“Our main purpose in the Second Edition was to offer the reader, more closely than in the First, Srila Prabhupada's actual text.”

See a comprehension explanation of what changes were made to the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and why on the Revisions Website

Change to the Gita Explained
By Jayadvaita Swami 

CHAKRA (Mayapur, India) - Dear Madan Mohan Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Someone has forwarded to me a VNN editorial (Dec 25) in which you write:

Please compare:

Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 1972 authorized Macmillan version

Chapter 8, Text 28 purport, final paragraph, first sentence:

"One should try to understand the Seventh and Eighth Chapters of the Gita not by scholarship or mental speculation, but by hearing them in association with pure devotees."

to

Bhagavad-gita As It Is 1983 "Revised and Enlarged" version

Chapter 8, Text 28 purport, final paragraph, first sentence:

"One who has a little faith in Bhagavad-gita should learn Bhagavad-gita from a devotee, because in the beginning of the Fourth Chapter it is clearly stated that Bhagavad-gita can be understood only by devotees; no one else can perfectly understand the purpose of Bhagavad-gita."

Are these changes significant? If any aspiring sadhaka has been discouraged from or deprived of taking the direct shelter of pure devotees, I would think so.

Please send any comments or responses to Madan Mohan dasa...

These changes *are* significant. What they signify is that the text of the Second Edition more closely matches Srila Prabhupada's original words.

Our main purpose in the Second Edition was to offer the reader, more closely than in the First, Srila Prabhupada's actual text. In the original manuscript for the purport in question, the words "pure devotees" never appear.

Since the words that now appear in "Bhagavad-gita As It Is" are closer to the original words of the author, I believe we can expect all readers to benefit, including aspiring sadhakas.

Thank you. Hare Krishna.

Hoping this finds you in good health,

Your servant, Jayadvaita Swami

PS: I attach a comparison of the First Edition, the Second Edition, and the original transcription. Hare Krishna.

© CHAKRA 27-January-2001

Go to the “Book Edit Page”