The registered office of the above League is situated at the big spacious building "Bharati Bhawan" at Sipri Road, Jhansi. Gentlemen interested in such cultural activities may ask from the Founder Secretary, the prospectus of the mission (in Hindi or in English) with details of the institution.
Founder (Letters)
Correspondence
1947 to 1965 Correspondence
Letter to Sirs -- Delhi 25 December, 1955:
A meeting of the executives has to be called for discussing the above subjects but before doing so I wish that you all gentlemen may kindly fill up the typed membership forms enclosed herewith—so that following your foot prints other members of the public may __ members of this institution in large numbers.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours faithfully,
For the League of Devotees (Reg. J.S.)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Founder Secretary
To __ of the following immediately
(1) Letter Heading (English)
(2) Visiting Cards (English)
(3) Japa Appeal (English & Hindi)
(4) Membership forms (English & Hindi)
(5) Rubber Stamps
Letter to Members -- Bombay:
THE LEAGUE OF DEVOTEES INC.
Under Societies Act No. XXI 1860
Editor: "Back to Godhead"
Founder Secretary: Goswami Abhay Charan Bhaktivedanta.
Bombay Office: 93, Narayan Dhuru St. Bombay-3.
Dated as post mark.
On the Supreme Order of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj, I beg to inform you that it is now high time to revive the divine consciousness of mankind, the people in general, modern leaders, philosophers, and religionists - considering the deteriorated world situation in every respect.
Dormant divine consciousness of the living entity is developed in the human being by natural evolution but it is sometimes snubbed down by artificial force on account of too much desire to Lord it over the material nature. The result is that such mode of civilization renders people short-lived, slow in understanding matters important in life (spiritual knowledge), accepting the wrong way of perfection, unfortunate even in material prosperity and always disturbed by diseases and distresses. And these are some of the gifts of nature in the mode of Godless civilization.
Letter to Members -- Bombay:
Sacrifice, charity and penances are three essential things for attaining spiritual light. The suggested way to you is the easiest one to cover all the above three important spiritual activities. Do not miss this opportunity. Kindly adopt it immediately and see the result how it acts.
May good counsel prevail upon you. Please read the current issue of the paper which is donated by an enlightened soul and follow the example for your as well as the world's good.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Yours faithfully,
Goswami Abhay Charan Bhaktivedanta
Editor: Back to Godhead and Founder Secretary The league of Devotees
Enclosure: - 1.
Letter to Jugalkishore Birla -- Bombay 26 August, 1958:
The minimum expenditure is estimated to be Rs. 3000/- a month to begin with. Three hundred members of this noble mission can at once raise this sum for training the preachers and other necessary expenditure.
Please therefore come forward and become the headman of this League. See that the money is properly being utilized and see the result also side by side. I am sure you will be encouraged to take interest in this missionary work more and more by the practical result of the work.
Awaiting your early reply and thanking you in anticipation.
For the League of Devotees,
Yours faithfully,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Founder Secretary.
1967 Correspondence
Letter to Sar Maharaja -- San Francisco 11 March, 1967:
I am in receipt of your letter dated February 20,1967. I am so much thankful to you all for encouraging me in my humble attempt to preach the message of srila Prabhupada in this part of the world. I am sure to be successful if I am blessed by you all Vaisnavas.
I can understand your difficulty in the matter of my publication work. I am glad to learn that your activities following the foot prints of our beloved Gosvami Maharaja is being conducted nicely.
By the by I may inform you that in the matter of permanent Visa in this country I require some certificates from India. Will you kindly send me a certificate in your personal form of letter as the President and Acarya of the Gaudiya Sangha (Regd) in the following words and oblige.
Wordings of the certificate: "This is to certify that His Holiness Tridandi Swami A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swamiji Maharaja is a bona fide disciple of my Spiritual Master On Visnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Goswami Prabhupada. We have highly appreciated his publication Srimad-Bhagavatam in our Sajjan Tosani Patrika (Monthly Magazine) in June 1963. Swami A.C. Bhaktivedanta was the Editor of the above magazine while the paper was started from Delhi. Subsequently he has accepted the renounced order of life (Sannyasam) from His Holiness Sri Srimad Bhakti Prajnan Kesava Maharaja the Founder President of the Gaudiya Vedanta Samity in 1959. He is therefore bona fide Preacher in the line of disciplic succession from Lord Caitanya Who preached the cult of Krishna Consciousness in India about 481 years ago. We all godbrothers of Swami A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami in India are very much pleased to learn that he is executing the mission of our Spiritual Master in the Western countries even in his good old age. We wish all success for him in his great and noble attempt.
Sd/——————
(Bhakti Saurabha Bhaktisar Maharaja)
President & Acarya."
Kindly send this certificate by return of post and oblige. Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours affectionately,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Letter to Mr. Fulton -- San Francisco 3 April, 1967:
I thank you very much for your letter of the 31st March 1967 and I have noted the contents carefully. Mr. Alan Kallman of Pixi Records is my well wisher friend and it is very kind of him that he has desired to push my cause through your valuable endeavour.
I am returning herewith the Agreement duly signed by me along with some papers of my activities. Amongst the papers you will find one copy of literature of my Srimad-Bhagavatam and if you have no objection to mail such literatures then I can send you copies as many as you may desire. Any order received through you directly or indirectly will credit your account by the same commission namely 33-1/3%
Thanking you once more and awaiting your early reply. I am returning to New York on the 9th April 1967 by United Air Line.
Yours sincerely,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Enclosure: Signed Agreement & eight other papers.
This is to certify that His Holiness Tridandi-Swami Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja is a bona fide initiated disciple of His Divine Grace Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of the Gaudiya Math Institutions and in November 1959 he took Sannyasam (renounced order of life) from His Holiness Tridandi Swami Bhakti Prajnan Kesava Maharaja, the Founder-President of the Gaudiya Vedanta Society. He is therefore an authorized Preacher and Teacher in the line of disciplic succession from Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who preached Krishna Consciousness all over India about 500 years ago and authorized His all disciplic successors to preach the Philosophy of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam in all towns and villages of the world. It is a great pleasure for all members of the Gaudiya Vaisnava Vedantists that Tridandi Swami Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja is engaged in preaching the cult in the western world.
Swami B. V. Narayana
Letter to Umapati -- Vrindaban 5 September, 1967:
Kirtanananda is now a completely Krishna Conscious person as he has accepted sannyasa on the birthday of Lord Krishna with great success. He is the first sannyasa in my spiritual family, and I hope he will return back soon to begin preaching work with greater vigor and success. Please try to cooperate with the temple managers, because in my absence they might feel some difficulty. You are one of the old founders of N.Y. temple, and I hope you shall take some active part in improving the original center.
1969 Correspondence
Letter to Sumati Morarjee -- Unknown Place 1969:
Perhaps you know that I am organizing here a community center in West Virginia on a land of about 200 acres, and it will be a replica of Vrindaban. So it is my ambition, as foretold by Lord Caitanya, that the people of the world will be happy under the banner of Krishna Consciousness, and let us try our best for this greatest philosophy of life. Of course, medical and other relief work to the distressed persons are not objectionable items, but actually the people of the whole world are suffering on account of lacking in Krishna Consciousness. Anyway, I am trying, practically, struggling single-handedly in this great endeavor, and my financial strength is practically zero. And I think you have got sufficient knowledge about that. But if your newly founded institution cooperates with me, it will be a great success. So far donation to this foundation, naturally I shall be inclined to donate in kind. I have already printed my following books, Bhagavad-gita as it is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Easy Journey to Other Planets, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and so on, as well as our Back to Godhead magazine. And I shall be glad to donate free as many copies as your foundation may require from me.
Letter to Bank Manager -- From FOUNDER-SECRETARY LEAGUE OF DEVOTEES 1975 So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 USA August 8, 69:
From: FOUNDER-SECRETARY:
LEAGUE OF DEVOTEES
1975 So. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 USA
August 8, 69
LT_690808_E1
Manager
THE BANK OF BARODA
856, Chandni Chowk
Delhi-6, INDIA
Dear Sir:
RE: ACCOUNT #2408
Kindly close this account, and whatever amount is there in credit balance please transfer to my personal account # 1452. Thank you.
Sincerely,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
1970 Correspondence
Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 10 February, 1970:
I understand that you have now some changes in the posts of the officers, but one thing you must remember that Tamala has to move at least in the three main centers of Europe and therefore you three directors or founders must have to learn the ways and means of administration from Tamala so that in his absence you may not feel any difficulty. As we are increasing the number of our centers and as it is not possible for me to move, I am just trying to train three or four of the advanced boys to work as the superintendents of the centers. Now you will be glad to know that we have our branch in Australia also.
Letter to Acyutananda -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970:
Regarding the Bhowanipur plot, I have already advised you in this connection. It may be transferred as unconditional gift to the Founder Acarya, ISKCON: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 29 July, 1970:
At the present moment, the Krsna books are coming from Japan and they should be taken care of immediately. The present procedure is that Sriman Karandhara das Adhikari is looking after the business and collecting the fund. The same procedure should be followed and whenever there is a collection, it should be deposited in my bank account entitled ISKCON, INC. - BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST, number __ with the Security Pacific National Bank. And whenever there will be a new printing, on submission of the estimate I shall immediately advise the bank to remit as I am now doing. In the future, things will be done as it is necessary. All withdrawals are to signed by me exclusively.
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust account will be used to publish my books and literature and to establish Temples throughout the world, specifically three Temples are to be established, one each in Mayapur, Vrndavana, and Jagannatha Puri.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya
ACB/rda
Letter to Central Bank of India -- Calcutta 29 September, 1970:
RESOLVED
A meeting of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Calcutta Branch, at 37/1 Hindusthan Road was held, and it is passed by resolution that a local account be opened with the Central Bank of India, Ballygunje Branch.
In the meeting the following gentlemen were present:
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder-Acarya
Tamala Krishna Das Adhikari-President
Acyutananda Swami-Secretary
Jayapataka Swami-Treasurer
Out of the four, checks will be signed by any two.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya
ACBS:tkda
Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 27 November, 1970:
So the account should be opened and checks should be drawn out by two signatures. One of the signatures must be mine and the other names should also be registered: Jayapataka Swami, Acyutananda Swami and Madhudvisa Swami (Founder and Acarya, President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively.) These four names should be registered.
1971 Correspondence
Letter to Bank of Baroda -- Surat 2 January, 1971:
Re: My Savings Bank Account Number 4966 with you.
With reference to your letter No. FGN:15/1581, dated December 15th, 1970, I beg to reply your inquiries as follows:
1. I departed from India on December 13rd, 1967.
2. My Reserve Bank Approval Number and date is No. 4599/2-67 dated November 18th, 1967.
3. The purpose and duration of my stay abroad are preaching work on the philosophy of Caitanya cult and the duration was two (2) years and nine (9) months.
4. I was being maintained by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of which I am the Founder and Acarya.
5. The date of my return to India is August 24th, 1970.
6. I do not hold any foreign shares or securities.
7. My Passport Number is I-276896, issued by the Regional Passport Office, Delhi, on June 10th, 1965.
I am enclosing herewith the Exchange Control Form A. 7 (C) duly signed by me in duplicate; please find.
Thanking you,
Sincerely,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Letter to Dr. Bigelow -- Allahabad 20 January, 1971:
Recently I have read one article in the Gazette by Rae Corelli entitled "Heart surgeon wants to know what a soul is" and it was very interesting. Your comments show great insight and so I thought to write you on this matter. Perhaps you may know that I am the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. I've got several temples in Canada; Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Hamilton. This Krishna Consciousness Movement is specifically meant to give every soul his original spiritual position.
Letter to Hanuman, Amogha, Gopala -- Bombay 28 March, 1971:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated 19th and 23d March, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. I have also received your telegram and I have already informed you that if need be I am prepared to go there but when things are completely matured. I hope you will consult Bali Mardan in this connection. Upon receipt of your last letter, I have sent one telegram to Kamala Devi, in care of Hanuman, reading as follows: HANUMAN DAS INFORMS ABOUT YOUR DONATION OF LAND AND TEMPLE. I THANK YOU VERY MUCH WITH BLESSINGS OF LORD KRISHNA. SHALL BE GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU FURTHER IN THIS CONNECTION—BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI, FOUNDER—ISKCON.
Letter to Immigration Service -- Bombay 5 April, 1971:
Since the founding of our Society in 1966, we have now got established over fifty centers and Radha Krsna Mandirs and they are registered in the major cities of the Western World.
Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:
With reference to your telephone conversation yesterday morning, I am sending one check, no. CHT/A-T492826 for Rs 8300/- in favor of American Express Banking Corporation, Calcutta, account number 090031. (I hope immediately upon presentation of this check you will get the money from American Express.) There is no question of pilferage because it is account paid. Conveyance deed should be in the name of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness at #3, Albert Road; Calcutta-16. You should consult your friend Mr. Kashore Mukherjee or his friend Mr. Shah and make the deed nicely and send me a copy for my approval. The deed may be drawn in either English or Bengali, as it is required but be careful in every other detail in consultation with pleader Kisora Mukherjee.
Letter to Unknown -- Bombay 20 April, 1971:
SUBJECT MATTER: Extension of stay in India for my disciples.
Dear
Let me introduce myself as the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In India I am especially present to popularize this Krishna Consciousness movement for awakening God Consciousness of the people in general. They are appreciating it very much. In that connection, I require 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 they are being asked to leave the country. I cannot understand what are the legal 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 Central Bank of India -- Calcutta 26 May, 1971:
RESOLVED
At a meeting of the executive officers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, held yesterday the 25th May, 1971 at their office at 3A, Albert Road, Calcutta-17, the following was agreed:
An account would be opened under the name INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS BUILDING FUND and that it would be operated jointly by the Founder-Acarya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami and the Zonal Secretary for India Tamala Krishna Das Adhikari. Checks will be signed by both jointly. The account would be a current account, with the Central Bank of India, Camac Street Branch. Those present at the meeting were:
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami—Founder Acarya
Tamala Krishna Das Adhikari—Zonal Secretary for India
Jayapataka Swami
Hamsaduta das Adhikari
Bali Mardan das Adhikari
Gurudasa Adhikari
Yours faithfully,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami,
Founder-Acarya
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Moscow 21 June, 1971:
It is very nice if we can get other magazines than BTG to print articles about our society, so try for it. Also, for BTG, I am enclosing one poem by Dravida for publishing. And so far the annual GBC meeting is concerned, it is my wish that this meeting be held in Mayapur on Vyasa Puja Day. So you arrange for this, we can go at least 100 visitors and arrange for the founding stone in Mayapur. We are trying to get Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, for laying the foundation stone.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Los Angeles July 11, 1971:
Presently I am in L.A. and everything is very nice here. You will be glad to know that I have again begun my translating work and have sent five tapes to Satsvarupa thus far. Very soon though I will be going to N.Y., probably by the end of this week. From there I will go to Europe and then on to Mayapur for the founding stone ceremony. So most probably we will meet again at that time.
Letter to Ksirodakasayi Adhikari -- London 6 September, 1971:
You are requested herewith to proceed to Delhi as soon as possible and be appointed there as Treasurer of the Delhi branch of our society registered in Bombay under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, Maharashtra State, Registration no. Bom. 225/70/70 GBBSD.
As treasurer of the branch, you will sign the checks of our banking account there jointly along with the president or secretary. Besides your post as treasurer you shall be in charge of the Hindi publication department. As such you are authorized to sign relative papers and documents in this connection on behalf of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, jointly or severally as it is needed. Your signature is herewith attested duly.
(Ksirodakasayi Das Adhikari)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya
Syamasundara Das Adhikari
Secretary
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Calcutta 1 November, 1971:
I am sorry that your dealing with the draft board has been mishandled and therefore you are in difficulty. Anyway if need be you can go back and face trial as advised by your father's lawyer. I am enclosing herewith a certificate as founder-acarya of ISKCON movement. That is already recognized all over the world. So when you stand for trial you can show them all our books, newspaper cuttings, my certificate and you can plea freely that you are no longer interested in material activities, but you are completely engaged in Krsna's service. Many of our students have been accepted as ordained ministers of religion and in NY the draft board has recognized our institution as a religious establishment. I hope if the things are presented rightly by your lawyer, everything will be all right by Krsna's grace. There was a similar case with Vamanadeva and he was given the right to remain as ordained minister.
1972 Correspondence
Letter to Mr. K. M. Diwanji -- Calcutta 24 February, 1972:
Meanwhile, I shall be very grateful to you if you will have finished your clearing of the deeds and other matters, so that the conveyance deed will be ready to sign by both parties. The Deed of Conveyance should be made in the name of "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness." Again, you may assure the vendors that I shall transfer the balance sum of Rs. 100,000 immediately as the conveyance deed is completed, during the first week of March.
Letter to All ISKCON Temple Presidents -- Melbourne 7 April, 1972:
MEMO TO ALL ISKCON TEMPLE PRESIDENTS:
On April 6, 1972, the following message was dispatched by cable, one copy each to Karandhara, Rupanuga, and Hamsaduta:
YOUR MATERIAL LEGAL FORMULA WILL NOT HELP US. ONLY OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE CAN HELP US. HAMSADUTA MUST RETURN GERMANY IMMEDIATELY AND DON'T LEAVE AGAIN. ATREYA RISHI HAS NO AUTHORITY FROM ME TO MANAGE ANYTHING. REMOVE HIM. I HAVE NO APPROVAL FOR ANY THESE PLANS. DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING. ACKNOWLEDGE CABLE 26 RENNY STREET PADDINGTON SYDNEY.
BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI
On the following morning, April 7, 1972, three replies were received:
1. JAI! ALL MY MISGIVINGS CONFIRMED BY YOUR TELEGRAMS. RAISED STRONG OBJECTIONS AT GBC MEETINGS. LETTER SENT TO YOU ON 30TH ABOUT THIS. DETAILS TO FOLLOW. HAMSADUTA LEFT 30TH FOR GERMANY. ATREYA RISHI NOTIFIED. GBC NOTIFIED. NOTHING SIGNIFICANT CHANGED YET. DO NOT WORRY. HARE KRISHNA.
RUPANUGA.
2. I WILL REMAIN IN GERMANY AND FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTION. WILL REMOVE ATREYA RISHI.
HAMSADUTA.
3. HAMSADUTA HAS RETURNED TO GERMANY. ATREYA REMOVED. AWAITING ANY FURTHER INSTRUCTION.
KARANDHARA.
cc. All Temple Presidents.
ACBS/sda
APPROVED: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya, ISKCON
Letter to All Temple Presidents -- Tokyo 22 April, 1972:
ALL GLORIES TO SRI GURU AND GAURANGA TO ALL TEMPLE PRESIDENTS
Dear Prabhus,
Please accept my most worthless obeisances. I am presently in Japan with Srila Prabhupada and we are meeting conjointly with Dai Nippon to organize book production. As a follow up to Srila Prabhupada's letter to all Temple Presidents of April 9, His Divine Grace has instructed me to inform you all of the following:
The formula for ISKCON organization is very simple and can be understood by everyone. The world is divided into twelve zones. For each zone there is one zonal secretary appointed by Srila Prabhupada. The zonal secretaries duty is to see that the spiritual principles are being upheld very nicely in all the Temples of his zone. Otherwise each Temple shall be independent and self-supporting. Let every Temple President work according to his own capacity to improve the Krishna Consciousness of his center. So far the practical management is concerned, that is required, but not that we should become too much absorbed in fancy organization. Our business is spiritual life, so whatever organization needs to be done, the Presidents may handle and take advice and assistance from their GBC representative. In this way let the Societies work go on and everyone increase their service at their own creative rate.
Now, so far the BTG and Book Funds are concerned, these matters shall be managed separately from the GBC by a body known as The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The Book Trust shall be comprised of Srila Prabhupada, Karandhara dasa, and Bali Mardan dasa. They shall combinedly collect the sales proceeds from each Center and utilize all funds for the printing of Srila Prabhupada's books and the construction of ISKCON Centers all over the world. Not a farthing is to be spent for any other purpose.
The Book Trust shall see to the printing and distribution to Centers of books and magazines and it will be the serious responsibility of each Temple President to see that the billed amounts for these are paid to the BTG and Book Funds regularly. The billings and collections shall come from and to Los Angeles where Karandhara dasa will collect and keep accounts. We request that everyone will take these formulas to heart and execute them very conscientiously. In this way we shall certainly be successful in pushing on this movement.
All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
APPROVED: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON
Your lowly servant at Prabhupada's lotus feet,
Karandhara dasa Adhikari
c.c. To all ISKCON Temple Presidents
Letter to Secretary to Minister of Education and Culture -- Los Angeles 7 June, 1972:
Your great founder of your nation, Mr. Nikolai Lenin, was very much intelligent, and he could understand that people become united only under the guiding principles of a commonly accepted philosophy or standard of truth. But if we examine the course of history, we must conclude, with Mr. Karl Marx, that this so-called standard of truth constantly changes, and that what one group of people accept at standard of perfection at one time, the same people may again reject that standard and take another philosophy as the all-in-all, and so on. So if we are intelligent leaders of state, it is to our advantage to benefit all the citizens by satisfying their material requirements, but even more is it our duty to satisfy their need for being secure and confident that they are working under the principles of a truth or reality which does not change and is therefore absolute. That is spiritual satisfaction. Spiritual means philosophical, otherwise it is sentiment and sentiments are fickle and always changing. So we can very much appreciate your rejection of sentiment as a basis for practical activity.
1973 Correspondence
Letter to Bhagavata Maharaja -- Bombay 5 January, 1973:
Enclosed please find the original of one card received by me from our God-brother in Chandigarh, wherein he has requested to take another order shipment of our books for selling from the Math at Chandigarh. Similarly, in Bombay, Visakhapatnam, Rajamundhry, and other places all over India, the Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Math institution, which was founded by our beloved Prabhupada, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, in so many places they are displaying and selling many, many of our books and magazines. So I am enclosing here-with also one list of our publications. It is not complete however. Since the enclosed list was printed, we have put out also our many other books. So my request to you is that you will consider to stock some of our books in the Bagh Bazar Math as well.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Calcutta 6 March, 1973:
Thank you very much for for your letter dated the 3rd of March 1973 along with your kind daksina $200 check. Thank you very much, I have received your pamphlet inviting to participate in New Vrndavana activities. It is an excellent pamphlet nicely set up, but I am sorry to inform you that your co-founder Hayagriva Prabhu is little disturbed. Sometimes before you told about him participating in intoxication. Then I did not take it seriously, but the same thing is again revived and I am little perturbed. So is it possible to save him from this dangerous position? His is important man in our Society and we cannot allow him to deviate from our principles. Please try to save him.
Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 1 May, 1973:
Regarding apartment, Karatieya says that we can purchase in the name of Society. But, if individual name is required, then my name can be given as Founder-Acarya. If there is some complication, then don't purchase. Keep the money in the bank, and try your best to get Grand Paradi land.
Letter to Minister in charge of Immigration -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 24 November, 1973:
We invite everyone to understand the philosophy and reform the activities of life. This is our mission. I do not know why I was refused to enter into your country without giving me any proper explanation. I am therefore very much grieved by the treatment of your airport officials that they stopped me to enter into your city and make so many people disappointed for breaking usual procedure of the Movement, I wish, therefore, that you kindly let me know what is the reason that I was refused to enter without giving me proper notice, or to my men. Kindly reply me this letter at my Nairobi headquarters as written above, or as I am proceeding to Los Angeles, you can reply me this letter to my Los Angeles address as follows:
ISKCON
3764 Watseka Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90034
U.S.A.
Thanking you in anticipation for an early reply,
Yours very sincerely in the service of the Lord,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami,
Founder-Acarya of the
International Society for Krsna Consciousness,
Branches all over the world, numbering 108.
ACBS/skdb
cc: His Holiness Brahmananda Swami, Governing Board Commissioner, Africa.
1974 Correspondence
Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank -- Bombay 8 April, 1974:
Regarding the fixed deposit ISKCON Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund, receipt RNPIK 270090 for Rs 743,879.80 (Rupees seven hundred and forty three thousand, eight hundred and seventy nine, eighty paise only), due on May 2, 1974. This receipt is kept with your New Delhi Moti Bagh branch, in the custody of the bank. Now on maturation of this fixed deposit receipt the amount should be dispersed as follows:
1) RS 100,000.00 (Rupees one hundred thousand only) be transferred to ISKCON Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund account number 3876 with your Moti Bagh, New Delhi Branch.
2) Rs 143,879.80 (Rupees one hundred forty three thousand, eight hundred and seventy nine, eighty paise only) plus the accrued interest be deposited in the ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban current account number 668 with your Vrindaban branch.
3) The balance Rs 500,000.00 (Rupees five hundred thousand only) be again fixed deposited for three months. So kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and let me know you have done the needful.
Yours sincerely,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya, of International
Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. ACBS/sdg
Letter to Whom it may concern -- Hyderabad 21 April, 1974:
To Whom It May Concern;
This is to clarify and confirm the position of the Hawaii branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of which I am the founder and spiritual master. The president of my Hawaii branch is Mr. Brent Selden. He is my authorized representative for any matters of land ownership or sale in the name of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Hawaii. I have been informed of unauthorized attempts to sell land there which is legally owned by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Unless transactions are authorized by my duly appointed representative, Mr. Brent Selden, they are illegal.
Yours truly,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya, ISKCON
Letter to Unknown -- Hyderabad 21 April, 1974:
This is to certify that Mr. Brent Selden, whose initiated name is Sudama das Goswami, is the president of our Honolulu Center, and therefore authorized to deal with all lands and property possessed by ISKCON.
Sincerely,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder and Acarya, of International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
ACBS/sdg
Letter to Whom it may concern -- Dallas 18 July, 1974:
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to certify that I as the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, appoint the following persons as the authorized officers of our Nairobi branch, and only they can represent the Society and conduct the affairs in their respective capacities.
1. Brahmananda Swami—GBC Zonal Secretary
2. Bhagavata Das Brahmacari—President
3. Paramesvari Das Brahmacari—Vice President
4. Prabhanu das Brahmacari—Treasurer
For INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya
Brahmananda Swami, GBC Zonal Secretary, Africa
Letter to Karandhara -- Mathura 31 August, 1974:
Dear Karandhara Prabhu:
Please accept my humble obeisances. I have received your letter with enclosure dated August 21, 1974 and presented your proposal to Srila Prabhupada of his writing a memo to the negligent temples. The following was his reply:
"I am not going to manage Spiritual Sky. This is ridiculous. Why they are dragging me into the management. Now the acharya is meant for handling business? Jayatirtha should handle this. He is the manager. Jayatirtha and Karandhara are the chief men. they should manage. Why I have to manage? They have big, big brains. Why they are failing? Now the Founder-Acarya has to manage. Without my consent the BBT has financed."
He has suggested that the GBC take steps to correct the Spiritual Sky mismanagement, and that local GBC men request the temples under their jurisdiction of those listed in your letter to pay instead of Srila Prabhupada writing himself. He said that this is not the business of the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON.
A memo to all GBC is being sent in this regard.
I hope this meets you in good health.
Your servant,
Brahmananda Swami
Personal Secretary
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Vrindaban 5 September, 1974:
Regarding the International Trust Board, we are now expanding and so our interests should be carefully guarded. Certainly the 12 GBC members are being trained up strictly under my guidance so that they will protect the interest of the society very, very carefully. All our property should be well protected, and I think in every document my name as Founder-Acarya should be mentioned. Special care should be taken that no property can be sold or mortgaged by local managers as was done by Gaurasundara. This is my only concern.
Letter to Subala -- Mayapur 24 October, 1974:
Brahmananda Swami says that because of his experience in Africa, you should be careful in registering the Society. Yes, it must be in the name of ISKCON, with my name as Founder-Acarya. Check to see that only Fiji citizens can register the Society there, and if necessary you can have others as the officers.
Letter to Whom it may concern -- Calcutta 30 October, 1974:
To Whom It May Concern:
As the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, I authorize that the Society may incorporate under the Religious Societies Act of 1860 separately in West Bengal as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Calcutta) with myself as Founder-Acarya.
I also appoint the following as the Trustees: Gargamuni Swami, Bhavananda Goswami, and Jayapataka Swami.
Dated this 30th Day of October, 1974
Signed:
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Letter to Deoji Punja -- Bombay 13 November, 1974:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 25, 1974 and am glad to read the contents. It is very good that you have already opened the center and registered the Society. This is good beginning. One thing, regarding registering, is that our system is to keep the name of the Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on all registration documents, as well as all stationery, books, and publications. So I see the name there on the letterhead in Subaladas Swami's letter, so it is all right. In this way do it.
Yes, try to get the land you have mentioned and construct a nice temple. That will be a great credit for you. I think the people there will be very much attracted to this movement. It is being received enthusiastically all over the world. So I thank you very much in this connection for your cooperation in the service of the Lord.
Letter to Unknown -- Bombay 17 November, 1974:
DRAFT OF ADDITIONS TO MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION FOR CALCUTTA REGISTRATION
5B There shall be a Governing Body Commission whose purpose is to act as the instrument for the execution of the will of the Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The GBC members will be initially selected by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. It will oversee all operations and management of ISKCON, as it receives direction from Srila Prabhupada, and Srila Prabhupada has the final approval in all matters.
(m) To perform extensive research work in Sanskrit and Bengali literature of historic texts of Vaisnavism such as Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhakti Rasamrtia Sinduh, etc. and to distribute this research work throughout educational institutions all over the world, regardless of race, color or creed, and religion.
(n) To promote Vedic research work in the area of agriculture and animal husbandry, and alternative energy sources according to the historic Vedic texts for the sound and healthy development of body, mind, and soul; and to promote and distribute this research work.
(c) To perform research work into the ancient Vedic educational schemes such as Gurukula as well the development of the individual through yoga and to promote and distribute this research work throughout India and the world.
Seen:
ACBS
Letter to Attorney General's Department -- Bombay 26 November, 1974:
Dear Sir:
This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON and the world leader for all of its branches. I have appointed 12 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as Governing Board Commissioners.
I have appointed Madhudvisa Swami (Mr. Michael E. Morrissey) as the GBC Secretary for Australia. Mr. Morrissey is my sole agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has supreme authority there in all matters.
Signed,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya
Letter to Kurusrestha -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:
Regarding your farm, that will be very nice. But be sure to maintain your temple there in Denver. It is a very beautiful temple. Do not loose it. Also your idea of forming a trust between ISKCON and the leading men in the Indian community is approved by me. That is very nice. Let the Indians take part in our movement and help us to push on this mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In that trust you must be very careful to make sure that my name is registered there as the founder-acarya and that I am to be the ultimate authority. In other words, in any case of necessity of vetoing or cancelling any decision made by the other trustees, I should be able to do like that. My decision should over-rule all the other trustees combined.
Letter to Mr. Punja -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:
I think also that Vijayadhvaja das must not be very responsible if he has sold this van in his own name and appropriated that money to his own use. Therefore he should not be in charge there. Because you are eager to distribute my books and magazines and because you are chanting 16 rounds daily I think that you are trustworthy and qualified to be in charge there. So you can go ahead and register our Society there with taking all proper and necessary steps. Before the finalization of registration takes place I would request you to send me one copy of the constitution for our society there so I can approve it finally. My name should be there as the founder-acharya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. I should have full authority in all matters. Vijoyadhvaja das can continue to preach there and kirtanas if he likes. But it is my desire that he leaves the management and handling of money and registration to your good self. He should be encouraged to help by being a strong preacher and attracting many devotees amongst the local men. As of now I do not know if I will be going to Fiji or not. I am thinking of leaving Bombay for London sometime in the beginning of January. Then I will be going from London to S. America.
1975 Correspondence
Letter to Alfred Ford -- Mayapur 5 April, 1975:
Gurukrpa Svami has referred your latter dated March 12th, 1975 to me for final approval. I think your idea is very good. You are giving your forefather's hard-earned money and I don't want to see it spoiled in any way. In a year or so you can turn the property over to: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. You are sincerely trying to please Krishna, and therefore He is giving you all intelligence—how to do it.
Letter to Certification (for Jayapataka) -- Vrindaban 24 August, 1975:
CERTIFICATE OF CHARACTER
In the matter of an application for a certificate of naturalization under the Citizenship Act, 1955, made by my disciple Jayapataka Swami/ Gordon John Erdman I, Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami aged 79 years by occupation the Founder-Acarya: International Society for Krishna Consciousness son of His Divine Grace Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, residing at Vrindaban, U.P., do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I am an Indian citizen otherwise then by naturalization; that I am a property-holder; that I am not a solicitor or agent of Jayapataka Swami/ Gordon John Erdman; that I have personal knowledge of, and intimate acquaintance with, the said Gordon John Erdman of seven years; that the statements contained in his application for naturalization are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
1976 Correspondence
Letter to Ambassador of the of United States of America -- Delhi 27 March, 1976:
May it please Your Excellency,
I beg to introduce myself as the founder-acharya of the above institution. Our mission is to preach Krishna Consciousness (God-Consciousness) all over the world, and in your country alone we have got about 40 branches in all the important towns of America. In all the countries, the majority of my disciples are Americans. I met Mr. Kenneth Keating, your former ambassador to India and he was a personal friend to my disciple, Sri Gurudasa Adhikari. A copy of his letter is also enclosed herein.
I have seen a house situated at 12 Ring Road, New Delhi, which is your property. Immediately we need a house for our residential purposes. My disciples are mostly Americans. Our main activities are to preach philosophical and cultural literatures, a list of which is also enclosed. It is understood that the house is for sale and if you kindly give us some concession rate we can immediately pay you. So kindly do the needful. I am sending you Gurudasa Adhikari to take care of this on my behalf.
Letter to Mr. Fagan -- Melbourne 22 April, 1976:
This is to inform you that I am leaving Melbourne for the United States to visit my disciples in our centres in the U.S.A. We are departing from Australia the 26th April, 1976, and first of all we will be visiting our centre in Hawaii. For the past several months, one of my disciples, Mr. Denis Harrison, holding British passport number P606464, has been my personal secretary and for this reason I require that he accompany me to the U.S.A. I know that he is a good boy as I have had ample time to study is character, and I can assure you as the Founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness that our society will take care of all his expenses, including maintenance and upkeep, as well as his air tickets to the next place after America; at this time we are scheduled to go to England after our program on the Eastern coast in New York city. I trust that you will do the needful to help me keep my schedule as I am expected to be in certain places on certain dates, and I require the accompaniment of Mr. Harrison, so kindly if you will issue him the required U.S.A. visa for the 3-4 months that he may be there in time before our departure on Monday April 26, 1976.
Letter to Vasudeva -- New Vrindaban 30 June, 1976:
The deed for the property and temple should be made in favor of "His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness." It cannot be dedicated to any of the office bearers. So I suggest that you become the president of the temple and Upendra become the secretary, and either your brother or your wife can become treasurer. There is no need of trustees.
Letter to Mr. B. J. Murdock -- Paris 29 July, 1976:
In regards the loan of $80,000.00 solicited by Deoji Punja in the name of ISKCON, or any other loans solicited in the name of ISKCON, as the Founder-Acarya and final authority on all ISKCON matters please be informed that until you receive authorization from me you may kindly wait in these matters of loans until further notice from me.
Letter to unknown 2 -- 28 September, 1976:
At the age of 70 I had the energy to go outside India and apart from other various duties, engage myself in writing books even at night without sleep. All these have been done in accordance with the direction of my Prabhupada Gurudeva. My foreign devotees, with the help of various machines, do the needful for printing all these books written by me. These books are sold throughout the world for which an all round very hard labor is required. If sale proceeds of my books sold outside India are brought for aforesaid expenses in India, what harms and what is to be envied of. They have been spent for the benefit of the general public, materially as well as spiritually. We get help from foreign government is an absolute false report. What an unjudicious thinking. How can anyone think of that a foreign government will subscribe money for the promotion of Krishna Consciousness? So my request is not to do injustice to us in any way by unnecessary anti propaganda, but to cooperate with us by joining our Krishna Consciousness movement so that it may spread more and more satisfactorily, and for this we shall be highly obliged. Our cooperation on this account is much coveted for. Hare Krishna.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder Acharya ISKCON (all over the world)
Letter to Makhanlal -- Vrindaban 28 October, 1976:
Yes, you must rectify this mistake. All society stationary must bear my name as founder-acarya. Please do it immediately.
1977 Correspondence
Letter to Attorney General's Department -- Calcutta 16 January, 1977:
This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the world leader for all of its branches. I have appointed 18 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as Governing Body Commissioners.
I have appointed Bali Mardan dasa Adhikari (William Berke) as the Governing Body Commissioner for Australia. Mr. Berke is my direct agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has executive authority there in all matters.
Signed:
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acarya
Letter to Loan Agreement -- Mayapur 20 March, 1977:
LOAN AGREEMENT
I, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, have decided to give a loan not to exceed Rs. 800,000/- (Rupees Eight Lakhs only) for the purpose of completing the construction of the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula Ashram. The Management of ISKCON Vrindaban whose signatures appear below, agree on their part to repay this loan in full plus 10% interest not later than June 30th, 1978.
Dated 20th March, 1977
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami,
ISKCON Vrindaban Managers:
Aksayananda Swami
Yasodanandana Swami
Sri Bishambhar Dayala
Gunarnava das Adhikari
Jagadisa das Adhikari
| Page Title: | Founder (Letters) |
| Compiler: | Visnu Murti |
| Created: | 08 of Dec, 2011 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=58 |
| No. of Quotes: | 58 |