I have, according to the instruction of my spiritual master, chalked out a programme of work according to Bhagavad-gita and I wish to discuss it personally with your good self to give the plan a practical shape. Will it be convenient for you to see me for this purpose? I am prepared to go to you at my cost at wait upon you if so desired by you. Awaiting your early reply and thanking you in anticipation.
Convenience (Letters)
Correspondence
1947 to 1965 Correspondence
Letter to Registrar of Joint Stock Companies -- Allahabad 4 February, 1955:
With reference to my interview with your honour on the 3rd instant, regarding registration of the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations of the League of Devotees (alias Sarbabhouma Bhagavata Samaj), I beg to inform you that I have deposited the fee RS 50/- (Rupees Fifty only) in the Imperial Bank of India Ltd, Lucknow and beg to hand you the following as advised by you.
(1) The Memorandum of Association clearly signed by the present members of the League of Devotees.
(2) The Rules and Regulations duly signed by the present members of the League of Devotees.
(3) Deposit Challan No 81D/4 3/3 for Rs 50/-
Kindly acknowledge receipt of the above and do the needful at your earliest convenience.
Letter to Govinda Maharaja -- New Delhi 16 September, 1955:
Your poem on Vasita is also good. All these show that you have good tact and may God help you more and more. Sripada Sridhara Maharaja's article on Gaudiya Darsana is philosophical and if he so desires I can get it translated into English by myself and get it published in the Sri Sajjanatoshani Patrika. I understand that Sripada is now out on pilgrimage and you can let me know his opinion when he comes back or earlier according to your convenience.
Letter to R. N. Aggarwal M.A -- Delhi 13 December, 1955:
I request you to preside over this meeting and give me some time at your convenience so that the meeting can be arranged accordingly.
Letter to Mr. Banerjee -- Bombay 28 July, 1958:
I wish to talk with you in detail and shall be glad to know if you can spare some convenient time for this. Also I shall be more glad to speak on the teachings of Lord Caitanya amongst your selected friends if such a meeting is organized at your or any other suitable place. Thanking you in anticipation and awaiting your reply.
Letter to Sir -- Delhi 15 April, 1961:
I beg to inform you that I have very kindly been invited by the noble Japanese organizers of the International Congress for Cultivating Human Spirit, to be held in your different important cities. I am an Indian Vaisnava Sannyasi dedicated to the cause of spiritual upliftment of the human society. I have therefore taken up the cause of the ensuing congress in your country and wish to meet you conveniently when I am in Japan.
Letter to Sir -- Delhi 15 April, 1961:
This perfection of life will help also in building up the next progressive life after death. The human society is meant for liberal cooperation for this movement of all round perfection of the human society without any bar for class or nation or dogmatic faith. Spiritual culture is not dogmatic faith but it is based on philosophy, reason and culture. This can be introduced very easily through convenient methods of music, dance and refreshment which are acceptable by all grades of human being in all parts of the world. It requires only to be organized by combined effort of the intelligent class of men of all nations. I have tried to explain the human cultural synopsis in fifty pictographical explanation and I wish that these pictographical explanations may widely be distributed. The sponsors of the Congress have taken charge of this and I hope they will do the needful.
1966 Correspondence
Letter to Mr. K. B. Mehta -- New York 3 October, 1966:
In the meantime, Swami Bhakti Vilas Tirtha of Caitanya Research Institute of 71 B Rash Behari Avenue may send you some goods for forwarding. Please arrange to receive the goods and forward to New York by any one of your freighters. And also let me know by return of post your authorized clearing and forwarding agent. Also let me know whether the goods sent from Delhi may be booked for Calcutta or Cochin port. You can let me know whichever is convenient so that I shall advise my man in Delhi to follow your instruction. You can send a copy of reply of this letter to my agent at Mathura. His address is as follows, Swami B. V. Narayana Maharaja, Kesabji Gaudiya Matha, Kanstila, P. O. Mathura, India.
1967 Correspondence
Letter to Sumati Morarjee -- New York 18 April, 1967:
I am enclosing herewith some press cuttings which will convince about my success in preaching in this country. Kindly pray to your Bala-Krsna to help me more in this connection. I have now opened three centres namely one in New York, one in San Francisco and one in Montreal (Canada). This branch is opened by one of my American disciples. Kindly let me know if you have got any office in Montreal and in San Francisco. I shall be much pleased to hear from you at your earliest convenience. Kindly convey my blessings to Sriman Choksi and your other Secretaries.
Letter to Janardana -- New York 1 May, 1967:
I thank you for your letter of April 27,1967 and have noted the contents carefully. My first instruction to you is that you must pass your M.A. Examination before any other consideration. Your degree will be a great asset for the society in the near future. So this is your first consideration. Regarding returning the money you do not bother much. Your good wife gave in loan to the society $300.00 and she must have the money returned. So do not bother about it. The society will return the money to N.Y. conveniently. There is no immediate necessity.
Letter to Janardana -- New York 1 May, 1967:
Regarding my Canadian Visa, I shall go to Montreal when you are confident of getting it there. Otherwise I shall lose the U.S.A. Visa also. So conveniently you try to get information from the right source and the best thing will be to get me as a teacher as you suggested in your previous letter. So far I am personally concerned either I remain here or there my business is to chant the glories of Lord Krishna. Wherever I get chance to chant is good for me. I have no idea for sight seeing in any country because I know that all land belong to Krishna and anywhere I remain I remain at His Lotus Feet.
Letter to Syamasundara -- New York 4 May, 1967:
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter of April 28, 1967, and thank you for returning the check. For the balance eight books you can send me your check conveniently, there is no hurry.
Letter to Mukunda -- New York 5 May, 1967:
You have done right by attaching a lace on the mrdanga just to make it convenient playing while dancing. I request you to get more mrdangas, of course the first consignment of mrdangas and the cymbals I sent money from my personal book account but if you want more mrdangas you will have to arrange to pay. A first class mrdanga available in India is about ten dollars. I think you should get at least 4 mrdangas and teach, so that other students also can play on it, so if there are 3 or 4 mrdangas played at the park and there are about 20 pairs of cymbals then the kirtana will be more beautiful.
Letter to Mukunda -- New York 6 June, 1967:
This Narada Muni song is in your country tune and I think it will attract many more of common man to join the Kirtana so you should practice this standard Kirtana more conveniently so that during your Rathayatra festival you can have this singing with the procession.
Letter to Satsvarupa, Hamsaduta -- Vrndavana, India August 1967:
If things can be worked out nicely within the temple, that's all right. But family life requires a certain amount of privacy and convenience, which may not always be available. I am simply concerned that you be happy and contented, so you can prosecute the most important thing, K.C., without being disturbed. Rupanuga and Damodara are both doing nicely in this regard, and I wish the same for you.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Vrindaban 29 August, 1967:
Lord to give up fighting; rather he was encouraged in his occupation but at the same time, he was to do it for Krishna. That is the secret of Krishna Consciousness—not that we all have to become preachers, but that we all dedicate our lives or our consciousness (no matter in what capacity) to Lord Krishna. If things can be worked out nicely within the temple, that's all right. But family life requires a certain amount of privacy and convenience, which may not always be available. I am simply concerned that you be happy and contented, so you can prosecute the most important thing, K.C., without being disturbed. Rupanuga and Damodara are both doing nicely in this regard, and I wish the same for you.
Letter to Umapati -- Vrindaban 5 September, 1967:
Kirtanananda is now a completely Krishna Conscious person as he has accepted sannyasa on the birthday of Lord Krishna with great success. He is the first sannyasa in my spiritual family, and I hope he will return back soon to begin preaching work with greater vigor and success. Please try to cooperate with the temple managers, because in my absence they might feel some difficulty. You are one of the old founders of N.Y. temple, and I hope you shall take some active part in improving the original center. I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience. Hope you are well.
Letter to Rayarama -- Calcutta 16 October, 1967:
I am in due receipt of your letter (Oct. 12). I've received copy of #14 BTG & it is very nice. I do not wish to disturb you in your responsibilities with BTG & you can go to London at your convenience. I am glad that you have started correspondence with Mrs. D.C. Bowtell, & that will settle matters more directly. One of our girl devotees, Srimati Annapurna devi, who is in San Francisco has also facilities to visit London because she belongs to that place. So you can open correspondence with her also.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Calcutta 19 October, 1967:
You will be glad to know that I've already secured my visitors visa for going to U.S.A. & I am advised by travel agent to book my seat conveniently. I am going to Navadvipa, the birth place of Lord Caitanya next with Acyutananda & Ramanuja. My next mailing address is; c/o Sri Caitanya Saraswat Math, Kolergunge, P.O. Navadvipa. District Nadia. W.B., India. Hope you are well.
Letter to Hayagriva -- Calcutta 19 October, 1967:
I think there is no need to employ a professional typist. Our dear typist, Satsvarupa is always ready to do this work. He has already finished my book, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, & he is now free to type the Gita. So you can send it in installments & when he acknowledges receipt of first part you can send him the second, and so on. Or if possible you can hand it over to him personally, as you can conveniently arrange. Hope you are well.
1968 Correspondence
Letter to Jadurani -- Los Angeles 13 January, 1968:
I thank you for your nice letters of Jan. 11, and 13. I thank you for your kind appreciation for the tapes received there. Also, thank you that you are trying to organize all the artists, and doing so nicely. No, there is no color picture of Lord Caitanya's birthplace and temple at Mayapur. You can color with your choice. Yes, try at your convenience to paint pictures from the Bhagavat statement, in terms of the purport and explanation.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 16 January, 1968:
I am very much enlivened of your new Krishna Conscious enterprise and the whole proposal is very nice. I think immediately arrange for this because we want younger generation to participate in this Krishna Consciousness movement. I understand the new place is quite suitable and it will be very convenient for the students coming there. I have got all agreement with this proposal but still you consult with Jayananda and Mukunda and settle up things immediately. Jayananda is there and Mukunda has also gone there.
Letter to Krsna Devi -- Los Angeles 26 January, 1968:
So, at any circumstances you must not forget Krsna. I love you at my heart and therefore I gave you the name Krsna devi dasi. Don't forget Krsna even for a single moment; chant Hare Krsna loudly or slowly as it my be convenient. But don't forget to chant the Holy Name. I hope everything will be all right as soon as you come here with Danny, and I am awaiting your arrival with great interest. Hope you are well.
Letter to Jayagovinda -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1968:
The more one becomes the lower grade servant of the Lord, the more he is devoted nearer to the Lord. This is our philosophy. I have all my hearty blessings upon you, please do your duties nicely, and Krishna will be pleased to shower His Blessings upon you. He is very kind to sincere souls, and He gives intelligence from within to sincere devotees. We require only to become sincere in the service of the Lord, then everything is there ready for our convenience.
Letter to Devananda -- San Francisco 18 March, 1968:
If you are not satisfied with your cooking engagement, tell Brahmananda to give you some other engagement. But it doesn't look well if you change from one center to another for some convenience. Everywhere service to Krishna is the same, but if you are feeling some inconvenience, then you may inform Brahmananda, and get some relaxation by change of duty.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Allston, Mass 23 May, 1968:
I am here till the end of May, 1968, and then I may either go to Montreal or may return to New York. It is not yet settled. My permanent visa is not yet granted; they are making so many implications. It may be that I may get permanent visa in Canada, but nothing is fixed up as yet, so I do not know what is there in the future. But I know Krishna has something in His mind, and whatever He does is the best. I shall be much pleased if you kindly write me at your convenience, and more, I shall be glad to hear that you are chanting Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Hoping you are well.
Letter to Jadurani -- Montreal 20 June, 1968:
Others do not know. In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna says that I am the Supersoul everywhere. So Krishna is so kind that He is always with us as Friend; if we can learn to treat Him with our friendly love and affection the reciprocation is permanent, and that is the highest success of our human form of life. I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience. And chant always joyfully Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Hoping you are well.
Letter to Rayarama -- Montreal 22 June, 1968:
He has heard about my activities and he is interested in all our literature. I shall be very glad if you send him all our Back To Godheads publications, as well as newspaper clippings at your earliest convenience. He is very influential man and has rendered sincere service to my Guru Maharaja by translating many Goswami literatures in Telugu language, as well as in English. With his cooperation there is possibility of opening a branch in Bombay. I hope you will do the needful immediately.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Montreal 30 June, 1968:
Krishna Consciousness movement can be pushed forward in a favorable atmosphere. If the atmosphere is not favorable, then don't attempt, it will be failure. Precaution you may take, but as you grow larger, if they are suspicious then they may cause trouble. Because you can dress yourself and live peacefully at your home, but if your neighbors are always suspicious, then there may be always danger. Therefore, why should we make our residence in such a place. And I think no Brahmacari will agree to go there and live in such uncomfortable situation, with suspicious neighbors. Simply for land, we don't care. We simply want favorable place for worshiping Krishna. That is our idea. Anyway, please keep me informed how the circumstances are, and I shall be very glad to hear from you at your convenience,
Letter to Hayagriva -- Montreal 14 July, 1968:
Of course, for a Sannyasi like us, we can live anywhere and everywhere, rather we should not have our own place. But for the New Vrindaban project, I would advise you to purchase land as much as you can because it appears that the atmosphere and situation is very nice there. Another thing, I shall not advise you to purchase horses for conveyance. It will be a botheration for you, because now you have not got sufficient assistance. If you keep horses you have to take care for them and for a little convenience of transportation, you have to take so much botheration to keep the horse fit.
Letter to Wendy Weiser -- Montreal 10 August, 1968:
I am in due receipt of your nice letter of August 4, 1968, and I thank you very much for it. Yes, this is a very nice proposal. It is very good that you would like to go to Boston to the Brahmacarini asrama under Jadurani's care. Please go there as soon as it is convenient for you, and Jadurani will be very pleased to receive you there, along with the other Brahmacarinis.
Letter to Mr. David Exley -- Montreal 22 August, 1968:
I beg to thank you for your letter dated July 15, 1968, and I shall be very obliged if you kindly let me know whether we can talk about Bhagavad-gita as it is, in the church attached to the United Nations. Such meeting and discussions would be of great interest to many persons, and would be extremely beneficial to everyone involved. Please let me know if we can arrange some lecture engagement, at the church above-mentioned, at the earliest convenience.
Letter to Mr. David Exley -- Montreal 22 August, 1968:
I thank you once more for your kind letter, and for your interest shown in our movement, and I shall be awaiting your reply at your earliest convenience.
Letter to Mukunda -- San Francisco 14 September, 1968:
I hope that the money which I sent from Montreal to the Charter Bank in account of Samuel Speerstra has already been received by him. I shall be glad to hear on this point. So the $1,655.00 and further $600.00 contributed by me and Hamsaduta may be conveniently deposited in London in the branch of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. And open an account in my name. And send the passbook to me so that when I shall go to London there will be no difficulty there for me. I hope this will find you in good health, and offer my blessings to Janaki. Please keep me informed at least once in a week.
Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 15 September, 1968:
Regarding my Deity worship: I can understand that the regulative principles are taking much of your time, but you can minimize according to your convenience. There is no harm. But I am so glad to learn that this engagement makes one developing the Brahminical qualities. I thank you very much for appreciating this secret of worshiping the Lord. Generally, we in the conditioned state, we are contaminated. But, this worshiping system called "Arcana vidhi" cleanses the polluted heart and one becomes actually fit for becoming qualified Brahmin. So at least you be engaged in that way. Where is that boy Jaya Rama, who was taking care of it? So one by one, one should be engaged in that "Arcana vidhi" so that one may be fixed up in his Brahminical qualification.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- San Francisco 19 September, 1968:
One after another, Deity worship should be practiced by everyone. That cleanses the contaminated body very nicely. It is really the custom that before entering one must be cleansed and bathe himself regularly. The whole idea is that we must very much sincere in our activities to serve Krishna, and everything will automatically be convenient for prosecuting our Krishna Consciousness. And I hope you are doing very nicely, and Krishna will give you more and more strength. Hope this will find you in good health. Offer my blessings to all the students, and especially to Himavati. I am pleased to learn that Subhadra is looking on you; it is good sign, that she is favoring you in your good activities. She is sakti of Krishna, or the internal potency and by her mercy glance, you will be more and more successful in your advancement in Krishna Consciousness. Thanking you once more for your kind letter.
Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 27 September, 1968:
This means that you have not received the money, and you are arranging to get the money again credited in my account in the Canadian National Bank, at Montreal. But I have received one note from Hamsaduta who says like this: "I went to your bank and checked into that 1655.00 for Syamasundara. and the gentleman in charge of the affair said that is all taken care of and that by this time they have got that money in London." I cannot understand what is the real position, but I request you to open correspondence with Hamsaduta and let me know conveniently what is the actual position. Hope you are well, and offer to Janaki my blessings, and all others also.
Letter to Yamuna -- Seattle 3 October, 1968:
The drawings for the certificate are enclosed herewith, and you can place them in proper position, as they look best. These recommendations may also help you: "Best use a 15x20 or similar proportion paper (hopefully you probably already have used similar size) Be sure that after pasting in each corner, that the edges are kept clean, so that they do not show when photographed. For printing they can be reduced some, to about an inch or two larger than a piece of typewriting paper (with whatever exact proportions are convenient to use in the reduction)." Muralidhara das has drawn these pictures, and they are very nicely done.
Letter to Jayapataka -- Seattle 6 October, 1968:
Your body is dedicated to Krishna, therefore you should not be neglectful about your body. You should always think that your body is no more your body, but it is Krishna's body. Therefore you should take care of it. So far studying Bengali, of course if you can do with spare time, I have no objection. But I don't think there is any importance in studying Bengali. It is too late now to study Bengali and become a scholar, neither Bengali is very useful in your country and this part of the world, but there are many literatures in Bengali. If you can study conveniently, then spare your time; otherwise, do not waste your time. If you have got some time, the best thing would be to chant Hare Krishna more and more. Because our life is very short, and we have to finish our Krishna Consciousness this life very quickly.
Letter to Rayarama -- Seattle 17 October, 1968:
At the same time, people in India will be glad to learn that Krishna Consciousness is being preached in western countries. In this way, we have to form International Society. So practically now we are in the making of, so you go on drafting the constitution, but don't distribute now. Whatever you do, you first of all show me, and the final copy will be distributed, then we shall call for a meeting and then we shall adopt. Don't distribute immediately. Anyway, try to do it conveniently, there is no haste. But don't distribute anything without showing me. So far the constitution goes, my instruction for the present is this.
Letter to Syama -- Seattle 21 October, 1968:
I am so grateful for your nice sentiments for me, and Krishna will bless you. I am very poor and I have nothing to return for your loving service, but I can simply pray to Krishna for your gradual advancement in Krishna Consciousness. I think that is the best blessing which we can have in this material existence. Thank you very much for your writing me, and occasionally please try to write such letters whenever you find convenient. I am going to Montreal on the 23rd, and from there I shall go to Santa Fe, and then I shall come back to Los Angeles. Maybe I may go to San Francisco also, or you may come there to see me. Hope this will find you in good health.
Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 3 November, 1968:
I have not heard anything how far yourself and Hayagriva combinedly finishing the editing of the 1st Canto which we are going to print next. If you can learn Sanskrit grammar conveniently it is very nice. But the mode of teaching in the schools and colleges are so slow that it will not be practical to learn Sanskrit grammar there and then prepare our transliteration. Of course, the grammar helps in analyzing the combined words, but I think it will take a very long time.
Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 8 November, 1968:
Similarly Dayananda and his wife Nandarani are doing very nicely here. Similarly Satsvarupa and his wife Jadurani are doing very nice in Boston. Another Grhastha, Gaurasundara, has gone to Hawaii, and his wife may go there also, and he will organize the Pacific Region. So we have taken this New Vrindaban scheme, and it has to be developed very nicely. Now because I have got my permanent visa there is no question of my convenience. Whenever you think I should go to New Vrindaban, I am prepared to go there. But I think I shall go there when there is electricity, because I want to work my dictaphone with me, and I understand the electricity is not connected there still. And I shall be glad to know when you expect to have electricity connection. I have already left Montreal, and from Montreal I went to Santa Fe, and then I have come here on the 28th of Oct.
Letter to Ananda -- Los Angeles 17 December, 1968:
I am glad that you have already started a center in small scale and please try to improve it as far as possible. There is no question of doing anything very hastily so please try to make steady, even if slow, progress. So far as the Indian population is concerned, I think that the Sikh are useless for our purpose. They do not understand our philosophy nor are they interested in spiritual advancement of life. We have no such discretion that we have to pick our members from a particular group of people. Everyone is Krishna's part and parcel and wherever we find it convenient we will pick up a person to be trained in Krishna Consciousness who is interested in going back to Home, back to Godhead.
1969 Correspondence
Letter to Mrs. Levine -- Los Angeles 10 January, 1969:
Regarding your initiation, I do not know whether your husband is also willing to be initiated with you. This first initiation can be performed by mailing your beads, but if conveniently you can come to see me with your husband, that would be very nice. I am so glad to know that you have become so interested in Krishna Consciousness, and it is pleasing to note that you are hearing from Hamsaduta and Himavati. They are an ideal pair amongst my disciples. There are many pairs like them and all of them, husbands and wives together, are engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord. Similarly, if I find you and your husband engaged in that way it will be a great pleasure for me. I have come to your country for preaching this Krishna Consciousness movement, and the younger generation especially is now cooperating with me. Similarly your cooperation will be very welcome.
Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969:
Please, therefore, let me know of your suggestions how to open a branch of our Iskcon society in Bombay. If it is possible to get a place free of charge for holding kirtana and discussing on the Bhagavad-gita in some quarter where there are mostly English-speaking people, that will be very much convenient. So if you can find out some suitable place for holding English classes along with short kirtanas please let me know immediately. While expecting your good suggestions of what to do in this matter I am also thinking of it and will let you know in my next letter.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 16 January, 1969:
Regarding your questions, the incidence of Sanatana Goswami and Rupa Goswami should be taken as follows; Rupa Goswami treated Sanatana Goswami as his Spiritual Master, so therefore to pray to Krishna for serving Krishna or the Spiritual Master is very good. Similarly, if the house is very good for serving Krishna it is very good. But if our purpose is for our personal convenience, for that purpose we shall not pray. But for the convenience of Krishna and the Spiritual Master we should always pray.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 31 January, 1969:
Regarding the two missing verses of the third canto, I shall get them done conveniently. I hope that by this time Jadurani's health must have improved. Please convey my blessings to the others.
Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1969:
Please accept my blessings. At your earliest convenience, please submit to me a list of the names of the devotees who are filling the following offices: President, Secretary, and Treasurer in your center.
Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 9 February, 1969:
Purely Krishna Consciousness means as you have published the article Isopanisad, and similarly we can publish all the Upanisads, the Vedanta Sutra, and many similar articles. The articles like Dr. Spock, the Beach Boys, or nonsense book reviews should be completely avoided. I know in India, the Kalyana Kalpatu paper and similar other papers do not take any advertisement, neither do they review any book unless it is published by them. So I think we should follow this policy. I shall be glad to hear from you in this connection at your earliest convenience. But for the time being, things may go on as it is regarding advertisements, so long as you avoid the hippy advertisements as far as possible.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 17 February, 1969:
I am pleased to note that your store, the Spiritual Sky, is doing successfully. Krishna has given you nice talent for doing business, and I am glad to see that you are using it well. There is no need for you to contribute to my book fund immediately if you are unable. Do it as it becomes convenient for you. Your suggestion that we print transliterations in our future books is very nice, and I think we shall follow this principle in the future.
Letter to Prabhas Babu -- Los Angeles 19 February, 1969:
The forwarding charges of the four items, no. 1 and 3 may be realized from me and the forwarding charges for no. 2 may be realized from our German center. I am advising them to this effect. In the future also many Sri Murtis may be dispatched from Vrindaban and you will have to take care of them. They are all free gifts. I think this covers all of your inquiries, and I hope you will do the needful at your earliest convenience.
Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 20 February, 1969:
My letterhead is already sent back to you. I hope that by now you have sent to Janardana the Bhagavad-gita manuscript. At last I may inform you that if you are thinking of transferring your department to San Francisco, I have no objection, but before you do so please come here to Los Angeles first. Then you may either remain here or proceed to New Vrindaban, San Francisco, Seattle, or Sante Fe as you think is best for you to take rest there. Also, regarding another editor to work as co-editor, I wish to invite Hayagriva to again become joint editor. I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience on the above matters.
Letter to Isana, Vibhavati -- Hawaii 8 March, 1969:
So if you go to London to join Mukunda and his company you will be very much pleased to see how husband and wife combined together can so nicely preach this Krishna Consciousness movement. Please take up this philosophy very seriously and you will be happy in this life and next life. If you are going to London please let me know when you are going. Your poetry is very nice, and I am sending the copy to our editor of Back To Godhead for publishing it conveniently.
Letter to Sivananda -- Hawaii 9 March, 1969:
Please convey my blessings to Krishna das and Uttama Sloka. I have received letter from Jaya Govinda that he is anxious to come back to Germany. I have also advised Krishna das to arrange for his passage, but I have not heard anything from them. Please let me know at your earliest convenience. Hope you are well.
Letter to Rupanuga -- Hawaii 14 March, 1969:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the third of March, 1969, and I think I shall be able to go to your center from Boston. There is an important engagement in Boston on the 24th April, and perhaps next on the 29th and I think after finishing these I can go to your place. So you can fix up your program in consultation with Satsvarupa. The idea of inviting everyone to Sankirtana in a larger meeting hall is very good. Instead of attending small groups of meeting, we can arrange to assemble them at one place—that will be less laborious and more convenient for us.
Letter to Tamala Krsna, Visnujana -- Hawaii 15 March, 1969:
I am in due receipt of your long letter dated February 10, 1969, along with Purusottama's letter of the same date, and I shall reply conveniently. In the meantime, I am enclosing herewith the certificates and letters duly signed by me, and as you need them urgently I am dispatching them first.
Letter to Himavati -- Hawaii 18 March, 1969:
According to Vedic system, all householders are ordered to keep Deity at home and follow strictly the worshipment process. That makes the home pure, body pure, mind pure, and quickly promotes one to the pure platform of spiritual life. The temple is also specially meant for the householders. In India, in every town, in every village, in every neighborhood, still there are Visnu temples for the convenience of the surrounding householders. So I am pleased that you are ideal householder. And you are doing very nicely combined together husband and wife. Please do it as you are doing and gradually Krishna will give you all facility.
Letter to Madhavi Lata -- Hawaii 19 March, 1969:
Our Jadurani has done so many nice pictures, and they are distributed amongst our temples, but still there is shortage of supply. and she is now sick, and unable to work very swiftly due to her health condition. So I request you to simply sit down wherever you are, and paint nice pictures for being distributed to all centers. This will help you, and it will help others as well. I shall be happy to hear from you at your convenience, and I hope you are feeling well,
Letter to Rayarama -- Hawaii 20 March, 1969:
Your index idea for Bhagavad-gita is very nice. If we continue to get our printed matters from Dai Nippon then certainly it will be very much convenient if the whole staff comes here to Hawaii, as it is nearer, but if we have to change the printing work to our own press, then we have to reconsider the whole idea. So let us depend on Krishna and hope for the best arrangement by Him.
Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 24 March, 1969:
Regarding TLC consignment: It is understood that the stock sent to L.A. is a portion of your N.Y. stock—suppose the stock is all with you—simply forget that the stock has traveled to L.A.—now how would you want to handle it and distribute it? So think in this way. However you would handle it in N.Y., just simply do it in the same way—only for convenience sake, the stock is lying in L.A. You simply instruct L.A. how to handle and distribute it, and they will do. Have them take the books to a customer, and send you the bill, and the customer will pay you directly in N.Y. So you arrange the charges, and keep the accounts with you. So far the responsibility of the shipment is concerned, Jayananda and Tamala Krishna will take full responsibility jointly. I shall write to them in this connection, or send them a copy of this letter.
Letter to Dayananda -- Hawaii 26 March, 1969:
When I was in L.A. it was reported that 10 books of Bhagavad-gita were stolen. So this is not very good. So I hope you will take proper care. In this connection, the copies of the letter which I have sent Brahmananda is enclosed within. Also I am enclosing herewith one copy of the letter addressed to the manager of Equitable Savings, Fairfax branch, so please see them conveniently and inquire what is to be done in this connection. Then on hearing from them what are the formalities, I shall send you the key of my safety deposit box which you will keep very carefully, and when need be you may open and take some papers as I may advise you. Please convey my blessings to all the devotees and I hope this will meet you in good health with your wife and child.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Hawaii 30 March, 1969:
From here I am going to San Francisco, then L.A., and then to New York by the 10th of April, and I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience, and I thank you once more for your contribution and kind letter. Hope this finds you well,
Letter to Dayananda -- New Vrindaban 1 June, 1969:
When I was walking on Oakwood Avenue there were many places there. I remember one at the junction of Oakwood and Harper. So this place, or a similar independent place, never mind how small, will be very convenient for me. I have already written to Tamala Krishna that if I am not invited to London during the month of June, then sometimes in July early I shall go to San Francisco to see the Rathayatra Festival there, and then I will come down to Los Angeles. But I have decided that I shall spend four months in New Vrindaban and eight months in Los Angeles. That will be my regular program.
Letter to Isana -- New Vrindaban 20 June, 1969:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 14, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding the land which you now own, if you are conveniently able to keep it, that is all right. It can be used for developing in the future. But if you need the money for going to London, you can sell it and utilize the money for this purpose. You have described how you meditate on Krishna and your Spiritual Master, but I do not follow what you mean by "identify".
Letter to Yamuna -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:
In the meantime, I have received one urgent letter from Los Angeles to go there, and therefore I am going to Los Angeles on the 23rd instant. But there will be no difficulty for me to go to London from Los Angeles, provided that by that time you are well equipped. Otherwise, there is no need of hurrying. Do everything peacefully and conveniently. I have asked one married couple from Montreal, Isanadas and Vibhavati, to go to London, as well as I have asked one brahmacari named Trivikrama, and probably Sudama will also go there. So nicely organize your Sankirtana Party, and go on with your regular program of preaching Krishna Consciousness.
Letter to Krsna dasa -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:
I understand that you are in correspondence with London for some financial arrangement, but recently, just the day before yesterday, I received one cable from Mukunda asking me to give them a loan for $1,025.00, so I have asked Gargamuni to send them this money. Under the circumstances, I do not think they will be able to arrange financially to receive me there immediately. But there is no need of hurrying the matter. You can arrange for my reception conveniently, although I am always ready to go to Europe at any moment. I think that when London will be ready to receive me, at that time my going to Germany will be the most profitable. But if you think that you can manage to receive me directly in Hamburg, I have no objection. But anything you arrange must be after the second week in July, in which time London may also expect to receive me. In their last letter I was informed that I shall not be required there before the 20th of July. So on the whole, there is no question of hurrying. Do everything carefully and by mutual consent.
Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 4 July, 1969:
I do not know when Mukunda is going to send me those tickets, so you can consult with him. In the meantime, if you are able only to send one ticket for me, Purusottama may go later on. But anyway, I heard that after the 4th of August there will be a concession in the fare from America to Europe, so you can inquire about it. I shall be in San Francisco by the 25th of July, so you can let me know your decision at the San Francisco address or the Los Angeles address, which ever is more convenient for you.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 11 July, 1969:
When you go to India, as you asked me for something to do, and also as you have an inclination to construct a temple somewhere in India, I would request you to consider if you can construct a temple at the birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. My disciple, Acyutananda, is already there in search after a suitable land for developing an American home for the Krishna Conscious devotees, and when you go to India, if you cooperate with him, it will be a grand success. He is alone there, and when you go you will be two, and maybe another two American disciples may go there so jointly you can develop a nice center for the foreign students who may go to visit the holy birthplace of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I think if you can organize it nicely there, maybe some other Americans may come and contribute for a nice temple. So keep these things in your mind. It is a hint for your work in India, and you can think this scheme over conveniently.
Letter to Mr. Mottissey -- Montreal 16 July, 1969:
So far you want to see me personally, I am always open to see you, and you are welcome to come at your convenience. But if you want to be initiated, first of all be fixed up in your mind that you will follow the restrictive rules and regulations in this connection. For further inquiries you can talk with Mukunda, Syamasundara., Yamuna, etc. and they will give you necessary information. Hope this finds you in good health, and thanking you once more for remembering me.
Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 28 July, 1969:
Our main business is Sankirtana. You will be very glad to hear that in New York last week they collected $1,000 and sold BTG at a rate of 200 per day on the weekend days. Similarly we have got good report from Boston that they are collecting $50-$60 daily and selling about 60-70 copies of BTG. And what to speak of Los Angeles? So if we can organize our Sankirtana Movement, there will be no scarcity of money; rest assured. But we may do some business which we require for ourselves. Otherwise, if you divert your attention for a separate business in Indian goods, that will not be a very good idea. It may be done conveniently as a secondary engagement, but the primary engagement should be as above mentioned.
Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 1 August, 1969:
If you are able to do it, a nice throne may be constructed on which the Deities can be placed. This throne may be swung gently during Kirtana. That will be very good, and surely the Deities will enjoy the function. You have mentioned that you have been invited to attend some "World Brotherhood Conference," and if it is convenient, you may go there with your Sankirtana Party, chant Hare Krishna, give some talk on Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and distribute Prasadam. That is our only business, and we can do these activities anywhere; it doesn't matter on the street or in some "World Brotherhood Conference."
Letter to Gaurasundara -- Los Angeles 2 August, 1969:
Just today I learned that in about one month Sudama and Bali Mardan will be leaving to begin this Japanese center, and Sudama has already arranged for free tickets for them both. So you may open correspondence to discuss this with Tamala Krishna. My idea is that you may not divert your attention to Tokyo at this time. Your responsibility in Hawaii is very great, so make it well-established first of all. Then you may try for another center. For your selling BTGs there is no reason for you to be strained. Whatever you can do conveniently is all right. I have received information from the United Shipping Corporation that the Murtis are coming from Calcutta to Honolulu.
Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 13 August, 1969:
When I first heard that the wheels of the car collapsed it was so great a shock to me that the whole day I was sick and morose, and now after receiving this letter and your pictures I am very much enlivened. The car was on the road and the photo is taken with a multitude of people. That is your success and as a result of this collapse you have got now the sympathy of the Indian community as well as all the people of London—so much so that next year you can timely and conveniently erect three cars like that.
Letter to Upendra -- Los Angeles 16 August, 1969:
I am pleased to learn that your center and the Vancouver center are cooperating together to propagate this movement. Your idea of joining together on Sankirtana once in a month for large scale Sankirtana Party is nice, and you may do it conveniently. Regarding Mayapur, Acyutananda is now in the process of finding out some suitable land for our society, and whatever Krishna desires in this connection will be done. I am thinking that you will be very nice for this Mayapur center, but first of all you organize the Seattle very nicely. That is your first business. Yes, you are welcome to write to me when you wish to do so.
Letter to Swami B. S. Bhagavata Maharaja -- Los Angeles 21 August, 1969:
We can also cooperate in selling your books in our different centers, and similarly you can cooperate by selling our books in your different centers. So there is ample opportunity of cooperation in good will, and if we continue like that, in the near future it may be possible that we completely amalgamate both our institutions. I hope you will give your due consideration to my proposals and shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. Also please let me know if personally I can become a member of your society under Clause 3 on page 19 of the Memorandum.
Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 19 September, 1969:
So if we remain faithful in Krishna's service, there will be no difficulty in speaking when ever it is necessary. There are many instances in the history of devotees of this, and even five year old boys like Dhruva and Prahlada were able to speak so nicely. I have seen the pictures of your kirtana sent by Sacisuta, and they are all marvelous. Please print them in BTG. All Sankirtana photographs should be collected, and one after another they should be printed in BTG. So far as printing part of the Krishna book in BTG, that is also very nice. Regarding my account with First National City Bank, I have already sent you the Pass Book, so if it is convenient to move to the branch where the society has got account, that is all right. There is no difficulty in changing the branch, but I wish to keep the account with the First National City Bank. When I receive the forms from you, I shall sign it.
Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 19 September, 1969:
Here in London the activities are going on. The place where I am now staying is a very big garden house, and the place allotted to us is a super-excellent temple site. The only difficulty is it is far away from the city, so the city people cannot conveniently come here. The temple in the city is not finished being constructed yet, neither is there sufficient space. It can be used as office and residence, but as a temple, it has no sufficient space. So things here are not yet very smooth, although the movement is accepted by the people in general as nice. The Hare Krishna record is selling very nicely. Yesterday, it sold 5,000 copies, and this week it is on the chronological list as #20. They say next week it will come to be #3, and after that it may come to #1.
Letter to Gargamuni -- Tittenhurst 29 October, 1969:
Regarding your business and spiritual practices, I give you special permission as follows: You find out of 24 hours at least one hour conveniently for chanting Hare Krishna with great attention, either by the Deities or any place, without being disturbed by anyone else. So you have 23 hours for other things. Now these 23 hours, whatever you do in them, either eating or working or sleeping, you always try to think of Krishna. That will keep you intact of Krishna Consciousness. If one is always careful about falling down and prays to Krishna that he may not fall down on account of greater strength of Maya, then Krishna will give him special protection.
Letter to Mandali Bhadra -- Tittenhurst 2 November, 1969:
I beg to thank you for your letter dated October 24, 1969 and have noted the contents carefully. Krishna Consciousness is not limited within any circle. Brahmacari, grhastha or sannyasi: everyone is eligible for cultivating Krishna Consciousness. There are these stages for gradual development of control of the strong senses in the material environment. But any order of life suitable for a particular person in which he can most favorably execute his Krishna Consciousness is the best position to take up. Generally, if one can remain a brahmacari, it is very convenient, and from brahmacari one can take sannyasa. But in this age of kali Bhaktivinode Thakura recommends that is is better to cultivate Krishna Consciousness as a householder.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- London 16 November, 1969:
Thank you very much for your letter dated November 11, 1969 with enclosed BTG, French edition. Krishna is giving you gradually more and more strength to serve Him. Just like a wrestler, simply by practicing wrestling amongst friends, gradually becomes stronger and the body is built up very nicely, Krishna Consciousness is exactly like that: The more you serve Krishna, the more you get better strength to serve Him. Please remember this valuable advice and you will find it very convenient for your progressive march. The BTG French edition is very nicely done. Even if our endeavor is not always successful, because it is done for Krishna, by nature it becomes nice. We have nothing to do with material considerations.
Letter to Gargamuni -- London 20 November, 1969:
They should always be very attractive so people who come will be attracted. So, as far as possible economize, and there is no need of savings. But because we are trying to purchase our own building we will have to save something because in the future we will have to pay large monthly installments. I have heard from Tamala that there is a nice church, and they are asking $100,000. Is that negotiation still going on? If so, you can let me know what is the position. Now I shall be very soon going to Boston, and then I shall go to Los Angeles. So what will be the arrangement for my stay there? I shall be glad to hear from you conveniently.
Letter to Vamanadeva -- London 23 November, 1969:
I am so glad to receive your letter dated November 16, 1969, and thank you very much for your opening a branch at St. Louis so promptly. Now both you and your wife are trained how to arrange for maintaining a temple and center. Please do it nicely. The beginning is sounding so hopeful that I am sure very soon your center will be one of the first class preaching places of our society. Of course not immediately, but you will have another responsibility to send me something for my maintenance as the others are sending. There is no pressure, but when you find convenient, you can also help in that way.
Letter to Pradyumna -- London 27 November, 1969:
The next point is centralization of our publication department in one place. Krishna has given us now a nice press in Boston, and you are now free from your job, so it will be very nice if you and your wife move to Boston conveniently. As you have written that Brahmananda has almost agreed to pay for the machine, so you have no anxiety. We have already discussed about purchasing another machine. So far as Syama Dasi is concerned, I do not know how it will be possible for her to live alone without her husband. I think her husband also requires her help in so many ways. So I am not very much sure about Syama Dasi's moving to Boston. But you and Arundhati can do it immediately.
Letter to Hit Sharanji -- London 9 December, 1969:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated 5th December, 1969, and my instructions for the points of your letter have already been explained in my letter to you dated 5th December, 1969. In case this letter has not safely arrived there, I am sending herewith a copy. Also, please find enclosed two invitation cards for the opening of our London temple: one is for you and one is for Sri. J. Dalmia. Please hand it over to him conveniently. I shall be hoping to hear from you soon.
Letter to Brahmananda -- London 10 December, 1969:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated December 4, 1969 and December 6, 1969. So far as transferring $1,400 to the account of ISKCON, I have done it immediately. The copy of the advice to the bank is enclosed. Please note down my account number there which is now transferred to the same branch on Broadway. So when convenient you also transfer in the same way so there will be no difficulty of exchanging money. Regarding the Franklin and Marshall College, as you have desired that it is a wonderful opportunity for me, so that I may be able to write in seclusion while my elderly students may manage the society affairs, that is a very welcome suggestion.
1970 Correspondence
Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 14 January, 1970:
Regarding Krishna book, as soon as it is ready we will begin to print it either on our own press or in Japan as it is suitable and we shall not wait for George's $19,000. His lawyer has put some difficulty in the matter and it is not yet settled up. Regarding our enlarged, revised Bhagavad-gita As It Is, if possible you can conveniently give an enlarged introduction also.
Letter to Jadurani -- Los Angeles 14 January, 1970:
So far Devahuti is concerned, she is elder woman but very nice and sober as well as qualified. Because she is of the age of all of your mothers, she should be treated very respectfully. Nothing should be ordered to her but simply suggested so that she may work in her own way. You should personally see to the comforts and conveniences so that she may feel very happy to stay with you all young boys and girls. So far I have studied and it is quite natural that she requires a little respectful dealing from the young boys and girls.
Letter to Mr. Kugimoto - La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 January 17, 1970:
So within a month, utmost, everything will be ready. Suppose we submit everything by 15 February, will that be alright as you have said that winter season is quite convenient for you. And if it is so, then how much time will you take for finishing the whole printing work?
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 2 February, 1970:
Henceforward you send the checks direct to me, because most probably I am going to close the account in Montreal. The reason is that they have deducted $10.08 as income tax because I am not residing there (non-resident). So I would like to keep that account for a little convenience, but if they charge such tax then what is the use of it? I am very much thankful to you for your sending me the sweater, two pairs of shoes and a cap also. Thank you very much.
Letter to Hitsaranji -- Los Angeles 2 February, 1970:
Please offer my regards to Seth Jaya Dayalaji Dalmia. I know that you are always very busy, but still I shall request you as my beloved child to reply my letter at your earliest convenience. Thanking you in anticipation.
Letter to Jayagovinda -- Los Angeles 3 February, 1970:
The Nitai-Gaura emblem is nice. Our first obeisances are to Guru and Gauranga; then we approach Radha Krishna. Perhaps while you were in India you have heard that we glorify in the following way: Guru Gauranga Chandarbika Giridhari. Four "G"s. So Guru-Gauranga you understand, and Chandarbika-Giridhari means Radha and Krishna. So you can make your emblem suitably according to space and convenience.
Letter to Ekayani -- Los Angeles 10 February, 1970:
I have heard about Vamanadeva in his last news bulletin, and both of them are doing nicely there on account of being sincere to the Spiritual Master and Krishna. From the beginning I encouraged young boys and girls to be married and united together to preach Krishna Consciousness, and this process has proved practical. So when you are also married with a good devotee, you can do the same work and open a center in some place convenient to you. That will spread our Krishna Consciousness movement.
Letter to Balmukundji Parikh -- Los Angeles 11 February, 1970:
What happened to the Birla negotiation for helping us in purchasing the big house of Bachubhai Patel? I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience. Thanking you again for your letter.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 14 February, 1970:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your two letters dated 10 and 12 February, 1970 respectively. I am glad to learn that you are early planning for the upcoming Ratha-yatra festival. In this connection, I have requested the exact date of the festival from India but it has not yet been replied, so you may plan for any suitable date between 20 and 31 July—even if it does not correspond, we have to arrange conveniently, that is allowed.
Letter to Hit Sharanji -- Los Angeles 4 March, 1970:
Now, through the forwarding agents, Messrs. Cox and Kings, you can arrange to ship all the Murtis through Scindia Steam Navigation Co. to different places as already directed. I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. Thanking you in anticipation.
Letter to Vasudeva -- Los Angeles 6 March, 1970:
I have noted your enthusiasm for painting, but I learn that there is need of many adjustments so that you may be able to execute the work properly. I have written therefore, in this connection, to Tamala Krsna to arrange for your working conveniences before he leaves Germany.
Letter to Trivikrama -- Los Angeles 7 March, 1970:
I know as you expressed your desire in London, that you are very much anxious to come back to the States; so you can do so at your earliest convenience. I do not think that Hamsaduta is pressing you for marriage. Marriage is a concession for a person who cannot control his sex desires. Of course it is a difficult job for the boys in this country because they have free access to intermingling with the girls. Under the circumstances, it is my open order for everyone that everyone can marry without any artificial pose. But if somebody is able to remain a Brahmacari, there should not be any causing for his marriage.
Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970:
Regarding Neil's study of Sanskrit, I am very glad to learn of his seriousness to study, and we need many such Sanskrit scholar devotees. When it is convenient, he may study with Pradyumna in Boston, and there are Sanskrit courses at the university there also. In the meantime, for his studies, Manva Dharma Sastra is not bona fide. The Hitopadesa is alright for study.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 16 March, 1970:
When the large Deities are installed, the small Deities should be worshiped as Vijaya Vigraha which means this pair of Deities may go outside the Temple in a small car as they have made in L.A. This car was made by Nara Narayana, so he can give you the idea. This Vijaya Vigraha may be taken out with Sankirtana Party, not always, but conveniently. In due course of time, I shall let you know the details.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 16 March, 1970:
When the large Deities are installed, the small Deities should be worshiped as Vijaya Vigraha which means this pair of Deities may go outside the Temple in a small car as they have made in L.A. This car was made by Nara Narayana, so he can give the idea. This Vijaya Vigraha may be taken out with Sankirtana Party, not always, but conveniently. In due course of time, I shall let you know the details.
Letter to Patita Uddharana -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970:
I beg to thank you for the six volumes of our BTG magazines which you have bound up and sent to me. You have done it very nicely, and I am keeping them installed in my bookshelf for convenient reference.
Letter to Manager of Bank of Baroda -- Los Angeles 25 March, 1970:
You have received my letter dated 3rd March, 1970, but you have not mentioned anything about my letter dated 28th February, 1970. In the meantime, I have also sent another letter dated 18th March, 1970. Kindly reply these letters at your earliest convenience and oblige.
Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 5 April, 1970:
Yes, I was missing the two volumes of Srimad-Bhagavatam of Cantos 3; 7, 8, 9. So keep them with you as reference, or conveniently send them here. I think in the very near future you will be required to move from center to center to teach this verse vibration. So in each center, by hearing your tapes and by your personal presence they will become very expert in pronouncing the Sanskrit verses.
Letter to Govinda -- Los Angeles 7 April, 1970:
Regarding your tape recorder which was lying with me, you will get it very soon back. It is now being carried by Citralekha, wife of Upendra, who is going to Australia via Hawaii, and she will deliver the machine to you. I am very glad you have repaired your dictaphone and you are anxious to work on it. For the time being I can send you tapes of my lectures which you can transcribe either directly or through the dictaphone, as it is convenient. Both yourself and Gaurasundara or any other educated boy or girl can edit the transcriptions for being printed. For the present I hope you will be glad to do this work because you are always anxious to see me speaking something. I am sending the tape by separate mail, so immediately begin work.
Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 9 April, 1970:
Regarding the prayer verses, I have sent you immediately the Bengali prayer book and you will find all the prayers of Acaryas' there. I have also sent you one copy of Panjika which will help you to find out the list of names of Acaryas' Appearance and Disappearance Days. If you can, you can prepare conveniently the Panjika or ISKCON Almanac for next year, but not now, you have got many engagements, this is for leisure hours.
Letter to Sri Birlaji -- Los Angeles 23 April, 1970:
When one is Krishna Conscious possessing everything in the world, he is perfect spiritualist, and one may have renounced everything in the world, but lacking in Krishna Consciousness he is a gross materialist. In my recent publication of Isopanisad I have tried to explain this fact on Vedic authorities, and I am sending by separate Air Parcel one copy of Isopanisad and I hope you will read this book conveniently with interest.
Letter to Himavati -- Los Angeles 26 April, 1970:
It appears that you are on the attachment platform, this is very good. The next platform is ecstasy, and then pure love of God. So stick to your duties at the present moment, and when it is convenient you can go with the Sankirtana Party, but never neglect the Arcana regulation at any cost. If you have no time, you are not required to go with the Sankirtana Party. Your first business is to take care of the Deities. Practically you see that everyone is appreciating your Deity worship and Srimati Radharani is smiling, so it is a great credit for you, so continue this engagement.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 29 April, 1970:
Regarding our proposals for an Indian program of Krsna Consciousness, I think it will be best if you come here sometime soon at your convenience and we can discuss it in more detail. You also wanted to come here to take further inspiration from the L.A. temple activities. So you may ask Muljibhai to come with you also, and we can discuss together our future plans for India. I will be very glad to see you both at that time.
Letter to Cidananda -- Los Angeles 29 April, 1970:
In the meantime, I invite you to come visit me here in L.A. for a week or so, then you can speak with me directly. So please try to come here at your earliest convenience, and that will be very nice.
Letter to Damodara -- Los Angeles 4 May, 1970:
Now at the present moment, I am concentrating my energy in this Los Angeles Center as ideal for all other centers in respect of Deity worship, Arati, Kirtana and other necessary paraphernalia. As I have curtailed my moving program, I wish that you may come here at your convenience and stay here for a few days and see personally how things are going on, and by meeting with me personally for necessary instruction, I hope simultaneously in all Centers that activities will be of the same standard.
Letter to Citsukhananda -- Los Angeles 4 May, 1970:
Now at the present moment, I am concentrating my energy in this Los Angeles Center as ideal for all other centers in respect of Deity worship, Aratrik, Kirtana and other necessary paraphernalia. As I have curtailed my moving program, I wish that you may come here at your convenience and stay here for a few days and see personally how things are going on; and by meeting with me personally for necessary instruction, I hope simultaneously in all Centers the activities will be of the same standard.
Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 4 May, 1970:
Now at the present moment, I am concentrating my energy in this Los Angeles Center as ideal for all other centers in respect of Deity worship, Aratrik, Kirtana and other necessary paraphernalia. As I have curtailed my moving program, I wish that you may come here at your convenience and stay here for a few days and see personally how things are going on; and by meeting with me personally for necessary instruction, I hope simultaneously in all Centers the activities will be of the same standard.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 4 May, 1970:
Now at the present moment, I am concentrating my energy in this Los Angeles Center as ideal for all other centers in respect of Deity worship, Aratrik, Kirtana and other necessary paraphernalia. As I have curtailed my moving program, I wish that you may come here at your convenience and stay here for a few days and see personally how things are going on; and by meeting with me personally for necessary instruction, I hope simultaneously in all Centers the activities will be of the same standard.
Letter to Sudama -- Los Angeles 4 May, 1970:
Now at the present moment, I am concentrating my energy in this Los Angeles Center as ideal for all other centers in respect of Deity worship, Aratrik, Kirtana and other necessary paraphernalia. As I have curtailed my moving program, I wish that you may come here at your convenience and stay here for a few days and see personally how things are going on; and by meeting with me personally for necessary instruction, I hope simultaneously in all Centers the activities will be of the same standard.
Letter to Vamanadeva -- Los Angeles 4 May, 1970:
Now at the present moment, I am concentrating my energy in this Los Angeles Center as ideal for all other centers in respect of Deity worship, Aratrik, Kirtana and other necessary paraphernalia. As I have curtailed my moving program, I wish that you may come here at your convenience and stay here for a few days and see personally how things are going on; and by meeting with me personally for necessary instruction, I hope simultaneously in all Centers the activities will be of the same standard.
Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 8 May, 1970:
I have already dispatched to you by separate mail an invitation to visit our L.A. center and meet personally with me at that time. So I am expecting to meet with you when you can come at your convenience, and then we can discuss such questions as you have asked as well as any others you may have.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 9 May, 1970:
So such pictures are definitely required and please have them execute the subjects appropriately as they have so nicely done thus far. In the meantime, I hope you have by now received my last letter inviting you to visit L.A. Temple at your earliest convenience, and I shall be very glad to see you then.
Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 16 May, 1970:
I hope everything is going well with you in Detroit Temple. Perhaps by now you have received my invitation to you to visit our L.A. Temple at your convenience.
Letter to Radharamana Sharanji -- Los Angeles 25 June, 1970:
As you know the standard of living of Americans and Europeans is different from our standard, it is better if we can accommodate them little comfortably. In that sense commode will be convenient for them. Otherwise, my students are so nicely trained that they can even lie down on the street. But it is my duty to see to their comforts as far as possible. So please let me know if such house is available. It does not matter where it is situated.
Letter to Radharamana Sharanji -- Los Angeles 25 June, 1970:
I am experiencing practically that through this movement the entire human society will be happy. And as you write to say that, "the Lord has very, very kindly given me human form in the sacred soil of India—simply to serve the humanity and through that Him alone," so this is the opportunity offered to you by the Lord—take advantage of it and set exemplary activities so that our countrymen may know what is the duty of a bona fide Indian. So I will be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. I can read your handwriting very nicely.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Tokyo 18 August, 1970:
Herewith please find four pages of poems written by Tirthapada dasa Brahmacari who is working at Sydney very diligently. If our Vyasa Puja pamphlet is not yet finished, you may add them there or conveniently they may be published in BTG. He is a good worker in Sydney; he should be encouraged.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Calcutta 2 September, 1970:
The idea is that the original name, "Back to Godhead", even it goes to foreign country it should continue to be the same. As you can see from other important magazines like "Life" and "Time" they are distributed in foreign countries is the same name without being translated into the local language. If you think that such change will be more convenient, I have no objection—such change means, instead of "Back to Godhead", "Zuruck zur Gottheit."
Letter to Bhavananda -- Calcutta 9 September, 1970:
Regarding the proposed wife for Jitendriya, if she is living in the Temple and if she is younger than the boy and if you think that the marriage will be very nice, the girl may be married with Jitendriya. She may follow the footsteps of her husband in all respects and later on conveniently she may be initiated.
Letter to Govinda Maharaja -- Calcutta 22 September, 1970:
Regarding propagating the Name of Sri Mayapur as Birthplace of Lord Caitanya, it is going on regularly in our different literatures and books. If you kindly take the trouble of coming here conveniently, I can show you how we are giving publicity to the Birthsite of Lord Caitanya. Perhaps you know that I begged from His Holiness Sripada Tirtha Maharaja a little piece of land at Mayapur for constructing a home for my Western disciples, but he refused the proposal.
Letter to Govinda Maharaja -- Calcutta 22 September, 1970:
I am very sorry to learn that your health is deteriorating due to passing of sugar. The best medicine is to starve. I had one very influential doctor friend, the Chief Medical Officer of Vienna. When I was taking lunch with him sometimes in the year of 1955 he was suffering from diabetes and he told me that it is a disease for voracious eating and T.B. is a disease for undereating. If you kindly find some time and see me at your convenience that will be a great pleasure.
Letter to Yogesvara -- Calcutta 4 October, 1970:
Also have the pictures done very nicely and in color if possible as it is done by our Art Department in Boston and if you have any questions in this regard you may correspond with them directly. That will be very nice. In the meantime, have all your works read by the other devotees as they may find it convenient to do so and they can give you further suggestions. So go on writing more books; we need many such books for distributing to the public schools as well as for our own schools and send me the draft copies as you make them up. I will be very glad to see to them.
Letter to Govinda -- Bombay 5 November, 1970:
In the meantime I am enclosing one circular letter to whom it may concern and I authorize you to print them profusely and distribute to the public so that the misunderstanding created by Sai may be dissipated. Please keep me informed of your activities and I shall be glad to receive my maintenance charges regularly. I am always thinking of returning to Hawaii again and staying there conveniently. It is a very nice place. Hope this will meet you in good health.
Letter to Sri Birlaji -- Bombay 8 November, 1970:
I should very much like to see you, as this is one of the reasons I have returned here to Bombay. So when you are feeling fully rested, I hope you will arrange an appointment at your convenience. I hope you are feeling better.
Letter to Vamanadeva -- Bombay 12 November, 1970:
I beg to thank you for your kind invitation and certainly I shall be very happy to stay for a while in St. Louis when returning to the U.S. conveniently.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay 29 November, 1970:
I have also received encouraging reports from Sydney and Fiji. So long our students remain fixed up to the regulative principles without deviation they will be enthusiastic for spreading this sublime movement. Please keep close contact with the centers in your zone and see that everything is going on nicely. If you can travel from center to center conveniently, that is very good.
Letter to Advaita -- Surat 19 December, 1970:
So far your need for constant engagement in press work is concerned, I do not see that there should be any difficulty if you attend the classes daily when our literatures are read and discussed. It is alright if you do not attend the Arati, but you must remain fixed up by attending the classes. Two hours daily in the classes will not be too much time away from press work. I give you my permission to work in this way. Now adjust things as you find it convenient and please begin work again immediately. I know that you are in need of constantly working the press and the press is constantly in need of being worked.
1971 Correspondence
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Allahabad 11 January, 1971:
I am hoping that the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Nectar of Devotion shall be printed soon. If you require the funds for NOD and TLC, I shall send it conveniently. But I have just received a letter from Karandhara that the needed money is already arranged and the printing should begin soon. I am very anxious to see that ISKCON Press is operating effectively. Regarding the Preface to Bhagavad-gita, I shall send that as soon as I have got some time to write one. In the meantime you can go ahead with the remainder of layout work.
Letter to Advaita -- Allahabad 21 January, 1971:
If moving the press to New York is convenient, I have no objection. You must have all facility of work—that I want. It is good news that all the temples are expanding. So the press must be located in another place. The Brooklyn loft is nice and the rent is not much. Let us occupy at once. I have got all approval of this move.
Letter to Mulchand Deomal -- Allahabad 31 January, 1971:
I wish to request you to come and live with me but that you have already said will not be possible for you. So your help to my book fund is very much welcome. You have so kindly desired to contribute Rs. 500 in this connection. So you can conveniently directly send this money by Mail Transfer, to my book fund account, no. HSS 14538 in the Central Bank of India, Gowalia Tank branch, Bombay. The procedure is that you go to the local Central Bank in Surat and ask them to transfer your money by mail which is technically called M.T. So there will be no difficulty. You can simply intimate me that you have transferred such and such amount through the Central Bank at Surat. Then I'll take care of it.
Letter to Candanacarya -- Bombay 23 March, 1971:
Such chapter-wise printing of Srimad-Bhagavatam is very suitable and convenient, so you may continue it. Also, you say that you are now distributing BTG no. 35, but I have never received an English copy, so you can send me one.
Letter to Krsna dasa -- Bombay 1 April, 1971:
So we are now in Bombay and you can reply these points immediately and if you so desire, we can start immediately or as you direct. Amongst us, Syamasundara. knows German language. So if you think that his presence will facilitate, then he can also go. So on the whole, you make all arrangements for going there as it is convenient. Arrange for visas and on hearing from you I shall start.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Bombay 4 April, 1971:
Here we are having a very large festival at Cross Maiden in Bombay where 20,000 to 30,000 people are attending daily for chanting, lecturing, arati and prasada distribution. You will be glad to know that both your mother and father came to visit me there. Your mother is always asking that you come with your wife and get a job in India. But I told her that you cannot get a better job here. But she is mother, and so naturally wants to see you. So I have told her that after your examinations you might conveniently come to India to visit her at her home.
Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:
Since it is uncertain when I shall arrive, the devotees recommended by you for initiation in a previous letter may now be initiated. Presently I am securing wooden beads from here and as soon as I receive them, I shall send them to the respective devotees, duly chanted on. Anna Prabhu may be initiated also and she has my blessings for being married to Puranda at the earliest convenience.
Letter to Vrindaban Candra -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:
I organized that theater performance in my youthhood. My friends were trained up and we performed and it was very much appreciated by the highest class of men in Calcutta. We were invited to many places to perform the drama. Lord Caitanya inaugurated these Vaisnava dramas, it is true, but where to obtain such copies of these plays I do not know.* While performing such dramas, always the actors must be Vaisnavas. Outsiders may help but devotees should have all the major roles. So you may perform such plays conveniently. It is a very nice program, but do not sacrifice other programs on account of it.
Letter to Manager of Central Bank of India -- Bombay 30 April, 1971:
In reference to your letter no. 20/149 dated 21st April, 1971, I beg to inform you that generally I visit my branches in Bombay, Calcutta, Gorakhpur and Delhi and sometimes I go outside also. If you will kindly give me a general letter of introduction so that wherever I go I can show the local manager that letter and he will transfer my money without any charges. That will be convenient for both you and me.
Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Bombay 30 April, 1971:
I am in due receipt of your letters dated 26th April, 1971 and have noted the contents. Regarding Vrindaban, perhaps by now you have seen the place. Presently Mahantaji wants to transfer the property to us and wants to go there to Vrindaban on the 8th or the 15th May. So now you can decide when to go there so that he can transfer the property to us and at the same time have Sankirtana, preferably for two or three days. So decide amongst yourselves which of the two days is more convenient and write Mahantaji. His address is as follows: Mahanta Dhinabandhudas; Char Samprada temple; Panchavati; Nasik.
Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 11 June, 1971:
So far as Indira Gandhi attending the function, we shall accept a day according to her convenience and we shall hold the function on her arrival. That is my desire. I think your wife and Giriraja have already gone to Delhi to help you in this connection.
Letter to Sri Govinda, Srilekha, Bob, Leon, Will, Woody, Mike -- Los Angeles 4 July, 1971:
I beg to thank you very much for your kind letter dated nil. You will be glad to know that very soon I am coming to N.Y., perhaps by the middle of this month. So perhaps it will be possible for you to come and see me there. Or else, shortly thereafter I may visit Pittsburgh and New Vrindaban, so that may be more convenient for you; whatever is permitted by Krishna.
Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Brooklyn 28 July, 1971:
Regarding our cornerstone ceremony, if Indira Gandhi is not available at any time, then forget this ceremony. But if she is so kind to you as you said in your letter then she can come at her convenience. Otherwise we don't require to have such elaborate ceremony. Because it appears that nobody is going to give us any big donations, at least for the time being it appears that there is no such prospect.
Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Brooklyn 28 July, 1971:
Regarding land purchase. There is no need of purchasing land now because their impression is that Americans will buy the land so they have increased the price by three times. We shall purchase later at our convenience at the real price. Let us utilize this eleven bighas of land first, we shall see to more land later. We shall not artificially increase the price at the present moment by acquiring land now.
Letter to Dinesh Babu -- England 14 August, 1971:
I am still prepared to purchase if we get bargain price or at least at the current local price but I have heard that people are asking more than the expectation. So conveniently you may go sometime at Mayapur and stay with our men and negotiate with persons. If they are prepared to sell the land at the right price, then I can purchase all the available land. My idea is to purchase land for agriculture so inmates may not depend on outsiders but grow food there and things may go on nicely.
Letter to Bhakta dasa -- London 18 August, 1971:
So, if you can make your temple as nice as L.A. then certainly when I go to L.A. next time I will visit San Diego. It is only a 20 minute plane ride to San Diego from L.A. but it takes 200 minutes to get to the airport and back. Just see the conveniences of technological advancement.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- London 25 August, 1971:
In the vedic ceremony the paraphernalia required for the sacrificial ceremony includes five kinds of powder, five kinds of leaves, five kinds of cow products, five kinds of grains and five kinds of jewels. So these are required for offering to the sacrifice: Five items of five kinds. So because we cannot collect all these things conveniently, we simply are satisfied with five kinds of powders. In the vedic system also when eatables are offered to somebody, five varieties of dishes are offered.
Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 1 September, 1971:
You are planning now for a meeting between ourselves. That is also very good and if Indira Gandhi gives me a little time for giving a patient hearing to the importance of our movement and tries to understand the philosophy of this movement you can immediately fix up some date for an appointment according to her convenience and I shall keep that appointment at any rate. Our movement is not any local movement. It is for the total human society. It is most authorized on the principles of Bhagavad-gita and affirmed by Lord Caitanya and all the big acaryas. So we have got every confidence on this movement for the peaceful situation of the whole world. Our aim is one God, one religion, one people, one activity, everything one.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Nairobi 26 September, 1971:
Subha Laksmi is a very popular singer and dancer. I know in Delhi the Ramakrishna mission with the help of Subha Laksmi singing and Prime Minister Nehru presiding, in one day they raised fund 10 lakhs. So it requires good organization and selling of tickets, etc. I think alone Subha Laksmi can contribute 5 lakhs by her performance. So this is a good opportunity to take her help. I think you should not dictate the dates for her performance. Let her fix it up and do the needful according to her convenience.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Nairobi 8 October, 1971:
As far as possible do things by correspondence. In Paris they are doing nicely but when you find it convenient you can go and see how they are doing. They will be encouraged by your presence. So far opening a restaurant in Amsterdam is concerned, unless you have got four men to look after it, it will not be successful. I think our attention should be more concentrated in the matter of making life members and distributing our literature. That is solid work. My idea of opening a restaurant requires sufficient money to decorate it. Things should not be done haphazardly.
1972 Correspondence
Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Honolulu 16 May, 1972:
Your plan for collecting Rs. 6000 to 11,000 for each room, that is very nice process. Then rooms will be there always to receive the owners. There is a system, bhetnama, it means the person who contributes, for his lifetime the room is reserved for him and after his demise it goes to the temple. There are many buildings in Vrindaban which are constructed on this principle, and for Delhi men it will be very convenient. It takes only two hours by car—they can come on weekends, associate with the devotees, take prasadam, hear lectures on the philosophy. That will enlighten them. In Vrindaban, we must do something very grand and gorgeous, both in the matter of preaching and accommodating the educated class of devotees.
Letter to Cyavana -- Los Angeles 23 May, 1972:
Offer them nice place to live with the devotees and all prasadam and other conveniences should be offered to them. And in return they will see to the materials, labor, architects, etc., and give you their expert advice in all matters. Otherwise we have no construction experience and they may try to cheat us. We shall of course continue to also look after all aspects of the building operation, but we should have the help and assistance of a qualified retired engineer. Try to find out such a person. You may consult with Bhavananda and Tamala Krishna in this respect, as the building work in Mayapur is already well under way and it is going very nicely.
Letter to Stokakrsna -- Los Angeles 20 June, 1972:
If we are able to make a whole generation of our children into fine Krsna Conscious preachers, that will be the glory of our movement and the glory of your country as well. But if we neglect somehow or other and if we lose even one Vaisnava, that is very great loss. So I am very glad that you are taking your business very seriously and you may consult always with Satsvarupa in all matters of management and policy, and if he cannot answer to your satisfaction, you may also ask me something. For children it is a long time between 8:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., therefore they are naturally hungry long before the lunch time. If it is convenient you may add another period for light prasadam between those times. The children should e allowed to eat as much as they like, therefore if children are complaining from hunger we must feed them.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1972:
I hope this meets you and your good wife Himavati in good health, and I shall be arriving in London sometime on the 5th July, so you may all come to London at your convenience and see me there.
Letter to Jaya Gopala, Suniti -- London 12 July, 1972:
I am in due receipt of your telegram dated July 9, 1972 and I have noted the contents with great concern. I am very much anxious to know what is your condition, and how you are recovering. Please let me know at your earliest convenience. In this material world, at every step there is danger, so we must become very diligent in executing spiritual life, and not neglect even a moment.
Letter to Jayapataka -- Paris 22 July, 1972:
Regarding Gitar Gan, do it conveniently. Regarding Lalita Prasad Thakura, as I have advised Acyutananda above, unless he keeps his promise than we are not interested to publish any of Bhaktivinode Thakura's books. That animosity against Guru Maharaja is going on, so we shall have nothing to do with it.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Paris 25 July, 1972:
Once the deity is installed in India, it can never be removed under any circumstances, even they must build the highway around it. But in our case we may sometimes have to change houses, so we may once have to move the deity from one house to another, but we shall not move them from one city to another just for our own convenience. We are always thinking these kind of changes, why is that? I simply want things to be developed which we have got, not to make so many big big plans and changing all the time, that is not very practical.
Letter to Nityananda -- Los Angeles 16 August, 1972:
So far the repayment of loan, we are not very much for big, big houses, especially if they become burdensome. Our first program is for preaching, and if we have to simply work for paying money for a house, that is not very much desirable. So you pay the loan at your convenience, better to concentrate on preaching and not so much for making money for repaying the loan quickly. Even if it takes some years to pay, at least you will not be always in anxiety where to get money in that way. But if you can repay the loan in two or three years time, and save so much interest money, that is a very good plan, provided it is easily done.
Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 23 August, 1972:
Formerly it was understood that Mr. Nair would not charge interest. Anyway, if you have to charge interest, better go to the bank. There is a proposal that somebody wants to donate seven acres of land at Ahmedabad, 17 miles from the town. This proposal was sent by Paramahamsa das Brahmacari, and I have already replied his letter. So if it is convenient, some of you can go see the land, and if it is favorable, we shall go and develop an asrama there. There was a reference in the letter of Mahamsa that the President Giri can open the foundation stone ceremony of our temple, as he is a friend of Mr. Somani. I have already replied his letter, and you can see it. If it is a fact, I have suggested that the ceremony can take place on Wednesday, September 20.
Letter to Madhavananda -- Los Angeles 26 August, 1972:
Regarding my Gita Gan, take quotation for printing there also. If it is cheaper why should we go to Dai Nippon? I think Jugantar can do the work, let them do it conveniently. Anyway, somehow or other do it, and you can request Giriraja to send the money from the Book Fund if he approves of everything. You can ask Asokamrta or I think there are some Bengali girls there also, all of them are well educated, they can proofread the manuscript.
Letter to Amogha -- Los Angeles 13 September, 1972:
I have replied them duly. I am very glad to hear that your mission is resumed in Indonesia and that you are taking up this work again with full enthusiasm. And the response has been very good there. Now go on teaching in this school and distributing our literatures more and more, and try to recruit some local men for becoming our disciples and helping you there. For relying upon devotees from outside to come there is not very practical business. It is better to recruit some local men and train them to do the work. But I think Madhudvisa can supply you with one or two men conveniently, you may request him this.
Letter to Bali-mardana, Pusta Krsna -- Los Angeles 18 September, 1972:
So far the painting department is concerned, they have telephoned me also, so their work is very important, and four or five painters may be allowed to paint full-time, after chanting two hours their rounds, and they may spend one or two hours on sankirtana party as it is convenient. Jadurani is the best book seller of all, so she may go out for distributing books as much as possible if it is convenient and does not tax her too much away from painting art work.
Letter to Gwalior Tank Branch -- Bombay December 14,1972:
Kindly return the copy of the Trust Agreement at your earliest convenience, and oblige. If there are any more points to be discussed I shall be in Bombay in about a week's time.
Letter to Capt. Singhal -- Ahmedabad 15 December, 1972:
Your suggestion to hold a meeting of the Life members is very much welcomed. I wish that a meeting as suggested by you may take place on the Hare Krishna Land immediately. Please come and see me on Monday conveniently after 4:30 pm and we shall talk about it. The land is still in our possession and we are not going to leave this land so easily. More when we meet.
Letter to Jaggadeva -- Bombay 28 December, 1972:
With reference to a letter to me dated December 6, 1972, wherein Aksojananda Swami has recommended several students for initiation, I have since heard that he has left Amsterdam and he is supposed to be preaching in England, and I have heard that you are now the president of Amsterdam temple so I am informing you that, upon the recommendation of Aksojananda, I am happy to accept the two boys as my duly initiated disciples. Their letter and their beads, duly chanted by me, are enclosed herewith. Please find also three sacred threads enclosed, also chanted by me, along with three copies of gayatri mantra. Now if you have not got experience, then Hansadutta may come there for performing the fire yajna. Or if it is more convenient then someone may come from London, or Aksojananda may come for a few days and hold the fire yajna. Whatever, hold the fire yajna and sacred thread may be given to yourself, Hari Krishna, and Tirthasadhaka.
1973 Correspondence
Letter to Madhukara -- Bombay 4 January, 1973:
Krsna recommended Arjuna to remain as he was, not to disrupt the order of society and go against his own nature just for convenience sake. Our occupational duty is not arbitrary, that means once we have taken up some field of action, if we are advanced in our understanding, then we shall not change it for another. Rather our devotion is the important factor, so what does it matter what I am doing so long my work and energy are completely devoted to Krsna? Just like Krsna, He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He has no work, neither He has anything to do, still He comes here to teach us this lesson.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Calcutta 29 June, 1973:
For yourself you should make your next attempt in Moscow, if it is possible. I am going to London. So if convenient you should come and we can meet there. I see that Himavati is busy in distributing prasadam—send some for me. Now you have a proper field husband and wife, please do it nicely. Your transcendental competition is there in Shayamasundar. I want to see who will come out triumphant.
Letter to Indira Gandhi -- New Delhi 6 November, 1973:
I am sending herewith one copy of my book Bhagavad-gita As It Is as my humble presentation. I hope at your convenient leisure time, you can have a glance over this book, at least the preliminary statement in the Foreword, Introduction, and Preface, which will convince you of the importance of the book.
1974 Correspondence
Letter to Dr. Ghosh:
Anyway, it will be a great pleasure for me if you can come and live with me for some time. From here, Vrindaban, I am going to Bombay, at the following address: Hare Krishna Land, Gandhi Gram Road, Juhu, Bombay. Conveniently you may try to come and live with me for some time. Our philosophy is Krsnas tu bhagavan svayam (SB 1.3.28).
Letter to Ajita -- Bombay 29 April, 1974:
Of course hardly anyone is interest in achieving his real self interest, love of Krsna, but our presentation is so scientific that learned persons are appreciating it all over the world. So if some of the leading citizens of Stockholm want to meet with me, or if you can arrange a festival with Bhagavan das and Hamsaduta then I can include it on my tour. Please fix up a time when I can come conveniently as after visiting Paris I shall be free to come to Germany and Stockholm also if you like. You can write me care of our Vrindaban temple where I am going in a few days.
Letter to Riktananda -- Bombay 29 April, 1974:
Your proposal to come to Vrindaban and serve the deities in our new Krsna Balarama temple is approved by me. We require many first class devotees to make the temple alive with transcendental bliss, so as your departure is also sanctioned by Jayatirtha, you make your plans and come to Vrindaban at your convenience.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Frankfurt 18 June, 1974:
Yes, the farm plan in New Orleans is fine. But one thing is if we get land we must first be sure we will be able to fully utilize it, otherwise, if we cannot use it what is the use? I want the world to see by our example that life can be lived naturally, peacefully if one is self sufficient with land, some cows and chanting Hare Krishna. That is the idea of purchasing land. It is not necessary that every temple have a farm, but as many as can be efficiently managed locally is all right. Let them see our centers are self sufficient. Whatever can be managed conveniently.
Letter to Karandhara -- Los Angeles 14 July, 1974:
The idea is that we have got a land there, one half acre, and we want to construct a similar temple like Vrindaban there. So I hope at your earliest convenience you will send the site plan at least to Trinidad as soon as possible. We have a proposed temple in Bhaktivedanta Manor, Letchmore Heath, London, and I hope in the meantime you might have received the same request from Madhavananda Prabhu.
Letter to Alfred Ford -- Los Angeles 16 July, 1974:
By the by I beg to invite you to our opening ceremony of our newly constructed temple of Krishna Balarama at Vrindaban beginning from August 8-15. I think we have exchanged some correspondence but I have never seen you. It will be a great pleasure to see you at your convenience.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Vrindaban 7 September, 1974:
Regarding the printing, it does not matter where you print our German books. Never mind the cost whether it is a little more or less. Wherever it is convenient. We are not after profit. The important thing is good printing and binding so that the people will be impressed. A book sold rather than a record will be a solid sale.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 18 September, 1974:
I like Australia very much because of your book distribution. So sell books and secure money and purchase the house and pay BBT conveniently. From the photos it appears that the house is very nice and sufficient for the present. Still the convent was a better place, and Dr. Powell and the bishop of Melbourne could advise them why they are insisting on this point of dismantling the chapel. Anyway either of the houses you can secure.
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.
Letter to Syamasundara -- Bombay 1 November, 1974:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 10/10/74 and have noted the contents. Just now I have come to Bombay from our temple at Sri Dhama Mayapur. There is not negotiation going on that I may go to Bhuvaneśvara by the beginning of the month of December. At that time if you find it convenient you can come and see me. I will send you my address upon my arrival there.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 14 November, 1974:
I understand from Nitai that if another man can be sent; he mentions Jagannatha dasa; then work on Madhya Lila will be shortened by half and he can also help in the Srimad-Bhagavatam work now resumed after completing Caitanya Caritamrta. So it will be very helpful and convenient to have this boy.
Letter to Dr. Ghosh -- Bombay 17 November, 1974:
I shall be very glad to hear from you at your convenience. 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.
Letter to Vamanadeva -- Bombay 8 December, 1974:
Regarding monthly donations, you can send the money to either of the following accounts whichever is more convenient: 1. Bank of America, Bombay Branch, in favor of International Society for Krishna Consciousness Mayapur Vrindaban Fund A/c. 16026; 2. First National City Bank, Bombay Branch, in favor also International Society for Krishna Consciousness Mayapur Vrindaban Fund, A/c 17168.
Letter to Sri Raghava Charyulu -- Bombay 23 December, 1974:
The chief problems of life are collectively birth, death, old age and disease. Bhagavad-gita gives information how to solve these four problems. It is the essence of all Vedic knowledge presented by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna. I am so glad to learn that you have taken so much interest in my book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is. I shall be staying in Bombay up till mid-Jan. and I wish to cordially invite you to see me at your convenience. Generally I can be seen between 5 and 7 p.m. Thank you once more for your interesting letter.
Letter to Dr. Ghosh -- Bombay 23 December, 1974:
You are cordially invited to come and visit us anytime here in Bombay at your convenience. I am planning to stay in Bombay until mid-Jan. and then I shall go to Australia.
1975 Correspondence
Letter to Bhrsakapi -- Bombay 16 January, 1975:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated nil and have noted the contents. Thank you for distributing my books so enthusiastically. Please increase this book distribution as much as possible. Regarding the Mayapur and Vrndavana festivals coming up, you can come to one of them or both of them as it is convenient to you.
Letter to P. S. Garg -- Bombay 16 January, 1975:
You are cordially invited to come to our Hare Krishna Land. We have a nice evening program starting at 7:00 with kirtana, pravacana, and arati. Please come at your convenience. Hare Krishna.
Letter to Mrs. Bhatt -- Bombay 18 January, 1975:
I hope that by now, you have had the opportunity to come and visit our center in Toronto. You are cordially invited to visit there anytime. The address is: 187 Gerrard St., East, Ontario M5A 2E5. We have very nice Radha-Krishna murtis there and there are many devotees there also. Please visit at your convenience.
Letter to Radheswarananda Goswami -- Tehran 15 March, 1975:
I wanted to take a party of sankirtana movement all over India, if some of the leaders like you co-operate with us. So, I am reaching Bombay tomorrow and I shall stay there until the 19th. If possible, please come and see me at my Bombay center as follows: Hare Krishna Land, Gandhi Gram Road, Juhu, Bombay 400 054. Or, if the letter does not reach you in time, I am inviting you to come to our festival at Mayapur from the 23rd-27th of March. Then we have also got the opening ceremony for our Vrndavana temple on April 10th, 1975. If it is convenient for you, please try to come and join the ceremonies.
Letter to Mr. R.L. Bhatt -- Mayapur 2 April, 1975:
Our festival has gone very nicely here in Mayapur. About 400 American and European devotees have come for the celebrations this year. We will all be going to Vrndavana for the opening of our Krishna-Balarama temple there on April 20th, 1975. You and your family are cordially invited to attend our functions there if it is convenient for you at that time.
Letter to Alfred Ford -- Mayapur 5 April, 1975:
After the opening of our Vrndavana temple here in India, I shall start for Australia by May 5th to install Gaura-Nitai deities and then I shall go to Fiji for a few days to see how our center is doing there. After that, I shall arrive in Honolulu by May 17th. This time, I will stay there for some time, most probably until the beginning of July, when I will be going to the American mainland for our annual Rathayatra festival in San Francisco. If it is convenient for you, I would like to have you come and stay with me while I am there in Hawaii. I will arrange a nice room for you and any other facilities you may require. I am hoping that you will consider this carefully to my Bombay address.
Letter to Mathura Prasad Agarwala -- Vrindaban 22 April, 1975:
I have heard from Gopinatha Mahesawari that you came here to see me, but that due to the Governor's coming there was some confusion and you were not able to see me. I am extremely sorry for this. I wish to invite you to come and take lunch with me on the 26th of April at about 11:00 AM if it is convenient for you. I will be awaiting your arrival.
Letter to Mathura Prasad Agarwala -- Vrindaban 28 April, 1975:
I had sent you one letter of invitation which I think did not as of yet reach you. Gopinatha Mahesawari spoke to you on the phone and told me that you will be coming here on the 30th of April. He gave me a more complete address and now I am hoping that this note will reach you in time. I will be awaiting your arrival on the 30th for luncheon with your family also at about 11:00 AM. I hope that will be convenient for you.
Letter to Sri Kamalapati Tripathi -- Perth, Australia 7 May, 1975:
The enclosed letter to Mr. Nanda will speak for itself how I appreciated the grand place of Kuruksetra. I wish to organize this holy spot for spreading Krishna Consciousness all over the world and the suggestions that I have given to Mr. Nanda may be carefully read by you also. And I shall be glad to know whether any co-operation from your side is possible in this attempt. I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Letter to Tejiyas -- Perth, Australia 12 May, 1975:
Enclosed is one letter addressed to Acarya Prabhakar Misra. Please find. I do not know his address in Delhi, but I am sure that you know it. Please meet him and hand this letter over to him or forward it by post as is convenient for you. Please also keep in constant contact with Laxman S. Agarwal and his genius wife also. Try to encourage them to construct the temple in their factory as soon as possible.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 21 June, 1975:
Regarding Vrindaban construction, you may have all of the creditors submit their final bills and together with the accountant you check them vigilantly and make a full settlement. Then conveniently we shall see how the further work will be done. Now I am very much doubtful. I think there has been some cheating.
Letter to Giriraja -- Evanston, Illinois 4 July, 1975:
All money sent to Bombay from L.A. is BBT money and must be paid back by you to the BBT account in Bombay. The money sent to you is on loan basis and must be paid back. You can pay back conveniently. We shall help you, but you must pay back.
Letter to Mahavir Prasad Jaipuriaji -- Philadelphia 13 July, 1975:
So this Vrindaban temple is being visited by many devotees to the extent of 500-1000 per day, and we have got a very nice guest house. I request you to come there at your convenience and see how it is nicely done especially for the retired gentlemen, vanaprastha.
Letter to Sri Arjuna -- Vrindaban 5 September, 1975:
I am here in Vrindaban for some time. If you conveniently come and stay with me along with some of your interested friends, I shall be happy to convince you how this Krishna consciousness movement is so needed all over the world.
Letter to Sri Ram Kumar:
There are so many things to discuss that I suggest that you come here and see me if it is convenient for you. I am here in Vrindaban at least up until September 25th. I must leave Delhi the latest on October 2nd for Bombay.
Letter to S. N. Mukurji -- Johannesburg 16 October, 1975:
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 5/8, and I have noted the contents carefully. In India we have got so many centres. Which ever is convenient for you, you can join and live with us.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 9 November, 1975:
So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is preaching. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching. Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things before the audience so they can conveniently understand, this is a successful preacher. You have only to speak what Krsna has said. Then you become a preacher. I am also glad to learn that Sripati Prabhu is traveling with you. Keep him nicely.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:
I am glad to note that Pittsburgh temple management is going on nicely. This is wanted. We want cooperation. Why there should be non cooperation between ourselves. That is not good. Regarding your desire to be relieved of managing these other centers, I may request you to continue until the next Mayapur meeting and then you can make some other arrangement conveniently.
1976 Correspondence
Letter to Sir -- Mayapur 22 January, 1976:
It is understood from His Holiness Babaji Advaitanandan das Bhaktibhusan that some respectable gentlemen, headed by your Honor, have selected me as the President of Sri Krishna Caitanya Sangeet College, Bhaktivedyalaya Bisramtala, at Serampur. I wish to speak in detail about this institution. For this purpose I should like to invite you on Sunday, 1st February, 1976, or if this is not convenient, then on such day as is convenient to you. I am here in Mayapur and it will be a great pleasure for me to see you along with your associates. I invite you also to respect noon-day Prasadam with me. Please confirm through Babaji and we shall arrange to receive you.
Letter to Aksayananda -- Mayapur 29 January, 1976:
Just now I am resting at Mayapur, so if it is possible to hold this program without me, then I may not come. Otherwise, if my presence is required* then I can come. Following the Vrndavana festival there is a tentative program for me to go to Manipur. At that time I can easily visit Kanpur on my way to Manipur. Visiting at that time would be very convenient. We should certainly have a centre in Kanpur. It is the third most important city in India after Bombay and Calcutta.
Letter to Sri K. C. Kapur -- Mayapur 31 January, 1976:
I am remaining in Mayapur most likely until the end of March. At that time I shall be going to Vrindaban. Vrindaban and Kanpur are not far from each other, so it will be most convenient for me to come. From Vrindaban I am tentatively scheduled to go to Manipur, so I am thinking to stop in Kanpur on the way. In the meantime I am sending Sri Gopala Krishna das Adhikari, ISKCON's Zonal Secretary for India and Southeast Asia, to see the land.
Letter to Kashinath Mullick -- Honolulu 4 May, 1976:
I shall be staying in Hawaii at least up until June 1, 1976, at the above address, and then I shall go to Los Angeles where I can be reached at the following address 3764 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90034, U.S.A. Thank you once more for your kind letter. Conveniently, if you find time you can visit our Krishna Balarama Temple in Vrindaban at Raman Reti which has now become the best attraction in Vrindaban.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 9 June, 1976:
The printing should be managed by the BBT. Yasodanandana Swami is printing through the agency of the BBT, simply for convenience sake due to the inefficiency of the order department in Bombay. Even a letter from Fiji was not replied. However, the accounts should be kept by the BBT. The printing of Yasodanandana Swami is only for some small books. The quality of the big books must remain, and so they should not be printed by Yasodanandana Swami independently.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 9 June, 1976:
So you can keep the account what is being sold, and what is the profit. But what is the wrong if Yasodanandana Swami prints the books on behalf of BBT for convenience. You are accusing him of so many bogus complaints. What is bogus? What is genuine? If all these complaints come to me it is too much taxation for me.
Letter to Karandhara -- New Delhi 31 August, 1976:
So, in whichever status of life you may remain, if you stick to the principles, then you are alright. I am going to Vrndavana. If it is convenient you can stay for some time in Vrndavana with your family. I always think of you as I do think of my other disciples, and surely Krsna will help you to become a very strong devotee of the Lord. Please offer my blessings to your wife and children.
Letter to 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 Dr. R.M. Dave -- Chandigarh 15 October, 1976:
I am returning to Vrindaban on 20th October and shall be there until end of November. I will be glad to meet you there anytime convenient for you. It will be a great pleasure to meet you, you are always welcome.
Letter to Giriraja -- Vrindaban 24 November, 1976:
Yes, I accept your invitation to attend your Hare Krishna festival. I can come for either date, so you can arrange according to the convenience of the Mayor. That's very nice that we are now getting rear access to our land. That means that more visitors will come. About our tenants; most of them are employed. So, there is good chance of their vacating when they are transferred. You should be very vigilant to see that they do not transfer occupancy to someone else and cause unnecessary harassment. Similarly, when someone purchases an apartment he is liable to vacate. So whenever possible we should take possession of the apartment so we may utilize them for our purposes.
Letter to Ramesvara -- NEWSLETTER 26 November, 1976:
Kindly send a copy to each of our centers as soon as is conveniently possible. His Divine Grace specially requests that the system of shaving on the fourth day (the head) after Ekadasi, on Purnima, be introduced immediately in all centers.
Letter to Gurukrpa -- Hyderabad 14 December, 1976:
Please keep the money you have in the bank. I'm thinking of one temple in Bhuvaneśvara. It will be required later on. India is poor. Hawaii already has a building. A temple is required, but not very urgent. As it is convenient we can do it. Because our devotees are not allowed to enter Jagannatha's temple at Puri I'm thinking to build a duplicate temple at Bhuvaneśvara.
Letter to Sudama -- Bombay 22 December, 1976:
Yes, you need to come to the festival this year. Your health must be taken care of first. Regarding the others, it is alright that they may or not come as convenient. Sita should address Lord Ramacandra as "My Lord." The matter of drawing the line is not very important. There is a summary of the Ramayana in the 9th canto. That will help you. You can show the fight between Rama and Ravana. The monkeys were throwing big, big mountains and trees blocking the passages in Lanka.
1977 Correspondence
Letter to Hari-sauri -- Mayapur 18 March, 1977:
Be blessed by Krsna. Your sentiments are all very nice. Krsna will help you. Keep in that position, and whenever convenient you can come and serve me, but now your main business is there.
Letter to Sivananda -- Unknown Place Unknown Date:
I understand from Krishna Das that you are improving in your health. Please take care of your health, and the two boys who are with you are just like your junior brothers and they will take care of you also. You can do whatever you find convenient because I know that whatever you do must be in accordance with our Krishna Consciousness movement. But do not leave these boys alone for the time being. They will never interrupt in your activities, they will obey your orders, and you will live there as their senior guardian, as my representative. Hope this finds you in good health.
| Page Title: | Convenience (Letters) |
| Compiler: | Rishab, Gopinath |
| Created: | 17 of Jun, 2011 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=219 |
| No. of Quotes: | 219 |