Srila Prabhupada Conversation, "Rascal Editors" Morning Talk, June 22, 1977

March 8, 2005

Yasoda-nandana : Sometimes they appeal that "We can make better English," so they change like that, just like in the case of Isopanisad. There are over a hundred changes. So where is the need? Your words are sufficient. The potency is there. When they change, it is something else.

Svarupa Damodara: That's actually a very dangerous mentality.

Yasoda-nandana : What is it going to be in five years? It's going to be a different book.

Prabhupada: So you... What you are going... 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…They cannot change anything.

[srila Prabhupada from a Conversation, "Rascal Editors,", and Morning Talk, June 22, 1977, Vrndavana]

March 9, 2005

There is also a problem in not changing proper English that throws another meaning, which all transcribers are familiar with.

What is nessacary is that the transcribers have to be Saragrahi vainavas, that know how to extract the essence when an Acharya may not be conversant clearly in that language.

There are so many languages on this planet that are now translating the words of acharyas to preach in their own language. I have found they all tend to receive the initial message slightly different but in general the substance comes through.

chant and be happy!