Russia (Letters)

Expressions researched:
"russia" |"russia's" |"russian" |"russian's" |"russians"

1947 to 1965 Correspondence

Letter to Harbanslal -- Bombay 2 August, 1958:

Scholars and thinkers in Europe specially in Germany and Russia know it well that for learning about cultural knowledge, no body can surpass the Indians who have a back ground of centuries engaged in spiritual investigation.

Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru -- Bombay 4 August, 1958:

Both the Americans and the Russians are better materially advanced and although they have different political philosophy of life till they are not materially happy and peaceful because both of them are unconciously hankering after spiritual realization as the child cries for the mother without expression by language.

Letter to Mr. Toshihiro Nakano -- Delhi 1 April, 1961:

My small booklet Easy Journey to Other Planets is a novel step towards the path of cultivating Human spirit. The Russian scientists are trying to reach other planets by sputniks but such attempt is more or less utopian.

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 22 October, 1967:

Your suggestion for opening a center in Russia is welcomed as the Europeans were very enterprising in the Middle-historical period for colonization. Similarly we should be enthusiastic to open different branches in different parts of the world other than India. In India they are opening many such branches, but our responsibility is to open branches outside India. So it will be a great endeavour if you four go to Russia to open a center there.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 11 November, 1967:

When I arrive in your state, I may ask Rayarama to go to London and your good self to Russia and Gargamuni to Holland.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Harikrishnadas Aggarwal -- Los Angeles 3 March, 1968:

We are trying to get admission in the U.N. as non-governmental organization. And when successful, we shall introduce this cultural movement in all countries, including Russia and China.

Letter to Roland Michener (Governor-General of Canada) -- Montreal 24 August, 1968:

We are following in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya to invoke the dormant love of Godhead. The sum and substance of this teaching is that the living entity is eternally the subordinate servant of God, but unfortunately, being sophisticated by illusion, everyone in the human society is trying to predominate over others without accepting the Supreme Predominator. A case in point is the recent Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 21 December, 1968:

During the British period in India, anything which was trademarked, "made in London" was sold very quickly, so try to make your London Yatra equally important so that when the young boys and girls of England and America combine together in Sankirtana Party it will be a great revolution in the world, even in Russia and China.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 19 September, 1969:

So if we can overflood Japan with this Sankirtana Movement, it will be a great great achievement in the Eastern countries, and if we move little further more into China and Russia, then we shall build up a strong belt all around the world of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Mandali Bhadra -- Los Angeles 3 February, 1970:

Trivikrama is a very nice boy, sincere to Krishna Consciousness activities. In a previous letter, Krishna das asked me if Hamsaduta and Himavati can go there. So I think this pair will be very much helpful in our German centers. Hamsaduta is born in Germany but he came here in childhood, and Himavati is born in Germany although she is Russian originally. She knows how to speak in Russian language. So I have asked them to go there to help you in Sankirtana Movement and other Temple activities. Both of them are experienced in the Sankirtana Movement especially.

Letter to Harivilasa -- Los Angeles 14 June, 1970:

When I was in India, I knew that the Russian people have translated many Vaisnava literatures into the Russian language. There is a book known as Ram Caritmanas written by one great devotee poet Tulsidas. So the communists are generally known as non-believers in God, but I don't think they are against any cultural literature like our Bhagavad-gita AS IT IS, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Krsna, etc. In future if you can introduce these literatures in Russian language either by publishing them in book shape or in influential magazine, that will be a great help to our missionary activities.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Calcutta 6 October, 1970:

So although the Russians may be very much advanced by throwing sputniks into the outer space, they are missing the real point—Krsna Consciousness, the science of God. Although there are so many departments of knowledge, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, etc., the science of God is still to be introduced. When the scientist philosopher medical man will get the opportunity to study systematically what is God, what are His energies, what is my relationship, how to approach Him, then only there will be paradise. But paradise in the present condition of life in ignorance of God is parasite in temporary paradise.

I have already spoken to Hamsaduta about your enthusiasm to open some branches for ISKCON propaganda in Russia and in that connection you can immediately send him the address of the Indology Department along with the prominent professors.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Bombay 15 November, 1970:

Regarding Russia, I am very anxious to establish a center there in Moscow and if I am invited, I can go there. In the meantime, I think you should be the only one to hold correspondence with the Indology Professors, no one else. This correspondence should be conducted very cautiously with Russia. You can ask them some questions, like: What is the ultimate goal of life? What is your ideal ultimate goal of life? What is the difference between animal and human life? Why is religion accepted by all kinds of civilized societies? What is your conception of the original creation? In this way questions may be put to find out what is their standing. We do not grudge an atheist provided he has got some philosophical standing. In this way try to elicit some answers from the Professors. If you can finally establish one Moscow center, it will be a great credit to you. So far studying Russian language, it is not necessary, but if you do so it is alright. I want very much a center in Russia, so for the time being I shall desire that Moscow Center.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Surat 18 December, 1970:

I am very encouraged to see your enthusiasm for preaching this message to the Russian people, and your idea to send letters with the help of Dr. Bernhart is very good. He is a big scholar and he also appreciates our movement. So if you arrange a tour of Russia for me, I am prepared to accept. Let us see what Krishna desires. Why not Dr. Bernhart join this great movement.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Surat 18 December, 1970:

Himavati is also eager to go to Russia and she also speaks the language. If we can go to Russia with our World Sankirtana Party, I am certain that it will be very much appreciated and people will see the real peace movement is chanting process—chanting the Holy Names Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. So try for it.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Bombay 1 April, 1971:

My Dear Krsna dasa,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated 9th and 26th March, 1971 respectively and they are most encouraging. You have taken the matter very intelligently and now we have got invitation from one Professor G. G. Kotovsky in Moscow. So I agree to go to Germany as soon as I hear from you in reply to this letter. Please let me know the following points.

1) How many of us will go to Russia?

Letter to Visnujana -- Bombay 4 April, 1971:

I am very anxious to meet you also. I am thinking of returning very soon, but I am also contemplating going to Russia. So on my way back I may go there to Russia for a few days and then to U.S.A.

Letter to Damodara -- Bombay, India 11 April, 1971:

The point is that recently there is contemplation going on for me to go to Australia and then Russia, so my return to U.S.A. may be somewhat delayed. Here in India things are going on very nicely also.

Letter to Tulsi, Bhakta dasa, Pat, Sandy, Bill, Geoffrey, Terry -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:

My program is not yet fixed. Presently arrangements are being made for me to go to Australia, Malaysia and Russia also. So my return to U.S.A. may be somewhat delayed.

Letter to Dinesh Candra, Krsna Devi -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:

Presently I am making plans for going to Australia, Malaysia, and Russia also and I was planning to go to Jerusalem as well on my way to Russia. So let me know immediately in this connection what your plans are.

Just today I received another letter from Yacov Shames in Jerusalem (c/o Dr. Ritchie: 79 Rehov Bait Vegan; Bait Vegan; Jerusalem, Israel) and he is very much anxious to have me visit there, so I have consented that on my way to Russia I will go there for some time.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:

Still I would like to go to London, but when that will be is very uncertain. Presently plans are being made for me to go to Australia, Malaysia, Russia as well, and perhaps Jerusalem. So it may be some time before I can come.

Letter to Mulchand Deomal -- Bombay 14 April, 1971:

You will be glad to know that I have been invited by some Russian University to deliver lecture. Most probably I shall be going there very soon.

Letter to Dr. G. G. Godson -- Bombay 14 April, 1971:

Presently arrangements are being made for me to go to Moscow, Russia. We have one invitation to speak in the university there. If I see that you are understanding our philosophy, then I shall be glad to take you with me to Russia for preaching work.

Letter to Niranjana -- Bombay 14 April, 1971:

For the time being there are plans for me to go to Russia. When I go there, it may be via Delhi.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 14 April, 1971:

Presently arrangements are being made for me to go to Australia, Malaysia and Moscow, Russia as well. I have received one invitation to speak at the university there. So we shall see what Krishna desires.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay April 16, 1971:

So far as my going to Kuala Lumpur, negotiation is going on for two important things: One for purchasing a big property here in Bombay and another is going to Moscow, Russia, having been invited by a university professor there. Both the things will be decided in a week's time, so if I do not go to Russia, I shall go to Kuala Lumpur. I have already received credit letter for my ticket, so if I do not go to Moscow, I will surely go there and shall let you know the time and day of the flight; if I go to Moscow I shall return your ticket by mail. It is a hard job to go to Moscow. There are so many conditions. Therefore I am a little perplexed whether it will be possible to go there.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay April 19, 1971:

So far as my going there, that depends on whether we have to go to Russia. If not, then I shall go to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur. That program should be fixed up in a few days, so I shall let you know.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 19 April, 1971:

Most probably I shall have to go to Russia for a fortnight. So my passport is immediately necessary.

Letter to Ranadhira -- Bombay 21 April, 1971:

Presently I am in Bombay where preaching work is going on very successfully. Soon I shall be going to Russia also. We have got an invitation from one professor at the University of Moscow to speak there, so it is a good opportunity for spreading Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 24 April, 1971:

I am not going to Russia immediately, but to Kuala Lumpur by the 30th April instead and I shall be going to Calcutta from Sydney by the 14th May.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay April 27, 1971:

This plan to go to Russia is still underway and it may be that after returning from Sydney and attending one large function in Calcutta from 14th to 24th April, at that time I may be going to Moscow.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 27 April, 1971:

Ksirodakasayi hasn't got to go to Russia. Let him concentrate his business in Delhi as leader.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Bombay 27 April, 1971:

So far as your going to Russia, you should not take interest in this Russian program. Your presence in Delhi is absolutely required. If the Russian invitation comes, then I shall go alone with an assistant. But your service is very much needed in Delhi. All the proper arrangements are being made for the Russian tour and we are expecting the invitation very soon.

Letter to Abhirama -- Malaysia 5 May, 1971:

After finishing this Australian and Far East business I shall return to Calcutta and probably I shall have to go to Russia.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Malaysia 6 May, 1971:

I'm expecting some letter from Russia. So, if such letter comes, you can keep the original letter, but send me a copy.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Calcutta 26 May, 1971:

Now we are wanting to make twelve such programs in the greater Calcutta area; one each month. In that way we will win over the city. From here I shall be going to London via Bombay or else to Russia.

Letter to Govinda -- Calcutta 28 May, 1971:

From Bombay I may go to Russia (Moscow) and then to London and then N.Y. and then I will be coming to L.A.

Letter to Krsnakanti -- Bombay 30 May, 1971:

One thing though, is that I have noted with interest that you are proficient in the Russian language. If that is the case, then your service may be very much required, and so if I go to Russia at all in the near future, then I shall call for you and you shall accompany me to Moscow.

Letter to Professor Kotovsky -- Moscow 24 June, 1971:

From your book Soviet Studies of India I understand that academician Mr. A. P. Baranrikov completed a great translation, working the matter of Tulsidas's Ramayana into Russian. Srimad-Bhagavatam is the ripe, mature fruit of the Vedic knowledge, and Tulsidas's Ramayana (Ramacharitmanasa) is but a partial representative of Srimad-Bhagavatam. The real Ramayana is Valmiki's Ramayana. Tulsidas was a devotee of Lord Rama and he has given his thoughts in his book Ramayana. But the real original thoughts and ideas are in Srimad-Bhagavatam. I have already given you a sample copy of my translation of Srimad-Bhagavatam (one chapter only) and there are many hundreds of chapters like that. I think some of you should translate this great book of knowledge into Russian and it will be a great contribution. I am fully prepared to cooperate with you. India has very many authorized transcendental literatures for the benefit of the whole world. I am glad to note on page 72 of your book that "They (the Soviet scholars) regard the ancient literary heritage of India notes a petrified miracle of bygone times but as a living and growing tradition that exerts a fruitful influence on present-day literature and remains an inexhaustible source of literary and cultural development of contemporary India."

The Russian people as a growing nation and having a good feeling upon India's culture may take advantage of this treasure house of transcendental literatures, not only for the benefit of the Russian people but for the whole world.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Moscow 25 June, 1971:

We talked with one big professor Mr. Kotovsky and Syamasundara. talked with many great writers and musicians. Two boys are working with us; one Indian and one Russian. So there is good prospect for opening a center, although the atmosphere is not very good. The Embassy was no help. So our visit to Moscow was not so successful, but for the future, it is hopeful.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- London 7 August, 1971:

Krishna Das has been advised to go to Russia.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- London 14 August, 1971:

So far Krishna das is concerned, first let Krishna das go there to Moscow. You are in Hamburg already. There is no need of you both being there. You should stay there and develop that center. There is no question of your travelling just now. So let Krishna das go to Russia. He is very much enthusiastic for it.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Delhi 9 December, 1971:

Competition and profiteering spirit are always there in the living entity. It is not that they can be artificially removed in some manner. Factually we saw in Russia that by removing competition and profit calculation from society the people were not at all happy, and still these things are going on. So we shall not expect that we are any different.

Letter to Danavir -- Delhi 12 December, 1971:

Because if you want to enjoy and I also want to enjoy, there will be clash, fighting. And we have seen in Moscow that Marx and Lenin philosophy is no better. God is dead, the State is God: this philosophy has killed the spirit, and the Russian people are very morose and unhappy. They want to join us, that is a fact. So now you defeat all sorts of philosophies, become very convinced yourself and learn our Krishna philosophy perfectly. In this way, any sane man will listen to you and become convinced. Our philosophy is practical. Actually, philosophy means practical application—if it is mere theory then it has no value. But our Krishna philosophy is working now in modern society to solve all kinds of problems, all over the world, never mind white man, black man, Christian or Hindu, Russian or American. Everyone is feeling the nice result of our philosophy.

Letter to Himavati -- Bombay 26 December, 1971:

If you think that you may go to Russia and do something, I have no objection. But your plan appears too vague or uncertain to consider very seriously, so you should not bother yourself with such plans unless there is concrete opportunity. Even so, I don't think your husband may approve of your taking such risk without protection. There is some scheme now for continuing our work in Russia, and Syamasundara. has met with our Russian friend in Delhi who was helping us in Moscow, and they have planned out a program for infiltrating into Russia more and more. If we are successful, and if opportunity arises, I shall call for you to go there and help, as I think you speak Russian language.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Rudra, Radhika -- Calcutta 20 February, 1972:

So far Radhika's work, I am very pleased you are continuing translating into Russian language my books and essays. This book business is the most important of all, so kindly continue giving it your full attention. Work in Russia is going on slowly, and we have got a plan to send French devotee girl there to marry our Russian boy devotee in Moscow, and then the work will go much faster. I shall inform you when we are ready for BTG in Russian language, meanwhile go on with the work.

Letter to Amarendra -- Calcutta 4 March, 1972:

Nowadays, politician means pick-pocket, fooling the people who are innocent into voting them and then picking their pockets, because in two or four years they know they may be replaced by some other king so they take as much as they can. The people are innocent, we have seen this everywhere, even in Russia, it is only these rascal leaders who have spoiled everything by fooling the people for their personal advantage.

Letter to Dayananda -- Los Angeles 20 May, 1972:

I have received notice from Mandakini that her Russia trip was very much successful and that she will be returning to marry Anatole as soon as she can get proper visa. So you please give her all assistance to get proper visa so that she may continue her work. She is very very nice devotee.

Letter to Secretary to Minister of Education and Culture -- Los Angeles 7 June, 1972:

We also understand from one prominent Soviet professor of Indology that a few years ago your government published a translation of the Ramayana, an ancient Vedic scripture describing the pastimes of Lord Rama, who advented Himself as the Supreme Personality of Godhead long years ago, and that this translation, the whole stock, was sold out within a few days. With reference to this obvious preference by the citizens in general, we wish to publish our translation of another ancient classical Vedic literature, namely, Bhagavad-gita, in the Russian language.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Ahmedabad 13 December, 1972:

I think by now Mandakini has again gone to Russia, so she may send report as soon as she is able. Under all circumstances, keep our preaching work in front, it will save us in all conditions from the clutches of maya, that we have learned.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Hamsaduta -- New Delhi 8 November, 1973:

Yes, have our literature translated into Russian. Why not have our Bhagavad gita distributed underground there as they are doing the Bible?

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 13 December, 1973:

So far as the Russian correspondent, try to convince him about our philosophy. We want to unit the world on the platform of Krsna Consciousness under one state, one government, one religion and one scripture. It will be successful if we work cautiously and maintain our standards.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Dr. Ghosh:

Sometimes back, when I was in Moscow, I had discussion with a big professor, Kotovsky, and I challenged him. "Where is the difference between the Communist philosophy and any other? Everyone has to accept a particular leader and follow his instructions under a brand of ism." But because leaders are all fools and rascals, the ultimate result of following them is disappointment. In the western countries there have been many revolutions, in France, England, Germany and Russia, simply to change leaders of this ism to that ism.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Bombay 1 April, 1974:

I understand that some philosophers in Russia are thinking of autocracy with good sense. I am also advocating this philosophy. I have explained many times, the Vedic system of autocracy or monarchy in good training of God consciousness can save the world though less political thieves have failed with Marxism but if in England people can come to Krsna Consciousness monarchy is superficially maintained, and if the next Krsna Consciousness autocrat it will be a great revolution in the political field. Such noble king is not an autocrat but is guided by Brahmins how to rule and see everyone employed in their respective duties as Brahmana, Ksatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra and no one unemployed. There is no question of unwanted upheaval in society.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:

Regarding the book distribution, apart from our books, the Communist Party has become popular simply by distributing their literatures. I know in Calcutta the Communist agents were inviting friends and reading their literature. The Russians never came to India, but by distributing literature in every language they get a pretty good number of followers. So if it is possible for ordinary third class mundane literature, why not should our transcendental literature create devotees all over the world. I see practically how our books and magazines are becoming popular in your country. So there is good potency for pushing on these literatures very vigorously.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 23 November, 1974:

Regarding your saying that Satsvarupa said I spoke something about some plan for distributing books in Russia, I never said anything.

Letter to Mandakini -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:

You mentioned in your letter that you are getting only a tourist visa for Moscow. But my original plan was that by marrying this man you would be able to get a permanent resident/permit there in Russia as his wife. But apparently this is very difficult. Therefore I think for now you should remain there in __, executing your devotional service, preaching nicely, caring for the Deities nicely. Try to get some type of permanent residence permit for Russia. If you can not get this residence permit then I think it is better not to go there. We shall see as Krsna desires.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Hamsaduta, Bhagavan -- Vrindaban 1 September, 1975:

You make one book containing my conversations with Prof. Kotovsky and also the one with Syamasundara., and translate it into Russian and distribute in Russia.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Ahmedabad 29 September, 1975:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your two letters dated September 10th & 16th, 1975 and have noted the contents carefully. Regarding the propaganda for Russia, it is a very good idea to include the interview and the Marx discussion in the same book. After publishing the book, there is no question of distributing it underground by smuggling it into Russia. Sell it openly outside of Russia. It will be for people coming to visit our temples who come from there. You can advertise that ISKCON Books in Russian language are available in such and such place. That they cannot stop.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Johannesburg 16 October, 1975:

It is a good idea to have the Russian teacher in Czechoslovakia to do the translating, but it must be checked afterwards by our men with the help of someone competent.

Letter to Kirtiraja -- Johannesburg 16 October, 1975:

Try to make some literature in Polish and Russian.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Honolulu 23 May, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letters dated May 9, and May 16, 1976, as well as one telegram from Bombay that the Russians are appreciating our books. In that telegram you mentioned that the "mantra books" arrived. What "mantra books" are those that the Russians have ordered?

Letter to B.R. Sridhara Maharaja -- Los Angeles 6 June, 1976:

Another good news, we are selling books in Communist countries headed by Russia and Yugoslavia, and learned scholars are appreciating our books. We have published the Bhagavad-gita now in so many different languages, some of which are: English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, and now Chinese language, and also Russian language is in progress.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 9 June, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge reciept of your two letters dated June 2, and June 3, 1976 with typed copies of book reviews from Russia.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 9 June, 1976:

Concerning the reviews which you sent me of the Russia

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Detroit 15 June, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. Concerning the idea of exchanging our books for Russian books, unless we find sellers in India for Russian books (in English language), what will be the value of getting their books. You must ask the prominent book dealers in India what books from Russia (in English) are in demand and to what extent. Then when we exchange our books with the Russians, then we can request these specific books and we can easily sell them to the Indian booksellers. That way we will have no difficulty. If there is no customer for Russian books in India, then let the Russians take order for specific books and we can send them some of our books free of charge. That will prove that the Russians are actually poor.

So you can make this enquiry from the Indian booksellers, "If you are selling Russian books in the English language, if so, kindly send us the list." Then enquire from Russia, "we can supply our books in exchange for particular Russian books in the English language (those titles which are desired in India)."

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- New Vrindaban 24 June, 1976:

Concerning the book exchange from Russia or wherever, first of all see if they can be exchanged, sold, in India. Otherwise we do not want to trouble ourselves with their rubbish literature. If it is not possible to sell their books, then if the Russian institutions take order, we can send them some variety of our books, like Bhagavad-gita, one Srimad-Bhagavatam, one Caitanya-caritamrta, etc., like that.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- New Vrindaban 26 June, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 17, 1976, with enclosed reviews from professors in Russia, and I have noted the contents with care.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Vrndavana 18 September, 1976:

That is my only life. When I see that there is publication of the Srimad-Bhagavatam and other books in other languages that gives me life. It is very nice that you will print in Yugoslavian, Hungarian , Polish and Russian.

Letter to Kirtiraja -- Vrindaban 11 November, 1976:

It is my earnest desire to have my books translated and published in Russian and Polish.

Letter to Ramesvara -- NEWSLETTER 26 November, 1976:

Nowadays you can go with coat, pant and shaven head, no one will criticize. It has become fashion. Russians, they use, Krushchev, I have seen, shaven head.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Vegavan -- Bombay 5 January, 1977:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 76/12/27 along with two copies of the Russian Easy Journey to Other Planets. Thank you very much.

This is very, very good. I'm very pleased. It is another epoch making event. I'm sending one copy to the Russian embassy here and asking for their comment and opinion. The inclusion of my conversation with Professor Kotovsky is welcome.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Bhuvanesvara 28 January, 1977:

The Russian orders are very impressive. Yes, they can be given the books gratis; we do not want to exchange for Russian books.

Letter to Kirtiraja -- Mayapur 19 March, 1977:

The program of preaching aboard the Russian ships is very nice. You are very intelligent. As to which way to preach aboard the ship, do you think best.

Letter to Harikesa -- Bombay 6 May, 1977:

Regarding the translations into Russian and other East European languages, you are the expert in the field, so however you decide to get the work done is alright. I will simply be very glad to receive any publications from these languages.