At www.bbtedit.com you will find a fascinating documentary on the development and editing of Srila Prabhupada’s books. Using articles and videos, the site deals primarily with Bhagavad-gita As It Is, but also discusses Srimad-Bhagavatam, Chaitanya-charitamrita, and Teachings of Lord Chaitanya.
Browsing the pages, you’ll find answers to questions about the editing of Srila Prabhupada’s books, and you’ll better understand the editorial process of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). You’ll also find Srila Prabhupada’s instructions that form the basis of the BBT’s editorial policies.
The idea for BBTedit.com grew from a collection of videos made by Brahma-muhurta Dasa for a DVD produced by the Northern European BBT. In the videos speakers such as Jayadvaita Swami, Sacinananda Swami, Hari Sauri Dasa, Gopiparanadhana Dasa, and Nagaraja Dasa provide background and context to the work of editing and revising Srila Prabhupada’s books.
“Video FAQ” uses video interviews to discuss a wide range of topics and questions. By clicking on “See the Changes,” you can download copies of original annotated pages of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. These are scans of pages showing notes made by editors reviewing the texts.
Click on “Srila Prabhupada Says,” and you can read letters of instruction Prabhupada wrote to his assistants and editors. Under “History” are several articles providing background on how Srila Prabhupada directed his editors to work.
BBTedit.com also discusses myths and controversies that have grown up over the years, such as the myth that Srila Prabhupada ordered that none of his books should be changed, and the myth that an acharya’s works should never be edited after his departure.
This web site is designed to help answer questions, clear doubts, and allow you to benefit from insights provided by BBT editors, directors, and other devotees dedicated to Srila Prabhupada’s BBT. Read the “Testimonials” section to see what others think of the site, or click on Contact and send your own feedback.
—Antony Brennan