Cross (Letters)

Expressions researched:
"cross" |"crossbeams" |"crossbreed" |"crossbreeding" |"crossed" |"crosses" |"crossing" |"crossings" |"crosslegged" |"crossley" |"crossmaidan" |"crossover" |"crossroad" |"crossroads" |"crossways" |"crosswise" |"crossword" |"crosswords"

1947 to 1965 Correspondence

Letter to Ved Prakash -- Bombay 7 July, 1958:

I quite appreciate your feelings for the people of India. But when we speak of humanity it does not necessarily mean Indian only neither it may be restricted within the human society even. "Paropakara" or humanity is meant for all the 84 lacs varieties of living beings. Lord Caitanya said "Praminam Upakaraya" i.e. to say for the benefit of all living being concerned. Then there is the question of opportunity also. While rendering first aid service in the battlefield the Red cross men although equally disposed to all the wounded soldiers—they give first preference to the hopeful ones. The hopeless ones are sometimes neglected. This is a crude example only.

Letter to Ved Prakash -- Bombay 7 July, 1958:

I quite appreciate your feelings for the people of India. But when we speak of humanity it does not necessarily mean Indian only neither it may be restricted within the human society even. "Paropakara" or humanity is meant for all the 84 lacs varieties of living beings. Lord Caitanya said "Praminam Upakaraya" i.e. to say for the benefit of all living being concerned. Then there is the question of opportunity also. While rendering first aid service in the battlefield the Red cross men although equally disposed to all the wounded soldiers—they give first preference to the hopeful ones. The hopeless ones are sometimes neglected. This is a crude example only.

In India, even after the attainment of Swaraj, the mentality is predominant by "Made in London" ideas. It is a long story. But in nutshell the Leaders of India in the name of secular Government they have engaged themselves in everything foreign.

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Kirtanananda -- New York 14 April, 1967:

Now we have both records and books and I have ordered for more books from India and I have now money to print the Gitopanisad. Janardana's friend Mr. McGill certainly can help me in this connection. Why not make me an Hon. teacher in the Religion Department for teaching the cult of Lord Caitanya which is the living religion of the world. All other religions of the world are carried by more sentiments than philosophy but Caitanya cult is full of philosophy and transcendental sentiments or emotions. I am enclosing herewith certificates of my bona fides and see if you can arrange for my Permanent Visa from Canada. Mr. Ypslanti the Lawyer for my Visa asks me not to go to Montreal because as soon as I cross the border of U.S.A. I shall not be allowed to enter U.S.A. until I return to India and apply for new visa. And He is simply taking time to draw some more fees. Under the circumstances if it is possible for me to get Canadian permanent Visa through the good office of Mr. McGill then I can immediately start for Montreal. Please let me know how far it is possible and if Janardana has made any progress in this connection.

Letter to Janardana -- New York 14 April, 1967:

I hope you have duly received the note sent for your grandmother. Although we have spent $500.00 till now for my permanent Visa, our Lawyer is not yet successful. He does not advise me to cross the borders of U.S.A. otherwise the Visa which is now extended to February 1969, will be cancelled. And I cannot return to U.S.A. It is very difficult to deal with these lawyers. Now if it is possible for me to have Canadian Visa as Kirtanananda has suggested in his letter under reply and which you have also confirmed that it can be done, then please do it immediately and I can start for Montreal never mind it is cancelled here. You will find herewith two certificates of my bona fides in the matter of my becoming the teacher of Caitanya Cult. I have got my books also. So if I am appointed as teacher I think the whole problem is solved.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Stinson Beach, Calif 11 July, 1967:

Jayananda in a nice car brought me to the house, which is situated in an exceptionally nice spot, and the house itself is aristocratic. So there is nothing to complain about the house and place. The only difficulty is that I cannot go to the temple on account of the zig-zag course of the road in crossing the mountains. Anyway, the devotees are coming here, and the Rathayatra Festival was performed with great pomp. More than 500 people followed the procession to the beach, and there were about two dozen cars. They distributed thousands of capatis, and at last Sri Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Baladeva. kindly came here in our house and will stay here for one week and then return.

So for my health is concerned, on the whole it is nice, but sometimes I feel not so good. Everything depends on Krishna, and as He desires it will happen.

Dvarakadhisa has informed me you have received one letter from the Japanese printers. I am very anxious to see the letters.

Letter to Messrs Atmaram and Sons -- Vrindaban 29 July, 1967:

I beg to inform you that I have come back from the U.S.A. in an unwell condition; therefore I cannot come to see you personally at the present time. But I request you to send me a statement of account at my Vrindaban address listed above.

Furthermore, I request you not to pay anything more to Candra Shekhar. Please send the check crossed account payee.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 22 January, 1968:

You may use the facilities available to you if there is no risk of making trouble. But so far as stealing is concerned, one should not steal except in the rarest circumstances. Moral principle is recommended in all scriptures as prerequisite for spiritual culture. If the conduct of the pure devotee crosses the lines of ordinary morality it is because he acts on the plane of Absolute Morality which is not known to the conditioned soul and cannot therefore be imitated. So generally we should be careful to observe good moral conduct.

Please clear any doubts you may have about what is to be done. You may begin work of transliterating as soon as possible. Hope you are well.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Seattle 28 September, 1968:

I am sure if you all my beloved disciples combined together try to preach Krishna Consciousness in this spirit, Krishna will give the necessary strength. By the Grace of Krishna and the Spiritual Master, the dumb man can speak like a great orator, and a lame man can cross over a great mountain. So we must have the necessary unflinching faith in Krishna and Spiritual Master, and the strength will be supplied by Krishna. After all, anything which we experience is but a fraction of the unlimited energy of Krishna. And even by fragmental touch of such spiritual energy of the Lord, we can make our life successful.

Regarding yourself and Jadurani: You are both very sincere servitors to the cause of Krishna, and Krishna will give you necessary intelligence how to behave with one another. I am glad to learn that the girls under the guidance of Jadurani are doing nice painting work, and I am very much inclined to have many many Sankirtana pictures painted like the one which was in your Boston temple, on the wall, while I was there. I have one photograph of this picture and it is so nice that I feel my joys unlimited. (See enclosed sketch for identifying the exact painting I am speaking of).

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 14 November, 1968:

The story is like this: Caitanya Mahaprabhu after taking His lunch would rest for a while and Govinda was daily massaging His feet. So one day Caitanya Mahaprabhu fell asleep very soon and keeping His head on the threshold. So while He was sleeping, Govinda came crossing the body of Caitanya and massaged His Feet. But he was sitting there, so when Caitanya Mahaprabhu was awake He saw that Govinda was sitting there although it was too late. So He inquired, "Govinda, you have not taken your Prasadam, you are sitting here?" So he replied, "Yes, I shall go now to take Prasadam." Caitanya Mahaprabhu inquired, "Why so late?" He replied, "I could not go on the other side because You were lying on the threshold." Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "How did you come in?" He flatly replied, "By crossing You." Then He inquired, "Why did you not go out by crossing Me?" Govinda said, "That I cannot do. I came crossing You inside the room for Your service, but I cannot go out crossing You for taking my lunch. That would be for my sense gratification." The idea is for service of the superior sometimes such violation appears to be in the scene. Ramanujacarya violated the order of the Spiritual Master to advance the cause of the Spiritual Master.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 24 November, 1968:

When we remember always to have unflinching faith in the spiritual master and the message of Krishna then automatically we become free from the attacking Maya. In the material concept also everyone is trying to avoid the onslaughts of Maya but with no success. To the sincere devotee, however, this ocean of maya is easily crossed by the cool breeze of Krishna's Grace. So this is our business, to submit to Krishna's desire to have us back with Him in the eternal sky of Krishna Loka. And when we are determined in this way we become transcendental to the so-called hardships of place and circumstance.

I am pleased to learn that you are singing the Cintamani prayers of Brahma Samhita. This Brahma Samhita contains the highest of all spiritual knowledge. In lecturing too if we sing a verse from Brahma Samhita and then nicely explain the meaning it will be very much appreciated. Just as Krishna is the All-Attractive principle so, similarly, these Krishna kathas of the Brahma Samhita are All-Attractive and will gain favorable attention from listeners.

Letter to Alan Ginsberg -- Los Angeles 21 December, 1968:

This world is full of dangers in every step. Just like in the ocean there is danger in every step but if we take shelter of boat which is known as the Lotus Feet of Lord Krishna, then this great ocean of danger becomes as harmless as a small pit. We shall be able to cross hundreds of such pits simply by chanting the Holy Names of the Lord, the Hare Krishna Mantra.

I am forwarding this letter through Rupanuga and I shall be glad to hear about your improved health from him. Praying to Krishna for your early recovery. Do not be worried. Krishna will save you from all dangers. Chant sincerely.

Letter to Yamuna -- Los Angeles 24 December, 1968:

I thank you for your letter of December 16, 1968 and I have noted the contents carefully and with pleasure. So far as the mistake on the certificates, I think that only on the certificates to be given to brahmacarinis is it necessary to change the spelling, because on the brahmacari's certificate this word Srimate will be crossed out. So on the certificates for the brahmacarinis, you may cover the letter "e" with a white paint and insert the correct letter "i", making the word read "Srimati". So do this nicely and it will be all right. It is all right to read the books you have mentioned, namely Swami Bon's Bhakti Ramsamrita Shindu and Caitanya Caritamrta by Nagendra Kumar Ray, but you will be pleased to know that we are now composing the Nectar of Devotion, which is a complete summary of the Bhakti Rasamrita Shindu. Regarding the translation by Bon Maharaja, it is only one quarter of the complete work and I do not know if the other parts will come out very shortly.

Letter to Jadurani -- Los Angeles 25 December, 1968:

Setting of the scene: Vasudeva saw that all of the doors were opened and that the gate-keepers were asleep so he went outside of the house and came to the bank of the Yamuna. He sees that the river is inflated with rainy season water and he thinks, "How shall I cross?" Then he saw a jackal crossing the river and Vasudeva realized that the river was shallow and only up to his ankles. So Vasudeva, holding little Krishna in his arms follows the jackal across the Yamuna River. So this night scene of walking across the river is the fourth picture.

5. Across the Yamuna River, Vasudeva came upon the house of Nanda Maharaja, where Yasoda was lying asleep with her little girl baby. The fifth picture is where Vasudeva exchanges babies with the sleeping Yasoda.

So please do these pictures very beautifully. I am enclosing a photograph of a painting which is in a very nice style that you should also paint your paintings. When you are almost finished with these five paintings then inform me so we may assign you further.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1969:

So I am very glad that now you have a nice store in the new temple and that things are going on fittingly. I have got a report from Purusottama that his mother has seen your store and has very much appreciated it. Your presence was very badly needed at the temple to help your brother because Purusottama is here with me, so always do your best for the service of the Lord and be happy.

So far as your selling incense is concerned, you may be interested to know that I have got connection with one big firm in Bangalore. (The firm is Sri Saibaba Perfumery Works, No. 40, 1st Cross, VI Main Road, Chamarajapet, BANGALORE-18, INDIA.) I have asked this party to send me samples and quotations, and we shall see whether they are favorable to others.

It is very encouraging to note that you are receiving nice appreciations for the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and I have seen the two reviews which were sent by Brahmananda. They also appear to be nice, although one is not very favorable. However, this unfavorable review also proclaims that our Bhagavad-gita is distinct from all others. This point we want to advertise.

Letter to Madhavi Lata -- Los Angeles 13 January, 1969:

Setting the scene: Vasudeva saw that all of the doors were opened and that the gate-keepers were asleep, so he went outside of the house and came to the bank of the Yamuna. He saw that the river was inflated with rainy season water and he thought, "How shall I cross?" Then he saw a jackal crossing the river and Vasudeva realized that the river was shallow and only up to his ankles. So Vasudeva, holding Little Krishna in his arms, follows the jackal across the Yamuna River. This night scene of walking across the river and following the jackal is the fourth picture.

5. Across the Yamuna River, Vasudeva came upon the house of Nanda Maharaja, where Yasoda was lying asleep with her little girl baby. The fifth picture is of Vasudeva exchanging babies with the sleeping Yasoda.

So when I return to New York, probably sometimes in April, I will be pleased to see these pictures nicely painted. When you have finished with this assignment, please inform me so that I may assign you further. Hope that this finds you in good health.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1969:

I thank you very much for your kind letter dated February 1, 1969, and, in the meantime, my letters to you dated January 30, 1969 and February 1, 1969 respectively might have crossed. Most of the answers of your letter under reply will be found in these two letters. Please let me know if you have received them by now. If not, I will send you the carbon copies. So far as your letters are concerned, each and every one of them will be particularly answered, so there is no question of passing over your inquiries. Feelings of love are reciprocal, especially on the spiritual platform. I know what is your feelings about me, and in the same way I am always dependent on your kind affection.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 28 July, 1969:

Now all of you please make quickly the march towards the goal of Krishna Consciousness Movement being very successful. Here Tamala Krishna and Gargamuni have promised me to start a center every quarterly, and it is my ambition that I want to establish at least 108 centers; beginning from Hamburg, crossing over the Atlantic to your country, USA, then the Pacific, covering Hawaii and reaching to Tokyo, Japan. It is about 13,000 miles long, and do you think that 108 centers within 13,000 miles is a very difficult proposition? I don't think so. So you also try to to establish at least one dozen centers in England. Krishna das, combined with Mandali Bhadra, Jaya Govinda and Sivananda are already alert to establish some more branches in Europe. Sivananda is contemplating to open a branch in Copenhagen, and Krishna das is trying for another in Munich. So this news is very encouraging to me. I shall request you that your next attempt shall be to establish a center in Oxford, where I have heard you have successfully performed kirtana so the students postponed their attendance in economic class and wanted to enjoy the transcendental vibrations. So I shall request you again to establish another branch in Oxford as soon as possible.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 19 September, 1969:

Regarding the court case in Boston, a certified copy of the judgment should be taken. This will help us in many ways. If there is any copy of the statement of Nanda Kisora available, that should also be taken. There is a Mantra that says mukam karoti vacalam pangum langhayate girim. This means that by Krishna's Grace a dumb can speak like Demosthenes, and a lame can cross over the mountain. Krishna's Grace is so glorious. So if we remain faithful in Krishna's service, there will be no difficulty in speaking when ever it is necessary. There are many instances in the history of devotees of this, and even five year old boys like Dhruva and Prahlada were able to speak so nicely. I have seen the pictures of your kirtana sent by Sacisuta, and they are all marvelous. Please print them in BTG. All Sankirtana photographs should be collected, and one after another they should be printed in BTG. So far as printing part of the Krishna book in BTG, that is also very nice. Regarding my account with First National City Bank, I have already sent you the Pass Book, so if it is convenient to move to the branch where the society has got account, that is all right. There is no difficulty in changing the branch, but I wish to keep the account with the First National City Bank. When I receive the forms from you, I shall sign it.

Letter to Manager of First National City Bank -- London 25 November, 1969:

My Passbook a/c No. 042016131 with your Grand Street branch.

2) Six pieces of paper duly signed by me on the cross spots as marked by you.

3) Two checks:

No. 59-102/1213 for $30.00

No. 137 for 15.00 for credit of my a/c.

Please return the Passbook duly made up registered mail, and send me a few pieces of deposit slips for savings bank a/c.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Hanuman Prasad Poddar -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1970:

Neither have we been able to contact the richer section of the people.

Our initiation system is as follows: In our general thrice weekly classes we chant Hare Krishna Mantra in the beginning and at the end, and in the middle we speak on Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly. In this class we do not prohibit anyone to come within the Temple, everyone is welcome. The only thing we ask visitors to leave their shoes at a specified place and sit down in the Temple crosslegged. If somebody finds difficulty to sit down crosslegged, we offer him a chair. So out of the members of the audience who come regularly, when one becomes more interested he is invited to participate in the program of Krishna Consciousness daily life and study. After some time of appreciating our program and trying to understand our philosophy, when someone is very interested and recommended by the Temple Commander, for becoming initiated, I accept him and give him first initiation in the form of Harinama in a regular ceremony with fire sacrifice. I chant Hare Krishna Mantra on the 108 beads and then the beads are offered to the disciple with a change of name as Krishna das. He is advised to strictly follow the regulative principles of 1. no eating of meat, fish, or eggs; 2. no taking of intoxicants including coffee, tea, and tobacco; 3. no illicit sex-life; and 4. no gambling or mental speculation.

Letter to Aranya Maharaja -- Los Angeles 27 February, 1970:

I am just trying to follow the instructions to my best capacity under the guidance of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, and things are coming nicely.

At the present moment the preaching work is going on from Hamburg to Tokyo, crossing over the two big oceans, Atlantic and Pacific, covering 14,000 miles on the Northern side and again from Tokyo to Sydney, Australia, covering another 5,000 miles. I am enclosing herewith a newspaper clipping published in Sydney, and you will appreciate very much how Sriman Bali Mardan Brahmacari, who is a graduate of the New York University, is nicely working there since the last fortnight. In the meantime, I have sent another assistant, Sriman Upendra das Adhikari, to assist him.

Letter to Malati -- Los Angeles 6 March, 1970:

Just as if, when you are in the ocean, you say "Oh, there is water all round"—that is ocean. So you must have a boat very strong, and Krsna is the nicest boat to carry you over the ocean of Maya. The ocean will reduce to become a pit left by the hoof of a cow by the grace of Krsna, and it may be crossed over without any care. And after crossing the ocean, the devotee shall go to the abode of Krsna where there is no more danger. That is the mission of our life, and that is Krsna Consciousness.

I am very happy to know that your daughter Sarasvati is growing up nicely under your care. To see that the child is raised in full Krsna Consciousness is the proper management of householder life. And when your good daughter is no longer to be so cared for by you, then you will get enough time to chant Hare Krsna. Both mother and daughter can sit together and chant hare Krsna.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 2 April, 1970:

So far the preface, dedication, acknowledgement for Nectar of Devotion, I shall supply you with these in due course of time. I do not think they are immediately required since you can print the other parts of the book first as you have decided.

Regarding a cover picture for Krishna Consciousness-the Topmost Yoga, I think you can make a picture of a devotee sitting cross-legged chanting japa before Radha Krsna Deities.

I have read the letter from Raman Publications Magazine. So when you receive the copies of their publications, send them to me, and then I shall decide what to do.

I am very glad to know that both Boston and New York centers are blissfully engaged. Now just see things go on nicely.

1971 Correspondence

Telegram to Shyamsunder -- INDIAN POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS DEPARTMENT TELEGRAM SHYAMSUNDER ISKCON AKASH GANGA 7 89 WARDEN ROAD BOMBAY 26:

SENDING SEVEN STRONGMEN IMMEDIATELY PROCEEDING THERE IS NO QUESTION OF CANCELLING CROSSMAIDAN.

Letter to M. Chatherjee -- Bombay 28 March, 1971:

Of course I am very busy with my work. Still I shall be glad to answer all your questions in this regard, After reading the Anubhasya explanation given by Srila Prabhupada. In the meantime, if possible, kindly explain what you mean by Visnupad and what you mean by Prabhupada.

I shall be here until the 5th April, 1971 and our program in Cross Maidan is going on very satisfactorily. Every day more than 15,000 to 20,000 people assemble and especially today it was very much crowded.

Letter to Rameswar Dayalaji Birla -- Bombay 31 March, 1971:

With reference to my interview with you yesterday evening, I beg to inform you that my attempt to exhibit the Krishna Consciousness Movement to the Bombay public is still going on at the Cross Maidan, and it has become very successful. Similar attempts will be made in Calcutta and Delhi also, in order to establish at least four centers in India; Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Navadvipa. I am therefore opening a scheme herewith for raising funds for the above purpose. I have already discussed with you in this matter and I hope you will kindly generously contribute to this fund so that your example may be followed by other rich men in India. Your check may be collected from your secretary, Mr. Dhruva, upon hearing from you.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Bombay 4 April, 1971:

So you should accept the best source of monetary income and use it for Krishna. And that is better than sannyasa. So stick to your job and use it for Krishna Consciousness. You are not a karmi.

Here we are having a very large festival at Cross Maiden in Bombay where 20,000 to 30,000 people are attending daily for chanting, lecturing, arati and prasada distribution. You will be glad to know that both your mother and father came to visit me there. Your mother is always asking that you come with your wife and get a job in India. But I told her that you cannot get a better job here. But she is mother, and so naturally wants to see you. So I have told her that after your examinations you might conveniently come to India to visit her at her home.

So far as your plan for producing one French BTG for both Paris and Montreal, that is a very good idea. You might be interested to know that Dr. Bigelow has already acknowledged my letter and he has already admitted that our knowledge of the spirit soul is far greater than in the Western world. That he has admitted. So far as going to U.S.A., I am glad that you are going there for better occupation. And if your mentality for devotional service is good and you continue in that spirit, then surely you are a pure devotee.

Letter to Mulchand Deomal -- Bombay 14 April, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 1st April, 1971, addressed to Madhudvisa Swami, and I have noted the contents. I have been in extensive touring and then I came back to Bombay on the 16th March, 1971 and then on 24th March we held a very successful Hare Krishna Festival at Cross Maidan here in Bombay, and it lasted for eleven days. I was expecting you to join Sri Jariwalaji who was so kind to come here for a few days during the festival. So far as the Rs 5000- was concerned, it was transferred by mail to my account. It was received and credited in my bank account. I thank you very much.

The back issues of Back to Godhead magazine are not available here but I shall try to get them from USA and shall send you them in due course.

Letter to Deputy Commissioner of Police -- Bombay 19 April, 1971:

They have already applied to Delhi authorities and for expediting the transaction, I am sending my representative to Delhi the day after tomorrow.

The thing is that this Sankirtana Movement which I am propagating all over the world was also exhibited in the Cross Maidan for eleven days which I think you must have seen. So in India I am especially present here to popularize this movement for awakening God Consciousness of people in general and they are appreciating it very much. In that connection I request the helping hand of these foreigners. As far as possible, I have guaranteed their staying in India in the matter of their maintenance and security and still you want them to go. I cannot understand what are the local intricacies in this connection. If you will kindly give me direction how they can stay, it will be very kind of you. I require their help very much in connection with the Hare Krishna Movement.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Bombay 27 April, 1971:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 21st April, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. I am so glad to hear how nicely things are developing there in Delhi. You are working so nicely. Krishna will surely help you. So do things nicely, as everything is becoming so favorable. We are getting land. And as soon as we get it, we shall make a huge function like Cross Maidan in Bombay. Such function is now being arranged in Calcutta and will be held from 14th to 24th, May.

So far as your going to Russia, you should not take interest in this Russian program. Your presence in Delhi is absolutely required. If the Russian invitation comes, then I shall go alone with an assistant. But your service is very much needed in Delhi. All the proper arrangements are being made for the Russian tour and we are expecting the invitation very soon.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- London 25 August, 1971:

They are called Narada pancaratra. So it is traditional vedic system. What for they were made in routine in terms of "five" that is very difficult to find out but traditionally it is followed by vedic disciples as far as possible.

The criss-cross pattern is simply decoration. After mopping the floor nicely, this kind of painting with colored rice powder is still prevailing in Hindu families of S. India. It is called alipna, or in other words after cleansing the rooms and floors such kind of auspicious paintings are done every morning or in every ceremony. In Bhagavad-gita is is said that they are part and parcel of religious life. In most cases these engagements are meant for the women. Women must be engaged otherwise they will be inclined to think of sex only. They are called kamini. Unless there is sufficient engagement their only thoughts will be concentrated on sex. As men are engaged in devotional service, similarly women are engaged in ritualistic engagements so that household life becomes very auspicious.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Unknown -- Unknown Place 15 April, 1972:

By the Grace of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha and Krishna our recent festival in Cross Maidan Exhibition Ground has been counted a grand success, and quite noticeably the spirit of bhakti has been actively revived in Bombay. My blessings go especially to all of you who have joined with us in service.

As you may know, my plan is to establish in this most auspicious city a unique International Krishna Conscious Training Center, where hundreds of persons from abroad may be educated in the Vedic way of life, while at the same time Indian boys and girls may be trained up for pracara work in foreign countries. We will construct classrooms, workrooms, dormitories, kitchens for large-scale public prasada distribution, a lecture hall, library, and a beautiful temple for the glorification of Radha and Krishna.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 28 May, 1972:

Besides, our books are in English, and they can neither read them or purchase them. The money is in __. So organize your travelling party to go all around Bombay __ distributing and collecting, and that will be the best ___ Tamala Krishna how he is doing in East India.

Bhagavan dasa in Detroit is trying for some cars __. Also , Hamsaduta has got some very nice buses in Germany __ has written to me that he can purchase one for sending to __ there is need. but I do not think it is possible to drive __ India by crossing over Pakistan, because the border has been __ Anyway, in the near future we shall be dispatching some vehicle __ India, but meanwhile you should concentrate on this plan of distributing books and magazines very extensively in Bombay area.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Vrindaban 22 October, 1972:

Regarding the preparation of rice by steaming and then drying, we can offer such rice even it is twice-cooked. Gaudiya Math offers, even during the presence of Prabhupada it was done, so there is no wrong. It is called sidha. I never took sidha except in Gaudiya Math.

Now you have got one very nice Jersey cross-bred cow, so take care of her very nicely. Feed her nicely fodder and she will give more milk.

Never mind coming here, I shall come very soon to Mayapur and speak thrice times what I am speaking here. I am coming there soon to live with you, so do not be anxious.

Letter to Mr. Ravel -- Hyderabad 23 November, 1972:

So it is very good that you have come to this realization. Now you must show Krishna that you are sincere and determined by taking to the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra. When Krishna sees that you are sincere He will bestow all blessings upon you. You will then find that this material world is no more difficult to cross then the water in the hoof-print of a calf. So, if it is possible you can join us in this sankirtana movement. Lord Caitanya has predicted that this chanting of Hare Krishna would be spread to every town and village and it is the special duty of every Indian to see that it is done. I personally have taken it up and I would be very happy to have your help. You are already doing much to help me, for this I am grateful. All my disciples who know you speak that you are doing very nice service. So continue in this way and surely Krishna will bless you.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

If we remain always faithful to Him, working very hard despite all difficulties, very quickly you will meet Krishna face-to-face, you may know it for certain.

Another thing is, I have heard there is no more CCP for getting our books. But now we are holding a huge pandal festival in the Cross Maidan at Bombay, from January 12th to 21st, so we shall need to take our BTG shipment from the Bombay docks, but they will not allow without CCP. So I hope by now you have got it, and if not, try for it immediately, treat it as urgent matter. And if Yamuna wants to come for that Festival here, she may come here for a few days to lead kirtana before my lectures, then return. But I think that Gurudasa may have to stay for the work, or if there is opportunity, he may also come, but the work must not be jeopardized.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

And why his house is so special it is worth Rs. 11,000? So far Sridhara Swami's land, if we can use it then we may purchase, but we cannot pay such a high price for it.* In these things you decide as you think best, I cannot tax my brain. Do everything consulting Bhavananda and Tamala Krishna.

Now we are holding a very grand pandal function in the Cross Maidan at Bombay, so it may be that we shall have to bring the Radha-Madhava deities there from there to Bombay for the occasion. We are trying to get new deities from Jaipur, but that may not be possible. Let us see. But at least be prepared to bring them at any time. Acyutananda may bring them with him to Bombay. You may inform Acyutananda that I want that he shall come here for the pandal programme, to lead the kirtana and preach in the "Questions and Answers" tent. He should remain prepared, and if I call to bring deities, he can bring. Otherwise he may reach here by first of January, in any case.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

I think that if no one is there to help you at present moment, and no one can be spared from Bombay due to Cross Maidan pandal work, then you may come Bombay along with Puranjana and work here, then after the program is finished in Bombay, say about January 22nd, you may return to Delhi with a full party of strong men selected by you from the men in Bombay. But if there is urgent business, you may remain there and we shall make other arrangement as you suggest.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 21 December, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of you letters dated December 6 and 13, 1972, and I have noted that you have sent two airline tickets for my coming there along with my one assistant. If that is so, where are those tickets sent, with which airline, where to pick them up? I am prepared to come there, as you have made such enthusiastic arrangements, but I shall be holding our Hare Krishna Festival again in Cross Maidan from January 12th to 21st, and after that there are a few programmes in Calcutta, so I may leave from Calcutta round about January 25th or so, go first to Djakarta, then as you suggest me. But one thing is, I must travel at least with two secretaries, Srutakirti and Syamasundara. So you may send three tickets to Bombay, informing us name of airline, etc. But I think your programme is bit strenuous. We should not work strenuously. Whatever can be done easily, that will be better. However, I am prepared to do as you think best, but flying here and there, so many places, that will be little troublesome, what do you think? Better a few programmes with many persons attending of high interest and intelligence, instead of many programmes here and there if there is chance nobody may come. At any rate, I shall be very glad to come there under your invitation to see all those nice boys and girls and how the things are going on.

Letter to Yasodanandana, Gurukrpa -- Bombay 21 December, 1972:

I know that you are both best preachers and you will not stand by idly and listen to any nonsense ideas or mayavadis. That is very nice.

My Guru Maharaja was also inclined toward his bolder preachers. Therefore I am requesting that both of you, with your party, join me very soon at the Hare Krishna Festival in Bombay Cross Maidan, at least you should come by January 1st. This is our big opportunity to emphasize our preaching strength to the big men of India and population in general. There is arrangement of "Questions and Answers" tents for the general public, just by the main street of the city, wherein we shall conduct throughout day and night preacing by my disciples by answering any and all questions put forward by the public. I think that you will enjoy preaching in that way, and I want to place my best preachers there for that purpose of defeating all challengers. Kindly oblige and do the needful.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 December, 1972:

Everyday he gives me some solid work, at least something every day, so I am very much appreciating. I was in Ahmedabad preaching daily in the morning and evening for last two weeks, and at least ten thousand were coming to hear. From January 12th our second Hare Krishna Festival will go on in the Cross Maidan in Bombay, and Tamala Krishna and Syamasundara are planning something very gorgeous just to push on the preaching work. Meanwhile I am little resting behind the scenes for few days, and one Karatieya Mahadevia has been very kind to give us his place all to ourselves just by the seaside on Warden Road. Many big men of Bombay are coming to see me daily for confidential talks, and they are beginning to very much become inclined to our philosophy. I think in this place, it is very restful and there is no interruption, so I think I shall be able to increase my translations work.

Letter to Hariprasada -- Bombay 23 December, 1972:

So try to every day chant as much as possible Hare Krishna Mantra, read our books regularly, and engage your energy for this business of building temple, making Life Members, like that, and then you will always remain enthusiastic, and gradually more and more you will feel yourself advance in Krishna Consciousness. In this way, you may know it for certain that you will meet Krishna face-to-face very soon.

Now I am in Bombay until about 23rd of January, at the above address, and we are preparing a very gorgeous Hare Krishna Festival for the Cross Maidan from January 12th to 21st instant. So I am free up to 10th January, so if in the meantime everything is settled up then I can go to Hyderabad and lay down the foundation-stone. So far books are concerned, I have told Tamala to send as many as possible so he will see to it. There is shipment of 10,000 BTG's in Bombay harbor, and we are waiting for CCP license to clear them, then part of that shipment may be sent you, immediately. Meanwhile, I have ordered 5,000 to 10,000 each of each of our books for India, so in future there will be sufficient supply. This distributing of books is our most important business. So I am very much pleased upon you that you want to help me in this way. Now go on increasing books distribution, and utilize your fertile brain how to do it more and more.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 29 December, 1972:

So you may do the needful and send the three airline tickets for myself, Srutakirti, and Syamasundara here to my above-mentioned Bombay address, or wire them to the airlines office directly in Bombay city. The airlines office in Bombay may notify Syamasundara at 362963. My plan is to remain here in Bombay until January 23rd for holding our second Hare Krishna Festival in the Cross Maidan. I think last time you were one of the leaders of that first Hare Krsna Festival, so you know how much important occasion that will be. Already there are many banners all over the city advertising this movement as the world's greatest spiritual culture movement. We had just completed our pandal program at Ahmedabad, and it was also very very successful. From Bombay we shall fly to Calcutta for about nine days' time and we may give some programs there also. So I want to proceed from Calcutta to Australia or wherever you suggest on that side. We shall be able to leave on February 1st morning. And you may arrange the program in Australia and New Zealand for the duration of February month. Around the 1st March I shall have to return to Mayapur for holding our celebration of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's appearance day in early March. So you may plan in that way.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Bombay 29 December, 1972:

Tamala Krishna has informed me that you are inviting me to come there to Calcutta immediately after the Bombay Cross Maidan Pandal program is finished, so I shall come there as you desire. So you may kindly arrange the airplane tickets for four persons, namely myself and three secretaries, and we shall come there on 23rd morning of January 1973, provided that you mail us the tickets at your earliest. I want to stay until 1st February and then fly from Calcutta to Djakarta and Australia and other places, as Madhudvisa has invited me to come there during February month. So I shall be in Calcutta for nine days, that means I want to speak at nine different programs in various parts of Calcutta city. So you try to arrange some big big speaking programs in various places of the city, all of them being well-advertised and attended by respectable and sober men. Of course, we can talk to any class of men, but I want to speak especially to large numbers of the higher-class or respectable and sober class of men of Calcutta. I will speak in Bengali, Hindi, or English, whatever language is required.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Bhagavata Maharaja -- Bombay 5 January, 1973:

These ISKCON publications are very attractive to the public, they are nicely brought out, printed on the very best presses of America and Japan, and they are translated with commentary just to our line. One of my disciples from my Calcutta ISKCON branch will be calling on you shortly in this connection, and if you are kind upon me in this way, he will give you all facility and stocks for whatever you require.

I shall be myself coming to Calcutta by the 23rd instant of this month, just after we finish our Hare Krsna Festival and Bhagavata Dharma Discourses in the Cross Maidan of Bombay city, from January 12 to January 21, 1973. From Calcutta I will be leaving on February 1 for a one-month preaching tour of my several branches in Djakarta, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Philippines, and other places in Asia and the South Pacific zone. I shall return to Mayapur by the 1st March for celebrating the appearance day of our Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I shall be staying in our Calcutta temple at 3 Albert Road for about 8 or 9 days, and we shall be lecturing and having kirtana program at various places in Calcutta proper each evening while I am there.

Letter to Ramesvara -- India 9 January, 1973:

By this effort alone they are assured to go back to home, back to Godhead. In order to change this materialistic society and prevent them from gliding to hell, first thing is to educate them. All decent men want to give service to humanity, only thing is they do not have information really what is that service. Hospitals, feeding the poor, Red Cross, these are service to the bodies only, not to the man. Service to humanity means jnana. By giving people knowledge, jnana, that is the highest service to humanity. So we are performing the actual welfare work of society by informing everyone through our literatures who is God, who they are, and what is the relationship. In this way everyone who hears our message gets the opportunity to fulfill his actual position as human entity and become delivered from the clutches of maya. So you may understand it that by disseminating our Krsna consciousness propaganda anywhere and everywhere, by selling books, by making publicity, newspapers, television, so many ways there are to spread Krsna consciousness information, you may know it that by utilizing our energy in this way to give everyone access to the Absolute Truth, that is the real understanding of desire to serve humanity.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 19 October, 1973:

"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But, those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it."

Unless everyone of us sticks to the regulative principles of chanting, there is no other alternative than fall-down. That is a fact. I repeatedly say this, so if people do not follow, what can I do?

You cannot resign your position. You have to tolerate. Otherwise why does Caitanya Mahaprabhu say this verse:

trnad api su-nicena taror iva sahisnuna

amanina manadena kirtaniyah sada harih

(CC Adi 17.31)

These things will happen, and we have to tolerate.

We shall talk over this subject matter seriously when I shall return to Los Angeles. Do not be worried.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Amogha -- Vrindaban 5 August, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 16, 1974 with enclosed clippings and the Christian paper Southern Cross. The articles are very nice, and I am very pleased how the Christian community are appreciating our movement. Actually we have no quarrel with them. We accept Lord Jesus Christ as the son of God and he was a great Vaisnava. Because he appeared in another country does not mean that we should not offer him respect. If we stick to our principles as I have given you, more and more these priestly class they will come to respect us and appreciate something of our philosophy. Therefore I stress so much the devotional rules and regulations.

I very much liked the report of the prasadam distribution at the club for businessmen. So I thank you very much for kindly sending me this report. I understand that you are preparing to go to Jakarta for preaching. So just go on as a sincere servant of Krsna, and you will be blessed by Krsna.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Devotees of ISKCON Rome -- Bombay 13 November, 1975:

Their spiritual names are as follows: Bhakta Tonino—Narakantaka; Bhakta Franco—Sjjanasraya; Bhaktin Miriam—Amohamoha; Bhaktin Subrena—Yoganandakari; Bhaktin Luciana—Vicitravasini; and Bhaktin Micaela—Citrarupini. So the beads may be chanted on by Bhagavan das and be sure to see that all these devotees follow all our rules and regulations, chanting minimum 16 rounds and attending the mangala aroti and the Srimad-Bhagavatam class. This is very important because the maya is very strong, mama maya duratyaya (BG 7.14). But we can easily cross beyond it if we take cent per cent shelter of the lotus feet of Krsna. Mam eva ye prapadyante/ mayam etam taranti te.

I have asked Haihaya to remain here in India for helping in the management of the Krishna-Balarama temple in Vrndavana and he has gone there.

Letter to W.J. Carpenter -- New Delhi 30 November, 1975:

Therefore the only solution to all problems of life social economic, or political is to surrender to Krishna. Krishna says "the material nature is very difficult to overcome, but one who has surrendered unto me can very easily cross beyond it." So to surrender to Krishna is not difficult all we have to do is follow the instructions given by Krishna in Bhagavad-gita under the guidance of his representative, the spiritual master.

So you are already chanting Hare Krishna, now simply try to give up these four habits of sinful life, and the best way to be successful in this attempt is to associate with the devotees of the Lord. Therefore we have established so many temples of Krishna. You simply go there, the devotees are very kind, you will be welcome and by their association automatically you will make advancement and purify your life. We have got a temple in London, 7 Bury Place WC I and one in Herts. Given to us by George Harrison. So you go there and everything else will come.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Ramesvara , Radhavallabha -- Bombay 14 August, 1976:

He predicted that there would be fire within these walls. So I took it, "O, His Divine Grace wants some books." So I accepted it, "Yes, I shall do it." It is all by his blessings. Mukam karoti vacalam pangum langhayate girim, by his mercy a dumb man can speak and a lame man can cross a mountain.

Regarding the return of Indrapramada to the press, thank him for coming back. Krsna is so kind that anyone who does some service for Him, Krsna immediately captures him. Svalpam apy asya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat, a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear. There are many instances. Tyaktva sva-dharman caranambujam harer bhajan na pakvo'tha patet tato yadi... (SB 1.5.17) "If someone gives up self-gratificatory pursuits and works in Krsna consciousness and then falls down on account of not completing his work, what loss is there on his part? And if one performs his material activities perfectly, what gain is there?" So let us try to render service to Krsna very sincerely.