# Books by Śrīla Prabhupāda *"If you want to know me, read my books."* — Śrīla Prabhupāda *** ## Primary Scriptures - ![[bhagavad-gita.jpg]] **[Bhagavad-gītā As It Is](/bg)** <small>_Sanskrit with translations & purports_</small> The essence of Vedic knowledge. Kṛṣṇa's instructions to Arjuna on yoga, karma, and devotion. - ![[srimad-bhagavatam.jpg]] **[Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam](/sb)** <small>_Cantos 1-10 (Chapter 13)_</small> The beautiful science of Kṛṣṇa. The ripened fruit of Vedic wisdom. - ![[caitanya-caritamrita.jpg]] **[Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta](/cc)** <small>_Complete 17-volume set_</small> Life and teachings of Lord Caitanya. The philosophy of divine love. - ![[1968-Teachings-of-Lord-Caitanya-jacket.jpg]] **[Teachings of Lord Caitanya](books/tlc)** <small>_Condensed presentation_</small> Accessible summary of Caitanya-caritāmṛta for easier study. - ![[1969-Sri-Isopanisad.jpg]] **[Śrī Īśopaniṣad](books/iso)** <small>_18 mantras_</small> The essence of all Vedic knowledge. --- ## Major Works - ![[krishna-book.jpg]] **[Kṛṣṇa Book](books/kb)** <small>_Tenth Canto pastimes_</small> Summary of Kṛṣṇa's pastimes in Vṛndāvana and Dvārakā. - ![[nectar-of-devotion.jpg]] **[Nectar of Devotion](books/nod)** <small>_Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu_</small> The complete science of bhakti-yoga. - ![[noi.jpg]] **[Nectar of Instruction](books/noi)** <small>_Upadeśāmṛta_</small> Essential instructions for spiritual advancement. --- ## Teachings & Philosophy - ![[science-of-self-realization.jpg]] **[The Science of Self-Realization](books/ssr)** Collection of essays and interviews. - ![[lcfl.jpg]] **[Life Comes From Life](books/lcfl)** Morning walk conversations challenging modern science. - ![[ej.jpg]] **[Easy Journey to Other Planets](books/ej)** Vedic teachings on interplanetary travel. - ![[1972_Beyond_Birth_and_Death.jpg]] **[Beyond Birth and Death](books/bbd)** Liberation from material existence. - ![[tlk-2.jpg]] **[Teachings of Lord Kapila](books/tlk)** Sāṅkhya-yoga and devotion. - ![[tqk.jpg]] **[Teachings of Queen Kuntī](books/tqk)** Prayers revealing pure devotion. - ![[1973_RAJA-VIDYA_cover.jpg]] **[Raja-Vidya: The King of Knowledge](books/rv)** The most confidential knowledge. - ![[pop.webp]] **[The Path of Perfection](books/pop)** Understanding the yoga system. --- ## Introductory Books - ![[1977-Perfect_Questions_Perfect_Answers_original_cover.jpg]] **[Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers](books/pqpa)** Dialogue with a sincere seeker. - ![[owk.webp]] **[On the Way to Kṛṣṇa](books/owk)** Overcoming obstacles on the path. - ![[1973_Elevation_to_Krsna_Consciousness_cover.jpg]] **[Elevation to Kṛṣṇa Consciousness](books/ekc)** Practical steps to spiritual life. - ![[mog.jpg]] **[Message of Godhead](books/mog)** Early presentation of Vedic wisdom. - ![[mg.webp]] **[The Matchless Gift](books/mg)** What Kṛṣṇa consciousness offers. - ![[Krsna_the_Reservoir_of_Pleasure.jpg]] **[Krsna the Reservoir of Pleasure](books/krp)** --- ## Reading Guide > [!info]- New to Kṛṣṇa Consciousness? > **Start here:** > 1. [Bhagavad-gītā As It Is](/bg) — The essential foundation > 2. [Kṛṣṇa Book](/books/kb) — Engaging stories of the Lord > 3. [Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers](books/pqpa) — Common questions answered > > **Short reads to begin with:** > [Śrī Īśopaniṣad](books/iso) • [Nectar of Instruction](books/noi) • [The Matchless Gift](books/mg) > [!tip]- Systematic Study Path > **The traditional progression:** > > | Stage | Book | Focus | > |-------|------|-------| > | 1 | [Bhagavad-gītā](/bg) | Philosophy foundations | > | 2 | [Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam](/sb) | Deep spiritual science | > | 3 | [Caitanya-caritāmṛta](/cc) | Highest devotional truths | > > This mirrors the order Śrīla Prabhupāda recommended for serious students. > [!example]- By Topic > **Devotional Practice:** > [Nectar of Instruction](books/noi) → [Nectar of Devotion](/books/nod) → [Caitanya-caritāmṛta](/cc) > > **Philosophy & Science:** > [Bhagavad-gītā](/bg) → [Life Comes From Life](books/lcfl) → [Easy Journey](books/ej) > > **Kṛṣṇa's Pastimes:** > [Kṛṣṇa Book](/books/kb) → [Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam](/sb) Canto 10 > > **Lord Caitanya:** > [Teachings of Lord Caitanya](/books/tlc) → [Caitanya-caritāmṛta](/cc) > [!quote]- About These Editions > All books preserve the **original editions** as approved by Śrīla Prabhupāda. These are the texts he personally reviewed, edited, and authorized for publication during his presence.