Training of Karandhara dasa (Letters, 1973 - 1977)

Correspondence

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Damodara -- Bombay, India 9 January, 1973:

We must learn how to do all kinds of varieties of engagements on Krsna's service, not that we shall expect anyone else to act for us and thus avoid something ourselves. But for reasons of spreading Krsna Consciousness movement, we may sometimes centralize, just like the books and money for BBT are managed by Karandhara in Los Angles. In that case, for more than one man to be dealing with Dai Nippon, overseeing the general production and financial condition of the books, if that were left for each temple to manage, there would be great difficulty and the books would get neither printed nor paid for nor distributed widely. So in that case, centralized management is preferable.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 9 January, 1973:

Your letter dated December 28, 1972, is in hand and I have noted the contents carefully. According to our Vedic process, polygamy is allowed. For example, Krsna married 16,000 wives, Arjuna married 3 or 4 wives, Krsna's father Vasudeva, married 16 or 18 wives, like that. So according to the Vedic system polygamy is not prohibited. But it is not a farce also. Every wife must be provided for sufficiently. Krsna married 16,000 wives, but each wife was provided a palace and He was personally present at each palace. It does not meant to marry many wives and maintain none of them. If anyone is able to keep more than one wife and give them all comforts of life, there is no objection for having more than one wife. But if he creates trouble by marrying, he should not marry even one wife, this is my judgment. Now you can do the needful, taking into consideration the circumstances of the laws of your country, the customs of your people, the reputation of our society, the example which will be set for future devotees to follow, like that. For karmis, the Vedic system of marriage was given by Krsna so they may come gradually to the point of becoming devotees. But for devotees, it is advised to minimize sex life to the point of nil. So if that cannot be done, then there is regulation of sex life by marriage. Actually the system of polygamy is natural because the human entity is meant for transcending the animal forms of life and going back to home, back to Godhead. Therefore there should remain a class of men who do not marry in the society. But that will create an unfavorable situation of excessive population of unmarried women. Therefore it is advised that all women get themselves married, and if there is any man who is better able to maintain wife and family, he is advised to marry as many women as he can maintain and thereby free other men in the society to remain brahmacari. So I can understand that many men of our society have got themselves married only for some disastrous result. That means that not all of our men are meant for married life, but because there are so many women we may not leave them unprotected without husband, that will also not serve us well. Therefore it will be the best idea if those who are well-qualified as husbands to keep more than one wife very much satisfied in every respect, if such men can marry more than once. That will free the others to remain brahmacari. But you must consider very carefully the possibility of becoming scandalized in the public for breaking their laws in this way. And in future also the devotees who are neophyte may not understand our policy in this connection, and we gradually could wind up attracting only a class of men who are very eager for unlimited sex life only. These things must be avoided at all cost.

Enclosed please find also the letter-proposal from Syamasundara. as suggested by me to relieve me from these decisions regarding husband and wife. Kindly distribute this proposal to all the 12 GBC men in the world. They may write to me their views on the point and give their yes or no answer to the proposal.

A few days back Rsi Kumar has come to see me from South Africa and he has handed over to me the sum of $700 in cash. This amount was reserved to pay you for the book sales for December month for South Africa, and it was to be deposited in the BBF there with you. Instead I requested him to give to me here and I am depositing in my BBF here in India. So kindly credit this amount to Rsi Kumar and debit his bill for the amount of $700.

Enclosed find also the copy of one letter which I recently sent to Rsi Kumar, wherein I have approved his request to get 15% discount on books sent to South Africa. Because it is a new field and there is more than 15% of import duty and shipping cost, it will be difficult if he has to pay the full amount. Therefore you may credit his account the $700 plus 15% of the total amount which is due to you to date. Very soon Rsi Kumar and Yasodanandana and Gurukrpa will return to South Africa to arrange the program for me to come there after leaving India some time in April. Meanwhile by 1st February I have received the tickets to go to Australia and other places from Madhudvisa. But I shall be returning by March 1st to Mayapur.

I have received your description of the books sold during three-day Christmas period, and I am very much pleased upon all of the nice boys and girls who have helped me in this way. I could never have thought it was possible to distribute so many of our literatures. Therefore I can understand it is simply Krsna's blessing us for your sincerely working on His behalf. Actually, that is the secret of my success, not that personally I have done anything wonderful, but that because those who are helping me are sincere, they have done the work, that is the reason for our success all over the world where others have failed. A little sincerity is very difficult thing in this age of hypocrisy and bluff, but I am so fortunate that Krsna has sent me all of you nice boys and girls who are sincerely working. Please convey to all of them my deepest appreciation.

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Calcutta 26 January, 1973:

As far as your questions on management, you may please consult with Karandhara, who is my GBC man for the Western Zone, and work out some practical program for seeing that temple management and outside preaching work both go on nicely, not that I shall leave the temple and let all nonsense go on, nor shall we sit down all day in the temple and stop our preaching. Please continue in your sincere attitude and Krsna shall bless you more and more along with the others who are assisting. Always consult with your GBC man and manage things very nicely.

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 26 January, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge your letter dated January 2, 1973, regarding the book shipments to India. As I have already informed you by telegram, until further notice you should not dispatch any further shipment of books for India. The position is that I have asked Kesava Prabhu to see to all the book affairs here since in the past two years our books have not been properly managed here. After he takes stock of all books in the different centres, and makes out appropriate bills, and generally adjusts things, then we shall think to order more books. The principle to be followed is that whatever the MV Trust is debited in America a similar amount must be paid into the MV Trust account here. In this way things will be adjusted. You may correspond with Kesava regarding further developments.

In Bombay we have just celebrated our Second Hare Krishna Festival and it has come out very successfully. More than 20,000 people attended the last evening's program. A special feature was the "Question and Answers" booth where 24 hours a day and night one of our sannyasis answered all philosophy questions. So the people were impressed that we are not seemingly sentimentalists, but have substantial philosophical footing.

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani -- Calcutta 27 January, 1973:

I am in favor of whatever will push on this Krsna Consciousness movement throughout the world. So if you both wish to serve at Gurukula, if Karandhara and Satsvarupa and Mohanananda all agree then certainly you should go there. You have already proven your ability in this field by raising two nice Krsna Conscious children. So if you can help now to raise hundreds and thousands of children in Krsna Consciousness, that will be the greatest service to Krsna and certainly you shall both go back to home, back to Godhead, by doing this. But before any new service, be certain that your absence shall not cause any harm to our Los Angeles Temple. After all it is you who first worked so hard in the beginning and should see in the future how it would expand. So first speak with Karandhara and take his approval.

Letter to Thakura Haridasa -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:

You have asked many questions, but for this question-answering I have created 12 GBC men. The GBC man in your zone is Karandhara. So you may please consult with him, and whatever he decides, that is all right. I am now desiring to utilize my time only for translating these books like Srimad-Bhagavatam so that I can give them to you, my disciples. So if the management is taken over by the GBC, in cooperation with the temple presidents and the other devotees, then I will be free for this purpose, and I shall be very much indebted to you all.

Letter to Sukadeva 2 -- Calcutta 29 January, 1973:

Yes, the spiritual master is also present in his picture, though more importantly he is present in his teachings. I think this is explained in one letter that has already been distributed. If you have further questions try to get them resolved by your GBC man, Karandhar, because now I wish to spend all of my time for translating my books like Srimad-Bhagavatam, so I may give them to you.

Letter to Danavir -- Calcutta 6 February, 1973:

For taking sannyasa you may consult your GBC member as we shall be starting a new policy where the sannyasa candidate must meet certain requirements to be determined by the GBC. Karandhara may write to Satsvarupa Maharaja for understanding this matter. This taking of sannyasa should not be a whimsical proposition, and should not be an excuse for becoming irresponsible, no responsibility of grhastha, brahmacari, etc. Sannyasis also have great responsibility to become fearless preachers of our Krsna Consciousness movement. So you consider all these things, and I shall see you and we can discuss further in Los Angeles.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- Melbourne 10 February, 1973:

Regarding your progams for specialized public relations department as far as my experiences go, I have seen that this is not very successful, but you may consult Karandhara in this regard and do the needful.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- Melbourne 10 February, 1973:

In all your real estate dealings you may please take all guidance from Karandhara and proceed very cautiously. Always chanting sixteen rounds daily and following the principles, and in this way maya will never touch you.

Letter to Karandhara -- Melbourne 10 February, 1973:

I have received your letter of 1/24/73 concerning polygamy and feel that this policy must be strictly prohibited within our society. If it is not it shall only cause chaos, as what was possible under the system of pure Vedic Culture is impossible at the present time.

Regarding Syamasundara's opinions I never approved those ideas should be circulated. If anyone strictly follows the regulative principles of Krishna Consciousness then he will always remain enthusiastic and dynamic. So if there are any defects within our Society it is only symptom that the instructions of the Spiritual Master are being neglected. Follow my instructions strictly and always think for giving this gift of Krishna Consciousness wherever you go and to whomever you meet, this is the advice of Lord Caitanya.

So you GBC men now decide how to manage things so nicely so that I may spend my time solely for translating my books. This I desire. Each GBC man can act as my secretary for one month at a time as I originally planned. In this way you will all be trained up nicely. Syamasundara. Prabhu will returning to London in order to get that building.

Your suggestions about marriage are very nice. Marriage is a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly.

I shall be in Sydney until the 18th, and shall be returning to India by the first week of March after visiting New Zealand and Indonesia. As Sudama Maharaja has indicated his desire to remain in U.S. Japan may be included in your GBC zone for the present. I hope this finds you well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bmdg

I have had Bali Mardan Maharaja send you one telegram approving your scheme to purchase the apartment building for the M-V Trust.

Letter to Tosana -- Melbourne 11 February, 1973:

Your dedication to Srimati Tulasi-devi is very laudable and I am sure that if you consult with Karandhara das he will give you all assistance to help make your dream come true. But carving tulasi beads should not be your sole occupation. You should also go out for street sankirtana and distribute my literature for the cripple minded masses, and whatever spare time you have you can carve some tulasi beads for me to sanctify. But whatever you do should be done with wholehearted enthusiasm and strict adherence to the principles of chanting 16 rounds, rising for mangala arati, following the four basic principles, always remaining clean etc. You may consult with Karandhara das and request him to approve your second initiation.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Sydney 14 February, 1973:

Regarding our sankirtana party members dressing up as hippies in order to increase book distribution this is not a very good plan. I am instructing Bali Mardan Maharaja that this should be stopped, that we should not give anyone cause to call us hippies, but the devotees can dress up in respectable clothes like ladies and gentlemen in order to distribute my literatures under special circumstances, but even this program should not become widespread. It should only go on under the supervision of Bali Mardan Goswami and Karandhara das.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Sydney 15 February, 1973:

Actually the true Vaisnava, he is the only true humanitarian in the world today, for he is interested in the well-being of all living entities. So you will continue on and consult with Karandhara and the other GBC men and formulate some program to preach this Krishna Consciousness in the colleges and this will please me very much. I am approving of the initiation of John Favors who is now to be called GHANASYAMA DASA.

Letter to Sudama -- Sydney 16 February, 1973:

After consulting with the GBC I have decided that the far east zone can be managed by Karandhara das for he already has extensive dealing with Dai Nippon etc. So he may look after this area for the time being and in the future we will see what happens.

Letter to Karandhara -- Sydney 17 February, 1973:

While in India last it was brought to my attention that our Sriman Hayagriva das has become deviated from the four basic principles which I have given to all my students for adherence to when they are first initiated. I do not know why he is living in such a way but I feel that he must be brought back to the standard immediately. So I am requesting you as my Governing Board Commissioners to help me bring him back to the standard. He has very good talent, but he is spending it by living such an unrestricted life.

Therefore, in the meantime, there must be another co-editor of Back to Godhead magazine to replace him. I have discussed this with Madhudvisa Maharaja here in Australia and he has suggested that Hrdayananda das Goswami could be a good man for the job. I have not made any decision, but I would like you to discuss this amongst yourselves and send me your conclusion. I cannot stress this point enough that we must handle this publication of Back to Godhead very nicely for it is one of the most important aspects of our society. So you will please do the needful in this regard and please contact me soon.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Sydney 18 February, 1973:

I am very pleased also to see that you are keeping such an orderly account, and as far as further financing is concerned I have arranged with Karandhara das, and he is sending 5000 copies of Bhagavad-gita As It Is to India, and Kartikeya Mahadevia in Bombay, one of our life members, has agreed to distribute 3000 of these Gitas at no less than 50 rupees apiece.

Letter to Bhaktin Toni -- Sydney 18 February, 1973:

I can understand from your letter that you are beginning to appreciate the Krishna Consciousness Movement and I encourage you to join wholeheartedly and fully in the service of Lord Sri Krishna for this will be the most glorious thing in your life. You may consult with Karandhara das and he will give you more guidance as to how you can engage yourself fully in the service of the Lord.

Letter to Karandhara -- Auckland 21 February, 1973:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 13 Feb. 1973 and have noted its contents carefully. Regarding Sriman Hayagriva Dasa; it is our duty to rectify him. To create a devotee takes much labor and to reject him in a minute is not to our credit so please try to do the needful in this regard. Consult the other GBC men there, then make a proposal to Hayagriva and if still he is incorrigible then you take the necessary steps.

It is not very good policy to move the deities once they have been installed. First thing you should try to get the authorities to reverse their classification of us as a church. Because factually we are not a church. It is true that our congregation is not increasing, simply the inmates are becoming more numerous. We should be classified as a residential temple. This is actually the case in India and it is the same case in Los Angeles. We simply have a bigger family therefore our temple is bigger. If this can be done we will not require so much space for parking and then with this added space we can gorgeously remodel the entire temple. So please try and do this but if this is not possible you may break down the rear wall and add that one room and my sitting room to the temple and my Vyasa Sana may be placed against the side wall with my left side facing the Deities and by back facing the kitchen. Then you will have almost twice as much room in the temple. But the best thing is if we can get reclassified. They have simply classified us as a church for want of any other classification.

Regarding the installation of Gaura-Nitai deities, weather it be a GBC man, president, or sannyasi it does not matter. The important thing is that he be a senior qualified man. That is the most important thing.

Letter to Karandhara -- Jakarta 2 March, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated February*, 1973, and I have noted the contents carefully.

I don't know why they have again made the same mistake not signing jointly, but anyway you can execute the transfer without delay. I am going to India this evening and I shall talk to them further on this matter. In the meantime you can transfer the books as they have requested.

I hope everything is going nicely in Los Angeles and I shall be glad to hear from you soon to Calcutta address.

We have four places which I have visited—Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, and Jakarta. The preaching was very satisfactory. Sriman Amogha dasa is trying to learn the local language and print some books in the Dai Nippon branch here. So cooperate with him.

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Calcutta 4 March, 1973:

Yes, you have my sanction for installing the new Deities with the cooperation of Karandhara and/or Sudama Maharaja (I think he is there on the West coast). They know how to do it. The more you can decorate the Deities soberly, not fanatically, the more you become decorated with all honors.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Calcutta 17 4 March, 1973:

You also have my permission for the second initiation of Sikhandi dasi and you can obtain an initiation tape and instructions from Karandhar in Los Angeles. Now, keeping very clean, she must never break the regulated principles.

Letter to Turya -- Calcutta March 8, 1973:

Your project for a Temple sounds all right to me, and even if you don't get that particular building, Radha-Krsna Deities are approved for the present Temple. Of course, I want that you can work out all these kinds of details with Karandhara, your GBC secretary.

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 15 March, 1973:

I have received your two letters dated March 3rd and March 8th, with enclosures.

Trivikrama Maharaja has written me one letter about his going on a bold preaching venture to Belfast, and it is a noble proposal. But I want him to first, with your cooperation, get our Tokyo center registered properly and train up a president before he goes on to another place.

I have received some first-class publications of our Isopanisad from Hamsaduta and he is also ready to print Bhagavad-gita. And now you tell me that Macmillan, such a big big company, cannot keep up with our men. This is very encouraging news. I have just finished Gita Gan, a verse by verse translation of the Gita into Bengali, and now I am working daily on the Caitanya-caritamrta. Now I am more and more wanting to work on my books and diminish all this travelling. So I am more and more depending upon you GBC. Of course you GBC are in training, but you are all the hope for the future of our movement.

So I am glad to hear that my quarters are being readied nicely and that you have purchased me a comfortable car. My program is to leave for Mayapur in the morning and be back by the 19th and on to Hyderabad on the 23rd, then to Bombay by the 26th. From then my program is not yet fixed up. I have received one nice invitation to go Johannesburg and if they can supply the visas in time I may go there, otherwise to London by the 1st and on to L.A.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 31 March, 1973:

Please accept my blessings and I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 22nd March.

There is no need of adding further Deities. Once installed it cannot be changed. Do not make it childish, too much addition of Deities will encumber us. At first, either Panca Tattva or Gaura-Nitai Deities may be installed, taking care that there is sufficient space. There is no need to consult with me for these installations, the local president can decide whether the circumstances are opportune.

For two houses in M-V we are supposed to get 1600 dollars per month. Now we got three, but we get only $750 per month. What is the benefit? 12-13% interest was the original idea of investing but now you have given calculation for 6 1/2%. I do not know how you have decided this, to take so much burden of maintenance for so little return.

Letter to Nityananda -- Los Angeles 17 April, 1973:

That you are sending good amount to the BBT even you have smaller size temple is much appreciated by me. I am very much pleased how all you disciples are distributing my books. Just now Karandhara has informed me that he is printing new editions of Krishna Trilogy, Sri Isopanisad, and NOD, all 100,000 copies each, and Krishna hardback sets, 50,000. So I am very much engladdened by this news. My Guru Maharaja used to be very much pleased whenever there was book distribution. So you just continue it solidly, that is my request.

Letter to Sri Govinda -- Los Angeles 25 April, 1973:

Regarding purchasing apartment house, M-V Trust will immediately purchase and monthly rent may be paid into the Trust. Now you immediately send me scheme and description of a suitable building, and I will send Karandhara Prabhu there with the down-payment to finish the transaction.

Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Los Angeles 29 April, 1973:

Regarding purchasing the Washington D.C. Temple, yes, we can do it. We can invest $70,000.00, and Damodara can pay $700 per month net rent. So you negotiate, and we shall purchase in name of M-V Trust. But, here in L.A. we have invested $63,000 in one house and we are getting $800 per month rent. So you consult with Karandhara and do the needful.

Letter to Amogha -- Los Angeles 1 May, 1973:

I am sorry to learn that you had to leave your engagement in Indonesia. Anyway, so now you are in Australia, so you can consult with Madhudvisa Swami as to what to do there in Indonesia, and you also consult with Karandhara Prabhu as to the passport problem. If necessary, you can take the Australian citizenship.

Letter to Jayapataka, Bhavananda -- Los Angeles 9 May, 1973:

I have consulted with Karandhara that we can purchase the saris and the government will be glad to cooperate with us for exporting Indian goods to outside of India. Similarly we can import nice dolls here. Gradually as our men become expert they can manufacture the same thing here. So Mayapur inhabitants can be engaged in such a small manufacturing enterprise as well as farming to become self sufficient.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Los Angeles 13 May, 1973:

Since I posted my last letter to you and Jayapataka Maharaja, jointly it has been decided that I'm returning to India by the 22nd or 23rd of this month. I think you have already been informed by Karandhara Prabhu. The reason is my health is broken down.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Los Angeles May 16, 1973:

So now my plans have changed. Karandhara has made arrangements for my physician to come here, thus saving much expense and time. So now I shall remain here in Los Angeles up to the 30th of May, then to New Vrindaban for a few days and then on to London. As soon as you have finished the synonym work on the third canto you can immediately join me wherever I am and we can finish it up in good time.

Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 8 June, 1973:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 5/31/73 and have noted the contents.

Yes, in Mayapur I am much improved from how I was in Los Angeles. The great advantage here is that there is always open air and a good breeze which is naturally very good for any breathing difficulties. The coughing is almost gone, but still sometimes at night it gives a little trouble. So I am under the treatment of one of the best physicians in Calcutta. I am taking this medicine and am gradually improving. Certainly Mayapur is by far a better place than Los Angeles because you can enjoy the free air here. The climate is not too hot, but a little moist with humidity but on the whole it is very pleasing. Our building is most superexcellently situated, and it is the experience of many respectable outsiders that while the outer atmosphere is unbearably hot, in our building it is pleasing.

Regarding your taking sannyasa, I think you are already a sannyasi although not in saffron colored cloth. In the Bhagavad-gita it is said,

anasritah karma-phalam

karyam karma karoti yah

sa sannyasi ca yogi ca

na niragnir na cakriyah

(BG 6.1)

"The Blessed Lord said: One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic: not he who lights no fire and performs no work."

So, I know you'll take sannyasi sooner or later but wait for the time when Krsna will decide for this action.

You have written nothing about the $25,000 check which I left with you. Whether it is cashed and the business done? I advised Syamasundara. to send you a check for $10,000. Whether you have received it? If not you can advise me. I am anxious to know whether that M-V Trust business (house purchase) is complete.

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 29 June, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 6/19/73 and I have carefully studied the contents.

As far as the $10,000.00 due from Syamasundara, he has come to me in Mayapur and he has promised to pay in July.

It is very encouraging to hear the arrangement you are making for worship of Their Lordships Sri Dvarakadhisa and Rukmini. Please do it very nicely and I shall be glad to see the completed result.

You will be glad to hear I am feeling 80-90% fit again. I am translating, lecturing and taking morning walk and eating regularly.

Hoping this finds you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

P.S. If you have received 3 checks for deposit in my a/c.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 10 July, 1973:

I understand you are interested in when I am returning to Los Angeles. Actually just now in London we have instituted a program where important men are coming to meet with me in the evening for discussion of Krsna Consciousness. I have talked with a very famous sculptor, a teacher of a boys college and today George Harrison is supposed to visit. Syamasundara is arranging for visits by many other famous men. Wherever I shall go now this policy of important men being invited to talk with me about our Krsna Consciousness movement should be implemented.

You will be glad to know the Rathayatra in London was very successful. The Daily Guardian had a picture on the front page of our cart and stated that we were competition to the monument in memory of Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square. My health is good and I am taking daily walk and speaking at the class in the morning.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 19 July, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 12, 1973 and I have carefully studied the contents.

Regarding deposits in my bank account, yes, in the future you may make deposits in account number 366 8 80613. In the meantime, I am sending a letter to the Bank of America authorizing them to transfer $700.00 from my checking account to my investment account.

Here at Bhaktivedanta Manor the place is the nicest possible. It is calm and quiet and the village is neat and clean. I am daily walking in the morning with all devotees and I am taking the usual class from 7-8 A.M. Very respectable gentlemen are coming in the evening. Last night George Harrison came. He has become a great supporter of our movement. He may spend more for expanding our activities. He told me smilingly yesterday, "I shall try to help you for expanding many temples." So arrangement is going on here for installing the deity on Janmastami: Many Indians are also coming and we are proposing to start a Gurukula here in London so that Indian children may be admitted. Indian gentlemen are perplexed because there is no institution to admit children to keep intact the Indian cult. So our idea of teaching sanskrit and English and our books they appreciate very much. If we start another Gurukula here I think it will be not an unprofitable activity.

Certainly I will return in September to Los Angeles. It is nice to hear that the work on the new temple will be much progressed by then.

Regarding Svarupa Damodara's going to the colleges, Rai Ramananda has also agreed to come. I met him recently in India and he is enthusiastic. Now we shall put this challenge against this wrong theory that life comes from matter. Undoubtedly matter has come from life, and we can present so many practical proofs of this. So let Svarupa Damodara and Ramananda think in their own chemical language how to push this fact to the scientific world. If by Krsna's grace they even partially admit it, it will be a great triumph. My point is even if they partially accept then they have to find out what is the original life. In the sastras we have information that the original life in the universe is Brahma and Brahma is also a product of Garbhodakasayi Vishnu. Garbhodakasayi Visnu is a product of Karanadakasayi Visnu and in this way we ultimately reach Krsna the Cause of all Causes. We have to give a fight to the wrong conception of the unauthorized scientist.

Your plan for going to the colleges in California and your titles for the lectures are very much to my liking. You may write to Ramananda to come as soon as possible. He told me he can come and see me in London. Anyway, his coming there is sure, so correspond with him; and make a strong party.

Your victory over the scientist who was saying that life comes from dust is very good. We should not take such nonsense from them. We should speak up against such false theorists and say, "Don't talk such nonsense please. Don't mislead the public. You are taking big salaries and leading the public wrongly. It would be better for you to be a street sweeper and earn an honest livelihood instead of cheating."

Regarding the contract arranged by Jaya Hari for distribution of books, we want the better terms; so please send better terms. I do not know the terms, so we have to compare. We shall accept the better terms. If Macmillan takes that is best. So I shall ask Syamasundara not to do it and I wait your sending counter-terms.

Regarding Mr. Kallman and his new offer of the record, do not enter unless he releases full rights to us. Don't take an adventure with him, he may take advantage of our advertising and not give me anything. He originally was agreed to give me 10% royalty but he never gave me anything. Deal carefully with him.

I approve of your plans to divide my downstairs quarters into 3 rooms and utilize it.

Regarding incorporation of our ISKCON centers, we want to run all our centers as nonprofit religious organizations; that is the main point. Keeping this point in view too much official control is not good in spiritual life. The centers should remain spiritually fit and independent. Some control must be there as is now. Too much control means so many vouchers. Gradually it will become a mundane institution. All our managers should be spiritually advanced simple and honest in carrying out the orders of the spiritual master and Krsna. That will be a nice standard. Democracy in spiritual affairs is not at all good but breeds power politics. We should be careful about power politics. Our only aim should be that each and every devotee is full dedicated to Krsna, then things will go on nicely. As it states in the Vedas:

yasya deve para bhaktir

yatha deve tatha gurau

tasyaite kathita hy artha

prakasante maha twanah

(ŚU 6.23)

I am afraid of taxing my brain about this Corporation of ISKCON so you and Bali Mardan Maharaja do the needful that will be a relief to me.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 23 July, 1973:

Enclosed please find three checks. Please deposit them in my Bank of America Account no 366/8-80613, and send me duplicate receipt.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Enclosure: 3 Checks ($300.00)

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 26 July, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated 7/22/73. Everything you have arranged is in order. I have signed the cards. All cheques issued should be entered into the Account Book, and an informing letter should be written regarding: to whom the cheque was made and what purpose: and send one copy to me and one to Bali Mardan. I am also happy to note that Hayagriva is working on The Books. Please keep him carefully, his work is very important for our Movement.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 27 July, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 22nd, 1973. You are to be congratulated—you have defeated the rascal scientist Mr. Roger Reville from the Big University. Actually, it is not a very difficult task, they have no definite ideas, everything they put forward is doubtful, even they say—"I think", "perhaps", "it may be", "theoretically speaking", and like that.

Vedic knowledge is definite. Take for example Padma Purāṇa, there it is said there are 8,400,000 species of life: two million trees, one million insects, four hundred thousand humans. Nowhere do we find about so and so many, but exactly the number is given. Or we see the description of Kali yuga, and we are experiencing it. "People of this age will keep big bundles of hair and thus think themselves very beautiful." So this is going on. "For want of bathing the population of this age will appear like Pisacas"—hippies. Everything is given in Vedas exactly. Why should we go to such men for knowledge? They pose themselves as big leaders, philosophers. But we have to accept our leader according to the standard symptoms—or qualifications. The standard text book for civilized administration is Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. A leader must be peaceful, self-controlled austere, pure, tolerant, honest, wise learned and religious. Not like your President Nixon—a rogue and thief—such men cannot do any good to society, only those who are trained up in the Ultimate Goal of human life, they can lead—because human life is meant for going back to Godhead. Therefore our society is serving the whole world by supplying the missing part for perfect advancement of human civilization, we are supplying the head. Although all parts, such as legs are necessary, the whole thing is useful only when there is a head. So, everything is already there but it is now mixed up, we want to bring the whole world in to order by giving the right directions to all classes of men. Right direction means, to deliver the instructions of Krishna, and because Krishna is perfect, if you present this knowledge anywhere it will automatically defeat all the existing concocted hodge-podge ideas congesting the feeble brains of so-called scientist, philosophers or anyone.

When my Guru Maharaja was present even big, big scholars were afraid to talk with His beginning students. My Guru Maharaja was called "Living Encyclopedia", he could talk with anyone on any subject. He was so learned—so we should be like that as far as possible. No compromise—Ramakrishna, avataras, yogis, everyone was enemy to Guru Maharaja—he never compromised. Some God-brothers complained that this preaching was chopping technique and it would not be successful. But we have seen that those who criticized, they fell down. For my part I have taken up the policy of my Guru Maharaja—no compromise. All these so called scholars, scientists, philosophers who do not accept Krsna are nothing more than rascals, fools lowest of mankind etc..

So you go on with your work, it is very encouraging to me. Thank you.

Letter to Karandhara -- Paris 11 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 22 July 1973 and herewith please find another two checks. 11-66/1210 No. 143 for $100.00 and 24-191/1230 No. 298 for $150.00 which you please deposit in my investment account No. 8-80613 Bank Branch 366.

Regarding the book transaction with the company Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd. I see that you have already some correspondence with them. On the whole I see that the agreement is not good. So you can do the needful in this connection.

Presently we are staying in Paris, coming here on the 9th and going back to London on the 15th August 1973. Yesterday we installed the Deities Sri Sri Radha and Krishna and the ceremony was very nice.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 17 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter date August 11, 1973 and the duplicate deposit slips.

I herewith send you three more checks;

1,111.00

300.00

108.00

1,519.00 US DOLLARS

all of them may be deposited in my investment account No. 8-80613 Bank of America 366.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 25 August, 1973:

Enclosed please find one check for 18.38 dollars U.S. Please deposit this check in my investment account at the Bank of America, Culver City branch.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 1 September, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter and enclosed bank slip for 250.00 dollars but I have not as yet received the bank slip of another 1,400.00 dollars, I hope you have already deposited the same. I am expecting the receipt voucher at any moment.

Regarding initiation of the new devotees, I am sending herewith the names against each of them, the beads may be chanted upon by you and delivered by regular ritualistic ceremony. For second initiation find herewith the sacred threads duly chanted by me and you do the rest work.

My schedule of program is as follows; Sweden on the 5th September after returning I shall go to Japan by the 15th via Tehran and India. Then from Japan I shall return to Los Angeles via Hawaii, estimated by the 10th October. Certainly at that time I shall drive on my Rolls Royce car with great pleasure at least for three months. Pray to Krishna that I may execute my touring program without any disturbance.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 27 September, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 12, 1973 and am so glad to learn that you have again ordered to Dai Nippon Printing Co., for so many books This engladdens me when I see our literature very widely distributed. This was the subject matter of my Guru Maharaja's satisfaction. He liked to distribute books more than constructing temples. He personally advised me to print books if I have got some money. So by His mercy we are printing books and constructing temples, as well. Although in the beginning we had no such opportunity, but still I brought some books from India, and that was the foundation stone of our Krsna consciousness movement. So I want all our centers should give very much importance in the matter of book distribution. .

I am also very much pleased to learn that now in San Diego there is Radha Krsna Deity and They are being worshiped very nicely. Here the land negotiation and compromise with Mrs. Nair is almost complete. We have to pay immediately 14 lakhs 50 thousand, plus stamp duty, etc., so nearly about 16 lakhs. The major portion of this amount is being contributed by Bali Mardan. . Still we have to arrange for transferring 20 Krsna Books. . That you have to arrange and on hearing from you I shall advise you. .

Herewith please find a check for Dollars 111.11 which please deposit in my investment a/c. So far my going back to L.A. is concerned, it was my plan to go there by October 10, but I don't think the negotiations with Mrs. Nair will be completed before October 27, therefore I want to go back to Los Angeles after completing this transaction.

I approve your proposal for converting Spiritual Sky Incense Co. into a trust, and the trustees as proposed by you are approved by me. Encourage all the GBC members to manage everything very perfectly. We are very much assured that the GBC members are improving gradually, and in the future they will be able to manage world preaching of the Krsna consciousness movement without difficulty.

After finishing these Bombay affairs I am thinking not to increase any more branches for the time being. Whatever branches we have already opened let them be managed perfectly. You will be glad to know that Hyderabad land has been donated as gift and I am signing the agreement today.

Another thing is that in India we are not getting expected cooperation from the intelligent younger section. Their brain is now obsessed with economic development. The government is encouraging to eat meat and drink. Big, big shops are now opened in every city for selling mutton, beef, and wine. . But the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is now transferred from the Indian hands to the hands of the Americans and Europeans. I think for management of our Indian branches we shall require more men from the Western countries. Formally Western people used to come to India to teach them how to develop industries, railway and other modern activities in politics, sociology and even in religion by spreading Christianity. Now the Western people have to take the leadership of spreading Vedic culture all over the world. I have given the initiation, but the rest of the work will depend on you young men and women of America. Kindly organize things in that spirit and be blessed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and through Him by Lord Krsna.

Herewith also find a letter to the devotees of Los Angeles who have deposited a sum of Dollars 256.53 in my checking a/c.

You have not written anything about Hawaii affairs. I am anxious to know what is the position.

Letter to Hanuman -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

You should immediately send their beads for chanting on to Karandhara das Adhikari in Los Angeles who is one of the senior disciples I have authorized to chant on beads. Then, after receiving the beads back from Karandhara you can hold a fire ceremony and perform the sacrifice as you have seen me doing so many times. At that time you may give my new disciples their beads and instruct them on the principles of Krishna consciousness.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

Just now I am finalizing the sale of the land with Mrs. Nair and there is every chance that this time we shall get it. The gift of the land in Hyderabad is now almost complete. In Vrindaban and in Mayapur the construction is progressing very nicely. So we have undertaken very great projects here and by the grace of Lord Krishna they may all come out nicely. But one difficulty is that hardly any intelligent young men are coming forward to help me here. Whatever I have been able to do all over the world it has been due to the help all of you, my disciples, have given me. Here there are hardly fifty devotees to do all the projects, so this is a great strain. Therefore, I want that from all over our Society fifty more men may immediately come bringing to a total of one hundred men.

I have requested our Delhi Temple President Sriman Tejyas das Adhikari to find out the best way how these men can come to India and not be bothered by visa difficulties after coming. He has written me as follows:

"1. Entry visas for one year should be applied for and triplicate carbon copies sent to me and I will follow up here in pushing it through.

2. The occupation should be listed as student-trainee or some such thing but not minister or preacher.

3. I should get a complete list of the devotees by Karmi name, spiritual name, and all details such as Passport number and issue date, previous visits to India, etc.

4. The entry visa should be multiple entry."

So please do the needful in correspondence with Tejyas das and Tamala Krishna Goswami, so that these fifty men may come here as soon as possible. One thing is that British Commonwealth citizens do not require visas for entering India, so if some of the men coming are from these zones that will make it easier.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 15th, 1973 requesting initiation for seven devotees and second initiation for three devotees. Upon your recommendation I accept them as my disciples. Their spiritual names are as follows:

Lewis: Upendranath dasa

Richard: Premarupa dasa

Sandy B.: Sanhari dasi

Sandy F.: Soubardya dasi

Merrissa: Mulaprakrti dasi

Sria: Kadamba dasi

Diane: Anandavidya dasi

So now you should duly perform the yajna, chanting on their beads, and instruct them carefully to follow all the rules and regulations. At the same yajna you may also perform the second initiation of the three Brahmins. This yajna is best held in the morning amongst devotees.

Herewith also find enclosed one letter from Mr. Alfred Reis written on behalf of Mr. Eustace Paul. . He wants to give us a house but wants me to come there personally. I have written to Rupanuga and Hanuman but whether they have done anything about it I do not know. The thing is that if my presence is required, then he should send round trip tickets for four. I think this will be costly, so if possible try to settle it there. You can contact Rupanuga or Hanuman of Citsukhananda.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

Karandhara's plan to eventually purchase the entire block of land for Gurukula at the low price it is available is good. Yes, Dayananda is correct. When the boys and girls become ten or twelve years and above, then should be separated. At that time special care should be taken, because once they become a victim of sex their whole life becomes spoiled.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

I have already written to Karandhara that fifty more men are required in India, so if possible, you may arrange for some men to come from your zone.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 6 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 26th, 1973, and I have noted the contents carefully.

Yes, you can go on with your book distribution as you were doing before, there is not any harm. I thought that our men were becoming like hippies, but now I understand from you that that is not the case. So I have no objection. Our main business is to distribute books, and from the reports I am receiving from all over the world, the progress is very encouraging.

So far as the woman distributers who have left New York and Boston Temples and have gone to New Vrindaban, they should return immediately and resume their original service. In Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Movement, everyone is preacher, whether man or woman it doesn't matter. I do not know why Kirtanananda Maharaja is encouraging our woman devotees not to go out on Sankirtana for book distribution. Everyone should go out.

You have not replied my recent letter about transferring some Krsna books. Now you may keep ready eight Krsna books and I shall advise you where to send them.

Hanuman Goswami has written me one letter and requested me to send a copy of my reply to you for forwarding it to him. Please find the copy enclosed and forward it on.

Letter to Ramesvara -- India 12 October, 1973:

I am glad to hear of the book distribution success of Tripurari in Chicago. It is reported that he did it dressed in dhoti, but Karandhara says that dhoti is an impediment. So if he can distribute 105 Gitas and 105 Sri Isopanisad in one day in dhoti in Chicago, why not try for this in other places as well.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- Bombay 16 October, 1973:

Also enclosed is the sacred thread for Makhana Taskara. Let Karandhara chant on the beads and hold a sacrifice. The gayatri mantra should be heard through the right ear from the tape. Please see that all the new disciples do nicely and always chant Hare Krsna.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 17 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 5/10/73 and have noted the contents. I have also received the enclosed duplicate deposit slip for $125.89. Also find herewith checks Nos. _ for deposit.

Regarding the Krsna books being transferred, yes for the time being you may hold it. As we are getting money from the U.S.A. it may not be required, but keep it ready and I shall let you know later on.

Regarding Hawaii affairs, let it go on for the time being, and we shall see later on. They cannot go outside the clutches of Krsna consciousness. Regarding the selling of the temple, it was ISKCON's temple, so how can they sell? This is illegal. Gaurasundara was a representative of ISKCON, but he cannot sell and take the money. . This is an illegal implication. I am simply thinking of the luxurious tulsi plants there. Govinda dasi took so much care. How they could have left this place I cannot imagine.

Yes, do not attempt to open any more centers. Let them go by busses. That is a very nice program.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Bombay 18 October, 1973:

Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in this Kali yuga. But, for this Krsna consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement. That is the difference. The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krsna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity. I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapur every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. But, if we fight on account of diversity, then it is simply the material platform. Please try to maintain the philosophy of unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful. One section of men have already gone out, therefore we must be very careful to maintain unity in diversity, and remember the story in Aesop's Fables of the father of many children with the bundle of sticks. When the father asked his children to break the bundle of sticks wrapped in a bag, none of them could do it. But, when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is the strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

cc: Karandhara Das, ISKCON, Los Angeles

Mohanananda Das, Gurukula, Dallas

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 19 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your two letters both dated October 9, 1973 and have noted the contents very carefully. These things are happening in many corners of our organization. Today I received the same complaint from Kirtanananda, and the reply is enclosed. This is applicable everywhere. Unless we become very strong in Krsna consciousness, it is very risky to handle material things and business. We are naturally business minded, and so as we get some opportunity, that mentality becomes strong. We have already got our book-selling program. It is better not to divert to other lines of business. This boy Rsi Kumar appears to be lost coming in contact with business. I heard he was coming to India and staying in the hotel without coming to the temple. Similarly Hayagriva is also lost almost. So, the situation is not very favorable.

There is the story of the bed bug. In the winter season the bed bug appears to be only skin, but in summer season as soon as it gets the opportunity of biting and sucking blood, it becomes fatty. Sometimes we may artificially renounce the world, but as soon as the opportunity of sucking blood is there, we turn again into a bed bug. Therefore it is said in the Bhagavad gita:

daivi hy esa gunamayi

mama maya duratyaya

mam eva ye prapadyante

mayam etam taranti te

(BG 7.14)

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

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

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

trnad api su-nicena taror iva sahisnuna

amanina manadena kirtaniyah sada harih

(CC Adi 17.31)

These things will happen, and we have to tolerate.

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

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

N.B. I am enclosing herewith two checks, #482 for $200.00 and #148844 for $10.00. Please deposit them in my investment account.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 23 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 13, 1973 and I have noted the contents with great concern. So you may immediately send Nitai Das here to me in India and he may remain with me to do this work.

I am enclosing a check for $15.00 No. 175639 drawn on Banker's Trust Co. U.S.A. by the Commercial Bank of Australia, Melbourne. Please deposit it in my investment account. Also enclosed is one slip which needs to be given at the Bank of America Culver City Branch, AttN; Marie.

Letter to Yasomatinandana -- Vrindaban 28 October, 1973:

So far your arranging to bring other men with you to India for opening a center, that is all right, but if they come as tourists and then go away that is not good. This kind of coming and going is a waste of money. Karandhara can arrange at least one year visa. In that way if you can bring some men here then it will be helpful. But, I think you can get local men here. That is the preaching process.

Letter to Svarupa Damodara -- Vrindaban 29 October, 1973:

I have already given you the points, so you can inquire from me any intricate question in this connection and I shall try to reply. In the meantime I have received a letter from Ramananda and I am enclosing herewith. I think you can send him a ticket by arranging with Karandhara so he can immediately come there. When I come there to Los Angeles in my presence both of you can discuss threadbare all questions and put them in a satisfactory way.

Letter to Karandhara -- Vrindaban 31 October, 1973:

With regard to my letter dated 23/10/73, you may postpone sending Nitai Das here, because my program for Africa and Australia is not yet fixed up. So I may be returning to Los Angeles sooner, so it will not be necessary to go to the expense of sending him here. He can meet me in Los Angeles. Anyway, I will inform you of my program as it is fixed.

Tomorrow I start for Delhi. The new address there is ISKCON, G 12 Anand Niketan Extension, New Delhi 110023.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

Please read the articles contributed by my godbrother Sri Dr. B.L. Kapur. How they are liked by our readers?

Letter to Satsvarupa -- New Delhi 2 November, 1973:

I will especially draw your attention to articles written by Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor. He has many such philosophical articles, and he wants to get the book published by us. I shall be glad to have your opinion in consultation with Karandhara whether we can take up the publication of such philosophical books. Another gentleman whose name is Hari Goswami is a Sanskrit scholar, as well as knowing English. He is enthusiastic to join us. Please let me know if you can utilize him for our Dallas Gurukula institution. He is coming from a respectable brahmana family belonging to Radha Raman goswami house, but he is very much pleased with our activities and wants to join us wholeheartedly. In case you consider his service is valuable, then you have to make arrangement for his passage. These two points, namely Sri Hari Goswami going to Dallas and the publication of Dr. Kapoor's book by us may be consulted amongst yourself, Karandhara, and Bali Mardan, and you please let me know your considered opinions.

Letter to Karandhara -- New Delhi 7 November, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 25, 1973 and have noted the contents. So far yourself is concerned, whatever is done is done. Now go on with your duty and do it nicely. You are an intelligent devotee. You can understand.

Now one thing for Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Appearance Day, I want that there be published one volume of Caitanya Caritamrta. You have got the Ādi lila from Chapter Seven onwards. So at least one volume must be published of 400 pages, hardbound edition. Copies must be there in Mayapur for distribution on the appearance day. So please arrange for this.

Another thing is that now my program is fixed up for going to Nairobi on November 23, instant, and from there I will return to Los Angeles via Rome. I will stop there for two days for meeting with the Pope. So I may request you to send one ticket for Pradyumna (P. . Sherbow) Nairobi-Rome-Los Angeles.

Letter to Tusta Krsna -- New Delhi 7 November, 1973:

I thank you very much for your telegram dated October 29 reading as follows:

"DEAR SRILA PRABHUPADA, PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEART AT YOUR FEET RECEIVED YOUR LETTER AND TELEGRAM TODAY TEMPLE WILL NOT BE SOLD ALL PAPERS TO BE SIGNED OVER TO YOU NEVER INTENDED TO CLAIM PROPERTY OR MONEY AS MY OWN DETAILED LETTER FOLLOWS PLEASE FORGIVE ANY CONFUSION OR ANXIETY MY BLUNDERS HAVE CAUSED YOU—YOUR SERVANT TUSTA"

I am at present in New Delhi awaiting for our festival here, so your telegram has been redirected from Bombay. I am so much pleased to read it because I know that all of you, Siddha Svarupa Maharaja, Sudama Vipra Maharaja, and yourself, are all good souls, and so I also know that Gaurasundara is also of this same level, but I do not know why this disruption has taken place.

If there is any misunderstanding with the GBC men, that can be readjusted by mutual understanding. I wanted to see you all to mitigate this misunderstanding, but I was very busy in Bombay for the same Juhu land of Mr. Nair. Perhaps you remember that you introduced Mr. Nair to me. Now he is dead and gone, but he created so many obstacles. So I had to pay them so many lakhs of rupees black, but now the position is that it is purchased, but still there is a little discrepancy. I hope this will also be squared up without delay.

So kindly take my word and do not leave our society. If you cannot agree with the GBC, I can take up your matter personally and do the needful. I love you all very much, and if you go away and stay independently that will be a great shock for me. I want to meet you all together. Let me know where I shall go to meet you. Just now I have received the news that in Hawaii the tulsi plants are drying for want of watering. How has Govinda dasi left the tulsi plants which she nourished so lovingly? Please therefore all of you go to your respective positions and revive your devotional activities without any further delay, and if you cannot cope with the GBC men, which I suppose there must have been some disagreement, I shall deal with you directly. But, do not leave the Krsna consciousness movement, at any cost.

If possible kindly let me know where is Gaurasundara. On my behalf please request him to come back to the temple and save the tulsi plants. Ask Govinda dasi also on my behalf to do this without delay.

Kindly treat this letter as very urgent and do the needful. Awaiting your early reply.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

cc: Karandhara Das, ISKCON, Los Angeles, Madhudvisa Maharaja, ISKCON, Sydney

Letter to Jayapataka -- New Delhi 12 November, 1973:

N.B. Regarding land purchase give me your scheme and I shall consult Bali Mardan and Karandhara, or we can consider when they come to Mayapur next. ACBS

Letter to Karandhara -- New Delhi 14 November, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 28, 1973. Regarding the initiations I accept the following as my initiated disciples:

Letter to Umapati -- London 26 November, 1973:

As far as your grhastha community committee, I have no objection as it has the approval of Karandhara prabhu and he is there for you all to take advice from. One thing is though that we should not take such meetings and committees too seriously, as in the ultimate capacity our chanting is the only thing that will save us. However, if sometimes devotees should like to come together and chant Hare Krsna and discuss, just as we instituted our Istagosthi program, then this of course I have no objection to.

Letter to Abhirama -- Los Angeles 1 December, 1973:

So you take instruction from Rupanuga Maharaja on how to properly perform the yajna after he has chanted on their beads. Each disciple should go for collecting guru-daksine after the ceremony and the proceeds may be sent here c/o Karandhara.

Letter to Yasodanandana, Gurukrpa -- Los Angeles 1 December, 1973:

I have been informed by Karandhara Prabhu that you both are presently traveling and collecting money for our Vrindaban Project. I am very glad to hear this. Just today we have received a letter from Guru das that the construction has stopped there due to lack of funds. Somehow or other we must complete this Vrindaban Temple so in this connection we require at least $10,000 per month from the U.S.A. for one year. Karandhara can manage $5,000 per month for the BBT and M-V Fund so I request that you both remain in America for 1 year further and collect and send a minimum of $5,000 per month to Guru das for the Vrindaban Temple.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Los Angeles 3 December, 1973:

Enclosed also find three sacred threads and six mantra sheets for the second initiates. Hold a yajna and afterwards they may hear the Gayatri mantra through the tape in the right ear. All the initiates should collect daksina and send it to Los Angeles c/o Karandhara.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1973:

Now, as you know, we require some men for India. Karandhara informs me that you have declined to send any. Our programs there are important and there is a great need. We have not captured many first class men there so we must import. I am requesting therefore that you send at least one or two first class men from your zone. Men from Australia do not require visas so they may go directly. Kindly make arrangements for this.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1973:

Now, as you know, we require some men for India. Karandhara informs me that you have declined to send any. Our programs there are important and there is a great need. We have not captured very many first class men there so we must import. I am requesting therefore that you send at least one or two first class men from your zone. They should apply for 1 year entry visas. They should not go on tourist visas. Kindly make arrangement for this.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1973:

Now, as you know, we require some men for India. Karandhara informs me that you have declined to send any. Our programs there are important and there is a great need. We have not captured very many first class men there so we must import. I am requesting therefore that you send at least one or two first class men from your zone. They should apply for 1 year entry visas. They should not go on tourist visas. Kindly make arrangement for this.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1973:

So far as the arrangement with Australia for trading books for ghee, go ahead and do it with my permission. Karandhara has agreed.

Letter to Trai -- Los Angeles 8 December, 1973:

Thank you very much for pushing on our book distribution program so enthusiastically. Kindly offer all the devotees there my deepest gratitude for their wonderful service in this connection. I understand from Karandhara that you are one of the most staunch supporters and workers for distributing our books and I assure you that it is the highest service to my Guru Maharaja. Thank you very much.

Letter to Makhanlal -- Los Angeles 11 December, 1973:

Regarding the $100.00 check, send a copy of the cancelled check, both sides, to Karandhara for examination.

Letter to Govinda -- Los Angeles 13 December, 1973:

We require just now huge sums of money for our projects in India so I request that you send the check for $20,000.00 to me in Los Angeles by registered post. Furthermore, please come here to Los Angeles or return to the Temple in Hawaii. Karandhara and Sudama goswami are prepared to help you in every way. Your husband has gone away so what can be done. But you should return to our Temple and again take up devotional service as I have designed and directed at our Centers.

Letter to All Centers -- Los Angeles 13 December, 1973:

Today we received a newsletter from Syamasundara. Prabhu regarding gems and I assume every Center received the same letter. I discussed the contents with Srila Prabhupada and His Divine Grace instructed me to immediately issue the following letter.

First of all, Srila Prabhupada never sanctioned or encouraged this program of buying or selling jewels. Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada does not want us to purchase jewels and gems for decorating the Deities in our own Temples. Expensive gems and jewelry will only attract thieves and rogues. It was because of the jewels in Indian Temples that the Mohammedans invaded India, destroying the Deities and Temples and plundering the jewels. In previous ages, when people were honest and pious kings maintained law and order, then the Deities and Temples were decorated with costly jewels but in this age it is not advised. Srila Prabhupada said, "Bhakti does not depend on seeing the Deity with jewelry—it is a different matter. We worship the Deity by strictly observing the rules and regulations of Deity worship—not by decorating with jewelry. Jewels will not attract anyone except thieves and rogues. People will be attracted by our preaching. I don't advise the Temples to purchase jewelry. Do not expose the Deity to this danger. I am not in favor of this." Furthermore, "purchasing jewels means increased anxiety only. It is not the days for this practice. I do not advise buying or selling jewelry."

In addition to thieves and rogues, there is risk that even our own men may fall victim to stealing. We have the examples of Kausika and Mahadeva, both devotees who stole from Temples. Prabhupada said, "Our men are coming from outside with so many bad habits and the stealing mentality is there. We are trying to reform, but if the opportunity is there, the mentality may come forward and they may fall down. We will loose our money, our prestige and out students. Why expose them in that way? No jewelry! It is not the time for that."

In summary, purchasing jewelry for the Deities is unnecessary, dangerous and unauthorized. Prabhupada said to "write elaborately to all Centers on this point. Try to understand the principle."

We improve on Deity worship by regulated puja, purified chanting and bold and enthusiastic preaching work. Those are the real ornaments with which to decorate the Lord.

Haribol Prabhus.

Your unworthy servant,

Karandhara das Adhikari

/kdd

APPROVED: ACBS

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 13 December, 1973:

Regarding the type of paper for India, we want the same type as we have already used for Srimad-Bhagavatam and Krsna Book. Karandhara has advised me that Dai Nippon purchases most of their paper in Sweden so you may check there. The size will depend on the presses used in India so you may contact Tamala Krsna Goswami in Bombay about this.

A letter has just been received here from Syamasundara. about selling jewels. I do not approve of our Temples purchasing jewels. I have instructed Karandhara to issue a newsletter to all our Centers to this effect. It is not a good program.

Letter to Govardhan -- LOS ANGELES December 15, 1973:

All the devotees should collect Guru-daksina and send it to Karandhar in Los Angeles.

Letter to All Centers -- Los Angeles 16 December, 1973:

Memo to All Centers

Repeatedly Srila Prabhupada says, "I only want my disciples to take this Movement seriously."

So, the punch line is that Prabhupada wants to initiate the following schedule:

1. Reside 4 months in India, 4 months in Europe and 4 months in the U.S.A. out of each year.

2. See or speak to no one except very important visitors wherever his is staying.

3. Be completely relieved of managerial affairs and have full time for translating.

What this means to us is the following:

1. Don't ask Prabhupada to come to our Temple.

2. Solve all problems amongst ourselves and don't burden Prabhupada with them.

3. Continue to advance dynamically in Krsna Consciousness by keeping all our principles very strictly and vigorously preach and propagate the movement around the world.

Now we have the GBC, the sannyasins, the presidents and so many qualified devotees. We have to give up the habit of placing everything on Prabhupada's shoulders. We must be responsible, mature, steadfast and convinced.

Wherever Prabhupada is staying he will deliver morning lectures. Presidents, etc., may visit there and go on the walks with Prabhupada. Other than that we must take care of all affairs.

Enough said. The rest is up to us.

Haribol.

Your servant,

Karandhara das Adhikari

APPROVED: A.C. Bhaktivedanta

Swami

KDA:kdd

Letter to Dhananjaya -- Los Angeles 23 December, 1973:

Karandhara has informed me of the receipt of the letter from you reporting the establishment of an ISKCON Center in Rome, Italy. The transcendental bliss I have derived from hearing the news is not measurable within the three dimensions. I thank you very much for your humble service and I pray to Krsna to always protect and bless you. I will look forward to seeing the first Italian Back to Godhead which I understand you are printing at present. We shall try and locate some Italian speaking devotees to send there to assist you. Kindly offer my blessings to your good wife Bala Gopala dasi.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 24 December, 1973:

Whether or not the Rs. 30,000 has been repaid to my fixed deposit account from the money I advanced for purchasing our Juhu Beach property? It was supposed to be repaid before my coming back but I do not know if it has been done. Yes you keep the Rs. 2 lakhs reserved for purchasing the Mahatma Gandhi building. One thing is the Rs. 65,000 from the BBT savings account actually belongs to the Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust. This I have discussed fully with Giriraja and Karandhara and Giriraja will explain what is to be done in this connection henceforward. Whatever has been done in the past we shall not try to make up for but I want that now this Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust money to be very carefully managed and deposited into a separate bank account and not be spent under any circumstances without my direct order.

Letter to Gurukrpa , Yasodanandana -- Los Angeles 25 December, 1973:

Karandhara has received a letter from Tamala Krsna Goswami and he is expressing some hesitation about your returning to India. I can understand that previously there must have been some quarrel amongst you and that sometimes happens amongst god-brothers. Whatever is done is done; the main thing is we must not carry grudges or continue to quarrel amongst one another. So I am asking you personally, along with Tamala Krsna Goswami to whom I am sending a copy of this letter, to bury the hatchet and join together to push on this movement cooperatively.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Bhavananda, Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 6 January, 1974:

I have advised Karandhara to send immediately $4,000 to Gargamuni Maharaja and you take the Indian exchange for $4,000 from him immediately. I am writing this letter today January 6th at 8:00 P.M. and I have advised Karandhara to send the money by telegram. Probably you will get the money tomorrow or the day after.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 6 January, 1974:

As informed to you in my letter last, I beg to inform you further that I plan to send to India $100,000 for completing our Vrndavana scheme as soon as possible, before Janmastami ceremony. Out of this $100,000 our two sannyasis, Gurukrpa Maharaja and Yasodanandana Maharaja have collected $40,000 and the balance Karandhara will arrange to supply even by taking a loan from the bank. The idea is we must finish Vrndavana temple construction work on or before Janmastami ceremony. There is another three lacs promised by Asoka Birla of Bombay.

So I am reaching India by the 1st week of February. But if you can open the account in the meantime then send me the reply of the bank to my letter enclosed herewith and the number of the account, then immediately money will be dispatched.

My program is that I am going to Hawaii January 14th and from there I may visit some other place or may stay at Hawaii and finish all programs by the end of January. So I shall be ready by the first week of February in India. You may send your reply to me at Hawaii and a copy may be sent to Karandhara in Los Angeles. In case I do not receive your reply before my departure, I shall leave instructions with Karandhara for dispatching the money. Hope this meets you in good health.

Letter to Sukadeva 1 -- Los Angeles 9 January, 1974:

Your plan, therefore, to leave and take Vanaprastha is not advisable now. Better you remain there and go on with the preaching work, maintaining the devotees and approaching innocent persons. I think you have already a good preaching field there. After you are fifty years of age you can consider this move. Please consult with Karandhar who is GBC for your zone, in this matter.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:

Karandhara has sent $4,000 so I have allowed them to purchase more land. I will pay and have arranged for that. You can advise Jayapataka and Bhavananda to purchase land whenever there is an opportunity and we shall arrange to pay. But it should not exceed Rs 5,000 per month. Within that limit they can purchase every month some piece of land.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 12 January, 1974:

Regarding the confusion you have about receiving book from India, you may go ahead and send ghee in exchange for the books. I have already discussed this with Karandhara. The books were given to India. From India there was no possibility of sending money. Therefore if you get the books you should send ghee in return.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Honolulu 19 January, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your telegram reading as follows: "Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund current account open no. 230. Karandhara informed." I suppose the current account is open in the Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh branch as I informed you previously, although you have not mentioned the name of the bank.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 16 February, 1974:

It is very reassuring for me that all our most important affairs located in world headquarters in Los Angeles are being well cared for under the guidance of your good self, Bali Mardan and Ramesvara. Therefore I have not become disturbed on that account because I know the BBT, Negotiations with Dai Nippon and financial matters are being taken care of even though Karandhara has left his post. Your desire to give me relief from having to worry about these matters shows that you have understood my desires, and I thank you very much. It is nice that you have taken this occasion to impress on the devotees there the necessity to be very serious in executing regulative principles, otherwise we will surely fall away. One who sticks strictly to these principles, will not, however fall down. Your statement, "The residents of New Dvaraka are praying for your mercy" is very nice. Let us meet all at Mayapur and chalk out a years work for our great mission.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Tirupati 28 April, 1974:

For example, our Tamala Krsna Goswami never proposed to go to the USA at the meeting but now he has decided to go back to the U.S.A. Of course you can go back, but if the matter is discussed at the meeting, then a GBC vote could be taken and they could have selected a replacement. Now this replacement I have to bother. It is not difficult for me, but why wasn't their discussion of the meeting. Now Karandhara has written asking to come back and I have called him to come to Bombay and if possible he can be engaged as GBC for India.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 1 May, 1974:

Please accept my blessings. After receiving your letter of April 12, 1974, I sent you a telegram requesting you as follows: "Come immediately to Bombay. Everything is all right. Krsna will bless you." But I have received no word from you as yet. If you are not coming to India please let me know what your program will be.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 10 May, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 1, 1974. I am glad to hear that you are agreeable to and making plans to come and join with me. Everyone has some potency. You have special potency. Do not waste it in the service of maya, but use it in the service of Krsna. Although there is inconvenience, we must endure it with a vow and finish our business in Krishna conscious service. As for you joining me, the following is my schedule; I will be leaving India on May 23 for Rome where I will be going to Via Misttetta 2, near Piazza Lodi, Rome 00182. On the 30th of May I will go to Geneva, Switzerland and will be at 9, chemin du Credo 1213 Petit Lancy. And on June 9 I will be arriving in Paris and will stay in Paris for a week. After this our program is not fixed up. I may tour in Europe or travel. So I hope you will be able to join me either in Rome, Geneva or Paris. I am very eager to meet with you so please try your best to arrive in Europe while I am there.

Letter to Mahamsa, Giriraja, Gargamuni, Gargamuni, Jayapataka, Tejiyas, Gurudasa -- Geneva 2 June, 1974:

After meeting here in Geneva with Karandhara das Adhikari and several other GBC members, I have decided to send Karandhara to India to replace Tamala Krsna Goswami as the new Governing Body Commissioner for India. I know from experience that Karandhara is a highly qualified devotee and I feel confident in placing him in such an important position for our society as head of affairs in India. It is a great relief for me. Karandhara is very enthusiastic to begin his new assignment and will be leaving for India in a few days. Please give him all cooperation and work together for advancement of our mission to make the people of India Krishna Conscious.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Paris 13 June, 1974:

I find in both these letters you have especially desired to call Tamala Krsna Goswami to act as GBC. But he left India particularly thinking himself not very fit for management. He has now gone for preaching work with Visnujana Maharaja and recently Karandhara met him and Tamala Krsna Maharaja is now unwilling to come to India for GBC management work. Therefore I have called Karandhara Prabhu to act as GBC in India. He has practical experience in various lines of management work. I hope he will replace Tamala Krsna Maharaja better than anyone else.

Tamala Krsna Maharaja said that you are not following the regulative principles. I do not know why you should do like that. Anyway, if there was any discrepancies in that way I hope you will rectify it and fully cooperate with Karandhara Prabhu.

Letter to Acyutananda -- Paris 14 June, 1974:

Please yourself and Mahamsa Swami work in full cooperation with Karandhara Prabhu who is leaving Paris today for Bombay. You may send him regular reports as he is taking over from Tamala Krsna Maharaja, as GBC of India.

Letter to Aksayananda , Pancadravida -- Paris 14 June, 1974:

Continue to send your collections to the BBT in Bombay. I shall be glad to hear the progressive reports of your preaching, and now you may report regularly to Karandhara Prabhu and take up management affairs with him, as he has gone today to India to take over GBC affairs. Hope this finds your sankirtana party members in good spirits by careful following of all regulative principles.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Frankfurt 17 June, 1974:

I am glad to read that you are eager to join me as my permanent secretary and that your major concern is to help provide me with "a conducive environment to translate" my books. That is my desire also. On the other hand, I can understand the programs are developing in Kenya and therefore you want a strong replacement before you leave Africa. I think Gargamuni Maharaja can do it nicely. I have written him a letter inviting him to go to Africa and also Karandhara has gone to Calcutta to talk with him directly about this. So we shall see whether he is willing.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Frankfurt 19 June, 1974:

In case I do not go to Australia I will go to U.S.A. via London. So unless I meet you on my return to India by the 25th July, do not go outside of India. I want to discuss on some important subject matter and want to meet you and Karandhara together. That is the idea.

Letter to Central Bank of India -- Melbourne 24 June, 1974:

Please be informed that it has hereby been resolved by myself, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the Settlor, and the Trustees of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, that the following persons shall henceforth be empowered to act as signatories and executors of the above mentioned account at your bank:

1) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

2) Giriraja das Brahmacari

3) Karandhara das Adhikari

I, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the Settlor of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, shall have full power and authority to act alone on all matters pertaining to the above mentioned account; whereas Giriraja das Brahmacari and Karandhara das Adhikari, Trustees of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, shall have the same powers by acting conjointly on all account matters.

Letter to Karandhara -- Los Angeles 14 July, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your express letter dated July 6, 1974 and have noted the contents. The festival must be gorgeously done. It should not be poor. If there is a scarcity of money, it will be supplied. There must be full prasadam for all the guests. You plan for that, and I will supply the funds. Complete prasada distribution must go on.

Regarding the temple not being finished on time, that is your responsibility. What can I do?

I Hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

My Dear Saurabha dasa:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 25/6/74 redirected from Australia. In the meantime I have received one letter from Karandhara Prabhu, so I am replying two letters conjointly. I also request you to draw an exact similar plan like that of our Vrindaban temple and send it to Trinidad at the following address: ISKCON, 21 C Penbroke St., Port Of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies. The idea is that we have got a land there, one half acre, and we want to construct a similar temple like Vrindaban there. So I hope at your earliest convenience you will send the site plan at least to Trinidad as soon as possible. We have a proposed temple in Bhaktivedanta Manor, Letchmore Heath, London, and I hope in the meantime you might have received the same request from Madhavananda Prabhu.

I am a little agitated in mind because Karandhara's letter says that there may be some work to be done even during the time of our festival. So far prasada distribution, it must be very gorgeously done for seven days. There is no scarcity of money. I shall supply. Simply you have to manage things.

Letter to Giriraja -- New Vrindaban 20 July, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 11, 1974 the copy of which was forwarded to me here at our New Vrindaban. I am very pleased to know that things are going on according to routine. This morning we held a meeting of GBC members, and I have sent a telegram addressed to Karandhara as follows:

"YOUR RESIGNATION ACCEPTED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH GBC GIVE CHARGE TO JAGADISHA"—BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI

So you note this and inform others. Jagadisa is immediately going there to India to take charge.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Vrindaban 8 August, 1974:

Regarding Karandhara's comment that Mayapur and Calcutta were the best organized centers in India, that I know. I have full faith in you, and also Bhavananda and Jayapataka Maharajas.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Vrindaban 14 August, 1974:

Yes, it is already settled about Hamsaduta replacing Karandhara.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Vrindaban 30 August, 1974:

Regarding Karandhara, he has already been informed that I have accepted his resignation from BBT. It is all right that Tamala Krsna borrows $10,000 for a bus and that Chicago borrows $10,000 to purchase their present building.

Letter to Karandhara -- Mathura 31 August, 1974:

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 Candanacarya -- Vrindaban 31 August, 1974:

You, and the others who have signed your proposal, should know that the BBT advanced to Spiritual Sky money without my consent. Now Spiritual Sky cannot return the money to BBT. What is the answer of Karandhara to this implication? Before becoming returned in his BBT position, he must answer this.

Letter to Resolution -- Vrindaban 15 September, 1974:

BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST RESOLUTION

The written resignation of Kelly Gifford Smith (Karandhara das Adhikari) is hereby accepted by the trustees of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Hans Kary (Hamsaduta das Adhikari) is hereby appointed as a Bhaktivedanta Book Trust trustee to replace Kelly Smith.

Resolved this 15th day of

September, 1974;

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

William Berke (Bali Mardan das Adhikari)

Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 8 October, 1974:

I am very pleased to receive your letter dated 9/11/74 and have noted the contents with great delight. The thing is where is the question of making any conspiracy. The materialistic man creates diplomacy and conspiracy for sense gratification. Everyone wants in the material world some reputation, profit, and some adoration. But so far we are concerned we are being trained up by following the footsteps of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: na dhanam na janam na sundarim kavitam va jagadisa kamaye/ mama janmani janmanisvare bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi (Cc. Antya 20.29, Śikṣāṣṭaka 4). "My Lord I do not want any monetary gain, neither any number of followers, or wife, but simply I want to be engaged in Your causeless devotional service, which means I do not even want salvation." So if actually we follow the footsteps of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, where is the question of conspiracy?

This whole institution was started singlehandedly without any capital. I went to your country with only Rs. 40/- and 200 sets of books. So if we take the capital of the whole business, it was the books and the Rs. 40/-. The Rs. 40/- was not even touched because Indian Rupees currency could not be spent in your country. In 1967 when I came back to India the Rs. 40/- was paid for the taxi cab. The 200 sets of books was sold, and I was maintaining myself with great difficulty. Now by the grace of Krishna books sales have increased tremendously, and whatever money we are spending it is from the books sales; or whatever money is also being squandered that is also from the book sales.

Now by the grace of Krishna we have got sufficient properties all over the world, so there cannot be any diplomacy or conspiracy by any sane man. All these properties and opulences, whatever we have got, this will not go with me when I go away from this world. It will remain here. I am training some of my experienced disciples how to manage after my departure. So if instead of taking the training, if in my lifetime you people say I am the Lord of all I survey, that is dangerous conspiracy.

As alleged by you I have received complaints against Bali Mardan and his wife, so seriously so much so that the girl has declared that Bali Mardan is an incarnation of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on my name. In India some of the important members they have collected huge amounts in the name of the Society and spent it luxuriously. I wanted you all my experienced disciples should manage the whole institution very cleverly without any personal ambition like ordinary materialistic men. The Gaudiya Math institution has become smashed, at least stopped its program of preaching work on account of personal ambitions.

So whatever is done is done. I shall request you all not to be personally ambitious. I shall do everything in my power to fulfill your personal ambitions, but that will be done in due course of time when you are fully trained up and following the regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds.

So complaints against Bali Mardan is very serious, and I have appointed an enquiry committee, consisting of three men. Let us know the report. So far yourself is concerned, you know I had full faith in you, and whatever you did I never objected. But, in the meantime twice thrice you resigned. That has given me a little agitation. So kindly follow the regulative principles regularly chant 16 rounds and make up the deficit in Spiritual Sky, and gradually everything will come to its right position, and I hope Krishna will help us to adjust the present situation very peacefully.

I believe all my students they are very serious devotees, maybe sometimes influenced by maya, but they can be corrected and the whole thing will go on as usual without any difficulty. Please try to help me in this connection in this endeavor.

I hope you are living very peacefully with wife and children without being disturbed by anything else. More in my next.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Mayapur 9 October, 1974:

Regarding Bali Mardan, there are so many charges and counter charges. We have appointed an enquiry committee., and let it be finished and we shall do the needful. I have also written to Karandhara, and you can read the letter so that everything may be cleared.

Letter to Gurudas Prabhu -- Mayapur 14 October, 1974:

So far I know you have received from Murtidas Dollars 4,000.00; from Nanda Kumar 1700.00; from Srila Prabhupad before he left India Rs. 60,000/-, and from Karandhar Rs. 40,000/-. You must present the account of how these monies were spent before getting any facility for collecting additional funds. As GBC I must request you not to try to collect any money until you account for this money.

Letter to Jayatirtha & Karandhar -- Bombay 16 November, 1974:

Please accept my humble obeisances. Regarding the corporate status of ISKCON in relation to Spiritual sky, it is desirable that Spiritual Sky separate itself from ISKCON so that ISKCON will not be subject to any debts incurred by Spiritual Sky.

It is expected that in the near future the tax shelter that was offered to Spiritual Sky by ISKCON will not be available when the U.S. tax laws are changed. It is also understood that the Spiritual Sky management intends to separate itself from ISKCON in the near future.

Further, in a memo dated October 16, 1974 written by Ramesvara it is stated: "For a number of reasons the temples around the Society in general have been completely dropping Spiritual Sky over the past three months as a permanent business function." Jayatirtha has also indicated that the future Spiritual Sky personnel policy is to phase out devotee participation as fas as possible.

Therefore the conclusion is that the formal separation between Spiritual Sky and ISKCON should be concluded immediately. You are requested to make Spiritual Sky a separate entity and apart from ISKCON at the earliest possible.

It is also considered that if a suitable price can be gotten for the business, then it may be sold.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your servants, Brahmananda Swami, Bali Mardan das Adhikary, Bhagavan das Adhikary

Approved: ACBS

(Initialed by Prabhupada)

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 1 December, 1974:

Karandhara is no longer BBT Trustee, so his name can be removed from the accounts and your signature can be added. Bali Mardan is on the marginal stage. Things will be decided when I go to Hawaii. It is my opinion that he has fallen victim to the woman. Maya is very strong, but if we try to save him by our combined efforts, because he is a good asset. So I am trying to save him from the victimization.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- Bombay 17 January, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 11-1-75 and have noted the contents. If Karandhara can continue to pay the 9,000 dollars monthly, then what is the necessity of change? Let him continue.

Letter to Karandhara -- Honolulu 1 February, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 1-28-75 and have noted the contents. I will be leaving Honolulu on Feb. 9th and will be arriving there in Los Angeles on the same day. While I am in L.A., we can discuss your situation in detail. I will see you there.

Letter to Karandhara -- Honolulu 18 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 6/9/75 and have noted the contents. Any position we remain in, we must have full dependence on our spiritual life.—chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, etc. This will maintain our spiritual strength. And if we maintain our spiritual strength, then anywhere we live, we live under the protection of Krishna. A Narayana-para or a person who is fully surrendered to Narayana is not afraid to live even in most dangerous place. He is always safe, under the protection of Narayana.

To help the preaching work, that is also preaching. If you can get money to help expand our preaching activities, that is preaching. We require money. Laksmi is the immediate assistant of Narayana. Narayana is always preceded by the word Laksmi. The Mayavadi philosophers do not touch laksmi, but we accept for the service of Krishna. We are not of the mentality of Ravana who took Laksmi from Narayana and became ruined. Keep Laksmi and Narayana always together and you will become as powerful as Hanuman. He is always worshiped along with Lord Rama and Laksmi-Sita. There are many temples of Hanuman in India.

Regarding investing money there in Iran, I have no objection if it is kept in Atreya Rsi's name. He is one of our men. Please send the complete details in this connection and I shall decide.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Ahmedabad 26 September, 1975:

You say that Karandhara was being supported by Jayatirtha, but Karandhara does he have any position still? He has no official position I do not think.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 29 January, 1976:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated January 21st, 1976.

The photos of my murti are very nice. The murti of the Spiritual Master should be treated as good as the Deity. Saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair, uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih/kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya **, The guru should be treated as good as God. This is stated in all the sastras. The difference is that God is master-God and guru is servant-God. So the installation ceremony for such a murti should be similar to that done for other Deities. All Temples can have this Deity if they like. But Temples which have only Panca-tattva painting worship should not be given this Deity.

You should make a murti of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and then they may be worshiped together as is now being done in our Krishna Balarama Temple. They should be placed with Gaura Nitai—Guru Gauranga.

Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 21 March, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 5, 1976 which was delivered to me by Ramesvara. Hrdayananda Maharaja has suggested that why don't you come to South America and assist him in responsible management. That is good idea. Please keep me informed of your activities.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 13 April, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 30, 1976 and I have noted the contents with care. Concerning your going to South America to assist there, if you like there is no need to go immediately. First you can complete the exhibit there in Los Angeles. There is no need to go immediately. I shall be visiting our centres in Melbourne, Auckland, Fiji, then Hawaii. After some time I shall then come to Los Angeles.

Letter to Karandhara -- New Delhi 31 August, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your nice letter dated August 13, 1976. So you are already engaged in the service of Krsna. Stick to it and that will make you perfect. You are following the regulative principles. This is our spiritual strength and you are most fortunate that you have got a very good wife. Your wife met me in NY and New Vrndavana and she is a very great devotee.

I know that you are competent to manage any department, whichever department you like you can render your service and keep yourself peaceful with your good wife. There is no impediment for grhasthas to become fully Krsna conscious. All of Caitanya Mahaprabhu's associates were grhasthas and all of them helped Caitanya Mahaprabhu in His missionary activities. Later on He took sannyasa and specifically He was assisted by Svarupa Damodara, but still He had intimate relations with grhasthas like Advaita Acarya, Nityananda, Gadadhara, and Srivas Thakura.

So, in whichever status of life you may remain, if you stick to the principles, then you are alright. I am going to Vrndavana. If it is convenient you can stay for some time in Vrndavana with your family.

I always think of you as I do think of my other disciples, and surely Krsna will help you to become a very strong devotee of the Lord. Please offer my blessings to your wife and children.

Letter to Karandhara -- Vrindaban 26 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 18th inst. and have noted the contents. Regarding the skyscraper scheme, yes, that I have already sanctioned since the idea was given to me by you. If you make 2500 mrdangas per year, that is very good, then distribute to the whole of American people.

Page Title:	Training of Karandhara dasa (Letters, 1973 - 1977)
Compiler:	Visnu Murti
Created:	20 of May, 2010
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=121
No. of Quotes:	121