The following article appeared in my mailbox. It was sent to me by Madhudvisa Prabhu, and as I am personally, strongly against the changing of Srila Prabhupada’s beautiful books, this article caught my attention. I like Ramesvara Prabhu and have heard him speak a number of times now on the BBT, his relationship with Srila Prabhupada, book changes, publishing, art work, etc. and not only found his delivery very informative, but very truthful as well. I would highly recomend reading the Interview with Ramesvara if you havn’t already.
Ramesvara Clears up the Book Changes Issue
by Madhudvisa dasa
Hare Krishna
As you know our relationship with Srila Prabhupada is based on our associaton with him as we read his transcendental books. Srila Prabhupada is living in his transcendental books. The authority of Srila Prabhuapda’s books is lost if they are changed. And unfortunatly the BBT are constantly changing Srila Prabhupada’s books. If you are unfamiliar with this problem please refer to http://www.BookChanges.com
Srila Prabhupada appointed Ramesvara Prabhu as the manager of his Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) so he was responsible for organizing the printing and distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s original books. Prabhupada gave more direct personal instructions to Ramesvara on book production and distribution than any other devotee.
Fortunately Ramesvara kept a detailed diary and used that diary in an interview for the Prabhupada Lilamrta in 1981. It is because of this diary and the Lilamrta interview that Ramesvara’s memories on Srila Prabhupada’s instructions regarding the publication of his books have been very accurately and authoritatively preserved over the years.
Recently some letters from Ramesvara Prabhu have surfaced on the internet which shed a great deal of light on the book changes issue. Here are a few quotes from these letters.
The Hare Krishna Movement 