By Ajit Krishna Dasa

Arsa-Prayoga.com – Revisited is the title of an upcoming ebook that continues the work begun here on arsaprayoga.com. It re-examines the changes made to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s original books from new angles and explains why each alteration is significant.

Each example will also be posted here on arsaprayoga.com.

Today we are revisiting:

Small Word, Big Difference

https://arsaprayoga.com/2014/08/12/small-word-big-difference/

Description

The article shows how a small change in a purport—from “done by Krishna” to “done for Krishna”—creates a profound shift in meaning. Though it appears minor, this substitution alters the philosophical substance of the text.

Type of change

Substitution — a single preposition replaced.

Category

Philosophical change.

Commentary

Alters causal agency / the relationship between Krishna and activity

The difference between “by Krishna” and “for Krishna” is not stylistic. It changes who is acting and whose will is primary. “Done by Krishna” means that Krishna is the direct actor, the cause behind all action. “Done for Krishna” reverses the flow, implying that the devotee acts and offers the result. That is not the same truth; it replaces divine agency with human initiative.

Changes nuance of surrender / devotional theology

In the original wording, the devotee is fully dependent. He is the instrument, Krishna the mover. This is the essence of śaraṇāgati—to see Krishna as the doer in all things. The edited phrase softens that surrender. It suggests the devotee’s independent action performed on Krishna’s behalf rather than through Krishna’s will. The theology of dependence becomes a theology of contribution.

Moves from metaphysical fact to interpretive sentiment

“Done by Krishna” is an ontological statement: it describes reality as it is. “Done for Krishna” is a moral sentiment: it describes how we wish to act. This subtle shift turns realization into interpretation, revelation into advice.

A single preposition has thus transformed the meaning, the mood, and the philosophy. It is not grammar; it is theology.