saying, “If you can walk on your hands, do it, but whatever you do, change.” Prabhupäda told this to illustrate his dislike for whimsical changes. He was especially anxious that after his departure his followers might take a free hand with his books or the Deity worship and make unnecessary, unauthorized changes. From Prabhupada nectar by Satsvarupa Gosvami.
"This is a matter of etiquette. If a previous acarya has already written about something, there is no need to repeat it for personal sense gratification or to outdo the previous acarya." [CC, Madhya, text 151]
The importance of being a self-realized devotee, when presenting Vedic literature
Srila Prabhupada....."Similarly, any transcendental message, any Vedic literature, unless it is presented by a self-realized devotee, it is poison. You simply misunderstand the whole thing, and you do not get the benefit. Rather, you become a victim of misunderstanding."
Lectures : Bhagavad-gita 4.1-2 -- Columbus, May 9, 1969 :
Vyapaka Dasa: "Do you have explicit instructions from Srila Prabhupada authorizing you to make post-samadhi changes to his books?"
Jayadvaita Swami: No.
(from published email correspondence between Jayadvaita Swami and Vyapaka Dasa)
Govinda Dasi: "...Jayadvaita Maharaja has said that Srila Prabhupada did not specifically give him the permission to…"
Jayadvaita Swami: "I never got an explicit word from Srila Prabhupada to do this work at an explicit time."
(Conversation between Govinda Dasi og Jayadvaita Swami about the changes in Bhagavad-gita, Honolulu on Jan 19, 2003)
"Srila Prabhupada used to like to sit in his garden in Vrindavan especially in the mornings. He liked to hear his books read to him daily. One time Yasodanandan Prabhu was reading Sri Isopanisad when Srila Prabhupada stopped him and asked him to reread the last paragraph. After hearing it again Srila Prabhupada said, “Those are not my words! They are changing my words! Is my English not good enough?” Srila Prabhupada became very angry and continued, “This is the worst thing a disciple can do! Do not become like a leap frog and try to jump over the spiritual master thinking you know better than him. Tell them immediately [the editors] do not change my words!” (Memories of Prabhupada as told by Gauridas Pandit dasa )
When Srila Prabhupada was asked by Revatinandan Prabhu if we could read Srila Bhaktisidhanta Sarasvati’s books; Srila Prabhupada said not the ones that were edited by his disciples. Srila Prabhupada also told him that we really couldn’t understand Bhaktisidhanta’s books. He said not even his Godbrothers could understand them. Then Srila Prabhupada said, ” actually, he wrote those books for me.” (Memories of Srila Prabhupada)
IN 2012 DANAVIR GOSWAMI (GURU AND DISCIPLE OF SRILA PRABHUPADA) TOGETHER WITH OTHER DEVOTEES SENT A 200+ PAGES COMPLAIN LETTER TO GBC WHERE THEY ARGUE THAT BBT HAS WENT TO FAR IN THEIR CHANGES OF SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS, AND THEY CONSIDER IT OFFENSIVE TO CHANGE SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS POST SAMADHI.
30.08.2012: "However, apart from the longstanding factors of bureaucracy etc., a more recent one has convinced me not to print with the BBT. The GBC Resolution calling for footnoting Srila Prabhupada’s books was withdrawn, but there is no telling what will happen in future. I will continue to publish via a trust whose deed specifies that my books may not be altered after my passing. The BBT affords no such security." (Bhakti Vikasa Swami -disciple of Srila Prabhupada)
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