August 26, 1976 Berkeley
My Dear Bhakta das,
Please accept my blessings. On your recommendation I am accepting the following boys and girls as my duly initiated disciples.
John—Jnanagati dasa Spencer—Saktipati dasa Orlando—Pranavananda dasa Mark—Mitrasena dasa Nadine—Nada dasi Carol—Karuna dasi
All initiates of mine must strictly follow the four principles of no meat, fish or egg, eating; no gambling; no intoxication of any kind; and no illicit sex. They must chant 16 rounds a day minimum with attention, clearly chanting the mantra, and listening very carefully. This is the recommended process for purifying the heart in this sinful age of Kali. Be serious to push on this sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and certainly He will bless you and your life will become perfect, na ca tasmad manusyesu kascit me priya-krtama, anyone who preaches this message of the Bhagavad-gita is the most dear servant of the Lord.
I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/hs