Books More Important than Temples


IRM

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 28, Summer 2010

On page 5 of this issue, we illustrate the move away from the exclusive publishing and distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books by his publishing house the BBT, towards the publication of a variety of literature not authorised by Srila Prabhupada. In addition, on page 11 of this issue, as well as on the back cover of BTP 25, we highlight the minimisation of Srila Prabhupada's books by ISKCON GBC voted-in guru HH Gaura Govinda Swami. And on page 7 of BTP 27 ("Book changes means defeat"), we demonstrate how changing the words in Srila Prabhupada's books has become an essential cheating mechanism for ISKCON's guru hoaxers to sustain their guru hoax. We should, however, not be surprised that Srila Prabhupada's books are today being changed and de-emphasised in favour of other books. After all, if you kick the genuine guru out from his own seat, his teachings no longer matter either – except, of course, when needing to recruit new "disciples"! The following quotes emphasise the importance of adhering rigidly to only Srila Prabhupada's books above all else.

Books more important than temples

"My Guru Maharaja liked the publication of books very nice. He liked publication of books more than construction of Temples."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 15/5/1970)

"My Guru Maharaja asked me that "If you get some money, you print books." So there was a private meeting, talking, some of my important Godbrothers also there. It was in Radha-kunda. So Guru Maharaja was speaking to me that "Since we have got this Bagh Bazaar marble temple, there has been so many dissensions, and everyone thinking who will occupy this room or that room, that room. I wish, therefore, to sell this temple and the marble and print some book." Yes. So I took up this from his mouth, that he is very fond of books."
(Srila Prabhupada Arrival Address, 20/6/1975)

"[My Guru Maharaj] personally instructed me that books are more important than big temples. At Radha Kunda he told me that since constructing the big marble temple at Bhag Bazar, there have been so many difficulties. Our men are envious over who will live in which room. I think it would be better to take off all the marbles and sell them and print books. He told me this personally. So I am always emphasizing book distribution. [...] book distribution is the best kirtana."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 24/10,1974)

"You have taken the right view of the importance of my books. Books will always remain. That was the view of my Guru Maharaja, and I also have taken it. Therefore I started my movement with my books. And we shall be able to maintain everything with the sales of the books. The temples will be maintained by the book sales, and if there are no more temples, then the books shall remain."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 11/8/1973)

ISKCON means Srila Prabhupada's books

"This mission has been established simply on the publishing and distribution of my books. So get them translated and published as soon as possible."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 26/7/1975)

Srila Prabhupada's books as good as his personal presence

"There are two types of Bhagavatas, namely the book Bhagavata and the devotee Bhagavata. [...] A devotee Bhagavata is as good as the book Bhagavata because the devotee Bhagavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhagavata and the book Bhagavata is full of information about the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also Bhagavatas. Bhagavata book and person are identical."
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.2.18, purport)

Rascal editors change books

"These rascal editorial [...] 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 Satsvarupa that "This is the position. They are doing anything and everything at their whim." The next printing should be again to the original way. [...] So write them immediately that "The rascal editors, they are doing havoc [...] So they are doing very freely and dangerously."
(Srila Prabhupada Conversation, 22/6/1977)

Srila Prabhupada's books enough

"We have got enough books to read, these books. If you read our books, in your whole lifetime you cannot finish it. And that is required to understand Krsna. That is success of life."
(Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, 23/4/1976)

"If he... If one takes one book, at least one day he'll read it: "Let me see what is this book I have purchased the other day." And if he reads one line his life will be successful, if he reads one line only, carefully. This is such literature."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, 5/2/1975)

Books more important than death

"Although I am practically on the path of death, still I cannot forget about my publications. I wish that if I live or die you should take very serious care for my publications."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 10/6/1967)

"When I was alone there were three volumes published but during the last two years I could not publish a single volume more. It is a great defeat. If I have one or two sincere souls like you and if we can make more publications, then our mission will be a great success. I am prepared to sit down underneath a tree with one sincere soul and in such activity I shall be free from all diseases."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 11/10/1967)

 

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