Official (Letters)

Expressions researched:
"official" |"officially" |"officials" |"officiate" |"officiated" |"officiating"

1947 to 1965 Correspondence

Letter to Shastryji -- Unknown Place June 1964:

I thank you for your granting me an interview yesterday morning but I was not successful in my mission because your dealing with me yesterday was more official than hearty. You asked me to send you my Srimad-Bhagavatam Part II with a note. This is not only expensive for me but also troublesome for me. Any way as you wanted me to send you a note. I am abiding by your order but I am doubtful whether you will have any time to go through my notes. The first thing is that here is the copy of your letter which you sent me on ______ after receipt of the 1st part.

1966 Correspondence

Letter to Sir Padampat Singhania -- New York 18 March, 1966:

It is noted that you will need $200,000/- (two hundred thousands dollars) immediately for starting your work in New York." "The Salvation Army in America rarely sends money directly to India . . ." "In the event, however, that an occasion might arise, what would be the basis of the rate of exchange? We understand that there is the official bank rate and there are other rates available to us, which are legal, but which provide more funds in Indian currency than would be provided by the official bank rate."

Letter to Sumati Morarjee -- New York 27 April, 1966:

The Project for constructing a temple of Sri Sri Radha Krishna is complete because Sir Padampat Singhania is ready to spend any amount of money for a nice architectural workmanship of Indian origin but our secular Government has officially denied the exchange. So I am trying to get the Exchange otherwise namely through the Salvation Army as also through the influence of a friend in India who can convince the Finance Minister or the President in this important task. As such my Godbrother who is entrusted with this work has asked me to return to India for some days to expedite the work. I am trying to avoid the journey to India and again to come back specially for the reason that I am holding at the above address classes thrice in a week and training some American Youth in the matter of sankirtana and devotional service of the Lord (Bhakti) some of them are taking the lessons very sincerely and in future they may be very good Vaisnavas according to rigid rituals.

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Ramananda Bhaktisindhu -- San Francisco 11 March, 1967:

I am therefore trying for permanent visa and for that purpose the certificate is necessary. I have also written to other Godbrother Sannyasins because such certificate is necessary.

If Sripada Sar Maharaja is not in the station or if there is no chance of meeting him immediately, then I shall request you to send me certificate in your official form and signed by you as Secretary.

Letter to Subala -- Delhi 29 September, 1967:

Still you will be able to execute all spiritual duties in the matter of Krishna Consciousness; if you follow the above principles. I thank you once more for your service.

So far as my health is concerned, I feel that I am now fit to return to your country. You can send me now an official invitation letter with guarantee for my maintenance and expenditure on printed stationery, and not only you, but also all the centers would send me such invitation so that they may be used for getting my permanent visa. Kirtanananda and Acyutananda went to the American Embassy and it was learnt that such letter are required for getting a permanent visa.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Delhi 6 October, 1967:

If it is possible to get an official or provisional appointment letter through the influence of Mr. Ross and on the strength of the above certificates, it will be easier to get the permanent visa.

Regarding Manuscripts you can hold on till my arrival or next letter in this connection. The thing is that there is regular negotiation with M/s MacMillan Co for taking up the publication. Brahmananda in his recent letter has informed that the sanction is awaiting the President's signature. So let us wait a few days more for the final word.

Letter to Jadurani -- San Francisco 16 December, 1967:

When I left your country on the 22nd of July, I had very little hope to come back again. But Krishna informed me that I'm not going to die immediately; therefore, I have come back again to get inspiration of Krishna Consciousness from you all good souls. Although officially I am your Spiritual Master, I consider you all students as my Spiritual Master because your love for Krishna and service for Krishna teach me how to become a sincere Krishna Conscious person.

Yes, as I told you before, you can send all the different varieties of pictures to every center, especially the Sankirtana picture and Radha-Krishna picture. As you asked, the Panca-tattva paintings also.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Jaya Mazo -- Los Angeles 18 January, 1968:

Your letter is very interesting to me and when I shall meet you in N.Y. sometimes in March or April, we shall talk frankly and I shall officially initiate you. In the meantime, please go on attending classes in N.Y. as usual and do it regularly and you will be benefited.

Letter to HareKrishna Aggarwal -- Los Angeles 1 February, 1968:

I shall request you in this connection to secure a copy of "Illustrated Weekly of the Times of India", published on January 21, 1968, and see on page 38 how our movement is going on. Many papers in this country also, especially LIFE Magazine, Times of India, San Francisco Chronicle, and many other minor papers have printed articles about our movement. Many mayors of great cities, police officials, have also appreciated our movement. The late Ambassador of India, now Governor of Assam, Sri B.K. Nehru, has also great appreciation for these activities.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

The chanting Hare Krishna is our main business, that is real initiation. And as you are all following my instruction, in that matter, the initiator is already there. Now the next initiation will be performed as a ceremony officially, of course that ceremony has value because the name, Holy Name, will be delivered to the student from the disciplic succession, it has got value, but in spite of that, as you are going on chanting, please go on with this business sincerely and Krishna willing, I may be coming to you very soon. I have already written to Jayananda about this, so don't be impatient. Pray to Krishna that I may meet you very soon.

Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 13 October, 1968:

In the meantime, I have received one letter from Ginsberg, and he writes to say that he has written to some friend in England, to help you and one of his friends he names, Mr. Tom Driberg, M.P., and he has promised to help you, and sent letter to Mr. Ginsberg. So you will contact him. He is a prominent member, Mr. Tom Driberg, M.P. Mr. Ginsberg says that he can help you in all matters of official and legal implications. So try to meet him as soon as possible, and do the needful.

I hope in the meantime you have received my letter addressed to Syamasundara and I may be going to Vancouver from here for a few days to take my immigration visa. And they have called me on the 25th October, they have called me from Montreal, but I am requesting to dispatch the file to Vancouver and let me see what Krishna desires.

Letter to Purusottama -- Los Angeles 3 November, 1968:

Thou shalt not indulge in adultery, thou shalt not covet their servant or animals," but practically we see the so-called Christian world is full of the killing process reflected with adultery in every state encroaching upon other's property very organizedly. Similarly we find in India the so-called Hindu are doing all sorts of nonsense. So practically the whole world is without religion. Officially they claim some sectarian identification. Therefore, it is a fact that the religious principles of Krishna Consciousness which we are trying to preach under the direction of Lord Caitanya inducing people to chant HARE KRISHNA is the only panacea for the animalistic human society at the present moment. A man without religion is nothing but an animal and being every man is irreligious, therefore, the whole human society is certainly animalistic.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Rupanuga -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969:

Regarding the draft problem, I am enclosing a certificate which I have issued to many students, and I think that this will be effective. Within a few days we will have prepared official certificates for both you and Kanupriya which will certify that you are duly initiated disciples of this Krishna Consciousness movement.

Please try to introduce the reading of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is in your university where you shall be teaching. I understand that some rubbish commentaries upon Bhagavad-gita are allowed to be studied in every university, so if you can replace our Bhagavad-gita As It Is it will be a great advancement for our missionary activities, and people will thereby be benefited.

Letter to Sraman Maharaja -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969:

In both of your letters you have mentioned about grand preparations being made for the celebration of Golden Jubilee for Sri Caitanya Math from 7 February through 6 March. Prior to your information, our god-brother, Y. Jagannathan also informed me about this impending ceremony but so far as I concerned, I have received no official information from Sripada Tirtha Maharaja. I do not know why. If it is thought however that my preaching work in this part of the world is not connected with Sri Caitanya Math, I do not think this is correct because I was authorized to do this work by Srila Prabhupada, and I am trying to do my humble bit.

Letter to Jagannatham Prabhu -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1969:

I have received one pamphlet of the Golden Jubilee, organized by Sripada Tirtha Maharaja, and a covering letter dated 29, January 1969. This letter was not even signed by Tirtha Maharaja, but appears to be a general circular letter with his rubber stamp only, without any signature. Besides that, there is not a single line inviting me to attend the ceremony either officially or personally. Aside from this, I have not received any invitation from him, and I do not know if the other Tridandi Sannyasis and disciples of Prabhupada have been specially invited or not. The copy of his letter along with the copy of my letter is enclosed herewith for your purusal. I have also sent to him one copy of my Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

Letter to Janardana -- Los Angeles 2 March, 1969:

Then our mission will be successful. Actually at the present moment, never mind if one is Christian, Jew, or Moslem, most people are Godless and don't care for God. They simply take an official stand, but actually, from the depth of their heart they have no idea what is God. So we have to invoke the dormant understanding of God-consciousness; that is the principle of Krishna Consciousness Movement.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Hawaii 11 March, 1969:

Relishing the transcendental sweetness of Krishna Kirtana is only possible when one is actually advanced, towards perfection. Srila Rupa Goswami used to say, wishing if he had possessed millions of ears, and billions of tongues then he could chant the Hare Krishna mantra a little bit relishably. In the conditioned stage, we chant Hare Krishna mantra officially without any attachment and try to finish the rounds as soon as possible. Sometimes we also forget to chant the prescribed number of rounds. But Haridasa Thakura even at the last stage of his life, he was chanting 300,000 beads although Lord Caitanya personally asked him to not labor so hard. But Haridasa Thakura said that he would continue the practice till the end of his life. So that is the position of transcendental taste.

Letter to Dayananda -- Allston, Mass 1 May, 1969:

Swami and Goswami are actually the same, synonomous. Swami means the master, and master means the master of the senses. Goswami directly explains master of senses. Go means senses. So this name, Goswami, is not the Sankaracarya's order. So far as your second question, Thakura Bhaktivinode was not official Spiritual Master of Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja. Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja was already renounced order, Paramahamsa, but Thakura Bhaktivinode, while He was even playing the part of a householder, was treated by Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja as Preceptor, on account of His highly elevated spiritual understanding, and thus He was always treating Him as His Spiritual Master. The Spiritual Master is divided into two parts; namely, siksa guru and diksa guru. So officially Bhaktivinode Thakura was like siksa guru of Gaura Kisora das Babaji Maharaja.

Letter to Vrndavanesvari -- New Vrindaban 25 May, 1969:

Actually, in our London branch, already about six young English men have joined seriously, and although they are not officially initiated, they are exactly following my other initiated, American disciples who are now working there. So I don't think there is any cause of apprehension as suggested by Sadanandaji. Besides that, in Hamburg the boys who are working have reported that German boys and girls are coming to join Sankirtana, and they are getting at least fifteen or twenty guests every Sunday for their feasts. So I don't think there is any cause of discouragement because we are working on a different platform.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 30 August, 1969:

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. I have asked Kirtanananda Maharaja to work on the bahudaka stage for the present. I discussed this point with him when I was in New Vrindaban.

Letter to Dr. Syama Sundardas Brahmacari -- Hamburg 5 September, 1969:

So I hope you will give me some price quotations immediately for the above things and let me know if you are interested in doing this business.

Regarding Gaudiya Mission, I am enclosing herewith a copy of the letter addressed to the Secretary Official. You will understand the whole situation. I am prepared to cooperate with the Gaudiya Mission wholeheartedly. I am prepared also to be amalgamated, and they have invited me to go to India to talk frankly, face to face. But unless we have come to some definite understanding, how I can risk the journey which will involve more or less Rs. 25,000? But I am sure if Gaudiya Mission and I combine together, it will be very nice thing to preach the cult of Lord Caitanya all over the world. I can reorganize all the branches of the Gaudiya Math in India, and if there is any financial question, it will be not difficult for our society to help in that way also.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 28 September, 1969:

Simply the mistakes which you have already admitted may be corrected in the future. That is to say the headline should be broader and each page should mention the words "Back To Godhead". I think from next issue the editor's and co-editor's name should be mentioned: that is Hayagriva and Satsvarupa. At least officially there must be the editor's name there. I think that is required by the press act. You have received my letter dated 16th September, and I hope by this time you have made up my passbook in the bank. I am very much anxious to know the credit balance in my favor up to date. Regarding transferring my account to another branch, I think a simple letter to the present branch will be sufficient. When I transferred my account in the Bank of America from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I simply sent them one letter and everything was done.

Letter to Subala -- Tittenhurst 16 October, 1969:

In London things are going on nicely, and last evening we had a meeting in Conway Hall and several hundred persons were joining us in chanting and dancing. After the meeting one reporter from the biggest London newspaper came behind the stage to get further information about our movement for publication in his paper. So I am very encouraged to see the nice reception that the people and the news medias are giving to our activities in London. Last week we were given official permission by the city authorities to have our temple at 7 Bury Place. Already there has been great public interest in this temple, so by Krishna's Grace there shall be a very successful temple established in London very soon.

Letter to Dinesh -- Tittenhurst 31 October, 1969:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated October 21, 1969 along with a contribution of $25. I have already acknowledged receipt of your new record. Regarding the disciplic succession coming from Arjuna, disciplic succession does not always mean that one has to be initiated officially. Disciplic succession means to accept the disciplic conclusion. Arjuna was a disciple of Krishna and Brahma was also a disciple of Krishna. Thus there is no disagreement between the conclusions of Brahma and Arjuna. Vyasadeva is in the disciplic succession of Brahma. The teachings to Arjuna was recorded by Vyasadeva verbatim. So according to the axiomatic truth, things equal to one another are equal to each other. We are not exactly directly from Vyasadeva, but our Gurudeva is a representative of Vyasadeva. Because Vyasadeva and Arjuna are of equal status, being students of Krishna, therefore we are in the disciplic succession of Arjuna. Things equal to the same thing are equal to one another.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Candravali -- Los Angeles 9 January, 1970:

So why not in Spanish language, which you know well and I think Citsukhananda also knows well. So this is very good news. I was, since a long time, thinking of your marriage. Now Krishna has given you this opportunity. Utilize it properly and be happy. I am glad to learn that Hamsaduta is going to officiate the ministerial function in the marriage, and I think he has got the tape of all the mantras in this connection. So be married, chant Hare Krishna and be happy. This is what I want.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 12 January, 1970:

I am so much enthused to know that we can open our centers in Amsterdam. Stockholm, Munich, Rome and other adjoining cities. Mr. Appa Pant, the high-commissioner of India, is already impressed with my activities. He assured me that he will render all kinds of help from the background but not as a politician. So without taking his official position, he can render service to us in various ways. So try to contact him intelligently.

Letter to Yeager -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1970:

By such advanced devotional service a devotee becomes quickly recognized by the Lord. That is also stated in the Bhagavad-gita. Actually, without the mercy of a devotee nobody can approach the Lord directly—and it is easier to get mercy of a devotee than to get mercy of the Lord. So therefore the most intelligent way of approaching God is to take shelter of a pure devotee.

Somehow or other if one can please a pure devotee of the Lord, such action means immediate satisfaction of the Lord, even though such a person is not officially qualified to receive the mercy of the Lord.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 9 March, 1970:

Now, regarding sending me money, I thank you very much that you are always eager to spend for Krsna, and Krsna will give you more and more opportunities to utilize your hard earned money for Krsna's service. Now the office which you are holding appears to be very nice, so I do not think you can get a better job in India. But somehow or other, if you get a chance to return to India on official business of your present employer, that will be very nice.

Letter to Suridas -- Los Angeles 17 March, 1970:

We must be fully equipped, and the preaching work by pairs of husband and wife will be an unique example to the world. Formerly the Acaryas were generally all Sannyasis, but Lord Caitanya, in His instruction to Roy Ramananda, who was a confidential devotee of Lord Caitanya, but a householder and responsible government official, Governor of Madras, has given open instruction that it does not matter what is the social or ecclesiastical order, if one is fully in Krishna Consciousness, he can act as Acarya. So all you boys and girls who are now married, follow this instruction of Lord Caitanya, and show vivid example to the world how man and woman can be united, not for sense gratification but for the service of the Lord.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 17 March, 1970:

We must be fully equipped, and the preaching work by pairs of husband and wife will be an unique example to the world. Formerly the Acaryas were generally all Sannyasis, but Lord Caitanya, in His instruction to Roy Ramananda, who was a confidential devotee of Lord Caitanya, but a householder and responsible government official, Governor of Madras, has given open instruction that it does not matter what is the social or ecclesiastical order, if one is fully Krishna Conscious, he can act as Acarya. So all of you boys and girls who are now married, follow this instruction of Lord Caitanya and show vivid example to the world how man and woman can be united, not for sense gratification, but for the service of the Lord.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 14 May, 1970:

So if from your center the surrounding villages are drawn to the attention of Krsna consciousness simply by the distribution of Prasadam and chanting of Hare Krsna Mantra, it will be a great success. It is not necessary always to be officially initiated, but if they participate in the group chanting of Hare Krsna Mantra and taking of Prasadam weekly or daily as it is possible, that will fulfill our mission.

Thank you very much for sending me the two Apple posters for "GOVINDA", it is a very good advertisement and I have suggested that it may be shown in the temple bookstore here. I have noted the french newsclippings also and they are very much encouraging, so I am satisfied that everything is going on well there.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 19 July, 1970:

The first business is if the temples are not properly maintained, then we should simply concentrate on Sankirtana outside. Temple opening is secondary, but we should concentrate on the Sankirtana outside. As in Paris we have no official temple but still Sankirtana is giving us encouragement.

I have received a letter from Jaya Hari and replied it.

Holland is full of cows, so that would be the best place for a European New Vrndavana scheme. But it is not immediately possible. If we get some suitable land opportunity. But we have already got New Vrndavana that is yet to be developed. So that scheme is not yet feasible. In future we shall see to that.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 4 November, 1970:

When He sees that you are sincere He will reveal everything to you. And this preaching work is your key to success in Krsna Consciousness; just see Bhagavad-gita As It Is, XVIII, 68-69.

I think that you may distribute copies to all centers of the letter from the Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, endorsing our S.K.P. program and giving us official permission.

I am interested to know how much you have recently deposited in the Bhaktivedanta Book Fund Deposit Account. Please continue to earn thousands of dollars for printing of my books and this will be a great honor for you.

No one has sent my $15 monthly maintenance checks. So I am asking you to please expedite this matter among your centers. They should send readily negotiable American Express checks rather than personal checks which take up to two months to clear.

Letter to Tamala Krsna, Syamasundara -- Indore 13 December, 1970:

In the meantime I have received two letters from Jayapataka Swami in Calcutta.

I have received one telegram from Gurudasa in Delhi reading as follows:

CCP granted also official letter clearing books waiving demurrage sent to all ports trying Indian 18th—Gurudasa

So I am very anxious to know what you have been able to do in the matter of receiving the books.

Because of the proposed meeting with Indira Gandhi on the 18th instant, our Gorakhpur program is not fixed up. If you have already purchased tickets in the meantime, you may go there as planned, but our arrival from this end is not yet ascertained.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Rupanuga -- Gorakhpur 19 February, 1971:

Although our philosophy is revolutionary, even in India also, it is being received favorably. In our Kumba Mela camp it was very successful. Our camp stood out first in the whole campus. Many government high officials, retired high-court judges, big police officers came to see me and invited me also for lecture and all of them were very much encouraging. Our program of recruiting life members is also going on nicely. Actually we are and meeting our expenditures very heavily on this book distribution scheme of life membership. 50% is utilized for reprinting books and 50% is being utilized for increasing the number of centers. I think the same program may be vigorously introduced in your country and that will be a great success.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 24 March, 1971:

Actually everyone in this material world is a crazy fellow; he doesn't know the aim of life. Even the erudite scholar doesn't know what is God or how the material world was created; so many things they do not know. So if the government officials want to take our help they must arrange for giving a nice place so we can accommodate the students concerned, according to our method. Such centers should be well equipped with temple, lecture room, sleeping quarters, kitchen, etc. as we have got everywhere. So try to convince the authorities that everyone will come to Krishna Consciousness, following our method, which is pure. Then craziness and madness will automatically disappear. This is practical welfare. So our movement should be very vigorously pushed on. But those who push must be pure; then it will be effective.

Letter to John Milner -- Bombay 24 March, 1971:

So who is now in charge of Tallahassee center? If there are any questions which may arise, you may correspond with Satsvarupa, the governing body representative for Southern U.S.A. and he will be able to help you. Your preaching program there sounds very encouraging and I am glad to note how you are approaching university officials, etc. with our philosophy. Go on in this way and Krishna will surely help you. The more you preach in schools and universities and distribute our books, that will be the success of our missionary propoganda.

So far as your taking initiation from Brahmananda Maharaja, I have no objection, but it is the etiquette that in the presence of one's Spiritual Master, one does not accept disciples. In this connection, Swami Brahmananda may write me and I will instruct him.

Letter to Kanupriya -- Bombay, India 11 June, 1971:

So if they are donating the house and land, I am prepared to go there to accept the donation. Petambar Dindayal and Dr. Balwant Singh have both invited me to go there, so if you have been donated house and land, then I can go there without hesitation.

Yes, you should get ISKCON registered as an official religious organization. Do it seriously. Then we will be eligible for government assistance. That is very nice. So you organize it and make a very first class center there and very soon I will come and install Deity.

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

If Indira Gandhi is not coming, you can arrange with the Governor Mr. Dhawan, the High Commissioner for London. He is known to us and can help by coming there. It will make a nice reception if Indira Gandhi is not coming. Otherwise, if she comes, all officials will come. So plan for the program.

After this we have to plan for Maidan Festivals in nice places. We know three nice places: 1) at Induria (Mahatma Gandhi Road); 2) Bhagbazar; 3) Chorebagan (Mullick's House). These three places I can arrange by writing letters. Similarly, at other places we can hold such meetings. The old man who comes to our Calcutta temple, Nagan, came to see me in Bombay. He said we have saved Calcutta and the Naxalites are in favor of our Calcutta will change.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 7 July, 1971:

Yes, the government officials should come forward from the practical side, that we are creating young men, devotees of God, with character. They are getting married and leading nice family lives. They are very clean in their habits and take bath twice and thrice. And they are so hopeful of their future life—so much so that people call them bright-faced. So apart from God consciousness, there are these practical results and others. They have given up intoxication, etc. So all these government officials and congressmen should be thoroughly convinced of these practical factors. They are devoid of illicit sex also. So many nice things we are training. So let them come forward.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 14 July, 1971:

I have handed your letter over to Syamasundara for a point by point reply, but one thing is that if it is not possible to get Indira Gandhi or the Governor or the American Ambassador for the festival at Mayapur, then what is the use? In that case, the program should be cancelled until some later date. My going there depends on whether such meeting can be arranged; otherwise there is no need in my going. I have got so much engagement here and have resumed my translating work also. So do your best to see that one of these big officials comes to Mayapur for the cornerstone ceremony and let me know as soon as possible what arrangements have been made.

Letter to Yamuna, Gurudasa -- Nairobi 17 October, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your descriptive letter dated 10th October, 1971 and have noted the contents with interest. I am so glad to know that you are seeing all the MPs and officials in the government service and if you can make each of them a member of our society it will be a great service. Try to do it to your best capacity. I am also very much pleased that Indira Gandhi is now personally well known to you. For your presence only she has given special order for our devotees stay in Delhi. Certainly this is a good achievement. The selected men, namely the MPs who are there, are supposed to be the leaders of the country, are all there. If they can be convinced of our important movement then in India we shall have a very good holding. Actually our movement is so important that without taking to it, no other method, political, social, religious, or cultural, can give relief to the present chaotic status of the worldly situation.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Vrindaban 30 November, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your letter of November 10, 1971, and have noted the contents carefully. I am currently in Vrindaban with a party of 40 devotees, and we are having daily parikrama of the holy places. We shall return to Delhi tomorrow by coach. The officials and residents of Vrindaban have greeted us very nicely, and they are simply astounded to see our SKP chanting with great jubilation through the city streets. The Mayor has publicly proclaimed that I have done something wonderful, and practically speaking, they realize that before I went to the western countries no one there knew about Vrindaban. Now hundreds of visitors and hippies from your country come here to see Krishna's place. The Vrindaban devotees have understood that Vrindaban is now world-famous due to my preaching work, so they are all very much appreciating their hometown Swamiji.

Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Delhi 12 December, 1971:

I shall pass on the information you have sent regarding help from Indian government to Gurudasa, who is working here in Delhi with many officials. Now they are engaged in war with Pakistan, the government may not be too willing to help us, but we shall try.

Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Bombay 28 December, 1971:

Especially I am glad that you are infiltrating the schools and colleges. These are our most important customers for KC, because they are inquisitive and serious to learn. So continue in this way giving them all opportunity to get the real education and knowledge or Krishna Consciousness.

So far the action taken by city officials, it is not good to disturb them unduly or cause unwanted agitation or anger with such people. They are demons so they will not change. Civil disobedience movement can be led by Lord Caitanya, but we are not so strongly organized and influential to be able to perform successfully such civil disobedience movement. It is good if the newspapers take our side and public opinion is against the authorities viewpoint, but it will be better if we use all goodwill and tact to avoid such violent confrontation in public and simply take another place with required parking space.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Visvanatha Babu -- Bombay 3 January, 1972:

Recently I had been in Vrindaban and the whole Vrindaban city appreciated my service in the foreign countries. Both the Municipality Chairman officially as well as the Vrajavasi public gave me address of welcome in great meetings. But I had some difficulty in staying in my rooms at Radha Damodara Temple. They want me to go away and are now picking up some quarrel with me to get me out of my possession. A copy of a registered letter from one of the Sevaits Madan Mohan Goswami is enclosed and he has already taken possession in my absence of the verandah of my entrance door. You know very well and all residents of Vrindaban know it that my residence is there at Radha Damodara Temple but they are now trying to get me out, although I am paying the rent regularly and there is some advance payment also.

Letter to Puri Maharaj -- Sydney 8 April, 1972:

Many hundreds of foreign disciples will be coming to India in the near future, and already we have got nearly 100 men there, so it is a great opportunity for the administrative officials of Puri to increase the fame and prosperity of Jagannath Puri all over the world, and it will be their misfortune if so many qualified devotees of the Lord are not allowed into the temple, simply because they have taken their birth in a faraway place. So if you are able to do something, and approach the right persons like Mr. Viswanath then we shall be free to have our center in Puri.

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

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 Puri Maharaj -- Los Angeles 26 May, 1972:

So why not they shall allow anyone who is certified by me or the society? You know how strictly we are following the principles of Vaisnava way of life. So kindly try to persuade the government officials on this point and it will be a very great service to Srila Prabhupada's cause.

Bhaktivinode Thakur and Srila Prabhupada wanted that American and European Vaisnavas should come to India and join with dancing our Vaisnavas there, but if they have got some difficulty to enter into the temple it will be against the desire of Bhaktivinode Thakur and Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. So I am sure that Mr. Dass, the chief minister, is a very nice gentleman, I know him personally. So while he is in the office he must rectify this anomaly and situate himself in the history for doing such nice service for Lord Chaitanya's mission.

Letter to Caru -- Dallas 10 September, 1972:

So better to forget this business of lawyers and judges and simply go on with Sankirtana. That is Civil disobedience movement. Let them fill their jails with us again and again, but we shall not stop our Sankirtana movement. Also it may help if you get some public sympathy through publicizing our constant persecution in the newspaper journals. Gradually the city officials and constabulary will become embarrassed to arrest us further and gradually we will be allowed to carry on our Sankirtana unhampered. But I do not think this business of expensive lawyers and going to court will solve anything, better to simply become determined to hold our Sankirtana in our own manner as we like, and simply depend upon Krsna and His protection at all times.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1972:

Never mind, we do not rely upon Indian government or any government, we shall take our strength from Lord Caitanya and He has said that His Name shall be heard in every town and village, and He is God and we are doing His business, so what some government officials can do? But because we want to engage everyone in the service of Lord Caitanya, therefore we approach these rascals, just to engage them. So you may continue in this way to canvass government leaders, the Indian Tourist __ Kenneth Keating, and anyone and everyone to help us, there is no harm.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

Now I want to officially open the building on Lord Caitanya's Appearance Day. So please try to finish it by that time. What is the use to buy more land like Damodara Maharaja's land? And why his house is so special it is worth Rs. 11,000? So far Sridhara Swami's land, if we can use it then we may purchase, but we cannot pay such a high price for it.* In these things you decide as you think best, I cannot tax my brain. Do everything consulting Bhavananda and Tamala Krishna.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Bombay 28 December, 1972:

I have heard that you are collecting some money for the Vrindaban work, but how you are doing that and where is that money and how much you have collected? What you are doing there in London? You wanted to open one Iskcon branch in your home, but I could not allow it as official branch. But I encouraged you to hold arati, class, and invite your friends, sell our books, like that, not that you should become silent and go away. I wanted that you should attend regularly with your nice family to our Bury Place Temple, preach sometimes there to the guests, and give our young boys your encouragement and experienced advice. But I have heard that you are not attending, so I am puzzled what you are doing now?

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Damodara -- Bombay, India 9 January, 1973:

So in that case, centralized management is preferable. But in the case of new temples, it is better if they must have to struggle a little while to establish themselves in their cities, become familiar with the local city officials and leading citizens, elicit support from all quarters of the city, like that, otherwise these things will be neglected and there will be false dependency upon the outside supplies. This will deteriorate everything. Our purpose of Krsna consciousness movement is to create first class servants of Krsna, that means they know how to do everything.

Letter to Ram Prashad -- Calcutta January 29, 1973:

At the end of the last day seven young men, two from Europe and 5 from India, shaved their heads as brahmacaris and have joined us full time. People are eager for Krsna consciousness, when it is given in its pure form.

I am leaving for Australia by 2nd February to visit our ISKCON center there and I shall be returning in March to officially open the first residential block of our World Headquarters at Sridhama Mayapur, District Nadia, West Bengal.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Hyderabad 24 March, 1973:

We are negotiating the purchase of the Bombay property for a lump sum cash payment of about 10 lakhs, which at the official rate amounts to about $130,000.

If this negotiation is settled to our satisfaction, we will require your lending this amount to the Bombay project from our New York building fund. So kindly make the necessary arrangements, and await our final instructions through telegram or by Atreya Rsi to send the funds.

You will be refunded the loan with interest by the Mayapur Fund. The Bombay project will in turn pay the Mayapur construction expenses. For the future of New York Temple expansions I have discussed different alternatives with Atreya Rsi, who will discuss them with you upon his arrival.

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

Regarding incorporation of our ISKCON centers, we want to run all our centers as nonprofit religious organizations; that is the main point. Keeping this point in view too much official control is not good in spiritual life. The centers should remain spiritually fit and independent. Some control must be there as is now. Too much control means so many vouchers. 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.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 8 August, 1973:

I am very pleased to note that in Delhi they are doing the life membership programme. Previously I suggested this to Madhavananda and now he is doing it, that's nice. I also was meeting big Government officials and distributing my Back To Godhead in that way, at that time there were no books.

I have already written to you in my letter dated July 20th 1973 that I will dispatch the 9 Lakhs if negotiations are fruitful. (See enclosed letter). You show three Lakhs and I shall show 9 Lakhs.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 15 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 1, 1973 and I have noted the contents carefully.

If you make some of the big Government officials interested in our movement then our strength will increase. Because we are in the material world sometimes we require that help. Another point is that if a government officer becomes our admirer or member then many others will follow, so try to make them sympathisers.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 15 August, 1973:

If possible arrangements should be made so that the kitchen can continue to cook and Prasadam distribution may go on continuously, in Delhi this is not difficult. If you do so the richer section of the public will contribute food grains, flour, ghee etc.

Your idea to get our men made as official government guides is nice, also if the government agrees to build one or two room in our temple that will be good. If respectable gentlemen become interested in our Krishna Conscious Movement then our temple in Vrindaban will stand first, because all other temples in Vrindaban gather general mass of people without philosophical understanding. Some 50 years ago some Christian priest went to Vrindaban and inquired from many residents why Krishna enjoyed Rasa dance with other wifes which is against the Vedic principle, but nobody could satisfy him.

Letter to Minister in charge of Immigration -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 24 November, 1973:

We invite everyone to understand the philosophy and reform the activities of life. This is our mission. I do not know why I was refused to enter into your country without giving me any proper explanation. I am therefore very much grieved by the treatment of your airport officials that they stopped me to enter into your city and make so many people disappointed for breaking usual procedure of the Movement, I wish, therefore, that you kindly let me know what is the reason that I was refused to enter without giving me proper notice, or to my men. Kindly reply me this letter at my Nairobi headquarters as written above, or as I am proceeding to Los Angeles, you can reply me this letter to my Los Angeles address as follows:

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 2 January, 1974:

Regarding purchase of a car, I am planning to send two cars to India—one Mercedes* and one Chevelle Impala, one car for Delhi and one for Bombay. So we plan to send these as a gift from the United States ISKCON to India. However we are awaiting the official form from the Maharastra government. You have indicated that this form is being procured by Tamala Krsna Goswami so please see that it is actually dispatched to us so that we can send you the cars.

Letter to Damodara -- Paris 8 June, 1974:

You have asked about Rupanuga. So I have asked him to not remain secluded but to work vigorously as grhastha now that he has returned with his wife. There is nothing wrong in his preaching as you are and so many GBCs, as grhastha. So although it is officially a falldown from sannyasa, there is no loss if he will become more enthusiastic by this way. So please continue to cooperate with him and implement all our regular programs.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Paris 8 June, 1974:

So you should not consider taking sannyasa again, but in your country it is not a great thing. Although officially it is a falldown from sannyasa, in your country no one understands sannyasa. The more important principle is that we should purify our thoughts and engage them in Krsna's service. Please try to understand this important principle: being disgusted with their nasty thoughts people sometimes attempt to become thoughtless, but this is never possible. We should encourage everyone to not become thoughtless but to purify their thinking by always thinking of Krsna in the recommended ways. So I request you to go back preaching vigorously along with your wife who is also a good preacher.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Vrindaban 14 September, 1974:

Regarding Ramesvara being made BBT Trustee, I have no objection. I have already written to Bali Mardan that he can be made the secretary to the Trust Board, and then later on we can see if required he can be added. He should be taken as one of the important members. He is doing nicely. At the upcoming GBC meeting we shall discuss it further. He can be made the official secretary for the time being. I have already informed this to Bali Mardan.

Letter to V. S. R. Chakravarti -- Bombay 22 November, 1974:

So far I am personally concerned, following the footsteps of my guru maharaj Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada, we accept the principles of all the acaryas, although officially we belong to the Madhva sampradaya. Our sampradaya is known as the Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya. We find great shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Ramanujacarya because his lotus feet are the strongest fort to combat the mayavadi philosophy.

Letter to Attorney General's Department -- Bombay 26 November, 1974:

I have appointed Madhudvisa Swami (Mr. Michael E. Morrissey) as the GBC Secretary for Australia. Mr. Morrissey is my sole agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has supreme authority there in all matters.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 21 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 14, 1975 with enclosure hand delivered by Palika dasi, and I have noted the contents carefully. Yes, I have received your letter dated May 26, 1975. So it is good that you are meeting with the Government officials and they are taking interest. Yes, you arrange for a big festival in Bombay and get them to come. That will be very nice, but not exactly on Gaura Purnima as we will be in Mayapur, but afterwards.

Letter to Srutadeva -- Vrndavana 18 September, 1975:

I was in due receipt of your Sankirtana Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 23. The report from Denver regarding the legal judgment of Judge M. Winner is giving intelligence to the judge also. It appears that the airport officials are defeated. I have heard that in some of the airports they are making announcements telling the people not to purchase our literature. This is impeding our religion and is therefore blasphemy. This cannot be allowed. You should take this to the courts; let people know what they are doing. They cannot impede our right. It is simply wonderful that Carudesna dasa has distributed in one day 210 big books.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Ahmedabad 26 September, 1975:

If all the presidents are bad and not to your liking, then let the GBC consider what to do.

I hope this meets you in good health. You say that Karandhara was being supported by Jayatirtha, but Karandhara does he have any position still? He has no official position I do not think.

Letter to Svarupa Damodara -- Bombay 30 September, 1975:

Similarly a human being thinks he is this and that designation, then he remains in the dog and cat category.

The Institute will be primarily for those who have not entered our temples. The subject matter will not be different from what is taught in our temples. There will be no difference between our temples and the Institute, but the Institute will be official for the general mass. It will be a formal education and they will get degree. It will be open for everyone, including those who have already entered our temples, they may also participate. But, the subject matter should not be different from what is in the temples.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Ramesvara -- Mayapur 6 February, 1976:

I am organizing an office of book distribution under my direct supervision, and I shall post these books to officers, professors, lawyers, etc. I think that the mass mailings of this book can be done by the BBT Mailorder department and BBT can cover the whole cost. But because we will be distributing it freely for the most part, you should try to get the cost reduced as far as possible. You can try to get a good response from your mailings, but regardless of the response, we should distribute this book indiscriminately to selected persons as I have already indicated: renown business, medical men, government officials, scientists etc. Your new membership publication should be included with the Krsna Consciousness is Authorized in any mass mailing.

Letter to Gabhira -- Mayapur 21 February, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. I have received one article from Rupanuga entitled, "Officials approve Krishna Ministry". Thank you very much. We have succeeded by Krishna's blessing. Now do it nicely. It is a great stride. We can start in other places, too.

In your office you can hang a nice picture of the Panca Tattva done by a good artist, or a sankirtana picture.

Letter to Adi-kesava -- Honolulu 3 May, 1976:

Please enclose one "Krishna Consciousness is Authorized" and one copy of the letter from Kenneth Keating to Gurudasa (if available) when you present the application to the State Department official in Washington.

Letter to Brisakapi -- Honolulu 6 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 2, 1976, and I have noted the contents with care. I also am desirous of visiting Washington, as I have never before been there. I am presently scheduled to go to Washington, D.C. from July 2 to July 9. I am looking forward to meeting with one State Department official, a Mr. Twohi, who is handling a house which we want to acquire to house our Delhi Temple. I believe that Ādi Kesava Maharaja who is presently in N.Y. temple is supposed to arrange this meeting between myself and Mr. Twohie. So far meeting the President is concerned, you can try to arrange, but it is not the most important thing.

Letter to Balavanta -- Honolulu 29 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 23, 1976, with enclosed newspaper clippings, and I have noted the contents carefully.

In connection with the religious discrimination mentioned in the newspaper clipping from Atlanta; Wherever we live we worship God. We are not official worshippers. We worship wherever we are.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 4 June, 1976:

Now we are starting new centres in Athens and a new building is being acquired in Rome. So as you have requested you can make a program for Rome, and I can go there just after the program in France. The program in France and Rome will be between July 26, and August 10, 1976, before I will be going on to India to officially open our Hyderabad centre.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 6 June, 1976:

Ramesvara Maharaja has proposed that Gargamuni Swami purchase the vehicle and then Ramesvara could deduct this amount from Gargamuni's debt with BBT.

I have noted how the Block Development Officer was favorable inclined. So the officials are in favor.

Concerning Prabhu Svarupa das of Haridasa-pur, he is a good man so utilize him.

Concerning the deposit slips which you are holding for me, where were these deposits made? And how many deposits were made? What is the amounts? You can hold these deposit slips for me until I ask for them.

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 Tejiyas -- Toronto 18 June, 1976:

The mentioned how the programs are being well attended at the new centre in New Delhi, so when I stay in Vrindaban, we can arrange meetings with important government officials at our new centre and I can come for the weekend and return to Vrindaban. New Delhi is the most important place for preaching to the leaders of India.

Letter to Tusta Krsna -- Toronto 18 June, 1976:

I would like to receive copies of the letters that you have written to the government officials there as you had mentioned, and also the copies of their replies.

Concerning the preaching to the local people, let them chant Hare Krishna mantra, nothing else, and dance and take prasadam. There is no need of teaching them philosophy in the beginning. In America also, neither white nor black like each other, but in our society they are chanting and dancing. This is on the basis of Hare Krishna; everyone can join. On the small invitation it should read: Singing names of Krishna (God).

Letter to Yasodanandana -- New Vrindaban 24 June, 1976:

The people of Bangalore have again shown nice response to our coming, so keep the relationship very friendly, and deal carefully. I am very pleased to read the letter of commendation from the other sannyasis in South India. Now you can make copies of all these letters and send them to both the Jagannatha Temple in Puri, and the Ranganatha Temple in Vrindaban and get their official reply.

Our movement is for everyone. It is not sectarian. When we speak of no intoxication, it is meant for everyone. You should always remember the statement of Caitanya Mahaprabhu:

Letter to Jayapataka:

A full report is there in hand, so let him decide as he likes. I have not seen any one of the officers as yet, but anyone who came I saw. If the Chief Minister comes to Mayapur then that is alright. Otherwise officially whatever he likes he can decide on the merit of the project.

Regarding the approval of the University, we have got both students and teachers and can supply the list to them. But first we must know the conditions which they are asking of us to fulfill. It was very good that they liked the prasadam. Introduce the recitation of Gitar Gan in every school. That will be a nice credit.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Nairobi 9 January, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 24, 1972 and have noted the contents carefully. Things here are going on very nicely. Enclosed is one clipping. Last night at the festival meeting one government official spoke very highly of my movement and everyone was very pleased.

Now I am here in Africa and will be returning within a week. From Bombay I shall let you know what is to be done after consulting Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj and Shyamasundar, two GBC members. I do not approve the proposal for constructing another new set of temples in the new land. If we construct temple, we must do it according to the big plan in the land already purchased.

Letter to Brahmananda -- New Delhi 26 August, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your Janmastami 1976 invitation sheet, but there is no mention of the Vyasa Puja ceremony. Generally in our centers they issue Janmastami invitations along with Vyasa Puja invitations.

I have read your Vyasa Puja offering, so it will be a great pleasure to know whether Vyasa Puja was officially held in Nairobi. I am always anxious to know about Nairobi affairs. If you kindly send a report at least once a month, that will be appreciated.

Letter to Syama Sundarji -- Vrindaban 15 November, 1976:

So, this is all due to the blessings of Srila Prabhupada. I have no credit in this connection. These American boys are helping me in this endeavor, therefore, until they are admitted to the Jagannatha Puri temple I'm not inclined to go there.

My disciples are trying for this purpose. The government officials are in favor. Maybe it will be soon.

So far the magazine is concerned, in India it is very difficult to send attractive magazines by post. The peons take it away. I have seen this myself and others have also seen. Therefore, we are publishing one local magazine from Hyderabad. A copy is sent herewith. If you like I can advise the managers in Hyderabad to send you a regular complimentary copy.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Attorney General's Department -- Calcutta 16 January, 1977:

I have appointed 18 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as Governing Body Commissioners.

I have appointed Bali Mardan dasa Adhikari (William Berke) as the Governing Body Commissioner for Australia. Mr. Berke is my direct agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has executive authority there in all matters.