14 August 1972 commemorates the historic publication of ‘Bhagavad Gita As It Is’, a landmark in spiritual literature and cultural heritage. Discover the fascinating story behind its publication in this article.

Bhagavad-gita is one of the most important spiritual texts in the world. The gita spoken by Lord Krishna to His dear devotee on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra 5,000 years ago is the essence of all Vedic wisdom. The gita contains everything one will not find in other places. One will also find in the gita what is present in other places. This is the unique standard of the Bhagavad-gita. 

Srila Prabhupada (the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON) received instructions from his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, to spread the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the English-speaking world. He also instructed him to print books whenever he received financial aid. 

Soon, the publication of the Bhagavad-gita for the welfare of the world became one of Srila Prabhupada’s important projects, as it contained the important message of devotional service to Lord Krishna and the description of His supreme position in existence. 

Due to the widespread influence of impersonal philosophy and false interpretations in India over a long period of time, the spirit of Bhagavad-gita was lost, and people interpreted it according to their own whims; as a result, there was an even more dire necessity to have a commentary of Bhagavad-gita as per the vaishnava tradition that expounds the real truth without any adulteration. 

Gita’s Teachings in Back to Godhead Magazine

From 1944 onwards, Srila Prabhupada extensively wrote based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita in his magazine, Back to Godhead. His articles elaborated on key concepts such as karma, dharma, and bhakti, directly drawing from the Gita’s verses to explain their relevance to everyday life. 

The magazine provided in-depth discussions on Krishna’s instructions, offering practical insights and spiritual guidance based on the Gita. Srila Prabhupada’s commitment to incorporating Gita’s teachings throughout Back to Godhead was pivotal in spreading its message, helping readers understand and apply Krishna’s teachings in their own lives.

Struggles and Journey of Publishing the Bhagavad-gita As It Is 

• In 1947, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita in Kolkata.
  
• In 1948, Dr. Alagappa C of Madras agreed to sponsor the printing, but unfortunately, the manuscript was stolen, and the perpetrator remained unknown.

• In 1965, Srila Prabhupada began writing a new commentary on the Bhagavad-gita.

• In 1966, Srila Prabhupada’s belongings, including his typewriter, tape recorder, and book bag, were stolen in New York.

• In 1967, in San Francisco, Srila Prabhupada completed his thousand-page commentary titled Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.

• In 1968, Macmillan Publishers in New York published an abridged edition of Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.

• On August 14, 1972, the unabridged edition was published by Macmillan Publishers.

Despite facing numerous hurdles, including theft, financial difficulties, and delays, Srila Prabhupada remained unwavering in his mission to publish Bhagavad-gīta As It Is.

Successful Publication of Bhagavad-gita As It Is

Brahmananda Prabhu, an early disciple of Srila Prabhupada, recalls his visit to the Macmillan Publishers office in New York. During his interaction with the senior editor, he learned that an elderly swami had written a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and was seeking a publisher. Upon hearing that it was the Gita and that it was ready for publication, the editor exclaimed, “That’s exactly what I am looking for to fill out our religion section.” This led to a smooth and harmonious publishing process that set the stage for its profound impact worldwide.

The Complete Edition of Bhagavad-gita As It Is 

In the following passage, Srila Prabhupada reflects on the initial challenges and limitations faced during the publication of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. He explains how the book was later restored to its original, comprehensive form to better serve the Krishna consciousness movement.

“Originally I wrote Bhagavad-gītā As It Is in the form in which it is presented now. When this book was first published, the original manuscript was, unfortunately, cut short to less than 400 pages, without illustrations and without explanations for most of the original verses of the Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā. In all of my other books—Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Śrī Īśopaniṣad, etc.—the system is that I give the original verse, its English transliteration, word-for-word Sanskrit-English equivalents, translations and purports. This makes the book very authentic and scholarly and makes the meaning self-evident. I was not very happy, therefore, when I had to minimize my original manuscript. But later on, when the demand for Bhagavad-gītā As It Is considerably increased, I was requested by many scholars and devotees to present the book in its original form, and Messrs. Macmillan and Co. agreed to publish the complete edition. Thus the present attempt is to offer the original manuscript of this great book of knowledge with full paramparā explanation in order to establish the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement more soundly and progressively.”

(Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Preface) 

Adding “As It Is” in the Title

Srila Prabhupada’s translation and commentary are deeply rooted in the wisdom of his predecessors in the disciplic succession. By titling his edition Bhagavad-gita As It Is, emphasises that this is not just another interpretation but the authentic message directly from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

It also emphasises the authenticity and purity of his translation. By using this title, he conveyed that his commentary faithfully represents the original teachings of Krishna without alterations or personal interpretations. This approach aims to provide readers with the genuine essence of the Gita’s teachings, as intended by its original speaker.

Upholding Tradition and Expanding Devotion Worldwide

Srila Prabhupada, the 32nd Acharya in the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya, played a vital role in spreading this lineage’s teachings, which trace their origin directly to Krishna Himself. His position as Acharya is significant because it denotes his responsibility to uphold and propagate the pure, unaltered teachings of the disciplic succession. 

By establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966, Srila Prabhupada made these profound teachings accessible to a global audience, ensuring their preservation and relevance.

The Impact of Bhagavad-gita As It Is 

Bhagavad-gita As It Is has had a profound impact worldwide since its publication. Srila Prabhupada’s translation and commentary brought Krishna’s teachings to a global audience, providing clear, accessible insights into the ancient text. The unabridged edition preserved the original verses and explanations, making the Gita’s spiritual wisdom available to people of all backgrounds. 

It has inspired countless individuals to embrace Krishna consciousness, shaping modern understanding of Vedic philosophy and devotional practice. By presenting the Gita authentically, Srila Prabhupada’s work has significantly influenced spiritual movements, academic studies, and personal transformations, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary life.

Bhagavad-gita As It Is has been translated and published in over 80 languages, reflecting its widespread influence and accessibility. This extensive translation effort has made the teachings of the Gita available to diverse cultures and communities around the globe.

ISKCON Bangalore’s Annual Reach of Bhagavad-gita As It Is

ISKCON Bangalore, with its group of temples, is dedicated to the widespread distribution of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Each year, the organisation distributes the Gita in large quantities, reaching diverse audiences through various outreach programs and community events. Their efforts include organising book distribution drives, educational seminars, and public talks to spread the teachings of the Gita. 

By engaging volunteers and leveraging the extensive temple network, ISKCON Bangalore ensures that the spiritual wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is reaches thousands of individuals annually, making a significant impact on their spiritual lives and understanding. This extensive distribution underscores the commitment to sharing the Gita’s transformative message globally.

Related links: Gita Jayanti | Support Bhagavad Gita distribution | Why Bhagavad Gita As It Is? | Glories of Reading Bhagavad-gita | Five Topics of Bhagavad-gita | Buy Bhagavad Gita online