In the beloved Vaishnava prayer “samsara davanala lidha loka,” we hear of the blazing forest fire of material existence that engulfs all living beings, and of the spiritual master who, out of boundless compassion, appears to rescue us from these flames. Srila Prabhupada was such a teacher who, despite our complete lack of qualification, delivered the timeless wisdom of Krishna consciousness to the Western world. Through his disciples and grand disciples, this sacred knowledge continues to spread globally, addressing humanity’s most pressing spiritual questions. Igor Anikanov’s (Yuga Dharma Das) second volume in his Conversations about the Bhagavad-gita series, HOW TO EDIT KARMA, illuminates one of these fundamental inquiries: How much control do we truly have over our destiny?

Building upon the foundation laid in his first volume, Death is Cancelled,” this thoughtful work expands the exploration of timeless Bhagavad-gita wisdom into practical applications for contemporary life. While the first book examines the illusion of death and the eternal nature of the soul, this second instalment delves into the intricate workings of karma and how conscious choices can reshape our spiritual trajectory.

In the author’s own words, his spiritual journey with the Bhagavad-gita began decades ago: “In the distant 90s, my spiritual master, Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja, blessed me to preach the glory of El Bhagavad-gita tal como es —the immortal work of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada—in different languages of the world. Since then, I have reread this book countless times, trying to comprehend its bottomless depth. And each time it revealed itself to me anew, as if for the first time. I have tried to carefully present fragments of my understanding and personal revelations in this work, following the instructions of my Guru Maharaja and wishing to share the light of the Gita with those who, like I once did, are seeking Truth.”

Drawing extensively from Srila Prabhupada’s authoritative translation and commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita, Yuga Dharma Das presents karma not as an inflexible system of cosmic punishment, but rather as a sophisticated mechanism through which consciousness evolves. The author skillfully navigates common misunderstandings about karma, dismantling the fatalistic view that one’s destiny is entirely predetermined while avoiding the opposite extreme that suggests complete control over all life circumstances.

What distinguishes this work from many contemporary spirituality books is its steadfast adherence to authentic Vaishnava teachings. Yuga Dharma Das, a disciple of His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami (himself a prominent disciple of Srila Prabhupada), maintains the philosophical integrity of the parampara while making these profound concepts accessible to modern readers regardless of their prior exposure to Krishna consciousness.

In his dedication, the author poignantly shares the perspective that reframes our understanding of loss and death—a perspective that lies at the heart of the karma concept he explores: “I want to dedicate this book to all those whom death has separated from their loved ones and relatives, causing much grief, pain and suffering. But…the good news is that no one died. They are all alive. No, not figuratively speaking, but really. They are all alive. And it is quite possible that they live next to us, and not just in our hearts and our memories, without even suspecting that they were once a part of our lives. A living being does not have a soul. It is the soul. An eternal soul that cannot be killed, dried out by the wind, wetted by water, or dismembered. No one knows when we began our journey in this world, and how many bodies and guises we have changed. Does this matter?”

The book retains the conversational tone established in the first volume, maintaining the emotional resonance and immediacy of spoken discourse. This approach reflects the author’s extensive experience as a public speaker and facilitator of spiritual dialogues. Through relatable examples, anecdotes, and practical exercises, readers are invited to examine how their daily choices create karmic reactions that either bind them further to material existence or propel them toward spiritual liberation.

Particularly valuable is the book’s emphasis on developing proper spiritual understanding rather than merely manipulating circumstances for material benefit. Yuga Dharma Das clarifies that genuine “karma editing” begins with aligning one’s consciousness with divine purpose rather than attempting to orchestrate favourable outcomes while maintaining selfish motivations.

The author’s background as an active promoter of Bhagavad-gita in Russia lends credibility to his exposition. Those familiar with his work know that he regularly conducts round table discussions on El Bhagavad-gita tal como es and hosts weekly YouTube live streams where he invites notable guests to discuss how spiritual science can be practically applied in daily life. This engagement with diverse audiences has informed his ability to present complex philosophical concepts in relatable terms without diminishing their profundity.

Particularly compelling are the sections addressing how karma operates within relationships, career choices, and health circumstances. Rather than offering quick fixes or spiritual bypassing, Yuga Dharma Das presents a mature understanding that acknowledges both individual responsibility and the broader spiritual context of life’s challenges. His insights on transforming reactionary patterns into conscious responses provide practical value for readers at any stage of spiritual development.

The book’s structure progressively builds from foundational concepts to more nuanced applications, making it accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced practitioners. Each chapter concludes with reflective questions that invite readers to contemplate how the principles discussed might manifest in their own lives.

HOW EDIT KARMA serves as both a theoretical exploration and a practical manual. It reminds us that while we cannot escape the consequences of past actions, we can, through proper spiritual understanding and devotional practices, transcend the cycle of karma altogether. The ultimate goal is not to manipulate karma for temporary material gain but to transcend the karmic framework through bhakti.

For readers seeking to understand how ancient Vedic wisdom addresses contemporary challenges, Yuga Dharma Das’s latest work offers a thoughtful bridge between timeless spiritual principles and their practical application. This book continues the valuable contribution of making Srila Prabhupada’s profound insights on the Bhagavad-gita accessible to an ever-widening audience, particularly in Russia and Eastern Europe, where the author’s influence continues to grow.

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About the author

About the Author. Igor Anikanov (Yuga Dharma Das) was born on May 16, 1969. A philosopher, writer, and cultural producer, he is best known as the author of the series Conversations on Bhagavad Gita, which has brought the timeless teachings of the Gita to modern audiences. In the 1990s, Igor discovered Vedic philosophy and became a devoted disciple of Bhakti Tirtha Swami. Combining his passion for creative arts with spiritual service, he has dedicated his life to promoting the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita through innovative projects, writings, and performances that inspire and educate seekers worldwide.

To connect with Yuga Dharma Das, visit his Telegram Channel and his YouTube channel Anikanov Live, for weekly discussions on practical applications of Bhagavad-gita wisdom in Russian.