770722 - Letter to Radha Ballabha from Tamal Krsna

Vrndavana,

July 22nd, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

Los Angeles

My dear Radha Ballabha Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to reply your letter dated July 12th, 1977.

The letter from Yasodanandan Maharaja to Satsvarupa Maharaja was simply meant to indicate that there are discrepancies in Srila Prabhupada’s books. As Ramesvara Maharaja has kindly pointed out, these are due to three reasons: 1) typographical errors, 2) mistakes made by English and Sanskrit editors because of maya or poor fund of knowledge, and 3) transcendental mistakes dictated by His Divine Grace Himself. On the day that the conversation took place, His Divine Grace Himself found the error. It was not pointed out by anyone else present. And furthermore His Divine Grace pointed His finger at the Sanskrit dept. saying it was their fault. Only after His Divine Grace did this, did the others present point out that there were other mistakes in some of the books. This is only natural because the persons present were not “ordinary” devotees, but each was quite qualified in his own right. Prabhupada’s criticism of the editing was not simply due to finding this mistake, as you know better than I. His Divine Grace has since the work begun strongly criticized the editors. Perhaps this is just to make sure that they were especially carefully, since theirs is most important work of all. Overall He is very much pleased, very much highly pleased, with the way the books are being put out. Overall He is not at all dissatisfied but is on the other hand, most satisfied. And furthermore He does not desire for you to do anything for the rest of your life but see to the publication of His transcendental books. The letter from Yasodanandan Maharaja should only stimulate you to be more and more careful that Srila Prabhupada’s books be edited perfectly. But still all of the mistakes should be corrected. Factually there are many incorrect facts in the Fifth Canto which we will send you the corrections for, approved by His Divine Grace. I know you will be glad to get these.

So far as who is “authorized” and “unauthorized”, it is the same as when the GBC spoke with Srila Prabhupada about “legal” and “illegal” distribution. Srila Prabhupada’s definition of what is legal is “whatever sells my books.” In the same way, as long as the editors edit everything perfectly they are “authorized” and when they make mistakes, whatever the reason is then they become “unauthorized.” When you do everything nicely you are praised and when some mistake is there, you are a “rascal.” This is true for all of us.

It may be difficult to accept, but it is practically impossible for me to read letters like the one you have just written which I am now replying, to His Divine Grace. He just does not want to hear such letters anymore. I only read to Him “good news.” All such management He wants us to handle. Srila Prabhupada no longer personally replies any of His letters. The last letter he signed was a letter to Ambarish Prabhu, perhaps one month ago. He wants me, as secretary, to relieve him of this engagement. If you feel that I am misrepresenting His Divine Grace’s instructions, then you can discuss this with the GBC, and if they see proper, they can replace me with another secretary. But I think again there will be doubt about that secretary’s letters also. The real point is that we are going to have to learn to trust each other and to accept each other’s criticism when it is justified. First you will want Srila Prabhupada’s initials on your letter, then someone else will want it, and eventually Srila Prabhupada will again have to do all the correspondence. I don’t think any of us want His Divine Grace to be burdened like this again. In any case His Divine Grace has not thought about this editing matter since the day of that conversation which was nearly a month ago. Please just try to make all the corrections in the new editions and everything will be alright, and of course don’t make any unnecessary changes. Please take Yasodanandan’s letter in a constructive way.

The answers to the Tenth Canto questions were sent on the 6th July 1977 by regular airmail. Pradyumna Prabhu replied the letter in detail and sent it to Jayadvaita. In Jayadvaita’s letter, which included a note from you, there is no mention of telephoning the reply, as it would be too lengthy. Now I have seen a telegram from you to Bhagwat Asraya saying that you never got those answers. What is the actual position?

I have sent you a telegram requesting that you immediately send a new electric typewriter with the next available devotee coming to India. Arundhati’s work is being terribly slowed down on account of her having to use a manaul typewriter. Both of the electric typewriters that we have are broken and there is no one competent to fix them. I can send you these damaged typewriters with the devotees returning to LA. Please immediately get us an electric typewriter here. Arundhati has to type manuscripts which are twice as long as they used to be everyday, as well as do all the correspondence typing. Please help out.

Hoping this meets you well.

Your servant,

Tamal Krishna Gosvami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada

His Grace Radha Ballabha das

c/o ISKCON LA

(handwritten) P.S. While I could not read your entire Letter to: Srila Prabhupada, I did summarize it which, in the case of such letters, is a more palatable way for Prabhupada to hear such reports. Prabhupada only laughed at your suggestion to change service. “What else he can do? All he knows is publishing.” Jai Prabhu, hope this meets you in renewed good publishing spirits! TKG (handwritten on the side) P.S. The painting of Krishna and the cart: The cart should be shown as well as the demon as in the old painting. The demon can be shown in golden color. (Srila Prabhupada did not react very much about the color of the demon. Because gold was suggested He said, yes, he can be golden.)