Distributing Bhagavad-gītā As It Is - The Sublime Science
The Bhagavad-gītā is the primary text of the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement and the essential instruction for the human form of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that distributing this book is not merely a literary endeavor but the propagation of a "sublime science." Unlike previous commentators who used the Gītā to push their own agendas, Śrīla Prabhupāda established this movement to distribute the text purely "As It Is." This article explores the unique mandate to broadcast Kṛṣṇa's message without distortion or compromise.
Principle of "As It Is"
Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while many editions of the Bhagavad-gītā exist, most are marred by mundane interpretations that obscure the conclusion of surrender to Kṛṣṇa. The success of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is attributed to its refusal to compromise. By presenting the words of the Supreme Lord exactly as they were spoken to Arjuna, the movement offers a transformative power that speculative commentaries lack.
- Now the Krsna consciousness movement, without mundane compromises, is distributing Bhagavad-gita as it is, and people are deriving the benefits of awakening to Krsna consciousness and becoming devotees of Lord Krsna.
- Although previously there were attempts to distribute the knowledge of Bhagavad-gita, these attempts involved distortion and compromise with mundane knowledge.
- I hear from a perfect person, and I distribute the knowledge the same way, without any change. So Krsna gives us knowledge in the Bhagavad-gita. We are distributing the same knowledge.
Duty of India and the World
The distribution of the Gītā is identified as the specific legacy and duty of the Indian people, ordered by Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself. Śrīla Prabhupāda laments that this duty was neglected but calls upon his followers to rectify this by broadcasting the message globally. He defines real spiritual life as acting in one's constitutional position, which means offering this science to the population at large.
- Krsna Himself appeared as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and ordered all Indians to take up the cause of distributing the knowledge of Bhagavad-gita throughout the entire world.
- Although India has the sublime knowledge of Bhagavad-gita, Indians have not done their proper duty of distributing it. Now, therefore, the Krsna consciousness movement has been set up to distribute this knowledge as it is, without distortion.
- Real spiritual life means acting in our constitutional position of the eternal servants of the Lord, so we must offer this sublime science of Bhagavad Gita to the population at large, and those who are actually serious will take advantage.
A Global Cultural Revolution
The impact of distributing Bhagavad-gītā As It Is is worldwide. Śrīla Prabhupāda speaks of replacing the "rubbish commentaries" in universities with this authorized edition to create a real advancement in knowledge. Whether through commercial successes like the Macmillan edition or through underground distribution in restricted nations like Russia, the goal is to give people the "Gītā culture" that alone can mitigate their suffering.
- I understand that some rubbish commentaries upon Bhagavad-gita are allowed to be studied in every university, so if you can replace our Bhagavad-gita As It Is it will be a great advancement for our missionary activities.
- Without culture they're suffering. If you want to mitigate their sufferings, give this Gita culture. That is my experience.
- Yes, have our literature translated into Russian. Why not have our Bhagavad gita distributed underground there as they are doing the Bible?
- You may all try to distribute this (Bhagavad-gita As It Is) book as far as possible and it will be a great service to our movement. If any sincere person reads this book I think that he will be impressed by the solid footing on which our Krsna consciousness is based.
Conclusion
The Bhagavad-gītā As It Is serves as the solid footing for the entire Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. By distributing this text, devotees perform the highest welfare activity (paropakāra), giving humanity the tools to make life successful. As Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms, anyone who reads this book with sincerity is sure to become Kṛṣṇa conscious, proving that the distribution of this sublime science is the most valuable service one can render to Kṛṣṇa.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Distributing the Bhagavad-gita. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.