Strictly follow (Letters, 1974-1975)

Expressions researched:
"follow" |"followed" |"following" |"follows" |"strict" |"strictly"

Notes from the compiler: Select from VedaBase query: "strict* follow*"@5 not "strict follower*"@5

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Madhavananda -- Los Angeles 1 January, 1974:

We have been given such a nice big facility at Bhaktivedanta Manor so it is not for our eating and sleeping. Rather, on receiving such a nice place from Krsna we should take it as an indication that we must now work harder. So I know that all the boys and girls there are enthusiastic to follow, so you leaders see that the Krsna Conscious standards in regard to initiation, cleanliness, dress and activities of the devotees, the restriction of association between men and women, all be strictly followed. Devotional service cannot be done whimsically.

Letter to Sahadeva -- Honolulu 23 January, 1974:

Regarding second initiations, I have become very concerned lately, that some of our older students who have been given the second initiation, have not been strictly following the rules and regulations. So from now on I want our presidents to be very sure about the devotees they are recommending to me for second initiation. I think sometimes in the past devotees have been recommended chiefly because some more helpers were required in maintaining the deity work. Of course, necessity is there. It is just like in government, the government has need for a number of men to fill important posts, but first the persons must be qualified before they can award the post. Even though there may be a pressing demand, first the man must be qualified. Our system is that after one year from the first initiation, if the devotee is strictly following our principles without deviation, and if he will sign a statement in seriousness, that he will not deviate from the chanting and regulative principles, then, on your mature consideration you can recommend him to me. It is not that we are stopping second initiation, but I want to be sure it does not become a farce and names be sent to me without proper qualification.

Letter to Pusta Krsna -- Vrindaban 7 February, 1974:

So I understand you are now at the Bhaktivedanta Manor assisting Mukunda in strictly following the parampara and encouraging all the devotees in that direction. When your work is done there, you may return to South Africa, and I have asked Mukunda to help you with some men for South Africa. I am also very pleased with the reports I am getting from Brahmananda Swami, so please cooperate with him in Africa.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Vrindaban 14 March, 1974:

Just as Hamsaduta and Bhagavan have gone to foreign countries and arranged for a solid program of translation, printing and distribution of my books by sankirtana party, so you will also find the devotees in South America willing to help you in this noble project which is for the benediction of the suffering humanity. My own Guru Maharaja stressed the printing and distribution of literature even over gorgeous temple construction, and I also was printing even before I have big temples in the U.S. So you may follow the footsteps of the previous acaryas, while always strictly following the regulative principles for spiritual strength.

Letter to Bahudak -- Bombay 21 March, 1974:

I have also accepted one devotee, Prabhupada dasa Adhikari, for second initiation, upon your recommendation. Please impress on him that this second initiation is not awarded cheaply or automatically, and that he must be very strict in following the regulative principles of bhakti yoga. I am enclosing a sacred thread and gayatri mantra. Have him hear the tape of me chanting in the right ear. I have also accepted Riddha das Brahmacari for second initiation.

Letter to Balavanta -- Bombay 26 July, 1974:

So you can have their beads chanted upon by Kirtanananda Swami. My only request is that you see to it that all our men are strictly following the rules and regulations as I have given. I am only concerned for your spiritual life.

Letter to Dayananda -- Vrindaban 8 August, 1974:

Please see to it that they follow strictly the rules and regulations as I have given you. Regarding the second initiations, I am especially concerned that the second initiations not be taken cheaply. Brahmins are expected to rise early in the morning and follow strictly all the devotional practices. So I am enclosing the sanctified sacred threads and mantra sheets for Niragadev das, Paratpara das, Rajarshi das, Nirnasa das, and also a sheet for Vrajaraja devi dasi. So hold a fire yajna and impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and Vaisnavas. Everyone must always chant 16 rounds and follow the four regulative principles.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Vrindaban 13 August, 1974:

Regarding moneys collected, do not keep this money. Immediately spend on printing books. Perhaps we may require money for building purposes. This should be strictly followed: 50% for printing and 50% for building. No money should be invested for any business...

Letter to Batu Gopala -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:

Please see to it that they follow the regulative principles strictly. That is your responsibility.

Letter to Madhavananda -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:

This is Krishna's special mercy upon you. I think our next big upcoming project will be in London. You are a fortunate boy, both you and your wife. Wherever you go, you are successful in your devotional service. So I am looking forward to ever-growing success there in London. The Indians there are now coming to realize that they have been simply cheated by all the rascal swamis and yogis. So you must be sincere, always strictly following the principles and work with determination and patience. The secret of success in spiritual life is to please your spiritual master. Then, and only then can you be sure that Krsna is pleased.

Letter to Giriraja -- Vrindaban 3 September, 1974:

On Hare Krishna Land no proposal for rental of even a pinch of land shall be entertained by you. Strictly this should be followed by you. No more tenants. What tenants we have, if they peacefully vacate, you can give compensation. Do not entertain any proposal for tenancy for any corner of any pinch of land in the Hare Krishna scheme.

Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Vrindaban 3 September, 1974:

Please see that they strictly follow all the principles, chanting 16 rounds daily. This is also for the older disciples as well.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Vrindaban 6 September, 1974:

You may resume your GBC duties as secretary for the Central U.S.A. Zone. GBC means that one must be ideal Vaisnava. That means there must be strict observance in following all the rules and regulations. This is your main responsibility, and then to see that all others are following strictly. Then everything will be all right.

Letter to Svarupa Damodara -- Vrindaban 8 September, 1974:

So we have got a great mission. You are one of the strong pillars of the mission. So I have all confidence in you. Follow strictly all our rules and regulations. Be fully strong to push on this cult amongst the educated scientific circle. That you are getting many speaking invitations is a good indication. Take advantage of this. Krsna is asking you to do this job. The people there are naturally Krsna conscious, and when you present more scientifically, then will be convinced.

Letter to Mr. S. N. Sharma -- Vrindaban 18 September, 1974:

To join our mission first of all you have to become a pure Vaisnava. For this purpose you have to remain with us and live the techniques in your life. Then you can be trained up as a preacher. We do not allow anyone become a preacher unless he is strictly following the Vaisnava principles of no eating meat, fish, or eggs; no sex outside of marriage; no gambling; and no taking any kind of intoxication whatsoever. You must also chant 16 rounds Hare Krishna on the japa beads.

Letter to Gopijanavallabha -- Vrindaban 19 September, 1974:

You must see that they strictly follow the regulative principles, the four prohibitions as well as the devotional practices of arising early, taking morning bath, putting on tilaka, attending mangal arati, chanting japa 16 rounds, and attending Srimmad Bhagavatam class. This is the duty of all my initiated disciples, whether they are big or they are small. Actually in our movement there is no such thing as big or small. Everyone is a devotee. So everyone is expected to follow the devotional practices. Here in Vrindaban I am enjoying my disciples how they are speaking. So two times daily everyone must attend the classes. During the morning and evening times there should be no business, simply kirtana, chant, dance, and be purified. Do not be paramahamsa that now I haven't got to hear Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Don't be a better paramahamsa than your Guru Maharaja. I go and sit and I enjoy the lectures and how they are performing kirtana. So as I am doing, you must also do.

Letter to Devotees -- Calcutta 24 September, 1974:

So let us go on with the spreading of this sublime cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world. My only request is that you all remain enthusiastic and pure by strictly following all the rules and regulations and the devotional practices of chanting 16 rounds.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Calcutta 25 September, 1974:

Please see to it that they follow strictly the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum daily on the beads.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Mayapur 5 October, 1974:

So I request you all to follow strictly the regulative principles, especially the chanting on the beads. GBC means to be a practical example to all residents of temples and devotees. If all of us follow this principle of purity, our spiritual position will remain sound, and maya will not touch us. mayam etam tarantite. A fully surrendered soul always remains untouched by the hand of maya. Otherwise it is not possible.

Letter to Badarinarayana -- Mayapur 8 October, 1974:

So do your work sincerely, husband and wife, and you will have good success there. I know that they college students in your country are dissatisfied with this material education. Always be eager to present this cult to them and try to save them from the degradation of modern civilization. You be pure, and teach them to be pure. The process is there. Follow very strictly our rules and regulations and maya will not be able to touch you.

Letter to Subala -- Mayapur 24 October, 1974:

There I have found the Indians very cooperative for our movement, and you have had good experience in India preaching, so you are the right man to go there. You are sannyasi and the people will automatically respect you. So be ideal in behavior following strictly the rules and regulations. Now you are getting more men, so organize everything carefully, and inform me what is the progress.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Bombay 14 November, 1974:

So long as the loans are not paid back to the bank we shall assure that we shall not withdraw the fixed deposits. These properties should be purchased in the name of BBT, and when the local center repays the loan, then the name can be transferred. Now you have loaned Madhudvisa Dollars 133,505.50. How will he repay? What are the terms for repayment? In France they are wanting to borrow Dollars 120,000.00. Can you arrange for this loan in January, 1975? I understand that Spiritual Sky is not able to repay its loan now. This rule must be strictly followed that 50% paid for printing and 50% paid for property and building loans.

Letter to Subala -- Bombay 25 November, 1974:

Yes I am pleased by your attempt there, and Krishna will bless you undoubtedly. I am always for that purpose. Kindly ask me your problem and I shall try to give you advice. Krishna consciousness can only be increased by chanting, reading our books regularly, and strictly following the rules and regulations.

Letter to Navayogendra -- Bombay 10 December, 1974:

So you are a experienced preacher and this is to your eternal credit. If we can do something even a little thing, in the service of Krishna in this life, then it is considered that this life is a success. So you are sober, intelligent boy, you can understand our Krishna consciousness movement. Please work with continued enthusiasm, strictly following the chanting of 16 rounds daily and maya will never be able to touch you.

Letter to Tribhuvanatha -- Bombay 15 December, 1974:

So continue this program of Hare Krsna Festivals all over the United Kingdom and in this way attract people to Krsna Consciousness. Work nicely under you GBC's direction and always keep yourself strictly following all of our principles without deviation.

Letter to Bhakta Lance -- Bombay 16 December, 1974:

My simple request is that you remain in association of devotees and continue to chant your 16 rounds daily and follow strictly the four regulative principles and read our books daily with great care. In this way your Krsna Conscious advancement will be assured success and at the end of this life you will go back to Godhead, back to home, and live with Krsna eternally.

Letter to Durgesh -- Bombay 16 December, 1974:

So follow it strictly and at the same time learn some practical knowledge from your school studies. And then later it may be more appropriate for you to join our temple as a full time brahmacari. But in all circumstances always chant Hare Krsna. That is a must. In the Bhagavad-gita it says; tesam satata-yuktanam, bhajatam priti-purvakam, dadami buddhi-yogam tam, yena mam upayanti te, (BG 10.10). To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me. So do not be in distress. Simply try to engaged yourself constantly in devotional service and develop your love for Krsna. And in this way Krsna will give you all facilities for coming to Him.

Letter to Jitaprana -- Bombay 17 December, 1974:

If we sincerely try to serve Krsna then He will give you the ability and the facilities. So please continue your service with great enthusiasm and follow strictly all of our principles and regulations. This is the way to spread our Krsna Consciousness movement, the mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. First of all one must become spiritually strong by following these basic principles staunchly and by learning our philosophy fully. Then his preaching will be very potent and many many people will become attracted.

Letter to Jayadvaita -- Bombay 20 December, 1974:

Yes you are correct, when one associates with one who is in illusion or mislead naturally he will also become influenced by that illusion. So you must pray to Krsna to protect you from such bad association. Do not forget our most important business which is to develop pure Krsna Consciousness by following our strict regulations and Vaisnava standards, and always be engaged in service. Yasya prasadad bhagavata-prasadao, yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi, anyway by Krsna's grace everything is going on there very nicely. So you are one of the officers there, please continue working very enthusiastically and setting a good example for others.

Letter to Jagadisa Pandita -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:

My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krsna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His Sankirtana devotees. We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krsna bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God Himself. Had He thought it would have been better to spread Krsna Consciousness by another way He would have done so. But no, simply with mrdanga and karatala, traveling and chanting Hare Krsna, asking everyone to chant Hare Krsna, preaching simply Srimad-Bhagavatam philosophy, this is the process.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:

I want that you all work together cooperatively. Please continue your programs there with great enthusiasm and try to strictly follow all of my regulations without any deviation. Keep yourself always fixed in Krsna's service. Don't let even a spit moment go by being engaged in the service of maya.

Letter to Uddhvareta -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:

In the Bhagavad-gita it says; bahunam janmanam ante (BG 7.19). After many many births one finally comes unto Me. Sa mahatma sudurlabhah, such a great soul is very rare. My simple request is that you very strictly follow all of our regulative principles without any deviation whatsoever. And thus by example show others how to do the same. Engage in devotional service according to your propensity and the direction of my appointed authorities. Always pray to Krsna so that He may keep you engaged in His transcendental service. Avoid the service of Maya like poison.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Nrsimha dasa -- Bombay 4 January, 1975:

Please be very strict in following all the rules and regulations as well as chanting at least 16 good rounds daily and reading all my books thoroughly.

Letter to Gauri -- Honolulu 3 February, 1975:

Always strictly follow all the rules and regulations, rising early, attending mangala arati and classes and without fail chanting 16 rounds daily. This will make you strong in Krishna Consciousness which is the most essential thing. Always be engaged 24 hours a day in the service of Krishna and be happy.

Letter to Kusa -- Honolulu 3 February, 1975:

I have studied your situation carefully and I encourage you to live in the temple in the association of fixed up devotees who are following my teachings strictly. If your husband cannot follow our principles properly, you are not to think that you should let that hamper your spiritual life. You should stay with us and cultivate spiritual life peacefully under Krishna's protection and care. If he is not interested in spiritual life, let him do as he pleases. I have given all of my disciple instructions to follow for making spiritual advancement, but if they do not have the desire to follow, then what can I do? Anyone who is unwilling to follow our regulated principles, you should not live or associate closely with such a person.

Letter to Hanuman -- Mexico City 12 February, 1975:

You must be very strict to follow all of the rules and regulations that I have given without even the slightest deviation. By a perfect example from your own conduct, others will be nicely trained up to be perfect Vaisnavas.

Letter to Mrdapriya -- Mexico City 15 February, 1975:

The process I have already given. Now you simply have to follow it strictly and Krishna will give you all help.

Letter to Nityananda -- Mexico City 15 February, 1975:

I have accepted the two persons that you have recommended for 1st initiation. Their names are Michael—Muniraja, and Robin—Rajanatha. Their beads can be chanted by Kirtanananda Swami. Train them to be first class devotees by following very strictly all of our rule regulations, chanting at least 16 good rounds daily.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mexico City 16 February, 1975:

I have also accepted Aroudha, Vidambha, Pujana, Sastramayi, Jalakara as my duly initiated brahmanas. You should allow them to hear through the right ear, the tape of myself saying the gayatri mantra. Please make sure that these devotees follow very strictly all of our regulative principles and chant at least 16 rounds daily. Then they will not go away from us.

Letter to Nandakisora -- Tehran 14 March, 1975:

I think it is best if you consult with Prajapati prabhu on these points. He is in charge of the dramas, so take his advice on these matters. Keep yourself always engaged in Krishna's service following very strictly the rules and regulations so that Maya will not be able to discourage you in your attempt to become Krishna Conscious.

Letter to Gandharva -- Bombay 18 March, 1975:

If someone who has been asked to leave sincerely wants to be given another chance, following the rules strictly and co-operating with authority, then he may be admitted again. That is the Krishna Conscious system. Any way, whatever your position may be simply follow the rules carefully, chant 16 rounds and read my books and you will be saved from Maya. Regarding your writing, it is a little off-time. I suggest that you read my books more carefully and present things as I have presented them.

Letter to Manasvi -- Mayapur 1 April, 1975:

Continue all your programs there nicely, giving special stress to strictly following all of the rules and regulations especially the four regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds daily then everything will be very nice. I will most likely be coming there in the fall for some time after my European and American tour.

Letter to Gauragopala -- Honolulu 26 May, 1975:

Then your mind will become very clear, not so agitated. You have taken initiation from me, so actually you are obliged to do this. You have promised, therefore there is no choice,—you must follow strictly. Otherwise, you are carving your pathway to hell.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Honolulu 26 May, 1975:

For the time being, make sure that the Deity worship is been done nicely and that sankirtana goes on daily. Also the devotees must all follow the rules strictly as well as chant 16 rounds daily and read my books.

Letter to Babhru -- Honolulu 31 May, 1975:

Thank you for you daksina of 20 dollars. Please continue to follow very strictly the rules and regulations, chant 16 rounds and read my books well. This will keep you always fixed up in Krishna Consciousness and Maya will not succeed in bewildering you.

Letter to Mr. Sharma -- Honolulu 3 June, 1975:

In order to be initiated by us, one has to chant at least 16 times around his japa beads daily (the Hare Krishna maha-mantra), he has to follow strict rules such as: no meat, fish, eggs, no intoxication—including tea and cigarettes, no illicit sex, and no gambling.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Honolulu 8 June, 1975:

Preaching is our life. Follow strictly the principles, read, chant,—then there is success. And if you don't do this, spiritual strength is reduced. It is just like a snake is very powerful, so long he has got poison. If it has no poison, nobody cares for it. Similarly, this chanting, reading, and following the principles is our spiritual strength.

Letter to Yadunandana -- Honolulu 16 June, 1975:

Please continue executing your Krishna Conscious activities, strictly following all of the rules and regulations carefully. Always remain engaged in the service of Krishna and you will be sublime.

Letter to Gopijanavallabha -- Honolulu 19 June, 1975:

Please train our boys and girls to follow the principles very strictly. They must chant 16 rounds daily, follow the 4 principles, read our books very carefully, and always be engaged in the transcendental loving service of Lord Krishna. These things will give them real spiritual strength and their lives will be perfected.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Denver 1 July, 1975:

Please see that all these new devotees from Brazil are strictly following the regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds minimum daily.

Letter to Dina Bandhu -- Durban 7 October, 1975:

Also, I am accepting Edhaniyasvabhava das brahmacari and Lila devi dasi as twice born brahmanas. You will find enclosed one brahmana thread duly chanted on. Now everyone must strictly follow the principles of chanting sixteen rounds japa daily, and refraining from illicit sex-life, intoxication, gambling, and animal slaughter and then they will not be blown away by the material energy. You may perform fire-yajna and brahmanas should hear a tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra through the right ear. I thank all of you for assisting me in spreading Lord Caitanya's Movement throughout the world. People are simply being cheated by so many rascals who pose themselves as big, big leader so you must all strictly follow the principles that I have established and for the general mass of people give them chanting, prasadam, and have them take some of our literature. That will benefit them and gradually they will come to the standard.

Letter to Tulsi -- Johannesburg 22 October, 1975:

Enclosed you will find 3 brahmana threads, and you may hold a fire-yajna emphasizing the importance of strictly following the 4 regulative principles, and chanting daily minimum of 16 rounds japa.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Bombay 9 November, 1975:

And for second initiation I accept the following as twice-born brahmanas: Godruma das Brahmacari, Bharata das Brahmacari and Daksa das Brahmacari. Enclosed are their sanctified threads and mantra sheets. You should hold a fire sacrifice and it is your responsibility to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations such as minimum chanting of 16 rounds daily and following the four regulative principles as well as attending the aroti and the classes. You should lecture to these devotees on the importance of this for their progress in spiritual life, otherwise they will again be carried away by maya.

Letter to Alanatha -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:

I also accept for second initiation Vrsnivallabha das Brahmacari. Enclosed is the sanctified mantra thread and mantra sheet. It is your responsibility as the president of the temple to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations such as chanting 16 rounds minimum on the beads. 16 is the minimum; one can chant more. There is no harm, but one at least must chant the fixed number of rounds. You should hold a fire sacrifice and they may hear the mantra from my recorded tape through the right year. The beads may be chanted on by Hamsaduta.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:

Here in Bombay we have started our Bombay construction and so on. Men who come here, they should be prepared to stay here for at least two years. And they must be very strict in following the rules and regulations. Now the government is recognizing us so we do not want that there should be any incidences.

Letter to Mr. K. T. Desai -- Bombay 12 November, 1975:

So far meditation is concerned, sex life is strictly prohibited. But the followers of the transcendental meditation, they do not follow this principle.

Letter to Prabhavisnu -- Bombay 13 November, 1975:

The beads may be chanted upon by Hamsaduta. It is your responsibility to see that these devotees that you have recommended strictly follow the rules and regulations, chanting 16 rounds, attending the classes and the mangala aroti and refraining from the four prohibitions. You should lecture on these points at the initiation ceremony so that everyone understands fully. And by your own example you should teach.

Letter to Sri P. D. Shastri -- Bombay 14 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter undated as well as your handwritten book, the Gita as it has appeared to me. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu strictly followed Krsna. That is his grace: yare dekha tare kaha krsna upadesa/ amara agajnyaya guru hana tara ei desa: (CC Madhya 7.128) "Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Sri Krsna as they are given in the Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land." (Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, Chapter 7, Verse 128.)

Letter to Sri P. D. Shastri -- Bombay 14 November, 1975:

This means that Caitanya Mahaprabhu advises everyone, especially every Indian, to become a guru under His order. And when there is a question what is His order, that is explained in the next line: you simply repeat the instructions of Krsna, that is, Bhagavad-gita, to everyone whom you may meet. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission is as good as that of Krsna, but sometimes non-devotees misunderstand purposefully or foolishly the instruction given by Krsna in the Bhagavad-gita. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that you strictly follow the instructions of Krsna and preach it to everyone. Therefore our Krsna consciousness movement is based on the advise of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to preach the Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

Letter to Nalinikanta -- Bombay 21 November, 1975:

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following two brahmacaris as my initiated disciples. And their names are Malcolm Perey is Yamunapata das and Monte Flynn is Kalatita das. It is your responsibility since you are recommending them that they follow strictly the rules and regulations and remain strong in Krsna consciousness. They must attend the mangala aroti and the Srimad-Bhagavatam class and Bhagavad-gita class and chant 16 rounds minimum daily and also follow the four rules and regulations.