Tag Archives: covers

05.05.26
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🎨 GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT 🎨THE FIRST ANNUAL “AS IT IS… BUT IMPROVED” DESIGN FESTIVAL

By the Change and Improve Committee

Even though we know Śrīla Prabhupāda said:

“And the covers, if possible, should always be the same for each respective book regardless of what language it may be printed in.”
(Letter to Jadurani, Bombay, January 3, 1975)

We are determined to demonstrate a higher level of understanding.

After all, when the spiritual master asks for water, he is obviously requesting milk.

And sometimes… a soy latte.

We therefore wish to show that we are not merely followers of instructions, but interpreters of deeper intentions. We aim to prove—through vibrant creativity—that we are fully qualified to adjust, refine, expand, reinterpret, and aesthetically upgrade that which was already completed.

📚 THE MISSION

Design as many distinct and innovative covers as possible for each of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books.

Uniformity is appreciated… in principle.
Diversity is appreciated… in practice.

🎭 COMPETITION CATEGORIES

  • Golden Aura Supreme Edition
    (Minimum three halos per composition)
  • Modern Mindfulness Krishna™ Edition
    (Suitable for yoga studios and corporate retreats)
  • Epic Cinematic Bhagavad-gita Universe
    (If it doesn’t look like a movie poster, try again)
  • Children’s Joyful Vrindavan Cartoon Series
    (Smiling cows required, blinking optional)
  • Ultra-Minimalist “Spiritual but Not Religious” Edition
    (Preferably no one can tell what the book is about)
  • Heritage Classic-but-Updated-but-Still-Classic Edition
    (Subtle confusion is a plus)

🏆 JUDGING CRITERIA

Entries will be judged on:

  • Maximum departure from previous covers
  • Confidence in creative reinterpretation
  • Ability to attract entirely different audiences at once
  • Deep conviction that nothing essential has changed

Bonus points for:

  • Glow effects
  • Lens flares
  • A strong feeling that this version is finally the right one

🥇 SPECIAL AWARD

The “I Know Better Than I Heard” Trophy

Awarded to the participant who most convincingly demonstrates that:

Following instructions is good…
but improving them is better.

🧘‍♂️ PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION

We humbly accept that the ācārya gave instructions.

We more humbly accept that those instructions may benefit from our refinement.

After all, tradition is living.
And living things… evolve.

📜 DISCLAIMER

Any resemblance between original instructions and current practices may be:

  • Coincidental
  • Contextual
  • Open to interpretation

🌍 FINAL WORD

Let every language have its own cover.
Let every temple have its own vision.
Let every designer express their realization.

Because truth is one…
but presentation is unlimited.

Submissions now open.
Clarity optional. Confidence required.

📬 Contact Information

Change & Improvement Committee
Chairman: Improveananda Dāsa
✉️ change@prabhupada.org