Everything will be gradually clear as you go on chanting Hare Krishna. Please try to chant at least 16 rounds of the beads and while chanting try to hear each and every word. That will make you advance in every respect.
Chanting Sixteen Rounds (Letters 1967 - 1970)
Correspondence
1967 Correspondence
Please try to chant at least 16 rounds of the beads and while chanting try to hear each and every word.
Letter to Ballabhi -- ISKCON Inc., 26 2nd Ave, New York, N.Y 5 May, 1967: You are already allotted a nice service & if you continue this responsibility anywhere you live & at the same time chant at least 16 rounds a day you will do all right in any circumstances.
Letter to Jadurani -- Calcutta 13 October, 1967: Krishna Consciousness is always dormant in everyone's heart & it can be awakened simply by service attitude. You are already allotted a nice service & if you continue this responsibility anywhere you live & at the same time chant at least 16 rounds a day you will do all right in any circumstances.
Actually it is all right that one should chant 64 rounds, even 16 rounds, so if one is able to chant more than 16 rounds up to 64, it is very good. You fix up your rounds. Try to increase it but never decrease it.
Letter to Indira (Iris Mendoza), Ekayani (Esther Mendoza) -- San Francisco 17 December, 1967: For the present you should continue going to school because education is important. Without education nobody has any social position and all our students in Krishna Consciousness are expected to be preachers. So preachers must have sufficient education because they have to meet with so many opposing elements. Education should be continued at the same time chanting should be continued. There will be no difficulty.
I am very glad to learn you are chanting 48 rounds. Actually it is all right that one should chant 64 rounds, even 16 rounds, so if one is able to chant more than 16 rounds up to 64, it is very good.
You fix up your rounds. Try to increase it but never decrease it.
1968 Correspondence
Please go on chanting (16 rounds daily if you can), reading Srimad-Bhagavatam and our other literatures, and you will always be happy, both in this life and the next.
Letter to Andrea Temple -- Los Angeles 13 January, 1968: Please go on chanting (16 rounds daily if you can), reading Srimad-Bhagavatam and our other literatures, and you will always be happy, both in this life and the next. Hoping you are well.
Please follow the regulations and chant 16 rounds daily at least without any offense.
Letter to Sudarsana -- Los Angeles 15 February, 1968: Please follow the regulations and chant 16 rounds daily at least without any offense. The list of offenses, 10 kinds, are in my apartment in N.Y., and you ask your God-brother, Brahmananda, and he will supply you. Similarly, there is another list of the qualifications, as well as prayer for Spiritual Master, are also there. Try to secure them, and follow the regulations, and Krishna will help you in being elevated to higher and higher platforms of Krishna Consciousness. Thanking you very much.
Please follow the regulations and chant 16 rounds daily, at least, without any offense.
Letter to Yadunandana -- Los Angeles 15 February, 1968: Please follow the regulations and chant 16 rounds daily, at least, without any offense. The list of offenses, 10 kinds, are in my apartment in N.Y., and you ask your God-brother, Brahmananda, and he will supply you. Similarly, there is another list of the qualifications, as well as prayer for Spiritual Master, are also there. Try to secure them, and follow the regulations, and Krishna will help you in being elevated to higher and higher platforms of Krishna Consciousness. Thanking you very much.
Chanting 16 rounds is prescribed, but you can chant more rounds and hear them very attentively.
Letter to Devananda -- San Francisco 18 March, 1968: Your sincerity and desire for doing some service for Krishna is very much encouraging to me. Please go on chanting nicely, and steadily. Chanting 16 rounds is prescribed, but you can chant more rounds and hear them very attentively.
It is very good news for me that you are regularly chanting your 16 rounds; try to increase the rounds, but don't decrease.
Letter to Mahapurusa -- San Francisco 28 March, 1968: It is very good news for me that you are regularly chanting your 16 rounds; try to increase the rounds, but don't decrease. Yes, if you can inject this Krishna Consciousness to the young children, it will be a great service to the humanity and to the Lord.
As a matter of recognition I am giving the second endowment of initiation, namely the sacred thread to those who are chanting 16 rounds regularly, and have followed the four principles of restrictions may be awarded this sacred thread.
Letter to Gurudasa -- Allston, Mass 23 May, 1968: As a matter of recognition I am giving the second endowment of initiation, namely the sacred thread to those who are chanting 16 rounds regularly, and have followed the four principles of restrictions may be awarded this sacred thread.
Chanting as enunciated by Lord Caitanya is the only means for spiritual realization in this age of dissension. So chant at least 16 rounds daily, and for other help you can ask assistance from your elderly God-brothers.
Letter to Sacisuta -- Allston, Mass 30 May, 1968: Chanting as enunciated by Lord Caitanya is the only means for spiritual realization in this age of dissension. So chant at least 16 rounds daily, and for other help you can ask assistance from your elderly God-brothers.
Next time when I come back to San Francisco, some of the boys who have regularly chanted 16 rounds at least for one year shall be initiated for the second time, and offered sacred thread to recognize them as complete Brahmins.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Allston, Mass 31 May, 1968: I am so pleased for your valuable loving sentiments upon me and this will keep you advanced in Krishna Consciousness, rest assured. Next time when I come back to San Francisco, some of the boys who have regularly chanted 16 rounds at least for one year shall be initiated for the second time, and offered sacred thread to recognize them as complete Brahmins.
I hope you are chanting regularly at least 16 rounds. Sometimes Maya disturbs us but that does not mean any serious drawback.
Letter to Vamana -- Seattle 27 September, 1968: Please accept my blessings. I see that you are feeling not well. I advise you therefore to come and live with me so that you can be freed from the doubts. I hope you are chanting regularly at least 16 rounds. Sometimes Maya disturbs us but that does not mean any serious drawback. So if you feel too much uneasy, you can come and live with me for some time, and everything will be set up. I hope you are well.
You try to take care of Lord Jagannatha as far as possible after doing your household duties, but you should be strict only in completing the 16 rounds of chanting. That will save you from all discrepancies.
Letter to Malati -- Los Angeles 23 November, 1968: You have asked if I found it difficult to carry on devotional service when in my household life, and yes, I did. In my household life I was strictly following the regulative principles but my wife was reluctant to assist me properly. Therefore I was obliged to give up their company. You try to take care of Lord Jagannatha as far as possible after doing your household duties, but you should be strict only in completing the 16 rounds of chanting. That will save you from all discrepancies.
So far as your question about arranging time, our first business is to regularly complete our chanting 16 rounds each day.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 2 December, 1968: So far as your question about arranging time, our first business is to regularly complete our chanting 16 rounds each day. Then we must offer to the deities mangal arati in the morning, and the other paraphernalia and activities shall be executed as time permits. If there is no time then we must disregard.
Continue to chant your full 16 rounds daily, even there is effort and I am sure that you will be helped by Krishna through the difficulties of this inferior energy, maya.
Letter to Upendra -- Los Angeles 2 December, 1968: So continue to chant your full 16 rounds daily, even there is effort and I am sure that you will be helped by Krishna through the difficulties of this inferior energy, maya. I hope this finds you all in good health.
Take instructions from your god-brother Rupanuga, chant your sixteen rounds daily, follow all regulations strictly, and you will have all blessings from the disciplic succession to advance nicely.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Los Angeles 13 December, 1968: So please continue to be very sincere about developing your Krishna Consciousness and Krishna will give you all facilities to return with Him to His Spiritual Abode. Take instructions from your god-brother Rupanuga, chant your sixteen rounds daily, follow all regulations strictly, and you will have all blessings from the disciplic succession to advance nicely. So now you have this all important opportunity so I request you to take full advantage and perfect yourself in Krishna Consciousness. This is my request to all of you. This will be great service not only to yourself, but also to all the living entities with whom we come into contact.
1969 Correspondence
You must be certain to chant 16 rounds per day upon your beads.
Letter to Kanupriya -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969: I am so pleased to learn that you have been already receiving some training up from Rupanuga and you are assisting the temple activities along with the others. It is very gratifying to know this, and please continue in this way. Also, you must be certain to chant 16 rounds per day upon your beads.
I hope that by the Grace of Krishna you will stick rigidly to chanting your 16 rounds or more daily. This will solve all of your questions.
Letter to Vilasavigraha -- Los Angeles 22 January, 1969: Actually, there is nothing wrong with you because you have already come to the platform of Krishna Consciousness. Only by the influence of your past habits is it taking perhaps more time for you to adjust things. I hope that by the Grace of Krishna you will stick rigidly to chanting your 16 rounds or more daily. This will solve all of your questions. Try to engage yourself in the service of Krishna and everything will be revealed to you without fail.
Be sure to chant your sixteen rounds daily and read one chapter of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, one chapter daily.
Letter to Arundhati -- Los Angeles 26 January, 1969: Be sure to chant your sixteen rounds daily and read one chapter of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, one chapter daily. Follow the four regulative principles strictly, and I am sure that Krishna will see that your life quickly becomes more and more happy in devotional service. The attitude which you expressed is very nice, and please continue to develop this attitude always.
With these chanting beads, this Hare Krishna Mantra is coming down by disciplic succession, so you receive it, and chant at least 16 rounds daily, and follow the prohibitive regulations.
Letter to Prahladananda -- Los Angeles 14 February, 1969: Please accept my blessings and the blessings of my Guru Maharaja also. I am very pleased to accept you as my disciple, and your spiritual name is Prahladananda. This means one who is as cheerful as Maharaja Prahlada in all kinds of critical tests. With these chanting beads, this Hare Krishna Mantra is coming down by disciplic succession, so you receive it, and chant at least 16 rounds daily, and follow the prohibitive regulations. Take assistance from your godbrothers there, and engage yourself purely in the business of Krishna Consciousness.
Chant 16 rounds minimum daily, attend classes in the temple, and read Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly.
Letter to Isana, Vibhavati -- Hawaii 8 March, 1969: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your kind letter of February 22, 1969, along with your beads, which I have duly chanted. Your name is now Isana das Adhikari and your wife's name is Vibhavati dasi. Please follow the four principles of initiated disciples which are as follows: No eating of animal foods such as meat, fish and eggs; no gambling; no illicit sex life; and no intoxication of any kind. Chant 16 rounds minimum daily, attend classes in the temple, and read Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly.
Chanting 16 rounds without fail, performing Kirtana at least twice daily, morning and evening, discussion on Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam in the class, and work diligently and cooperatively amongst yourselves is my fervent request.
Letter to Sivananda -- Hawaii 9 March, 1969: Chanting 16 rounds without fail, performing Kirtana at least twice daily, morning and evening, discussion on Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam in the class, and work diligently and cooperatively amongst yourselves is my fervent request. Kindly follow this and be happy.
I am so glad that you want to chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mantra every day.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Hawaii 16 March, 1969: You can send me always your long letters—it is very pleasing to me. And I am so glad that you want to chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mantra every day. And you can chant immediately, but you should also, at the same time, follow strictly the four principles of restraint and avoid the 10 kinds of offenses in the matter of chanting, it will be quickly effective.
Our process is to faithfully follow the rules of no illicit sex-life, no meat-eating, no intoxication, and no gambling. Also we should chant at least 16 rounds each day, trying to avoid the ten offenses.
Letter to Jayasri -- Columbus, Ohio 13 May, 1969: Your name, Jayasri Dasi, means victory, and if you will simply continue to develop your Krishna Consciousness by following the rules and regulations, then surely your life will be very victorious in defeating all contaminations of the material world and in returning back to Home, back to Godhead in the Spiritual Kingdom. Our process is to faithfully follow the rules of no illicit sex-life, no meat-eating, no intoxication, and no gambling. Also we should chant at least 16 rounds each day, trying to avoid the ten offenses. You have very nice association with your godbrothers and godsisters there with you in Hawaii, and you should help them to propagate our movement in that area.
The next business is your editing, and if you find extra time, then you can attend the temple ceremonies. Otherwise you can stop these activities, but outdoor kirtana, your editing work and chanting of 16 rounds must be done.
Letter to Rayarama -- Columbus, Ohio 17 May, 1969: My advice to you under the circumstances is that at least for one hour you must all go to have Sankirtana outside on the streets or in the park. That is your life and soul, first business. The next business is completing the chanting of 16 rounds every day. The next business is your editing, and if you find extra time, then you can attend the temple ceremonies. Otherwise you can stop these activities, but outdoor kirtana, your editing work and chanting of 16 rounds must be done. Outdoor kirtana must be done, even at the cost of suspending all editorial work. That is your first and foremost business. Temple worship is not so important. If need be, the whole temple can be locked, but the outdoor kirtana cannot be stopped.
You must complete sixteen rounds at least. Follow the restrictive principles and avoid the ten kinds of offenses. Then everything will be clear gradually.
Letter to Vrndavanesvari -- New Vrindaban 25 May, 1969: Regarding your question about the other mantras you have been given, I think you should simply chant Hare Krishna regularly and follow the regulative principles. You must complete sixteen rounds at least. Follow the restrictive principles and avoid the ten kinds of offenses. Then everything will be clear gradually. I hope this will meet you in very good health.
We must chant at least 16 rounds each day, trying to avoid the ten kinds of offenses.
Letter to Sripati -- Moundsville 28 May, 1969: Our process is to faithfully follow the rules of no illicit sex life, no nonvegetarian diet, no intoxication, and no gambling activities. Also, we must chant at least 16 rounds each day, trying to avoid the ten kinds of offenses. You have very nice association with your nice godbrothers in Montreal temple, and you should help them to propagate Krishna Consciousness in that area.
If you will follow these principles, chant 16 rounds each day upon your beads, avoid the ten offenses which Hamsaduta will give to you, and help propagate this chanting of Hare Krishna as far as possible, then you will see your life becoming more and more sublime.
Letter to Raktaka -- Moundsville 31 May, 1969: The main regulative principles for brahmacari life are four in number, and they are 1) no illicit sexual connections, 2) no intoxication, including coffee, tea and cigarettes, 3) no nonvegetarian diet, and 4) no gambling. So if you will follow these principles, chant 16 rounds each day upon your beads, avoid the ten offenses which Hamsaduta will give to you, and help propagate this chanting of Hare Krishna as far as possible, then you will see your life becoming more and more sublime.
Now you have your beads, so please chant at least 16 rounds daily, and read from Bhagavad-gita As It Is at least one chapter daily.
Letter to Turya -- New Vrindaban 5 June, 1969: Now you have your beads, so please chant at least 16 rounds daily, and read from Bhagavad-gita As It Is at least one chapter daily. Gaurasundara will instruct you as to the 10 offenses that must be avoided. The four principal regulative restrictions that you must follow are 1) no intoxication, including coffee or tea, 2) no illicit sex-life, 3) no nonvegetarian diet, 4) no gambling.
You chant Hare Krishna; 16 rounds daily, follow the regulative principles, read Bhagavad-gita, and help your Godbrothers push on this movement as far as possible.
Letter to Steve -- New Vrindaban 16 June, 1969: The process of turning to Krishna you are seeing practically everyday because you are now staying in the temple. You chant Hare Krishna; 16 rounds daily, follow the regulative principles, read Bhagavad-gita, and help your Godbrothers push on this movement as far as possible.
As initiated student you should chant 16 rounds on your beads daily, avoiding the ten kinds of offenses which Rupanuga will explain to you.
Letter to Laksmimoni -- Los Angeles 10 July, 1969: Although the Goddess of Fortune is very restless and does not like to stay in one place for very long time, she is always finding new wonderful things in serving Krishna's Lotus Feet so that she never thinks of leaving Him. This is actually the position of Krishna Consciousness that when we get some taste of rendering sublime loving service to the Lord, no more do we have any taste for any other engagements. So as initiated student you should chant 16 rounds on your beads daily, avoiding the ten kinds of offenses which Rupanuga will explain to you. You must follow the four regulative principles; namely no illicit sex life, no intoxication, no meat-eating, and no gambling.
Wherever you go, either in New Vrindaban or New York, you should make effort to finish your 16 rounds whenever possible.
Letter to Paramananda -- Los Angeles 29 July, 1969: Regarding someone to go there to take charge of the children in Satyabhama's absence, I will write to Lilavati in Boston to see if she is able to fill this position for that time. If not, we will have to make other arrangements. But wherever you go, either in New Vrindaban or New York, you should make effort to finish your 16 rounds whenever possible. Of course, if you are always engaged in Krishna's service, and always chanting Hare Krishna, even if not on your beads, that is also a nice status. As you are an important worker there and you have so many important duties, especially to take care of the cows, it may not be possible for you to stop your work for chanting 16 rounds. This is no great loss, and you should not feel badly about it. Krishna sees your sincerity in Krishna Consciousness, and He will be very kind upon you for this. But as much as possible you should try to fulfill the goal of 16 rounds daily. If you must fall short of this because you have so much service to render to Krishna, do not be disturbed by this. But you should not fall too much short of this goal. That will not be good.
I am very glad that you are already interested in the Krishna Consciousness Movement, and you will please chant at least 16 rounds daily, observing the rules and regulations.
Letter to Kulasekhara (Colin Jury), Digvijaya (Dick Withey), Tirthapada (Tim Austin) -- Los Angeles 31 July, 1969: So this initiation means the preliminary chance for preparing oneself to achieve this highest perfection. I am very glad that you are already interested in the Krishna Consciousness Movement, and you will please chant at least 16 rounds daily, observing the rules and regulations.
I am pleased to learn that you are now chanting 16 rounds daily, eating Bhagavat Prasadam, reading Bhagavad-gita, and going on Sankirtana Party.
Letter to Mahapurusa -- Los Angeles 17 August, 1969: I am pleased to learn that you are now chanting 16 rounds daily, eating Bhagavat Prasadam, reading Bhagavad-gita, and going on Sankirtana Party. All of these things will save you, as they will save anyone who persists in Krishna Consciousness faithfully and sincerely.
You should chant on these beads 16 rounds every day and avoid the following offenses.
Letter to Jananivasa -- Los Angeles 19 August, 1969: There was some mix-up with these beads, and they have been sent to Krishna Kamini Dasi (Mrs. Jane Cline). Let her keep these beads. I am enclosing herewith another set of beads for you, duly chanted upon by me. Your initiated name is Jananivasa das Brahmacari. You should chant on these beads 16 rounds every day and avoid the following offenses: 1. Blaspheming the Lord's devotee, 2. Considering the Lord and the demigods on the same level, 3. Neglecting the orders of the spiritual master, 4. Minimizing the authority of the Scriptures, 5. Interpreting the Holy Name of God, 6. Committing sin on the strength of chanting, 7. Instructing the glories of the Lord's name to the unfaithful, 8. Comparing the Holy Name with material piety, 9. Inattention while chanting the Holy Name, 10. Attachment to material things while engaged in the practice of chanting.
Everyone should strictly follow the regulations of 16 rounds daily.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Tittenhurst 11 October, 1969: Regarding the information you heard that it is all right to neglect one's 16 rounds as a daily minimum, this is wrong. Everyone should strictly follow the regulations of 16 rounds daily. If one is busy for other Krishna Consciousness activities and cannot fulfill the regular routine of chanting, he must compensate it the next day, curtailing his activities in the matter of sleeping or eating or any other sense gratificatory process.
Please chant 16 rounds minimum every day, and follow the four regulative restrictions.
Letter to Yamunacarya -- Tittenhurst 21 October, 1969: Please chant 16 rounds minimum every day, and follow the four regulative restrictions which are as follows: no illicit sex-life, no intoxication, no eating of meat, fish or eggs, and no gambling. I am enclosing a page with instructions for executing Krishna Consciousness.
Please continue to live at our temple, follow the regulative principles and chant at least 16 rounds daily.
Letter to Nico Kuyt -- London 4 November, 1969: In former ages the processes of spiritual elevation were very difficult and long enduring. But in this age of Kali Yuga our lives are so short and our minds are so restless that the process of spiritual realization must be very simple in order for success to be achieved. Therefore, Lord Krishna appeared on this world as Lord Caitanya to show the fallen living entities the easiest and most sublime method of achieving Krishna Consciousness. His formula is that everyone, in any position of life, should chant the Hare Krishna Mantra. So this is what we are teaching, and any benefit you are feeling from this procedure is simply the Mercy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu acting. I am glad that you are very much appreciating the association of Bhagavan das and Jagadisa. They are both very nice devotees, so when you have any questions about our philosophy, you consult with them, or else I am also at your service in this connection. Please continue to live at our temple, follow the regulative principles and chant at least 16 rounds daily.
I am so pleased to learn that you are chanting 16 rounds daily and studying our books carefully.
Letter to Carl Lange -- London 14 November, 1969: I am so pleased to learn that you are chanting 16 rounds daily and studying our books carefully. You continue to do this in the association of devotees, and surely you shall come out successful in perfecting your existence in Krishna Consciousness.
You should chant at least 16 rounds on your beads every day, and avoid the ten offenses to chanting.
Letter to Yadavananda -- London 2 December, 1969: When we act in this position of Krishna's servitor very soon we understand that this is our natural, constitutional position, and thus we regain our constitutional qualities of eternity, bliss and knowledge. Actually these qualities are always there, but now they have been covered up by material contamination. But as Lord Caitanya has recommended, by this process of Sankirtana which we are propagating throughout the world the heart will very soon become cleansed of all such material misgivings. Therefore, you should arrange your schedule in such a way that at every minute of every day you will be chanting Hare Krishna or serving Lord Krishna in some other way. This will make you advance very swiftly, and Gaurasundara will be very helpful in giving you instruction in this connection. You should chant at least 16 rounds on your beads every day, and avoid the ten offenses to chanting.
The Lord is not partial to anyone, but according to one's sincere desire to render unalloyed devotional service, so will He respond to enlighten such devotee. So the way for you to increase the capacity of receiving Krishna's Mercy is to chant Hare Krishna regularly, at least 16 rounds per day, to associate with devotees of Krishna, and to follow the rules and regulations.
Letter to Steven Hebel -- London 6 December, 1969: Actually, Krishna offers this intelligence freely to everyone, but only the fortunate persons will take to it. Unfortunate persons will speculate upon the words of Krishna and concoct some meaning according to their own sense gratification. But Krishna and His bona fide representatives are giving this knowledge freely to everyone. Now it is our duty to assimilate this knowledge and practice it. Just like the electric current is equal on all points of the electric system, but different light bulbs will take different amounts of energy. This depends upon the capacity of the bulb to accept the electric current. Similarly, the Lord is not partial to anyone, but according to one's sincere desire to render unalloyed devotional service, so will He respond to enlighten such devotee. So the way for you to increase the capacity of receiving Krishna's Mercy is to chant Hare Krishna regularly, at least 16 rounds per day, to associate with devotees of Krishna, and to follow the rules and regulations.
You must try to chant at least 16 rounds on you beads daily, and avoid the ten offenses to chanting which Gaurasundara Prabhu will instruct you about.
Letter to Govardhana -- Boston 25 December, 1969: The example is given that when an iron rod is put into a blazing fire, the rod soon takes on the qualities of the fire; namely light and heat. But if the same rod is put amidst some ice, then it will remain simply dark and cold. In the same way, a devotee should associate with fellow devotees, and in relationship to others the devotee should try to elevate them also onto the spiritual platform. So please follow this principle and surely you will mark great strides in the matter of your spiritual advancement. The four basic regulative restrictions we observe are 1) no illicit sex connections, 2) no intoxication, 3) no meat-eating, and 4) no gambling. You must try to chant at least 16 rounds on you beads daily, and avoid the ten offenses to chanting which Gaurasundara Prabhu will instruct you about.
1970 Correspondence
You are thinking that there are many problems in your life; I assure you that if you follow the regulative principles of chanting 16 rounds, observing strictly the prohibitive injunctions, keep association with pure devotees, plus taking care of the Deities in the Temple, surely all your problems will be solved without any difficulty. Please try it for at least one month and see the result.
Letter to Kulasekhara -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1970: As you are sincere devotee, you should always keep in mind these differences of hearing and try to understand how much important it is to hear about Krishna Consciousness. You are thinking that there are many problems in your life; I assure you that if you follow the regulative principles of chanting 16 rounds, observing strictly the prohibitive injunctions, keep association with pure devotees, plus taking care of the Deities in the Temple, surely all your problems will be solved without any difficulty. Please try it for at least one month and see the result.
After some days when the Spiritual Master sees that one has followed the regulative principles faithfully and has abstained himself from the restricted items like illicit sex life, etc. and has chanted regularly 16 rounds then say after a year or six months when he appears to be purified in the judgment of the Spiritual Master he is offered the sacred thread, and he is given the chance of Deity worship in the Temple.
Letter to Janardana -- Los Angeles 16 January, 1970: So Narada Muni says that men should be judged by his tendencies, not by his birth, and this is also confirmed in Bhagavad-gita by Lord Krishna that the four divisions of human society should be judged by the qualities in actual work. Therefore with reference to all Vedic Scriptures our members are all Brahmanas and therefore we offer them the sacred thread although they are born, according to Vedic culture, in the families of other than Brahmanas or even than the Sudras. But that does not mean they cannot be purified. Actually they are being trained in such a way, their hearts are being purified by chanting the Mahamantra. And after some days when the Spiritual Master sees that one has followed the regulative principles faithfully and has abstained himself from the restricted items like illicit sex life, etc. and has chanted regularly 16 rounds then say after a year or six months when he appears to be purified in the judgment of the Spiritual Master he is offered the sacred thread, and he is given the chance of Deity worship in the Temple.
May I ask you if you are regularly chanting 16 rounds of beads? The tricks of the mind or influence of Maya will infiltrate if we do not follow the regulative principles and regularly chant the prescribed Names without any offense.
Letter to Madhusudana -- Los Angeles 16 January, 1970: You have admitted that it is something like the tricks of the mind. May I ask you if you are regularly chanting 16 rounds of beads? The tricks of the mind or influence of Maya will infiltrate if we do not follow the regulative principles and regularly chant the prescribed Names without any offense. Perhaps you know that there are 10 (ten) kinds of offenses in chanting the Holy Name. The first offense is not to obey the order of the Spiritual Master, and the second is to minimize the authoritative value of the Scriptures. These things are infiltrating within you as I see from your writings that Vedas or Bhagavatam or Gita seem not so universal.
If our students strictly follow the chalked out plan; namely chanting 16 rounds daily, following the restrictive regulations and reading at least one chapter from our books, then automatically they become ordained ministers.
Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 22 January, 1970: Regarding Seattle letter, I have replied the same and the copy, as desired by you, is enclosed herewith. I have seen the Selective Service letter which is very encouraging. Now if our students strictly follow the chalked out plan; namely chanting 16 rounds daily, following the restrictive regulations and reading at least one chapter from our books, then automatically they become ordained ministers. One might be examined by anyone, outsider, and he will never fail the test. So you try to see that things are exacted according to the above plan. Then they are saved materially and spiritually both.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu chanted, Haridasa Thakura chanted 24 hours, all the Goswamis and Acaryas chanted, my Guru Maharaja chanted, and following all these footsteps we are also chanting. So they are authorized by disciplic succession, and all of us must chant at least 16 rounds daily to keep us fit on the Krishna Consciousness transcendental platform.
Letter to Ranadhira -- Los Angeles 24 January, 1970: The sixteen word Maha Mantra is nobody's invention. There are authorized mantras in the different Puranas which are Vedic authorities. Especially in the Kali Santara Upanisad it is stated that this sixteen word Maha Mantra is the Holy Name of the Supreme Brahma for the deliverance of the fallen souls. Caitanya Mahaprabhu chanted, Haridasa Thakura chanted 24 hours, all the Goswamis and Acaryas chanted, my Guru Maharaja chanted, and following all these footsteps we are also chanting. So they are authorized by disciplic succession, and all of us must chant at least 16 rounds daily to keep us fit on the Krishna Consciousness transcendental platform.
Amongst all our duties surely we must not forget to complete our sixteen rounds.
Letter to Ranadhira -- Los Angeles 24 January, 1970: Amongst all our duties surely we must not forget to complete our sixteen rounds. We should not be carried away simply by the Krishna duties which is also regarded as good as chanting, but in all circumstances we shall not forget this duty.
I am glad to learn that everyone is busily engaged in Krishna's business and chanting 16 rounds and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly. This is our life.
Letter to Gajendra -- Los Angeles 27 January, 1970: You are very much welcome to write once in a month, and I shall be very glad to reply them point by point. I am glad to learn that everyone is busily engaged in Krishna's business and chanting 16 rounds and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly. This is our life.
Yes, Patience is is a qualification in the successful execution of devotional service. So study our literatures, discuss philosophical points and problems with your God-brothers, and especially chant regularly sixteen rounds daily without offense and go on Sankirtana. We must always remember that chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra is our life and soul.
Letter to Madhusudana -- Los Angeles 30 January, 1970: Please continue your efforts in Krishna Consciousness with great determination. Yes, Patience is is a qualification in the successful execution of devotional service. So study our literatures, discuss philosophical points and problems with your God-brothers, and especially chant regularly sixteen rounds daily without offense and go on Sankirtana. We must always remember that chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra is our life and soul.
Please, therefore, chant regularly sixteen rounds of beads daily, always be engaged in Krishna work in a humble state of mind, follow the regulative principles of no eating of meat, fish or eggs, no intoxicants, no illicit sex life and no gambling or mental speculation and study our literatures and be strictly trained up in Krishna Consciousness with the help and guidance of Jaya Pataka Prabhu.
Letter to Dindayal -- Los Angeles 2 February, 1970: Please, therefore, chant regularly sixteen rounds of beads daily, always be engaged in Krishna work in a humble state of mind, follow the regulative principles of no eating of meat, fish or eggs, no intoxicants, no illicit sex life and no gambling or mental speculation and study our literatures and be strictly trained up in Krishna Consciousness with the help and guidance of Jaya Pataka Prabhu.
I am glad that she is chanting sixteen rounds and observing the rules and regulations. That will surely help her.
Letter to Mandali Bhadra -- Los Angeles 3 February, 1970: I am very satisfied that another German scholar has joined our activities. She will be a great help to you. Yes. I sometimes think of your mother. She is a nice lady and has good potency for improving in Krishna Consciousness. From the child's mentality the mother's mentality is judged and vice-versa. Please keep in touch with your mother and it is your duty also to try to bring her into Krishna Consciousness when she is already inclined. I am glad that she is chanting sixteen rounds and observing the rules and regulations. That will surely help her. If possible, we can open a center in Berlin at the care of your mother.
The disciple chants daily the Gayatri Mantras thrice—morning, noon, and evening. The beads are chanted a minimum of sixteen rounds daily, or in other words, 27,648 Names daily.
Letter to Hanuman Prasad Poddar -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1970: n the Srimad-Bhagavatam also it is stated as follows:
- kirata hunandhra pulinda pulkasa
- abhira sumbha yavanah khasadayah
- ye'nye c papa yadupasrayasrayah
- sudhyanti tasmai prabhavisnave namah
- (SB 2.4.18)
So our initiation process is executed according to authorized regulative principles. This is the sum and substance of our initiation process. In the beginning, they are given Hare Nama and during sacred thread ceremony they are given Gayatris and eighteen letter Krishna Mantra. The disciple chants daily the Gayatri Mantras thrice—morning, noon, and evening. The beads are chanted a minimum of sixteen rounds daily, or in other words, 27,648 Names daily.
Follow the prescribed regulations for devotional service and chant daily sixteen rounds without fail. avoiding the ten offenses against the Holy Name.
Letter to Jyotirmayi -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970: As my initiated disciple you must strictly observe the four restrictions; namely no taking of intoxicants; no eating of meat, fish, or eggs; no illicit sex life; and no gambling. Follow the prescribed regulations for devotional service and chant daily sixteen rounds without fail. avoiding the ten offenses against the Holy Name. Please take instruction in Krishna Consciousness from Janai, Malati, and Yamuna and the other advanced devotees there.
It Is and always stay engaged in Krishna's service. I am enclosing a list of rules for devotees and the ten offenses. Chant regularly sixteen rounds daily on your beads and be happy.
Letter to Ilavati -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970: As you are liking the London Temple atmosphere, please remain there to learn more about Krishna Consciousness from your Godbrothers and Godsisters there. Follow the rules and regulations and avoid the ten offenses in chanting the Holy Name, study the Scriptures like Bhagavad-gita As It Is and always stay engaged in Krishna's service. I am enclosing a list of rules for devotees and the ten offenses. Chant regularly sixteen rounds daily on your beads and be happy.
Please chant sixteen rounds of beads daily following the rules and four restrictions and avoiding the ten offenses in chanting the Holy Name of Krishna.
Letter to Mandakini -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970: Please chant sixteen rounds of beads daily following the rules and four restrictions and avoiding the ten offenses in chanting the Holy Name of Krishna. Please learn our Krishna Consciousness way of life from the good guidance of the older devotees there.
If we are in spiritual strength, there will be no scarcity of money; and the spiritual strength is that each and every one of us must chant the sixteen rounds of beads and follow the rules and regulations with great adherence.
Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970: Regarding the six months contract for L250 per week from engagements in halls, colleges, clubs, etc., it is very good news. But one thing we must remember that we are not professional musicians or concert party. Our main business is to vibrate the Holy Name of Krishna everywhere so that the people will be benefited by hearing the transcendental sound. The musical training is not so important as it is to keep ourselves spiritually fit in spiritual strength, that we should not forget. If we are in spiritual strength, there will be no scarcity of money; and the spiritual strength is that each and every one of us must chant the sixteen rounds of beads and follow the rules and regulations with great adherence.
I would also like to know if the initiated devotees are chanting regularly sixteen rounds and following the regulative principles rigidly. This is very essential.
Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 11 February, 1970: Please let me know how many members are there, what is your source of income, and what is your program of expenditure. I shall be glad to know these things. I would also like to know if the initiated devotees are chanting regularly sixteen rounds and following the regulative principles rigidly. This is very essential.
Our first business to every initiated devotee is to chant daily sixteen round of beads without fail, and to follow the regulative principles rigidly, and our literatures must be studied with great attention.
Letter to Jayapataka - So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 February 13, 1970: Now we want some men who understand all the purports of the Shastras so that they will be able to face any questionnaires put to them especially ………. This is a very important business, and I want all of my disciples to be thoroughly versed in this way. Our first business to every initiated devotee is to chant daily sixteen round of beads without fail, and to follow the regulative principles rigidly, and our literatures must be studied with great attention.
I am requesting everyone of my initiated students to very seriously chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and to strictly follow the regulative practices. If these two things are done regularly there will be no chance of falling down because these principles are the essential basis of spiritual strength.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 14 February, 1970: I am so very happy to learn of your increasing desire to spread this Sankirtana movement. My Guru Maharaja used to say that one who has actually got life cannot do but preach this Krsna Consciousness—real spiritual life means he must preach, and he is really a preacher. Now we must prepare all our disciples for serious preaching work, so I am requesting everyone of my initiated students to very seriously chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and to strictly follow the regulative practices. If these two things are done regularly there will be no chance of falling down because these principles are the essential basis of spiritual strength.
The means of understanding the spirit of the scriptures is to chant regularly sixteen rounds daily without fail and follow the regulative principles rigidly.
Letter to Sacisuta -- Los Angeles 14 February, 1970: The means of understanding the spirit of the scriptures is to chant regularly sixteen rounds daily without fail and follow the regulative principles rigidly. All our students must carry out these daily duties of regular chanting without offense of ten kinds, following the regulations, and studying our literatures, both in the weekly classes and individually, with close attention for thorough understanding of the transcendental subject.
I think Lord Caitanya is planning a situation which will help us in pushing the Krsna Consciousness movement throughout the whole world. I therefore request you all to chant Hare Krsna mantra very rigidly sixteen rounds a day and thus be fixed up in your spiritual strength and everything will come out successful.
Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 16 February, 1970: The description of Krsna Consciousness movement in London gives me a great pleasure with hope and interest. Lord Caitanya was also checked in His Sankirtana movement by the then police officer, and He led a procession of one hundred thousands of men to the house of the Kazi. So I think Lord Caitanya is planning a situation which will help us in pushing the Krsna Consciousness movement throughout the whole world. I therefore request you all to chant Hare Krsna mantra very rigidly sixteen rounds a day and thus be fixed up in your spiritual strength and everything will come out successful.
These siddhantic conclusions are being mentioned in all my books, and the boys and girls in our Krsna Society should now give more attention for studying the books very attentively. And to get the strength, one should chant the beads sixteen rounds without fail.
Letter to Krsna Devi -- Los Angeles 17 February, 1970: The way of discussion with Dr. Staal requires a little bit of knowledge in the sastras which is called siddhanta. In the Caitanya Caritamrta it is said that nobody should be neglectful of the siddhanta because by siddhantic conclusion one becomes firm in Krsna Consciousness. So these siddhantic conclusions are being mentioned in all my books, and the boys and girls in our Krsna Society should now give more attention for studying the books very attentively. And to get the strength, one should chant the beads sixteen rounds without fail. In this way, when the devotee is constantly engaged in Krsna Consciousness, at that time, Krsna will give all intelligence from within how to make steady progress in Krsna Consciousness.
To keep yourself on the standard spiritual strength, please do not neglect the sixteen rounds chanting and following the regulative principles. Try your best, and Krsna will help you in all respects.
Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 18 February, 1970: I came to your country completely in helpless condition and Krsna is so kind that He has picked up some serious students like you; and my only hope is that even if I die these missionary activities will go on. And to keep yourself on the standard spiritual strength, please do not neglect the sixteen rounds chanting and following the regulative principles. Try your best, and Krsna will help you in all respects.
Everyone should chant his beads sixteen rounds daily without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly.
Letter to Sucandra -- Los Angeles 19 February, 1970: It is most important that our activities be regular or, in other words, on a schedule. Everyone should chant his beads sixteen rounds daily without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly. These basic Krsna Conscious duties are essential to be performed regularly, and they will give you the necessary strength of spirit to keep always fixed up in devotional service. As soon as a devotee is regularly engaged in this way, always engaged in Krsna Consciousness, Krsna will reveal the whole spiritual science from within the heart of such sincere devotee.
You know that as my initiated disciple you must chant regularly sixteen rounds of beads daily and follow the four restrictions; namely no eating of meats, fish or eggs; no illicit sex life; no taking of any kinds of intoxicants; and no gambling or mental speculation.
Letter to Manmohini -- Los Angeles 21 February, 1970: You know that as my initiated disciple you must chant regularly sixteen rounds of beads daily and follow the four restrictions; namely no eating of meats, fish or eggs; no illicit sex life; no taking of any kinds of intoxicants; and no gambling or mental speculation. If you stick to these principles and chant the Holy Name avoiding the ten offenses in the matter of chanting you will become steady and rapidly advanced in Krsna Consciousness.
In our Krsna Consciousness movement the first qualification required by the devotees is enthusiasm. Then work it out patiently and with conviction that it will surely be done. But at the same time we must be very, very strict in following the regulative principles and completing the sixteen rounds chanting.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Los Angeles 22 February, 1970: I am very much pleased with your behavior in the matter of progressing our Krsna Consciousness movement. You took up very seriously my desire for opening a center in Australia, and you volunteered to take up the responsibility. So all these things are very much encouraging. In our Krsna Consciousness movement the first qualification required by the devotees is enthusiasm. Then work it out patiently and with conviction that it will surely be done. But at the same time we must be very, very strict in following the regulative principles and completing the sixteen rounds chanting. Our dealings should be very clear with others and we must always keep company with devotees.
In this connection, I may inform you that in order to maintain our status of spiritual strength, everyone of us must very rigidly chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly.
Letter to Damodara -- Los Angeles 22 February, 1970: In this connection, I may inform you that in order to maintain our status of spiritual strength, everyone of us must very rigidly chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly. This is essential for understanding our philosophy clearly and for being able to impress Krsna Consciousness in the hearts of others; so our sincerity in this respect is most important, and all such duties should be observed regularly by everyone. I hope that you will see that all the boys and girls there are following this process, and studying our literatures carefully.
Please continue your good service attitude more and more and be certain to chant daily the sixteen rounds of beads duly, and Krsna will surely bless you with better and better intelligence for advancing your Krsna Consciousness.
Letter to Rukmini -- Los Angeles 22 February, 1970: I am so happy to know that you are finding Krsna Consciousness to be the sweetest thing in life, and actually it is so. Please continue your good service attitude more and more and be certain to chant daily the sixteen rounds of beads duly, and Krsna will surely bless you with better and better intelligence for advancing your Krsna Consciousness. Always be sincere and eager to perform your duties allotted by the Lord to you and be successful and joyful in your life.
Please therefore chant regularly the sixteen rounds beads and follow the regulative principles; and teach the new boys by practical example, and try to preach Sankirtana as far as possible.
Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 23 February, 1970: I am very glad to learn that three new boys have joined with you and are living at the temple. These new boys should be taken care of very nicely. We should always remember that we are in the kingdom of Maya and her influence is very strong. So, unless we are very, very careful in our dealings, there is always chance of falling down. Please therefore chant regularly the sixteen rounds beads and follow the regulative principles; and teach the new boys by practical example, and try to preach Sankirtana as far as possible.
Please remain in that spirit and chant Hare Krsna sixteen rounds regularly, both husband and wife, and develop New Vrindaban.
Letter to Syama -- Los Angeles 23 February, 1970: I am very much pleased to note that you are feeling happiness in Krsna Consciousness activities along with your good husband. Please remain in that spirit and chant Hare Krsna sixteen rounds regularly, both husband and wife, and develop New Vrindaban. Next summer if you hold Janmastami gorgeously, as I have already suggested to Kirtanananda Maharaja, surely I shall go there.
Always chant at least sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail, and be happy in Krsna Consciousness life.
Letter to Dinadayadri -- Los Angeles 26 February, 1970: I am very glad to accept you as my initiated disciple, and I have already returned your beads duly chanted upon by me. Your spiritual name is Dinadayadri Dasi. Please be very careful to follow the four basic restrictive principles of no eating of meat, fish or eggs, no taking of any kind of intoxicants, no illicit sex-life, and no gambling or mental speculations. Always chant at least sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail, and be happy in Krsna Consciousness life.
Please push our Sankirtana movement and improve the program of Deity worship as the centers of your activities, and see that all the devotees remain steady in their execution of daily chanting of sixteen rounds of beads and strict adherence to the four principles of spiritual life and all other regulative principles, this will keep them strong in Spiritual power.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Los Angeles 27 February, 1970: I am also glad to learn that already you have got a temple and enthusiastic and eager devotees there. This is very encouraging. Please push our Sankirtana movement and improve the program of Deity worship as the centers of your activities, and see that all the devotees remain steady in their execution of daily chanting of sixteen rounds of beads and strict adherence to the four principles of spiritual life and all other regulative principles, this will keep them strong in Spiritual power. And you may note that when these regulative duties are performed, and the devotee becomes fully absorbed in Krsna activities, Krsna as Supersoul will dictate from within the answers to all questions and will give the needed intelligence to progress more and more in Krsna Consciousness.
Chant regularly sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail avoiding the ten offences to the Holy Name of Krsna.
Letter to Goverdhan - So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 March 6, 1970: I am very glad to welcome you as my initiated student. I have duly chanted your beads and they are returned herewith. Please carefully observe the four restrictive principles; namely no taking of intoxicants, no eating of meat, fish, or eggs, no illicit sex-life, and no gambling. Chant regularly sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail avoiding the ten offences to the Holy Name of Krsna. This will make you intelligent to understand our philosophy, and you will automatically acquire all auspicious qualifications by always being engaged in devotional service of the Lord. So now chant Hare Krsna mantra and be happy. That is my desire.
Please follow the regulative principles strictly, and chant daily sixteen rounds of beads regularly without fail.
Letter to Nityananda -- Los Angeles 6 March, 1970: Please follow the regulative principles strictly, and chant daily sixteen rounds of beads regularly without fail. This is the essential process for dissolving the clouds of illusion or Maya; and when the cloud of illusion is removed, then we can understand Krsna Consciousness perfectly and that is the highest perfection of human life. So be fixed in devotional service, chant Hare Krsna mantra and be happy. I am waiting to hear of your further progress in spreading this Krsna Consciousness movement for the benefit of all concerned.
In this connection, in order to remain fixed in spiritual strength, always be sure to chant the prescribed sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail. This is essential for insuring your spiritual progress.
Letter to Rudra -- Los Angeles 9 March, 1970: In this connection, in order to remain fixed in spiritual strength, always be sure to chant the prescribed sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail. This is essential for insuring your spiritual progress.
The essence of our program is to chant daily Hare Krishna mantra at least sixteen rounds without fail, and thus one remains strong in spiritual life.
Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970: Regarding your several questions; yes, it is best to get all such points cleared up so that our understanding may be firmly fixed up in our philosophy. The best process is to rigidly execute one's prescribed devotional duties regularly, and to study the books and literatures very carefully in the company and guidance of experienced devotees. The essence of our program is to chant daily Hare Krishna mantra at least sixteen rounds without fail, and thus one remains strong in spiritual life.
The best way to prepare such Krishna Conscious souls is to train them to up from their birth to follow the principles of Krishna Consciousness. This is possible by good association of devotee parents, so you must keep always fit in spiritual strength by following the regulative principles faithfully and chanting the sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail, then Krishna will give you more intelligence how to engage yourselves more and more in His service, and your lives will be sublime.
Letter to Dinadayadri, Nara-narayana -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970: I am also glad to note that you are eager to bring up many souls in Krishna Consciousness, and that is a very encouraging and responsible program. Just one good soul fully developed and firmly convinced in preaching Krishna Consciousness can reclaim so many fallen souls for going back to home, back to Godhead. And the best way to prepare such Krishna Conscious souls is to train them to up from their birth to follow the principles of Krishna Consciousness. This is possible by good association of devotee parents, so you must keep always fit in spiritual strength by following the regulative principles faithfully and chanting the sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail, then Krishna will give you more intelligence how to engage yourselves more and more in His service, and your lives will be sublime.
To keep your spiritual strength, always observe the regulative principles strictly and chant at least sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail. This is essential for understanding our philosophy practically to advance in Krishna Consciousness. And we should always avoid mental speculations.
Letter to Patita Uddharana -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970: I am very glad to know that your pen is inspired to create, because we are in need of many intelligent writers who can express our Krishna consciousness philosophy nicely just following exactly the transcendental words and purports of our vast Vedic scriptures according to the previous Acaryas of our Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya. And if you continue to work in this writing and publishing of our literatures with steady enthusiasm and sincerity, your success in Krishna Consciousness is certain. Therefore to keep your spiritual strength, always observe the regulative principles strictly and chant at least sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail. This is essential for understanding our philosophy practically to advance in Krishna Consciousness. And we should always avoid mental speculations.
Now be sure to chant at least the prescribed sixteen rounds daily without fail, avoiding the ten offenses to the Holy Name, and thus advance in spiritual strength.
Letter to Nara-narayana -- Los Angeles 21 March, 1970: So I have duly chanted them as you have desired, and they are returned herewith enclosed. However, in future, please be very careful to keep these sanctified beads. You should be more heedful. Now be sure to chant at least the prescribed sixteen rounds daily without fail, avoiding the ten offenses to the Holy Name, and thus advance in spiritual strength.
Please be sure to chant at least sixteen rounds of the Holy Name daily and be happy.
Letter to Nityananda -- Los Angeles 21 March, 1970: I hope you are doing well in Buffalo under the guidance of Rupanuga Prabhu. Please be sure to chant at least sixteen rounds of the Holy Name daily and be happy.
Please always be engaged in chanting Hare Krsna mantra at least sixteen rounds daily and work sincerely and eagerly in the service of the Lord observing the regulative principles and thus be happy.
Letter to Hladini (Linda) -- Los Angeles 29 March, 1970: Your initiated name is Hladini devi Dasi. Lord Krsna's Pleasure Potency is called Hladini, so this spiritual energy of Krsna's pleasure potency, Hladini, is Srimati Radharani Who is always increasing the transcendental pleasure of Krsna by Her super-excellent loving devotional service. Radharani is the most confidential servant of the Lord and Hladini Dasi means the servant of Radharani. So please always be engaged in chanting Hare Krsna mantra at least sixteen rounds daily and work sincerely and eagerly in the service of the Lord observing the regulative principles and thus be happy.
I am very pleased to know that you have been strictly living according to our Krsna conscious way of life in the matters of daily chanting sixteen rounds, following the four basic restrictive principles, and working hard in Krsna's service.
Letter to Mahananda (Michael) -- Los Angeles 29 March, 1970: I am very pleased to know that you have been strictly living according to our Krsna conscious way of life in the matters of daily chanting sixteen rounds, following the four basic restrictive principles, and working hard in Krsna's service. Please continue to live in this way and the success of your life in Krsna consciousness is assured. Always chanting the Holy Name, Krsna, observing the regulative principles, and working in the service of the Lord are the essential program for advancement in spiritual strength.
I am sure you will be successful in this attempt, but don't forget to chant sixteen rounds regularly. then you will get spiritual strength more and more.
Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 5 April, 1970: Regarding your last point that you shall try to learn the various literatures very carefully and present everywhere in classes and books, that is very good. This is a nice idea and if you can do it, it is great service and Krsna will bless you. I am sure you will be successful in this attempt, but don't forget to chant sixteen rounds regularly. then you will get spiritual strength more and more.
Therefore to keep advancing in your spiritual power always be sure to chant at least the prescribed sixteen rounds of beads daily.
Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 7 April, 1970: I have received your beads also, and I am returning them to you duly chanted. Now please increase your enthusiasm for pushing on this Krsna Consciousness movement and Krsna will inspire you with all intelligence for serving Him as much as you engage yourself with sincerity and devotion. Therefore to keep advancing in your spiritual power always be sure to chant at least the prescribed sixteen rounds of beads daily. This is the fundamental program for advancing more and more in Krsna Consciousness.
Be sure to always chant daily your sixteen rounds on your beads, and be happy in Krishna Consciousness.
Letter to Kasturika -- Los Angeles: I am very happy to accept you as my disciple, and your initiated name is Kasturika Dasi. I am very glad to know that you have been recommended for initiation by Sriman Rishi Kumar, and now please continue to follow strictly the four regulative principles of no eating of meat, fish or eggs, no taking of intoxicants including coffee, tea and tobacco, no illicit sex-life, and no gambling. Be sure to always chant daily your sixteen rounds on your beads, and be happy in Krishna Consciousness.
We have to gather our strength by chanting the beads sixteen rounds regularly and praying to the lotus feet of Krsna for guidance.
Letter to Bali-mardana, Upendra -- Los Angeles 10 May, 1970: Please try to organize the new center as nicely as possible even at personal inconvenience—that is real service. Krsna is sitting in everyone's heart, He knows everything what to do, so depend on Him and do your duties patiently. Maya is very strong, and we are liable to fall down at any moment. We have to gather our strength by chanting the beads sixteen rounds regularly and praying to the lotus feet of Krsna for guidance.
Please follow the rules and regulations for advancing in Krsna Consciousness beginning with strict observance of the four restrictions, and chant daily the prescribed number of sixteen rounds on the beads, and you will grow strong in spiritual strength.
Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 20 May, 1970: Please follow the rules and regulations for advancing in Krsna Consciousness beginning with strict observance of the four restrictions, and chant daily the prescribed number of sixteen rounds on the beads, and you will grow strong in spiritual strength. Study our literatures with the cooperation of your God-brothers and sisters in Buffalo, and any questions you may have may be submitted to Srimad Rupanuga for answering. So in this way always find some engagement in Krsna's service and you will be supremely happy and successful in your life.
Please continue as you have been following the regulative rules and principles strictly and always chant sixteen rounds of the Holy Names daily.
Letter to Sri Govinda (Bob Lindberg) -- Los Angeles 23 May, 1970: So I am very happy to accept you as my initiated disciple, and your initiated name is Sri Govinda Das Brahmacari. I have chanted your beads duly and I am returning them to you enclosed herewith. Please continue as you have been following the regulative rules and principles strictly and always chant sixteen rounds of the Holy Names daily.
My will I have already disclosed to you all that each and every one of you should chant the Mahamantra regularly in sixteen rounds, follow the four regulative principles, chant Hare Krsna mantra on the streets, try to distribute our books and literature, and specifically in San Francisco you should observe the annual Ratha Yatra festival very gorgeously.
Letter to Makhanlal -- Los Angeles 3 June, 1970: You are all helping me in the execution of my mission so please do not try to do anything beyond the jurisdiction of my instructions. My will I have already disclosed to you all that each and every one of you should chant the Mahamantra regularly in sixteen rounds, follow the four regulative principles, chant Hare Krsna mantra on the streets, try to distribute our books and literature, and specifically in San Francisco you should observe the annual Ratha Yatra festival very gorgeously. I can assure you that if you follow my instruction as above mentioned there is no doubt about it that through me my spiritual Master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura will be pleased, and through His mercy Lord Nityananda will be pleased. In this way Lord Caitanya and ultimately Radha Krsna will be pleased, and thus your life will be successful.
We cannot stop your activities in Krsna consciousness. This motto should be followed very rigidly by chanting sixteen rounds and observing the regulative principles.
Letter to Himavati, Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1970: Anyway, letter or no letter, you are one of the advanced students, so you should know it perfectly well that wherever we may stay or whatever condition we may be put into, Krsna is our life and soul. We cannot stop your activities in Krsna consciousness. This motto should be followed very rigidly by chanting sixteen rounds and observing the regulative principles.
Always chant the sixteen rounds of Hare Krsna Mantra on your beads, follow the four restrictive principles very rigidly, live peacefully according to the rules and regulations and your life will be perfect and sublime.
Letter to Sandini -- Los Angeles 19 June, 1970: Please keep this nice attitude of service which you have expressed in your letter, this is very necessary. Always chant the sixteen rounds of Hare Krsna Mantra on your beads, follow the four restrictive principles very rigidly, live peacefully according to the rules and regulations and your life will be perfect and sublime. Serve Krsna to the best of your capacity and when you are 24 hours engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord that is the highest stage of transcendental bliss or Krsna Consciousness.
The daily regulative duties must be performed by everyone very strictly, the beads chanted sixteen rounds, and our literatures read and discussed. In this way everything should be done very nicely.
Letter to Sridama -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1970: It is very good news also that you have received permission in Providence for chanting and distributing literature and incense as well as collecting. Now you should concentrate to develop your spiritual power to attract the fallen souls to Krsna consciousness. The daily regulative duties must be performed by everyone very strictly, the beads chanted sixteen rounds, and our literatures read and discussed. In this way everything should be done very nicely. Sankirtana should be done by you in the streets and at gatherings and in this manner display what is this Krsna consciousness movement and how it is for everyone's eternal welfare and happiness.
Please follow the rules and regulations for progressive spiritual advancement and be sure to chant regularly sixteen rounds of Hare Krsna mantra daily.
Letter to Abhirama -- Los Angeles 14 July, 1970: I am very happy to accept you as my disciple as you have requested and your spiritual name is Abhirama Das Adhikari. Abhirama means one who is inclined to worship Lord Rama. I have chanted your beads duly and they are returned to you enclosed herewith. Please follow the rules and regulations for progressive spiritual advancement and be sure to chant regularly sixteen rounds of Hare Krsna mantra daily. I am enclosing one sheet listing standard practices for devotees and ten offenses to avoid in the matter of chanting the Holy Names.
I understand that you are a very sincere girl and you are also following the regulative rules and regulations as well as chanting sixteen rounds of Hare Krsna Mahamantra daily.
Letter to Srilekha -- Los Angeles 17 July, 1970: I understand that you are a very sincere girl and you are also following the regulative rules and regulations as well as chanting sixteen rounds of Hare Krsna Mahamantra daily. So I am very glad to accept you as my initiated disciple as you have requested and you are recommended by Sriman Jagadisa. I have chanted one set of beads for you and they are returned to you herewith. Your spiritual name is Srilekha which means "everything very beautiful." I please request you to continue to execute the regulative principles of Krsna consciousness as you are already doing and your life will be fully successful and sublime.
Please always follow very strictly the regulative principles and chant sixteen rounds of Mahamantra daily on the beads.
Letter to Tribhuvanatha -- Los Angeles 18 July, 1970: Please always follow very strictly the regulative principles and chant sixteen rounds of Mahamantra daily on the beads. Study our literatures attentively and try to understand the philosophy nicely with the help of your God-brothers. Always work cooperatively to spread Krsna consciousness movement and chant Hare Krsna and your life will be sublime.
Please follow all the rules and regulations of Krsna consciousness and chant at least sixteen rounds of beads daily, chant Hare Krsna mantra always, go on Sankirtana as often as possible and be happy.
Letter to Indrani -- Los Angeles 26 July, 1970: Please follow all the rules and regulations of Krsna consciousness and chant at least sixteen rounds of beads daily, chant Hare Krsna mantra always, go on Sankirtana as often as possible and be happy. I know that you are a very suitable match for Krsna das. You are both young, intelligent and sincere devotees. So please work combinedly with great enthusiasm to establish our branch of ISKCON in Berlin. That is my desire.
I am very glad to know that you are very fully engaged in the duties of chanting regularly 16 rounds, going out on Sankirtana, performing arcana for the Deities and painting.
Letter to Vasudeva -- Tokyo 15 August, 1970: Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 5th August, 1970. I am very glad to know that you are very fully engaged in the duties of chanting regularly 16 rounds, going out on Sankirtana, performing arcana for the Deities and painting.
So kindly execute the missionary activities very carefully with enthusiasm, patience, conviction, follow the regulative principles, chanting regularly sixteen rounds, dealing without any duplicity, and above all keeping oneself in the society of pure devotees.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Tokyo August 16, 1970: So now the factual administration will depend on the Governing Body Commission and the sannyasis are entrusted for making propaganda work. I wish to remain on the background to give you some directions. So kindly execute the missionary activities very carefully with enthusiasm, patience, conviction, follow the regulative principles, chanting regularly sixteen rounds, dealing without any duplicity, and above all keeping oneself in the society of pure devotees.
Kindly observe the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds regularly and see that all your other assistants are doing the same.
Letter to Upendra -- Tokyo 18 August, 1970: Kindly observe the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds regularly and see that all your other assistants are doing the same. If someone is lacking, try to induce him peacefully. The schedule of your activities appears to be very encouraging.
Your spiritual strength will depend only on the basis of unflinching faith in Krsna and the Spiritual Master, chanting sixteen rounds on beads and following the restrictive items.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Tokyo August 21, 1970: I want to take some of my exemplary character devotees for performing sankirtana in India so that they may see what is their defect. Your spiritual strength will depend only on the basis of unflinching faith in Krsna and the Spiritual Master, chanting sixteen rounds on beads and following the restrictive items.
Am so glad to learn that both of you are now chanting 16 rounds or more regularly and murmuring the Gayatri Mantras regularly. Please continue this habit without fail.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Tokyo August 23, 1970: I am so glad to learn that both of you are now chanting 16 rounds or more regularly and murmuring the Gayatri Mantras regularly. Please continue this habit without fail.
The Governing Body Commission's duty is therefore to see that every member is following the rules and regulations and chanting sixteen round regularly on the beads.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Tokyo 25 August, 1970: In a family if there is one good boy, he can glorify the whole family and similarly if there is bad boy he can turn the whole family into ashes. Similarly in this institution if there is a bad disciple he can burn the whole institution into ashes. The Governing Body Commission's duty is therefore to see that every member is following the rules and regulations and chanting sixteen round regularly on the beads. I hope the GBC in cooperation with the Sannyasis in their touring program will be able to keep vigilance systematically in order to keep the Society as pure as possible.
I am very glad that you are all following the regular chanting of sixteen rounds daily very strictly. This schedule which you have made is very satisfactory, so follow the rules and regulations according to schedule and execute your duties in Krsna's service and everything will be alright.
Letter to Revatinandana -- Tokyo 27 August, 1970: I am very glad that you are all following the regular chanting of sixteen rounds daily very strictly. This schedule which you have made is very satisfactory, so follow the rules and regulations according to schedule and execute your duties in Krsna's service and everything will be alright. These regulative functions of chanting the rounds sixteen daily, rising early in the morning to attend Mangala Arati, holding classes for studying our scripture and gong on Sankirtana, these items must not be neglected. They will quickly advance us in Krsna Consciousness and clear up all doubtful activities which have been causing mischief in our Society.
It is sure and certain that if you all continue to follow the rigid schedule of chanting sixteen rounds daily with vow, going on Sankirtana and studying our literatures will increase your spiritual power to attract more sincere persons to Krsna Consciousness.
Letter to Tulsidas -- Tokyo 28 August, 1970: Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 18th, 1970, and I am so glad to learn that your center's activities are having their transcendental effect on the local population. It is sure and certain that if you all continue to follow the rigid schedule of chanting sixteen rounds daily with vow, going on Sankirtana and studying our literatures will increase your spiritual power to attract more sincere persons to Krsna Consciousness. So please see that all the devotees in your center are performing their regular duties in Krsna Consciousness and everything will be all right by Krsna's Grace.
Chant at least sixteen rounds on your beads daily without fail and avoid the ten offenses in the matter of chanting the Holy Names of the Lord.
Letter to Aditi -- India 29 September, 1970: Please follow very carefully the four restrictions of no eating of meat, fish or eggs; no gambling; no illicit sex; and no taking of any kinds of intoxicants. Chant at least sixteen rounds on your beads daily without fail and avoid the ten offenses in the matter of chanting the Holy Names of the Lord.
If spiritual strength is not strong now, try to make Sripati and the others stronger by spiritual means by following the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Calcutta 29 September, 1970: Take care of the new devotees so that they may read our literatures carefully and come to the real standard of understanding. Our strength is not material strength, but spiritual strength. So if spiritual strength is not strong now, try to make Sripati and the others stronger by spiritual means by following the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds.
Always follow very strictly the regulative principles, chanting sixteen rounds, Deity worship and everything will come automatically.
Letter to Krsna dasa -- Calcutta 6 October, 1970: Always follow very strictly the regulative principles, chanting sixteen rounds, Deity worship and everything will come automatically.
I have seen better orators, better scholars and better organizers but no one is becoming pure by following regulative principles. Simply because we rise early, take bath, chant sixteen rounds and strive with every activity to please Krsna—this is what impresses others.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay 4 November, 1970: The basic principle of our actions should be that they are all meant for pleasing Krsna. If we act always in this consciousness automatically everyone will be attracted to devotional service, and this is the secret of our preaching work. If you simply practice the regulative principles which I have introduced you will remain pure. Factually this is our only strength. I have seen better orators, better scholars and better organizers but no one is becoming pure by following regulative principles. Simply because we rise early, take bath, chant sixteen rounds and strive with every activity to please Krsna—this is what impresses others.
The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading, Sankirtana, and temple worship. Any breakage in the performance of one's duties will surely be a hindrance in one's advancement.
Letter to Vrindaban Candra -- Bombay 9 November, 1970: The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading, Sankirtana, and temple worship. Any breakage in the performance of one's duties will surely be a hindrance in one's advancement. So, as President, you should see that everyone stays engaged 24 hours a day in Krishna's service.
The two of you, along with Sucandra and Gunai, should lead a nice regulated daily schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading all our books, going on Sankirtana Party, and taking nice Prasadam. Then this will keep you pure and potent in your preaching work.
Letter to Sivananda -- Bombay 12 November, 1970: Now you have a nice German devotee wife, and together you should give all the people of Germany the example of how husband and wife can be engaged for the service of Krishna, not in the service of their senses. The two of you, along with Sucandra and Gunai, should lead a nice regulated daily schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading all our books, going on Sankirtana Party, and taking nice Prasadam. Then this will keep you pure and potent in your preaching work.
I am especially happy when you write how each devotee is executing his particular task with enthusiasm and they are chanting at least the required sixteen rounds daily.
Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Bombay 16 November, 1970: I am especially happy when you write how each devotee is executing his particular task with enthusiasm and they are chanting at least the required sixteen rounds daily. Everyone should think that he has been assigned this particular task to do by Krsna and he should be satisfied with that and do his best to accomplish the work as nicely as possible for the pleasure of Krsna only. By this cultivation of service attitude one swiftly advances in devotional service.
Always chant Hare Krsna at least sixteen rounds daily and be happy.
Letter to Ben -- Bombay November 22, 1970: Be very strict in your observance of the four principles of regulation, namely no illicit sex life, no intoxicants, no eating of any meat, fish or eggs, and no gambling. Always chant Hare Krsna at least sixteen rounds daily and be happy.
You also follow the regulative principles, chant 16 rounds, and keep yourself engaged in the service of the Lord.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 28 November, 1970: Maya is very strong and she can victimize anyone of us at any moment. We shall therefore always keep ourselves vigilant and this is only possible by rigid engagement in Krishna's service. Certainly maya attacked you a few months ago and now again you are determined to serve Krishna; that will keep you secure. I shall always pray to Krishna for your protection. Side by side you also remain always engaged in Krishna's service and thus there will be no chance of falldown. I think your program is going on nicely. You also follow the regulative principles, chant 16 rounds, and keep yourself engaged in the service of the Lord. Also keep me informed occasionally about your activities.
Always maintain Sankirtana Party, prasadam, chant 16 rounds and read all our literature. These things keep you always in touch with Krishna, and Krishna will give you intelligence more and more how to spread this movement.
Letter to Krsna dasa -- Surat 18 December, 1970: Yes, as GBC member your task is very responsible. You must always keep yourself pure and in this way your preaching work will take effect. Others are also speaking Bhagavad-gita but their speech has no effect because they are not following the regulative principles of devotional service. Also, always maintain Sankirtana Party, prasadam, chant 16 rounds and read all our literature. These things keep you always in touch with Krishna, and Krishna will give you intelligence more and more how to spread this movement. "I dwelling in their hearts destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance." (BG 10.11).
Please take nice care of the cows there for me and make sure that everyone is chanting their 16 rounds. Hope this will meet you in good health.
Letter to Mr. DDD -- Surat 19 December, 1970: Please take nice care of the cows there for me and make sure that everyone is chanting their 16 rounds. Hope this will meet you in good health.
According to Caitanya Mahaprabhu, anything spoken by the Mayavadis is very, very dangerous. If the Sannyasi who has come to our shelter becomes clean shaved and keeps a sikha with beads on his neck and chants Hare Krsna Mantra 16 rounds at least and changes his dress, then he can be allowed to stay with us. Until six months pass he cannot lecture in the meetings.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Surat 28 December, 1970: According to Caitanya Mahaprabhu, anything spoken by the Mayavadis is very, very dangerous. If the Sannyasi who has come to our shelter becomes clean shaved and keeps a sikha with beads on his neck and chants Hare Krsna Mantra 16 rounds at least and changes his dress, then he can be allowed to stay with us. Until six months pass he cannot lecture in the meetings. On these conditions, he can render us service in the matter of Sanskrit composition, otherwise there is no need of him. Please take immediate steps in this connection and let me know what you have done in this matter.
| Page Title: | Chanting Sixteen Rounds (Letters 1967 - 1970) |
| Compiler: | MadhuGopaldas, Suan, Visnu Murti |
| Created: | 31 of Dec, 2010 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=118 |
| No. of Quotes: | 118 |