"Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura wanted to print as many books
as possible and distribute them all over the world. We have tried our best in
this connection, and we are getting results beyond our expectations." (Caitanya-caritamrta
Adi-lila 12.8 Purport)
Currently in ISKCON, and in the last decade, we have not seen a significant
increase of book distribution. There may be isolated exceptions, but on the whole
we have not seen the results of the 1970’s and early 80’s. This should
raise many questions in the minds of those who wish to see HDG Srila Prabhupada’s
desires fulfilled.
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.13.34: "A sannyasi should have an
institution meant to preach Krsna consciousness; he need not accumulate money
for himself. We recommend that as soon as money accumulates in our Krsna consciousness
movement, fifty per cent of it should be invested in printing books,
and fifty per cent for expenditures, especially in establishing centers
all over the world. The managers of the Krsna consciousness movement should be
extremely cautious in regard to this point. Otherwise money will be the cause
of lamentation, illusion, fear, anger, material attachment, material poverty,
and unnecessary hard work. When I was alone in Vrndavana, I never attempted to
construct mathas or temples; rather, I was fully satisfied with the small amount
of money I could gather by selling Back to Godhead, and thus I would provide for
myself and also print the literature. When I went to foreign countries, I lived
according to the same principle, but when Europeans and Americans began to give
money profusely, I started temples and Deity worship. The same principle should
still be followed. Whatever money is collected should be spent for Krsna, and
not a farthing for sense gratification. This is the Bhagavata principle."
Unfortunately this principle of 50/50 is not being followed. In fact, when
we get an ‘inside’ perspective on what’s actually happening
with the BBT, we see gross negligence with respect to Srila Prabhupada directives.
How is this? In regards to the monetary aspect, the BBT doesn’t even have
an account opened (in its name, BBT) to deposit the proceeds that come from book
distribution. So this begs another question, “Where IS the money going?”
In 1986, the ‘GBC’ formed the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International
(notice the name is almost exactly the same, only the ‘International’
has been added) and the Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing. It was to these two unauthorized*
‘shadow’ corporations that Srila Prabhupada’s BBT had its copyrights
transferred to, and the money that was generated from book sales. Please see spbbt.org
for documentation on these statements.
* Members of the ‘GBC’ met in 1986 and conspired to take illegal
control of the BBT, by transferring all copyrights into the BBTi. Since Srila
Prabhupada’s departure in 1977, the members of the ‘GBC’ have
given the impression to the devotees of ISKCON that they had ‘absolute’
control in decision making. This ongoing illusion has continued for over thirty
years, partly due to certain individuals not implementing the DOM (Direction of
Management), although it was ordered by Srila Prabhupada back in 1970.
* "GBC does not mean to control a center. GBC means to see that the activities
of a center go on nicely. I do not know why Tamala is exercising his absolute
authority. That is not the business of GBC. The president, treasurer and secretary
are responsible for managing the center. GBC is to see that things are going nicely
but not to exert absolute authority. That is not in the power of GBC. Tamala should
not do like that. The GBC men cannot impose anything on the men of a center without
consulting all of the GBC members first. A GBC member cannot go beyond the jurisdiction
of his power."
Srila Prabhupada Letter to Giriraja, August 12 , 1971
* "Rupanuga: But now, we discussed this... We discussed this before, Srila
Prabhupada. You said that you didn't... You wanted to make some more BBT members.
Prabhupada: If I require, I can make.
Tamala Krsna: The reason I'm bringing this up is because, heretofore, the BBT
has been managed by one or two trustees, and the point is that maybe it is best
that it be managed by the GBC.
Prabhupada: So that... First of all manage these things. Then you will, it will
be included in the trustees. First of all show your capacity that you have managed
these things very nicely, these two things. Why there should be complaint? How
you can solve it? And why the temples should be maintained by collection of the
BBT? It is meant for printing and constructing temples. Why should (we) violate
the purpose of the Trust? So first of all you manage these two things. Then, if
you want, you can come. If the problem remains the same, then what is the use
of increasing heads?"
It should be noted that the copyrights that were transferred from Srila Prabhupada’s
BBT to the BBTi were transferred without ANY authorization from the BBT Trust.
After this insidious hijacking, the books that were produced and distributed were
still done in the name of the BBT! This, of course, helped conceal what had taken
place, keeping the general community of devotees in the dark, meaning, who would
protest to something unknown?!
"Tamala Krsna: Krsna's giving us... I figured out, Srila Prabhupada, that
if we... Just like we did in September, I multiplied times twelve to see how much
money in a year your books are selling. And the BBT, in one year, can expect to
make, around the world, about $8,100,000. In rupees that comes out to seven crores,
seventy thousand rupees. Seven crores, seventy thousand rupees.
Prabhupada: What karmi can earn so much!
Tamala Krsna: What karmi can earn so much. For the temples, that means that by
selling your books, the temples will collect about sixteen million dollars in
one year. Or in other words, fourteen croes, nine lakhs, forty thousand rupees.
Prabhupada: They'll believe?
Tamala Krsna: Well, believe it or not, it's a fact.
Prabhupada: Fact, yes."
(Room Conversation, Vrindavan, November 3, 1977)
This is a lot of money that the BBT generated; even post-departure of Srila
Prabhupada, there has been plenty of money generated through BBT book sales. Where
has all this money gone? We can see from our spotted history (post-HDG’s
departure) that temples and temple properties were not going up, but factually
were either sold or reduced to barely running. Many, many devotees have experienced
this firsthand. So who is responsible for this? Hopefully the wheels will begin
to turn in the minds of those devotees who actually care about what has happened,
and what is happening currently with the Srila Prabhupada’s BBT and the
society in general.
It also should be noted that since the copyrights were transferred from the
BBT to the BBTi, Srila Prabhupada, from a legal standpoint, went from being the
sole author of his books to merely being an ‘author for hire’! An
AUTHOR FOR HIRE?!?!?! This is indeed a great offense to not only HDG
Srila Prabhupada, but to the parampara he is representing!
As devotees of Srila Prabhupada we should not stand idle, and let these misdirected
people in the ‘GBC’, and the so-called currently authorized BBT trustees,
continue their efforts to control the BBT, while committing offenses to Srila
Prabhupada which keep the growth of our society stunted.
-------------
Featured Stolen Copyright Record
On the left side, the image shown is of the first page of the
copyright record of Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (can be seen in
point 1). These copyright records are submitted and are stored with US
Copyright Office in DC. This is where authors generally register a copyright
to protect their works from being used unauthorizedly. This record acts as an
ownership proof. Srila Prabhupada's books were being copyrighted here since 1968.
Copyrights are governed by US Federal Laws.
Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad-Gita As It Is was first registered in 1968, the
paperback version. The McMillan edition was registered here in 1972. Later when
BBT editors unauthorizedly modified the Gita, that was also registered here. All
the while the owner of the copyright, one who owns the book, was BBT. And the
author was listed as His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Then in 1995 it was all changed. BBTI, another legal entity
only formed in 1988 with no connection to BBT, stole these copyrights through
a fake transfer of copyright to it. The new copyright record of BG As It Is, that
you see to your left, was registered in 1995. You can click on View
page one & page
two to see the full record.
Quiz: Please find the name of Srila Prabhupada in the copyright record!
Ans: You cannot! Author has been replaced by BBT (Point 2 a) , and this work
was made by "Worker for Hire" (ticked "yes" box below the
Author line).
In effect what this copyright record signifies is that Bhagavad Gita
As It Is was authored by the BBT, which hired Srila Prabhupada as its worker!
Would you like to do something about this insult
to Srila Prabhupada? Would you like to do something about this
Great Theft?
Yes, there is a movement now underway to force BBTI to give these stolen
copyrights back to Srila Prabhupada's BBT where Srila Prabhupada will
be acknowledged and revered as its author.
We need you. Please Spread
this News to your friends. We are on Myspace
and Facebook
for your convenience. Get
Involved to make a difference.
---------------
Comment by Harinamdas:
Yes, I have seen this "news release" from the BBT Communications
Office and thought it one of ISKCON's better
public relations writings on the issue. With such writing ability, perhaps one
day Anjana dasi will consider using her talent to support the revalidation of
Srila Prabhupada's original BBT -- instead of crafting BBT-Int'l, Inc.'s spin
on these issues.
To all these arm-chair critics of Hansadutta, I would reply that no one would
have the luxury of such self righteous indignation nor the luxury of even discussing
the niceties of these fundamental structural and spiritual issues were it not
for Hansadutta. For six years now Hansadutta has personally stood up in these
court cases to block the attempt by the BBT-Int'l, Inc., to illegally convert
Srila Prabhupada's copyrights from Srila Prabhupada's original IRREVOCABLE CALIFORNIA
CHARITABLE TRUST in order to place Srila Prabhupada's intellectual property into
Harikesa & Company's own concocted BBT-sounding CALIFORNIA CORPORATION. In
my view, meeting such an incredibly difficult and demanding challenge exemplifies
why Srila Prabhupada personally placed Hansadutta in the position of a lifelong
BBT Trustee in the first place.
At bottom, the efforts of Hansadutta, Bhima das, Das Dasanudas Devi Dasi, Veda
Guyha Das, Bhagavan, and many other supporters to uncover and thwart Harikesa
& Company's plan to fraudulently convert Srila Prabhupada's copyrights, as
well as their collective support for the legal effort to revalidate the original
BBT trust and invalidate ISKCON's bogus "Assignment of Intellectual Property,"
will not be dismissed or sidetracked by misplaced indignation or slick public
relations articles, however well crafted or expressed.
---------------
BBT Manifesto
BY: ISKCONToday Staff
Dec 05, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK — Dated: July 11, 2008
A DECLARATION OF ALL DISCIPLES OF SRILA PRABHUPADA
WE, THE DISCIPLES AND FOLLOWERS OF HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C.
BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA DECLARE THAT:
1. BBT Trustees[1] shall ensure that a sacred spiritual tradition is formed
around the books of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ("Srila
Prabhupada") such that this generation and the subsequent future generations
for the next 10,000 years shall treat all of Srila Prabhupada's vani, or teachings,
with utmost sacred respect, as words of God. This spiritual tradition, by education,
culture, and devotion shall be formed such that no one will allow Srila Prabhupada's
teachings to be physically distorted or disrespected in any manner or form that
could put the whole basis of our parampara in danger. One of the duties of the
Trustees given by Srila Prabhupada in BBT Instrument Document dated May 28, 1972
is “Directing and managing all publicity and distribution of my
books;” Hence the Trustees shall direct and manage the publicity
of these books with this grave responsibility in their minds.
2. Revising Srila Prabhupada books, whether well intentioned or not, sets
a dangerous precedent. If not reverted back now to the original editions, future
generations will look at the example and mood set by the first generation BBT
Trustees and may do likewise as the times, personalities and circumstances change.
Moreover, the current laws provide for copyright control of Srila Prabhupada's
books through the BBT, so that only the Trustees of BBT can effectuate the changes.
In future when the copyright law releases the copyright of Srila Prabhupada’s
books into public domain, most likely starting in 55 years i.e. from 2063, if
the pure tradition of Absolute Sanctity of these books is not set, anyone with
authority in the preaching mission may change them like it has happened to the
Bible. On the contrary, if this "revisionist" fallacy is rebutted &
reverted and subsequently Srila Prabhupada's original book’s “no-change”
policy is maintained, then THAT will become the established tradition. It will
become part of the history of BBT that initially the books of Srila Prabhupada
were "erroneously revised", but then after due consideration by the
majority of followers of Srila Prabhupada and on the authority of scriptures,
this policy was changed permanently. This will act as a lesson for future generations.
Hence the goal of current BBT Trustees is very crucial, and their responsibility
is critical, in how Srila Prabhupada and his teachings are regarded in the future
for thousands of years to come.
3. For that purpose, there are multiple activities that the BBT Trustees shall
perform.
4. First and foremost, all control of copyrights, printing and primary distribution
ought to be with Srila Prabhupada's BBT and that BBT shall be reactivated. Without
this centralized legal control, as organized and instructed by Srila Prabhupada,
it will be difficult to ensure cohesive maintenance of the sanctity of Srila Prabhupada's
books.
5. Secondly, the BBT Trustees shall follow all the basic written instructions
of Srila Prabhupada regarding the operations of BBT. Srila Prabhupada formally
executed BBT
Trust Agreement document dated May 29, 1972. Thereafter Srila Prabhupada
gave certain other written instructions to operate the BBT. The BBT shall function
exactly according to these instructions:
6. Third, all initial authorized editions of Srila Prabhupada's books shall
be identified and only those shall be printed. All other editions shall be completely
scrapped.
7. Fourth, an official history of the BBT shall be published describing
in detail the incidences from the inception of the BBT till now so that the future
generations can learn from it.
Reactivate BBT as a legal Trust
8. Only BBT, a legal US Trust, registered in Los Angeles, CA, shall be
the centralized legal entity that owns all the copyrights of Srila Prabhupada's
books all over the world, in all languages. All other corporations or entities
domestic or international shall stop misrepresenting that they are BBT unless
authorized in writing to do so by the BBT. BBT shall operate conjointly with its
subsidiary divisions around the world as per Srila Prabhupada's written instructions.
9. This BBT shall be the only entity that authorizes printing of Srila Prabhupada's
books in US and/or through its offices/subsidiaries in other countries. This is
the direct instruction of Srila Prabhupada.
"I specifically formed the BBT to invest in it exclusive
rights for the printing of all literature containing my teachings, writings and
lectures. In this way the collections are to be divided fifty percent for printing
new books and fifty percent for construction of temples.
The BBT can authorize a center to print, as in the case of foreign
translations, with the agreement that when the foreign printing becomes financially
solvent they will pay royalties to the BBT. But all printing of ISKCON literature
must be by the BBT or under their sanction and approval." (Letter
from Srila Prabhupada to all Presidents, March 14th, 1974)
10. For the same reasons, the license by BBT to Krishna Books, Inc. ("KBI")
should be scrapped. It is redundant and adds another competitor to Srila Prabhupada's
BBT, against the direct instructions of Srila Prabhupada above and below:
"If temples print independently it will be at the cost of
the books I am, myself printing, and could eventually cause the financial ruin
of the BBT, meaning I could not order new books from the printer or have sufficient
funds for construction of temple projects. I trust this is now clear and you will
all do the needful."(Letter from Srila Prabhupada to all Presidents,
March 14th, 1974)
11. All payments from sales of English books must be deposited with BBT LA.
Foreign offices/subsidiaries/divisions translating and printing Srila Prabhupada's
books ought to give 10% royalty to BBT LA as per Srila Prabhupada's instructions:
"Prabhupada just spoke with me regarding the distribution
of foreign (other than English) language literature. His direction is that 10%
of the gross income on the sales of all of our literatures, books, and magazines,
should be sent to The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust."(Letter by Karandhara
to Foreign Divisions of BBT, Counter-signed by Srila Prabhupada dated September
16, 1974)
12. Bylaws of BBT shall be adopted in order to supplement the original BBT
Trust Agreement Document with later additional instructions by the setlor of the
Trust, Srila Prabhupada. These Bylaws would further protect against mismanagement
of BBT from happening again. These Bylaws shall include certifications of original
books, provisions against revising the books, and editing policies, among others.
The BBT governing documents shall be transparently made available over the internet.
Obtain Tax-exemption status from IRS
13. The BBT, a legal US Trust, shall apply for tax exemption from the
IRS as per the written directive of Srila Prabhupada. The Trustees shall appoint
a competent Probate Lawyer to complete the formalities under the Trust tax-exemption
Rules given by the IRS.
Open Bank Account of BBT
14. BBT shall open a bank account in its name in Los Angeles. All other
corporations or entity's bank accounts with DBA BBT, or Doing Business As BBT,
as being currently allowed by the Trustees in the case of Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing,
Inc. ("BBP") bank account in LA are to immediately cease.
15. All checks and payments for books that are received in the
name of BBT are to be deposited in this authorized BBT account and not in the
un-authorized BBP account as is being currently done.
Transfer all Copyrights back to BBT
16. All copyrights shall be immediately transferred to BBT from Bhaktivedanta
Book Trust-International, Inc.("BBTI"). BBTI, a California Corporation,
is a completely different entity from the BBT, a Trust. The Trustees shall order
the BBTI directors to:
a. Re-assign all copyright records in US Copyright Office, falsely claiming
to be owners of books and other works of Srila Prabhupada back to BBT. Most of
the copyright records indicate that BBTI is the current owner of the copyrights,
which is illegal.
b. All assigned copyright records ought to reflect that the author
of each one of these works is "His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada" rather than the current offensive and illegal classification
of Srila Prabhupada as "Worker for hire" that is currently being recorded
on all these works. To classify Srila Prabhupada like any other employee
of BBT is extremely insulting.
c. All copyright records of any of Srila Prabhupada works, in any translation,
in all countries shall also reflect the same. The copyright owner of all translated
works should be BBT with its address in Los Angeles, the author shall be mentioned
as His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and additionally the translator
should be mentioned as "Worker for Hire" i.e. BBT Volunteer(s) translated
that work. Not that Srila Prabhupada shall also be put in the same category of
a hired worker or a volunteer like any other devotee.
d. All copyright declarations on all future publications, in any language,
from the BBT shall be "© Copyrighted by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust 2009"
and not "© Copyrighted by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust-International
2009". This is illegal and a misrepresentation by BBTI. This misrepresentation
should stop immediately.
Transfer all Trademark and Logos back to BBT
17. All trademarks of BBT, currently with BBTI illegally, shall be immediately
transferred to BBT:
a. “Bhaktivedanta Book Trust” trademark currently claimed
to be illegally owned by BBTI shall be transferred back to BBT.
b. “BBT” logo currently owned by BBTI shall also be transferred
to Srila Prabhupada’s BBT.
Dissolve BBTI & BBP
18. BBTI and BBP, formed in CA in 1988 and 1987 respectively, without
the authorization of Srila Prabhupada, shall be officially disenfranchised as
so-called agents of BBT. They have has been created to deceive the public into
accepting them to be the same or equivalent of Srila Prabhupada’s BBT. They
are not the same entity as the BBT and they do not follow Srila Prabhupada’s
instruction for running his BBT in their legal corporate documents. Their bank
accounts are to be closed and the current balance are to be immediately transferred
back to the new BBT bank account. All other assets they possess or claim to posses
are to be also transferred to BBT. Upon completion of the above, these entities
are to be dissolved in every country they have been registered.
19. Till that happens, both these organizations shall hereby immediately
stop misrepresenting themselves as the BBT or using the logo of BBT or misrepresenting
that they own the BBT copyrights.
Stop Publishing Other Authors
20. The BBT Trustees are not to publish any book other than those written
by Srila Prabhupada. BBT is not a "publishing house for Gaudiya Vaisnava
books" as they write on Krishna.com. Instead this Trust was made by Srila
Prabhupada specifically to hold and print his own books. "The properties
which shall constitute the Trust Fund include all books and manuscripts and other
documents written by me or translated by me, including the following
hereinafter listed, and all those written by me in the future, including
all copyrights and publication rights incidental thereto:" (BBT
Trust Agreement document dated May 29, 1972. , Section 1 Trust Fund)
21. Srila Prabhupada may have himself authorized some books by some of
his disciples to be printed by the BBT, but he himself could do so as it is his
own Trust. But he has not left any specific instructions or policy for the Trustees
for including other author’s books. His desires to the contrary are “Our
translation must be documents. They are not ordinary... One cannot become unless
one is very realized. It is not A-B-C-D translation”. (Conversation May
28, 1977). But the current Trustees have made their own policy. They
have copyrighted and published many books from other authors in the BBT. These
books are of questionable credibility and authenticity compared to the high standard
of the intended books in the BBT- Srila Prabhupada’s. This is unethical
and not sanctioned by the setlor or the Trust Instrument.
22. The mixing of completely pure books, words of God, with books of
questionable purity may make the authority, authenticity, and respect of Srila
Prabhupada's books and of his BBT to go down eventually in tandem. As we cannot
sit on the Vyasasana of Srila Prabhupada, similarly we cannot put our books with
Srila Prabhupada's books on an equal stature, unless he personally asked us to
do so. Another official ISKCON publishing house can be made to print books
by other authors and other official publications, but BBT should be left alone.
23. BBT funds, trademark & logo are not to be used for any books
other than that of Srila Prabhupada's works. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
is A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's exclusively. It is his personal vehicle to reach
out to the whole world and teach them the Science of God, Krishna. It is not a
publisher of any or all books on 'Bhakti' and 'Vedanta' as the BBT trustees are
apt to present BBT in an impersonal manner.
24. All solicitation of new manuscripts from other authors for printing
under the Logo of BBT shall be immediately stopped.
Stop printing all "revised" books
25. All first editions of Srila Prabhupada's books shall be identified
and then printed, “as is” by the BBT. None of the "revisions"
shall ever be printed. A note on the book shall identify each book as original
and a replica of the first edition printed of each volume. At the end of each
book, a note from the editor ought to be added:
"Some previous editions of this book were printed that were erroneously
changed from the original due to a faulty editorial policy. Please check the authenticity
of the edition by checking the inside cover page for the correct edition. You
can check the correct edition of this book at {website}. If you do not have the
correct edition, please send the book back to us, we will send the correct original
edition to you free of cost. You can print a postage slip from {website}. Alternatively,
you can download the free book from {website}. Thank you and sorry for the confusion.
Hare Krishna."
Transparent, collective editorial policy
26. A widely discussed and accepted editorial policy shall be adopted
by the BBT . This editorial policy shall be encased in the new bylaws of the BBT.
27. The books originally edited and published under the authority of
Srila Prabhupada are to be considered free of defect or mistake by those who would
consider themselves to be disciples. Srila Prabhupada instructed likewise in reference
to seeing "mistakes" in his spiritual masters books. He called this
spiritual principle "ashraya prayoga" or seeing a mistake in what the
spiritual master has given as his legacy, as disrespectful and a faulty mentality.
Only his editors, directly authorized by him to correct any errors, could do so,
and that too only for the duration of that service to him understood to be until
the editions were approved by Him. No modifications, corrections or explanations
can be made to an Acharya's books once he has approved Them. This fact is more
applicable now that he has left our physical presence.
28. Exempt shall be those errors specifically identified by Srila Prabhupada
to be changed in the next edition. The first editions containing these errors
shall be corrected. The overall principle shall be to follow Srila Prabhupada's
instruction "to print the books in the original way", i.e. first editions
+ changes asked for by recorded instruction of Srila Prabhupada.
29. As for the argument of the current editors that there are many genuine
grammatical or factual errors (introduced by Srila Prabhupada’s transcribers
or editors and not by Srila Prabhupada himself), those few specific errors can
be considered:
a. to be printed in an errata separately from the books; or
b. to be published on its website; or
c. as footnotes: where the correct spelling or word could be written as a
footnote.
30. Current BBT editors have used these few errors to make a case for wholesale
unnecessary changes to Srila Prabhupada’s books. These changes range from
philosophical to the original writing style which are thoroughly unnecessary.
This faulty editorial policy shall be condemned in strongest terms and historically
recorded for educating the future generations.
Main function of BBT Trustees
31. As far as the printing of books of Srila Prabhupada, there are mainly
two functions that the BBT Trustee shall ensure.
a. Reprint books. Cover, binding etc. can be modified
according to current trend to make the book more presentable.
b. Compile more books from Srila Prabhupada's teachings under
a certain topic (yoga, science etc) like the BBT are currently doing, but the
editing shall be strictly minimal. The editing standard for printing new books
shall also be encased in the Bylaws.
Integrate Archives with BBT
32. The Bhaktivedanta Archives shall deed all the historical archive
material it possesses to the BBT. The Archives shall preserve and reproduce
Srila Prabhupada’s works as a department of BBT, not as a division of BBTI.
Bhaktivedanta Archives as a separate independent corporation shall be dissolved.
It can function as a department within BBT and shall be fully integrated with
BBT. Its location need not be changed for now.
33. The Bhaktivedanta Archives shall provide the Vedabase to be freely
downloadable from its website; or for a nominal amount for a certain time to offset
the actual cost in order to make it available in that format and for future updates.
It shall not be more than $49.99 in any event. For full time devotees it shall
be freely available.
34. The Archives shall endeavor to make the Bhaktivedanta Vedabase be
browsed and searchable from the BBT website itself. The main philosophy of Bhaktivedanta
Archives department shall be to distribute Srila Prabhupada's vani (instructions)
freely, far and wide using the latest electronic communication medium. Wide distribution
is the best method of preserving Srila Prabhupada's teachings. The Archives shall
seek to preserve Srila Prabhupada's books using the latest technologies for the
next 10,000 years.
Back to Godhead
35. Back to Godhead was designed by Srila Prabhupada to be the backbone
of our movement. It shall again be made likewise. “This Back to
Godhead will always remain the backbone of the society because more the magazine
is popular the more society becomes popular.” (Letter to Rayarama,
30th Jan, 1967)
36. BTG shall be published as a monthly Sankirtan magazine. Not as a primarily
bi-monthly periodical. Of course the subscriptions are important and they shall
be serviced religiously but the main customers shall be new people, as per Srila
Prabhupada's instructions. BTG price for distribution in the US ideally should
be $1, not more than $2 so it can be freely distributed. BTGs of other languages
shall follow the same principle.
Book Fund and Temple Fund
37. The policy of 50% income to BBT Book Fund and 50% of income to BBT
temple fund shall be maintained as per Srila Prabhupada’s instructions in
the BBT Trust Instrument: “The Trustees shall collect all proceeds
from the sale of my books, that is One Hundred Percent (100%) of all the proceeds
from all of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temples and divide
these proceeds into two funds, one-half (1/2) for the fund known as the Book Fund,
and one-half (1/2) for the fund known as the Building Fund.”
38. Transparency of accounting shall be the foundational principle of
the BBT as well as full public disclosure of all assets owned by BBT. Monthly
financial statements shall be posted on its website.
39. For the time being, the Temple Fund shall not be utilized as per
the discretion of the trustees. As Srila Prabhupada says in a video to Ramesvara,
"First of all Books!" Until all of Srila Prabhupada's original books
are in print in the main languages of the world, none of the Temple Fund money
shall be utilized except in the event of an emergency, short-term construction
loan that is secured according to current international mortgage securing guidelines,
and preferably by an individual guarantor. Instead the Temple Fund should be utilized
to print and populate books in all major languages as per Srila Prabhupada’s
desires. This temporary policy shall be followed at least for the next few years.
40. The Trustees shall use none of these funds for fighting any legal
challenges due to their mismanagement. Srila Prabhupada did not allocate the BBT
funds for that purpose. If they feel that they are right, then they should use
other sources for funding their legal misadventures.
Websites
41. The Krishna.com and www.bbt.info
domain name shall be transferred back to BBT. Krishna.com as an arm of BBT, but
not the official website of BBT, has a certain amount of laxity in what it can
promote. Still, for starters none of the books related to Bhakti Shastras should
be sold on the website that are not Srila Prabhupada's books.
42. The official BBT website shall be {website}.
43. Any other websites in the world, in various languages, that are websites
of various divisions of BBT or BBTI, shall be similarly transferred to BBT.
Internet Distribution, Copyrights and sales
44. The fast changes in the Internet have made sharing, distribution
and sales of Srila Prabhupada's teachings much easier. These tools shall be utilized
to the utmost.
45. As a principle, one basic version of the books, audio and video recording
shall be freely available on the net for viewing and searching for non-commercial
purposes probably protected by a "creative-commons" license, like
this one.
46. Same policy shall be followed for the photos. Low resolution photos
of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna shall be readily available and shared.
47. Any extra services like Vedabase, iPOD files, audio books, an electronic
book format, downloads of more than 1 book etc. can be charged a proper fee according
to current market standards.
We, the disciples and followers of Srila Prabhupada, will do our utmost
to see that this manifesto is adopted by the BBT Trustees.
We will plead with them, implore them, and we sincerely wish to work
conjointly and harmoniously with them, toward the end of pleasing Srila Prabhupada
and preserving his great legacy. BUT, if that does not work, and the trustees
are unwilling, then we are forced to coalesce around the legal battle to ensue,
in order to ensure that these current BBT Trustees are removed, and Srila Prabhupada's
BBT is restored to exactly the way that Srila Prabhupada ordered it, so that future
generations may benefit from Srila Prabhupada's tireless effort in presenting
Krishna Consciousness for the benefit of the whole world.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] BBT Trustees in current tense refers to BBTI directors who are representing
themselves as BBT Trustees.
---------------------
While you’re at it, explain also how Ramesvara
ran the “BBT”… that he registered the name “Bhaktivedanta
Book Trust” as a fictitious business name for ISKCON and was conducting
business under this guise, not as the legally constructed trust that Srila Prabhupada
set up in California in 1972.
Both Ramesvara’s “BBT” and BBTI
were designed deliberately to bypass the real trust and trustees and terms of
the trust. ISKCON threw up a clever smokescreen in the free use of the name “Bhaktivedanta
Book Trust” or “BBT” and words like “trustee” (BBTI
has no trustees, but only corporate directors) and the BBT trademarks and logos.
This ruse was very effective, enabling ISKCON
to take over the BBT operations (practically ensuring the demise of the real BBT)
and furthermore enabled you and your team members to go about your revision work
without any oversight or interference from the BBT trustees. Thus you and your
fellow cohorts have published Srila Prabhupada’s works independently of
the BBT since the time of Srila Prabhupada’s departure in 1977.
You write that the license was reluctantly given
to Krishna Books, Inc. … “to keep a fallen ‘guru’ from
taking over the BBT.”
But the BBT had already been taken over by fallen
gurus, fallen disciples – disciples who did not keep faith with Srila Prabhupada’s
directives and instructions and legal arrangements. Srila Prabhupada insisted
that the BBT be kept separate from ISKCON, and the trust deed clearly states that
ISKCON shall have no jurisdiction over the BBT or the BBT trustees.
How can you reconcile ISKCON’s takeover
of the BBT (and your participation in the scheme) with your statement: –
3. In 1999, after the BBT courtcase was settled,
you wrote a letter of apology to me, and said that the law suit should never have
been brought in the first place. I noted at the time that you wrote no such apology
to Hansadutta. ISKCON and BBTI demonized Hansadutta. You, even today, resurrect
this projected image of Hansadutta to suit your purpose. Worse, ISKCON and BBTI
belittled Srila Prabhupada and set out to deconstruct and annhilate his BBT. You
were a party to this, Maharaja. ISKCON and BBTI applied to the court to declare
that Srila Prabhupada’s BBT never existed or in the alternative that it
was legally invalid and that the trustees appointed by Srila Prabhupada were never
trustees. And argued that the BBT never held the copyrights because Srila Prabhupada
never owned them in the first place – ISKCON owned the copyrights because
the books Srila Prabhupada produced were “works for hire”; in other
words, calling Srila Prabhupada a hired worker of ISKCON. In sworn court documents,
each and every GBC member and temple president was named as witness to this testimony
– and you were at the time more than this; you were calling yourself a “BBT
Trustee”, representing BBTI, so you cannot say that you had no knowledge
of this unspeakable offence to Srila Prabhupada. What have you done to Srila Prabhupada
and to his books and to his BBT? ISKCON and BBTI tried to stop the heartbeat of
Srila Prabhupada, and you were personally party to this. Moreover, in undertaking
to revise his books, making so many unauthorized changes, you have undermined
the integrity and authority of his books. What kind of disciple-devotee does this
make you? Hansadutta stood up to defend the BBT against ISKCON’s and BBTI’s
attack. He stood up to defend the integrity of Srila Prabhupada’s original
books and to defend the copyrights invested in BBT. For this, ISKCON and BBTI
labeled him a demon. So what does that make you, who have joined those who bypassed
Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and arrangement (BBT) and attempted to stamp
it out in court? A homosexual saint?
4. If you and the BBTI are not happy with the
licensing arrangement, why not just end it? You’re not so stuck as you say.
There are provisions in the agreement that you can use to terminate the license.
You complain that it was not satisfactory to give the license to a “gun-toting,
drinking and womanizing” Hansadutta, but Maharaja, you know very well that
what really happened was that the license was given over to Fedorowsky aka Gupta
das and his gang comprised of Niscintya, Veda Guhya, Bhagavan and later Tulsi
and Yashodanandan and that Fedorowsky ditched Hansadutta and “Hansadutta’s
people” right from the beginning. ISKCON and BBTI cooperated fully with
Fedorowsky’s legal maneuvers. ISKCON’s legal counsel submitted to
the court that ISKCON and BBTI recognized Fedorowsky’s corporation rather
than the licensee that was originally created with the settlement of the court
case. If this outcome was so unsatisfactory, why did ISKCON immediately turn around
and reward Fedorowsky with appointment as legal counsel to represent them in the
Turley $400 million Gurukuli lawsuit against ISKCON?
Admit it, Maharaja, you are not unhappy with the
licensing arrangement because of who the licensees are, but because they are supplying
a demand for Srila Prabhupada’s original books. You’re working in
the gold foundry, casting what is advertised and sold as good as 999 (24 k) gold,
and you’re unhappy that competitors have set up shop and are selling 999
gold in the market place – because of the risk that the fraud that your
“gold” is in fact 9 k will come to light. There is market demand for
9 k gold, there is even market demand for cheap gold-plated trinkets, but not
for the same value as 999 gold! For sure, you can sell your revised “Prabhupada”
books wherever fake Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags are in hot demand (the
customers know and accept them as fake), but if you cross the line to uptown where
the genuine branded goods are sold and try to pass them off as the real thing,
you risk arrest and jail. The market dictates the supply, in this case, nothing
less than the pure, unadulterated, original books of Srila Prabhupada. You can’t
claim that the licensee is competition if you are not publishing the original,
unrevised works.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you
expect anyone to believe your words, then you’ll have to resign your guruship,
recall the revised books and instead publish the original books, and finally put
Srila Prabhupada’s BBT back in place. Are you sure you’re up to following
what Srila Prabhupada said to do?
