Revisions Review Panel Update

By Krishnarupa devi dasi - 8.6 2020

In February 2019, the BBT discussed at the BBT/GBC Relations Committee to meet with the GBC body to discuss book edits and to form a group that would review revisions.

At the BBT AGM in June 2019, the BBT resolved to set up a review group (Revisions Review Panel, otherwise known as the RRP) with input from the GBC.

The SABHA (Spiritual Advisors Bhagavata Assembly) sent a proposal to the GBC to also create such a body. At this stage, the BBT relayed their earlier resolution to the SABHA. The resolution was endorsed by a moderated representative gathering of devotees in Washington, D.C., in September, and, with a list of members, was approved in October 2019 by ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC).

The aim of the Revisions Review Panel (RRP) is to examine all proposed and previously accepted text changes to Srila Prabhupada’s books in the English language—a painstaking service being approached by panel members with commitment, time, and critical analysis. However, the emphasis will be on reviewing any posthumous editing or particularly controversial edits.

RRP decisions will be by consensus. If a consensus cannot be reached over a particular proposed change among the RRP members, then the Global BBT Trustees/Directors will be the final arbiters. If the RRP decides against a particular revision, that revision will be presented to the BBT Editorial Board for discussion and resolution. The Global BBT Trustees/Directors, as the final decision-makers, will again decide any dispute between the RRP and the BBT Editorial Board.

The panel comprises devotee scholars, including four Ph.D. holders, and experienced editors: Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Bhanu Swami, Kalachandji dasa, Kesava Bharati Dasa Goswami, Krishna Kshetra Swami, Krishnarupa devi dasi; and Radhika Ramana dasa.

Members will serve one-year terms and will be reviewed and recertified annually by BBT Global. Dravida dasa, an editor of Srila Prabhupada’s books for the past forty years, serves as a consultant, and panel members are also free to individually confer with other experts.

Praduymna dasa, Srila Prabhupada’s long-term Sanskrit editor, has agreed to be one of the RRP’s consultants. Initially, he was one of the panel members but for personal reasons he declined.

Texts to be considered (in order):

1. Srimad-Bhagavatam (including revisions not yet published)

2. Bhagavad-gita As It Is

3. Krsna Book

4. Caitanya-caritamrta

5. Other works

The RRP has already begun its work, following a defined process: first Research, leading to Principles, which in turn will inform the development of Guidelines. These will be ratified by the BBT.

As stated in the BBT proposal, “The Global BBT views the RRP’s service as direct personal service to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, transcendental in nature, and directly guided by Srila Prabhupada. We hope and expect that the RRP members will also take it as such.”

To this end, the panel members request the blessings and prayers of all ISKCON devotees so that they may successfully execute this essential service.