Training of Mukunda dasa (Letters, 1967 - 1968)

Correspondence

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 25 January, 1967:

In the morning class there are not less than 25 students and in the evening there are 30 to 50 students. And I think they are gradually understanding the philosophy seriously. Sriman Mukunda Das has in view a plot of land about sixty acres for the society and he wishes to organize our community camp there. It is very encouraging.

Letter to Devotees -- San Francisco 30 March, 1967:

I am aware that you are feeling my absence just as I am feeling the absence from you. But in the meantime this must be so and Krishna will provide for you as long as you keep chanting Hare Krishna. I want to see each and every one of you, so I am asking Mukunda to arrange my visits since he has volunteered to render this service. If any of you have any particular points you wish to discuss with me, please have Mukunda make an appointment with me for you. I am always at your service.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- San Francisco 7 April, 1967:

I am so pleased to have your association and I always thank my Spiritual Master Om Visnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja for His favor by sending me some sincere representative of Him in missionary activities in this part of the world. I came here to execute His Will and by His Grace I have so many good souls like you, Brahmananda, Satsvarupa, Hayagriva, Rayarama, Haridasa, Mukunda etc. I consider you all as representative of my Guru maharaj to help me in this helpless condition. My Godbrothers did not help me but my Spiritual Master has helped me. So do not think that I can ever forget you even for a moment. I pray to Krishna for your more and more advancement of Krishna Consciousness. Be happy and execute more and more service for Krishna and Krishna will accept you in His association.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- San Francisco 7 April, 1967:

Editing of my lectures may be a hard task for you but it will prove an examination test for you as how far you have heard me attentively. Never mind it is slow but it must be sure. You can keep a note of my activities and can wait for writing book at suitable time. I am asking Mukunda to send one copy of the presentation as he has made a presentation to Sriman Brahmananda.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 12 April, 1967:

I hope in the meantime you have received my previous letter informing my safe arrival in New York.

Today I have received the certificates from India and the copies are enclosed herewith. Please immediately consult your Lawyer friend who wanted this certificates and do the needful. I must have now the Permanent visa otherwise I cannot go to Montreal and work will suffer very much if I do not go to Montreal by the next month. Kindly let me know what you have done in this connection and I shall wait your letter with interest.

I heard that for appointing a teacher-foreigner expert in particular subject one has to submit application with $25.00 fees and certificate of bona fides of the teacher sponsored by some American. The form I got from the office of Immigration is perhaps lying at San Francisco.

Anyway you wanted the certificate which is now obtained and now you can do the needful quickly and let me know what you have done. Please offer my blessings to all my devotees and specially Janaki Devi. Awaiting your early reply. I hope you are following the prescribed routine work for holding the classes and shall be glad to know about it.

Your ever well wisher.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Enclosure: Copy of the certificate.

N.B. I have not heard anything about the printing affair of Bhagavad-gita.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 5 May, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 1, 1967 and thank you very much. You will be pleased to know that yesterday at noon at the City College of New York I had a very successful meeting amongst the students. There were about 200 students present, and at the last kirtana they all danced and sung with me, and there were 20 minutes of answers and questions. This meeting was arranged by the Philosophy Dept. Chairman, so it was very nice and successful. Regarding your inquiry about the individual soul present, I think you will remember that I have several times explained that throughout the whole cosmic creation, not only in the cosmic creation, in the Spiritual World also, the individual is full everywhere, they are numberless. In the material world, the number of souls are very small. In the Spiritual World the number of individual souls are far far greater than what they are here. The conditioned souls are just like prisoners, as we have got less population in the prison house, similarly, in the material world the number of individual souls are very small. So you may understand from me that the individual souls are everywhere, means, anywhere you go within this material world there are individual living entities, in all planets in the outer space, in the water, on the land everywhere.

You have done right by attaching a lace on the mrdanga just to make it convenient playing while dancing. I request you to get more mrdangas, of course the first consignment of mrdangas and the cymbals I sent money from my personal book account but if you want more mrdangas you will have to arrange to pay. A first class mrdanga available in India is about ten dollars. I think you should get at least 4 mrdangas and teach, so that other students also can play on it, so if there are 3 or 4 mrdangas played at the park and there are about 20 pairs of cymbals then the kirtana will be more beautiful. We have to popularize this movement everywhere so if you send me 100 dollars then I can secure for you, one best harmonium and 2 mrdangas and 3 pairs of cymbals. What happened about your preparing the cymbals; if you prepare the cymbals there is possibility of being sold in New York, many pairs—so why don't you do it? But if you are not doing it then you must get it from India. It is very pleasing to hear that you are keeping the temple neat and clean, at the same time you bedeck the temple with flowers.

I am very glad to learn that you have got a technicolor movie and it is very nice that it has sound added of our voices. I duly received the photos and immigration material, but neither the photos could be offset printed, nor could I use the immigration material as sent by you. Mr. Ypslantin the lawyer is going in his own way, so he does not take this material formerly I offered, so let the matter be done in his own; there is no other way than to depend on the lawyer. Similarly in Montreal also, Janis our student, Janardana is trying for a Canadian visa. Let me see what is done.

I received a letter from your wife, Janaki. I think she is the foremost girl who is feeling my separation, so kindly inform her that I am very much pleased to learn that she is making progress considerably in Krishna Consciousness.

I have also received a letter from her sister and her brother in law, Guru das, so I am replying to them separately. I think I shall address them care of our temple and when you receive you can re-direct if they are not there.

I shall be very glad to receive some letters from you. Give me the weekly report of your activities at San Francisco. Thanking you once more, I am your ever well-wisher,

Yours,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. I learn that in the temple there are sometimes men with no work. This should not be allowed. Every one must be busy with some work in Krishna Consciousness. Idleness is not Krishna Consciousness. Please take care of this omission I shall be glad to hear from you about this.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- New York 5 May, 1967:

You are doing very nice alone, and Krishna will help you more and more. As you are managing our Montreal center, similarly, Mukunda and Haridasa and Syamasundara are also very nicely managing the center in San Francisco. I have received also one letter from Mukunda of the same date, May 1st, 1967 and he writes as follows: "I am happy to report that many more people are attending kirtana. Someone has made a beautiful technicolor movie (our first in Golden Gate Park) called 'Hare Krishna.' It has sound, our voices." I am sorry that you have no good mrdanga, but if you send me a hundred dollars as I have already written to Pradyumna I can get a mrdanga and good harmonium for you so that you can have your kirtana very nicely.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- New York 5 May, 1967:

I think some of you like yourself, Satsvarupa, Brahmananda and Mukunda and Gargamuni, Acyutananda and all of you had already cultivated this Krishna Consciousness in your past lives, now Lord Caitanya wants that this movement should be spread in the western countries, so most probably in your previous births you were all Indians and cultivated this Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Upendra -- New York 6 May, 1967:

Also I would request you to pay the rent on room in which I was staying. The Society is short of __ and therefore you can assure Haridasa, Mukunda and Syamasundara. that hence forward you should take responsibility for the rent of my apartment.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 13 May, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter of the 9th May as well as Srimati Janaki's letter of the same date. Please convey my blessings for her and all the boys and girls in San Francisco. Since I have come to New York I have not heard anything from Jayananda Das Brahmacari (Jim). Is he regularly attending meetings. I shall be glad to hear from him. The gentleman who wrote on Meditation is Dr. Haridasa Chowdhury. You can find his name from the telephone directory.

The devotees of the temple must keep themselves engaged otherwise they cannot make progress in Krishna consciousness. The maya is very strong and as soon as there is opportunity the Maya will come and attack. Therefore every one should be very careful against the attack of Maya. And the only effective defense is remain Krishna consciousness always.

If you can prepare cymbals surely there will be good demand for it. There are many customers here already demanding it. Gargamuni is supplying them small finger cymbals and they are accepting it.

So far questions on spiritual realization and doubts in the study of the Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam may be placed before me and I shall try to solve them to my best knowledge.

Regarding publication of the Bhagavad-gita the quotations so far received are 11000 to 13000 thousand dollars. I have got about 6000 thousand dollars and I am eager to have the balance from any other source. The profit derived from record selling may be given to this fund. Gargamuni is paying me in that way. I wish that you may also follow the same principle.

Any sitar player or tabla player or any other musician invited in the temple cannot play anything except Hare Krishna. Neither any one can utilize the temple for some musical demonstration. Such things are items for sense gratification. If somebody comes in the temple to chant Hare Krishna by his musical talents he is welcome otherwise not. Please follow this principle.

Here also new youngsters are coming more and more to take interest Krishna consciousness. We require a bigger place but I do not know how Krishna will help us. There is a very nice building in this area and we are negotiating but do not know what is Krishna's plan. Hope you are all well.

Yours ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. Nandarani has sent a letter to Brahmananda asking back her Typewriter. Did you not ask her when I wanted to exchange with mine?

N.B. I have received Balabhadra & expecting Subhadra. In Montreal they are preparing there order so you may not prepare for Montreal but if possible make for Los Angeles.

Letter to Mukunda, Janaki -- New York 21 May, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter of the 17th instant. Your ardent call is responding from heart and I have decided to return to San Francisco any day after 5th June 1967. You can advise therefore the American Air Lines for booking my seat and take my instruction here when I shall start as you did it last time.

I have already received letter from Jayananda with thanks. I have received letter from all my spiritual children and I am very sorry that I could not reply them timely although I have replied some of them already. But you may announce to them that I am coming at San Francisco very soon some time in the second week of June 1967.

The pamphlet which you have sent to me is very encouraging. It is clear from the statement that some of the young men of this country are very much eager to have some spiritual enlightenment and as such this movement Sankirtana inaugurated by Lord Caitanya, is just the suitable contribution for such searching after truth. So let us take this opportunity and convince them that this movement of Sankirtana is the only means for spiritual realization, very simple and universal. In our Kirtana there is no need of so called meditation and gymnastic of bodily exercise. It is simple and can be practiced even by the small children and we have practically seen it how small boys and girls do take part in it by chanting dancing with us and what to speak of eating the delicious Krishna Prasadam.

So you can talk with the leaders of the movement to accept this common formula namely chanting Hare Krishna, dancing with it, hear the sublime philosophy of Bhagavad-gita directly from the representative of Krishna, and eat Krishna Prasada. Let the leaders be open minded and not be biased by any sectarian thoughts of religiosity. This movement is universal. We invite every one to our feast and Kirtana but when one comes into the confidence we initiate him in the process and request him to observe four principles of restrictions based on philosophy and morality. Nobody can realize spiritual enlightenment without following the principles of purity. Therefore our four principles of restriction must be adopted when one is serious about further enlightenment. I am glad that Ravindrasvarupa and Devakinandana (David) is already negotiating with the authorities and it is good that you are arranging for twenty four hours chanting in the proposed camp.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 24 May, 1967:

Since I wrote you last an important negotiation is going on in respect of purchasing a very nice house for the ISKCON H.Q. in New York. So I may not start in the beginning of the Second week of June 1967; but I am sure to reach there by the end of Second week of June 1967. I hope this will not cause any inconvenience.

I shall be glad to hear from you. Please convey my blessings to Janaki and other girls.

Letter to Krsna Devi, Subala, Lilavati, Yamuna, Jayananda, Upendra, Malati, Gurudasa, Syamasundara, Haridasa, Mukunda, Janaki, Aunt Edna Howell -- New York 5 June, 1967:

My dear boys and girls I am so much obliged to you for your prayers to Krishna to save my life. Due to your sincere and ardent prayer, Krishna has saved my life. I was to die on Tuesday certainly but because you prayed sincerely I am saved. Now I am improving gradually and coming to original condition. Now I can hope to meet you again and chant with you, Hare Krishna. I am so glad to receive the report of your progressive march and I hope there will be no difficulty in your understanding Krishna Consciousness. My blessings are always with you and with confidence you go on with your chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 6 June, 1967:

The record which you have sent singing Sri Ram, Jaya Ram, Jaya Jaya Ram, and other Kirtana is really a new turn and we have enjoyed the record so nicely. This Narada Muni song is in your country tune and I think it will attract many more of common man to join the Kirtana so you should practice this standard Kirtana more conveniently so that during your Rathayatra festival you can have this singing with the procession.

Please inform all the devotees, boys and girls, especially Janaki devi, that I am progressing well. As soon as I get a little strength for travelling I shall come to San Francisco. In the meantime I shall be very glad to know what arrangements you are going to do for the Rathayatra festival. Make it a grand procession and unique introduction in the United States.

Please inform Upendra that I have very much appreciated his letter of service attitude. This service attitude is a great asset of revelation in Krishna Consciousness.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Also inform Jayananda I have received his letter and the difficulties of life may come as seasonal changes but we should not be disturbed by all those difficulties. Our process is to chant and that process will gradually clear everything in due course. There is nothing to be disrupted—you should go on with your work with enthusiasm and everything will be solved. We are on the sound footing of Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 9 June, 1967:

With reference to our telephone conversation, I beg to enclose herewith three photo-offset copies of certificates.

I have come to the seashore in N.J. and am progressing well. Today I have taken a shower bath by myself for the first time since getting ill.

I am enclosing two offset copies, one from N.Y.U. and one from Slippery Rock State College, also one from Saint Fidelis College and Seminary. So far my certificates are concerned, if the originals are required I can send them, but I hope that these offset duplicates are as good as the original and I hope you will make proper use of them.

Most probably I may be able to come to S.F. by the 25th of this month.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 10 June, 1967:

I hope you have already received my yesterday letter with enclosure of certificate of photostatted copies. The original copies are lying in my room; they could not bring them, but if you think that the same certificates will serve our purpose, and the original are needful, then I will arrange to send them somehow or other. But you must ascertain whether that certificate will serve the purpose. I am a bona fide preacher in the line of Lord Caitanya. There is no doubt about it. That is practically proved. The certificates are also there. I am very much anxious to know if this will serve your purposes and a reply by return post will give me great relief. The idea is that if I get that permanent visa, then I shall settle things up in that way. I do not mind whether I am in the U.S.A. or Vrndavana, because my life and soul is to preach Krishna Consciousness; but if you think those certificates are not sufficient for my permanent visa after consulting gentlemen like Mr. Dhar or others whom you are consulting, then I shall think of going back to India. But if I get the permanent visa,, even in my broken health I shall stay in U.S.A. and try to propagate my mission through my disciples like you, Hayagriva, Kirtanananda, and others. I don't mind whether I die here or in Vrndavana—wherever there is Krishna, that is Vrndavana. So I shall be glad to hear from you the clear position about this. That will give me relief and new energy.

Letter to Mukunda -- New York 26 June, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 20, 1967. Although I am passing through critical stages of my health, still good reports from San Francisco, Montreal, and New York are giving me life. I understand that the certificate which you were to receive by registered post was dispatched from Calcutta on 2 May by ordinary mail, and it might be missing; so I have asked Tirtha Maharaja to send another to your address. The copy of the letter addressed to Tirtha Maharaja is enclosed. Please look for the mail. I hope the certificates which you have already are sufficient; but still, this certificate from Tirtha Maharaja will be more valuable.

I have fixed up to start for San Francisco on the 5th July, and the rest remains on Krishna.

Hope you are all doing well. Offer my blessings to Srimati Janaki Devi.

Letter to Mukunda -- Vrindaban 2 August, 1967:

I have not heard anything from you since I have come back to India.

Vinod Kumar who was supposed to reach U.S.A. on visitor's Visa is not granted the same. Please see if it is possible for him to get Immigration Visa. The forms are sent herewith please do the needful & let me know the result. I am awaiting to hear from you at an early date. Improving gradually. My Blessings for all & Janaki.

Letter to Mukunda -- Vrindaban 3 August, 1967:

Yesterday I have sent you a personal note on the request of Vinod Kumar. If immigration Visa's burdensome for the Society, then don't take the risk. I think to get immigration Visa is very difficult and therefore you may not unnecessarily involve the society in it. We cannot pay him any salary at the present moment or unless we see his talents, I shall let you know later on more about it. Hope you are well.

Letter to Mukunda -- Delhi 16 September, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter of Sept. 1, I could not write you because I was busy for coming to Delhi. I am very happy to learn that Janmashtami was performed with great pomp at our temple. A similar report comes from Montreal. Regarding Vinode Kumar, I think it will be difficult for us to take him to the States. The difficulty is that Scindia Lines has recently refused to give free passage to anyone except myself. So if we want to take him there we have to spend some thousands of dollars for his passage. I don't think the society can take the risk for a person who is not very expert. I have of course a mind to see the managing director in Bombay and unless a definite arrangement is made we can drop the idea of getting Vinode Kumar in the states. So far your requisition for musical instruments is concerned you can let me know your definite proposal, how many sitars and other things you require monthly. I think your friend or Mr. Kallman in N.Y. can invest some money in this connection. I've also written Mr. Kallman separately so you can let me know your definite ideas. One sitar manufacturer is prepared to go there and manufacture sitars locally for us, but I don't think, for the present moment it is a practical program. My health is improving slowly but undoubtedly there is improvement.

Letter to Janaki -- Delhi 16 September, 1967:

So your feelings and tears of Krishna Consciousness will make you more enriched in spiritual advancement. Your husband Mukunda is a very very good boy and you are fortunate enough to have such a nice devotee husband. A similar combination is there in your sister and Gurudasa. You will be angry if I say that your sister is better than you but I think I'm right because Mukunda supports me. Rivalry between good hearts is very nice job, but I'm equally pleased with both your sister and yourself.

Letter to Jayananda -- Delhi 29 September, 1967:

I congratulate you on your being elected as president of ISKCON San Francisco branch. Your election as president is a recognition by Krishna and therefore I have got full support for you. Mukunda and other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krishna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krishna Consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state.

Letter to Mukunda -- Delhi 29 September, 1967:

I'm in due receipt of your letter dated Sept. 21. I understand from your letter that you received one consignment of pictures from Brijbasi of Bombay. Did you order these pictures or were they sent of their own accord? From New York we placed an order last April, to their Delhi office the Delhi branch says that the order is forwarded to Bombay for execution. Please inform N.Y. that you have received the pictures. I think the picture you have must belong to the N.Y. branch. So far as musical instruments are concerned I don't think it is worthwhile. Shipping charges and packing and duty come to more than that one could purchase in the states. To send one tamboura by air the total price would come to $163 and by ship 110. If you wish to purchase 20 items at a time then you can get trade shipping rates. Please send my blessings to all the boys and girls in San Francisco.

Your ever wellwisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. I am going to Calcutta next week and I may see there how the business is possible.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Delhi 3 October, 1967:

Regarding my return. I may inform you that I am now 90% cured & I can immediately return but I want to return with permanent visa. Please therefore consult Mukunda, Brahmananda & Co. & do all the necessary action. I shall expect your reply touching all the points made herein to my Calcutta Address.

Letter to Nandarani, Krsna Devi, Subala, Uddhava -- Delhi 3 October, 1967:

As to my returning to U.S., I wish to get a permanent visa this time so that I may work without being checked as to my moving. Please therefore consult Mukunda (S.F.), Brahmananda (N.Y.) Janardana (Montreal), Rayarama (Boston) & send me either immigration papers or permanent visa on the strength of becoming minister of the society. I am now 90% fit to go to your country. I am starting for Calcutta on the 9th and my address there is on the front of envelope.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Delhi 4 October, 1967:

The pictures that you ordered from S.S. Brijbasi & Sons have been sent to San Francisco by mistake. Write Mukunda that you may get them back. He has received 3000 pictures from them by air.

Letter to Mukunda -- Delhi 7 October, 1967:

Your letter dated 30th September 1967 duly in hand. I understand that you are all very anxious to know about me. By the Grace of Lord Krishna I am now 90% well although the basic difficulty namely that I cannot walk very long distance is there. While sitting on my seat I do not feel anything abnormal; even nowadays I can type letters. I am eating also more than what I was eating in the states. On the whole I am now fit to go back to your country.

I think I have several times asked you for arranging my Permanent Visa or immigration Visa. This will settle myself in your country and I can move freely. While I was in the States you told that my certificates are sufficient to give me permanent Visa on the basis of being the Minister of the Society. Why not try for this and get me a permanent Visa. I am starting for Calcutta with Ramanuja and Acyutananda (9/10/67) who I think have already written to you about your Tanbura etc. Tanbura from Delhi by Air Mail is very costly. When I go to Calcutta on the 9th October 1967 I shall personally try for the Tanbura Harmoniums etc and settle the terms with Dwarkin and Sons. My address in Calcutta is mentioned above.

The record player which you gave me at the Stinson Beach is lost. It is stolen by somebody from my room while I was alone sleeping. I can take some police action but I do not wish to implicate myself in such a way because I am going to Calcutta. Is it possible to send me another to my Calcutta address by air mail. If it is too costly do not send. But such portable record players are not available in India. What happened to your cymbals. Now as I am going to Calcutta, I shall personally try for all kinds of supply. Please let me know in details all the goods that you may require from India to execute regular transaction for which you have already started a partnership establishment.

The pictures which you have received from S.S. Brijbasi & Sons, belong to the New York center. They sent the order and paid $125.00 for the price. If you want to keep the pictures then your establishment must send $125.00 to me so that I can arrange to send another consignment for New York.

Letter to Mukunda -- Calcutta 18 October, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your telegram reading as follows;

"Swamiji Now Filling third Preference Visa with Documents"

Today I have been to the American Consular office & upon presentation of the invitation letters from the different centers I was at once granted visitors visa under #B2. The officer whom I met was very sympathetic & he said that Immigration visa from this side would take a long time for being granted better I took the visitors visa—so I have accepted it. Now for the present you may not take any steps until my arrival. Tomorrow we shall get your tamboura. Hope you are well.

Letter to Mukunda -- Calcutta 23 October, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter of Oct 16 with great pleasure. Now I feel certain that you will get my immigration visa, in the meantime as I have already informed you I've gotten a visitors visa immediately on presenting passport. So please let me know whether I should wait for the immigration visa as you intend to send me or should I start on the strength of the visitors visa. On the whole now I can start any day I like but if you think I should wait I shall wait. You must write me immediately. I'm leaving Calcutta the day after tomorrow for Navadvipa, the birth place of Lord Caitanya and my address is given on the overleaf (please find). You will reply this letter to my Navadvipa address and on hearing from you I will do the needful.

When coming from San Francisco I promised to Janaki and other girls that this time when I come back I shall first come to San Francisco. So I shall return by Pacific route and possibly make a break in the journey in Tokyo and Hawaii. I have duly received the copies of your correspondence with SS Brijbasi. I understand that there was no mistake on your part. Along with your letter I have the note of Janaki's Aunt Edna. Please convey my greetings and good wishes to her. She may remain there with you till my return. I have duly received your telegram as well.

Letter to Jadurani -- Navadvipa 26 October, 1967:

In spiritual life there is no allowance of association of man and woman without being married. I have already secured my visitors visa & have advised my travel agent to purchase my ticket via the pacific route, & I have already secured my passage money. So on any day I can start for your country, but recently I've received from Mukunda stating that he is arranging for my permanent visa which will enable me to move freely. I've already asked him to let me know whether I should wait or start on the visitors visa.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Navadvipa 26 October, 1967:

I have already duly received the invitation from Harvard University. It is understood that they are scheduling me for 20 Nov. between 6 and 10 PM. I can start immediately on the strength of my visitors visa, but I am waiting for Mukunda's reply who is trying for my permanent visa.

Letter to Mukunda -- Navadvipa 28 October, 1967:

I thank you very much for sending me a record player by air freight, but since you have not mentioned that it is an unsolicited gift, customs has raised objections & they want to levy duty to the extent of 100 Rs. Please immediately send a letter addressed to Calcutta Customs stating that the record player was sent to me as an unsolicited gift. Send the letter to:

S.K. Dutta, 76 Durga Charan Doctor Rd., Calcutta, 14. Also please let me know if I should start on the visitors visa or whether I should wait for your permanent visa arrangement.

Letter to Nandarani -- Navadvipa 29 October, 1967:

I have already arranged for going back to your country & I have secured a visitors visa & the passage money is also deposited with the travel agent, so the only thing is that Mukunda is trying to get my permanent visa & I am waiting for his final word in this connection. I thank you very much for your proposal that I shall stay at L.A. & you will arrange for all my comforts. I am looking forward for the opportunity. From India I shall first go to San Francisco & then to your place.

Letter to Mukunda -- Calcutta 4 November, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Oct. 22 and I've noted the contents. I am much obliged to you for sending me the record player which is essential but I could save the customs duty of 120 Rs if you could have sent a note stating that it was an unsolicited gift. Anyway the machine was received intact and I am enjoying it. But I have not heard anything definitely whether I shall wait for the final disposal of your visa application or if I may start immediately.

As you say that my absence is being felt now more deeply than ever, so I also feel to start immediately without waiting. The morning prayer can be recorded when I return. If there is actually a brahmacarini asrama organized by San Francisco devotees, it will be very nice to keep there Jadurani as the leader of the brahmacarinis. I am very glad that two other devotees are waiting for me.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 11 November, 1967:

I do not want crowd of Kirtananandas but I want a single soul like Brahmananda, Mukunda, Rayarama, and Satsvarupa. The same example is always applicable that one moon is sufficient for the night as not thousands of stars. Please carefully handle the dealings with MacMillan Co. which was begun by your good self. If publications are there we can work from one center only like New York or San Francisco for propagating our cult all over the world. Let us stick to the publication of BTG more and more nicely and publish some Vedic literatures like Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, etc. I've received one telegram from Mukunda, reading as follows: SWAMIJI BRAHMANANDA AND I AGREE YOU START IMMEDIATELY ADVISE EXACT ARRIVAL—MUKUNDA in reply to this, I may say that I am expecting my P-Form sanctioned and most probably I shall be starting sometime next week. If I stop in Tokyo for a day to probe if there is any possibility of starting a center. From Tokyo I shall let Mukunda know by telegram when I am exactly arriving in San Francisco. From San Francisco I shall try to go to see our two new centers, namely Los Angles and Sante Fe.

I have read your statements regarding opening centers. I am not in agreement with Mr. Altman that we are expanding very thinly. In my opinion, a single sincere soul can maintain a center. You know I started the center at 26 2nd Ave. alone. I took the risk of 200.00 dollars per month for the rent. At that time there were no assistants. Mukunda was at that time a friend but there was no responsibility for him for maintaining the center. Gradually Kirtanananda and Hayagriva joined but they did not take any responsibility. Still I was maintaining the establishment simply depending on Krishna and then Krishna sent me everything—men and money. Similarly, if a sincere soul goes out and opens a center in any part of the world Krishna will help him in all respects. Without being empowered by Krishna, nobody can preach Krishna Consciousness. It is not academic qualification or financial strength which helps in these matters, but it is sincerity of purpose which helps us always. Therefore, I wish that you will remain in charge of New York, let Satsvarupa be in charge of Boston, Let Mukunda be in charge of San Francisco, let Janardana be in charge of Montreal. Let Nandarani and Dayananda be in charge of Los Angeles. And let Subala das be in charge of Santa Fe. In this way you will follow my example as I did in the beginning at 26 2nd Ave. That is preaching, cooking, writing, talking, chanting everything one man's show. I never thought about the audience. I was prepared to chant if there were no man to hear me. The principle of chanting is to glorify the Lord and not to attract a crowd. If Krishna hears nicely then he will ask some sincere devotee to gather in such place. Therefore, be advised that thousands of centers may be started if we find out a sincere soul for each and every center. We do not require more men to start. If there is one sincere soul that is sufficient to start a new center. With this expectation I wanted to send Kirtanananda to London but he has proved himself unworthy. When I arrive in your state, I may ask Rayarama to go to London and your good self to Russia and Gargamuni to Holland. The incident created by Kirtanananda and Hayagriva may not disappoint us in the least. Let us remain sincere to Krishna and His bona fide representative and we are sure to carry out our mission successfully.

Letter to Mukunda -- Calcutta 11 November, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Nov. 5, including the air waybill but before this, I had cleared the record player paying a duty of 120.oo Rs. So there is no more any chance of getting back this money. But your timely dispatching the machine is very much appreciated by Krishna and I thank you very much for this prompt service. Regarding your telegram; I may inform you that I am starting sometime next week. I shall inform you as soon as I book my ticket of my time of arrival (ETA). Regarding your business, I have seen many merchants who will supply us incense, frankincense, saris, musical instruments, dancing ghungru (jingle bells for feet) etc.

Letter to Subala -- Calcutta 12 November, 1967:

We must stick to the service of the Lord very seriously & that will help us make progress. In this connection I have written one letter, to Brahmananda the portion in which you may be interested is sub-joined herein.

"I do not want a crowd of Kirtananandas, but I want a single soul like Brahmananda, Mukunda, Rayarama & Satsvarupa . . . I have seen your statement regarding opening centers. I am not in agreement with Mr. Altman that we are expanding very thinly. In my opinion a single sincere soul can maintain a center. You know, I started the center at 26 2nd Ave. alone. I took the risk of $200. rent. At that time there were no assistants. Mukunda was a friend, but there was no responsibility for him for maintaining center. Gradually Kirtanananda, Hayagriva joined but they did not take any responsibility. Still, I was maintaining the establishment simply depending on Krishna and then Krishna sent me everything; men & money. Similarly, if a sincere soul goes out and opens a center in any part of the part, Krishna will help him in all respects. Without being empowered by Krishna nobody can preach Krishna Consciousness. It is not academic qualification or financial strength which helps in the matter, but it is sincerity of purpose which helps us always. Therefore I wish that you will remain in charge of Boston. Let Mukunda be in charge of San Francisco. Let Janardana be in charge of Montreal, Nandarani and Dayananda be in charge of Los Angeles. And let Subala das be in charge of Santa Fe.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 18 November, 1967:

Today I shall go to the travel agent's office for booking my seat and may start by next Monday or Tuesday. In my next letter I shall let you and Mukunda know of my journey from Calcutta to San Francisco, via Bangkok, Hong Kong etc.

Letter to Mukunda -- Calcutta 21 November, 1967:

Today I have booked my seat for San Francisco. Please inform this news to all the devotees, My spiritual sons and daughters. I have sent you one cablegram reading as follows;

Arriving 24th November 12:45 P.M. By PAA 846

More when we meet.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 22 November, 1967:

You will be pleased to know that I am arriving in San Francisco on Nov. 24 at 12:45 PM by Pan Am. flight no. 846. I've sent this news to Mukunda. I am enclosing a separate letter authorizing you to sign the contract in my behalf.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 7 December, 1967:

SS Brijbasi has taken so much time for nothing, they do not even reply letters, but on the other hand they have promptly delivered Mukunda's order, this means that business managing is not regular. You can send the copy of the letter to Acyutananda in which they have acknowledged payment. Acyutananda and Ramanuja will return to Vrindaban next week and I am starting for Japan on Sun or Mon positively. I shall try to get some Friends there and also try to meet Prof Rudolf Stein in Hawaii.

While I shall try to open some branches in the Pacific you can also try to open branches in parts of Europe as you have suggested in your letter under reply. I'm trying to find out some reliable man who can purchase goods and book them personally. If you come here it will be a nice idea, but you should come with money, purchase the goods and book them immediately. Air cargo will be too costly, we have already sent 1 tanpura to Mukunda and the cost was 106 Rs. but air cargo was 1,100 Rs. So you cannot do business by paying 11 times more than the cost for freight.

Letter to Mukunda -- Calcutta 8 December, 1967:

You will be glad to know that after the petty trouble in Calcutta and the city being normal, I have today booked my ticket for San Francisco via Tokyo. I am starting on Wednesday morning (Dec. 13) reaching Tokyo the same day. I shall rest there for 24 hours and then start for San Francisco arriving at 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 14 by flight PAA 846. I have got one general introduction letter from the mayor of Calcutta and it may be that I shall be meeting important people there.

You will be glad to know that I have arranged with Messrs. Dwarkin & Son, 8/2 Esplanade East, Calcutta-1, to supply all kinds of musical instruments to our society at a special discount of 20%. Ramanuja has already written you about this thing. There is one company, the "American Mail Line" Navigation Service from Calcutta to San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. They have got their office in San Francisco at #601 California Street. You can see the manager there and try to get free or concessional freight service for our temple goods. The only thing is that you have to impress upon them that Krishna Consciousness is an international organization for invoking man's dormant spiritual life. You can show him our other literatures, records and activities to convince him in this regard. You can also inform them that on the other side (Calcutta to New York) the Scindia Steam Navigation Co. has already given us facilities. We have also arranged for incense supply with a nice factory in Calcutta. I am carrying with me some varieties of samples. On the whole I have fixed up the carrying co., the musical co., the incense supply co., the cloth supply co., and all other things which you might require from India. You have no difficulty in getting things and you can chalk out your own program.

Letter to Rayarama -- San Francisco 31 December, 1967:

Here, all the students, especially Gaurasundara and Govinda dasi are taking my personal care. Upendra and Uddhava they are personally cooking for me, and Mukunda is personally looking after my permanent visa. So I see all round hopes; there is nothing to be disappointed in my service to Krishna. Let us go on with our work for Krishna for His satisfaction and for the benefit of the whole world. Thank you once more for your great service.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 16 January, 1968:

Regarding Bhattacarya Emporium letter: I have handed over the copy to Mukunda for necessary action. Bhattacarya's charges are high; as I have already informed you, there is a complete arrangement for supplying our goods from India. I have already made them; there is no difficulty.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 16 January, 1968:

I understand the new place is quite suitable and it will be very convenient for the students coming there. I have got all agreement with this proposal but still you consult with Jayananda and Mukunda and settle up things immediately. Jayananda is there and Mukunda has also gone there.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 1 February, 1968:

Yes, I very much approve of Mr. Kallman's idea for the book on "Transcendental Meditation." Rayarama has begun work on it already, and probably he will bring it back to N.Y. with him. Mukunda talked to Ravi Sankara and he said he is too busy with recordings and movies, etc.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 18 February, 1968:

I thank you very much for your letter dated Feb. 15, 1968, and noted the contents. I have already instructed Jayananda not to occupy the storefront in Berkeley if it is too much risky. We should not accept anything very risky because that will hamper us in our program of Krishna Consciousness. Our motto is simple living, high thinking; we should think of Krishna without being hampered by material disturbances, as far as possible. So too much risky thing is not for us. If something comes very easily for our manipulation we welcome it. You have got already a center in S.F. so it is better to make propaganda so that people may come there in throngs. Gargamuni can make this propaganda by sellng Back To Godheads. Personally, I shall advise you to try for our own temple, either in S.F. or in L.A. You wanted me to talk to some persons who are very rich and I am ready to go with you. In the meantime, as you want to do business and so also Gargamuni, now you can order any amount of Indian goods from Vrindaban De, my younger son. And he has agreed to execute all your orders on 10% commission. I think you should agree to allow him that commission, because unless he gets some profit for his labor, it does not become very encouraging. So if you agree to give him 10%, he will supply all your goods and you may pay on presentation of the documents. If you confirm this then I shall write to him again and both you and Gargamuni can send your order to him without any difficulty.

The dictaphone affair is still lying pendant. Most probably Rayarama is going to India by the middle of March so I would like that he may take with him the dictaphone suitable for Indian electricity. This will save me too much burden when I may return. If the arrangement is made that the N.Y. office of the firm with whom you are negotiating may deliver the dictaphone suitable for India to Rayarama, it will be very nice. Please think over this.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 24 February, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter of Feb. 22, 1968 with enclosures. I am writing letter to Sri Hrsikesa Brahmacari giving him instructions. You also write them to work for the Society in cooperation with Acyutananda without wasting time in sight seeing.

Regarding Dictaphone, Aniruddha is doing something.

I am now scheduled to go to S.F. by the 10th March 1968. Why not come here a few days earlier try to see some millionaires in connection with our Society's cause.

How Janaki is doing. My blessings for her.

Letter to Mukunda, Janaki -- Los Angeles 28 February, 1968:

I thank you very much for your letters of Feb. 24 and 25, 1968, and I have noted the contents. Yes, if you can find out some distributing agent for our Back to Godhead, that is very good. Please do it. I have received both dictaphone machines, and the new one is working nicely. The foreign one I have yet to test at some shop, which I will do this week. I have written in Uddhava's letter that I shall be arriving on March 8th, and we can discuss the meeting at the Immigration Bureau at that time.

I thank you very much for that nice sketch done by Janaki, and I shall have Jadurani begin a painting from that pose. So far the spirit soul is concerned, if conditions are for some reason not favorable in some place, he is forced to leave that womb and take shelter in another. And if there is chanting of Hare Krishna, even the soul is there for a short time, oh, he will hear and become advanced. This sound vibration is not material, it is spiritual, and powerful beyond our conception. So it cannot be hindered in any way by something material; it surpasses all these material barriers. So you can know it that when you are chanting, you are also giving benefit to even the child in the womb. I hope you are feeling much healthier by this time, and I shall be very glad to see you when I arrive in San Francisco. Hope you are both well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Please hand over the enclosed letter to Uddhava & Cidananda.

Letter to Acyutananda -- Los Angeles 1 March, 1968:

I have received your letter addressed to Mukunda and Guru das, in which you write to say that I may send you a telegram sanctioning your return. This means that you have become very much anxious to return back to USA, and I have become very much anxious to return back to USA, and I have also already sanctioned it, in reply to your last letter post-dated Feb. 21.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 1 March, 1968:

Regarding supplies from India: I have induced my younger son, Vrindaban De, to supply all kinds of Indian craftsmanship, namely ornaments, cloth, fine arts, dolls, saris, wooden slippers, linen shirts, or, anything that is sellable here, on 10% commission, and he has agreed. Mukunda and Gargamuni have agreed, and they are going to place orders to him.

Letter to Aniruddha -- San Francisco 13 March, 1968:

In the meantime, Mukunda and Janaki have come there, and I hope together you will do service to the Temple to your best capacity. I have got very good impression of the Temple in San Francisco, and both you and Mukunda may bring up the Los Angeles to the same standard. Don't be depressed because there is no sufficient audience at present, but if you continue your service all in cooperation, in very near future it will be a nice center. Please offer my blessings to Sankarsana das, and Baladeva. and his daughter Haridasi, and etc.

Letter to Mukunda -- San Francisco 26 March, 1968:

I am sorry I am delayed to reply your letter dated March 14, 1968, which I received over a week ago. I am very glad that you are repentant even for some action which is not sanctioned by me. This attitude is very nice and improves one in progressing on the path of devotional service. The Rakhi Bandhan ceremony observed by you under instruction of Prasad isn't approved by our Vaisnava rituals. Of course, such ceremony is observed among the Hindu community as a socio-religious convention. But in our Vaisnava community there is no such observance. Now, forget the incidence, and in future don't be misled by some unauthorized person. Our next ceremony is Lord Ramacandra's Birthday, on the 7th of April. It should be observed in the same way as Lord Caitanya's Appearance Day, namely, fasting up to evening and then accept Prasadam, and all our ceremonies should be performed with continuous Kirtana, of Hare Krishna, Hare Rama. That will make all our functions successful.

Aniruddha is here and he is waiting for the statues of Radha and Krishna which is being expedited by Gaurasundara, and most probably he will be starting back for L.A. on Friday morning. How Umapati is feeling there? I have not heard anything from him. In the meantime I have received one letter from Hayagriva, and he was anxious to come to San Francisco during his summer vacation. In meantime, I have also received one letter which is very depressing from Hrsikesa. I understand that he has been induced by Bon Maharaja to be initiated by him for giving him shelter, and this foolish boy has accepted his inducement. This isn't very happy news, and I have replied Hrsikesa's letter in the following words, which please take note, and in the future, we shall be very cautious about them. "My Dear Hrsikesa, Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter of March 14, 1968, and I am greatly surprised. I am greatly surprised for Bon Maharaja's initiating you in spite of his knowing that you are already initiated by me. So it is deliberate transgression of Vaisnava etiquettes and otherwise a deliberate insult to me. I do not know why he has done like this but no Vaisnava will approve of this offensive action. I very much appreciate your acknowledgement of my service unto you and you will always have my blessings, but you must know that you have committed a great blunder. I do not wish to discuss on this point more elaborately now, but if you are desirous to know further about it, I shall be glad to give you more enlightenment. Mukunda is not here. He has gone to L.A. Hope you are well." If Hrsikesa writes you letter I think you may avoid reply. I do not approve both Hrsikesa's and Bon Maharaja's this offensive action. Hoping you are both well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Please try to organize a very nice temple in L.A.

Letter to Aniruddha -- San Francisco 9 April, 1968:

Please work combinedly with respect to develop a very nice Temple, and Mukunda has the transcendental ambition to construct our own temple there, and try to cooperate with him.

Letter to Mukunda -- San Francisco 9 April, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 29, 1968, and am very much appreciating it. Please do all your nice proposals, do it economically and save everything for Krishna. Yes, it is very good idea to build a nice Temple for Krishna, apply all energy for Krishna. How one is successful in his work is tested by whether or not Krishna is satisfied. The Impersonalists cannot enjoy this bliss of how to satisfy Krishna. They make Krishna dead, so they will remain dead, never to understand Krishna. They cannot understand.

No, the Immigration dept. has not given any hint, but from the first hint formerly, it was to take 5 or 6 months, so we have to wait patiently and let us see the results. I asked Mrs. Thompson, but she said it is difficult to say exactly how long it will take.

It is very good news that Kirtana and all is going on nicely, that is our life and soul. And it will make us advanced. We have held so many meetings here. One at Oakland Library, and also at some Unitarian churches. They very much appreciated our presentation. Last night we had one lecture at Stanford University; it was not as good as last year, but not bad, the students all danced and made some contribution, and bought our literature. At one Unitarian church on Sunday we sold $20.00 of literature. And in N.Y. we have news that in the park many people are joining in, and they are collecting very nicely. We are trying to purchase one house here, and most probably your S.F. branch will have its own house very soon. We are not interested in having our own house, but we should always remember, why Krishna should remain in a rented house? Although everything belongs to Him, still our energy should remain employed so that we can have many temples all over the country. I have asked quotations from India about brass statues 24" high, and unless I get the quotations you can stop for now the casting. But if possible, I may see a sample of his work.

Acyutananda and Harivilasa have informed me that Hrsikesa has taken the step as a matter of diplomacy, but he will come back again when I come back to India. I am not astonished for his behavior, but I am sorry for my God-brother's behavior. He is a neophyte and so he may commit so many mistakes, but Bon Maharaja should not have committee. such mistake. It is not approved by Vaisnava etiquettes.

Hoping you are both well.

Your ever-wellwisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. How is Janaki? Please offer blessings to her as also to Baladeva. his family, Umapati and Sankarasan. shall be glad to hear from them.

Letter to Aniruddha -- New York 29 April, 1968:

I am so much pleased to learn that the Los Angeles temple is improving in opulence. Please tell Janaki that I am so glad to learn that she has framed the pictures very nicely and that both she and Mukunda are working to improve the condition of the temple. This is all very nice.

Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 6 May, 1968:

I thank you very much for your nice letter of April 28,1968, written in your own handwriting. Yes, I am keeping well by the Grace of my Guru Maharaja, and I am working also on Srimad-Bhagavatam as well as for a nice edition of Caitanya Caritamrta. The Teachings of Lord Caitanya is being printed, 5000 copies in Japan; and the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, is being published by MacMillan Co. very shortly. The arrangement is complete and things are going on. Now you have to find out some person who can distribute our literature and other things. Sometimes you told me you can find out some man who can take charge of our distribution of literature, now please do it very seriously. Because if we have no outlet for selling the books it will be a problem to get the new stock of books. If there is nice distribution arrangement, then at least 2 to 4 books we can publish every year.

I am very glad that Janaki is busy decorating the temple; this is what I want, that every disciple should always remain busy in some work for Krishna. We shall not allow to remain vacant our mind, and if the mind is always filled up with Krishna Consciousness activities, there is no chance of Maya to sit on the mind and force us to act under her spell. Maharaja Ambarisa he did like that and in spite of his becoming a responsible emperor of the world, he was a great devotee of Lord Krishna, and he successfully winned the challenge of a great yogi, Durvasa.

I am so glad to learn about Haridasi, the fortunate girl in Los Angeles. She has got nice parents, and has the opportunity of being in Krishna Consciousness from childhood. It is therefore needed that we may train some children in our Krishna Consciousness movement, and it will come out very successful. Yamuna devi is also training 2 nice boys in S.F., and they are getting very encouraging achievements. It is very good news that the girl Haridasi is dreaming about Krishna, and Krishna is playing with her; it is very much encouraging. It means she will come out a great and successful devotee of Krishna when she is grown up and young. May Krishna bless her, and her good parents, who are training her in that way. Please offer my thanks to Balarama and his good wife.

I know that Umapati is a very intelligent boy, and he tries in that way, he will come out a nice preacher in the future. If he has decided to remain a Brahmacari, and preaches our movement of Krishna Consciousness, it will be a great success for his life. Please inform him that his intimate friend, Hayagriva, came to see me in New York and we talked very frankly, and he is still my good disciple, and I have asked him to stay with me wherever I may be, and he has agreed. I understand also from him that Kirtanananda Swami is also eager to see me, and we shall be very glad if they come back and work with us conjointly. I am praying for this to Krishna.

It is very nice that you are keeping the Radha Krishna Murti so nicely there with you. No, it is not improper to keep Them at your home, but it must be kept with due veneration and respect. If we keep the Statue of Krishna in our room, we must know that Krishna is present, and as such we must be careful in our dealings, talkings and behavior, as we are present before Krishna directly. The altar should be so made, with curtain, that it may be closed when Krishna and Radha are taking rest. Dress them as nicely as possible, we have so many Radha Krishna pictures, you can take idea from them.

Yes, your observation is perfect. If we spread this Krishna Consciousness movement, certainly there will be an atmosphere of purity and people will be happy both and this life and the next.

Please try for these things, draft deferral and tax exemption. It is greatly needed. You will be pleased to know that Robert Kennedy heard Hare Krishna Kirtana from poet Allen Ginsberg. He is very kind to chant Hare Krishna wherever he goes, as I have requested him to do, and when he met me at San Francisco, he told me that he chanted Hare Krishna before Mr. Kennedy. So I think it is already in his attention.

That is all right, whenever you are able to do so, then contribute 50% of your income to the temple.

Syamasundara. wanted to go to London; what is his opinion about this? I am very much eager to open a center in London. If Syamasundara. and Malati go there, then one or two other Brahmacaris may go there to organize a center in London; and as soon as it is in makeup then I may also go there for sometime, to deal with the Beatles who are so much anxious to understand about spiritual knowledge. Any sincere person, never mind whether he is hippy or Beatle, if he is actually searching for something beyond this hackneyed material sense gratification, surely he will find the most comfortable shelter under the Lotus Feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Who is non-different from Lord Krishna. We should try our best, begging every person to give us some time to listen about this Krishna Consciousness movement, as it is taught by Lord Caitanya.

Letter to Rayarama -- Allston, Mass 14 May, 1968:

There is no scarcity of material, so we may distribute the message regularly, never mind it is not so highly printed. So far collections is concerned of the sales proceeds of Back To Godhead, I think you can entrust the matter to Gargamuni and Mukunda, and they will be able to distribute and send you back the money.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Allston, Mass 30 May, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 25, 1968, and I have also received one letter signed by three of you, Mukunda, yourself and Umapati, recommending the new boy Stanley Broderick. I have received his beads also, and I am sending him the beads properly initiated, and his initiated name is Sacisuta.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Allston, Mass 30 May, 1968:

Of course, Subala is working alone, and he is doing very nice to his best capacity, but if you want to go there, I have no objection because it will be a great help to Subala. But I know also that much depends on you about the L.A. temple, and I am afraid if you go, the temple in L.A. may suffer. Therefore, I would advise that you should consult with Mukunda about this because he is very calm and coolheaded boy, and then decide whether to go to Santa Fe or not. I am writing separately to Mukunda also, as well as to Umapati in this connection, and I wish to know why there is disagreement. There cannot be any disagreement in discharge of duties in Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 30 May, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your recommendation for initiation to Stanley, whose name is now Sacisuta. In the meantime, I have received another letter from Aniruddha that he is in disagreement with Umapati. I do now know what is the basis of this disagreement, but when you are there, I request you to see to the matter and try to mitigate their illusory disagreement. Even there is disagreement, the platform should be Krishna Consciousness, and in that platform if there is disagreement there is no inebriety.

Perhaps you have heard that my application for permanent visa has been denied on the ground that I filed my application while I came as a visitor. So I am leaving for Montreal on the 3rd of June, and second chapter for trying for visa there will begin. I do not know what is the result in future, but this time I have desired that I may go to London, and try to establish a center there for European activities.

I have not heard for many days about your good wife, Janaki; I hope she is doing well.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Montreal 7 June, 1968:

So far I remember that you know German language as well as Dutch language, so after we have started our London branch, you shall have to go to Germany and I think Hamsaduta can help you there, because he also knows some broken German. The whole idea is that if we can organize a nice Kirtana party which Mukunda can do, because he is music master, and if we travel in the European countries with this Kirtana party, supported by our books and literature, I am sure it will be a great successful missionary work.

Letter to Yamuna -- Montreal 7 June, 1968:

I am sure if you and your husband, Mukunda and Janaki, and Syamasundara. and Malati join, certainly the London program will be a grand success. I have already written about this to your husband, and you can know from him about this program.

Letter to Mukunda -- Montreal 11 June, 1968:

I thank you for your letter, (undated) and noted the contents carefully. As Umapati has decided to leave Los Angeles, I would like that he may go to Santa Fe and help Subala there, because he is struggling alone there. I think you will also agree with me and try to send him there as there is great necessity of another Brahmacari to cooperate in that temple.

Regarding my visa: I think it is Krishna's desire that I shall go to England for the time being and start a center there which is long overdue. I wish to start for London latest by September 1, 1968 and I think you should prepare to go there by that time, otherwise it will be too cold in October and November. But if you go there in the beginning of September, then you may be aclimatized gradually. Your presence in the London center with other assistants will be great helpful, considering the fact that I wish to form a nice Kirtana party consisting of 12 heads—2 mrdanga players, 1 harmonium player in melody, 1 tambura player, and at least 6 cymbal players. In this way 12 heads shall perform Kirtana very rhythmically and melodiously. The harmonium should be practiced just to follow the song; not simply for tuning. I think you can very well organize this Sankirtana party, and if we have a successful Sankirtana party, with me, backed by our books and literature, we can make a nice propaganda of this sublime movement in all the European cities. And if we are successful in Europe then we may go to other countries also in Asia. In India also if we go with this Sankirtana party we shall be very much welcome and there is great possibility of cooperation of the richer section of India. So I am thinking of organizing this nice Sankirtana party very seriously and you may also think in that way.

I have already heard that in San Francisco they are going to celebrate Rathayatra festival very successfully. In New York also they will perform this ceremony, and most probably here in Montreal the ceremony will be performed. The Montreal temple is very big and spacious, and there is good prospect for organizing this temple. So I shall try my best to organize this center with the cooperation of Indians here, and then I shall start for London.

You are learning some techniques about playing mrdanga is very nice; that will help others also to know how to play.

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Letter to Rayarama -- Montreal 12 June, 1968:

Mukunda has written that he is acquainted with some man for selling Back To Godheads, and you can just contact him to know further about it. I am sending you today the balance book sheets of TLC to Brahmananda.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 7 July, 1968:

So in Los Angeles, as promised by Mukunda, you try to construct a grand temple and then we shall introduce gradually many ceremonial functions, which the people will be so glad to enjoy.

Letter to Subala -- Montreal 13 July, 1968:

Now, very soon we shall get 5000 copies of TLC and we have to organize the sales propaganda. If there is sale, then there is no scarcity of matter for printing. Mukunda has written that he is acquainted with some man for selling Back to Godheads, and you can just contact him to know further about it. I am sending you today the balance book sheets of TLC to Brahmananda.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Montreal 14 July, 1968:

Regarding Easy Journey to Other Planets: You can inquire from Mukunda das if he is going to print it or not. If not, then you can do it because you have now some money and spend for its publication. And regarding editorial work, I shall send you some manuscripts very soon.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Montreal 15 July, 1968:

Regarding London-yatra: (like Rathayatra—yatra means travel.) I am contemplating of forming the following party: yourself and your wife, Mukunda and his wife, Gaurasundara and his wife, Hamsaduta and his wife, Pradyumna and Upendra. Maybe we may have to change later on a little bit, but this is my contemplation. Now, I do not know how to make this program fruitful. Here I have gotten some encouragement by recent Kirtana performances in the Expo. For two days they have paid us $300.00, and maybe they will be required to perform Kirtana for a few days more. Similarly I have got one encouraging letter from San Francisco written by Tamala Krishna, that there is good collection in the Kirtana performances led by Mukunda. I have asked Hamsaduta to open correspondence with you to make plans how to go to London.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Montreal 16 July, 1968:

I understand that Mukunda and Janaki are now living with you, but I have not received any letter from them. Anyway, I understand that Mukunda is leading now a nice Kirtana party in the streets, and there is good response. The time is fast approaching when we will have to perform such public Kirtana in all the important cities of the world. Here also, in the Expo, they have performed Kirtana. for two days, and it is wonderfully successful.

Letter to Yamuna devi -- Montreal, Quebec Canada July 16, 1968:

I understand that Mukunda and Janaki are now living with you, but I have not received any letter from them. Anyway, I understand that Mukunda is leading now a nice Kirtan party in the streets, and there is good response. The time is fast approaching when we will have to perform such public Kirtan in all the important cities of the world. Here also, in the Expo, they have performed Kirtan for two days, and it is wonderfully successful.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 17 July, 1968:

We want Mrdangas very urgently because very soon we shall be going to London. Six devotees from the West coast and six devotees from the East coast, 12 for Kirtana besides my humble self, and one or two Brahmacaris. Henceforward our plan should be to push Sankirtana and sell our publications. For books, Brahmananda, for magazine, Rayarama, for Sankirtana, Hamsaduta and Mukunda, and for suggestion, my humble self. Please let us concentrate this integration and I am sure our movement will be successful.

Letter to Mukunda -- Montreal 17 July, 1968:

I thank you for your letter dated July 14, 1968, with enclosure. It is very nice. I am already informed about your Kirtana activities in San Francisco and its success. I think Krishna is dictating us to adopt this method for propagating the Sankirtana movement all over the different cities, towns and villages on the surface of the globe, because that was the prediction of Lord Caitanya. The exact words in Bengali poetry are as follows: "Prithi vite acche yata nagaradi gram. Sarvatra pracara haibe more nama."

I have already asked Hamsaduta to open correspondence with you. Please do expedite the arrangement for London Yatra by mutual correspondence. Here in Montreal there is postal strike. So I am posting this letter in Buffalo where one boy is going tomorrow morning. I think unless there is very important business you can suspend correspondence to Montreal address. My visa is up to 3rd of September 1968, and if by that time my London yatra is not completed, then I will have to extend the visa period. I think you should start for London as early as possible. The plan already made by you is agreed by me. So you can go ahead with the plan. Our only plan should be henceforward to spread the Sankirtana activities and sell our publications. Publication of Back To Godhead is entrusted to Rayarama, and for publication of books, Brahmananda is entrusted. For business Gargamuni is entrusted. So let us combinedly execute the Krishna Consciousness movement in full swing.

Letter to Harivilasa -- Montreal 25 July, 1968:

Yes, we are planning to go to London as a Sankirtana party of 12 heads, by the month of September. And Mukunda in San Francisco and Hamsaduta in New York, they are combinedly planning this scheme. But I think you have got better responsibility in India than to come here and join them. As they are doing the Sankirtana program here nicely, similarly, you can also combinedly do the same work in India to attract the westerners who go there for some spiritual enlightenment. I think you will understand me right and try to do your best to give a shape to this idea.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Montreal 12 August, 1968:

Just on Saturday, several devotees have arrived from San Francisco: Mukunda, Janaki, Gurudasa, Yamuna, Syamasundara., Malati (and their little child, Srimati Sarasvati devi), and Saradia, all of them have come here for two weeks to practice together as our Sankirtana party, then they will all go to London and begin preparations for our center there.

Letter to Jayananda -- Montreal 17 August, 1968:

Yesterday, Mukunda and Gurudasa were telling me that the man known as Asoka Fakir, now living in San Francisco, is advertising himself that the members of our temple are all his disciples. This man has written me letter also, from which I can understand that he is a hodge-podge man. He is not a pure devotee of Krishna, neither his behavior is quite up to the standard. Therefore you should warn all our devotees not to mix with this man very intimately.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

The London party led by Mukunda and Syamasundara. are going today to New York, and from there they will start for London. Please offer them good wishes and a nice send-off so that they can safely reach there and make an attempt for starting a nice temple there. So far Sivananda's affair is concerned, I have asked Mukunda to write to him and he will do the needful, or you can talk with him. And regarding the meeting for future constitutional form of our society, actually it is now needed. So immediately I may not be able to go and meet and they are also in hurry for going to London, but because they will stay for a few days in New York, you can hold a preliminary meeting between yourself, Rayarama, Syamasundara., Mukunda, and if possible, call Rupanuga, Satsvarupa, Kirtanananda Maharaja, because they are nearer. Your suggestion for a committee. and the names you have suggested, just like Jayananda, Subala, Gargamuni, yourself, Rupanuga, Satsvarupa, Kirtanananda, Dayananda, is very nice. In this also, I think Mukunda's name should be also added. Anyway, you can hold a preliminary meeting and make a draft. Then we shall ratify it in our next meeting when I may be also able to participate and do it finally.

Letter to Purusottama -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

Today, the London party led by Mukunda and Syamasundara. will reach to New York, and if Syamasundara. requires the copy of Bhagavad-gita, for translating it into German. So if he wants it you may hand over the copy, original copies, from my closet, and he will translate into German.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

Regarding the devotees headed by Mukunda and Syamasundara., who are going to London, they are starting today for New York, and from there they will go to London. One boy from here, Sivananda, he has already gone to Europe, probably Krishna has desired that we should introduce this movement in Europe also, maybe we may require many hands, devotees who are being trained in USA, to go to all other parts of European countries.

Letter to Kirtanananda, Hayagriva -- Montreal 23 August, 1968:

The scheme regarding the will of Hayagriva Brahmacari, as well as the lease agreement between the society and Hayagriva Brahmacari, the tax payment, all this scheme are very nicely made, and I have got all my approval and so far the trustees are concerned, this is also required, and I can suggest that amongst the trustees, your two names, Kirtanananda and Hayagriva, and then Brahmananda, and from San Francisco Jayananda, and Mukunda, and Satsvarupa, Dayananda, Syamasundara., etc. and such sincere boys, who are working with their life and soul for the society, may be the trustees, and I think you should immediately make correspondence with Brahmananda, and I have already advised him that we should make a central committee for management of all the centers.

Letter to Sivananda -- Montreal 31 August, 1968:

P.S. Other devotees from San Francisco have already started for London. Mukunda's address as follows

Michael Grant

c/o American Express Co.

Haymarket St.

London. U.K.

Letter to Sivananda -- New York 7 September, 1968:

On the whole, it is my desire that you establish one center immediately in Berlin. Don't go elsewhere for the present. Later one we can try to open centers in Zurich or Amsterdam or Stockholm as Krishna will desire. You will be pleased to know that Syamasundara. with wife and child has already entered London with 6 month visa, and is to be followed by Mukunda and others, very soon.

Letter to Mukunda -- San Francisco 14 September, 1968:

I am so glad to receive your letter dated Sept. 9, 1968, and I have noted the contents carefully. Previously I received one letter from Syamasundara. as well as from Gurudasa. I have replied Syamasundara.'s letter already and I am subjoining herewith also the reply to Gurudasa.

I know in London there are many Indians settled as residents. And most of them own their own house also. Sometimes back when I was in Vrindaban, we had talk with Bon Maharaja and he gave me the idea that in London the Indians want some nice temple. So if you can establish one nice temple of Radha Krishna with the cooperation of the Indians, I think there is great possibility for this purpose. I am confident that you will be able to do this because in the beginning of my starting this International Society, you helped me in so many ways. The San Francisco center was also established by your endeavor and cooperation by Syamasundara., and now both of you are in London, so I am sure the London center will certainly be established.

Annapurna's father, Mr. Webb, told me that there are many old churches which are not being properly used. So if you can secure one big church, that will be very nice. I am glad to learn that in London there are 2 to 5 lacs of Indians. And if they cooperate with you, we can maintain a very big establishment. If they contribute one pound per annum per head, that means a lot of money. And temple organization is the best means to attract devotees. Temple organization means decorating the Deities very nicely, with flowers, lights, dress, decoration, offering nice foodstuff in good silver plates, five times arati, with Kirtana and lecturing. So you have got all these ideas, and you are six there. If you strictly follow the rules and regulations and become American priests, of the temple, so the Indian hindus will be surprised and certainly they will be attracted. Just like the hindus in San Francisco are being gradually attracted due to our nice temple arrangement here. They will hold a meeting here with me tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. to consider how to improve the temple. One of the Gujarati devotees has contributed a silver Vigraha of Krishna, and has donated $51.00. I came here to San Francisco last Sunday, the 8th, and there was a nice function of installing the Deity in the temple throne, and initiation of several newcomers devotees. I thought that Cidananda could go to Australia, but that idea has not been successful because the man in charge is an atheist, and as he scented that Cidananda is going to establish a center of Hare Krishna, he has withdrawn his cooperation and proved that his country is very unfortunate. So I am asking Gaurasundara to go to Hawaii or Florida. Gargamuni has already started one center at Seattle and Ananda Brahmacari from Montreal has gone to Vancouver. And New Vrindaban is being taken care of by several devotees.

I hope that the money which I sent from Montreal to the Charter Bank in account of Samuel Speerstra has already been received by him. I shall be glad to hear on this point. So the $1,655.00 and further $600.00 contributed by me and Hamsaduta may be conveniently deposited in London in the branch of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. And open an account in my name. And send the passbook to me so that when I shall go to London there will be no difficulty there for me. I hope this will find you in good health, and offer my blessings to Janaki. Please keep me informed at least once in a week.

Letter to Gurudasa -- San Francisco 14 September, 1968:

I was in due receipt of your letter dated Sept. 3, 1968, and now I have received letter from Mukunda, and I am pleased to learn that you are now together, all six. So please try to start the temple as soon as possible and call me for your service.

Letter to Jaya Govinda -- San Francisco 15 September, 1968:

You will be pleased to learn that Sivananda from Montreal has gone to Berlin for opening center there. Mukunda has gone along with Gurudasa and Syamasundara. and their wives to London, to open a center there. Gaurasundara is going to Hawaii for opening a center there. Gargamuni has already opened a grand center in Seattle. Similarly, Annapurna and Ananda are going to open a center in Vancouver, and you know also that Hayagriva and Kirtanananda, with the help of several other devotees are developing New Vrindaban in 138 acres of land in West Va. Also, Dinesh and Krishna devi are going to Florida.

Letter to Sivananda -- San Francisco 18 September, 1968:

P.S. Now you can know why Krishna didn't like you to enter London!

P.S. In London they are also doing well. Our London temporary address is as follows:

Mukunda das Adhikari

80, Herne Hill

London S.E. 24

England

Letter to Yamuna -- Seattle 23 September, 1968:

I have received one letter from Mukunda that your preaching work is going on nicely, and so it is also confirmed by you. I shall be glad to know how you're meeting in the Hindu center, and how the meetings are being carried successfully. These people might be impersonalists, so far I can understand from the handbill, but still, we can perform Kirtana in any place. It does not matter what they are. By our Kirtana process we have to influence others.

Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 27 September, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter of Sept. 20, 1968, and it is very encouraging to note all the informations. I think Krishna will help you in all respects. And the credit of opening our London branch will go to the San Francisco boys, headed by you. Of course, the girls also share the credit undoubtedly. And I am always ready for going there as soon as you shall call me.

Regarding the bank affair: You write to say "We are expecting a letter from the Canadian Bank any day as to whether the money was credited back to your account." This means that you have not received the money, and you are arranging to get the money again credited in my account in the Canadian National Bank, at Montreal. But I have received one note from Hamsaduta who says like this: "I went to your bank and checked into that 1655.00 for Syamasundara. and the gentleman in charge of the affair said that is all taken care of and that by this time they have got that money in London." I cannot understand what is the real position, but I request you to open correspondence with Hamsaduta and let me know conveniently what is the actual position. Hope you are well, and offer to Janaki my blessings, and all others also.

Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 1 October, 1968:

I am glad to receive your letter dated Sept. 26, 1968, and it is very much pleasing to learn about your nice activities there. I am little concerned about your attempt to form ISKCON Ltd. My idea is that we should not form a separate organization in London. The same International Society for Krishna Consciousness as we have branches in different places in USA, a similar branch may be opened in London or in Germany. The basic principle of our preaching work, methods and management must be the same. I do not know why a separate registration is required. To be more clear, I may say that if the management goes to other hands, then it will be difficult for preaching our principles. Our main principle is Krishna Consciousness on the basis of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and Lord Caitanya's Teachings. So far different participants in London are concerned, they must agree to our principles or they must follow our principles. You should be careful on this point. We cannot agree to make a mixed up association without any authorized principles. So far as Hindus are concerned, they are not fixed up in one principle. Under the circumstances, do not be misled that because some of the Hindus are taking interest in this movement, they are of the same opinion. You have seen the affairs in Montreal. So my final desire is that whatever you do, you must do it strictly on the principles of our society as we are doing in the US. In the management of the London branch, if the local Englishmen come forward, that is welcome. So far Indians are concerned, there are so many varieties of split-up Hindu society. So I hope you will take necessary precautions in the matter of registering ISKCON Ltd. ISKCON is the short cut of our society's name, but when you actually register the full name, the aims and objectives as they are stated in our prospectus, must be mentioned. Anyway, I am so much pleased that your program of Kirtana and Krishna Consciousness is going on well there although you have not got yet our own temple. Why don't you get Back To Godhead from New York? Here the Sankirtana party, headed by Jayananda and Tamala Krishna is doing very nice. They are collecting an average of $45 daily, as contributions, and selling an average of 100 copies of Back To Godhead. So try to get immediately copies of Back To Godhead from New York and try to sell them in large quantities. That is our backbone. In meantime, our Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and Teachings of Lord Caitanya are also coming out by the end of this month. So Kirtana plus distribution of our books and literature is the basic principle of our success. Even if we do not have our own temple it does not matter, but if we can hold Kirtana 24 hours, and distribute our publications, that is our great success. I have now received one letter from Syamasundara. about the bank affairs, and will reply him shortly. I received also one letter from Malati, and one from Yamuna, which are very nice, and I shall reply them in my next. If there is no immediate program of my going to London, then I may go next either to Los Angeles or Boston. Hope this finds you all alright.

Letter to Alan Ginsberg -- Seattle 6 October, 1968:

HARE KRISHNA! Mukunda has sent me a copy of the letter you have sent him on Sept. 23, 1968, and I thank you very much for your so much sympathy for this Krishna Consciousness movement. And Krishna will certainly bestow His Mercy upon you, and I pray that you will live long for chanting HARE KRISHNA continuously. Hope this will find you all right in your health and other things.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Seattle 6 October, 1968:

And recently I have received letter from Mukunda that from South America, Guyana, it was under the possession of British, one Mr. Dindayal is very much anxious to get us there. So we have to open so many branches all over the world. So why they are sitting idly in India? Please write to them also.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Seattle 6 October, 1968:

In fact, unless our Brahmacaris are very adamant remaining as Brahmacari, I shall recommend everyone to marry. Because these girls generally come to our society to find out a suitable husband, so there is no harm to live as husband and wife, as Mukunda, Gurudasa, and Syamasundara., they are living very nicely. Similarly, others Murari also living. So this is not bad. But if one can live as Brahmacari, that is very good. So you can suggest me privately which girl can be suitable for Hayagriva.

Letter to Sivananda -- Seattle 10 October, 1968:

I am surprised that in Germany you could find out a place without any difficulty, and why there are so many difficulties in London? So that, in spite of there being a strong group of 6 persons, headed by Mukunda and Syamasundara., they could not find out a house in London, whereas you alone have already opened ISKCON RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLE in Berlin. Anyway, please do it nicely with help of other two boys, and let me know how you are making progress.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Seattle 10 October, 1968:

I am also trying to get one secretarial office in the Church Center of the United Nations, with a view to confer with the heads of the United Nations, both political and ecclesiastical, to propagate our Krishna Consciousness. Please let me know replies for all the points raised herein, and offer my blessings to Mukunda, Janaki, Malati, Yamuna and Gurudasa.

Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 13 October, 1968:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 7, 1968. And I have noted the contents carefully. I think the process which you have adopted is quite all right. Now everything is clear to me; you can go on with your procedure. So far the original text of our aims and objects of the society, I have read it and I don't think there is any need of changing the preamble. But so far section of the law is concerned, that has to be altered according to the English law. So do it and execute the document as soon as possible, and I think Krishna is helping you in the proper channel, and as you were the first signatory in the document which was registered in New York, and you shall be the first signatory in the document which is to be registered in England, along with your good wife. So three male members and four Englishmen members, it is nice. I want Englishmen to join more than from the Indian community because they are not fixed up, neither they are very serious about Krishna Consciousness. They are more interested in something else.

In the meantime, I have received one letter from Ginsberg, and he writes to say that he has written to some friend in England, to help you and one of his friends he names, Mr. Tom Driberg, M.P., and he has promised to help you, and sent letter to Mr. Ginsberg. So you will contact him. He is a prominent member, Mr. Tom Driberg, M.P. Mr. Ginsberg says that he can help you in all matters of official and legal implications. So try to meet him as soon as possible, and do the needful.

I hope in the meantime you have received my letter addressed to Syamasundara. and I may be going to Vancouver from here for a few days to take my immigration visa. And they have called me on the 25th October, they have called me from Montreal, but I am requesting to dispatch the file to Vancouver and let me see what Krishna desires.

If Anapurna dasi can be included amongst the preliminary floaters, that is very nice. She is English girl, and her mother and father is also interested. So Anapurna is included then we shall have solid four members from our side and gradually we shall do the needful. Similarly, Anapurna's brother also can be included, because he is also interested. He came to our temple, both in New York and San Francisco, so if need be you can call Anapurna from San Francisco immediately. She wrote me letter that she is preparing to go.

In Columbus University, Hayagriva is doing very nicely. He is trying to have classes in the University, and the situation is very hopeful. Similarly, here also the Washington University students, they have taken interest in our movement, and one Christian gentleman, he did not like our men to speak at the University, because University is a secular. But he has been very strongly criticized by the student community.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Seattle 15 October, 1968:

And so far London, and Berlin is concerned, things are progressing nicely, and Mukunda is trying to establish a bona fide branch of our society in London, with cooperation of Englishmen; Mr. Alan Ginsberg, he is also trying to help Mukunda by introducing with some influential men there, so I think this future is hopeful. So far your Buffalo center is concerned, you are trying your best, and Krishna will help you. Go on doing like that, and our business is to try our best. Result we leave it for consideration of Krishna, and we shall not be disappointed whether the result is favorable or unfavorable. Actually there cannot be any unfavorable result, because we are serving Krishna.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Seattle 16 October, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your nice letter dated Oct. 11, 1968, and by reading the contents it was so much encouraging, for me. Previous to this I received one letter from Mukunda and that was also very encouraging, so I am sure combined together you will have a great success in starting the ISKCON temple in London.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Seattle 16 October, 1968:

So by the Grace of Krishna this mission is going on nicely, and I shall be glad to hear from you further good news. Please offer my blessings to your good wife, Yamuna, as well as all other devotees, Mukunda, Syamasundara., Malati, Janaki, and Sarasvati devi.

Letter to Yamuna -- Santa Fe 29 October, 1968:

Regarding certificate you can add the following words within bracket after the word Acarya.

Acarya (ordained Minister of Religion) you will be glad to know that I have been admitted in your country as permanent resident (Immigration Visa) under ordained Religious Minister and it is learnt that my initiated students may be saved from the military service. Please inform this matter to all others. I am herewith giving a note for Syamasundara. and Malati which please show them. Offer my blessings to your husband, Mukunda, Janaki & all others.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 3 November, 1968:

I have not heard anything from you in about a fortnight, and I am anxious to hear how you are doing there. It may be there is some mail delay due to my leaving Seattle, for Santa Fe, and then coming here to Los Angeles. You can write me at the above address, my residential apartment. And you will be pleased to know that I am now accepted with the USA Immigration Department as Permanent Resident, with option to apply for citizenship. And yesterday's report of the activities of Sankirtana party is that they sold 175 copies of Back To Godhead, and collected 130 dollars in donations.

Hope you are all well there, and I shall be expecting to hear from you by return of post.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 7 November, 1968:

I have received a very nice letter from England, sent to Mukunda, by an Indian gentleman named Laksmidasa. If it is possible, maybe you can make an editorial column, with letters to the editor or to our various centers, and use it in that way. It is very nice letter and I would like to have it printed in our magazine.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 8 November, 1968:

If you decide to marry, there are many devotee girls, and one of them may be a very nice companion for your devotional life. You prefer to be free, but a devoted wife is as good as freedom. The Grhastha disciples, just like Syamasundara., Mukunda, and Gurudasa, with their wives, are doing very nicely in London.

Letter to Yamuna, Mukunda, Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 8 November, 1968:

I have duly received your letters dated Nov. 1, Nov. 2, and Oct. 25, respectively, and I have noted the contents carefully. I am confident that you are all trying your best so there is no question of doing things hastily. You can execute your respective duties peacefully and I am confident that you will be successful. I understand from Yamuna's letter that one English boy has given you rent-free a four story small building for living accommodations. This is all Krishna's Grace.

Regarding the challenge in the International Times, I am sorry to read the letter of a rascal advertising himself as Swami Gitananda, but from his letter it appears that he is neither a Swami nor has ever read Bhagavad-gita. He is so rascal that he describes the River Yamuna as metaphysical in lower consciousness, although the River Yamuna is flowing so happily all over the Northern India. He is claiming yogi, but he does not know that the greatest yogi is the devotee of Lord Krishna. So we can reply him in so many ways to teach this rascal a good lesson, but the more we continue such correspondence, we give unnecessarily some publicity to a rascal. Mukunda has already protested such rascal and we have to go on with our own work positively. Fault-finding men will always be there, that is the history of the world, but one has to execute his prescribed duties.

Regarding meeting Ravi Sankara or Mr. Harrison, Dayananda is trying his best to contact them, so also Nandarani is also trying, but so far there is no trace about them. I do not know how far this attempt will be successful.

So keep me informed about your activities weekly. You sent me one letter, a nice letter, from Laksmidasa, and I have replied him. Encourage him to cooperate with you. He appears to be a good boy. Keep contact with him.

Regarding giving protection to our students called by the draft board, I think the botheration may be stopped in future as there is a clause under form No. Cal-301 (REV.12 FEB 60L); Budget Bureau No. 33-R 140.3, the "Questionnaire for Registrants Claiming IV-D", which when filled up with my certificate of teaching, our men can be saved. As experiment I am giving certificate to Kartikeya who is already called, and let us see the result. I think it will be fruitful because another student, Dindayal das, he is also fighting on this point. I think Krishna will help us in this connection.

Letter to Mukunda, Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 12 November, 1968:

I have received your respectful letters dated Nov. 7, 1968, and I have noted the contents with great interest. I shall reply them separately. Dayananda has told me that Mr. George Harrison is interested to see me, and he is going to stay one week more, and so let us see what happens.

Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 15 November, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your two letters dated Nov. 8, one addressed to Jayananda, and I am pleased to note the contents. So far Mr. George Harrison is concerned, he promised to call Dayananda, but he has not done so. Therefore I think it is not probable to meet him. It doesn't matter, let us grow slowly but surely. Let us try our best to spread this Krishna Consciousness movement with sincerity. And Krishna will give us all facilities. After all, it is Krishna's business. We are simply servitors. Our sincere desire is to serve Him and this is our bona fide position. Krishna says that we should give up all engagements and be seriously in Krishna Consciousness and surrender unto Him. We believe in this philosophy and we try to follow the principles and we instruct others also to follow the same path. That is our bona fide position. We are representative of Krishna because we present Krishna's order as it is. And therefore we are bona fide representative. If somebody inquires whether we are as good as Krishna, the reply is that it does not matter. We may not be as good as Krishna, and that is also not possible anyway. Krishna is great and we are minute particles. So how we can become as good as Krishna. This is false theory of the Mayavada philosophers. But we sincerely serve Krishna, we are sincere servants of His Lordship, and we present things as presented by Krishna, and that is the test of our bona fide position and our bona fide presentation. So don't be worried, do your best and success or failure does not matter. Krishna is absolute, so there is no such thing as success or failure in Krishna Consciousness, or in other words, there is no question of failure in Krishna Consciousness, whatever we do it is success. Whatever one may do in the material world, if he is even Rockefeller, it is all failure, defeat, because it will not exist beyond this body. He does not know that next life I may be dog or cat. But whatever service we can do for Krishna, even if somebody is not able to execute fully Krishna Consciousness, whatever amount of service he does it never goes in vain. It will eternally remain. And it will act. Even somebody does small amount of service, and not even very willingly, still, he is assured to get human body in next birth, and chance to execute some service further. So there is no question of failure in Krishna Consciousness. It is only success. Krishna says, My devotee is never vanquished. So we must try sincerely, that's all.

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

Also your description of progress in kirtana performance with Gurudasa playing sitar and Mukunda playing khole is encouraging. Practically we see that as we sincerely try to improve our chanting for the pleasure of Krishna, Krishna reciprocates and we feel our greatest pleasure which is devotional service to the Lord. So, you may continue with this method, it is very nice and approved by me.

Letter to Annapurna -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1968:

Mukunda and all the other devotees are trying their best to start a temple in London and a temple is already there by Krishna's Grace. The landlord has offered them the place free of rent until the house is disposed of so I think that they should try to influence the landlord to donate the building for our great cause.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter of Nov. 30, and have again noted with encouragement the progress of your activities in London. For your sincere efforts in spreading this movement in so far away country as London, I am certain that Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is most pleased and will surely bless you for your nice work. Regarding my meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, please arrange for this. We will talk with the Archbishop on a religious basis and we may also invite many respectable elites of the city to participate in this important meeting.

Actually, we are not preaching a particular type of faith. We are teaching the post graduate studies of all religions: we are teaching people how to love God and who is the man that will deny this principle? This basic principle we can talk with any religious head and any sincere religious man will appreciate it. We simply want people to become God conscious and that will bring forth real peace in the world. So if the Christian heads of the different churches will cooperate with us, we can render very valuable service to the whole of human society.

I have received one nice letter from Malati Devi and please convey my blessings to the others as well.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 14 December, 1968:

I hope you are all well there, and executing Krishna Consciousness happily also. Please convey my blessings to your good wife Yamuna, and also to Syamasundara. and Malati, and Janaki and Mukunda.

Page Title:	Training of Mukunda dasa (Letters, 1967 - 1968)
Compiler:	Visnu Murti
Created:	28 of May, 2010
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=109
No. of Quotes:	109