The "Rascal Editors" Conversation

Background

On June 22, 1977, in Vrindavana, India, Srila Prabhupada was informed by his disciples about unauthorized changes that had been made to his published books. His response was unequivocal — he called the editors “rascals” and demanded the changes be restored to their original form.

This conversation, recorded on tape and well-documented, stands as one of the clearest directives Prabhupada ever gave regarding the editing of his books.

Key Quotes from the Conversation

During the conversation, Prabhupada’s disciple Yasoda-nandana reported:

“We have caught over 125 changes.”

Prabhupada’s reaction was immediate and forceful. He characterized the unauthorized editing as dangerous:

“Little learning is dangerous.”

This phrase, borrowed from Alexander Pope, was used by Prabhupada to describe editors who, with incomplete understanding of the philosophy, presumed to “correct” his words.

Examples Discussed

Fifth Canto Changes

During the conversation, specific examples from the Fifth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam were raised. Prabhupada was shown how editors had altered his original translations and purports, changing the meaning of the text.

Easy Journey to Other Planets — Deletions

The book Easy Journey to Other Planets had entire sections deleted by editors who felt the content was outdated or unnecessary. Prabhupada had not authorized these deletions. The removal of content from a spiritual master’s book is particularly egregious because the author included that content for a reason — to benefit the reader’s understanding.

Sri Isopanisad — Over 100 Alterations

The small but potent Sri Isopanisad was found to have over 100 alterations from the original edition. For a book of its size, this represents an extraordinary density of changes. Many of these alterations affected the philosophical content, not merely grammar or spelling.

Prabhupada’s Order

The clear order that emerged from this conversation was:

1. No further changes to his books.
2. Restore the original readings where changes had been made.
3. Editors must not presume to know better than the author.

This directive has been ignored by the institution entrusted with publishing Prabhupada’s books. Rather than restoring the originals, even more extensive revisions were undertaken after Prabhupada’s passing in November 1977.

Significance

The “Rascal Editors” conversation is significant because:

• It was recorded on tape and is not subject to dispute regarding what was said.
• Prabhupada gave a direct, unambiguous order to stop changing his books.
• The conversation took place just months before Prabhupada’s departure, making it one of his final instructions on this subject.
• Despite this clear directive, the most extensive revision of all — the 1983 Bhagavad-gita — was carried out after his departure.

The original editions of Prabhupada’s books, published under his direct supervision, remain the authoritative versions. The “Rascal Editors” conversation confirms that this was Prabhupada’s own position.