My disciples (Letters, 1974 - 1975)

Expressions researched:
"My beloved sannyasi disciple" |"my American and European disciples" |"my American disciples" |"my European and American disciples" |"my European and Indian disciples" |"my European disciples" |"my Western disciples" |"my able disciples" |"my advanced disciples" |"my advanced senior disciples" |"my affectionate disciples" |"my all senior disciples" |"my beloved disciples" |"my bona fide disciple" |"my dear disciples" |"my direct disciples" |"my disciple" |"my disciples" |"my duly initiated (secondly) disciples" |"my duly initiated disciple" |"my duly initiated disciples" |"my elder disciples" |"my elder sannyasi disciples" |"my elder women disciples" |"my experienced disciples" |"my first and nicest disciples" |"my first disciple" |"my first disciples" |"my first disciples" |"my firstly initiated disciples" |"my foreign American and European disciples" |"my foreign assistants and disciples" |"my foreign disciples" |"my foremost disciples" |"my formal disciple" |"my good disciples" |"my good disciples" |"my householder disciples" |"my initiated disciple" |"my initiated disciples" |"my married disciples" |"my most foremost disciples" |"my nice disciples" |"my old disciple" |"my old disciples" |"my older disciples" |"my original disciple" |"my other disciples" |"my other disciples" |"my other good disciples" |"my own disciples" |"my sannyasi disciples" |"my second initiated disciples" |"my senior disciples" |"my sincere disciples" |"my six young disciples" |"my topmost disciples" |"my trusted disciples" |"my trusted senior disciple" |"my trusted senior disciples" |"my two young disciples" |"my veteran disciple" |"my wonderful disciples" |"my young disciples" |"my younger disciples" |"our disciple" |"our disciples" |"our girl disciples" |"our leading disciples" |"our new disciple" |"our new disciple" |"our various disciples"

1974 Correspondence

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

This new service is a great new chance for you in Krsna Consciousness. You are my dear and beloved son and because you are carrying out my instructions there exactly as I have taught you and all my disciples, Krsna will be very pleased with you and all the devotees who are there. It is very good news that there are now 28 devotees and I am sure more will join you in the future.

Letter to Madhavananda -- Los Angeles 4 January, 1974:

One of my disciples, Niranjana das Brahmacari, has won a scholarship to study in Glasgow, Scotland. Allow him to stay in our Temple and take prasadam there.

Letter to Citsukhananda -- Los Angeles 5 January, 1974:

On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees as my initiated disciples and there Spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Dayananda -- Los Angeles 7 January, 1974:

On your recommendation, I am glad to accept the following devotees as my disciples, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Nadia -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:

Gurukrpa Maharaja has recommended you for first initiation, and I have accepted you as my disciples. Your spiritual names follow respectively:

Letter to Damodara -- Honolulu 16 January, 1974:

I have accepted as my disciples, those devotees recommended by you, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Taittiriya -- Mayapur 3 March, 1974:

Our Japanese devotee Basu is very useful in our missionary activity. Also I see this in you. I met several friends, the director of the Dai Nippon Printing Co., even the president of the Company and they were very kind to me. So I have a very good notion about the Japanese people. Now I have a very cultured aristocratic Japanese girl like you as my disciple and daughter-in-law. I hope in the future you will take a leading part in converting the Japanese and Chinese people towards Krsna Consciousness so that all of them may become happy like you. That is my only desire. Thanking you once more for your kind attention upon me.

Letter to All ISKCON Centers -- Vrindaban 14 March, 1974:

Memorandum to All ISKCON Centers

My dear disciples,

Please accept my blessings. Now that our ISKCON is growing into a huge, world wide organization, it has come to my attention that sometimes centers are printing my literature, taking collection and spending all outside the jurisdiction of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This must not go on.

I specifically formed the BBT to invest in it exclusive rights for the printing of all literature containing my teachings, writings and lectures. In this way the collections are to be divided fifty percent for printing new books and fifty percent for construction of temples.

The BBT can authorize a center to print, as in the case of foreign translations, with the agreement that when the foreign printing becomes financially solvent they will pay royalties to the BBT. But all printing of ISKCON literature must be by the BBT or under their sanction and approval.

If temples print independently it will be at the cost of the books I am, myself printing, and could eventually cause the financial ruin of the BBT, meaning I could not order new books from the printer or have sufficient funds for construction of temple projects.

I trust this is now clear and you will all do the needful. If you have any questions in this matter you can write me directly or consult with the GBC representative.

Letter to Hasyakari -- Bombay 21 March, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of names recommended by your for first initiation. On your word I have accepted them as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 24 March, 1974:

I have received the names of the devotees recommended by you for first initiation, and upon your word I have accepted them as my disciples. There new spiritual names are as follows.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 24 March, 1974:

I have received you written note of 3/8/74 with names for initiation. I have accepted the devotees named by you as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows

Letter to Kanu Gandhi -- Bombay 26 March, 1974:

Our main purpose for keeping a large temple, however, is for inviting the public. I came to the U.S.A. just to try to give a chance to as many people as possible to take to Krishna Consciousness, because it is the only hope for humanity in this increasingly demoniac, godless age. So if you are seriously interested in maintaining a Vaisnava temple, why not go and try to help my disciples there in Boston, whether they are going to sell and relocate or remain, if you are financially able to assist them, that will be taken by Krishna as a great service. The young men and women at the ISKCON temple are giving everything they have for giving others a chance to come and worship at an authorized Radha-Krishna temple, so I request you to inquire into their situation and help them maintain our Vaisnava temple in the important city of Boston.

Letter to Bhavatarini -- Bombay 3 April, 1974:

If you are actually going to receive $24,000 I think the best thing is to contribute it to the Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust Fund which you can do either in the U.S. or in India. You have learned from the devotees who have been here, what a large scope our plans are for these two centers in India. During the festival hundreds of devotees from countries all around the world all very much appreciated that these transcendental spots, Mayapur and Vrindaban are place of spiritual inspiration for all devotees of ISKCON. They are the best places in the world to come and chant Hare Krishna and prepare for going Back to Home, Back to Godhead. So you can help by your contribution so that all your Godbrothers and Godsisters can come and find shelter here. As for yourself and your child, these places are for you also. You can come to Mayapur where you can have a separate room, also Bombay this facility is there and it is very comfortable, or Vrindaban, or L.A. or wherever you choose. My only desire for my disciples is that they chant Hare Krishna Mantra at least 16 rounds, follow the rules and live in association of devotees then you will be happy and peaceful and not disturbed.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Bombay 8 April, 1974:

I have not visited Jagannatha Puri because my men are not allowed to see the deity. When you arrange that we can visit the temple with my disciples then I can come immediately.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Bombay 8 April, 1974:

In conclusion, I shall come to Jagannatha Puri as you have kindly insisted, but only when they allow entry to all my disciples.

Letter to Ajita -- Bombay 29 April, 1974:

The devotees recommended by you for initiation are accepted by me as my disciples, and their new spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to The Management of Tirupati-Tirumala-Devasthanam -- Bombay 4 May, 1974:

I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude for the kind treatment given me and my disciples, members of the Hare Krishna Movement on our recent two day visit in Tirumala. The special excess we were given for darsana before Balaji is something we will always remember favorably, and for my American and European followers it was a rarely given privilege for which they are fully appreciative. We all left Tirupati feeling very much inspired by the darsana and by your excellent management, and we hope to return when we are able again.

Letter to Jayapataka , Bhavananda -- Bombay 9 May, 1974:

You write that you are very careful utilizing funds that are sent for that particular purpose. In all matters of management this careful attitude must be taken. I have been requesting my disciples for sometime to release me from the management aspects of ISKCON so I can be free to translate. And you two are managing one of our biggest centers. I cannot close my eyes when there are big management difficulties, so when I see things going wrong, money mispent, things not used properly, then I have to take part. But if you can relieve me of worry of management in Mayapur it will be a great relief for me. Krsna will give you more and more intelligence on how to do this if you sincerely endeavor.

Letter to Bhima, Krsna dasa, Sanat Kumara, Nityananda, Samba, Joseph -- Bombay 16 May, 1974:

So I am very happy that you are finding Krishna Consciousness very blissful in the Nairobi temple and this will be the key to your success. That you also follow exactly as I have instructed in my books to my disciples such as Brahmananda Swami. That means to rise early, clean the body and clean the clothes. I have seen films of the Deity worship in Nairobi and it is very gorgeous. Proper Deity worship means to be clean, punctually and nice offerings of foodstuffs. Brahmananda Swami can teach you these things.

Letter to Nityananda -- Rome 27 May, 1974:

On your recommendation I have accepted Robbie Bernstein and James Steelman a my initiated disciples, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Trai -- Rome 27 May, 1974:

Upon your recommendation I have accepted Neal Buyers as my initiated disciple and his new spiritual name is Niranjana dasa.

Letter to Ravindra Svarupa -- Paris 9 June, 1974:

I have accepted on your recommendation the three devotees as my duly initiated disciples, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Paris 9 June, 1974:

I have accepted as my disciples the devotees recommended by you and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Sahadeva -- Paris 9 June, 1974:

On your recommendation I have accepted the devotee submitted by you as my duly initiated disciple. His new spiritual name is as follows: Bruce Dickmeyer—Bhusaya dasa.

Letter to Acyutananda -- Paris 14 June, 1974:

I am glad you have received my letter and mailed it to Swami Cinmayananda; so we shall see if they are able to help us so that we may enter Jagannatha Puri Temple with our disciples.

Letter to Yadunandana -- Melbourne 25 June, 1974:

Yes there are example of Krsna Conscious persons whose worship was solitary life, and the greatest example is Haridasa Thakura. Haridasa Thakura used to live only in a cave sometimes and would spend his whole time chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra. Similarly Gaura Keshore das Babaji the spiritual master of my guru maharaj would chant alone in a solitary place so as not to be bothered by anyone in his meditation on Krsna. But these great personalities are not to be imitated. If we artificially imitate, out of some negative feeling or out of desire for adoration as a saintly person, it will not be very beneficial. On the authority of Lord Caitanya and my spiritual master, I am requesting my disciples to always stay in the association of devotees and to propagate the sankirtana movement all over the world, so that others may get a chance also to become liberated from the material condition. Prahlada Maharaja prayed I am not satisfied to go back to the kingdom of God alone, but I must bring back with me all these poor fools who have no alternative ultimately than to surrender to You. This form of worship called gostananandi is more superior than the gostananandi or the holy man who lives alone in meditation of the Lord within the heart. This is the estimation of the scripture.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Melbourne 25 June, 1974:

As of your writing, Govardhana Prabhu, the Detroit president had left his post and was living in the Chicago temple, because he was not chanting his sixteen rounds. I hope by now he has taken your advice and has returned to his post and is following the chanting with full knowledge. In your previous letter you stated that the deity worship in Detroit was superexcellent and that all programs were being expertly managed by govardhana. Why should he leave therefore? You write he is chanting 14 rounds daily; so you are experienced and know what to do in this case, simply encourage him to chant 16 rounds. The injunction is kirtaniya sada hari, one should always be chanting all day. The 16 rounds is just a minimum 1 set for my disciples so they will chant at least that much. Actually chanting should always be going on. So I will be anxious to hear that Govardhana has returned and is chanting more seriously, aware that he must do so to remain free from the clutches of maya.

Letter to Mr. Punja -- Dallas 17 July, 1974:

I wish to inform you that I am sending one of my elder sannyasi disciples to Fiji for preaching and opening a Krishna consciousness temple there. Three other men will also go there to assist him. His name is His Holiness Subaladas Swami. Please see that he is taken care of there. He will be arriving within one months time.

Letter to Indian Airlines Airport Manager -- Bombay 30 July, 1974:

With reference to your letter Ref. No. PAL:BAG: 2 3/4 RSM: 6657 with copy to Sri Balavanta das Adhikari, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., dated 25/7/74, I may inform you that I am prepared to take possession of the above mentioned baggage. Sriman Balavanta das is my disciple. You can deliver the baggage to me, and I shall take responsibility for having it returned to him.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Vrindaban 9 August, 1974:

The men you have recommended I accept as my disciples, and their name are as follows:

Letter to Abhirama -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:

I have accepted the students upon your recommendation as my initiated disciples. Their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Mahamsa -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:

Regarding the initiations I have accepted them as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Bhurijana -- Vrindaban 17 August, 1974:

I am very pleased that you have gone to that place simply on my order, alone, to preach the message of Lord Caitanya. I like this kind of spirit in you very much. You know I went to your country also alone, in old age, because of the order given to me by my spiritual master. So I get great pleasure when I see my own disciples from America going to far off places leaving their rich nation with all facilities and their families, to preach. The secret of success in spiritual life is to satisfy one's spiritual master. This is the essence. You have captured this. So now go on in this way and do not falter.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Vrindaban 17 August, 1974:

Upon your recommendation I have accepted the following students as my initiated disciples, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrndavana 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciations on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Purnaprajna, Narayani -- Vrindaban, India 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciation on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Balabhadra, Ratnaranjini -- Vrindaban 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciation on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Vrindaban 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciation on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Nalinikanta, Ratnesvari -- Vrindaban 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciations on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Nayanabhirama -- Vrindaban 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciation on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Radha-Kanta -- Vrindaban 20 August, 1974:

You should understand that when you sat at the fire sacrifice upon your initiation, you made a vow to the Spiritual Master at that time. So, you should not break these vows. You say that you appreciate the association of devotees but how will you withstand the material attraction? If you are not chanting Hare Krishna offenselessly and regularly? Affection for the spiritual master and following the instructions of the Spiritual Master is the same. My instruction is that all of my disciples must attend the mangala arati and chant 16 rounds daily. This life is very flickering. At any moment you may die so we must cling very close to the instruction of higher authorities, the spiritual master and Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Vrindaban 21 August, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of all the letters requesting initiations. I am pleased that you are treating this matter of initiation as a serious business. I have accepted the following as my disciples:

Letter to Upendra -- Vrindaban 30 August, 1974:

So you have returned, but now you must be very careful not to become rubbish. If you are keeping long hairs, they must be removed. All of my disciples must be clean shaved. Even anyone who stays with us must be clean shaved. They can visit, but anyone who wants to remain with us must be clean shaved. So for a time you may come here to India. Yes, I know your wife, she is of nice character and chaste girl.

Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Vrindaban 3 September, 1974:

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

Letter to Taittiriya -- Vrindaban 15 September, 1974:

It will be a great event when we meet together for a greater program in Japan. I have got very good respect for Japanese people. So far I have met the Japanese boys and girls in our temple there, they are so well behaved that I was astonished that they were more respectful than my direct disciples. I think there is great prospect to spread Krsna consciousness in Japan as well as China, because both China and Japan belong to oriental culture. A little endeavor tactfully in pushing Krsna consciousness in these two countries will be sure advancement. This is my conviction.

Letter to Gopijanavallabha -- Vrindaban 19 September, 1974:

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

Letter to Adi-kesava -- Calcutta 24 September, 1974:

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Calcutta 25 September, 1974:

Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Calcutta 25 September, 1974:

Upon your recommendation I am accepting David Kiish as my disciple. His spiritual name is Damaghosa dasa.

Letter to Mr. Poddar -- Calcutta 26 September, 1974:

Enclosed is a copy of the letter to my disciples in Vrindaban regarding the land. The letter that you write to your father, kindly send me the copy.

Letter to Sri Govinda -- Mayapur 29 September, 1974:

Regarding the initiations, I accept for second initiation upon your recommendation Mrgendra dasa, Bhaktavasya dasi, Subhadra dasi, and Krsna mayi dasi. Enclosed are the thread and sheet. The following I accept as my disciples and their names are as follows:

Letter to Vajresvari -- Mayapur 7 October, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 11, 1974 (sic.) I have noted in your letter that you want to serve me. I only want that all you my disciples always think of Krishna and never forget Him for a moment. In this way you can conquer Krishna. He becomes so attracted by pure devotion that He gives Himself to His devotee. And if you get Krishna, then what you want more?

Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 8 October, 1974:

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

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

Letter to Ajita -- West Bengal 10 October, 1974:

I am pleased to accept the following as my initiated disciples and their name are as follows:

Letter to Srinathji Temple -- Mayapur 11 October, 1974:

I have received a report from my disciple Murti das Adhikari of the nice program that was held in Nathadwara. I am very thankful for your cooperation for spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world.

Letter to Mr. Perry Muckerheide -- Mayapur 12 October, 1974:

But before saving others we must first see that we ourselves are protected from the dangerous effects of maya. Therefore my recommendation to you is that you should associate yourself with my disciples in one of our Krishna Consciousness centers, practice our regulative principles, and study my books very carefully.

Letter to Tulsi -- Mayapur 12 October, 1974:

I see that after living in Brazil for some time, you are now living in Hawaii with your son Karnapura. You are right in saying that although Krishna consciousness is a simple process, the application may sometimes be difficult. Now you are one of my older disciples, so please try to follow the devotional practices I have given you. This is the simple formula for victory in our struggle against maya.

Letter to Tusta Krsna -- Mayapur 14 October, 1974:

I have come here to Mayapur and my health has improved much but still I am suffering from high blood pressure. After all, it is old age. As far as possible Krishna will keep me to work, and when He desires I will go. So I wish all my disciples to push on this movement for the rehabilitation of suffering humanity.

Letter to Ajita -- Mayapur 19 October, 1974:

I am pleased to accept the following as my initiated disciples and their names are as follows:

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Mayapur 19 October, 1974:

Regarding the farm, farm opening is not very essential, but if you can do it conveniently, then do it. The varnasrama system is for convenience sake in the material world. It has nothing to do with spiritual life. Acceptance of varnasrama means a little easy progress to spiritual life, otherwise it has no importance to us. For example, all my European and American disciples have no varnasrama position, but spiritually because they have followed the rules and regulations and also my instructions, their advancement spiritually is being appreciated by everyone. Always remember that varnasrama life is a good program for material life, and it helps one in spiritual life; but spiritual life is not dependent upon it. After all the system of varnasrama has to be realized before accepting spiritual life; and the renounced order of sannyasa is the last stage of varnasrama.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Mayapur 19 October, 1974:

We should work to our best capacity and depend for the result on Krishna. After all, our life is dedicated to Krishna's service, and Krishna will give us intelligence, capability, and all kinds of success. I know you are doing your best capacity. Depend for the result on Krishna. When I point out some discrepancy of my disciples, it is always with good will so you can become the best servant of Krishna. There is nothing of material grudge. Kindly remember this.

Letter to Balavanta -- Mayapur 20 October, 1974:

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

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Bombay 31 October, 1974:

I am very glad to note that you are seeing that the devotees are maintaining the devotional practices. This is the secret to success. Therefore I am stressing it. And, if you also stress it and show yourself as an ideal Vaisnava, then you are my representative in fullness. We are not after titles and designations. Lord Caitanya made it a principle that we must teach by personal example. This is what I have tried to do. So if all of you my disciples do this, then the future of our movement will be glorious.

Letter to Cyavana -- Bombay 1 November, 1974:

I have seen your telegram to Brahmananda Swami and am glad to learn that you have opened a center in Zambia. You have made some progress there since going and I am pleased. You are a good worker. All my disciples they are good boys, intelligent, and hard working. I pray to Krishna that you all may use your intelligence for Krishna's service and not for any personal ambition. We have worked very hard and established a great institution, but if we think for our personal benefit then it will become ruined. This is my only concern.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 1 November, 1974:

Regarding your recommendations for initiations, I accept the following as my disciples and their names are:

Letter to Lilasakti -- Bombay 5 November, 1974:

I am glad to see that you are advancing in Krishna consciousness by this worship of the Deity. This is the practical application to what we find stated in the Bhagavad-gita, man manah bhava mad bhakto, mad yaji mam namaskuru. We do not speculate on what Krishna says but we follow whatever He says implicitly. I also follow this process. Every morning I go to the temple and see the Deity and offer obeisances, so I expect each and every one of my disciples should also follow what I have given in this connection, arising early, taking bath, attending mangal arati. yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato 'pi **. The Deity is non-different from Krishna Himself. This we have to understand.

Letter to Dr. Ghosh -- Bombay 17 November, 1974:

Further I beg to inform you that all my temples and centers here in India are being managed by my foreign disciples. I want that they should be admitted as immigrants. They have embraced this Vaisnava religion and have given money for constructing these temples and are managing them. Although we have got a few Indians to join, they are neither educated or expert.

In Allahabad you are known to so many lawyers and judges. Kindly consult with them how my foreign disciples can get immigration status in this country. If they were forced to leave, I will be in a great disturbed condition how to manage all these centers. Kindly find out immediately some good lawyer. I think Sir Tej Bahdur's son maybe helpful in this connection.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:

The following are those who I have accepted as my disciples and they are to be given the Hare Nama Initiation. Their names are as follows.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:

Regarding the initiations upon your recommendation I am accepting the devotees as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows;

Letter to Nrsimha Caitanya -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:

Regarding the devotees whom you have recommended for initiation I am pleased to accept them as my disciples.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 23 November, 1974:

Regarding the initiations, upon your recommendations I have accepted the following as my disciples and their names are as follows:

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Bombay 24 November, 1974:

Regarding the devotees you have recommended, I am pleased to accept them as my disciples and their names are as follows:

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 1 December, 1974:

As you have recommended for initiation Lisa Reuter and Willy, I have accepted them as my disciples.

Letter to Prabhavisnu -- Bombay 3 December, 1974:

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

Letter to Sri Govinda -- Bombay 6 December, 1974:

I think the article about the book distribution at the airport is indirectly an advertisement. People will come to know about our books and our movement. Here in Bombay they also have the complaint that we are nuisance. What can be done? the writer of the article calls us Hare Krishnas. He calls us this over and over again. He does not know that by doing this he is chanting the holy name and will be benefited. Just like during Lord Caitanya's time, the Muhammadans used to joke how the devotees were chanting Hare Krishna. One of the officers said to his subordinate that it was all right that they were chanting, but why was he chanting. And the man had to admit that yes he was also chanting and that he did not know why he was doing it. So by writing this article, this man is chanting.

They say that you are all my disciples. So the guru is not on the scene. He has fled away and nobody knows where he is, but the Krishna consciousness program is going on. That was also going on during the time of Lord Caitanya. In South India He used to travel, and in a village He would meet some man and induce him to chant, and the man would become a devotee, and Lord Caitanya would go away, but still the man would continue to chant. So, I am not personally present, but still things are going on, and it is increasing. So the books are selling and we are expanding. This book distribution is the brihat mrdangam. It is the greater preaching. Anyway, you have replied properly to the article that this may be some isolated incident.

Letter to Mahamsa -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:

Upon Acyutananda Swamis recommendation I have accepted the following as my duly initiated disciples:

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Hiranyagarbha -- Bombay 4 January, 1975:

I have accept Tausteya (Joseph Fournier) as my duly initiated disciple and his name is Jagamanalobha dasa. Kirtanananda Svami can chant his beads.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 8 January, 1975:

I have accepted Bhakta Wayne and Bhakta Rod as my firstly initiated disciples. Their names are as follows: Venugopala and Ramasaran.

Letter to Malati -- Bombay 8 January, 1975:

Please continue your service nicely as one of my elder women disciples always setting good example for others to follow.

Letter to Uttamasloka -- Bombay 16 January, 1975:

I have accepted for 1st initiation the 6 persons you you have recommended. Their names are as follows: Earl—Harideva dasa, Geoff Meek—Govinda bhakta dasa, Lucien—Laksminatha dasa, Tim—Trilokanatha dasa, Tuija—Tribhuvanesvari dasi, Cathy—Ksiracora dasi. Their beads may be chanted on by Kirtanananda Svami. I have also accepted Purnamasi devi dasi and Rudrani devi dasi as my duly initiated (secondly) disciples. Their gayatri mantra sheet, are enclosed herein. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself saying it.

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

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.

Letter to Prof. O.P. Goel -- Perth, Australia 10 May, 1975:

In India, they are not less than 95% villagers and Mahatma Gandhi wanted this village organization. I think this is a solid program. The people must eat sumptuously—not voraciously and make them fit for working and chanting. In this way, they will be purified and everything will be nicely organized. We require some men only like your good self to co-operate with this movement. The necessary things in this connection will surely be supplied by Krishna. Simply we want some sincere worker like your honor. Up to date, I am working chiefly with my foreign assistants and disciples. In India, for them there is the language difficulty, otherwise they are ready to work in Indian villages also. Besides that, they have visa problems. Under the circumstances, I require immediately some willing, educated worker for this purpose. So, kindly reply this letter to my Honolulu center. The address is as follow: 51 Coelho Way, Honolulu Hawaii, USA.

Letter to Radheswaranand Goswami -- Perth, Australia 10 May, 1975:

In India, they are not less than 95% villagers and Mahatma Gandhi wanted this village organization. I think this is a solid program. The people must eat sumptuously—not voraciously and make them fit for working and chanting. In this way, they will be purified and everything will be nicely organized. We require some men only like your good self to co-operate with this movement. The necessary things in this connection will surely by supplied by Krishna. Simply we want some sincere worker like your honor. Up to date, I am working chiefly with my foreign assistants and disciples. In India, for them there is language difficulty, otherwise they are ready to work in Indian villages also. Besides that, they have visa problems. Under the circumstances, I require immediately some willing, educated worker for this purpose. So, kindly reply this letter to my Honolulu address as follows: 51 Coelho Way, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Letter to Dulal Candra -- Melbourne 19 May, 1975:

I accept Bob Bauer and Sue Bauer as my duly initiated disciples. Their names are Bhokta dasa, and Sukhavaha devi dasi. Their beads may be chanted by Kirtanananda Swami.

Letter to Svarupa Damodara -- Vrindaban 31 August, 1975:

Your letter was pleasing to me. I am glad that you have keen interest in the Institute program. Be ready, as I am negotiating. As soon as it is complete, I shall send a telegram for you to come. In the meantime request all GBC's to send lists of all our disciples who have B.A., M.A. or Ph.D. degrees.

Letter to Kartikeya K. Mahadevia -- Johannesburg 19 October, 1975:

In India especially people are religiously inclined. They like to live in village and also like to love Lord Rama, Lord Krishna. This idealism is running through their blood and veins. We have to organize their natural tendency and elevate them again back to Home, Back-to-Godhead. Please think over these points very seriously and as soon as I return we shall take up the program. My beloved sannyasi disciple Swami Pusta Krishna has promised to give me a car, and as soon as I get it I shall move from village to village along with some selected assistants and organize this farming village development program.

Letter to Sri Singh -- Bombay 12 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter from Imphal, Manipur dated August 18, 1975 forwarded to me by my disciple Dr. Svarupa Damodara das. I am prepared to go to Manipur with some of my European and Indian disciples some time in April, 1976. I have written to Sri. N. Tombi Singh in New Delhi as per your instructions. Please find enclosed copy of letter.

Letter to Sri N. Tombi Singh -- Bombay 12 November, 1975:

I have received a letter from the Manipur Gita Mandal in Imphal dated August 18, 1975 inviting me and my disciples to Manipur for putting on my programs. I am prepared to go to Manipur with 6 or 7 or my European and Indian disciples in April, 1976. So if you can arrange for my going there, I am prepared.

Letter to Cakravarti -- New Delhi 2 December, 1975:

I have accepted the following list of Boy and Girls as my duly initiated disciples. So you are the president there at Schloss Rettershof, it is your duty to see that the standards of Krishna Consciousness are always maintained, especially chanting 16 rounds daily, observing the four regulative principles, no meat, fish, eggs, no intoxication, no gambling, and no illicit sex life. The students must all attend morning and evening arati and classes. If we follow this simple program along with regular sankirtana, distributing the books and preaching, then there will be no fall down.

Letter to Dr. W.H. Wolf-Rottkay -- Vrindaban 9 December, 1975:

Because your letter to Nairobi was a long letter I sent it to Svarupa Damodara, he is also one of my trusted disciples. I do not know why he has not replied it yet, and since I do not have a copy with me I am also unable to reply it.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 17 December, 1975:

I am enclosing herewith an introductory letter which you can take with you when you go to see him. First of all try to invite him to come see our Mayapur establishment, give him nice reception, and then try to take his help in acquiring lands. He has personally promised to help me in every way, because he is impressed with my missionary activities all over the world. You can take help from him also about some of our disciples citizenship for which you have already applied.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 19 December, 1975:

I have received the list of first and second initiations and I have accepted them as my duly initiated disciples. Enclosed please find the sacred threads duly chanted upon by me. Now hold a fire ceremony, and instruct the new devotees to chant 16 rounds daily and follow the regulative principles of devotional service.