Answer
Regarding your first point: within the institution of ISKCON, we continue to promote Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books as they are. At the same time, we must also acknowledge practical reality—not everyone can immediately comprehend them.
For example, a young child may not be able to fully understand Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. So if a devotee, with proper understanding and sincerity, presents the same teachings in a simplified form—say a small book for children—there is nothing wrong in that. In fact, that is part of preaching.
The key principle is this:
If someone is presenting the essence of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings in a way suitable for a particular audience, that is acceptable. One may write essays, give talks, or create simplified presentations in language that people can relate to.
However, the problem begins when someone tries to replace or rewrite the original books themselves—for example, creating another version of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is or modifying Śrīla Prabhupāda’s words. That is not correct.
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books are not ordinary writings. The language he used is actually very clear and accessible. Just as the Bhagavad-gītā remains relevant even today because of its simple and direct Sanskrit, similarly, Prabhupāda’s English is straightforward and meant for generations to come.
What he has written carries a descending potency—it is not merely academic or literary. Therefore, it cannot become outdated. His books will remain relevant for as long as the English language exists.
So to say that these books need to be rewritten or rephrased for modern times is a misunderstanding. That is where mistakes can happen—especially when changes are made to the original texts in the name of “improvement.”
At the same time, Śrīla Prabhupāda did encourage devotees to share their realizations. He wanted devotees to write, speak, and present Krishna consciousness according to time, place, and audience.
For instance, you may present the teachings differently to:
children
college students
professionals or businesspeople
Instead of only speaking, you may also write and distribute material suited to them.
So the balance is:
Preserve the original books as they are
Present the teachings in accessible ways for different audiences
Both are important, but they should not be confused. But within the institution, we must strongly emphasize one important point: there is śakti (spiritual potency) in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s words.
Now, suppose I write a children’s version of the Bhagavad-gītā. It may be helpful—but it can only reach the intelligence and the heart to the extent of my realization. Even if I use tools or techniques to simplify or rewrite content, the result may be intellectually correct—but that does not mean it carries spiritual potency.
We must understand this clearly:
our capacity to communicate spiritually is limited by our realization.
There is a difference between:
intellectual presentation, and
realized expression
What comes from realization touches the heart and transforms life. Mere intellectual rephrasing, even if accurate, may not have that transformative effect.
That is why association with realized souls (sādhu-saṅga) is essential. We hear from guru, from śāstra, and from sādhus. Reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books is central, and hearing from realized devotees helps deepen our understanding.
At the same time, we should not artificially limit spiritual expression. Devotees can write, speak, and present according to their realization and audience. But we must remain careful not to equate such efforts with the original, fully potent teachings.
For example, if a sincere disciple writes a simplified book for children, whatever realization is there, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mercy may manifest through it—but not in full measure unless there is complete surrender. Still, such efforts can be powerful and can inspire young minds toward devotion.
