SUGGESTED ORDER / SCHEME OF READING BOOKS
The following is the list of Srila Prabhupada’s books to be read by interested readers, aspiring to be serious in their spiritual life. systematic and regular reading of these books will help the reader clearly understand the philosophy of Krishna consciousness and thus develop faith and conviction.
CATEGORY I
01. On The Way to Krishna02. Elevation to Krishna Consciousness
03. Krishna Consciousness the Matchless Gift
04. Krishna the Reservoir of Pleasure
05. Perfection of Yoga
06. Krishna Consciousness – The Topmost Yoga System
07. Beyond Birth and Death
08. Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers
09. Easy Journey to Other Planets
10. Raja Vidya: The King of Knowledge
11. Transcendental Teachings of Prahlad Maharaj
12. Coming Back
13. Message of Godhead*
14. Civilization and Transcendence*
15. Hare Krishna Challenge*
16. Scientific Basis of Krishna Consciousness*
17. Sword of Knowledge*
18. Nectar of Instruction
19. Path of Perfection
20. Issues of Back To Back to Godhead Magazine
21. Prabhupada Lilamrita#
CATEGORY II
These books are to be read after one has completed all books in category I01. Introduction to Bhagvad Gita As It Is
02. Science of Self-Realization
03. Journey of Self Discovery
04. Life comes from Life
05. Nectar of Devotion (Only Part One)
06. Teachings of Queen Kunti
07. Teachings of Lord Kapila
08. Teachings of Lord Chaitanya
09. Sri Isopanishad
10. Few Shlokas of Bhagvad Gita Everyday
11. Krishna Book#
12. Srimad Bhagavatam (1st Canto) #
13. A Second Chance#
CATEGORY III
These books are to be read after one has completed all books in category I and category II01. Bhagvad Gita As It Is
02. Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto By Canto)
03. Nectar Of Devotion (Part II And Part III)
04. Chaitanya Charitamrita
* Optional
# Can be read simultaneously
Comments
Hare Krishna, To directly answer the last questions..
This book-list was created by devotees in the late 1980's.
ys, rf
Hare Krishna,
Back in about 1987, here in California we had a devotee seminar with several senior devotees present.
(Topanga Canyon Temple)
Among other things, we discussed how people who were becoming faithful to our home-programs might digest the philosophy. So a book list was suggested, along with the first efforts to define membership among the uninitiated sat-sangi (informal congregants).
The list has grown, and looks in good order.
Thank you Saci Gaurasundara dasa, for this fine list.
I would suggest Category 1 for Shraddhavan devotees, Cat. 2 for Sevaka devotees, and Cat. 3 for Sadhaka devotees. And of course, we try to read and understand the Bhagavad-Gita, As It Is, at every level.
To answer the question... Back in the day, there was discussion of nama-hatta, "cell", and congregational variations that we were all considering for the cohesion of the future form of the movement. And also, to identify ourselves as more organized. And to try to keep the people who were attracted to the movement, to keep them involved and teach them about Krishna Consciousness.
This may not have been the only effort to create a learning path thru the books available at the time. But is was certainly part of that effort.
ys,
Rankin. (1st paper: ISKCON Membership, 1987)
Who has recommended this order of reading Srila Prabhupada's books ?
Prabhupada Himself gave this Order?
Phrabhu ,a Humble request would be to include "CHANT AND BE HAPPY" book in category one.
Though it is based upon Srila Phrabhupada's teaching ,it effectively presents us with Power of Chanting.
Apologies ,if you find this inappropriate
I completed KRSNA (First SP Book) ,and was confused ,if I can study BG AS IT IS ,as the next book or not.
Something in my mind was telling ,that am not yet ready for BG ,and need to slow little ,to get better KC experience.
Hare KRSNA.
Thank you very much now it will be easier to assimilate knowledge on Krishna Consciousness..
Krishna knows everything :)