Recommendation (Letters, 1975 - 1977)

Expressions researched:
"recommendation" |"recommendations"

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your recommendations for initiations received on the 2nd of Feb., 1975. I have accepted the ten devotees you have named and their new names are as follows: Gregory—Gaurasakti dasa, Walker—Venkata dasa, Patrick—Parisevana dasa, Barbara—Vibhavari devi dasi, Anne—Amrtaprada devi dasi, Sheryl—Sobhavati, Mary—Mahadevi dasi, Donna—Damagrahya devi daski, Marie—Mudakari devi dasi, Catherine—Kratuphalas devi dasi. You may chant on their japa beads.

I have also accepted upon your recommendation, Hunkara dasa, Stavya dasa, Maha devi dasi, Demagrahya devi dasi and Mudakari devi dasi as my duly initiated brahmanas. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself saying it. Their threads and a mantra sheet are enclosed herein.

Letter to Ravindra Svarupa -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975:

I have accepted Joe and tim as my disciples and their new names are respectively; Yamunapriya dasa and Tattvavada dasa. Their beads may be chanted on by Kirtanananda Svami. I have also accepted upon your recommendation, Kamalatika devi dasi for 2nd initiation. Let her hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself chanting. Her mantra sheet is enclosed herein.

Letter to Sri Govinda -- Honolulu 6 February, 1975:

I have also accepted, upon your recommendation, the five men for 2nd initiation. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself chanting it. Their threads are enclosed along with mantra sheet. Make sure that everyone is pure by following the four regulated principles and chanting at least 16 rounds daily. Without these things, there is no spiritual life.

Letter to Dina Bandhu -- Mexico City 16 February, 1975:

Thank you again and again for distributing my books with great enthusiasm. Now, try to double this enthusiasm. Anyone who even touches one of our books gets such great benefit. Give them to everyone. Because you are all very sincere and working very hard, Krishna is giving you all facilities.

I have accepted upon your recommendation the three persons for 1st initiation and their names are as follows: Dave—Devarsi, Michele—Maladhari, Andrea—Abhaya. Their beads will be sent to you by separate post. I have also accepted Anantatma dasa for 2nd initiation. His thread and mantra sheet are enclosed herein. Let him hear the tape of myself chanting the gayatri mantra. It should be heard through the right ear.

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

I have accepted Jesus's for 1st initiation upon your recommendation. His name is Yaduvamsi. His beads may be chanted by Kirtanananda Svami. I have also accepted Aroudha, Vidambha, Pujana, Sastramayi, Jalakara as my duly initiated brahmanas. You should allow them to hear through the right ear, the tape of myself saying the gayatri mantra. Please make sure that these devotees follow very strictly all of our regulative principles and chant at least 16 rounds daily. Then they will not go away from us.

Letter to Gunagrahi -- Caracas, Venezuela 19 February, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Feb. 11, 1975 and have noted the contents. I have accepted upon your recommendation Dan for first initiation. His name is Dvarakaraja dasa. His beads may be chanted upon by Kirtanananda Svami or Satsvarupa Maharaja. I have also accepted Matanga das and Vamsi dasa for 2nd initiation. Their threads and mantra sheet are enclosed herein. Let them hear the tape of myself chanting gayatri mantra (through the right ear). Make sure and train these persons very nicely to follow all of our principles very carefully so that they may not fall victim of Maya.

Letter to Naveen Khurana, Margaret Khurana -- Bombay 18 March, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 9th, 1975 and have noted the contents. Thank you for your kind sentiments and the 100 dollar daksina. Upon the recommendation of Sriman Govardhana Prabhu, I have accepted you both as my duly initiated disciples and your names are as follows: Navina-Krsna dasa and Mahanandini devi dasi. Please continue to chant 16 rounds and to follow the four regulative principles as you have promised in your letter and your life will be perfect. Your beads will be sent along with Govardhana dasa.

Letter to Supriya -- Bombay 18 March, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 9, 1975 and have noted the contents. Thank you very much for your kind sentiments and the $100 daksina. Upon the recommendation of your temple president Govardhana dasa, I am accepting you as my initiated disciple. Your name can be Sukrta dasa. I am hoping that you will fulfill your promise to chant at least 16 good rounds a day and to follow all of the four regulative principles. These things are of the utmost importance. Your beads will be sent along with Govardhana dasa.

Letter to Kerry Welsh -- Melbourne 20 May, 1975:

Please continue living nicely in Krishna Consciousness, chanting 16 rounds daily minimum, rising early, following the rules and regulations, reading my books, and make your life perfect. Regarding your initiation, I will be pleased to accept you as my disciple if Tusta Krishna Swami gives me his recommendation. It appears from your letter that you are following everything very nicely, so if Tusta Krishna Maharaja will recommend you to me, then I will be very happy to accept both you and your wife for first initiation.

Letter to Mr. Robert Bedoian -- Honolulu 26 May, 1975:

You are most fortunate to be giving up your sinful activities and chanting the name of Krishna. Please continue and go to visit our temples as much as you can. After you have followed our principles for a while under the instructions of one of our temple presidents, I shall, upon his recommendation, give you a spiritual name and initiate you into the chanting of Hare Krishna. For the time being, it is not necessary for you to have a deity of Krishna. That will come later. For now, just chant Hare Krishna and read my books, and try to follow our principles in association with devotees.

Letter to Doc Dockstader, Shari Dockstader -- Honolulu 8 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 29th, 1975 and have noted the contents. I am very pleased to know that you have accepted the Krishna Consciousness way of life. Please continue with determination to keep chanting 16 rounds daily and follow all of the regulative principles very strictly. Upon the recommendation of Revatinandana Swami, I have accepted you both as my initiated disciples and I have sent your names to Revatinandana Swami who can give them to you at the proper time at the initiation ceremony. Please continue your Krishna Conscious program with great faith and steadiness.

Letter to Nityananda -- Denver 1 July, 1975:

The idea is that people can be self sufficient and raise their own foodstuffs and have sufficient milk to save time and chant Hare Krishna. Why should they work so hard in the hellish factories? Let everyone live simply and be Krsna conscious.

Upon your recommendation I accept Paul Warren Menard as my initiated disciple. His spiritual name is Pana dasa. Please see that he maintains the Vaisnava standards and chants always 16 rounds minimum.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- Denver 2 July, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 2, 1975. Upon your recommendation, I am accepting the following twice born brahmanas; Koshalendra Das Adhikari, Jyoti Das Adhikari. Enclosed please find their threads sanctified by me. I also accept as my initiated disciples the following devotees and their spiritual names follow: Al Rhiener—Adhata, Cleef Athey—Kamari Das.

Please see that they are chanting 16 rounds & following the four regulative principles.

Letter to Locanananda -- Evanston, Illinois 7 July, 1975:

Continue it. Our only asset is our purity. pavitram paramam bhavam. You cannot reach Krsna without being pure, because He is the supreme pure. Yes, on my next visit to Europe, I will certainly visit your temple.

Upon your recommendation, I accept the following as my initiated disciples and their names are: Henk van Teylingen—Hayesvara dasa; Gabriel Sebach—Gabhiratma dasa; Ernesto Lucifero—Ekatma dasa.

Letter to Tulsi -- Evanston, Illinois 7 July, 1975:

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples and their names are:

Barbara Stark—Bhrama Karika devi; and Bhakta Ned—Nirguna dasa. I also accept for second initiation Mahaswara dasa. His sacred thread is duly enclosed sanctified by me.

Letter to Batu Gopala -- Los Angeles 25 July, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 16, 1975, and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation, I am hereby accepting the following as my initiated disciples:

Shombe Lumkin—Sri Lanka dasa

I also accept upon your recommendation the second brahminical initiation for Murari Caitanya dasa. His sanctified thread and mantra sheet are enclosed. Please have a fire sacrifice and impress upon them that they are accepting vows before Radha Krsna, the Spiritual Master, and the assembled Vaisnavas. The mantra should be heard through the right ear from my recorded tape.

Letter to Madhavananda -- Los Angeles 25 July, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 25, 1975 and I am glad to know that everything is going on well in the Paris temple. Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples:

Olivier Anconne—Bhusana dasa

Frank—Visodhana dasa

Frances Marlier—Anisa devi dasi

Also upon your recommendation, I am accepting the following as twice-born initiated brahmanas:

Letter to Gunagrahi -- Bombay 16 August, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 5, 1975. Your letter to the newspaper is nice. Upon your recommendation I accept for second initiation Sona puri devi dasi. Enclosed is the mantra sheet. Hold a fire sacrifice and let her hear the mantra from my recorded tape through the right ear.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Bombay 17 August, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your telegram. Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples and their spiritual names are as follows: Barbara Wolfe—Vedanta dasi; Janet Cleaver—Viduttama dasi; Kurt Cleaver—Sarvasaksi dasa; Florence Walldeck—Vedapriya dasi; Carlos Ordenoz—Nityodita dasa; Gary Williams—Rsi Kumar dasa; Jeff Long—MahaRudra dasa; Jeff Wiseman—Atmabhu dasa; Jeff Daniels—Visvamohan dasa; Eileen Daniels—Vinalangi dasi; Karen Bogdonoff—Janani dasi.

Letter to Abhirama -- New Delhi 21 August, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 18, 1975, and upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples and their names are: Sunil Awatramani—Srisatya dasa; Wayne Prabhu—Upasya dasa; Marcia Bernheimer—Gatiprada devi; Antoinette Kennedy—Gitagamya dasi; Bernadette Bonaccurso—Visnu-kanta devi.

I also accept the following as twice born initiated brahmanas: Langa Ganesa dasa, Janardana das, Nandana Acarya das, and Raghunatha Puri das. Hold a fire sacrifice and let them hear my recorded tape through the right ear.

Letter to Nityananda -- New Delhi 21 August, 1975:

That is very nice that you are saving money U.S. 250.00 per month on cow feed. Grow for animal and man food as far as possible. That is Krishna's order. annad bhavanti bhutani (BG 3.14). It is also nice that you are making so much profit from your Spiritual Sky. Use it wisely.

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples as initiated and their names are as follows: Thomas White—Padavja dasa; Henrietta Whelan—Jayaprada dasi; Katherine Kern—Kamarikanta devi; Jim Tucker—Jagatkarta dasa. I also accept for second initiation Sanatanai devi dasi. The mantra sheet is enclosed. I think you can inquire from Jagadisa about getting the tape. Hold a fire sacrifice amongst the devotees and let her hear the tape through the right ear.

Letter to Alanatha -- Vrindaban 1 September, 1975:

In the latest issue of Back to Godhead English edition there is my discussion about Marx philosophy. It will appeal to any sane man. Lenin has murdered the Czar, that was his only accomplishment, but any gunda could do that. This article should be read and translated.

Upon your recommendation I am accepting Vaclav and Jan as my initiated disciples. Their spiritual names are Paragati dasa and Turiya dasa respectively. See that they chant regularly 16 rounds and follow our principles. Then they will remain strong in Krishna consciousness. Their beads can be chanted upon by Hamsaduta dasa.

Letter to Badarinarayana -- Vrindaban 1 September, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your note dated May 9, 1975 attached to the letter by Pam Conger. Upon your recommendation I am accepting her as my initiated disciple, and her spiritual name is Padmahasta dasi. Please see that she chants regularly 16 rounds.

Enclosed please find herewith a copy of a letter to Mr. Mahalingam. You have to deal tactfully in your preaching. Do not compromise the truth, but speak palatably so he does not reject it but accepts it. That is preaching.

Letter to Cyavana -- Vrindaban 4 September, 1975:

Regarding my coming there, I want to come, especially your Mauritius program is attractive, but my present state of heath will not allow me to travel outside of India. I am not having any appetite so I am eating less. By eating less where is the energy for travelling?

Upon your recommendation I accept the children of Rasa-lila as my disciples. There spiritual names are Radhika devi dasi and Sanatana das Brahmacari. You can chant on their beads. I know the devotees there are working hard, especially as you have mentioned Prabhanu, Sharma, Dinanath, Jnana das, Caitya-guru, Jalakara das, and Pusta Krishna Swami. Because you are all cooperating with me, so much has been done.

Letter to Balavanta -- Vrindaban 7 September, 1975:

They are spending millions and millions of dollars trying to keep the young people from turning into hippies, drug-addicted, and we are actually doing it. So why they should not give us some support?

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as twice-born initiated brahmanas and their sanctified threads and mantra sheets are enclosed: Ballabadra Bhattacarya das Brahmacari and Mahejya das Brahmacari. I also accept as my initiated disciples the following and their spiritual names are: Dr. Richard Thompson, Ph.D.—Sadaputa das; Mike Dunn—Vedaguhya das; Chuck and Diana Sanders—Munjakesa das and Madamohini dasi; and Cindy Barber—Janmasunya dasi.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- Ahmedabad 26 September, 1975:

You can get wealth more, and also spend wealth more. This is brahmanaism. Get and spend, but not to spoil and squander. This example should be shown to others. That the City was paying you means that they are appreciating. Gradually they will all appreciate very much.

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples and there spiritual names are as follows:

Mike Puglise—Govardhanadhari das

Cheryl Puglise—Gopanandakari devi dasi

Christina Mills—Pradhanagopika dasi

Scott Byrnes—Yajnopabhokta das

Please see that they follow the four regulative principles strictly and chant 16 rounds daily, and they will remain strong in Krishna consciousness.

Letter to Rocana -- Ahmedabad 26 September, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 17, 1975 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I am accepting the the following as my initiated disciples, and their names are:

Dennis and Paula—Jnanamudra das & Trailokyasundari devi dasi

Timothy Moore—Yoginatha das

Peter and Carol Fortany—Rukminisa das and Vedagarbha devi dasi

Ken Perry—Parampadam das

Marlanee Boyadjian—Yasodanandapatni devi dasi

Please see that that they will follow our rules and regulations and chant minimum 16 rounds daily. I also accept for second initiation Mahidhara das and Pracetana devi dasi. Enclosed is the sanctified thread and the mantra sheet.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Ahmedabad 26 September, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 8, 1975 and have noted the contents. Yes, the girls when married to a brahmana, still they have to be recommended. She may be recommended by her husband.

Upon your recommendation I accept Sita devi for second initiation. Enclosed is the mantra sheet. She must hear the recorded tape I have given through the right ear.

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

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Sept. 25, 1975 with enclosed daksina and I thank you very much. So far as name for Portland Yatra is concerned, you may call it Manipur.

Upon your recommendation I am accepting both boys for my disciples. Their names are Girijarata dasa—Marty, and Amoghavirya dasa—Michael. Also, I am accepting Edhaniyasvabhava das brahmacari and Lila devi dasi as twice born brahmanas. You will find enclosed one brahmana thread duly chanted on. Now everyone must strictly follow the principles of chanting sixteen rounds japa daily, and refraining from illicit sex-life, intoxication, gambling, and animal slaughter and then they will not be blown away by the material energy.

Letter to Sama -- Johannesburg 20 October, 1975:

Where were these Deities made?

I herein accept your proposal for first initiation as of Francis (Tulasiballabha das) and Carol (Ujjvalaprada dasi). Now, I am accepting them on your recommendation so you must convince them of the seriousness of following the four regulative principles and chanting a minimum of 16 rounds japa daily. Hold a fire-yajna and do the needful in this connection.

Letter to Siddha Svarupananda -- Johannesburg 20 October, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Sept. 25 with enclosed Guru-daksina and I thank you very much. I am pleased to accept your recommendation for the first initiation of William and Barbara Renaroza. Their names are Sakari das and Sivadasi respectively. Now hold a fire-yajna for their initiation and request them to honor the vow of following the four regulative principles and chanting of minimum 16 rounds japa daily.

Letter to Amarendra -- Johannesburg 21 October, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 9-22-75 with enclosed Guru-daksina and I thank you very much.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:

1st. initiation: Robert Tarjan (Dronacaryaguru), Keith Consbruck (Manusrestha dasa)

2nd. initiation: Bhusaya das Brahmacari, Jagannatha Tirtha das Brahmacari, Ekadasi das Brahmacari, Mahaprabhu das Adhikari, and Jalangi devi dasi.

You will find enclosed 4 brahmana threads and you should perform fire-sacrifice for all of the new initiates stressing the responsibility involved. Everyone must follow the four regulative principles and chant minimum of 16 rounds japa daily.

Letter to Tulsi -- Johannesburg 22 October, 1975:

On your recommendation, I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:

1st. Initiation: Miriam Bicks (Dhrti devi dasi)

Karen Wilson (Krsnastuta devi dasi)

Connie (Pusti devi dasi)

Maddonna (Kulapriya devi dasi)

Bhakti Pete (Mahanidhi das)

Ann Matesow (Yuvati devi dasi)

Jim—(Ksamabhudi das)

2nd Initiation: Gajapati das, Pundarika Vidyanidhi, and Raksana.

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

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 9 November, 1975:

Enclosed is the correspondence and you will see that one can be nominated by professors of literature and theology at universities and university colleges; so I think if you take up this matter and pursue it, you can get some professors to make the recommendation, such as Professor Judah, who is very familiar with our movement. Also, enclosed is one letter from Karttikeya MahaDevia who suggests in this regard and also Mukunda Prabhu from London has telephoned that the Encyclopedia Brittanica will be containing an article of 350 words on myself in their publication. So far your lecturing is concerned, you simply put in your own language the purports of our books. That will make your lectures successful. And everywhere you can refer to the book, Hare Krsna and Counterculture, written by Professor Judah.

Letter to Visvakarma -- Bombay 9 November, 1975:

I have received your telegram that you have purchased the church which I have seen when I was there in Toronto. So this is very good news. Please send me the details.

Upon your recommendation I am accepting Rodney Mort as my disciple and his name is Jitakandarpa. I also accept Nakadi das Brahmacari for brahminical initiation. Enclosed is his thread and mantra sheet. So you should hold a fire sacrifice and lecture on the importance of following the rules and regulations, chanting 16 rounds and all the devotional principles. This is your responsibility as the president of the temple. You must do it yourself and see that they also do it. This is the perfect way of teaching.

Letter to Alanatha -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your two letters dated 26th and 27th September 1975 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples. Their names are as follows: Johnnie—Jamadagni das; Maggie—Vedatita devi dasi and Christine—Samhartri devi dasi. I also accept for second initiation Vrsnivallabha das Brahmacari. Enclosed is the sanctified mantra thread and mantra sheet. It is your responsibility as the president of the temple to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations such as chanting 16 rounds minimum on the beads. 16 is the minimum; one can chant more. There is no harm, but one at least must chant the fixed number of rounds. You should hold a fire sacrifice and they may hear the mantra from my recorded tape through the right year. The beads may be chanted on by Hamsaduta.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:

Regarding the topics of the Krsna book, this is Istagosthi. Istagosthi means discussion between ourselves but that should not be taken as a competition. It is not the subject matter for competition. It can be discussed in a small group of devotees. That is Istagosthi. This is better than competition.

Regarding your recommendations for first and second initiation; I accept the following for first initiation: Ann Shotland—Sukulina dasi and Diana Alpert—Gopalasyapriya dasi. And for second initiation I accept the following as twice-born brahmanas: Janaladha das, Manipuspaka dasi, Manisa dasi, Damodara Pandit das, Kalanidhi das, Uttamauja das, Ajitananda das and Mudhakari devi dasi. Enclosed are their sacred threads and the mantra sheet. Please see that they follow the rules and regulations.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 12 November, 1975:

This preaching and managing of the sankirtana parties is our real business. Do it more and Krsna will bless you more and more. It is very good that they are paying something for the lectures.

Upon your recommendation I am accepting for brahminical initiation Locasvara das. Enclosed is his sanctified gayatri thread and also the mantra sheet. I also accept for initiation Chris Nell and hs spiritual name is Srutisagara das. His beads may be chanted on by Tamala Krsna Gosvami. A fire sacrifice should be held so the brahminical initiate can hear the mantra through the right ear from my recorded tape. You should impress upon them of the responsibility for following the rules and regulations and chanting 16 rounds minimum each day.

Letter to Prabhavisnu -- Bombay 13 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter undated and accept upon your recommendation the following as my initiated disciples. For first initiation, their spiritual names are as follows: Martin Webster—Akhandadhi; Gordon Stocker—Prithvipati; John Morgan—Dharanidhara; Frank Jokson—Yajnanga; Terry Maloncis—Ādi Kurma; Lynn Avionis—Sri Kama dasi. I also accept the following as twice-born brahmanas and their threads and mantra sheets are enclosed: Krpamoya das, Yasodadulal das, Sarvasagara das, Gokulananda das; Ragudvaha das, Cittavinodama das, Vamsivadana das, Anjana devi dasi.

Letter to Devotees of ISKCON Rome -- Bombay 13 November, 1975:

I have received from Haihaya recommendations for the following devotees for initiation and I am glad to accept them. Their spiritual names are as follows: Bhakta Tonino—Narakantaka; Bhakta Franco—Sjjanasraya; Bhaktin Miriam—Amohamoha; Bhaktin Subrena—Yoganandakari; Bhaktin Luciana—Vicitravasini; and Bhaktin Micaela—Citrarupini. So the beads may be chanted on by Bhagavan das and be sure to see that all these devotees follow all our rules and regulations, chanting minimum 16 rounds and attending the mangala aroti and the Srimad-Bhagavatam class.

Letter to Govardhana -- Bombay 18 November, 1975:

You now have very good facility for broadcasting our Krsna consciousness propaganda. Just do everything very carefully and soberly. As soon as everything is set up, I will go there. You can call the new Detroit temple Devasadhan, meaning celestial.

Upon your recommendation, I accept as twice-born initiated brahmanas Ramananda Raya das and Visvatomukha das. Enclosed are their brahminical threads, duly sanctified and the mantra sheet. Hold a fire sacrifice and impress upon them the importance of following the rules and regulations so that they may not be affected by the influence of maya. There is two things: there's Krsna and there's sex life. So if you want to have Krsna, one must be above illicit sex life. That requires some strength. So you have to impress upon them that following these rules and regulations, especially by chanting Hare Krsna, one will become strong. Unfortunately, we have no taste for this chanting. This is our misfortune.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 20 November, 1975:

You must apply your brains how to spread Krsna consciousness. I am an old man. I can give you the idea. Now you have to carry it out.

Upon your recommendation, I am accepting the following devotees as my initiated disciples and their spiritual names are as follows: William C. Rich is Kanupriya das; Gregory Furgeson is Gopala das; Melinda Pickup is Yogamaya dasi; David Sliman is Sesadeva das; Sam Santoro is Pralabaha das; Kelly Griffin is Yugapriya and Tracy Smith is Vamana-devi. I also accept for second initiation Rajendranandanana das, Lokahita dasi. Also from Winnipeg, I accept for second initiation Dharmaprana das, Natha das, Lalita devi dasi and Misrani devi dasi. The sanctified gayatri threads are enclosed and also the mantra sheets.

Letter to Nalinikanta -- Bombay 21 November, 1975:

I have read the clipping and you have also mentioned of the women wearing karmi clothes and going into sex movies and bars late at night for collecting. So this kind of canvassing should be immediately stopped.

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

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 7 December, 1975:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter with the recommendations for first and second initiation, their names are as follows;

Steve—Visvahetu Das

Dave—Dustamohana Das

Grant—Jitagarisa Das

Rodney—Usapati Das

Peter—Adhipurusa Das

Samjata Das Brahmacari

Lugudi Das Brahmacari

Veno Gopala Das Brahmacari

Krpa Kara Das Brahmacari

Jagatvira Das Brahmacari

Asta Siddhi Das Brahmacari

I have chanted on the sacred threads and they are enclosed herewith, now hold a fire ceremony and have the students hear the Gayatri mantra chanted by me and the tape recording through the right ear.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Locanananda -- Nellore 5 January, 1976:

Yes, we should always remember following the regulative principles and reading our books. That will give us spiritual strength.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept as my initiated disciples: First initiation; Mr. Claude Nowe—Klesapaha-dasa, Bert de Vos—Vrsnivamsa-dasa, Belgin Kaya—Vedasmrit-dasi, and Maria Eugenia Jorquera—Marutvati-dasi; Second initiation; Jaya Gopala dasa, Janaraja dasa, Aharadi dasa. Now, hold a fire sacrifice and instruct the devotees to follow strictly the regulative principles and always chant a minimum of 16 rounds. Let Bhagavan dasa chant on their beads. Play the tape of me chanting Gayatri into the right ears of the second initiates and teach them how to count on their finger divisions.

Letter to Bhaktijana -- Mayapur 15 February, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 24, 1976.

Regarding preaching in Harlem and taking sannyasa order of life, you may speak to Madhudvisa Maharaja and work with him. He is senior man and sannyasa, so I will consider seriously his recommendation.

Letter to Yasodanandana -- Melbourne 23 April, 1976:

On your recommendation I agree to the second initiation of Jagaman das Brahmacari. Impress upon him the seriousness to follow the regulative principles strictly, keeping clean outside and inside by constantly chanting Hare Krishna. You can hold fire yajna and play a tape of the chanting of Gayatri Mantra into the right ear.

Letter to Giriraja -- Honolulu 4 May, 1976:

Our Vaisnava injunction is there in the sastra, that devotees should dwell in the Holy Dhamas; many hundreds and thousands of devotees live in places like Vrindaban, Haridwar, and many other such places. Similarly, foreigners who have accepted this sect and religious process, they should be allowed on our recommendation to stay in India. So if some Parliament members debate on this question on the basis of cultural platform, it is a glory for India that our Krishna Consciousness Movement is being accepted all over the world, why the government of India should not accept?

Letter to Giriraja -- Honolulu 4 May, 1976:

So it is a great science of God consciousness. The government should take it very seriously and help spread this Krishna Consciousness Movement all over the world.

At least visa should not be limited to three months, six months, like that. The devotees should be accepted as permanent residents on our recommendation. If it is a question of economics, then they can bring food, and cloth from abroad sufficient for themselves and others. Neither they are going to occupy big, big tracts of land for residential purposes. No, they are trained up to lay down on the floor for taking rest. Whatever is required we shall do, but let them stay. The government allows Christian missionaries to stay, and the foreigners come to learn Indian religion, they are not allowed to stay? This is not a very good policy.

Letter to Nityananda -- Honolulu 4 May, 1976:

Don't manufacture ideas. What is standard you must follow. Don't make it a farce.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:

Lee Sutton—Kuruksetra das

Ernie Courey—Vidyapati das

Barbara Sutton—Parijata dasi

Padavja das Brahmacari (second initiation)

Hold a yajna and instruct the initiates that they must follow the 4 regulative principles: no intoxication, no meat-eating, no gambling, and no illicit sex-life, and chanting minimum 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. The brahmanas must cultivate the brahminical qualities as mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita and in the other literatures.

Letter to Brisakapi -- Honolulu 6 May, 1976:

I believe that Ādi Kesava Maharaja who is presently in N.Y. temple is supposed to arrange this meeting between myself and Mr. Twohie. So far meeting the President is concerned, you can try to arrange, but it is not the most important thing.

On your recommendation, I am accepting Larry Tucker for first initiation, and Bhavanath das Brahmacari for second initiation. The first initiates' spiritual name is Lokaguru das. Have his beads chanted on by one of the sannyasis, and see that the devotees are strictly following the 4 regulative principles: no illicit sex life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating.

Letter to Ajita -- Honolulu 11 May, 1976:

They had a very good cart made in Philadelphia and you can take hints from the devotees there how they designed their cart.

Upon your recommendation, I am accepting Lilamohana das and Kesava das for second initiation. Their threads are enclosed and you can play the gayatri mantra with accompanying mantra sheets into their right ear. Also, I am accepting Robert Hamilton (Sthayibhava das), and Joseph Hall (Mahamantra das) as my disciples. You can hold fire sacrifice and their beads may be chanted upon by Kirtanananda Swami. They must agree to strictly follow the regulative principles: no illicit sex-life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating, and to chant minimum 16 rounds of japa daily.

Letter to Sevananda -- Honolulu 15 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 9, 1976, with the enclosed 3 copies of the Chinese edition of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. It is a great triumph, and now you should see that this work continues. It is very important, and Krsna will bless you all for your sincere determination.

Regarding the two initiations, on your recommendation I agree to accept Yasomatisuta das for second initiation. Enclosed you will find his brahmana thread, and a copy of the gayatri mantra. After the fire sacrifice, you should play a tape of the gayatri mantra into his right ear, teaching him how to count on the fingers the prescribed number of times. The brahmana should remain clean outside and inside by regular bathing and chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Also, I agree to accept Bhakta Richard as my disciple.

Letter to Revatinandana -- Honolulu 20 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 17, 1976, and I have noted the contents with care.

On your recommendation I agree to accept the following persons for first initiation. Their spiritual names are as follows:

Leon Lane—Devala das

Mark Haley—Agastya das

Chriss Glenn—Devadatta das

Lenny Willoughby—Svetadvipa das

Wayne Bell—Sankhadhara das

Beverly Bell—Dvarakavasini dasi

Laura Banks—Candravamsi dasi

You can chant on their beads and give them their names and beads at the time of the fire sacrifice. They must promise to follow the four regulative principles: no meat-eating, no intoxication, no gambling, and no illicit sex-life, and to chant a minimum of 16 rounds of japa daily.

Letter to Revatinandana -- Honolulu 20 May, 1976:

Also on your recommendation I am accepting Padmagarbha das and Papharini devi dasi for second initiation as brahmanas. After the fire sacrifice you should play the gayatri mantra into the right ear of the initiates. Enclosed please find one brahmana thread and copy of the gayatri mantra. The brahmana must be clean both inside and outside by following the regulative principles strictly, and bathing regularly. The initiates as above mentioned are all taking vow before the Deity, the Supersoul within, the devotees, the spiritual master, the fire, and so they are vowing before so many witnesses to keep faithfully these regulative principles. So my request to them is that they take very seriously this vow and make progress in developing love for Krishna.

Letter to Nandevara -- Honolulu 23 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your telephone message from my secretary and on your recommendation I am accepting Allan (spiritual name Taraksa das) for first initiation, and the following devotees for second initiation: Dyapaka das, Jitarati das, Dayalaji das, Gauranga das, and Jaganmatha devi dasi.

You can hold a fire sacrifice and you can have Taraksa's beads chanted on by one of the sannyasis. Give the beads and spiritual name at the time of initiation. For the second initiates, after the fire sacrifice, you can give the men their brahmana threads and play the tape of gayatri mantra into the right ear.

Letter to Nityananda -- Honolulu 23 May, 1976:

Otherwise, the symptoms are mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita and if according to the symptoms some training is given, it is alright. But, everyone is after money and as soon as money is there they drink, eat meat, illicit sex, so who is there to be tained as a Brahmin?

On your recommendation I am accepting Danny Miller and Michael McKinly for first initiation into Hare Krishna chanting. You can have sannyasis chant on their beads, and give them their spiritual names and beads at the fire sacrifice. They must abide by the regulative principles; no illicit-sex, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating, and chanting minimum of 16 rounds daily. Then there will be steady and sure progress.

Letter to Narayana -- Los Angeles 4 June, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 27, 1976, and I have noted the contents with care.

On your recommendation, I am accepting Bhaktin Shanna Wollerman for first initiation. Her spiritual name is Nilacala dasi. Also, I am accepting Saurani dasi for second initiation. Those who take initiation must vow to refrain from illicit sex life, intoxication, gambling, and meat-eating, and to chant minimum of 16 rounds japa daily. The brahmanas must practice cleanliness internally and externally. Externally by bathing regularly, and internally by always chanting the Mahamantra.

Letter to Lokanatha -- Detroit 12 June, 1976:

Anyone who has life he can preach, so go on very enthusiastically and there will be all facility given by Lord Krishna.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:

1st initiation: Bhakta Adhira whose spiritual name is Abhayasraya-dasa

2nd initiation: Dharanidhara das Brahmacari, Vrajesvara das Brahmacari,

Enclosed please find a copy of gayatri initiation and two brahmana threads. After the yajna, the brahmana initiates should hear the gayatri mantra in the right ear. The devotees must all bear in mind that they are promising to follow the four regulative principles, i.e., no illicit sex-life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating, and also chanting a minimum of 16 rounds of japa daily.

Letter to Riddha -- Detroit 15 June, 1976:

Svarupa Damodara is the best candidate for the post at the university. What the other candidates will know? Therefore he is writing so many books. He has rejected the so-called scientific knowledge. It has no basis. So if he is chosen for the post he can go there to Durban and take up the post.

On your recommendation, I am accepting the following devotees for first initiation:

Bhakta Warrick—Caitanya-carana dasa

Bhakta Peter—Krsnasraya dasa

Bhakta Mike—Ādi Purusa dasa

Nadira—Syamasundari dasi

Hold a fire yajna and you can have Jagat Guru Maharaja chant on their beads. The initiates are vowing before the Deity, the Spiritual Master, the fire, the Vaisnavas, and the Supersoul to follow the four regulative principles: namely no illicit sex-life, no intoxication, no meat-eating, and no gambling, and to chant daily at least 16 rounds of japa. In this way if they hold firmly to this principle there will not be any obstacle to their steady progress in Krishna Consciousness, and one can go back to home, back to Godhead in this lifetime.

Letter to Ramesvara -- New Vrindaban 24 June, 1976:

Concerning the $12,000 given to me by Jagat Guru Maharaja, that has nothing to do with Nairobi debts. It was an individual contribution to the book fund. Contributions and debt clearing are two different things.

On your recommendation, I am accepting the following devotees for brahminical initiation:

Vamanajana das Adhikari,

Dayalanitai das Adhikari,

Gopavrndesa das brahmacari,

Bahulavana das Adhikari,

Brahmakarika dasi,

Jaganmayi dasi,

Rukmavati dasi,

Viharini dasi,

Jalasayi dasi,

Khandita dasi,

Darmada dasi,

Anavijnani dasi,

Srila dasi,

Hold a fire sacrifice and for the male initiates you can give them sacred thread. The gayatri mantra should be played for them into the right ear and the brahmanas should practice the principles of cleanliness both outside and internally. Outside by bathing regularly, and inside by always chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Letter to Nityananda -- Washington D.C. 5 July, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 1, 1976, and I have noted the contents carefully.

On your recommendation I am accepting Jvarajit das Brahmacari for second initiation. Hold a fire sacrifice and after the fire sacrifice a tape recording of the gayatri mantra should be played into his right ear. Enclosed is one brahmana thread and gayatri mantra sheet. Brahmin must practice cleanliness both externally and internally. Externally he must bathe regularly, and internally he must chant Hare Krishna.

Letter to Radha Sarana -- Washington D.C. 5 July, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 16, 1976, and I have noted the contents with care.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following for first and second initiation:

Letter to Nityananda:

I am in due receipt of your letter and have noted the contents with care.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples for first and second initiation:

First Initiation:

Michael Hyldahl—Vamsimohana dasa

Rodolfo Rios—Rasa-Vilasa dasa

James Lanclos—Jnana-natha dasa

Willie Butch McCord—Vaninatha Raya dasa

Second Initiation:

Jitamitra das brahmacary

Hold a fire sacrifice and present the beads and gayatri mantra tape with brahmana thread at that time. The initiates should follow our four principles of Godly life namely; no eating of meat, fish or eggs; no gambling, no intoxication, and no illicit sex.

Letter to Ajita -- Hyderabad 20 August, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. As per your letter of request, I am accepting on your recommendation the following for first and second initiation,

First Initiation

Patricia Taylor—Papsudani dasi

Diane Zimmerman—Dinadaya dasi

Second Initiation

Maharudra das

The names and beads duly chanted upon by your local GBC man, may be given at a fire yajna. The brahmana thread and gayatri mantra which must be heard through the right ear, may also be given at the fire yajna. All initiated disciples must chant 16 rounds a day without fail and observe the four regulative principles very strictly. The brahmanas must become learned in the sastras and very clean internally and externally by regularly bathing with water and the holy name. A brahmana must be fixed up in understanding of brahmana.

Letter to Jayadharma -- Hyderabad 20 August, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 26 July 1976 with enclosed daksine of Rs. 2000/-and have noted the contents. I am pleased to accept on your recommendation the following as my disciples;

Mark Phillips—Mahotsaha dasa

Jane Phillips—Jagat-priya dasi

Greg Jay—Gaura Kesava dasa

You may hold a fire yajna and at that time the names of the initiates as well as their beads chanted on by Gurukrpa Maharaja may be given. Make sure that they are well aware of the four rules and regulations and that they are fixed in chanting the prescribed number of 16 rounds daily on the beads.

Letter to Taksya -- Hyderabad 20 August, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 27, 1976 and have noted the contents.

I am pleased to accept on your recommendation Bhakta Walker for first initiation. His name will be Vayuvahana dasa. You may give him his name at a fire yajna and his beads may be chanted on by Hrdayananda Maharaja. Make sure that he is well aware of our four rules and regulations and that they are followed. Also make sure that he chants the prescribed number of rounds. Every initiated disciple must chant 16 rounds a day without fail. If one follows the rules and regulations of devotional life then he may advance very quickly on the path of devotional service.

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- New Delhi 26 August, 1976:

On your recommendation I am accepting the following boys and girls as my duly initiated disciples.

John—Jnanagati dasa

Spencer—Saktipati dasa

Orlando—Pranavananda dasa

Mark—Mitrasena dasa

Nadine—Nada dasi

Carol—Karuna dasi

All initiates of mine must strictly follow the four principles of no meat, fish or egg, eating; no gambling; no intoxication of any kind; and no illicit sex. They must chant 16 rounds a day minimum with attention, clearly chanting the mantra, and listening very carefully. This is the recommended process for purifying the heart in this sinful age of Kali. Be serious to push on this sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and certainly He will bless you and your life will become perfect, na ca tasman manusyesu kascit me priya-krtama, anyone who preaches this message of the Bhagavad-gita is the most dear servant of the Lord.

Letter to Vegavan:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 1, 1976 and have noted the contents with care.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples for first and second initiation:

First Initiation:

Bhakta Anders—Atma-nivedana dasa

Bhakta John—Yogindra dasa

Karen Johnstone—Kama-gayatri devi dasi

Second Initiation:

Turiya das brahmacari

Jamadagni das brahmacari

Radhanatha das brahmacari

Paragati das brahmacari

Hold a fire sacrifice and the initiates should refrain from the four pillars of sinful life: no illicit sex no meat, fish or egg eating (only Krsna prasadam), no gambling, and no intoxication. All devotees must also chant the prescribed 16 rounds daily on the beads.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Vrindaban 11 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 8 September 1976 and have noted the contents. On your recommendation I am accepting David Davidson as my first initiated disciple. His name shall be Visnudutta das. Also on your recommendation I am accepting Parajnana das brahmacari as my second initiated disciple and the thread is found enclosed. He may see me for the mantra and both may have fire sacrifice as you may find convenient.

Letter to Revatinandana -- Vrndavana 11 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 13 August 1976 and have noted the contents with care. On your recommendation I am accepting Simhesvara das brahmacari as brahmana and his thread is enclosed within. The name of Tyaga dasa may be given to Terry Gardner and the name Sarana devi dasa may be given to Sandra Joaquim.

The newly initiated brahmana may hear the mantra from the tape in the right ear at the time of the fire sacrifice which you may perform and the thread is enclosed within. The names of the first initiates may also be given at that time. Their beads may be chanted upon by Ramesvara Maharaja the GBC for your temple.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Vrindaban 11 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 16, 1976 and have noted the contents.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:

First Initiation

William Jerald Leonard—Vidyagati dasa

Steven Edward Kulakowski—Svatantra dasa

Laura Ellan—Krsnalaulya dasi

Second Initiation

Piyuskanti das brahmacari

Sarva Satya das brahmacari

Please hold a fire sacrifice and present the names at that time. The newly initiated brahmanas may hear the mantra by tape in the right ear. The local GBC man may chant on the beads. All initiates must practice chanting 16 rounds daily and strictly follow the four regulative principles which must be stressed with great care so that they are very familiar with them. The brahmana must be clean inside and out by bathing with water and mantra. They must become fixed up in the sastra so that they may overcome the bondage of maya with the sword of knowledge.

Letter to Cittahari -- Vrindaban 12 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 23, 1976 and have noted the contents.

On your recommendation I am accepting Usapati das for brahminical initiation and Kedara dasa shall be the spiritual name for Bhakta Kevin. Please hold a fire sacrifice and present the name at that time. Your local GBC man may chant on the beads. The tape of the gayatri mantra may be played and heard through the right ear. To be a brahmana means that one is clean inside and out by chanting the maha mantra and bathing regularly. All our initiates must chant at least 16 rounds a day and follow very strictly the regulative principles. This will give one spiritual strength.

Letter to Acyuta -- Vrindaban 20 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 7, 1976 and the enclosed Magazine article. The article looks very nice and the pictures are very positively descriptive. Continue your nice preaching work there with great enthusiasm.

On your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples for first and second initiation.

First Initiation

Bhakta Ivan—Indrasena dasa

Bhaktin Dora—Dharma-patni dasi

Bhakta Manuel—Madhupati dasa

Bhakta Mozart—Madhava-priya dasa

Bhakta Ramacandra—Rangapuri dasa

Bhakta Luchie—Lilasuka dasa

Bhakta Paulo—Ananta-padmanabha dasa

Second Initiation

Paravyoma das brahmacari

Durasada dasa brahmacari

Mahayogisvara devi dasi

Madhusvara devi dasi

Please hold a fire sacrifice and the first initiated disciples may receive their names at that time while the brahmana initiates may hear the mantra through the right ear and receive the threads. Hrdayananda Maharaja may chant on the beads and give them to the devotees.

Letter to Pancadravida -- Vrindaban 20 September, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 3, September, 1976 and have noted the contents with care. On your recommendation I am accepting the following as my duly initiated disciples.

First Initiation

Bhakta Gustavo—Gunesvara dasa

Bhakta Damian—Deva-srestha dasa

Bhakta Marceline—Mathura-mandala dasa

Bhakta Javier—Japananda dasa

Bhakta Kique—Kasi Misra dasa

Bhakta Osvaldo—Agnipati dasa

Bhakta Juan—Sacisuta dasa

Second Initiation

Caitanya Svarupa das brahmacari

Nitya Tripta das brahmacari

Hold a fire sacrifice and Hrdayananda Maharaja may chant on the beads. Give the bead, threads, and names at this time and the gayatri mantra may be heard by tape through the right ear.

Letter to Vicitravirya -- Vrindaban 30 September, 1976:

With reference to your letter to Harikesa dated 14th inst., on your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples for first initiation.

Radha Krishna Pillay—Rama-Sarana Dasa

Gordon McMillan—Gaura-Nitai Dasa

Brian Daulby—Bhajanananda Dasa

Eamon Morton—Atmatma Dasa

Benedict Bygott-Webb—Bhagavad-bhakta Dasa

Gabriel Zajac—Giri-Govardhana Dasa

Tony Smullen—Tulasi-priya Dasa

Janet Pillay—Janaki Devi Dasi

Laureanne Mcmillan—Lal Gopala Devi Dasi

Hold a fire sacrifice and the disciples may receive their names at that time. Jayatirtha may chant on the beads and give them to the devotees. All initiates must chant minimum 16 rounds on the beads daily and very strictly follow the four regulative principles to insure progress in Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Kuladri -- Vrindaban 22 October, 1976:

Yes, I was there in Buffalo, it is nice. Nitai Gaura is there. It is a very good opportunity. Take advantage and do it nicely. Surely Nitai Gaura will give you strength.

Upon your recommendation I will accept the following devotees as my initiated disciples. Please be sure that they know and follow the four regulative principles and that they always chant at least 16 rounds daily trying to avoid the 10 offenses. Hold a fire ceremony and have Kirtanananda Maharaja chant on their beads. Their new names are as follows:

Letter to Bala Krsna -- Vrindaban 23 October, 1976:

The girl who has got health problems must learn to be tolerant. As long as the material body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is a misconception.

Upon your recommendation I will accept as my duly initiated disciples the following devotees. Make sure that they strictly follow the regulative principles and always chant a minimum of 16 rounds, avoiding the 10 offenses. Hold a fire sacrifice and have Ramesvara Maharaja chant on their beads. I also enclose one sacred thread and gayatri mantra sheets for the devotees you have recommended. They should also participate in the fire ceremony.

Letter to Narahari -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 11, 1976.

I'm happy to hear how nicely things are going at our Miami temple. Upon your recommendation I accept the devotees you have requested initiation for. Robin Teter's initiated name is Rama Gopala dasa. I am enclosing 2 gayatri mantra sheets and one sacred thread duly chanted on by me. Now, hold a fire ceremony. The first initiates beads may be chanted on by Balavanta. Play the tape of me chanting gayatri mantra into the right ear of the second initiates. Be sure that these devotees and all of my initiated disciples there are strictly following the four regulative principles and chanting a minimum of 16 rounds every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. Also, be sure that the second initiates know the brahminical principles given in Bhagavad-gita, 18,42.

Letter to Radha-sarana -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter to my secretary dated October 2, 1976.

According to your recommendation I am accepting for second initiation Amala-harinama das Brahmacari and Viraja dasi. Now hold a fire ceremony for attendance of devotees only. You must be sure that these devotees are very strictly following the regulative principles and chanting a minimum of sixteen rounds daily. They must be fully engaged in devotional service, 24 hours per day. Please find enclosed two gayatri mantra sheets and one sacred thread. After the fire sacrifice, play the tape of me reciting the gayatri mantra into the right ear of these initiates and show them how to count on their fingers.

Letter to Barbara Eady -- Vrindaban 25 October, 1976:

I am in receipt of your letter undated.

I am very glad to hear that you are very serious about Krsna Consciousness and are chanting 16 rounds, following the regulative principles and trying to distribute my books in New Zealand. I will be pleased to accept you as my initiated disciple, but I must have some recommendation. If you will have Tusta Krsna write to me recommending you then I will gladly do so.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Vrindaban 26 October, 1976:

I am in receipt of your letter dated 17/10/76.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the following devotees for first initiation and also those whom yo have recommended for second initiation. Hold a fire ceremony. Instruct the new initiates to strictly follow the regulative principles and chant minimum 16 rounds daily avoiding the 10 offenses. Allow the second initiates to hear the tape of me chanting the gayatri mantra. You may chant on the beads.

Letter to Bahudak -- Vrindaban 27 October, 1976:

I am in receipt of your request for initiations.

Upon your recommendation I will accept the following devotees for first initiation, as well as the ones you have recommended for second initiation. Hold a fire ceremony and instruct the devotees to follow the regulative principles and to chant a minimum of 16 rounds every day. Play the tape of me chanting gayatri into the right ear of the second initiates. Their beads may be chanted on by Ramesvara Maharaja.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Vrindaban 7 November, 1976:

You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.

Yes, if Harikesa can go to Thailand that is alright. He can manage nicely.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the following devotees for initiation (first) as well as those you have recommended for second initiation. Hold a fire ceremony and instruct the new initiates to follow rigidly the regulative principles and chant minimum 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. You may chant on their beads. Play the tape of me chanting gayatri mantra into the right ear of the second initiations.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Vrindaban 11 November, 1976:

Upon your recommendation I will accept the devotees whose names appear below for first initiation and also the one you have recommended for second initiation. Please hold a fire sacrifice and instruct the new initiates to follow the four regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. You may chant on their beads. Play the tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra in the right ear of the second initiate and teach him how to count on his fingers.

Letter to Adi-kesava -- Vrindaban 14 November, 1976:

I am in receipt of your letter dated 3/8/76 which has just now reached me.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the boy you have recommended for initiation. His new name is Giridhari dasa. Please make sure he knows to strictly follow the four regulative principles and chant a minimum of sixteen rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Hold a fire sacrifice. Tamala Krsna may chant on his beads.

Letter to Visvakarma -- Vrindaban 19 November, 1976:

I have received your recommendations for initiation through Jagadisa.

Yes, I will accept these devotees as you have recommended; Jita Kandarpa das and Subuddhi dasi for second initiation and Bhakta Clem for first initiation. His new name is Karatieya dasa. Hold a fire sacrifice. Instruct Karatieya to always follow very strictly the four regulative principles and chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. The second initiates should hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in their right ear. Instruct them how to chant on their finger divisions. Kirtanananda may chant on the beads of the new initiate.

Letter to Adi-kesava, Dhrstadyumna -- Vrindaban 23 November, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 9, 1976.

Upon your recommendation I will be pleased to accept Drsya Krsna, Hamsarupa, and Subuddhi Raya for second initiation. Now hold a fire sacrifice for devotees only. Let the initiates hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear. Teach them how to chant on the finger divisions.

Letter to Balavanta -- Vrindaban 23 November, 1976:

The plans for the new temple in Mississippi are very nice.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the following devotees for initiation. Now hold a fire sacrifice. The first initiates must promise to follow the four regulative principles and chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily, avoiding the ten offenses. You may chant on their beads. The second initiates should hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra in their right ears. Teach them how to count on their finger divisions.

Letter to Balarama -- Vrindaban 27 November, 1976:

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the following devotees as my initiated disciples. Now hold a fire sacrifice and instruct the first initiates to always follow the four regulative principles and chant minimum of 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Let the second initiate hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear. Show him how to count on the finger divisions. Their beads and thread have been duly sanctified by me.

Letter to Vrikodara -- Hyderabad 2 December, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 8, 1976.

Upon your recommendation I will accept the devotees you have recommended as my duly initiated disciples. Now hold a fire sacrifice. Instruct them on the offenses to be avoided while chanting the Holy Names. They must promise to always chant a minimum of 16 rounds and strictly follow the four regulative principles. Balavanta may chant on their beads.

Letter to Vicitravirya -- Hyderabad 10 December, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 8th December, 1976.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees; Tirthakara das, Mahavidya das, Jagatam dasi, Jagannathaisvare dasi, for second initiation. Now, hold a fire yajna for devotees only. Let the new brahmanas hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in their right ears, and teach them to chant on their finger divisions.

Letter to Dina Bandhu -- Hyderabad 11 December, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Nov. 25, 1976.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees you have recommended for initiation. For first initiation their new names are; Sam R.—Syamasundara dasa and Jim N.—Jyotindra dasa. The second initiates are; Ramyaka dasa, Kaviraja dasa, Girijarata dasa, Abhaya dasi, and Srimati dasi. Now hold a fire sacrifice instructing the first initiates to always chant a minimum of sixteen rounds, and to strictly follow the regulative principles. Their beads may be chanted on by Ramesvara or Hrdayananda. Teach the second initiates how to chant on their finger divisions and let them hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra in their right ears.

Letter to Alanatha -- Bombay 23 December, 1976:

So now organize very nicely. Distribute literature to the fullest extent. Thank you for inviting me to come. I shall maintain this ambition. At the first opportunity I shall go. For now I will depend 99% on you to push on there.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees you have recommended for initiation. Now hold a fire yajna. Instruct the first initiates to always chant a minimum of sixteen rounds daily and to follow strictly the four regulative principles. Hrdayananda Maharaja may chant on their beads.

Letter to Vrikodara -- Bombay 24 December, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your telegram as follows, "Dearest Srila Prabhupada please accept my fallen obeisances I am requesting permission for second initiation for following boys RasaVilasa das brahmacari Janananatha das brahmacari they have both been chanting 16 rds daily without fail for 10 months and have taken their service very seriously your fallen servant Vrikodara das adhikary".

Upon your recommendation I will accept these boys for second initiation. Now, hold a fire ceremony for devotees only. Let them hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra in their right ears. Teach them how to chant on their finger divisions.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- Bombay 28 December, 1976:

That will be very good preaching if he meets professors of his standard and they are convinced of our philosophy. That will be a great success.

I am very much pleased, thank you very much. Krsna will bless you.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept as my duly initiated disciples the devotees whose names are as follows: Larry—Lalitananda dasa, Otis—Sridama dasa, Nancy—Nidra devi das, Jody—Jagajjanani dasi, Lisa—Lila devi dasi, Pam—Pandurani dasi.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 1 January, 1977:

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees you have recommended for initiation. Their names are as follows: Manu P.—Mahaprabhu dasa, Pujush D.—Purusottama dasa, Keith C.—Kulasekhar dasa, Gary C.—Gariyan dasa, Jim S.—Jaya dasa, Linda C.—Laksmipriya dasi, Robbie K.—Ramapriya dasi, Ann C.—Annapurna dasi. Now hold a fire ceremony and do the needful.

Letter to Amarendra -- Bombay 3 January, 1977:

She should live in association with devotees, and strictly follow the regulative practices of Krsna consciousness. If you feel competent to give her the spiritual strength she needs then let her return to Gainesville, otherwise she can go to another temple. Let her read Bhagavad-gita every day.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees you have recommended for second initiation; Manusrestha dasa, Vaninatha Vasu dasa, Akincana Krsna dasa, Sranti dasi, Garuda Pandita dasa, Brhanti dasi. Now hold a fire sacrifice for devotees only. Play the tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra into the right ears of the devotees and teach them how to count on their finger divisions.

Letter to Nandikesvara -- Bombay 5 January, 1977:

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept these devotees: for first initiation: John—Jamahara-dasa, Don—Danapti-dasa, Andre—Aprakrtadasa, Cindy—Sindura-dasi, Sylvy—Siddhidasi, Clemence—Klesaghni-bhakti-dasi, and for second initiation: Jaya Govinda dasa, Sadapusta dasa, Paranagara dasa. Instruct the devotees to always chant a minimum of sixteen rounds and to follow the four regulative principles very strictly. One of the GBC or sannyasis may chant on the beads. Hold a fire sacrifice. Teach the second initiates how to count on their finger divisions and let them hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra.

Letter to Balarama -- Calcutta 16 January, 1977:

I am in receipt of your two letters dated December 23rd and January 7th respectively, and have noted the contents. Enclosed please find a letter as you requested announcing my appointing Bali Mardan as GBC. Upon your recommendation, I am happy to accept Nakula dasa Adhikari for second initiation. Now hold a fire yajna, and play the tape into the right ear of me chanting Gayatri. Enclosed please find one sacred thread.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Calcutta 16 January, 1977:

That is His mercy. Pancadravida Swami is very intelligent in every way. He is a very competent, nice devotee. I am very much pleased, so go on increasing the distribution more and more.

Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees you have recommended for initiation. The name for Jose is Harinamananda dasa. You may chant on his beads. For the second initiate, Radha-Vinode dasa, hold a fire yajna. Instruct the first initiate to always chant a minimum of sixteen rounds daily and follow strictly the four regulative principles. For the second initiate, play for him the tape of me chanting Gayatri into the right ear.

Letter to Vegavan -- West Bengal 13 February, 1977:

It gives me great pleasure to hear that the Bhagavad-gita As It Is will soon be published in the Swedish language.

On your recommendation, I have accepted the two devotees for first initiation, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Ryno Svensson———Raivata Dasa

Helga Svensson——-Hiranyangi Dasi

I have also accepted Yogendra Das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed find one sanctified thread and the gayatri mantra. Have him hear the recording of me in the right ear. You may hold a fire yajna for the first initiations.

Letter to Bhagavat Asraya -- Mayapur 13 March, 1977:

I have read your letter dated 8th March, 1977.

On your recommendation, I accept Sriman Rabindranatha Dasa, Sriman Mahabhuj Dasa, and Matachandra Libha for second initiation. The sacred threads for the men duly chanted on by me are enclosed. I also accept Bhakta Richard for first initiation and his name is now Ripughna dasa.

Now you may perform the Agnihotra on Rama Navami as you have proposed. The first initiate should vow to always follow the regulative principles and chant at least sixteen rounds daily. The brahmanas should be explained the qualities of brahminical life and be allowed to hear the gayatri tape in the right ear after the ceremony. The best way to instruct the initiates is by your own good example.

Letter to All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents -- Vrindaban 9 July, 1977:

In the past Temple Presidents have written to Srila Prabhupada recommending a particular devotee's initiation. Now that Srila Prabhupada has named these representatives, Temple Presidents may henceforward send recommendation for first and second initiation to whichever of these eleven representatives are nearest their temple. After considering the recommendation, these representatives may accept the devotee as an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada by giving a spiritual name, or in the case of second initiation, by chanting on the Gayatri thread, just as Srila Prabhupada has done. The newly initiated devotees are disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, the above eleven senior devotees acting as His representative.