Dedication (Letters)

Expressions researched:
"dedicate" |"dedicated" |"dedicatedly" |"dedicates" |"dedicating" |"dedication"

1947 to 1965 Correspondence

Letter to Sardar Patel -- Calcutta 28 February, 1949:

Funds are being collected to commemorate Mahatma Gandhiji in a fitting manner and I beg to suggest that the same may be done in the Gandhian way and not otherwise. Gandhiji's whole life was dedicated to the service of humanity at large with special interest for raising the moral standard. His later activities showed that he was equal to every one and all the people of the world knew him more as the spiritual leader than a mere politician. Devotion to Godhead was his ultimate aim and when I say that his sacred memory should be perpetuated not in the ordinary way but in the Gandhian way, I mean that fitting respect to his memory will be done in the following manner.

Letter to R. Prakash -- Allahabad 22 June, 1951:

If your department will give me proper encouragement, I can give a __ __ to this transcendental movement with a batch of worker who are mostly dedicated life for this cause. We do not want anything as personal renumeration. Because nobody can write up this transcendental transaction who will work for material gain. That is the secret of this movement. Every member & worker must learn to sacrifice for Gods' sake that is the principle of this movement.

The Government shall only meet the initial expenses only to give a __ of this movement and gradually this will be self supported by public sympathisers. I said in this connection Sri M.S. ___ ___ Governor of Bihar and had along interview on the subject. Dr. Rajendra Prasad also has his good wishes for me. But I could not give the starting for financial difficulties, I want Rs 10,000/- to give it a starting.

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.

Present advancement of material civilization, in the opinion of the Indian sages, is going in the wrong way because it has neglected the spiritual side of human constitution. All living beings are spiritual sparks covered by material encagement. In his pure spiritual form a living being eternal, cognizant and blissful, but being covered by matter he is suffering threefold miseries of material existence.

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Jadurani -- Stinson Beach, Calif 8 July, 1967:

You have asked me how many hours you should work. Our life is dedicated to Krishna, and you should work for Him 24 hours. We have different varieties of service. For you, you should work on painting as long as you think yourself fit; don't overwork. Balance time should be spent for chanting and reading S.B. So far remembering me and Krishna, it should be simultaneous. I am your Spiritual Father, and Krishna is your Spiritual Husband. A girl can never forget either her father or her husband. In the Sastras it is said that Spiritual advance of life is achieved thru the combined mercy of the Spiritual Master and Krishna. Those who are sincere souls, Krishna helps them to have a bona fide Spiritual Master, and the bona fide Spiritual Master helps the disciple to approach Krishna. This is the process.

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 Jayananda -- Delhi 29 September, 1967:

Regarding your dispute in your mind as to remaining a brahmacari, grhastha or becoming sannyasi, there is nothing to be bothered with. Anyone who is in full Krishna Consciousness and is dedicating his life for Krishna is already a sannyasi even if he is a married man. If you like you can become a householder and I've no objection to that. Our Vaisnava philosophy instructs to become "Vidvati sannyasis", this means a man who knows things as they are, therefore a devotee who knows that everything belongs to Krishna and that He is the proprietor of all such a devotee is certainly a Vidvati Sannyasi. Our philosophy is that we should accept things as prasadam of Krishna and nothing for sense enjoyment. Anyone who accepts things for sense enjoyment even if he is externally a saffron dressed man is not a sannyasi.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Advaita -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Jan. 17, 1968, and I quite approve your planning on becoming a householder, and at the same time serve the cause of our society. A Krishna Conscious member even though he is a householder may spend at least 50% of his income for the society. The Brahmacaris are dedicated their life and everything but the householder should spare at least 50% of income for the society. That is the standard distribution of money example set by our predecessors, Srila Rupa Goswami, and Srila Sanatana Goswami. We may try to follow the footprints of our predecessors. Srila Rupa Goswami used to distribute his money as follows: 50% for Krishna, 25% for relatives, and 25% for personal emergency expenditures. I think this is very nice.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 2 April, 1968:

Today I have received your dummy book, sent by Dai Nippon for sample, and it is very nice. I shall keep it with me, and bring it with me when I come to N.Y.

I have written the preface, title page, dedication, and photo captions for Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and am sending herewith. Please take care of it as need be. The photos will appear at the front on the book. And the illustrations will appear at various intervals throughout the book, according to the text. Please inform me if still you do not understand about this.

The mrdanga has been duly received some days ago, and it is a very nice one; the Kirtana here are very nice, with so many outsiders, as well as devotees, dancing in ecstasy.

Letter to Harivilasa -- Montreal 10 June, 1968:

Many other students are ready to go to India, and if you work conjointly, without quarreling amongst yourselves, a tremendous service can be done towards the expansion of our mission. Please therefore try to execute this program peacefully for the sake of Lord Krishna, to Whom you have all dedicated your lives.

Regarding preaching work: If you simply reproduce verbatim the purports which I have given in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and chant Hare Krishna with ecstasy, that will be sufficient for your preaching work, and as you do it seriously and sincerely, Krishna gives you more and more strength for this noble missionary work.

No, there is no need of sending the Kalyana books as you have mentioned, not yet. Just read Srimad-Bhagavatam, our three volumes, regularly and repeatedly. It is no use reading many books, it is better to assimilate one book and that is sufficient.

Letter to Christopher -- Montreal 13 July, 1968:

I am glad to learn also that you sometimes fast the whole day, and chant. It is a very good idea and you can follow this principle rigidly two days in a month, namely the Ekadasis. I have got always time to answer the letters of sincere souls because my life is dedicated for their service. So you are always welcome to send your inquiries. And I shall always try to enlighten you to my best capacity. You have kindly asked me what you have to do. That I shall tell you later on, when you are fixed up in our line of thought. So it is Krishna's Grace that you are going to Santa Fe, and try to assimilate our philosophy there, and then, I shall let you know what to do there.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Montreal 30 August, 1968:

As we Vaisnava sannyasis carry 3 danda, or three sticks, combined together. The one stick is the symbol of understanding oneness. The monists only accept chin matra, there is only one spirit soul; they do not understand the varieties of the spiritual world. And so far our three sticks are concerned, we take it for granted that we have dedicated our life, for Krishna's service in 3 ways, namely, in our body, in our mind, and in our words. Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura has sung in a poetry that my mind, my body, and my home is surrendered unto You. So a Grhastha or householder like you, you are also tridandi. Because you have sacrificed everything, your life, your home, and your child, so you are a tridandi sannyasi, in fact. So continue this attitude seriously and sincerely, so you will be also as good as a sannyasi even though you are in the dress of a Grhastha. The Saivite tilaka is three pundra, 3 lines, on the forehead, in 3 parallel lines. Our tilak udra pundra, they are distinctive marks of different sections. There are two sections of the Vedic followers.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Seattle 6 October, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter Sept. 25, 1968, and I have noted the contents carefully. I am very much concerned about yourself that you have been injured, by working; I do not know what sort of ugra-karma you were doing, but whatever you do, you must be careful. 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.

Letter to Satsvarupa, Jadurani -- Los Angeles 1 November, 1968:

I confirm herewith my statement that the wife is the shareholder of the husband's pious activities. So you should know it well that Sriman Satsvarupa, life being fully dedicated to Krishna, whatever he desires you to act, you should kindly follow his instruction. Actually he cannot check you in the matter of your service either to Krishna or to me, but because we have to work with our present body, we must take care of it by following the ordinary rules.

Regarding casting of Nrsimhadeva murtis, I could not follow what you mean by this. I know Rukmini can paint, so if she paints Nrsimhadeva pictures, let her do this as many copies as she can. So far casting in metal or in any other solid material is concerned, if she is able to do it, let her do the job in casting Radha Krishna murtis. We require many Radha Krishna murtis both in our temples as well as in private household homes. Yes, that is a nice idea to copy photos of lotuses and flowers.

Letter to Kris -- Los Angeles 13 November, 1968:

And He asks for food preparations from within this group. I hope this will clarify the questions about Prasadam preparations for you to understand.

Regarding your question about Yogananda, you write to say that you "received the impression from his autobiography that he was a genuine saint who dedicated his life to serving God." But the thing is that you do not actually know what is a genuine saint, and what can you understand about saintly life from reading his autobiography. I may inform you that just recently I visited his so-called asrama retreat, and it was simply a hodge-podge of all nonsense. There was a Buddha statue, a Christ statue, a Gandhi's memorium labeled as "World Peace Memorium"—and what world peace he has brought? None. And what does Gandhi have to do with spiritual realization anyway? Gandhi was simply interested to get the Britishers out of India—what has this to do with self-realization, the prime goal of life?

Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 31 December, 1968:

I can send you more topics to write poetries about and to versify into the German language. Try to translate articles for a German edition of Back To Godhead, which you can arrange to be printed in Hamburg, as they are printing a French edition from our Montreal center.

Somehow or other you should dedicate your life for developing your Hamburg center. If you still like, you can marry in the future, but for the present continue with brahmacari life so far as you can. This brahmacari life can be continued only by deep absorption in Krishna Consciousness. Don't be disturbed in your mind. I have sent a letter to Sivananda to stay there and conjointly work with you and Krishna das in progressing the success of the Hamburg center.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Mrs. Levine -- Los Angeles 10 January, 1969:

The sooner it is engaged in the service of Krishna the better it is for the temporary owner. We come to this material world empty-handed and go away empty-handed. The things which we possess during our duration of life are first achieved and then let out along with all of our other temporary possessions. Therefore the best use of possessions during our lifetime is to dedicate it to the service of the Lord. The success of human life is considered when one fully surrenders his life, his wealth, his intelligence and his words for the benefit of the Lord.

Thank you once more for your letters. I hope that you and your husband are both well.

Letter to Mr. Levine -- Los Angeles 25 January, 1969:

If by your exceptional qualities you can help in this movement, I think you have been sent by Krishna Himself to help me in this connection. I have one nice disciple, Michael Grant (Mukunda das Adhikari) who is a very good composer of Western music. He was earning lots of money in New York as a professional music teacher, but since he has become my disciple he has dedicated his life for propagating this movement along with his wife. I shall be glad if you immediately contact him in London at the following address: 22 Betterton Street, London WC 2, England. I have got a very ambitious program to organize a nice Sankirtana Party both in Oriental and Occidental style, so that we can thus attract all classes of people in the world to Krishna Consciousness. Very nice arrangements are being made in this connection under the leadership of Michael Grant. Please contact him soon. I am also sending him a note about you.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Los Angeles 4 February, 1969:

Do you think you will be continuing as brahmacari, or in the future will you wish to become householder? The idea is that when we open our educational institute, we will require some dedicated monks, just like Christian Fathers, who have no connection with women. In that case, we can start a theological school also, along with a boys primary school. Our theological school will regularly teach our published books, such as Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Nectar of Devotion, Brahma Samhita, and Krishna.

We wish to hold examinations and award titles such as Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava, and Bhaktivedanta. The whole program will continue for seven years, and the students who will be fully engaged in this study of a seven year course will be classified in the 4-D section of the draft board.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 9 February, 1969:

Because of this. Sanatana Goswami later on decided to commit suicide so Lord Caitanya would not embrace him in his bloody condition. This plan was understood by Lord Caitanya, and He called Sanatana Goswami and said to him, "you have decided to end this body, but don't you know that this body belongs to Krishna? You have already dedicated your body to Krishna so how can you decide to end it?" So you must not neglect the upkeep of your body. This is the lesson we get from Lord Caitanya and Sanatana Goswami. Try to take care of your health in the best possible way.

Regarding Back To Godhead, the advertisements which you are now getting, especially the hippie advertisements, are not very good. Therefore, I am thinking of avoiding these advertisements. But so far as I understand, if we stop the advertisements immediately, the publication would be stopped altogether. So I do not wish to take such drastic way. I will be glad to know if you will submit to me an account of what is the actual expenditures and income for our Back To Godhead publication.

Letter to Selective Service System (for Tosana Krsna) -- Hawaii 20 March, 1969:

All forms of intoxication, including coffee, tea, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, etc. (2) The eating of animal foods, such as meat, fish, and eggs. Rather, their diet consists of Prasadam, especially offered foodstuffs (vegetarian), (3) Unmarried sex indulgence, (4) Gambling, or idle sports of any sort. Their lives are dedicated to serving God, and as such, they have no time to squander on unbeneficial activities or non-Godly activities.

SOME OF MY STUDENTS HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED IN THE 4D CLASS or Ministerial Order prior to this by the Selective Service System.

Letter to Jayagovinda -- Columbus, Ohio 8 May, 1969:

Your letter of 26 April, 1969 gives me a great relief. I was very, very much anxious while you were in India. For the time being, I have given up the idea of opening a center in India because by so attempting, I have simply lost money in so many ways. Now you have come to our own place and you will enjoy the company of the guru and sincere devotees who have dedicated their life for pushing on the Krishna Consciousness Movement, and I am sure you will feel happy in their company. Please try to publish Back To Godhead as soon as possible, and very soon Mandali Bhadra and his wife, Vrindabaneshvari will join you. All of you combined together will be happy propagating our literatures, magazines, books in German language with concentrated attention. Krishna das, Sivananda, yourself and the new devotees will be a happy combination, so please do your best.

Letter to Silavati -- New Vrindaban 14 June, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated June, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents therein. Regarding the suggestion that you remarry, I have never suggested such thing, so you need not trouble yourself with this. As I have told you in Los Angeles, I wish that the mother's who have no husband at present should not remarry, but should dedicate their time to seeing that their children are brought up very nicely in Krishna Consciousness. Your boy, Birbhadra, has just arrived here, and he will be taken care of by Kirtanananda Maharaja. Satyabhama Dasi is in charge of educating the children in New Vrindaban, and she is very qualified to do this because she is educated and works very nicely with the children. So there is no difficulty at present in this regards, and as you are so nicely engaged in your activities in Los Angeles, you should continue as you are now doing. Your description of the course you are giving to the interested girls about the role they play in Krishna Consciousness is very nice, and I am pleased that you have begun this project.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 30 August, 1969:

When Hayagriva comes here I shall talk with him in detail. So your idea of them working jointly is nice.

I do not know what you mean by cooperation with Kirtanananda Maharaja. In our society everyone, either a brahmacari or sannyasi or grhastha, who has dedicated his life and soul for this movement, they are all on the same level of sannyasi. For the present moment, nobody can claim an extra honor from his Godbrothers. Everyone should treat his Godbrothers as Prabhu. But nobody should try to claim any extra honor on account of an official position. I do not know why Kirtanananda Maharaja says that his authority overrides yours. At the present moment everyone is working under my authority. Similarly, Kirtanananda also should work under my authority. So the condition imposed by Kirtanananda as stated by you does not look well. A sannyasi has got four stages of elevation: kuticak, bahudaka, parivrajaka and paramahamsa. The sannyasa in the paramahamsa stage is the Spiritual Master of everyone.

Letter to Satya Pal -- Hamburg 31 August, 1969:

There is immense possibility of spreading this Krishna Consciousness Movement all over the Western world, if it is administered properly. You have rightly said "You alone are completing this aim of Caitanya Mahaprabhu by giving your full dedication to Lord Krishna and Radha." I think, however, that all of my Godbrothers should come out of India and preach this cult all over the world to fulfill the mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. But they are busily engaged in constructing temples all separately, and they are satisfied if there is a temple and a little income to provide them with food and clothing, without any spirit of preaching propaganda. Srila Prabhupada said that it was better to accept some menial service for maintaining oneself then to get some money by showing the Deities to the innocent public and being satisfied thereby. Now there is great necessity to train preachers in all the camps of our Godbrothers and send them all over the world.

Letter to Unknown -- Tittenhurst 1 October, 1969:

We have already seen practically how by this process many, many boys and girls of America and Europe have been saved from the immoral practices of this age and have now dedicated their lives to the service of Krishna.

The state laws are specifically meant for making citizens men of good character, and good character means avoiding the following sinful activities: intoxication, illicit sex life, gambling and meat-eating. We are checking people from practicing these sinful activities. All of our students are applying these principles practically in their lives, and they are teaching others to follow the same principles. Therefore, it is the duty of the government to help us in our missionary work rather than to hinder us.

It is hoped that the government authorities will cooperate with our Sankirtana parties in enabling us to perform Sankirtana on the streets.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 27 October, 1969:

From now on all of our writings should be presented in the scholarly manner, so all spelling and diacritic marks must be done correctly. I have already sent you the corrected page which you sent me and now the glossary is also corrected. I do not think there is any necessity for any dedication on Isopanisad because it is a small book. Regarding the number of BTG which you print during the winter months, that must be decided amongst yourselves. Similarly you should decide about what is to be done with the North Carolina center. I have no objection if they move to some other place. Perhaps they will require some other nicely trained brahmacari to give them assistance either in North Carolina or some other place. So decide amongst yourselves what is to be done and do the needful. This is management. You have asked about the management of our society, and the position is that management should be done in such a way that people may not break away. That is the first business of management.

Letter to Harer Nama -- London 6 November, 1969:

This is a qualification of activities in Krishna Consciousness that if one renders even a small amount of sincere devotional service, Krishna becomes obliged to elevate such person; and what to speak of one whose entire life and soul has been dedicated to Krishna's service. So continue to push on as you are now doing and as far as possible distribute our books and magazines. Now that our press is ready in Boston, we have more than one dozen books which are ready to be printed, so with your help I wish to overflood the marketplaces with our literatures. Now people are reading all kinds of nonsense books, and thus their reading capacity is helping to pave their way through the circles of birth and death. If they will simply take to reading this transcendental literature we are presenting, the same reading capacity will elevate them to the highest perfection of spiritual life. So this is very important task we are doing, and all of you push forward in Colorado with increased enthusiasm.

Letter to Dayananda -- London 13 November, 1969:

Narottama das Thakura has sung in his song that anyone who is merged into the ocean of Lord Caitanya's Krishna Consciousness Movement, never mind what he is—either householder or in the renounced order of life, Srila Narottama das Thakura hankers after his association. I have heard from Tamala Krishna that you have done wonderful work very quickly in electrical installations in Boston. So wherever you go and wherever you remain you have dedicated your life to Krishna's service. That is the success of life. Now in the absence of Tamala Krishna you will have to see the management of the Los Angeles temple goes nicely. By the Grace of Krishna, now you have no financial problem, but only you have to see that things are properly managed and nothing is misused. Gargamuni is there and Stoka Krishna is there. So I hope things will go on very smoothly.

Letter to Sucandra -- London 8 December, 1969:

You have already mentioned the exemplary character of Lord Jesus Christ that he sacrificed everything for God. This example should be taken. The process should be to follow the example, not to imitate the exact activities. For example, Lord Jesus Christ wanted to preach amongst some persons who were practically against the principle of accepting God as the Supreme, and the result was that these people crucified him. At the present moment, the world situation is more dangerous than before. People have become actually Godless. So if you follow the footsteps of Lord Jesus Christ to preach God-consciousness against Godlessness and dedicate your life in that way, that will be the real purpose of following Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ revealed that he was the son of God, and Krishna revealed that He is God Himself, the Supreme Father of all living entities. So if you dedicate your life to the service of Krishna, the Supreme Father, don't you think that Lord Jesus Christ will be pleased with this? At the present moment we have to preach in an enlightened society.

Letter to Sucandra -- London 8 December, 1969:

So if you are actually serious about following the footsteps of Lord Jesus Christ, you should take advantage of the great philosophical background of this Krishna Consciousness Movement and make people God-conscious, dedicating your life. One should try to make progress. One should not try to remain satisfied at a point which awaits further advancement. For example, the Commandment says "Thou shalt not kill". This means one should be non-violent. This is a good principle, but in the actual field, for want of sufficient knowledge, even this Commandment is being misinterpreted and misused. In the Bhagavad-gita you will find there are 20 items for advancing in knowledge. Perhaps you have read in the 13rd Chapter. Out of the 20 items, this non-violence items is one. But devotional service is so potent, that if one is engaged in devotional service to Krishna, automatically all good qualifications are there.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 15 December, 1969:

In my younger days, by Krishna's Grace I had no such trouble, but I saw in my eldest sister this suffering from the wisdom teeth problem, and her gum was also operated upon. That I saw, and I saw how much she was suffering also. This is the way of material existence. So Lord Krishna has advised in this connection that we have to learn tolerance. Your example of dedicated life is very noble. You are handling thousands of dollars for Krishna, but you ask your mother for helping your personal needs. I very much appreciate this example, but it is my order that whenever you are in such trouble, you should not minimize any expenditure. You must have the best kind of treatment available, and you can spend from the money you are collecting on behalf of Krishna. Your mother's assistance is welcome, and as a child you can very affectionately ask her for such assistance. But in case of denial or inability, you should not hesitate to spend from Krishna's money. You can take it from me. By this contribution of your mother out of her affection, your mother has benefited undoubtedly.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 15 December, 1969:

By this contribution of your mother out of her affection, your mother has benefited undoubtedly. She is already benefited to have two such nice sons, and she will be more and more benefited. Not only your mother, but also your father and all family members will be benefited by your dedication of life for Krishna's sake. Be rest assured. Krishna Consciousness is so nice.

From past correspondence with Bina Musical Stores and from your description, I have already written to the bank and to Bina also that if they have not actually shipped the instruments prior to this time, according to our understanding, by the middle of October, then the order should be treated as cancelled.* In the meantime, if you actually receive any documents, please inform me before clearing the goods. I have got some instruction to give you. You have to see first whether the consignment is insured. If it is not insured, then you have to take delivery, opening in the presence of a customs officer. I am expecting some unscrupulous behavior from these parties.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Los Angeles 29 January, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23 January, 1970, and I have noted the contents carefully.

I am so glad to understand that you have decided to dedicate your life for Krishna Consciousness Movement, this is the right way of perfecting our mission of human life. Many men have dedicated their lives for many engagements in the name of philanthrophy, altruism, nationalism, humanitarianism and so on, but all of them will be finished along with the end of life of this body. Our dedication of life or Krishna-ism, on the other hand, will continue eternally and give us eternal life, bliss and knowledge. Try to follow these principles and preach the message to the suffering humanity. This is my request.

I am so glad to learn that you are in charge of kitchen and food supply which saves 25 to 30% on food. That is a great service.

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

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 27 January, 1970. When you write to say that things are going well, it gives me immense pleasure. I am opening so many branches depending on you all my sincere students. I am also glad to learn that you are moving to the Temple, dedicating all your time to Temple activities and translation work.

I understand that your wife is not very much interested in our movement and I understand the cause you have written to say. Anyway, we will pray to Krishna to save her; that is our duty.

Yes. The boy, Mayurdhvaj, is a very nice Krishna Conscious child. Why his mother is checking him? Although in the beginning she was so enthusiastic? This is called in Vedic language sva karma bhuk, one is destined to undergo reaction of one's past life. This reaction can only be checked by Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Anil Grover -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1970:

Try to continue this attitude; and whenever there is some question, you are welcome to put it before me, and I shall try my best to help you.

My life is dedicated for this purpose, and you have no cause for hesitation; but the process of putting questions is service and submission—that is the injunction in Bhagavad-gita. Questions should be put before a person to whom you can submit yourself and to whom you can render some service also—that is the way of self-realization.

The Krishna Consciousness Movement has a basic philosophy in view, which is propagation of the ideal of One God, one religion, one scripture, one hymn, and one human society. So far we Indians are concerned; we are ordered to preach the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness throughout the whole world, after personally realizing what it is.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970:

So Syamasundara employed his intelligence to bring George Harrison into the service of Krishna Consciousness and thus George's money has been employed in Krishna's service. This is the whole process of Krishna Consciousness—First of all one should dedicate his life for Krishna's service; that is very nice. If he cannot dedicate his whole life, then let him devote his money; if he cannot devote his money, then let him devote his intelligence; and if he cannot devote his intelligence also, then let him devote his voice in Krishna Consciousness by uttering Hare Krishna Mantra. Therefore Hare Krishna Mantra is the greatest common factor for self-realization. Please preach this philosophy whole-heartedly and Krishna will be very much pleased upon you.

The court case is very humorous, happy, and authoritative. The charge was "Chanting God's Name" for the welfare "of mankind." So what can be the charges?

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 16 February, 1970:

The cover of George Harrison is open, and after reading it you can close it and deliver it to him. So far his contribution is concerned, I shall duly acknowledge it as I do usually in the Krsna book also. Besides that, I wish to put his good name on the dedication page of devotional service.* I would have done this in the Isopanisad, but this book was already printed. I hope you like the letter which I have addressed to George.

Hope this will meet you in good health. Offer my blessings to Malati, your daughter, Sarasvati, and all other boys and girls at the Temple.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 2 April, 1970:

Regarding printing of the books, now you are managing these things in Boston. I want just that the books may be printed somehow, somewhere; that is all. So do it as you see fit, there is no need of checking with me. I give you full responsibility in the matter, but only if there is some critical point it may be referred to me.

So far the preface, dedication, acknowledgement for Nectar of Devotion, I shall supply you with these in due course of time. I do not think they are immediately required since you can print the other parts of the book first as you have decided.

Regarding a cover picture for Krishna Consciousness-the Topmost Yoga, I think you can make a picture of a devotee sitting cross-legged chanting japa before Radha Krsna Deities.

I have read the letter from Raman Publications Magazine. So when you receive the copies of their publications, send them to me, and then I shall decide what to do.

I am very glad to know that both Boston and New York centers are blissfully engaged. Now just see things go on nicely.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 14 April, 1970:

On Sunday I have dispatched one reel, tape #31 KRSNA, in which up to point 20 there is KRSNA matter and after that, I think up to point 35, there is the first portion of NOD preface. so you can get it immediately transcribed. The second part of the preface I am sending herewith already transcribed. So you join together these two portions and compose as Preface. You can leave one page for dedication. In my next mail I shall send the matter of dedication.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 30 April, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 26th April, 1970.

Regarding printing KRSNA book in Japan because the printing details are difficult here in this country, that was my former decision. In the beginning I decided like that.

Regarding NOD, I am sending herewith the dedication as desired by you.

The program of hardbound books to be printed in Japan, and softbound printed on our own press is a nice suggestion. So far printing is concerned, I have just received the French BTG, and it is very nicely done, so convey my thanks to Uddhava and Advaita especially. In this way if we can print on our own press, it will be very nice.

Regarding travelling, a Sannyasi's name is Parivrajakacarya, that is the beginning of Sannyasa. In the beginning one is ordered not to stay more than three days at a place, but at the Paramahamsa stage, one can stop moving, but that is not compulsory.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 19 June, 1970:

"Returning home, Krsna and Balarama were received by Their affectionate mothers" and 2) "The joyous vibration at Krsna's birth ceremony could be heard in all the pasturing grounds and houses." If not, that is alright. There is an error in the second caption, i.e. "pastruing" should be "pasturing." There is also a correction in the Dedication, line 3, "In my boyhood ages He instructed me": this "he" should be small "h". And at the end you may add these words: (my spiritual master) ,the eternal father.

Regarding Bhagavatam printing, I have received the blueprint copy of 1st chapter, 2nd Canto, and it is very nicely done. The style is to the standard of my previous books. So when our own press has now begun to print Srimad-Bhagavatam consecutively chapter after chapter then why should we go to Dai Nippon for their printing? Besides that, if some copies of hardbound books are required, that can be slowly done here. I think that simply for hardbound books we may not get them printed in Japan.

Letter to Isana, Vibhavati -- Calcutta 21 September, 1970:

While writing this letter dated September 12th, 1970, I do not think at this time you should come to India. Your both service is required in New Vrndavana.

Please chant your rounds sincerely and read carefully all the books and dedicate your life equally to Krishna and your Spiritual Master. This will make you happy.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 April, 1971:

This collection may be utilized in this way after consulting the GBC whether New Vrindaban has been transferred to the Society?

So far taking sannyasa is concerned, you are already more than Sannyasi because your life is dedicated to Krsna. Sannyas does not mean change of dress. That is stated in the fifth chapter of Bhagavad-gita: anyone who works for Krsna is a sannyasi and a yogi. Arjuna was an householder, but at the same time more than a sannyasi because he fought for Krsna. Our principle should be only to do something and everything for Krsna under the guidance of the Spiritual Master. Yes, for begetting children sex life is religion. That is stated by Krsna. But sex should not be for any other purpose. After all we are in the material existence which is a bad bargain, so we have to make the best of a bad bargain. Perfection, in our philosophy, is to act with unflinching faith in Krsna and Spiritual Master and that will save us from all opposing situations.

Letter to Professor G. G. Kotovsky -- Bombay 23 April, 1971:

Krishna culture is so popular in India that even the government attracts many foreigners by Air India timetable to visit Vrindaban, the land of Krishna culture. Enclosed please find one page from the latest Air India timetable (April, 1971) wherein the Krishna culture is depicted for general attraction.

My life is dedicated to spreading this Krishna culture all over the world. I think if you give me a chance to speak about the great Krishna culture and philosophy in your country, you will very much appreciate the simple programme with great profit. This culture is so well planned that it would be acceptable by any thoughtful man throughout the whole world.

I am going out of India for far East Asia and Australia by the end of the month. My next engagement is in Calcutta from May 14th to May 24th, 1971. So if you desire I can go to your country for a fortnight only by the end of May, 1971 to explain about this Krishna culture and philosophy.

Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971:

And if you are unable to give 50% of your income, then who is pressing you? It is voluntary. If you have not got any means, then who is exacting you? So these things are specifically happening to you, not to others. There are so many grhasthas and they are not feeling any inconvenience. They have dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord. And most GBC members are householders. You also may be elected. The position is open to all grhasthas. But if you live separately with your wife and earn only for yourself and your wife, then how you expect to have a good position with the society? Everybody is earning for their wife and family, so if you are doing so also, then what is the difference between such endeavor and that of the karmi?

Letter to Giriraja -- London 12 August, 1971:

For dressing at least Yamuna should be in charge and for offering of bhoga Dayananda may go on with his duties. At least two devotees should take care of the Deities constantly.

If you are feeling tired, you may take rest. Your body is very valuable. It is dedicated to Krishna, so you must take care of the body very carefully. The best medicine is to rest and chant Hare Krishna Mantra, along with the doctor's prescription. Hare Krishna Mantra is bhavausadhi, the panacea for all material disease.

Keep on with the practice of writing articles; in the midst of your heavy duties go on writing something glorifying the Lord and put our philosophy into words. Writing articles means to express oneself how he is understanding the whole philosophy. So this writing is necessary for everyone.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Unknown -- Unknown Place 15 April, 1972:

On the welfare side, the Society is dedicated to feeding, clothing giving medical care to underprivileged persons around the world, and each center has a special program of free distribution.

(g) The Society maintains several drug-abuse clinics and mental rehabilitation centers in America and Europe.

(h) For American students travelling abroad the Society provides at minimal cost a friendly and comfortable home away from home in its many hostels.

The phenomenal growth of ISKCON reflects a basic worldwide need for the type of instruction and training the Society offers. Heads of state, government officials, clergymen, professors and scientists, as well as professional men and businessmen the world over have commended the Society for its substantial, practical work in combating drug addiction, mental disorders, racial conflicts and the general moral decline of today's youth, as well as hunger and disease wherever they are found.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tokyo 24 April, 1972:

I have received one copy of the German BTG from ISKCON Press, and it is done very nicely. Sivananda can be given sannyasa, and when I go to Los Angeles, I shall let you know regarding this. I must know who the other boy is and then I can consider his case. Actually, all of you are more than sannyasis. Anyone who has dedicated his life to Krishna, he is sannyasi, yogi, and everything. That is the statement of Bhagavad-gita—one who does not work for his personal benefit is a sannyasi. It doesn't matter what is his dress. So all our devotees are more than sannyasis. We are members of Krishna's family. Our aim is not to become a Mayavadi sannyasi, but to become family members of Krishna's devotees. Krishna maintains 16,000 families, and if you get a chance to serve in one of the families, then your life is a success. Real sannyasa means no more interest in material activities, but simply dedicated to Krishna's service. That is real sannyasa. So you are greater than a sannyasi. You train all these boys to be practical sannyasis in the service of Krishna.

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 21 June, 1972:

I remember in Bombay at Akash Ganga there was some invitation from some important persons living near Dakot in Gujarat sometimes before. Whether they have been contacted? If we can open a Center in Dvaraka or Dakor, that will be very nice. In Gujarat State we can open a Center in every city because the people are so much dedicated to Krishna. In Gujarat we can very soon make our movement very popular, because by nature they are devotees of Krishna.

There is no question of selling the flats, as you had proposed this idea before of our own men owning the flats and leasing or renting them to devotees. Somehow or other, all of our tenants should be our devotees, and we can give them concession rents, but they should be devotees and at least in our colony there should be no violations of our rules and regulations. Actually make it a Hare Krishna land or a pilgrimage for Vaisnavas and the Indian people in general. I am very much especially pleased that you have had such a nice meeting with Sumati Morarji.

Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Dallas 10 September, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter from Berkeley, dated August 28, 1972, and I thank you very much for your kind sentiments. I am very happy to hear that you have got a son for dedicating for Lord Caitanya's Sankirtana movement. Yes, his name of Gauranga das is very nice and I have no objection for calling him like that. Now we are at the Dallas school and it is very nice place and just suitable for educating your son here when he becomes old enough, at least four or five years old. Now give him all facilities to become conscious of Krsna from very birth, and this will be the greatest service for Krsna if you can deliver Him one pure devotee.

Letter to Yadubara -- Los Angeles 13 September, 1972:

This Bombay project is one of our most important projects in the whole world and I am looking to you and the others there in Bombay to see that it is done very magnificently. I have been very much encouraged to see some advertisement booklet printed by Air India wherein the theme is exclusively dedicated to Krsna and Vrndavana. With this idea the Air India Company is enticing tourists to come to India simply to experience the spiritual life around Krsna. So in future I expect that our Bombay project will be one of the most important show-pieces in the world for foreign tourists to actually come and get actual experience of Krsna Consciousness or the real Vedic culture. So with this idea in mind work very vigorously and with renewed spirit to do the work very gorgeously and raise up first our temple and later on the apartment houses as you have planned.

Letter to Vaikunthanatha -- Bombay 29 December, 1972:

Or if our attachment for Krsna is not yet developed, and there is still attraction for the ordinary life of householder life, together with friends, family, children, working, like that, that is all right, by that process if one contributes something of his income to the preaching work and attends himself with family the temple for the class and kirtana, gradually he will get some enthusiasm and develop his attachment for Krsna. But that is the slow and troublesome way, and I know that you are so intelligent boy, along with your good wife Saradia, so you may do as you like, but it would please me very much if you will dedicate yourself and your wife completely to the preaching work. That is important. Running-on of factories, family, these are ordinary businesses and anyone may do them, any ordinary man, but you are not ordinary man, that I know. My best advice to you is that you do not bother yourself by so many speculative thoughts and thus only aggravate the situation further. But if you are unhealthy with liver infection, that is another thing. So first of all you must get back your healthy condition.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Sudama -- Calcutta 26 January, 1973:

I beg to thank you for your letters dated January 9 and January 15, 1973, and I have noted the contents carefully.

Lord Caitanya is very pleased upon those who dedicate their lives for spreading Krsna consciousness. After all, He is the original promulgator of the Sankirtana Movement. So you may know it that in traveling and preaching about Krsna you are very much pleasing Him. This is the duty of a sannyasi, to travel amongst all of our centres for elevating the standard of devotional service. If by your presence in a centre the devotees become enlivened, that is the sign of successful preaching. It is not very difficult. Just read from my books and try and explain the meaning in your own words. It does not matter that you are not so expert at Sanskrit. You just try to realize the importance of Krsna consciousness and make your life cent per cent engaged in Krsna's service—that is perfection.

Letter to Sudama -- Calcutta 26 January, 1973:

I can understand from your letters that you are following Krsna's dictation and are trying very sincerely to help me in spreading this great movement of Krsna consciousness, and for this I shall always be grateful to you for dedicating everything to assist me.

You have my sanction to take with you Gaura Nitai deities. Carefully worship Them, attending to Them with regular aratis and bhoga offerings. Be very careful to maintain a strict standard of worship, and whenever you arrive at a temple you can place the Deity on the altar.

Letter to Tosana -- Melbourne 11 February, 1973:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated January 25th. and have noted the contents carefully. Your dedication to Srimati Tulasi-devi is very laudable and I am sure that if you consult with Karandhara das he will give you all assistance to help make your dream come true. But carving tulasi beads should not be your sole occupation. You should also go out for street sankirtana and distribute my literature for the cripple minded masses, and whatever spare time you have you can carve some tulasi beads for me to sanctify. But whatever you do should be done with wholehearted enthusiasm and strict adherence to the principles of chanting 16 rounds, rising for mangala arati, following the four basic principles, always remaining clean etc. You may consult with Karandhara das and request him to approve your second initiation. I hope this meets you in good health.

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 8 May, 1973:

I think we have occupied the land sometime in January 1971 so does it mean that we have occupied the land for more than two years? You have to do your best to same the land with heart and soul and you are an innocent devotee completely dedicated. I wish that you may be blessed with all success in this connection. I am expecting your cable in the matter of purchasing the flat.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Mayapur 12 June, 1973:

I have not yet received any copies of the Swedish booklet. I am very, very pleased that you are continuously holding festivals.

Concerning the introduction to Bhagavad-gita, why not just translate the introduction from the English Bhagavad-gita? What is the difference? You may also add the names of these prominent German men that you have mentioned, that they have also appreciated this Bhagavad-gita. This may be added as a note at the end of the introduction. This German Bhagavad gita is a very important achievement and the credit goes to you for your dedicated efforts. Thank you very much.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Mayapur 14 June, 1973:

You may get some guns and some of the boys may be trained as ksatriyas. Such gun shots could have taken place long ago since we are challenging everybody. So we must be prepared to fight. We cannot stop this movement. It is actually a fight against Maya. So Maya may also sometimes cause casualties in our camp. So, we must only thank Krsna and seriously dedicate everything for Him. So, you are Kirtanananda Maharaja, take pleasure in performing kirtana. That is our real weapon against Maya.

I am very pleased that the corner stone function was nicely done and successful. Continue the work enthusiastically. Thank you very much for the check for $200.

I am slowly regaining my health. It is now the rainy season here and accordingly the digestive process is slowed down. Therefore the rainy season means slow recovery.

I was just thinking of you and wondering why I hadn't heard from you in a long time. You'll be pleased to know that your assistant Srutakirti is here.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 19 July, 1973:

Gradually it will become a mundane institution. All our managers should be spiritually advanced simple and honest in carrying out the orders of the spiritual master and Krsna. That will be a nice standard. Democracy in spiritual affairs is not at all good but breeds power politics. We should be careful about power politics. Our only aim should be that each and every devotee is full dedicated to Krsna, then things will go on nicely. As it states in the Vedas:

yasya deve para bhaktir

yatha deve tatha gurau

tasyaite kathita hy artha

prakasante maha twanah

(ŚU 6.23)

I am afraid of taxing my brain about this Corporation of ISKCON so you and Bali Mardan Maharaja do the needful that will be a relief to me.

Letter to Babhru -- Los Angeles 9 December, 1973:

Now, we have by Krsna's Grace built up something significant in the shape of this ISKCON and we are all one family. Sometimes there may be disagreement and quarrel but we should not go away. These inebrieties can be adjusted by the cooperative spirit, tolerance and maturity so I request you to kindly remain in the association of our devotees and work together. The test of our actual dedication and sincerity to serve the Spiritual Master will be in this mutual cooperative spirit to push on this Movement and not make factions and deviate. Try to convince Gaurasundara and Siddha-svarupa to return to ISKCON and let us forget whatever has happened in the past.

Yes, you may return to Hawaii with Sudama Maharaja and take charge of caring for Tulasi devi there. I cannot understand how Govinda dasi could abandon Tulasi devi. Kindly try to induce her to return.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- Honolulu 26 January, 1974:

As a sannyasi he is free to travel all over the world but when he was working under your supervision he should have taken your permission. This kind of independence is not very good. I'm quite confident of his sincerity, and I shall be glad to be further enlightened on this matter.

Anyway, you have dedicated yourself to the service of the Lord, therefore you are always glorious. I'm very much indebted to you that you have gone so far away from your own comfortable country for the service of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and this service will be appreciated by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Please go on preaching like that and you will be blessed. I think Krsna did not let me go in Africa because he wants to see you all work independently of me. I'm getting old and can not move, so if you all my students work 10 times more than me that will be great pleasure for me.

The decision to train African people to be nice preachers is a nice idea. If you train the African to preach that will be a nice reply to the African Government for not letting me come there.

Letter to Kurusrestha -- New Delhi 14 February, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of January 24, 1974 which has only now reached me due to my travelling.

Your report on activities in Denver center is very comprehensive and I can understand you are feeling full responsibility for all the devotees and operations under your care. Actually the more selfless dedication you apply yourself with, the more Krsna will be pleased and the more he will give you intelligence how to expand the preaching in His Name.

Letter to Trivikrama -- Bombay 1 May, 1974:

The following portion of this letter is therefore addressed to them. My Dear Sri Ballavh and Dvija Hari,

You have dedicated your life for Krsna and therefore you should be ideal. We are introducing Krsna Consciousness movement for the harmony and good will of humanity. But if you yourselves are suffering from the very ills we are trying to remove, how can the people be influenced favorably? Stop this fighting, tolerate, chant and read our books. Use the intelligence and do some service for Krsna. My request to you is to not fight anymore.

If we establish a nice center there I shall be glad to come and live with you for some time for preaching. Taiwan is near India. If you make proper arrangements I can go.

Letter to Radhavallabha -- Geneva 31 May, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your recent letter regarding the printing of the first volume of Caitanya Caritamrta.

As for introduction, you may use the Introduction I have already written and printed in Teachings of Lord Caitanya' I think it will also be suitable for Caitanya-caritamrta. As for dedication, please use the following:

"Presented to my friends and devotees who like to read my books and approached to request me to render the great Caitanya-caritamrta into English."

You have also inquired whether the picture of Lord Brahma and Visnu on the back cover of Srimad-Bhagavatam Third Canto volume one may be used. Yes, there is no objection to go on using it as it is.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Geneva 5 June, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge your letter of May 29th and I have examined the contents.

You have written to recommend Tripurari for sannyasi. Tripurari is however already a brahmacari so in essence there is no difference between brahmacari. I have asked Tripurari to dedicate his life to distributing my books and he has turned out the most expert of all our sellers. It is certainly miraculous how he is distributing so many big books even to people who are not interested in Vedic literature. If he takes sannyasa he may not be able to constantly assume so many disguise in public and employ so many tricks for selling books to persons, as it is not in accord with some of the etiquette for sannyasa. Also, I have decided for the time being not to award sannyasa order. Your write the this recommendation is your own idea and that he himself is perfectly happy heading up a traveling party of book distributers.

Letter to Trivikrama -- Paris 9 June, 1974:

We will also discuss Hong Kong, which as you mention, is also short of men. In the meantime, although you are only two you should carry on all your programs as far as possible. In the beginning I was only one and I started everything, so you have twice as many men. Trust in Krsna and simply dedicate your life to introducing the chanting of Hare Krsna and Krsna Consciousness philosophy to whomever you meet. Surely Lord Caitanya will be pleased by your effort there, and thus you will be eligible for his benediction which is to award love of Krsna.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Mayapur 19 October, 1974:

Regarding your statement that your success is due to your dependence on serving my lotus feet, yes, that is the instruction of the Bhagavad-gita. Krishna advises Arjuna to work to his bet capacity but not to think that he is the best capable. We should work to our best capacity and depend for the result on Krishna. After all, our life is dedicated to Krishna's service, and Krishna will give us intelligence, capability, and all kinds of success. I know you are doing your best capacity. Depend for the result on Krishna. When I point out some discrepancy of my disciples, it is always with good will so you can become the best servant of Krishna. There is nothing of material grudge. Kindly remember this.

I am very much satisfied that you are increasing the publishing program. I have received a nice report from Puranjana that the Book Fair was fairly successful. My request is that you print as much as possible and distribute profusely. That is the great success of our movement.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Radhavallabha -- Bombay 21 January, 1975:

Regarding the book on Kapila's philosophy, you can call it "the Sankhya Philosophy of Kapila, (the Son of Devahuti)". You can give the roman transliteration for the sanskrit and the English translation and then the lecture. There is no need of the original sanskrit (deva-nagari), or the synonyms. For the time being, I shall consider regarding the dedication, and introduction. After it is ready, I will tell you. You can use pictures from the Srimad-Bhagavatam. That will be alright.

Finish the Caitanya-Caritamrta as soon as possible.

Letter to Miss Nedungadi -- Bombay 19 March, 1975:

The original potency of the sastra remains in these books because I have not added or opinionated anything of my own. I have simply presented the scriptures such as Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam as they are. Therefore just see the effect they have on the world. At present, we have about 100 centers worldwide and about 10,000 fully dedicated students in those centers. You are welcome to visit or stay in any of our centers for your spiritual advancement. We have a nice center in Madras: 50, Aspiran Gardens, 2nd St., Kilpauk, Madras—600010. You can get all the books there. I will be in Bombay at the end of April and beginning of May. So, if you can come then, I shall see you there. In the meantime please correspond with or visit one of our temples.

Letter to Dinanatha -- Honolulu 14 June, 1975:

So, I am introducing this Rathayatra festival in the Western countries and the idea is received everywhere very very enthusiastically.

I am enclosing herewith one Back to Godhead magazine specifically dedicated to describing the Rathayatra activities.

After leaving India, I went to Australia and there we have constructed a very nice temple of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Radha-Krishna, and Lord Jagannatha at Melbourne. This movement is being highly appreciated by the higher educated circle. One professor in Berkeley, California University has written one big book in favor of this movement, "Hare Krishna and the Counterculture".

I am glad that you are now writing books about Lord Ramacandra. It is a very good idea. I think you are a devotee of Lord Ramacandra, and because you are my very old and dear friend, I will suggest now in your old age (when your sons are grown-up and well-situated), why not join this movement and retire from family life?

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.

Also One of the rooftop blocks may be dedicated for stocking books as go down. You may select the largest one available. If you fit it with book shelves that are away from the wall and not touching one another; i.e. the shelves should be wide enough to accommodate only one row of books and each shelf should be separated by a space wide enough for a man to pass; then you will not have the rat problem.

The Chand Society flat may not be sold. It can used as office and residence of Vaikunthanatha and Yasomatinandana. Two rooms used as residence and one room office and stock. The BBT should provide facilities for offices and stock go down. BBT should pay for the rooftop go down. By my calculation you should be able to sell in India at least four lakhs of Rupees worth of books per month.

Letter to Bhurijana -- Vrndavana 18 September, 1975:

In this way you are rendering very nice service and the more you render service, the more you advance. This is the only way. Therefore the Vedic regulation is that whenever one goes to see some saintly person or to visit a temple, he must offer something. That will help him. It is enjoined that one should first of all dedicate his life and if it is not possible to do that, that one should dedicate his money. If he has no money, then he should utilize his intelligence how to spread Krsna consciousness. Or if he has no intelligence, then he should utilize his words that, "Yes, they are doing nicely. This is a nice movement." This is the process for advancement in Krsna consciousness.

Letter to Radhavallabha -- Vrndavana 21 September, 1975:

I have received a letter from Jayadvaita das dated September 8th regarding the Upadesamrta book. The title of the book can be Nectar of Instruction. We already have the Nectar of Devotion so now you will have the Nectar of Instruction. You can make it just like the set-up of the Nectar of Devotion book. The words Sri Upadesamrta do not have to appear in the title. A dedication is not required because it is not a big book. The suggestion for the picture of Rupa Gosvami's Govindaji Temple is approved. Regarding the conclusion of the book, yes, it says in the text that the most fortunate devotees execute devotional service near Radha-kunda. That is stated in the book. I am enclosing the introduction for the book; please find.

Regarding the corrections you have sent, this kind of changes is admissible. There is no harm.

Letter to Mr. M.K. Kaul -- Ahmedabad 28 September, 1975:

Although the subject matter is very simple and easy, still fools and rascals will not take to it. This is the influence of maya. To take to Krishna consciousness means to make one's life successful, as well as helping others to make their lives successful. It is a great mission. Try to understand the philosophy and try to dedicate your life for Krishna's mission.

Letter to Bhumata -- Bombay 21 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 13, 1975 and also your poem enclosed and have noted the contents. I am very glad to note your enthusiasm for spreading Krsna consciousness and that you want to increase your propaganda work. This is the main thing—to always be anxious how to spread the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission. I note that you have got this dedication and I am very pleased.

I have noted your ten requests and I think that yes, there should be a GBC man who I have delegated who can take care of these matters. So Satsvarupa Maharaja, he is the right man. Regarding your request for Krsna consciousness marriage, oh yes, certainly Satsvarupa Maharaja, he can perform the ceremony.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Radhavallabha -- Nellore 5 January, 1976:

In the meantime you can supply the standing orders whatever new volumes are published.

Yes, try to supply the damaged books to the prisoners. That is a very nice idea. The books should not be wasted, just for some small defect.

Please dedicate your life to publishing all our books. It is our most important work.

Letter to Hasyapriya -- Bombay 14 April, 1976:

They are attempting to open a beautiful Hare Krishna Restaurant there and they say it is a good place. Ambarisa is prepared to make substantial investment to do this and the problem is that they require some householders to assist in the maintenance and cooking there full time. They need about 8 devotees to work full-time who are dedicated and would like to assist in the opening of the restaurant. It is also a good opportunity to see practically how this is done as Srutakirti and Ambarisa have good experience from the Hawaii Restaurant.

Please contact Srutakirti at the Boston temple and assist them with the devotees necessary if at all possible so that they can develop the Restaurant there very nicely.

Letter to Yasomatinandana -- Honolulu 26 May, 1976:

Concerning the incident where the two boys were killed in what appeared to be a bomb blast, it is unfortunate that the newspapers have made it appear that these boys are Hare Krishna devotees. Of course, anyone can chant Hare Krishna, just like we go on the streets chanting, and others will imitate us. However, in our aims you will not find that our organization is dedicated to such methods or goals. Our aim is to awaken people throughout the world to Krishna Consciousness, God consciousness, by chanting the Holy Names of God. We have published so many books to explain our viewpoint, and why we should sit idly by and allow the press to unfairly take advantage of such a situation to misrepresent the Hare Krishna Movement. In any case, the movement cannot be judged simply by the activities of some individuals, but these men were not in our camp and still the press took unfair notice of all the facts. We should demand at least equal time from the press to explain the entire situation clearly, and when necessary we should file suit against such newspapers in order that things are not distorted. It is not in our aims anywhere to build bombs for any purpose.

Letter to Dr. Bishnu Prasad Mukherjee -- Los Angeles 4 June, 1976:

Our Krishna Consciousness Movement is not a Bharatiya artistic one. It is a program to solve all the problems of all the world. We are getting good response, so your cooperation will be welcome, but we are not interested in Bharatiya as there are already so many organizations of this nature. Our workers are all dedicated souls and they are engaging in activities on the spiritual platform. If sometimes you could find the time, perhaps we could meet together and we can talk.

Letter to Vasudeva -- New Vrindaban 30 June, 1976:

The deed for the property and temple should be made in favor of "His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness." It cannot be dedicated to any of the office bearers. So I suggest that you become the president of the temple and Upendra become the secretary, and either your brother or your wife can become treasurer. There is no need of trustees.

But in any circumstance the temple can't be a private property in the name of ISKCON. If you want to keep it a private property then the ISKCON name should not be utilized.

I am very much anxious to get your clear reply to this thing. So many things are unclear, so let it be cleared up. I would like you to send me a copy of the deed to New York address along with your reply.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Vrindaban 26 September, 1976:

We sincerely want that local men either from Vasudeva's family or any other family which will take on the work. We have to work on that line. Just like some of my Godbrothers wanted to take men from India to London but the attempt was a failure—but when I trained up local men then it was successful. I have no objection if the whole Vasudeva Punja family be trained up and take charge of the temple. Local men should not simply become a visitor but they should be trained up to take charge of the temple. That is what I want. As soon as one is a devotee there is no personal ambition—life is dedicated for Krishna.

If my books can be translated and published there, I have no objection. Since Tamala and yourself are there for some time everything will be alright. Vasudeva must be president. Gurukrpa is feeling inconvenience regarding Australia because of the long distance. His interest is mainly Japan. You or another man may take care of Australia.

Letter to Sudama -- Vrindaban 22 October, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 7, 1976.

Yes, there was some rumor, but I did not believe it. I am confident now that you'll stick to our Krsna consciousness and do the needful. May Lord Krsna bless you.

I never said that your troupe should come to Bombay for the opening. That is not very necessary.

I appreciate very much your dedication to preaching in Japan.

Letter to Makhanlal -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1976:

My blessings are always with you as you have requested. You are a very good devotee and servant of Krsna. So far your questions are concerned. Nityananda is the principle of the Guru. So, the Gurudeva is the incarnation of Nityananda. Anyone strictly following the instruction of the Guru is following Nityananda. The price one has to pay if he wants to become Krsna conscious is that he must dedicate himself to following the order of the spiritual master, mahat seva. If the Spiritual Master is pleased with disciple then the blessings of Guru will be there. That is the best way to become Krsna conscious, and Krsna is non-different from Nityananda. You may pray to Lord Nityananda to help you become dedicated in the service of your Guru. Krsna consciousness cannot be achieved artificially. You should approach Nityananda Prabhu through your Spiritual Master.

Letter to Vasudeva -- Vrindaban 3 November, 1976:

We sincerely want that local men, either from Vasudeva's family or any family which will take on the work. We have to work on that line. Just like some of my Godbrothers wanted to take men from India to London but the attempt was a failure; but when I trained up local men then it was successful. I have no objection if Vasudeva's whole family is trained up to take charge of the temple. Local men should not simply become a visitor but they should be trained up to take charge of the temple. That is what I want. As soon as one is a devotee of Krsna, there is no personal ambition. Life is dedicated for Him.

Whatever Ramesvara and yourself will do, that is alright. Now you order huge quantity of Hindi and Gujarati books from our BBT office in Bombay. Distribute as much literature as possible, English, Hindi, and Gujarati. That is real preaching. Thank you very much.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Bir Krsna -- Mayapur 10 February, 1977:

I have received your report of January 23, 1977, and examined the contents.

Your dedication to translating and distributing my books in Caracas is very pleasing to me. This will be the most effective method for carrying out Lord Caitanya's prediction that the chanting of Hare Krsna will be taken up in every town and village of the world.

Letter to Harikesa -- Bombay 6 May, 1977:

I am very pleased to know that our activities are going nicely in Scandinavia. I know that Vegavan is a very intelligent good boy. The place as you have described it that they are thinking to get sounds very nice. I know how dedicated all of the distributers of my books are in Germany where it is not easy to work. Please find enclosed one letter to the sankirtana men.

If you can overflood all India with ghee as you propose, that will be a great service. But what you describe sounds like a dream. As far as what to do with the ghee, it may be better that we take it directly. If we take it there will be no question of any black marketing. Rather we can take all of the ghee and advertise that everyone wanting free ghee apply through ISKCON. Does that sound alright?

Letter to VARIOUS -- Unknown Place Unknown Date:

That means you are getting benefit also. That means whenever Krsna is pleased by our working on His behalf, automatically everything becomes successful. He is the supreme proprietor of everything, so if He likes, He can give any amount of wealth, fame, reputation, like that. Therefore if one dedicates some portion of his energy to Krsna in this way, he is never the loser. And as you are wishing me the best in the new year, so also I wish you nice gentlemen and your co-workers at Dai Nippon the same. May Krsna bless you all more and more, in this year and all years to come.