Some commentators have opined that the Bhagavad- gita is an allegory. For example, the "Kurukshetra" mentioned in the first verse, they say, is a symbol for the body.

But His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krsna movement, spoke out strongly against such opinions. If you make the Gita an allegory, he taught, Lord Krsna's words lose their absolute authority, allowing you to conclude that when Krsna says, "Surrender unto Me," perhaps He (or whatever He represents) means something else.

While arguing against speculative interpretations of the Gita, Srila Prabhupada would often point out that Kurukshetra does in fact exist. And our photo story this issue takes you there.

For fully self-realized souls, Lord Krsna is not a symbol or an idea, but the unlimitedly attractive Supreme Person, visible in their hearts at every moment. Srila Prabhupada was one such soul who walked among us. In the article "Srila Prabhupada's Equal Vision" in this issue, you can read about Srila Prabhupada in action, defending Lord Krsna and His enlightening teachings.

If you're new to Back to Godhead or Krsna consciousness, our Glossary on page 15 should help you get oriented.

Hare Krsna.

(Nagaraja Dasa, Editor)

Our Purposes

• To help all people discern reality from illusion, spirit from matter, the eternal from the temporary.
• To expose the faults of materialism.
• To offer guidance in the Vedic techniques of spiritual life.
• To preserve and spread the Vedic culture.
• To celebrate the chanting of the holy names of God as taught by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
• To help every living being remember and serve Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead.