Back To Prabhupada, Issue 7, Spring 2005
n BTP 4, we looked at some examples of how the Gurus in ISKCON falsely imitate Srila Prabhupada as the bona fide initiating spiritual master by diverting worship to themselves. One such example we gave was the feverish attempt to launch entire book publishing ministries in direct competition to Srila Prabhupada - thereby
de-emphasising the study and distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books. We highlighted, in particular, the case of HH Sivarama Swami who has written a book series titled "Krishna in Vrindavan", which includes fictional accounts of Krishna's sacred transcendental pastimes - a practice condemned by Srila Prabhupada.
As always, the only solution to this disturbing trend is to go back to Srila Prabhupada's instructions - which, for ISKCON devotees, clearly endorse the study of his books only. This will also help eradicate the influence of so many outside ideas which have contaminated the movement.
"There is no need by any of my disciples to read any books besides my books - in fact, such reading may be detrimental to their advancement in Krishna Consciousness. All reading of outside books, except in certain authorized cases such as for example to read some philosopher like Plato to make an essay comparing his philosophy with Krishna's philosophy - but otherwise all such outside reading should be stopped immediately. It is simply another botheration. If my students cannot even read my own books thoroughly, why they should read others? I have given you TLC, what need is there to read Caitanya Caritamrta translated by someone else. You are right to stop such reading."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Sri Govinda, January 20th, 1972)
"You haven't got to study many books. You just simply study Bhagavad-gita As It Is."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, September 15th, 1969)
"One should not partially study a book just to pose oneself as a great scholar by being able to refer to scriptures. In our Krsna consciousness movement we have therefore limited our study of the Vedic literatures to the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-caritamrta and Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. These four works are sufficient for preaching purposes. They are adequate for the understanding of the philosophy and the spreading of missionary activities all over the world. If one studies a particular book, he must do so thoroughly. That is the principle. By thoroughly studying a limited number of books, one can understand the philosophy."
(Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 22:118, purport)
"So there is nothing to be said new. Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken in my books. Now you try to understand it and continue your endeavor. Whether I am present or not present, it doesn't matter."
(Srila Prabhupada Arrival Speech, May 17th, 1977)
"Regarding the Gaudiya Math books being circulated there, who is distributing? Who is sending these books? The Gaudiya Math does not sell our books, why we should sell their books. Who has introduced these books? Let me know. These books should not at all be circulated in our Society. Bhakti Vilas Tirtha is very much antagonistic to our society and he has no clear conception of devotional service. He is contaminated. Anyway, who has introduced these books? You say that you would read only one book if that was all that I had written, so you teach others to do like that. You have very good determination."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Sukadeva, November 14th, 1973)
"So if you want to understand Bhagavad-gita, then we must understand in the same way as the person who directly heard from. This is called parampara system. Suppose I have heard something from my spiritual master, so I speak to you the same thing. So this is parampara system. You cannot imagine what my spiritual master said. Or even if you read some books, you cannot understand unless you understand it from me."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, December 8th, 1973)
"Whatever is to be learned of the teachings of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura can be learned from our books. There is no need whatsoever for any outside instruction."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Gurukrpa and Yasodanandana, December 25th, 1973)
"In my books the philosophy of Krsna Consciousness is explained fully so if there is anything you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Brahmarupa, November 22nd, 1974)
"Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice, in the morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Randhira, January 24th, 1970)
Devotee: "Srila Prabhupada when you're not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise... "
Srila Prabhupada: "Well the questions are answ...answers are there in my books."
(Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, 13th May 1973)
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