Distribute our books (Letters, 1971)

1971 Correspondence

January

That there is a scarcity of money certainly means mismanagement. I have seen it myself that sometimes they sell books and do not send back the money. Why is that?

Letter to Jagadisa -- Allahabad 16 January, 1971: That there is a scarcity of money certainly means mismanagement. I have seen it myself that sometimes they sell books and do not send back the money. Why is that? This situation must be rectified. An accurate account of all dealings must be kept by those involved. How else things will be managed?

February

From the beginning it was my program not to sell books but to make life members. Therefore we should contribute more energy for making life members than selling. When there will be no possibility of making members, at that time we can sell books at reduced price. Actually if it is possible to sell 100 sets of books per month, then you can do that

Letter to Syamasundara -- Gorakhpur 15 February, 1971: From the beginning it was my program not to sell books but to make life members. The idea is that in India when we speak of price Rs. 64/ for KRSNA book or say Rs. 30/ for Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, practically their hearts begins to fade because in India most of them are not accustomed to pay so much price but when we speak of membership they agree to contribute very easily because Indian mentality is still charitable toward the cause of spiritual activities. So either reduce the price or not, if we endeavor to create life members it will be easier task. For example you are delivering a set of books; KRSNA, TLC, NOD, Handbook, one copy of BTG land you are taking favor for Rs. 101/ by reduction of price. If you take the real price of these books, it comes to somewhere near Rs. 220/ but if we make a member with the same delivery of books, we get the full membership fee. Therefore we should contribute more energy for making life members than selling. When there will be no possibility of making members, at that time we can sell books at reduced price. Actually if it is possible to sell 100 sets of books per month, then you can do that. We will discuss the point further upon my arrival in Bombay. Most probably I'll be able to reach Bombay by March 1st. In my next letter I shall let you know.

It is good that you GBC members are meeting and conjointly discussing such things as life membership, book distribution, etc. The future hope of solid standing of our mission is on the proper management of our governing body

Letter to Bhagavan -- Gorakhpur 16 February, 1971: Your college program sounds very nice. Preaching in schools, colleges and universities, along with distribution of our books and prasadam will flourish the propaganda of our mission. It is good that you GBC members are meeting and conjointly discussing such things as life membership, book distribution, etc. The future hope of solid standing of our mission is on the proper management of our governing body. Now we are increasing in volume. The area of our activity is expanding. Under the circumstances, if our management goes on nicely to maintain our prestige and good name, that will be our success. Such status quo can be maintained only on our being freed from any kind of sense gratifying attitude, because pure devotional service means: anya avhilasita sunya or without any other desire than to satisfy Krishna.

It is very encouraging that you are introducing our philosophy in schools, colleges, etc. This should be our present program of work. If you can introduce our books in the schools and colleges and libraries and preach there about our philosophy, that will be a great success

Letter to Gargamuni -- Gorakhpur 16 February, 1971: I am so glad to know that you are preaching alone assisted by a Brahmacari at Gainesville and it is very encouraging that you are introducing our philosophy in schools, colleges, etc. This should be our present program of work. If you can introduce our books in the schools and colleges and libraries and preach there about our philosophy, that will be a great success.

March

Any way we can distribute our books is good because anyone who reads our KRSNA book, TLC, NOD, and Bhagavad-gita As It Is, is sure to become a Krishna Conscious person. It is a most valuable service to Krishna to distribute these books

Letter to Damodara -- Bombay, India 5 March, 1971: Here in India our program is going on very nicely. Especially we are making so many life members. That program is so important that we are getting money, supporters and distributing our literature all at the same time. But any way we can distribute our books is good because anyone who reads our KRSNA book, TLC, NOD, and Bhagavad-gita As It Is, is sure to become a Krishna Conscious person. It is a most valuable service to Krishna to distribute these books.

April

Somehow or other distribute these books, either in schools and colleges, libraries, through life membership, bookstores, or wherever else you think they might be accepted

Letter to Nityananda -- Bombay 1 April, 1971: Now you are beginning to preach at the universities. That is a very good program, so increase it more and more. It is also a good opportunity for distributing our books. You should give much effort for book distribution, it is such a valuable service. Simply if one will read our KRSNA book, TLC, NOD, and Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, he will surely become a Krishna Conscious person. So somehow or other distribute these books, either in schools and colleges, libraries, through life membership, bookstores, or wherever else you think they might be accepted. Do so with enthusiasm and determination and Krishna will surely help you.

Try to introduce our books there and it will be a great missionary success. One Krishna book sold means we go forward one step in our Krishna Consciousness. We should always remember this

Letter to Visnujana -- Bombay 4 April, 1971: It is so much encouraging that you have got a very nice temple and that already there are six students living there and following the regulative principles. Anyone who you recommend, I shall immediately initiate him. So take advantage and enchant those who are coming by your chanting of Hare Krishna Mantra. You will be victorious. And try to introduce our books there and it will be a great missionary success. One Krishna book sold means we go forward one step in our Krishna Consciousness. We should always remember this. Now the second part of KRSNA book is available, so take them from Karandhara.

Organization of book selling is more important than incense distribution. Incense sales is clearly business only. But when we sell books that means we push forward our movement. So unless it is absolutely necessary, we should not become ordinary businessmen. Try to understand this point

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 21 April, 1971: Our Krishna Consciousness Movement is so nice that we not only solve the problem of white and black tension, but all kinds of other tensions as well—social, political, religious, racial, and all other departmental activities of human society. The fact is there but we require the time and energy to put it into effect. And now more devotees are coming also. That is the sign of our progress. In each and every center we must get new devotees more and more and train them up. As soon as they are nicely trained up, they should open a branch—in every village and town all over the world. Organization of book selling is more important than incense distribution. Incense sales is clearly business only. But when we sell books that means we push forward our movement. So unless it is absolutely necessary, we should not become ordinary businessmen. Try to understand this point.

Incense distribution is proving to be very important asset for raising funds for temple upkeep, etc., but we are more interested still in distributing our books. Incense sales are clearly business only, but when we sell our books that means we push forward our movement

Letter to Ranadhira -- Bombay 21 April, 1971: The incense and oil samples enclosed are very nice, and I am burning the incense in my room daily. These scents are so nice. But one thing is that you needn't spend $10,000 for machinery to package the incense. That is not required. Do not depend on machines. We are not going to be large-scale businessmen. Incense distribution is proving to be very important asset for raising funds for temple upkeep, etc., but we are more interested still in distributing our books. Incense sales are clearly business only, but when we sell our books that means we push forward our movement. Of course they can both be done together. That is nice program and has proven successful in many centers.

So far as a Trust Body for seeing to the correct publicity and distribution of my books, we shall discuss on this matter upon my arrival

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay April 27, 1971: So far as a Trust Body for seeing to the correct publicity and distribution of my books, we shall discuss on this matter upon my arrival. It is also encouraging to note that one educated boy is wanting to translate some of our literature into Tamil language, so encourage him. Yes, when I come I shall bring slides, as there are many here.

May

That is the immediate important business—how to distribute these books all over the world. So far as the per cent of discount, that will depend on your discretion. But quickly distribute all the books as soon as they are received

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 17 May, 1971: The policy of maintaining a white elephant is not good. That is the immediate important business—how to distribute these books all over the world. So far as the per cent of discount, that will depend on your discretion. But quickly distribute all the books as soon as they are received.

July

The contract for distributing our books was a pseudo contract, so it was cancelled. So the books must be distributed in India. There is no use in sending the books back here

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 3 July, 1971: The books in India should not be sent to U.S.A. The contract for distributing our books was a pseudo contract, so it was cancelled. So the books must be distributed in India. There is no use in sending the books back here. So you must distribute these books, and so life membership distribution program must be vigorously done.

The book distribution policy should be like this: Cash only. All books are to be sold cash on delivery (C.O.D.). Books can be returned for exchange of other books only for a period of up to one year

Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 7 July, 1971: I am glad to hear that you may be able to distribute our books to libraries through some large library distributer. That will be very nice, so try for it. Similarly to book stores. The book distribution policy should be like this: Cash only. All books are to be sold cash on delivery (C.O.D.). Books can be returned for exchange of other books only for a period of up to one year. Householders can sell books and get 15% commission on the net income. The retail discount schedule will be as follows: 1-2 books, 33%; 3-24 books, 40%; 25-99 books, 42%; and 100 books and over, 50% (wholesale rate).

There is no objection to your program for book distribution. You should be able to make three or four members daily like that. Anyone can pay Rs. 100 immediately. So distribute as many books as possible by this method

Letter to Madhudvisa -- New York 28 July, 1971: There is no objection to your program for book distribution. You should be able to make three or four members daily like that. Anyone can pay Rs. 100 immediately. So distribute as many books as possible by this method.

October

All of us should see that our literatures are profusely distributed. That means that our missionary work is going on nicely. Otherwise we are simply sleeping and eating. The literature we have already designated as brihat mrdanga

Letter to Karandhara -- Nairobi 9 October, 1971: Regarding printing our books and literatures, I may inform you in this connection that I saw one bulletin of "Indian Railways" in which it was specifically advised that every railway servant should see to it that the wheels of the carriages or vehicles must be moving always, which means that the railway is going nicely. Similarly all of us should see that our literatures are profusely distributed. That means that our missionary work is going on nicely. Otherwise we are simply sleeping and eating. The literature we have already designated as brihat mrdanga. So distribution of literature means great Sankirtana.

So you try to find out a nice church, preferably the Paddington one, and I think there will be no difficulty in raising the necessary funds. Our book sales are increasing. If we attempt to do something the Indian community also will contribute. George will also contribute

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani -- Nairobi 13 October, 1971: Out of all the churches that I saw during my stay in London, I found the old Paddington church very nice. Why not negotiate with this property? What is the difficulty? I like that church very much. It is quite suitable for London temple. But as soon as we get a nice church it will not be difficult to raise the money for that purpose. When George came to our L.A. temple he remarked—why not a nice temple in London like this one? So you try to find out a nice church, preferably the Paddington one, and I think there will be no difficulty in raising the necessary funds. Our book sales are increasing. If we attempt to do something the Indian community also will contribute. George will also contribute. So try to find out the best one. Krishna will help you.

Please try to distribute our books very very widely in all languages. That will push our movement very rapidly

Letter to Karandhara -- Nairobi 16 October, 1971: Please try to distribute our books very very widely in all languages. That will push our movement very rapidly. We are now preparing a book on philosophical discussions. Syamasundara. is daily discussing with me the views of the different Western philosophers and we are studying them from the ISKLET point of view. This work is going on regularly and Aravinda is typing them regularly. So very soon a book will come out. When I go back to India I shall review all the Indian systems of philosophy also, from this angle of vision, so that this book will be very much interesting to the student class in the schools and the colleges. Try to encourage all our centers to go to the schools and colleges and introduce our philosophy, books and literatures. As soon as I see that you GBC members are managing everything very nicely I shall completely retire for writing my books only and I am thinking of staying in Mayapur for six months and in your camp, L.A., for six months. I hope in L.A. the Deity worship is going on very nicely; dress, flowers, ornaments, arati, cleanliness, foodstuffs, all of them must be regular, accompanied by kirtana, street sankirtana, distribution of literature, etc.

November

This will be the greatest preaching program if you can travel and distribute literature. I have experience in Sydney when I spoke at the University, the students bought my literature

Letter to Visnujana -- Calcutta 4 November, 1971: It is very encouraging for me to hear that my Sannyasis are traveling and preaching. Regarding keeping our temples clean, this is essential. Unless we can maintain the temples we presently have superexcellently clean, we should not open new centers. Two men may remain at the temple and clean thoroughly every day and the rest should go to the streets for sankirtana. For Spiritual life chanting Hare Krishna is sufficient but because we are habituated to unclean habits we must have temple worship. Sankirtana will keep everyone's mind clean and surely this quarreling will cease. The best thing would be if you could combine the Road show with visits to cities that have existing temples. In this way you could enliven the devotees tremendously. We must keep our existing centers strong. This will be the greatest preaching program if you can travel and distribute literature. I have experience in Sydney when I spoke at the University, the students bought my literature.

I have hatched this "transcendental plot" for getting money by selling my books, and if we stick only to this plan, and use our brain for selling books, there will easily be sufficient money

Letter to Lalita Kumar -- Delhi 15 November, 1971: Because you are very sincere and enthusiastic boy, and very intelligent also, Krishna has give you this position of leadership in His army, to win the war with Maya and establish Krishna Consciousness as the perfect way of life for every living entity. If you simply push on this one activity of distributing my books, your all success will be there. I have hatched this "transcendental plot" for getting money by selling my books, and if we stick only to this plan, and use our brain for selling books, there will easily be sufficient money. I have recently informed the GBC to allow each temple to keep 25% of the money they collect from direct book and magazine sales for temple maintenance, 75% to be sent to Book Fund. Supposing you can sell 800 dollars a week worth of literature (retail price). Will not 200 dollars weekly be sufficient for food and rent? If not, increase book sales, or, until things are adjusted in this way, supplement in other ways, but try to avoid too much business as this distracts us from our real mission. If Krishna sees that we are very active to spread information about Him, He is Master of the Goddess of Fortune, He will give everything!

We should always be thinking of how to spread this Sankirtana Movement by applying our basic principles according to time and place, and I especially want that my students enter into the schools and colleges and present our Krishna philosophy and sell our books

Letter to Badarinarayana -- Delhi 18 November, 1971: Regarding your proposal to accommodate more indoor engagements for Sankirtana, and thus to avoid the severe cold of wintertime, is a nice proposal, and I am encouraged to hear that you are always thinking of how to improve the program of your St. Louis temple. We should always be thinking of how to spread this Sankirtana Movement by applying our basic principles according to time and place, and I especially want that my students enter into the schools and colleges and present our Krishna philosophy and sell our books. So you may do this in consultation with Brhaspati das and other temple officers, and whenever such questions arise in future, do not hesitate to refer all matters of temple management to your GBC Zonal Secretary, Bhagavan das, for his help. I have appointed this GBC body to relieve me from the burden of administration, so I may concentrate on my writing and translation of books.

If you have no other engagement, I would be greatly pleased if you could take up this work of selling my books and literatures everywhere, as many as possible

Letter to Badarinarayana -- Delhi 18 November, 1971: You have been my student for some time, and I consider that you are one of the big men who are assisting me in this vast work, so I am naturally concerned for your well-being. I want that you should give up this idea of outside living and working and regard it only as a temporary trick of Maya. I need such strong men as yourself to stick with me and together we shall go back to Home, back to Godhead. If you have no other engagement, I would be greatly pleased if you could take up this work of selling my books and literatures everywhere, as many as possible.

December

I'm especially pleased to hear that your distribution of our books and magazines has increased. Go on in this way, increasing more and more. Each time someone reads some solid information about Krishna his life becomes changed in some way

Letter to Damodara -- Delhi 3 December, 1971: If preaching is strong, management will be strong. That is the rule. I'm especially pleased to hear that your distribution of our books and magazines has increased. Go on in this way, increasing more and more. Each time someone reads some solid information about Krishna his life becomes changed in some way. These literatures are the solid ground upon which our preaching stands, so I want that they should be available to everyone, as many as possible. So please try for this.

The best news is that you are increasing nicely the distribution of my books and literature. This is the best activity, to distribute solid information about Krishna. Our preaching stands solid on these books

Letter to Upendra -- Delhi 8 December, 1971: With pleasure I note that Melbourne Temple is going on very nicely under your supervision. Now keep the standard of our routine work very high, and you will always meet with all success. The best news is that you are increasing nicely the distribution of my books and literature. This is the best activity, to distribute solid information about Krishna. Our preaching stands solid on these books. No other movement or cult has such vast background of authority, so we are not afraid to challenge anyone and everyone to defeat their philosophy on the basis of that authority. Krishna appreciates such strong preachers as His dearmost servants, so let us work very enthusiastically to drive away rascal philosophy and establish the real religion of Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

Kindly push on with this travelling preaching party, distribute as many books as possible, and this will be the real contribution to Lord Caitanya's Movement

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Delhi 12 December, 1971: Kindly push on with this travelling preaching party, distribute as many books as possible, and this will be the real contribution to Lord Caitanya's Movement.

The more you increase your strength in preaching, the more you will go on selling books. I want especially that my books be distributed widely

Letter to Nityananda -- Bombay 17 December, 1971: I am very pleased to hear that you are increasing in your distribution of our books and magazines. This is a good sign that your preaching work is also strong. The more you increase your strength in preaching, the more you will go on selling books. I want especially that my books be distributed widely. So it is also very encouraging to learn that you are preaching in the schools. If you do this nicely, then you will have no end to your success, because these students can understand our Krishna philosophy and become convinced by it, more easily than others. So if they join you, then our Movement will grow like anything.

Go on very vigorously in this way, travelling, preaching, selling our books and magazines, distributing prasadam, like that. As long as we keep ourselves pure for preaching, then we shall have all good results—of that there is no doubt

Letter to Cyavana -- Bombay 26 December, 1971: I am very pleased to hear that the African boys are becoming serious devotees. That is the proof of your preaching work, that it becomes touchstone and turns iron to gold. So go on very vigorously in this way, travelling, preaching, selling our books and magazines, distributing prasadam, like that. As long as we keep ourselves pure for preaching, then we shall have all good results—of that there is no doubt. One thing, make certain that your routine work is going on nicely—chanting 16 rounds, rising early, cleansing, street Sankirtana, etc.—then all other programs will be successful. If routine work becomes slack or neglected, then all other attempts will fail.

Just maintain our strong position of purity of routine work and preach and distribute literature, that's all

Letter to Giriraja -- Bombay 28 December, 1971: I can understand that you are very eligible to be among the biggest leaders, so I have all confidence in your Madras programs. There appears to be some feeling of dissatisfaction with the way things are being managed in India, so I have simply said that if you all get me at least two life-members daily in India, then I shall do the rest. So I am pleased to hear from you that you are making many life-members there: that is the proof of our preaching strength. Wherever there is preaching strength there is also success, no matter it may be pandal-show, or making members, travelling Sankirtana party, whatever it may be—just maintain our strong position of purity of routine work and preach and distribute literature, that's all.

Page Title:	Distribute our books (Letters, 1971)
Compiler:	Visnu Murti, Matea
Created:	15 of jan, 2008
No. of Quotes:	27
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=27