In response to your telephonic message, I beg to enclose herewith one check, #PHF 431993 for Rs 24,000.00 (Rupees twenty four thousand only) account paid in favor of Rajastani Moorti Kala Kendra, Jaipur, duly signed by me. Please acknowledge receipt and as far as I see the balance is now Rs 5,293.00 (Rupees five thousand, two hundred and ninety three only). Therefore let me know what is the further addition and also take another check book for which the requisition slip is also duly signed by me. Find it herewith and send me the checkbook duly stamped, by registered post.
Duly (Letters 1974 - 1977)
Correspondence
1974 Correspondence
Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 22 March, 1974:
In response to your telephonic message, I beg to enclose herewith one check, #PHF 431993 for Rs 24,000.00 (Rupees twenty four thousand only) account paid in favor of Rajastani Moorti Kala Kendra, Jaipur, duly signed by me. Please acknowledge receipt and as far as I see the balance is now Rs 5,293.00 (Rupees five thousand, two hundred and ninety three only). Therefore let me know what is the further addition and also take another check book for which the requisition slip is also duly signed by me. Find it herewith and send me the checkbook duly stamped, by registered post.
I am also sending this letter by registered post with enclosed check, and a copy by regular post. Do the needful.
Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay. 31 March, 1974:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 20, 1974. I have noted the contents and duly received receipts for money deposited in the Union Bank.
I understand three checks totalling $1,278.21 are sent for collection to various countries and you will notify me when these are credited to my account at the Union Bank.
In your letter you made no reference to my letter of March 15 to you, and I am therefore enclosing a copy of same. Please let me hear from you on this. I want arrangement that the money from my interest of the Certified Deposit arrive at the Punjab National Bank three days after remittance by the bank in the U.S. If the Union Bank cannot arrange this I want you to inquire to see if the Security Pacific Bank is able to do it, as stated in my letter of March 15.
Letter to Whom it may concern -- Hyderabad 21 April, 1974:
He is my authorized representative for any matters of land ownership or sale in the name of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Hawaii. I have been informed of unauthorized attempts to sell land there which is legally owned by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Unless transactions are authorized by my duly appointed representative, Mr. Brent Selden, they are illegal.
Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 9 May, 1974:
The checks are duly enclosed. Please continue to keep accurate accounting and send me the ledger sheets periodically. This will enable me to keep up-to-date records. As for how checks will be handled when I am out of the country, I will arrange for this so do not worry.
Regarding moving our New Delhi center from its present location to a smaller place, I would advise you to first investigate the building which is now being rented by an old disciple of mine, who you have met, Acarya Prabhaker. He is located at C-121 Kirti Nagar in New Delhi. He is paying only Rs. 1200/ a month for this place. So go and see if it is suitable then we can investigate further. So my present plans are to leave for Europe from New Delhi. Therefore we will be able to personally discuss things in a couple of weeks.
Letter to Ravindra Svarupa -- Paris 9 June, 1974:
I am in due receipt of your letter of May 14, received in Paris.
I have accepted on your recommendation the three devotees as my duly initiated disciples, and their spiritual names are as follows:
Patti—Pattarajni devi
Donna—Dantadhara devi
Lois—Atura devi
I have also accepted your recommendation for Vanamali prabhu to take second initiation. Enclosed is one sacred thread and gayatri mantra. Have him hear the tape of my chanting the mantra, in his right ear. The beads of the initiated devotees may be chanted on by Kirtanananda Maharaja.
Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Paris 9 June, 1974:
I have also accepted Bhojadeva dasa and Hrsikesa dasa for second initiation trusting that you have carefully examined their devotional behavior for the past year and that they have not deviated from the regulative principles. It is not that automatically we have to award a devotee second initiation after he has been with us for a certain time, but the qualifications have to be there. Enclosed find their threads duly chanted on by me and gayatri mantra. Have them hear the mantra in the right ear with the tape I have made.
Letter to Sahadeva -- Paris 9 June, 1974:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of May 13, 1974.
On your recommendation I have accepted the devotee submitted by you as my duly initiated disciple. His new spiritual name is as follows: Bruce Dickmeyer—Bhusaya dasa.
I understand this is the second time you are submitting the names of Siddhavidya and Kirticandra for second initiation and that you have seriously considered their eligibility for brahminical status. Therefore I will accept them as brahmanas, and the sanctified threads are enclosed as well as gayatri mantra. Have them listen to the tape of me chanting the mantra. The beads of the new initiates may be chanted on by Jagadisa Prabhu. I understand you are situated in a new building. You may send me pictures.
Letter to Sudama -- Bombay 26 July, 1974:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 18, 1974 and have noted the contents. Regarding the initiations, I have duly initiated them as follows:
Matt Johnson—Mahaksa
Greg Price—Daksa
Rick Parish—Rtu
Mike—Manohara
I also accept Sukhi devi for twice born brahmana initiation. So you can chant on the beads as it is required and hold a fire sacrifice and let the new brahmana hear the mantra through the right ear from the tape of my recording.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Mayapur 5 October, 1974:
I have also accepted the following as twice initiated: Candramauli das, Krsna-sravana das, Gopinatha das, Krpacarya das, Vahna das, Cirantana das, Gomata devi dasi, Vidya devi dasi, Bhaktiniddhi devi dasi, Vrajasana devi dasi, Vrajeswara devi dasi, Visvadika devi dasi. The threads duly sanctified are enclosed. You can impress upon the initiates that they are taking vows at the fire sacrifice before Krishna and Radha, the spiritual master, and the Vaisnavas, so they should not deviate or fail to follow our principles.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:
The following are those who I have accepted as my disciples and they are to be given the Hare Nama Initiation. Their names are as follows. Jerry Boy—Janakisa Dasa. Bill Jones—Bimbadhara Dasa. Cris Hall—Krpamaya Dasa.
So far these second initiations are concerned, I accept the following as duly initiated twice born Brahmans. Yajnabhuk Dasa. Lalitasakhi Devi Dasi. Rasa-lila Devi Dasi.
The appropriate sacred thread and mantra sheets are enclosed. You can chant on the beads and hold a fire sacrifice and the Gayatri Mantra can be listened to through the right ear from my tape recording.
Letter to Ajita -- Bombay 28 November, 1974:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated 16/11/74 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I accept Dvarakesa das Brahmacari for second initiation as twice born brahmana. Enclosed is the sacred thread duly sanctified by me, and the mantra sheet. Now hold a fire sacrifice and he may hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from my tape recording. The mantra must be recited three times daily.
Letter to Radhavallabha -- India 3 December, 1974:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 21, 1974 and have noted the contents. As requested by you I am herewith enclosing herewith the Deposit Receipt as referred to above duly endorsed by me for crediting the interest monthly to my S/A/c 821. As I am now out of Calcutta, the Deposit Receipt certificate may be kept in your custody until I collect it upon my return.
I am also enclosing herewith one check for Dollar 1000.00 No. _____ which please credit to my S A/c 831 and oblige.
Letter to Prabhavisnu -- Bombay 3 December, 1974:
Their beads may be chanted upon by Hamsaduta. I am also accepting the following as twice born brahmanas upon your recommendation: Brsabha dasa; Jaya Laksmana das; Jnana das; and Jalastitha devi das. Their mantra sheets and sanctified threads are duly enclosed. Now hold a fire sacrifice. The gayatri mantra can be heard through the right ear from my recorded tape.
Letter to Aksayananda -- Bombay 10 December, 1974:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated 10/12/74, and upon your recommendation I am accepting for twice born brahminical initiation Sriman Muktananda das Brahmacari. Enclosed is his sacred thread duly sanctified and his mantra sheet. Now hold a fire sacrifice, and let him hear the mantra through the right ear, and impress upon him that he is taking vows before Radha and Krishna, the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas.
Letter to Bahudak -- Bombay 19 December, 1974:
You should make sure that there is nice arati program; six arati daily at least. You should make sure that there is nice fresh, clean dress every morning, nice bathing ceremony every morning, nice offerings of prasadam. You should see that the Deity is tended for and cooked for only by the duly second initiated brahmanas. The Deity should have nice flowers everyday etc., etc. You should try to bring Them up to the highest standard, such as we have in Los Angeles or New Vrndavana. Sri Sri Radha-Madan Mohan have kindly descended in Their arca vigraha form now you must receive Them with that consciousness. And by serving Them you will all develop pure love of Krsna.
Letter to Mahamsa -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:
Upon Acyutananda Swamis recommendation I have accepted the following as my duly initiated disciples: Rangacari—Radhasaran dasa, Amarnath—Aradhana dasa, Chalapati—Chandrodaya dasa, Asoka—AmiyaVilasa dasa. There beads have been chanted on by me and have been sent by __ das brahmacari to Hyderabad. Please make sure that these boys follow the 4 regulative principles very carefully and chant 16 nice rounds daily. They must rise early, attend mangala arati and all classes.
1975 Correspondence
Letter to Hiranyagarbha -- Bombay 4 January, 1975:
So, keep everyone engaged 24 hours and everything will be all right.
Bring them all to India for Lord Caitanya's appearance day and they can also attend the opening of the Krishna-Balarama Temple in Vrndavana.
I have accept Tausteya (Joseph Fournier) as my duly initiated disciple and his name is Jagamanalobha dasa. Kirtanananda Svami can chant his beads.
Letter to Ajita -- Bombay 6 January, 1975:
If we give them a record, they simply hear some magical sounds and take it for sense gratification, but if they receive one of our books and read even one page, they get eternally benefited. Therefore I am stressing this book distribution, not other things. Stop record selling completely. This is my order.
I have accepted Gauracanda dasa brahmacari and Sriharini devi dasi as duly twice-born brahmanas and their threads are enclosed along with mantra sheet. You can hold a fire sacrifice and let them hear the mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself saying it.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 8 January, 1975:
We can have the installation there in May if you think it is wiser.
I have accepted Bhakta Wayne and Bhakta Rod as my firstly initiated disciples. Their names are as follows: Venugopala and Ramasaran. Also I have accepted Antaratma dasa, Ramai dasa, Gunavati dasi, and Camari dasi as duly initiated brahmanas. Their threads and mantra sheets are enclosed.
Letter to Uttamasloka -- Bombay 16 January, 1975:
I have accepted for 1st initiation the 6 persons you you have recommended. Their names are as follows: Earl—Harideva dasa, Geoff Meek—Govinda bhakta dasa, Lucien—Laksminatha dasa, Tim—Trilokanatha dasa, Tuija—Tribhuvanesvari dasi, Cathy—Ksiracora dasi. Their beads may be chanted on by Kirtanananda Svami. I have also accepted Purnamasi devi dasi and Rudrani devi dasi as my duly initiated (secondly) disciples. Their gayatri mantra sheet, are enclosed herein. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself saying it.
Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 19 January, 1975:
I have accepted Bhakta Seth for first initiation. His name can be Sesa das. You may chant his beads. Also, I have accepted Maha Buddhi das and Mahadyuti das as my duly initiated brahmanas. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself chanting it. Their threads and mantra sheets are enclosed herein.
Letter to Batu Gopala -- Honolulu 1 February, 1975:
Make sure that all of these candidates follow our principles very staunchly. Train them nicely by your own example.
I have also accepted Madhyam devi dasi and Vajasana devi dasi as duly initiated brahmanas. Their mantra sheets are enclosed herein. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself chanting it.
Letter to Dayananda -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975:
Simplification is alright but do not change anything. I have accepted Brenda and Gary Wallis for 1st initiation. Their names are as follows: Balavati devi dasi and Gaurasarana dasa. Their beads may be chanted on by Kirtanananda Svami. I have also accepted Kamanagari dasi, Jyotir dasa, and Svarga devi dasi as my duly initiated brahmanas. You can perform the fire yajna and let them hear through the right ear the tape of myself chanting the gayatri mantra.
Please continue working nicely there training all of the children to become ideal Vaisnavas.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975:
I have also accepted upon your recommendation, Hunkara dasa, Stavya dasa, Maha devi dasi, Demagrahya devi dasi and Mudakari devi dasi as my duly initiated brahmanas. Let them hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself saying it. Their threads and a mantra sheet are enclosed herein.
Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mexico City 16 February, 1975:
I have accepted Jesus's for 1st initiation upon your recommendation. His name is Yaduvamsi. His beads may be chanted by Kirtanananda Svami. I have also accepted Aroudha, Vidambha, Pujana, Sastramayi, Jalakara as my duly initiated brahmanas. You should allow them to hear through the right ear, the tape of myself saying the gayatri mantra. Please make sure that these devotees follow very strictly all of our regulative principles and chant at least 16 rounds daily. Then they will not go away from us.
Letter to Kenneth H. Petchenik -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 11 March, 1975:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated Feb. 28th, 1975 along with the enclosed information of Who's Who in America and data form. Enclosed please find the form duly completed which I hope will meet your requirements.
I thank you for your having selected me for being listed in this noteworthy publication. I look forward to receiving the completed biography before publication.
Letter to Joy Deb Mullick -- New Delhi 15 April, 1975:
I have duly received your card sent through my devotees and I am so glad to hear from you after so long a time. I am sending herein an invitation card for our Vrndavana festival from the 20th through the 26th of April. And it will be my great pleasure if you attend the ceremony along with your mother. I hope this will meet you in good health along with your brothers and other family members.
Letter to Mr. Ramanbhai M. Patel -- Vrindaban 19 April, 1975:
I have duly received your check for 200.00 dollars forwarded to me at our Vrndavana branch. Thank you very much for this kind donation. I hope that you are finding the time to visit our Montreal temple frequently, and that you are finding our books interesting to read. By associating and rendering service to the Vaisnavas and hearing the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-bhagavatam as well as chanting Hare Krishna, your life will become perfect.
Letter to Dulal Candra -- Melbourne 19 May, 1975:
Thank you for boldly infiltrating into the intellectual circles there. By attracting intelligent men to our movement, automatically, others will also be attracted to come. By preaching in this way, one becomes firmly convinced of the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness himself, and gradually it becomes easier and easier for him to convince others also. Most important thing is to follow all of the rules carefully, chant 16 rounds, and read our books carefully. This will make you spiritually strong.
I accept Bob Bauer and Sue Bauer as my duly initiated disciples. Their names are Bhokta dasa, and Sukhavaha devi dasi. Their beads may be chanted by Kirtanananda Swami.
Letter to Prabhakar -- Honolulu 31 May, 1975:
I think it can be introduced immediately without any loss of time, provided you are serious about it.
I am so pleased that you are ready to help me in spreading Krishna Consciousness in India. So, kindly decide it finally and immediately upon my return to India, maybe by the end of August, you meet me anywhere I am (of which I shall inform you duly). In the meantime, you can let me know what is the position of the Birla temple at Kuruksetra. What is the form of Deity being worshiped there? How the management is going on? Who is the chief Birla under whose direction the temple is being managed? My idea is that if this temple can be used for our movement, then we do not need to construct a separate temple. If it is not possible to utilize this temple, then we can construct our own temple and for constructing temple and varnasrama college, we shall require a big plot of land—at least 10-15 acres or more. Whether this plot of land is available through the government acquirement.
Letter to Dr. W.D. Currier -- Honolulu 19 June, 1975:
If you are willing to offer your medical services to my students, when it is required, that will be very nice. It is important to keep the body fit and healthy so that we will not meet the obstacle of ill health while serving Krishna. Ill health may hinder one's service, so, we want to avoid it as much as possible. Enclosed herein is the question sheet sent by you, duly filled out by me for your information and signed by me. Thank you.
Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Denver 27 June, 1975:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 22, 1975 and have noted the contents. I am accepting the following for second initiation as twice born brahmana and their threads are enclosed duly sanctified: Anatacharya das, Gupta das, and Rasatoonga dasi.
I also accept the following as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows: Arthur Davis—Arka dasa; Ken Kilmer—Kumunda dasa; Kim Kilmer—Kundara dasa; Racy Niciu—Rucirangada dasa; Robert Queen—Rama Sriyah dasa; Russel Noles—Radhapati dasa.
Please see that they are all chanting 16 rounds on their beads and following the rules and regulations. We have to become very strict in this matter. To go back home, back to Godhead is not an easy thing. It requires great discipline of body and mind, and performance of pure devotional service.
Letter to Nandikesvara -- Denver 28 June, 1975:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 17, 1975 and thank you for the nice report. You are enthusiastic for spreading Krsna consciousness. This is the most important quality. Please continue.
I am accepting the following as twice born brahmanas and their threads duly sanctified are enclosed: Duryodhana guru dasa and his wife Vrndadevi dasi, and hold a fire sacrifice and impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha Krsna, the spiritual master, and the assembled Vaisnavas.
I also accept the following as my initiated disciple: Dandra Fohr—Sanga devi dasi. Please see that she carefully follows the regulative principles.
Letter to Tulsi -- Denver 28 June, 1975:
I also accept the following as twice born brahmanas and their threads are enclosed duly sanctified: Citraka dasa, Ameyatma dasa, Guruttama dasa, Urjasvat dasa, Padmahara dasi, Manya dasa, Parvata Muni dasa, Nikunjavasini dasi, Krsna Lauliya dasi, Caitanya Simha dasa, and Racitambara dasi.
Now hold a fire sacrifice and impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha Krsna, the spiritual master and the assembled Vaisnavas. It is a serious business.
Letter to Tulsi -- Evanston, Illinois 7 July, 1975:
Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples and their names are:
Barbara Stark—Bhrama Karika devi; and Bhakta Ned—Nirguna dasa. I also accept for second initiation Mahaswara dasa. His sacred thread is duly enclosed sanctified by me.
Letter to Tulsi -- Dallas 29 July, 1975:
Upon your request I accept the following as my disciples and their names are: Mihallais Gitsis—Nandagopa dasa; Jamie Cray—Mahapurusa dasa; Terry Dann—Priyatmaja dasa; and James Mason—Kamalanatha dasa.
I also accept the following disciples as twice born brahmanas. Devamrta dasa brahmacari and Gopiparanadhana das brahmacari. Their threads duly sanctified by me are enclosed. Please have the beads chanted upon by a GBC sannyasi and hold a fire sacrifice. The brahmanas should hear the gayatri mantra with the right ear from my recorded tape.
Letter to Giriraja -- Vrindaban 26 August, 1975:
This should also be discussed in your meeting how prominent people are giving us respect, why are others making false propaganda? This correspondence can be published by you along with his photograph. I think you have one publication of Member Lists. It can go in there.
I am returning herewith the Bank of America resolutions duly signed.
Letter to Paramahamsa -- Vrindaban 4 September, 1975:
I have not received the letter you say you sent to Paris with a second check for U.S. 1,000. You should immediately inquire.
Regarding Manasvi, you should immediately prosecute. The charge should be Breach of Trust and Misappropriation of Funds. I have received today the Oath of Allegiance duly signed by him and notarized. When required it will be supplied to you. Therefore I wanted this declaration. Immediately prosecute.
Regarding the restaurant, that is the defect, that if we divert our attention more on business. Therefore it is very difficult. Things should be adjusted so that temple programs are not hampered. The brahmacaris and sannyasis must stick to the temple activities. Only the grhasthas can take part in the restaurant. Our aim should not be to work for profit. You American boys and girls can make very large profit, but why you have taken to Krishna consciousness? You are not meant for profit making but for advancing in spiritual life.
Letter to Dina Bandhu -- Durban 7 October, 1975:
Upon your recommendation I am accepting both boys for my disciples. Their names are Girijarata dasa—Marty, and Amoghavirya dasa—Michael. Also, I am accepting Edhaniyasvabhava das brahmacari and Lila devi dasi as twice born brahmanas. You will find enclosed one brahmana thread duly chanted on. Now everyone must strictly follow the principles of chanting sixteen rounds japa daily, and refraining from illicit sex-life, intoxication, gambling, and animal slaughter and then they will not be blown away by the material energy. You may perform fire-yajna and brahmanas should hear a tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra through the right ear. I thank all of you for assisting me in spreading Lord Caitanya's Movement throughout the world. People are simply being cheated by so many rascals who pose themselves as big, big leader so you must all strictly follow the principles that I have established and for the general mass of people give them chanting, prasadam, and have them take some of our literature.
Letter to Govardhana -- Bombay 18 November, 1975:
Upon your recommendation, I accept as twice-born initiated brahmanas Ramananda Raya das and Visvatomukha das. Enclosed are their brahminical threads, duly sanctified and the mantra sheet. Hold a fire sacrifice and impress upon them the importance of following the rules and regulations so that they may not be affected by the influence of maya. There is two things: there's Krsna and there's sex life. So if you want to have Krsna, one must be above illicit sex life. That requires some strength. So you have to impress upon them that following these rules and regulations, especially by chanting Hare Krsna, one will become strong. Unfortunately, we have no taste for this chanting. This is our misfortune.
Letter to Cakravarti -- New Delhi 2 December, 1975:
I have accepted the following list of Boy and Girls as my duly initiated disciples. So you are the president there at Schloss Rettershof, it is your duty to see that the standards of Krishna Consciousness are always maintained, especially chanting 16 rounds daily, observing the four regulative principles, no meat, fish, eggs, no intoxication, no gambling, and no illicit sex life. The students must all attend morning and evening arati and classes. If we follow this simple program along with regular sankirtana, distributing the books and preaching, then there will be no fall down. Just like if one keeps himself clean and properly nourished by eating regularly, he will not infect disease, but if there is neglect, then there is room for infection, he becomes weak and fall prey to disease.
Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 19 December, 1975:
I have received the list of first and second initiations and I have accepted them as my duly initiated disciples. Enclosed please find the sacred threads duly chanted upon by me. Now hold a fire ceremony, and instruct the new devotees to chant 16 rounds daily and follow the regulative principles of devotional service.
The newly initiated brahmanas should hear the mantra from the tape recording through the right ear. Brahmin initiation means to be very clean, inside and outside. Inside by chanting the glories of the Lord, and outside by bathing regularly. Washing hands and mouth after eating. Instruct them all these things, and do it yourself, example is better than precept.
1976 Correspondence
Letter to Hrdayananda -- Nellore 4 January, 1976:
I accept Sriman Raghava Caitanya das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed please find his sacred thread duly chanted on. Now you must hold a fire ceremony. He should hear the mantra through a tape recording in the right ear. Brahmin initiation means to be very clean, inside and outside. Inside by chanting the Lord's name, and outside by bathing regularly, washing hands and mouth after eating. Instruct him on all these things and do it also yourself—example is better than precept.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Nellore 5 January, 1976:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 10th, 1975. I accept all the recommended devotees as my duly initiated disciples. Now hold a fire ceremony, and instruct the new devotees to chant 16 rounds daily and follow the regulative principles of devotional service. Their initiated names are as follows:
Bhakta Benoit—Jayagovinda das
Bhakta Arthur—Sadapusta das
Bhakta Alain—Paranagra das
Bhakta Michel—Vidyaraja das
Bhaktin Louise—Sarada dasi
Bhaktin Elizabeth—Ambhoda dasi
Bhaktin Joyce—Syamaballabha dasi
I accept Medhya devi dasi for brahminical initiation. She should hear the mantra from the tape recording through the right ear. Brahmin initiation means to keep very clean-inside by chanting the Lord's glories, and outside by regular bathing. See that she is instructed on all these things.
Letter to Aksayananda -- Nellore 6 January, 1976:
The translation of Dr. Radha Raman Gupta is not very good. We have sent Mr. Singh and Mr. Mitra for this purpose.
I accept Govinda das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed is his sacred thread duly chanted on by me. Now you have to hold a fire ceremony and let him hear the gayatri mantra from the tape recording in his right ear. If he is going to engage in the Deity's service, he must be taught to be very clean. Brahmin means to be clean—internally by chanting the Lord's glories and externally by regular bathing.
Letter to Abhirama -- Bombay 9 January, 1976:
I beg to thank you for your letter dated 8th December, 1975. I have replied your previous letter. I do not know why you have not received it.
I accept all the candidates for first initiation as my duly initiated disciples. Their spiritual names are:
Bhakta Wayne Melton—Visvavrksa dasa
Bhakta Michael Cremo—Drutakarma dasa
Bhakta Sunil Awatramani—Adridharana dasa
Bhakta Andrew Hooper—Srimaya dasa
Bhaktin Bernadette—Andharupa dasi
Bhaktin Antoinette—Harestanu dasi
Now you must hold a fire ceremony. Everyone must vow to chant faithfully 16 rounds minimum a day and follow strictly the rules and regulations. This will insure spiritual strength.
They newly initiated brahmanas are Nandanacarya das, Raghunath Puri das, Langaganesh das, Janardana das, Trimalla Bhatta das, and Nartaka Gopala dasi. They should participate in the fire ceremony and afterward should hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape through the right ear. Brahmin means cleanliness—inside by chanting and externally by regular bathing.
Letter to Locanananda -- Bombay 10 January, 1976:
I beg to thank you for your letter dated November 28th, 1975. Your letter was received late so it was not possible to send you a reply in time for your Deity installation ceremony.
I have received the names of all the candidates for initiation and I accept them all as my duly initiated disciples. Their new spiritual names are as follows:
Jan Appelman—Jayagopal dasa
Freddy Van de Buerie—Mahasrnga dasa
Raymond Nota—Jnanaraja dasa
Henry Fluster—Akhiladhara dasa
Peter Vander Heyden—Divyasinhadasa
Patricio—Krtayajna dasa
Jannie Smit—Mangalaya dasi
Tettje Meursing—Aharada dasi
Francisco van der Linden—Atitagamana dasi
I also accept Yasodavatsala das and Bhasyakara das for second initiation. Enclosed you will find their sacred threads which I have chanted on. Now hold a fire ceremony and the brahmanas may afterward be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape recording through the right ear. First initiated devotes must vow to always chant minimum 16 rounds daily and strictly observe the regulative principles. The Brahmins must practice cleanliness, internally by chanting the Lord's glories and externally by bathing regularly.
Letter to Makhanlal -- Calcutta 15 January, 1976:
Now you must hold a fire ceremony. Everyone must agree to chant daily minimum of 16 rounds and follow strictly the rules and regulations. I also accept Gopta Das for second initiation. I have enclosed his sacred thread duly chanted on. After the fire ceremony he should hear the Gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape. Brahmin means to be very clean, inside by chanting the Lord's glories and externally by regular bathing. Teach him these things by your personal example.
Letter to Yasomatinandana -- Mayapur 18 January, 1976:
I accept Sriman Ram das and Sriman Dayasara das for second initiation. Their sacred threads are duly chanted on and are enclosed. Brahmin means to be clean—inside by always chanting the Lord's glories, and outside by regular bathing. Brahmin also means pandita, so they must be able to support their preaching by quoting sastric references. Particularly, they should study Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion and Nectar of Instruction as well as all the small paperbacks. There will be a yearly examination for all Brahmins based upon these books.
Letter to Sukadeva -- Mayapur 5 February, 1976:
I have received the names of the candidates for initiation which you included in your recent undated letter and I accept them all as my duly initiated disciples. Their new spiritual names are as follows:
Scott Wheeler Whitley—Sauri das
Howard Lee Sewell—Haravapu das
Roberta Marie Rivet—Radhanarupini dasi
Shinna Theresa Diaz—Sakhi dasi
I also accept Kanva das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed you will find his sacred thread which I have chanted on. Now hold a sacrifice, a fire ceremony, and afterwards the brahmana initiate may be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape recording through the right ear. First initiate devotees must vow to always chant minimum 16 rounds daily and strictly observe the regulative principles. The brahmanas must practice cleanliness internally by chanting the Lord's glories and externally by bathing regularly. You personally should set a high standard for the new devotees to follow.
Letter to Gadi -- Mayapur 16 February, 1976:
And aggressiveness is not good. That should be checked.
So you may hold a fire sacrifice and Hiowana Nivens (Hatari das) should vow to chant minimum 16 rounds and keep strictly the four regulative principles. Paramatma das may hear the mantra in the right ear. He should keep clean internally by chanting Hare Krishna mantra always and externally by bathing regularly. You yourself must set the example. Satsvarupa Maharaja can chant on the beads and you can find enclosed brahmana thread duly chanted on by me.
Letter to Mrs. Perera -- Auckland 27 April, 1976:
I wish to thank you for your kind offering which I have duly given to Srimati Radharani. This is the way, to give the very best thing to Radha-Krishna. Decorated with love, Krishna will accept even the humble offering of a leaf, fruit, flower or some water from His devotee. Anyone, anywhere in the world can worship Krishna following this simple formula.
Now you are placed in some awkward circumstances for rendering devotional service as you have mentioned in your letter to me. Devotional service is so powerful that it cannot be stopped in any circumstance. There are histories of many great devotees, like Prahlada Maharaja, who was living in the house of his demon father, Hiranyakasipu.
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 9 June, 1976:
Then what is the value of such testimonial? Please clear it. Testimonial means it must be written or typed on their official letterhead, and duly signed by them. If it is not so, then what is the value of it?
Letter to Gopala Krsna -- New York 17 July, 1976:
Enclosed please find the power of attorney which you requested over the telephone from Tamala Krishna Maharaja. It has been duly notarized and registered (recorded) in the court (see the attached blue card), and on the reverse side of the blue card it has been verified by the Consulate General of India in New York. The second blank (unused) page is for use in recording this power of attorney in the court in India. I trust that you will have received this safely and that you will immediately inform me by post upon receipt of this letter.
Letter to Ajita -- Hyderabad 20 August, 1976:
The names and beads duly chanted upon by your local GBC man, may be given at a fire yajna. The brahmana thread and gayatri mantra which must be heard through the right ear, may also be given at the fire yajna. All initiated disciples must chant 16 rounds a day without fail and observe the four regulative principles very strictly. The brahmanas must become learned in the sastras and very clean internally and externally by regularly bathing with water and the holy name. A brahmana must be fixed up in understanding of brahmana. One should not take it cheaply. This initiation is very serious and one should endeavor to follow the orders of the spiritual master with great determination. Daksina should also be offered when one presents oneself for initiation.
Letter to Bhakta dasa -- New Delhi 26 August, 1976:
On your recommendation I am accepting the following boys and girls as my duly initiated disciples.
John—Jnanagati dasa
Spencer—Saktipati dasa
Orlando—Pranavananda dasa
Mark—Mitrasena dasa
Nadine—Nada dasi
Carol—Karuna dasi
All initiates of mine must strictly follow the four principles of no meat, fish or egg, eating; no gambling; no intoxication of any kind; and no illicit sex. They must chant 16 rounds a day minimum with attention, clearly chanting the mantra, and listening very carefully. This is the recommended process for purifying the heart in this sinful age of Kali. Be serious to push on this sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and certainly He will bless you and your life will become perfect, na ca tasman manusyesu kascin me priya-krtama, anyone who preaches this message of the Bhagavad-gita is the most dear servant of the Lord.
Letter to Balarama -- Vrindaban 11 September, 1976:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated 10th August 1976 and have noted the contents. However the enclosed daksina never arrived for at customs all currencies are confiscated. Therefore do not send cash in the mails again. The beads are duly chanted upon and are enclosed within along with one brahmana thread. The names are, for Bhakta Rarmer __ Vrajaraja dasa, and for Bhakta Ted—Tribhuvanapati dasa. Jyotir Maya das has been accepted by me for second initiation.
Now hold a fire yajna and present the names at that time. The gayatri mantras may be heard by tape through the right ear. All of our initiated devotees must strictly chant 16 rounds a day and avoid the four pillars of sinful life completely.
Letter to Pancadravida -- Vrindaban 20 September, 1976:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated 3, September, 1976 and have noted the contents with care. On your recommendation I am accepting the following as my duly initiated disciples.
First Initiation
Bhakta Gustavo—Gunesvara dasa
Bhakta Damian—Deva-srestha dasa
Bhakta Marceline—Mathura-mandala dasa
Bhakta Javier—Japananda dasa
Bhakta Kique—Kasi Misra dasa
Bhakta Osvaldo—Agnipati dasa
Bhakta Juan—Sacisuta dasa
Second Initiation
Caitanya Svarupa das brahmacari
Nitya Tripta das brahmacari
Hold a fire sacrifice and Hrdayananda Maharaja may chant on the beads. Give the bead, threads, and names at this time and the gayatri mantra may be heard by tape through the right ear. All initiated disciples must chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Maha-mantra daily on the beads and the brahmanas must remain clean outside by regularly bathing and clean inside by chanting the maha-mantra.
Letter to Cittahari -- Chandigarh 15 October, 1976:
It is your money so you can do with it whatever you like. If you feel the money is needed there, then use it accordingly, I have no objection.
Jita Garisa Das Brahmacari is duly accepted by me as a second initiated disciple. Hold a fire ceremony and let him hear the tape of the Gayatri mantra chanted by me through the right ear. See to it that he is properly trained up in brahminical habits, cleanliness, truthfulness, tolerance, self control, etc.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Chandigarh 15 October, 1976:
Jabier Rodriguez has been accepted by me as a duly initiated disciple, his name is Jaya Caitanya. Enclosed please find one Brahmin thread for the second initiate, and a mantra sheet, other may make copy.
Letter to Bala Krsna -- Vrindaban 23 October, 1976:
The girl who has got health problems must learn to be tolerant. As long as the material body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is a misconception.
Upon your recommendation I will accept as my duly initiated disciples the following devotees. Make sure that they strictly follow the regulative principles and always chant a minimum of 16 rounds, avoiding the 10 offenses. Hold a fire sacrifice and have Ramesvara Maharaja chant on their beads. I also enclose one sacred thread and gayatri mantra sheets for the devotees you have recommended.
Letter to Narahari -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1976:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 11, 1976.
I'm happy to hear how nicely things are going at our Miami temple. Upon your recommendation I accept the devotees you have requested initiation for. Robin Teter's initiated name is Rama Gopala dasa. I am enclosing 2 gayatri mantra sheets and one sacred thread duly chanted on by me. Now, hold a fire ceremony. The first initiates beads may be chanted on by Balavanta. Play the tape of me chanting gayatri mantra into the right ear of the second initiates. Be sure that these devotees and all of my initiated disciples there are strictly following the four regulative principles and chanting a minimum of 16 rounds every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. Also, be sure that the second initiates know the brahminical principles given in Bhagavad-gita, 18,42.
Letter to Balarama -- Vrindaban 27 November, 1976:
Now hold a fire sacrifice and instruct the first initiates to always follow the four regulative principles and chant minimum of 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Let the second initiate hear the tape of me chanting Gayatri in the right ear. Show him how to count on the finger divisions. Their beads and thread have been duly sanctified by me.
Letter to Vrikodara -- Hyderabad 2 December, 1976:
I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 8, 1976.
Upon your recommendation I will accept the devotees you have recommended as my duly initiated disciples. Now hold a fire sacrifice. Instruct them on the offenses to be avoided while chanting the Holy Names. They must promise to always chant a minimum of 16 rounds and strictly follow the four regulative principles. Balavanta may chant on their beads. Their new names are; Victor—Vedanta Krt dasa, Albert—Ananda dasa, Paul—Paramatma dasa.
Letter to Kurusrestha -- Bombay 28 December, 1976:
That will be very good preaching if he meets professors of his standard and they are convinced of our philosophy. That will be a great success.
I am very much pleased, thank you very much. Krsna will bless you.
Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept as my duly initiated disciples the devotees whose names are as follows: Larry—Lalitananda dasa, Otis—Sridama dasa, Nancy—Nidra devi das, Jody—Jagajjanani dasi, Lisa—Lila devi dasi, Pam—Pandurani dasi.
Now hold a fire sacrifice. Ramesvara Maharaja may chant on their beads (or Satsvarupa Maharaja in his absence). Instruct the new initiates to chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily and to follow the four regulative principles very strictly.
1977 Correspondence
Letter to Bhagavat Asraya -- Mayapur 13 March, 1977:
I have read your letter dated 8th March, 1977.
On your recommendation, I accept Sriman Rabindranatha Dasa, Sriman Mahabhuj Dasa, and Matachandra Libha for second initiation. The sacred threads for the men duly chanted on by me are enclosed. I also accept Bhakta Richard for first initiation and his name is now Ripughna dasa.
Now you may perform the Agnihotra on Rama Navami as you have proposed. The first initiate should vow to always follow the regulative principles and chant at least sixteen rounds daily. The brahmanas should be explained the qualities of brahminical life and be allowed to hear the gayatri tape in the right ear after the ceremony. The best way to instruct the initiates is by your own good example.
Letter to Laksmi Narayana -- Bombay 26 March, 1977:
No you must hold a fire sacrifice and they should vow to abide by the four regulative principles and chanting minimum sixteen rounds daily. Dugdhapana dasa may also be given his second initiation and you may find his sacred thread duly chanted on enclosed. After the ceremony he should hear the gayatri tape in the right ear. By your good example teach him how to be brahminical.
Letter to Nityananda -- Bombay 12 April, 1977:
I am accepting for first initiation Kiki Laureen Cogan and David Hughes. Their initiated names are Krsna Kripa dasi and Dasanu dasa. Now you must hold a fire ceremony and they must vow to follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds daily. I also accept Kamarikanta devi dasi and Jagatkarta dasa for second initiation. Jagatkarta's brahmana thread is duly enclosed. After the fire ceremony they may both be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape in the right ear. By your good example teach them how to be brahmanas.
Letter to Radha-sarana -- Juhu, Bombay 17 April, 1977:
Then we should consider to open a center. Not that we open centers and have no devotees to manage them and therefore we create brahmanas. However, because this is a special case, I accept the two devotees, Sriman Jyotsna dasa brahmacari and Sriman Lalita-Govinda dasa brahmacari for second initiation. Their sacred threads duly chanted on are enclosed along with the Gayatri Mantra sheet. After performing the fire ceremony they may be allowed to hear the gayatri mantra from the tape in the right ear. You must teach them the principles of brahminical living, especially cleanliness is very important. Internally one should keep clean by chanting Hare Krsna and externally by bathing regularly. Teach them by your own personal example.
Letter to Radha Krsna -- Bombay 27 April, 1977:
I accept all six devotees for second initiation. This is the success of our movement—that our devotees are becoming brahmanas. To be a brahmana means to be clean, internally by always chanting Hare Krsna mantra, and externally by bathing regularly. You have to teach others to be brahmanas by your own personal example. Please find enclosed six sacred threads duly chanted by me. Now you must perform the fire sacrifice and after the sacrifice the new brahmanas may be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape in the right ear. Now all of you combined together and very vigorously spread Krsna consciousness throughout South America.
Letter to Kuladri -- Bombay 28 April, 1977:
As you have recommended all of these new devotees so I accept them as my duly initiated disciples. Their spiritual names are as follows:
Phil Newberry—Pippalada Dasa
Mark Knox—Mahaprabhu Krpa Dasa
Susan Marietta—Syama Dasi
Rita—Pitambar Dasi
By now you must have held the fire ceremony for their initiation.
I have also accepted the brahmanas who you have recommended: Sukalina Devi Dasi, Vedapriya Devi Dasi, and Aravinda Dasa. Enclosed please find a sacred thread duly chanted on for Aravinda Dasa. After putting on the sacred thread he may be allowed to hear from the tape the Gayatri Mantra in the right ear. Since there is no sacred thread for the women, they may have already heard the mantra. In any case there are enclosed three mantra sheets, one for each of them.
Letter to Hari-sauri -- Bombay 1 May, 1977:
I am very much obliged to you for giving such a full report. May Krsna bless you and give you more and more intelligence how to manage everything very nicely in Australia and New Zealand.
As you have recommended them I accept Michael Pepper and Jackie as my duly initiated disciples. Their new spiritual names are;
Michael Pepper—Sikhipiccha-dhari Dasa
Jackie—Venu-dhara Dasi
Now hold a fire sacrifice and the new initiates should vow to always chant minimum 16 rounds daily and faithfully follow the four regulative principles. I also accept for second initiation Jayasila Dasa, Vashrestha Das, Atitaguna Dasi, and Bhadra Dasi.
Letter to Hari-sauri -- Bombay 1 May, 1977:
The sacred threads duly chanted on for Jayasila Das and Vasusrestha Das are enclosed herewith, as are the Gayatri mantra sheets for all of them. After the fire sacrifice they may be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape in the right ear. Teach them to be good brahmanas, always remaining internally pure by chanting Hare Krsna, and externally by regular bathing.
Yes, the name "New Govardhana" will be very appropriate for your farm. Regarding the idea of getting 36" nim wood Gaura Nitai from Calcutta, that is very good. Or if somebody can carve them locally, that will also be very nice. Regarding the gentleman whom you have met who speaks so many languages, let him translate in any one of these languages any of our books and that will be a great service.
Letter to Hari-sauri -- Vrndavana 18 May, 1977:
As you have recommended him, I accept Clayton as my duly initiated disciple. His spiritual name is Karsna-Dasa. You should hold a fire sacrifice and he must vow to chant minimum 16 rounds daily and follow the four regulative principles faithfully. His beads already chanted on are being sent by separate post, so the fire ceremony should be held after receipt of the beads. I also accept Anupam Das and Bimala Dasi for second initiation. Anupam's sacred thread duly chanted on is enclosed herewith. After the fire ceremony they may be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra in the right ear. They should be instructed to always remain clean, internally by chanting Hare Krsna and externally by regularly bathing.
| Page Title: | Duly (Letters 1974 - 1977) |
| Compiler: | Visnu Murti, RupaManjari |
| Created: | 27 of Jun, 2012 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=78 |
| No. of Quotes: | 78 |