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Training of Dayananda dasa (Letters, 1967 - 1976)

Expressions researched:
"Account" |"Activities" |"BBF" |"BBFD" |"BBT" |"BKF" |"BTG" |"Back to Godhead" |"Bhaktivedanta Book Trust" |"Book Fund" |"Book Trust" |"Book Trust," |"Book" |"Books" |"Branch" |"Branches" |"Business" |"Center" |"Centers" |"Check" |"Checks" |"Consult" |"Consulting" |"Cooperate" |"Cooperated" |"Cooperation" |"Cooperatively" |"Dai Nippon" |"Dayananda" |"Dayananda's" |"Debt" |"Debts" |"Deities" |"Deity" |"Deposit" |"Distribute" |"Distributed" |"Distributing" |"Distribution" |"Duty" |"Festival" |"Finances" |"Financial" |"Funds" |"GBC members" |"GBC" |"Governing Board Commission" |"Governing Board Commissioners" |"Governing Body Commission" |"Governing Body Commissioners" |"ISKCON" |"Initiate" |"Initiated" |"Initiates" |"Initiating" |"Initiation" |"Initiations" |"Iskcon" |"Kirtana" |"Language" |"Languages" |"Leader" |"Leaders" |"Leadership" |"Leading" |"Literature" |"Literatures" |"M-V trust" |"M-V" |"M.V trust" |"Macmillan" |"Magazine" |"Magazines" |"Manage" |"Managed" |"Management" |"Managers" |"Managing" |"Manuscript" |"Manuscripts" |"Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust" |"Mayapura-Vrndavana Trust" |"Meeting" |"Mission" |"Missionary" |"Money" |"Movement" |"Organize" |"Our society" |"Preach" |"Preacher" |"Preaching" |"Press" |"Print" |"Printing" |"Program" |"Programs" |"Publication" |"Publications" |"Publish" |"Publishing" |"Rathayatra" |"Report" |"Reports" |"Sankirtana" |"Temple" |"Temples" |"The society" |"Translate" |"Translated" |"Translating" |"Translation" |"Translations" |"Zonal" |"Zone" |"Zones"

Correspondence

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Janaki and others -- New York 10 April, 1967:

I am so much obliged to you for your devotion and affection for me. I thought of you all throughout my journey from Francisco to New York and I was praying to Lord Krishna for your more and more advancement in Krishna Consciousness. On my arrival here I was received by hundreds of devotees and friends although Mr. Ginsberg was out of the town. One young professor from India first greeted me and told me that Swamiji you are doing here real work whereas others who have come from India, have simply formed some groups of old lady students without any real information of Indian original culture. Any way the reception in New York was very good organized by our students here and there was distribution of varieties of Prasadam to about 100 men in the temple. I was not least tired and after landing from the air ship although there was some blockade in my ear still I continued meeting for three hours. I am now very well although I am feeling your great separation. Please continue Kirtana as usual with devotion and you will make more and more advancement in Krishna consciousness.

Letter to Ballabhi -- New York 22 April, 1967:

How is Nandarani and her husband Dayananda __ not hear from them since I have come back to New York.

Letter to Dayananda -- New York 22 July, 1967:

I am very glad to read your letter of appreciation for my services, and I can understand that you are making good strides in Krishna Consciousness. May Krishna bless you more and more so that your ambition to preach Krishna Consciousness may be successfully carried out. Both you and your wife, Nandarani, are very intelligent, and I have several times received her letters, and she is also making very good progress. It is the Grace of Lord Krishna that He has put me in contact with so many rare souls who are taking Krishna Consciousness in all seriousness, and I am confident that in the future all my student boys and girls will preach this Krishna Consciousness in the western world more successfully.

Due to my indifferent health, for the time being I am going to India; and even if I cannot come back, I will work for an American house there so all you transcendental children can come there and learn and be strong enough to preach this cult for the benefit of all the human society.

Letter to Jayananda -- Delhi 16 September, 1967:

I received no letter from Dayananda or his wife Nandarani. I'm anxious to receive the report of the Los Angeles center. I do not know their address.

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani, Uddhava -- Delhi 20 September, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter post dated the 8th instant and I am very glad to note the contents. I was very much anxious to get the new address of our new center in Los Angeles and now I am pleased that our desire is fulfilled by the Grace of Lord Krishna. Your specific duty is to chant and hear the transcendental Name of the Lord, read some passages from my English version of the Srimad-Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavad-gita (Gitopanisad) and explain them as far as possible you have heard from me. Any devotee who has developed genuine Love for Krishna can also explain the truth about Krishna because Krishna helps such sincere devotee seated in his heart. Every one must be frustrated who is not Krishna conscious because the eternal relationship with Krishna is so nice. That eternal relationship with Krishna can be revived simply by chanting His Holy Name in right earnest.

I understand from your letter that the situation in Los Angeles is different from San Francisco or New York, in the matter of communications. But the flavor of Krishna consciousness is so far-reaching that it will go far and wide if we chant with devotion. After all Krishna is the master of all situations. In the beginning you may feel some difficulty but rest assured that Krishna is always with you and he will help you in all respects.

I understand also that you are very much anxious for my return to your country and I am also equally anxious to return and see you again. So far my health is concerned I am definitely improving in my health but if I work a little hard or walk a little more I feel tired. Unfortunately there is no good typewriter here and this letter I am typing my self. Acyutananda is not fast typewriter and Kirtanananda is going back to London tomorrow. I have advised him to start a centre in London positively and after a month Rayarama will join him from Boston. Kirtanananda has experience to start a new centre and therefore I have entrusted him with this great task. I hope he will be successful there as I have given him one important letter of introduction for London. Please pray to the Lord that he may be successful. I have heard from friends that the climate of Los Angeles is warmer. For my health I require warmer climate. Whatever improvement is made here in the matter of my health it is all due to warm climate. As such I shall be pleased to know about Los Angeles with special reference to its climatic conditions.

Encouragement to the dead souls in the western countries is to inform them that God is not dead. He is not only alive but also we can go and live with Him face to face. The Bhagavad-gita gives us this specific information and one who goes there in the Kingdom of God would never come back to this miserable material world. There is no need of artificial talents. One has to serve Krishna sincerely with whatsoever talent one may have. Guidance of the Spiritual Master and sincere service to the Lord will give us all strength in the science of Krishna.

The Tiloks on the forehead and other parts of the body are symbolic representation of Radha Krishna Temples. In other words by marking Tiloks on all parts of our body we become protected by the Lord from all sides. Besides Tilok marking at once makes one known as Vaisnavas therefore they are necessary as much as the beads.

Letter to Nandarani, Krsna Devi, Subala, Uddhava -- Delhi 3 October, 1967:

Dayananda, Nandarani and Uddhava first went to L.A. to open this branch & in the absence of Dayananda, Subala and Krishna devi have come to help.

Letter to Nandarani -- Delhi 8 October, 1967:

Regarding your personal question in the matter of relationship with your husband. Your relationship with your husband is all right. You must be faithful & devoted to your husband, Dayananda. Vedic system advises women to become very chaste & accept the husband as master. Your husband is especially good because he is progressing in Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Nandarani -- Navadvipa 29 October, 1967:

Personally I know both yourself & your husband, Dayananda, are very sincere souls & I am much obliged to you because you have opened a nice center in L.A.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 11 November, 1967:

Let Nandarani and Dayananda be in charge of Los Angeles.

Letter to Subala -- Calcutta 12 November, 1967:

Let Janardana be in charge of Montreal, Nandarani and Dayananda be in charge of Los Angeles.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 15 November, 1967:

I think Subala and his wife should take care of the Sante Fe Temple, as much as Dayananda and Nandarani should take care of the Temple at Los Angeles. Once a center is opened it must be maintained.

Letter to Nandarani -- Calcutta 28 November, 1967:

Please therefore don't be worried. I am coming to your place within a fortnight. Convey my blessings to Dayananda and others.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Aniruddha -- San Francisco 13 March, 1968:

If Dayananda has left for Florida, please send me his address there.

Letter to Nandarani, Dayananda -- San Francisco 29 March, 1968:

I thank you for your nice letter of March 25, 1968, and the kind sentiments expressed therein. I am very happy to learn that you have a nice place in Florida, and you are feeling comfortable and your little Candra is enjoying the sun and the atmosphere. Candra's name is quite nice; you can simply add another word to make it become Candramukhi, which means, face resembling the moon. So sometimes the associate Gopis are are also addressed like that because all of the Gopis are transcendentally beautiful. I am very glad that you have invited me to Florida prior to my going to Bahamas. So far we have not received any letter from Bahamas, so my Florida program for the time being, is suspended. If I go however, to the Bahamas, in the meantime certainly I shall go to your place, and I shall inform you beforehand. But shortly I am visiting New York, and from there I shall go to Boston, then I may go to Montreal; this is the present program. But at the same time, I am seeking a place which will be both conducive to my health and comfortable. I understand that Florida is just prototype of Indian climate, like Bombay or elsewhere there. And I shall go, once, just to see how does it suit me. And from New York, it is nearer than San Francisco.

I cna understand your feeling the absence of devotees. The best thing will be that you practice chanting, both husband and wife together, and Krishna may send some friends, who may also take part in the chanting. We have to create the atmosphere of Krishna Consciousness, and thus create devotees also. I therefore advise you to begin classes as usual, morning and evening, sitting together, husband and wife, in the front of Krishna's picture, and chant Hare Krishna and read Srimad-Bhagavatam. When I was in Los Angeles, I asked Dayananda to speak, and I was very glad that he speaks very nicely. So he can speak, also, in the class, and if there is none else there, he can speak to you. So don't feel lonely. Try to understand Krishna Consciousness mutually, and this will give you transcendental pleasure.

Regarding your manner of behavior with your parents who are not in Krishna Consciousness; I may inform you that you should treat four different classes of men in four different ways. A devotee should love God and God's devotees. A devotee should make friendship with devotees. A devotee should try to enlighten innocent persons, and a devotee should reject opposite elements. As father and Mother they should be offered proper respect according to social custom, but you cannot accept their non-Godly instructions. Best thing is, to avoid misunderstanding, to remain silent without any affirmation or negation of their instructions. We should try to keep our friendship with everyone in the world, but we cannot sacrifice the principles of Krishna Consciousness on being employed by some relative of this world. Don't let them know that you do not approve your parents instructions, but at the same time you should be very careful in dealing with them. If you object to their instruction and let them know it, then they will feel sorry, sad.

Letter to Dayananda -- San Francisco 12 April, 1968:

I thank you for your letter post-dated April 8, 1968, and noted the contents with great interest. I am so pleased to know that you are trying to understand this nice philosophy of Krsna consciousness almost new to your country. Krishna is so pleased that He has sent me so many nice boys and girls to cooperate with my mission, and I am feeling very happy for this Grace of Krishna. Here in S.F. we are trying to purchase one nice church, and the matter is in negotiation. We have offered them the price which we can afford to pay, but they are bargaining the matter, so, if need be, I may ask you for some help in this connection. I am happy that you are satisfied with your family, and continue like this, and be more and more happy with your good wife and your good God-sent child, Candramukhi. I am very much anxious to go there to Florida, because I have heard so much about this city, and because many retired men go there to settle. I am always anxious to open a center there to attract these retired men, and convince them about the utility of Krishna consciousness, but I know also that this retired class of men is very difficult to be convinced because their life-long habit is difficult to be changed. I am rather hopeful with the young boys and girls who are attached to this movement.

I am starting for N.Y. on the 17th of April, and I think I shall be engaged in N.Y. and Boston throughout the months of April and May. As desired by you I could have gone to Florida by the month of June, but I understand you are coming back to L.A. by that time. So we will think over the matter later on. But I shall be glad to know when the exact time you plan to return to L.A. You can write to me your next letter to the New York address (ISKCON, 26 Second Avenue, N.Y., N.Y.)

Regarding parampara system: there is nothing to wonder for big gaps. Just like we belong to the Brahma Sampradaya, so we accept it from Krishna to Brahma, Brahma to Narada, Narada to Vyasadeva, Vyasadeva to Madhva, and between Vyasadeva and Madhva there is a big gap. But it is sometimes said that Vyasadeva is still living, and Madhva was fortunate enough to meet him directly. In a similar way, we find in the Bhagavad-gita that the Gita was taught to the sungod, some millions of years ago, but Krishna has mentioned only three names in this parampara system—namely, Vivasvan, Manu, and Iksvaku; and so these gaps do not hamper from understanding the parampara system. We have to pick up the prominent acaryas, and follow from him. There are many branches also from the parampara system, and it is not possible to record all the branches and sub-branches in the disciplic succession. We have to pick up from the authority of the acharya in whatever sampradaya we belong to.

Letter to Nandarani, Dayananda -- New York 29 April, 1968:

I am very pleased to receive your letters of April 23, 1968, and I am very thankful to you for your nice sentiments. You are very intelligent and nice boy and girl, and trying to understand Krishna Consciousness, and I can simply pray that you shall try to understand more and more about this transcendental science, and whenever possible, try to talk about Krishna Consciousness to your friends or whomever you may meet. Simply by this attempt you will get superior strength and knowledge about Krishna Consciousness. It doesn't matter whether a man is convinced or not, but your sincere attempts to convince others will help you progress. Nandarani is very intelligent girl, both of you execute nicely and try to bring up your daughter in the same spirit, and live nicely in Krishna Consciousness.

So far your question about Karna, the first son of Kunti; that Radha was not the same Radha, as Krishna's Radha. That was Karna's adopted mother. Karna was born before Kunti was married, so in order to keep it silent, he was kept in a package and floated in the ocean. And this carpenter father and his wife, Aniradha, took care of him, and he was brought up there with them. So Karna was known as the son of a carpenter; nobody knew that he was the eldest son of Kunti, and a Ksatriya. This was not known until he died, and Kunti began to cry. Yudhisthira asked her why you are crying, he is the enemy, and she said, he was my first son. He was born out of her ear, so he was called Karna. When she was very young, she got some mantra which could be used to call any demigod, so just to try it, as experiment, to see if it worked, she called the sun god. He immediately appeared there before her, and said, I will give you the benediction of one son; she replied that she simply was experimenting with this mantra, that she did not want a son, and she became afraid as she was unmarried girl. He said I shall give you a son anyway, and it will be born out of your ear. So as she was virgin girl, she became very frightened that people may say things, so she put him into the ocean. Yes, Karna had many extraordinary attributes. He was a great soldier, and a most charitable man. He was so strong that it was not possible for Arjuna to kill him; he had to take unfair tactics and kill him. Karna could have killed Arjuna, but by Krishna's Grace, Arjuna killed Karna. In other words, Krishna killed Karna, otherwise, nobody could have killed him.

I am very glad to learn that your nice child Candramukhi is growing daily. By your care and attention, she will come out a Krishna Consciousness girl like Haridasi, the daughter of Baladeva..

We are selling our books, Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3 in a set for $12.00, but a single book is $5.00. I am leaving for Boston on Wednesday, the first of May, and you can send your care of the Boston address, (ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple, Glenville Avenue, Allston, Mass. 02134). Hoping you are three well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. No, I think there is not any good English version of Mahabharata but very soon, we shall have the Bhagavad-gita, and the Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and you can enjoy reading them; they should be ready by September.

Letter to Dayananda -- Allston, Mass 10 May, 1968:

I thank you very much for your check which I beg to acknowledge receipt herewith. I am so pleased to learn that you are constantly trying to follow my instructions. Of course, I have no particular instructions, save and except the instruction which I have also heard from my Spiritual Master. So all instructions in the disciplic succession directly comes from the Supreme Person. Therefore to follow the instructions of a Spiritual Master is to follow the instructions of the Supreme Person. And as soon as we are accustomed to this habit, then all our misgivings of material existence are over. Your ambition for chanting Hare Krishna exclusively is very good. But sacrificing the results of action is as good. A concrete example is Arjuna. He fought very chivalrously under the instructions of the Lord, and the Lord certified him to be the best devotee and friend of the Lord. So there is no distinction between chanting and offering the results of one's activity. Sometimes under the garb of chanting people take to the habit of laziness, which is not required at all. Execution of devotional service is prescribed first with enthusiasm and patience. One can execute this transcendental activities staying as he is, but he must follow and try to apply in practical life the instructions as they are given in the Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam, received through the proper channel.

I thank you once more for your progress, in the matter of Krishna Consciousness, and I shall always pray to Krishna for your steady progress more and more, along with your nice wife. Hope you are all three well.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 24 June, 1968:

I am glad to hear Dayananda and Nandarani will soon return to L.A., and please let me know when they come, and ask them to write me. I am also very much anxious to hear from them. They are good souls and sincere servants to His Lordship, Sri Krishna.

Letter to Dayananda -- Montreal 7 July, 1968:

Please accept my blessings, and offer the same to Srimati Nandarani, and to your daughter. I hope you are all well in Krishna Consciousness. And I am so glad to learn that Krishna is endowing you with more and more intelligence in the matter of understanding Krishna Consciousness. Krishna is very kind and any sincere devotee is always taken care of by His Lordship in all respects. Please regularly chant Hare Krishna, read Srimad-Bhagavatam, and very soon you will get other books also, like Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and always read and talk about Krishna between yourselves, and always remember that this life is but a flash only. We have to seek after our eternal life in Krishna Consciousness and be transferred to the spiritual world in the association of Krishna. Continue to keep your present attitude and certainly even within this life, you will be successful in attaining perfection of Krishna Consciousness.

Regarding Mr. John Fugate: This news is very encouraging. As we are spreading our Krishna Consciousness in your country, we need a center in Florida, and if Mr. Fugate cooperates with this movement, certainly he will be very much benefited. So you can keep him alive by correspondence and send him our books and literature to read. So the ten acres of land which Mr. John Fugate wants to utilize for some spiritual cultivation center can well be utilized in developing a New Vrindaban. In San Francisco, they are developing a New Jagannatha Puri and in Florida we shall develop a New Vrindaban, and it may be that Montreal can be developed into New Mayapur (The Birthplace of Lord Caitanya).

So far I am concerned, I wish to live the major portion of my remaining days of my life in the Western world to propagate this movement, but I could not obtain my permanent visa on some technical ground. Some lawyers advised me to appeal but I did not like the idea. Here in Canada, I may get a permanent visa but the difficulty is that during the winter the severe cold here may be unbearable for me or for my attendants. The male attendant, Gaurasundara, may agree, but the female attendant, Mrs. Gaurasundara, is not agreeable. Anyway—apart from this point of view, it is sure that I personally cannot tolerate the severe cold here. Under the circumstances, if some arrangement is made in Florida, then during the winter season, we can work there, and as you have said that many tourists and well-to-do men assemble there, it will be a good opportunity for preaching Krishna Consciousness at that time. Another point is that I would have preferred to have permanent residence visa in USA rather than in Canada, and I have heard that if somebody adopts me as a child or something else, I can get the permanent visa. But if you adopt me as your old child, probably the visa department will laugh, that what you will do with an old child who is going to die very soon. But, if there is possibility to adopt me as old father, then you can try for it. If there is any law that you can adopt any old man as your father, and take care of him, then you can inquire from the Los Angeles immigration department and try for it.

Thanking you once more for your nice sentiments expressed in your letter under reply, and hoping you are all well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. Please deliver the enclosed letter to Aniruddha das.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 7 July, 1968:

(I have received one letter from Dayananda also, and the reply is sent herewith, about his improved realization of Krishna Consciousness.)

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 7 July, 1968:

There is a good chance for opening a center, in Florida, through the exigency of Mr. John Fugate, a friend of Dayananda.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

Your suggestion for a committee. and the names you have suggested, just like Jayananda, Subala, Gargamuni, yourself, Rupanuga, Satsvarupa, Kirtanananda, Dayananda, is very nice. In this also, I think Mukunda's name should be also added. Anyway, you can hold a preliminary meeting and make a draft. Then we shall ratify it in our next meeting when I may be also able to participate and do it finally.

Letter to Kirtanananda, Hayagriva -- Montreal 23 August, 1968:

The scheme regarding the will of Hayagriva Brahmacari, as well as the lease agreement between the society and Hayagriva Brahmacari, the tax payment, all this scheme are very nicely made, and I have got all my approval and so far the trustees are concerned, this is also required, and I can suggest that amongst the trustees, your two names, Kirtanananda and Hayagriva, and then Brahmananda, and from San Francisco Jayananda, and Mukunda, and Satsvarupa, Dayananda, Syamasundara., etc. and such sincere boys, who are working with their life and soul for the society, may be the trustees, and I think you should immediately make correspondence with Brahmananda, and I have already advised him that we should make a central committee. for management of all the centers.

Letter to Nandarani -- Montreal August 24, 1968:

I have already written to Dayananda about the Florida affair; you have also mentioned, so if that piece of land you will utilize for Krsna Consciousness purpose, it will be a further achievement for the society.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 24 August, 1968:

I received letters from Dayananda, and Nandarani, and I am going to reply them separately.

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani -- Montreal 24 August, 1968:

I received your letter dated July 18, after the mail strike as well as Nandarani's letter, along with it. And I thank you very much for them. Regarding immigration: I have already received immigration in Canada, so there is no difficulty for my going to USA, but still I am trying to get immigration of religious minister into the USA, and it is progressing well. I think there will be no difficulty in coming and going to USA, either from Canada or anywhere, so don't be worried about it. Krishna will help us. Now, regarding your question: "What is the difference between Jagannatha deities and Krishna Murti and why is the latter not fed and cared for as well as the former and why are Jagannathas more tolerant?" Krishna means Himself and all His expansions, different expansions. So sometimes, Krishna appears as Vasudeva, sometimes as Sankarsana, sometimes as Jagannatha, sometimes as Lord Caitanya, sometimes as Rama, so all such different incarnations includes the Name Krishna. So Jagannatha is another feature of Krishna, and He is especially favorable to the people who are not strictly advanced to the Brahminical culture of Vedic rituals. Lord Jagannatha is situated in India, at Puri; this place is one of the towns of Orissa province. And the people of Orissa and Bengal, they are sometimes fish-eaters, why sometimes—about 90% population they are fish-eaters. But Jagannatha Swami in Puri, He accepts service from these people although they are sometimes fish-eaters. So in the Kali yuga, the people are supposed to be not so clean, and therefore, service to Jagannatha Swami is preferred. So far service to Laksmi-Narayana, and Radha Krishna, it requires highly elevated position, transcendental to Brahmins. But still, either we serve Jagannatha or Radha Krishna, the effect is the same. But to facilitate the worship of the Lord in the Form of Jagannatha is more congenial than others. But when anything is offered to Jagannatha, it does not mean that it is not taken by Krishna. So in the temple, although we offer to Jagannatha, it is also accepted by Krishna. Be rest assured of this fact.

Regarding your question: "What is the correct sexual etiquette for a strict Grhastha; and what is spiritual family planning?" Unless one wants to beget a child, there should not be any sex life. The best thing is to forget sex, but it is not possible immediately or all of a sudden, especially in the Western countries where sex life is so liberal. So under the circumstances, one should try to have sex life only for children, not for any other purpose. Spiritual family planning is that one should be determined to train up children in Krishna Consciousness. According to Bhagavata, the spiritual family planning is that one should not become a father or one should not become a mother, unless he is able to maintain their children to the extent of liberation. It is the duty of the parents to see that the children are growing luxuriantly not only materially, but spiritually also. So spiritual training should be given from the very beginning. Kaumaram acaret prajna—In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Prahlada Maharaja has instructed that spiritual consciousness or Krishna Consciousness should be taught to the children from the very beginning as they are given education from early childhood.

The next question, "will you please explain about the 28th mahayuga of this Manu, in which the treta and Dvapara yugas are reversed?" The 28th mahayuga means that in Brahma's one day, there are 14 Manus. And each Manu's life is the duration of 71 mahayugas. And one mahayuga means 4 yugas combined. The duration of Sattva yuga is about 18 hundred thousands of years. And the duration of Treta yuga is about 12 hundred thousands of years. And the duration of Dvapara yuga is about 800 thousands of years, and the duration of Kali yuga is about 400 thousands of years. So all together, becomes a mahayuga, and such 71 mahayugas take place in the life of one Manu, and there are 14 Manus in the one day duration of Brahma. So in the 28th mahayuga, of the life of Vivasvata Manu, at the end of Dvapara yuga, Lord Krishna appears, and in the next Kali yuga, Lord Caitanya appeared. Previous to this Kali yuga, there was Dvapara yuga, when men used to live for 1000 years. In the Treta yuga, they used to live 10,000 of years and in the Satya yuga, they used to live for 100,000 years. Modern calculation of Satya yuga, Treta yuga, Dvapara yuga, Kali yuga, as golden age, bronze age, silver age, copper age, and other age, that is historical references. But the Vedic calculation is different from such calculation. But it can be accepted to a certain extent to understand that history is changing and repeating at the same time.

You are always welcome to put questions, and it is my duty to answer all the questions to my sincere devotees. You will be glad to know that our one of the Prabhus, Sriman Hayagriva Brahmacari, has leased out a 99 year lease on one great plot of land to construct New Vrindaban. So San Francisco is progressing as New Jagannatha Puri and West Virginia plot of land may be constructed as New Vrindaban, but I am still hoping that we can do something in Florida also. You suggested previously that you have got friend who has got some land and in Florida, and he wants to utilize it for some religious purpose. So I still draw your attention, if something can be done in the Florida.

Hope this will find you both in good health, along with your good child Candramukhi.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

*That the people of Orissa and Bengal eat fish in their private homes is a fact. But they do not offer anything like that to the Lord Jagannatha. The Lord is offered all nice foodstuffs as we are striving to do in our all our temples here.

Letter to Jaya Govinda -- San Francisco 15 September, 1968:

In Florida we have 10 acres of land arranged by Dayananda and Nandarani. So all my disciples here are doing marvelously in spreading Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Dayananda -- Seattle 9 October, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter and noted the contents. In reply, I may inform you that I have got very good appreciation for you and your good wife, Nandarani, as well as for Aniruddha. I can understand that Nandarani is little displeased with Aniruddha, but I think this is a family quarrel between brother and sister, and you may try to mitigate it. If it is not possible to mitigate, then I shall ask Aniruddha to leave and join the Sankirtana party, who are going very shortly in Los Angeles. I am sorry to learn that you have to remove for the present station, on account of displeasure of the landlord and the tenants. All right, Krishna will give us better opportunity. I am very pleased to learn that you have taken complete charge of the Los Angeles center, and do it very nicely, and if Aniruddha is a displeasure to Nandarani I will ask him to join the Sankirtana Party who are going there within 10 or 12 days. In the meantimes, if possible, you try to mitigate this misunderstanding of brother and sister.

Mr. Fugate in Florida has refused to accept Mahapurusa das Brahmacari who reached there yesterday. Most probably he will come back or he may go to Hawaii to join Gaurasundara there. In fact I wish that our students, husband and wife may take charge of each center, as you have taken charge with the Los Angeles center. I am trying to entrust the Hawaii center to Gaurasundara and his wife Govinda dasi, assisted by brahmacaris and other householders also, most probably Murari and Lilavati will go there. So we are trying to organize a nice center in Hawaii.

It may be I shall go with the Sankirtana Party to Los Angeles, and from Los Angeles to Hawaii, if I do not go to Europe where my going is not yet fixed up.

Letter to Dayananda -- Seattle 18 October, 1968:

My program is already above mentioned. Regarding the idea of Prasadam restaurant, I am advocating it since very beginning. If you can manage such Prasadam eating place and the temple at one place it will super-excellent. I shall personally assist you in this affair because I like this idea very much. Our chanting is medicine and our Prasadam is the diet for curing material disease. So I fully agree with your this scheme and you may accept the place as described in your letter dated 17th Oct: which I have just received.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 8 November, 1968:

The Grhastha disciples, just like Syamasundara., Mukunda, and Gurudasa, with their wives, are doing very nicely in London. Similarly Dayananda and his wife Nandarani are doing very nicely here. Similarly Satsvarupa and his wife Jadurani are doing very nice in Boston.

Letter to Yamuna, Mukunda, Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 8 November, 1968:

Regarding meeting Ravi Sankara or Mr. Harrison, Dayananda is trying his best to contact them, so also Nandarani is also trying, but so far there is no trace about them. I do not know how far this attempt will be successful.

Letter to Mukunda, Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 12 November, 1968:

I shall reply them separately. Dayananda has told me that Mr. George Harrison is interested to see me, and he is going to stay one week more, and so let us see what happens.

Letter to Mukunda -- Seattle 15 November, 1968:

So far Mr. George Harrison is concerned, he promised to call Dayananda, but he has not done so.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 24 November, 1968:

So this morning I got Dayananda's larger tape recorder and heard with great enjoyment your speech and kirtana.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Mrs. Hochner -- Los Angeles 13 January, 1969:

Here in Los Angeles also there is one married couple, Dayananda and Nandarani, and they also are doing very nicely in improving the temple here.

Letter to Tirtha Maharaja -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

14. Los Angeles ISKCON

1975 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, Calif.

President: Dayananda das Adhikari (Michael Wright)

Letter to Brahmananda, Hayagriva, Tamala Krsna, Umapati, Dayananda -- Hawaii 21 March, 1969:

Enclosed you will find the copy of a letter received by me from the draft board. Please read over it and decide what is to be done. You can consult together on this matter and get whatever information is required by them. And let me know in your next letter about the matter.

Hope this meets you in good health,

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

CC: New York, Los Angeles, New Vrindaban

P.S. I think I will have to reply to the Draft board by next week.

Letter to Dayananda -- Hawaii 23 March, 1969:

Regarding your letter asking me permission for taking prasadam comprising fruits, nuts, milk product and green leaf vegetables,—if the __ to your health for rendering service to Krishna with more energy, then you must take such Prasdam instead of cooked food. If required you can take raw cereals soaked in water overnight that is also good. The thing is you must accept such food as will keep you fit. Not more nor less that is the injunction of Lord Krishna in the B.G.

Letter to Manager of Equitable Savings and Loan Association -- Hawaii 26 March, 1969:

I beg to inform you also that my disciple and representative, Sriman Dayananda das Adhikari (Mr. Michael Wright), is a permanent resident of Los Angeles, so in case of need he will open my safety deposit box No. 361.

Letter to Dayananda -- Hawaii 26 March, 1969:

I am very much thankful for your nice appreciative letter of my activities in this country and my Krishna bless you for all the fine sentiments that you have by the grace of the Lord. Practically there is no credit for me, if there is any credit it goes to my Spiritual Master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, Who is helping me by sending so many good souls like you in this movement. Whatever is being done, it is due to His Divine Grace only. So my business is just to carry out His order. That is the way of disciplic succession; and as you have all come to help me, if you also follow the same principles then our combined effort to serve Lord Krishna will be surely successful. So far L.A. temple is concerned, both you and your good wife Nandarani, desired to see the temple affairs improve, which I understood from your past letters. And you took the risk of 400 or 500 dollars by renting the storefront in Hollywood Blvd. It was certainly very nice, and you were paying $350, but because you very sincerely desired to have a very very nice place, Krishna arranged in a different way. In the beginning we thought that we are losing a nice place, when the landlord wanted to kick out us, but now I can understand Krishna's desire was to give us a still better place, and so we have now got it. So it is not the place alone which is responsible for beautifying the temple; it is the devotees who are actually beautifying the temple. And as president you are in charge of the whole branch, so kindly try to maintain the present atmosphere, and try to improve it more and more, that is my request.

I am going to S.F. on the 31st of March, and Dindayal has already sent the necessary passage money to go there. Another thing, that consignment of 2500 TLC is coming very shortly to L.A., so when the consignment comes, you have to keep them in the temple in a secure place so that copies may not be stolen. When I was in L.A. it was reported that 10 books of Bhagavad-gita were stolen. So this is not very good. So I hope you will take proper care. In this connection, the copies of the letter which I have sent Brahmananda is enclosed within. Also I am enclosing herewith one copy of the letter addressed to the manager of Equitable Savings, Fairfax branch, so please see them conveniently and inquire what is to be done in this connection. Then on hearing from them what are the formalities, I shall send you the key of my safety deposit box which you will keep very carefully, and when need be you may open and take some papers as I may advise you.

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

Just yesterday morning I was thinking of you that I did not hear from Dayananda for so many days, and immediately I got your nice letter dated April 25, 1969. You are such a nice soul that you are always thinking of Krishna and becoming more and more purified in Krishna Consciousness. As stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, First Canto, Second Chapter, Twenty-Seventh Verse, Krishna is sitting in everyone's heart and He is purifying one who is Krishna Conscious. The symptoms of advancement in Krishna Consciousness is gradually feeling detached to materialistic way of life. Although you are young man, you have got your nice young wife and child, and by Krishna's Grace, everything is all right so far as your family is concerned, still you are feeling detached. That is very nice. But when your wife and child all are cooperating in your Krishna Consciousness, there is no hampering in your progress. So keep yourself always in Krishna Consciousness with your family members, raise your children to that standard, and employ your energy for serving Krishna. Then, even though you are in family life, you are as good as sannyasi.

You have not mentioned when you are returning to Los Angeles. The idea of New Dvaraka in Los Angeles is developing there, and Tamala Krishna has already informed Mr. Leo Brown, the real estate man, to find out a bigger place than the present one. So when you return you try to complete it. I thank you very much for your nice surrendering attitude by placing yourself at my disposal. Of course, I am using you already in the service of the Lord, and personally I cannot utilize your service. So whatever I demand from you, it is for Krishna's sake. Personally I am humble servant of Krishna as you are also, but I am deputed to accept your service just to transfer it to Krishna as via media. I shall try to do this service to you and Krishna throughout my life, and I am so proud to have such assistants as you are to help me in my mission to push on the Krishna Consciousness Movement. I do not know why I am attached to your country, but I strongly believe that if the American boys and girls would accept this philosophy, it would render the greatest service to the rest of the world. In Los Angeles, the situation is improving, and when you reach there it will be further accelerated.

One boy whom I have initiated last night, named Candanacharya, is enthusiastic to go to Florida for opening a center there. For the time being he has come from Montreal along with Hamsaduta. He proposes to begin a temple in Palm Beach. He is a very enthusiastic musician and appears to be very nice boy.

Regarding your questions, the swami order is certainly introduced by Sankaracarya, because almost all sannyasis of impersonal philosophy take this name, Swami. But the Swami title offered to me is equivalent to Goswami. 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.

I shall be glad to receive your letters at least once in a week.

Letter to Dayananda -- Columbus, Ohio 13 May, 1969:

I am very glad to have received your letter post-dated May 8th, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. There is a Bengali proverb that it is not wise to pick up quarrel with a crocodile while living in the jurisdiction of the water. Therefore we may agree to the desire of Mr. Spellman to keep peace with him so that in the future if required we may increase the term of lease. But as we are increasing in volume ourselves, it is better to find out a suitable place. We require nice compound around our temple. This will facilitate our work. So as soon as you find a suitable place through Mr. Leo Brown or any other Realtor, I shall return to Los Angeles. For the time being, I shall stay in New Vrindaban, and if I am not called for a London visit, surely I will return to Los Angeles as soon as possible, the latest by the end of June. One thing is though, I am wondering if in July it is very hot in Los Angeles. Please inform me on this point. I am enclosing the papers you sent to me, and you can hand them over to Mr. Spellman without any further delay.

Letter to Nandarani -- New Vrindaban 23 May, 1969:

Regarding my residence, I have already decided that Los Angeles will be suitable, at least for eight months of the year, I do not know how the heat is during June and July though. I have inquired about this from Dayananda also.

Letter to Dayananda -- New Vrindaban 1 June, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated May 25, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. If a new temple site in Los Angeles is absolutely required to be moved in a bigger place, that should be your first business. For my place you may find a place near the temple, and it should be independent of any other tenants. It may be a small cottage, but it should be independent with a little compound surrounding. That will be very nice. I think there are many small cottages near the place, Hayworth Avenue. When I was walking on Oakwood Avenue there were many places there. I remember one at the junction of Oakwood and Harper. So this place, or a similar independent place, never mind how small, will be very convenient for me. I have already written to Tamala Krishna that if I am not invited to London during the month of June, then sometimes in July early I shall go to San Francisco to see the Rathayatra Festival there, and then I will come down to Los Angeles. But I have decided that I shall spend four months in New Vrindaban and eight months in Los Angeles. That will be my regular program.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 28 September, 1969:

I am glad that Dayananda has gone to electrify the press nicely, and things are going on smoothly there.

Letter to Nandarani -- Tittenhurst 30 September, 1969:

So I am sure your children under the care of both you and Dayananda surely have salvation in this life, along with their parents, and they will not have to come back in this miserable condition of material life.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Tittenhurst 15 October, 1969:

P.S. Ask Dayananda to write me. He is so nice boy and I want to hear from him. Recently I got one letter from Nandarani. She is so nice as her husband.

Letter to Dayananda -- London 13 November, 1969:

I thank you very much for your kind letter dated October 27, 1969. Tamala Krishna has arrived here, and he was describing about your nice daughter, Candramukhi, how she is chanting Cintamani nicely. So both you and your wife are doing nice service to Krishna, and He has sent you a nice daughter. Be happy with your good family. Narottama das Thakura has sung in his song that anyone who is merged into the ocean of Lord Caitanya's Krishna Consciousness Movement, never mind what he is—either householder or in the renounced order of life, Srila Narottama das Thakura hankers after his association. I have heard from Tamala Krishna that you have done wonderful work very quickly in electrical installations in Boston. So wherever you go and wherever you remain you have dedicated your life to Krishna's service. That is the success of life. Now in the absence of Tamala Krishna you will have to see the management of the Los Angeles temple goes nicely. By the Grace of Krishna, now you have no financial problem, but only you have to see that things are properly managed and nothing is misused. Gargamuni is there and Stoka Krishna is there. So I hope things will go on very smoothly. We should always be careful that we are serving Krishna, and we shall do nothing which may displease Him. Than our life is successful. According to Srimad-Bhagavatam, our life, our wealth, our intelligence, and our speech should all be engaged in Krishna's service, and that is the criterion of perfection in human life.

Yesterday I have sent one bill of lading and an invoice from Bina Musical Stores in Delhi. When they are cleared from the dock, please let me know how you have received things in order.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 15 December, 1969:

I am so glad that Dayananda is doing everything so nicely. He is intelligent, responsible boy, and whatever you do conjointly, it has my approval. You may note it. But always remember that Nandarani is also a very nice devotee girl, and their whole family is coming out nice; so you should see always that they are not in inconvenience in any way. Because he is family man, he should have some special consideration. A brahmacari can tolerate any inconvenience, but women and children cannot. They will have difficulty.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 22 April, 1970:

Have you got any information of the Prahlada pictures?* Purusottam got them here last year when I was living at Hayworth Avenue. I thought that the pictures were left here, but Dayananda has no information and nobody can tell where they are.

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 19 September, 1970:

It is very good news that library distribution is going on nicely, and I am very much pleased that Dayananda is helping you. I know he is a very sincere devotee.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Nandarani -- Allahabad 16 January, 1971:

I am always thinking of you and your husband Dayananda and have not heard from either of you in such a long time. You can ask Dayananda Prabhu to write me also.

Letter to Dayananda -- Calcutta 8 February, 1971:

I am very much pleased to receive your letter dated 27th January, 1971. I have been thinking of you and not having heard anything from you in such a long time, so I'm very much pleased with your letter. Recently Nandarani wrote me a letter and I have replied that.

I understand that both Nandarani and yourself are advancing in Krishna Consciousness and that is a great solace for me. We require many boys and girls like you to spread this movement. Please do it carefully and help others to become Krishna Conscious. I'm sure that Karandhara and your good self, assisted by the others are doing well in that center. I shall soon be returning and shall be glad to see how things have improved much during my absence.

Also I am very pleased to know that the Deity thrones are now in hand. I have already dispatched big Deities like the ones in London, given by Mr. Birla. I hope by this time you might have received shipping documents and on receipt of this you do the needful. As soon as the Deities are received, you should prepare very nice gorgeous sets of clothes for the Deity.

Now the most important point is to recruit life members as many as possible. Please let me know how many you have made. The money received of the life membership fees should be divided into two: 50% for building fund and 50% for my book fund. By distributing of our books and literatures through this program of life membership, our institution can become greater and greater all over the world.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 18 March, 1971:

It is very nice that Dayananda has taken most of the management of L.A. Temple. He will be more active now and his intelligent wife should also assist him, at least in secretarial work.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 20 March, 1971:

It is not a very important meeting, so you can send one Sankirtana Party there. You and Dayananda can speak something also. But by that time I may be in Los Angeles.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 9 April, 1971:

If sometimes you go out, leaving all management to Dayananda, that is all right, but your permanent center should be L.A.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 8 June, 1971:

So all the important men have come here already to India. So for Dayananda and family coming here, that is all right, but the incense department may not suffer in his absence.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 8 June, 1971:

We require at least 100 of our American boys to make propaganda all over India. So Dayananda may come as the leader of another 50 or 60 men.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 11 June, 1971:

Recently I have asked Karandhara to send another 50 to 60 men here, under the leadership of Dayananda. So we want to keep at least 100 men here in India for preaching. The people are appreciating our movement, so there is great potential.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 17 June, 1971:

So far as more men coming here, I have asked that Dayananda, who is desiring to come to India, lead a party of 50 to 60 men to come to India for increasing our propaganda work. So when I go there, I shall arrange for them to come. But what about their visas?

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

Those who have deserted this movement are not the example. So why are you citing them as example? There are so many devotees like Dayananda, Syamasundara., Hayagriva and others who are living with their wife and children very peacefully. There are so many.

Letter to Giriraja -- London 12 August, 1971:

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

Letter to Gurudasa -- London 27 August, 1971:

So far London temple is concerned, things are going on here very nicely under the supervision of Dayananda Prabhu who is appointed treasurer and Tribhuvanatha as president.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Nairobi 26 September, 1971:

Rsi Kumar's idea to purchase a bus is a good idea, but who is going to sponsor it? It requires some expert management. You can correspond with Dayananda in London and see if it is feasible.

Letter to Sudama -- Nairobi 3 October, 1971:

The procedure followed was: If you want to base the registration on the London constitution, you should write to London to get an original certified copy of the articles of association and articles of memorandum. You can write Dayananda in this regards.

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani -- Nairobi 13 October, 1971:

Please accept my blessings and offer the same to your children Candramukhi and Vilasani. I am in due receipt of your letters dated 7th October, and I am so glad to receive them. I am so pleased to see that you both have taken very seriously to improve the conditions of our London temple. Our London center is very important and it is already known all over Europe and what to speak of England. So try to develop this center to the best of your capacity. I am sure that now London temple is in the right hands. Both of you, husband and wife, attempted to improve the L.A. temple and Dayananda took so much risk to maintain it. I remember all these things. Now our L.A. temple has come to a very prominent position. So far I know Karandhara is managing it nicely and you have got sufficient experience as president of L.A. temple. Now you are president of London Temple, so please just try to raise it to the L.A. standard.

So far the roofless church, it is lying unused for so many years. Why not approach the authorities to give it to us as donation for this great cause, or else for a nominal lease-rent for 99 years? Then we can repair this church very nicely. I have seen it but still if you will kindly send me specifics of the land area, the inside area of the church and other particulars, then I can give you some suggestions. I think there is some spare land also surrounding the church. So all details may be supplied. But I think if we replace the roof and make necessary arrangements for living quarters it will be very nice. But so far the neighborhood is concerned, I am not very much optimistic. So you have to study the neighborhood also whether people will come to our church.

Out of all the churches that I saw during my stay in London, I found the old Paddington church very nice. Why not negotiate with this property? What is the difficulty? I like that church very much. It is quite suitable for London temple. But as soon as we get a nice church it will not be difficult to raise the money for that purpose. When George came to our L.A. temple he remarked—why not a nice temple in London like this one?

So you try to find out a nice church, preferably the Paddington one, and I think there will be no difficulty in raising the necessary funds. Our book sales are increasing. If we attempt to do something the Indian community also will contribute. George will also contribute. So try to find out the best one. Krishna will help you.

So far the accounts are concerned, it is a very important item. I am so glad to learn that you are taking assistance from a chartered accountant. We are a registered limited establishment. Accounts must be submitted yearly to the companies registrar. Then there will be no

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Letter to Dayananda -- Delhi 5 December, 1971:

I have received your letter of 27th November, 1971, and I am very encouraged that you are attempting for such a nice place. That is the way. If we try for the very best for Krishna, then we make rapid advancement in Krishna Consciousness. But not that we become foolhardy. No, discretion is the better part of valor, so if we keep a cool head then we can try for such big big things and meet with all success. This business of purchasing church is meant for GBC to decide, but for my part it appears advantageous for us. But one thing, where is parking? Without parking it is useless. If you think it is possible, you may try for this church, I have no objection. But are you certain we may raise such big amount of money? Now you consult with Syamasundara. and see what can be done. Another thing: What happened to your plans for getting land in Regent's Park? If you can get some nice plot from the Queen for our Temple, we can build according to our own plan, that is the best plan. If it is true they have given a plot for some mosque, why they cannot give for a temple for worshiping in the genuine Indian or Vedic way?

I am very pleased that everything is progressing nicely in London under your supervision. I want that my London center remain very strong for preaching this Indian cult to the Britishers. Let them appreciate that after so many thousands of years this Vedic culture is still strong and effective, and that it can practically solve all the problems of material existence. Empires come and go, so many huge empires and lands and properties—all vanished, just like the British Empire. Now we are offering the real solution, so present them our philosophy nicely and they are very intelligent people, they will understand and appreciate. By becoming Krishna Conscious, no more need for wasting time by acquiring this or that to expand our economy. Every Krishna Conscious man should know it for certain that this material world simply has no use for us. Now there is war here between India and Pakistan; tomorrow there may be war somewhere else. With every step there is danger and so many anxieties. No gentleman should want to live here in this material world. So preach to the Britishers very strongly in this way. You have got good opportunity for preaching there, and I am encouraged by so many people I meet here in India who have visited our London Temple and we are very impressed that we are teaching pure Krishna Consciousness and that we are having good success.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 28 December, 1971:

I have heard from Dayananda that he has requested you to return to London to help him in getting that huge church in the most important quarter of the most important city in the world. I am so much enthusiastic to get that place, that I may go there very soon also and go door-to-door to raise some money.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 28 December, 1971:

Even they do not allow, Dayananda is confident we can raise the money in England, because George and his friends are offering to help very enthusiastically. So I think that if you are free, and if it suits you, you may go there to help him.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Kulasekhara -- Bombay 10 January, 1972:

I have heard that in San Francisco they are selling daily not less than 75 Krsna Books. So I am very much encouraged to hear this. Now take this spirit of transcendental rivalry and consult with Dayananda and the others there in England to be the first-rate book-sellers.

Letter to Aksaya -- Bombay 16 January, 1972:

Hold a fire yajna and your president, Dhananjaya, can give you Gayatri mantra. Hamsaduta and Dayananda have copies of tapes of me reciting Gayatri mantra, so you can get it from one of them.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Calcutta 24 February, 1972:

Also, Syamasundara. is writing to Dayananda to send you books, whatever they can, from London, and they can send some men to help also if you require.

Letter to Nandarani -- Mayapur 27 February, 1972:

I am always remembering with pleasure you and your good husband Dayananda, and how you have been with me practically since the first and how you are serving Krishna so sincerely and making such nice progress in Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Sydney 2 April, 1972:

On the whole, it is so nice that I am suggesting Dayananda that he supply you and Krishna das with information, how you may purchase such busses in London and drive them all over European continent, and these "Hare Krishna Movement" busses will make us famous all over the world.

Letter to Revatinandana -- Sydney 2 April, 1972:

I think your idea to canvass the youth groups and colleges in England is good proposal, so do it nicely in cooperation with Dayananda and the others there, and I am sending Kesava there to England soon to organize the book-distribution and travelling Sankirtana Party, so you know him, now you help him very seriously to increase these two programs, because I think especially that England is the best field in the world for distributing our books, as good or better than USA, so I want that you all should be very active to increase the scope there.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tokyo 24 April, 1972:

If it is possible to make the London Rathayatra more gorgeous by your all going, than do it. Cooperate with Dayananda. Last year in San Francisco, there were three chariots, and it was very successful, so you can do the same there. I may come also, if Lord Jagannatha attracts me.

Letter to Dayananda -- 26 April, 1972 Tokyo:

letter dated April 16, 1972, and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. Yes, I am hoping that Lord Jagannatha may attract me to come to London this year. I shall be very glad to come there if He displays His opulence from that side so that I may be attracted by Him. Actually, I have just received invitation today from Harivilas prabhu inviting me to come to one Hare Krsna Festival in Paris around that time also, so I am considering very seriously. Especially if there is good prospect for getting that church at Oval Cricket Ground. I want that you should get that place immediately. You may get books, as many as possible, from Karandhar, at cost price and sell them profusely for as much price as you like and all profits above cost price you may use to buy the church. That is my plan. And when I come there I shall appeal to the Hindi community personally to help us buy this church. Now I am sending Kesava there to help you organize widespread distribution of books and traveling SKP, and he may stay for two months minimum, or at least until I leave there.

You may begin advertising that I will be there, and I shall speak to the Hindus at the Hindu Community Center on that night and make appeal to them to help us buy this church.

Mr. Sarna's daughters may be initiated. That is a good plan of Mr. Arnold to make a member's guild, just like I have made the life member program in India. This is the process of peaceful penetration. So far Pat Fitzgerald is concerned, try very hard to convince him of our philosophy and always be very nice to him and don't let the relationship dwindle in any way, and he may write to me if he likes. I shall be glad to hear what are his thoughts on Buddhist philosophy.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Honolulu 11 May, 1972:

I think Dayananda can send you copy of tape of me reciting Gayatri mantra, and this can be heard through the right ear by earphones during the yajna.

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

I am in due receipt of your letter undated and your telegram from London dated May 16, 1972. I shall be very glad to see Lord Jagannatha dancing in His new dress when I come to London sometime in July. So you can immediately fix up a date for my coming there, along with my three assistants and you can send return airline tickets. It is certainly a great tragedy that there are no books in London Center so Kesava was not able to display his great talent for distributing them. But I have heard from him that you are all very enthusiastic to distribute books so when I come there I shall give you some hints how to do it. One thing is, when I come there I do not like to stay in any hotel. I shall stay in my room above the temple on the first floor.

I have just heard from Malati that our Digvijaya and Pritha devi are presently staying with the devotees in Vrindaban in India. So we must take every precaution to prevent our devotees from slackening and falling away. This is done by observing that they are always chanting 16 rounds and observing the regulative principles. If these things are neglected, then they will fall down. It is not good if small numbers of devotees open a center and then fall away. Association of devotees is the most important thing. So I think in the future at least 10 or 12 men must open a center. But you have done the right thing to concentrate our forces on travelling sankirtana.

I am very much encouraged that you are trying for that temple and that you have paid 1000 pounds into the temple fund. But if the temple costs between 200,000 and 500,000 pounds then 1000 pounds is not a very big sum, so how you will raise so much money? Another thing, I have heard that Revatinandana wants to return to USA but I do not see any need that he should return. It is simply sentimental feeling. You report that he is doing very nicely by speaking at colleges and schools so let him continue in that way. He may take as many assistants as he requires and very strongly preach this philosophy to the student class of men. That is the greatest service. But if we allow ourselves to wander here and there without any fixed-up program that is not good. So at least let him remain there until I come and then we shall discuss further.

I have seen your wife Nandarani dasi here in Los Angeles and she is doing very well. I want that she shall help me improve the conditions at our Dallas school by going there and teaching the children. If children are allowed to play just like Krishna was playing with his cowherd boyfriends, then little ABC, then see the deity and have arati, then take little prasadam; in this way if they are always diversified, they will be always jolly and become fixed-up devotees at young age. And small children, they learn better these things from their mother and women in general. So I thing that some mothers of our children should go to Dallas and take charge of teaching the children, especially how to play nicely the pastimes of young Krishna. If you ask one child to be a tree, he will immediately hold out his arms "Just see I am a tree." If you ask him to be a cow he will walk on his hands and knees immediately and you can hit him with a stick and say "hut, hut." And if they will not take prasadam you can say "Now you are a cow and you must eat the grass" and immediately they will stand on hands and legs and eat prasadam like cow eating grass. So in this way our children in Dallas school should be trained because I want that a new generation of devotees shall carry on this great mission successfully.

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

Regarding your request to take sannyasa order of life, we shall see to that when I come there.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Los Angeles 28 May, 1972:

One thing, as you have got no tape of me reciting Gayatri Mantra, you may ask Dayananda in London or Rupanuga in New York to send you one.

Letter to Dayananda -- New York 7 July, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated June 26, 1972, and July 4, 1972, and I have noted the contents very carefully. Now my advice is this, that you take your family to San Francisco and become the President there, because Kesava wants to change, and I think he has liked it in London very much, so he may come here immediately while I am here and help me to get one very nice temple here. What do you think of this proposal?

Yes, reading my books will help you, philosophy must be there, but if you do not also apply the philosophy by participating in all temple affairs like rising early, attending mangal arati, performing devotional service, then simply learning the philosophy will have no effect. Therefore, my suggestion is that you should take charge of the San Francisco affairs, which are already in good order, and live nicely with your family in Krishna Consciousness, because you have got tendency to manage and also good experience and ability.

Hoping this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sda

cc: Kesava das/SF

Letter to Karandhara -- London 14 July, 1972:

So far Dayananda, I have no objection if the grhasthas live outside and earn money, but I do not want them to leave. The strict temple procedure is only for those who live in the temple. Grhasthas should live outside, and they cannot follow strictly everything, but why they should give up altogether their devotional procedures? So many big stalwart devotees are leaving, why is this? Advaita, Uddhava, Krsna das, and now our Dayananda and Nandarani. I have sent them each one letter, so if you find them, you may deliver them my letters. This is not at all good if our big devotees fall down so easily and go away. Try to save them.

Letter to Karandhara -- London 19 July, 1972:

As for Dayananda, I am enclosing the letter to him, so you may kindly forward to him.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani -- Calcutta 27 January, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of each of your letters dated December 27 and December 28, 1973, respectively, and I have noted the contents carefully.

I am in favor of whatever will push on this Krsna Consciousness movement throughout the world. So if you both wish to serve at Gurukula, if Karandhara and Satsvarupa and Mohanananda all agree then certainly you should go there. You have already proven your ability in this field by raising two nice Krsna Conscious children. So if you can help now to raise hundreds and thousands of children in Krsna Consciousness, that will be the greatest service to Krsna and certainly you shall both go back to home, back to Godhead, by doing this. But before any new service, be certain that your absence shall not cause any harm to our Los Angeles Temple. After all it is you who first worked so hard in the beginning and should see in the future how it would expand. So first speak with Karandhara and take his approval.

Gurukula is our most important project. If the children are given a Krsna Conscious education from early childhood then there is great hope for the future of the world. I have already given instruction on how the teaching should be conducted there, and this you can learn from Satsvarupa, Mohanananda, and the other senior teachers. Whatever service we do, our enthusiasm must always be kept strong. So Krsna is giving you guidance from within. So if you go to Gurukula, try to help develop things there and make it the model educational institution in the world.

Letter to Carol -- West Bengal June 17, 1973:

Yes, you should always feel yourself most fortunate and glad that you are in the Krsna Consciousness movement where you can learn sanskrit and English from such nice Krsna Conscious teachers as Dayananda and Dinatarine, and not be learning-as in the public schools-how to cheat and eat meat etc.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

Yes, Dayananda is correct. When the boys and girls become ten or twelve years and above, then should be separated. At that time special care should be taken, because once they become a victim of sex their whole life becomes spoiled.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 16 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 8, 1973 and have noted the contents. Regarding the older boys, they can do gardening engagement and other brahmacari engagements, study and manual work. And, as soon as they can read Sanskrit and English, they should read our books, such as Bhagavad-gita As It Is. By cleansing the temple and growing flowers their attention in this way be always in Krsna consciousness. That will save them from the clutches of maya.

kaumara acaret prajno dharman bhagavatan iha
durlabham manusam janma tad apy adhruvam arthadam
(SB 7.6.1)

"From the very beginning of childhood one should learn how to behave and practice Krsna consciousness, because this human form of life is very rare. . Although it is also perishable, it can give us the greatest boon; therefore we shall utilize this body from the very beginning of life."

Regarding your separating from Nandarani, nothing should be done artificially. Nandarani is not different from you. She also seeks Krsna consciousness. Your household life is not repugnant; it is favorable. . Do not separate artificially. When everyone is engaged in Krsna's service, there is no question of maya. I have got good estimation about Nandarani.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- New Delhi 2 November, 1973:

Mohanananda is advised to act as acting president. If you have no objection, he may stay for at least three months. I hope that there will be no inconvenience and that Dayananda will be able to look after his affairs.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Dayananda -- Los Angeles 7 January, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 30, 1974, and I have carefully examined the contents.

On your recommendation, I am glad to accept the following devotees as my disciples, and their spiritual names are as follows:

Geoffrey Simpson—Jyotir das

Shawn Kennedy—Stavya das

Kenneth Grenham—Kedaranatha

Nancy Grenham—Kama-nagari

You may send their beads to Kirtanananda Maharaja to be chanted on. Please impress upon these students that they must now chant at least 16 rounds daily without fail, and strictly observe the regulative principles. If they follow these things their spiritual advancement will be very swift. You may hold a fire yajna for the initiates.

I have accepted the devotees whose names you have sent me for second initiation, Aksobhya das, Jnanagamya das, Carucandra das, Rathangapani das, Krsna Kumari dasi and Bisa Laksi dasi. I am enclosing 4 sacred threads chanted on by me, and 6 copies of the gayatri mantra. Have them hear the mantra on the tape through their right ear, and instruct them carefully on Brahminical life.

I am always thinking of and appreciating the important work you are all doing there in our Krsna Conscious Gurukula. Please keep steadfast in the program as I have instructed.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 24 March, 1974:

I have received you written note of 3/8/74 with names for initiation. I have accepted the devotees named by you as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows

Sherry—Syamalangi devi

Debbie—Dyuti devi

Gary—Giri dasa

It is very pleasing to me to accept also some of our older Gurukula students who you have recommended as ready for initiation. Ekendra das Brahmacari and Dvarakadhisa dasa Brahmacari have already been given their spiritual names by me. Catton—Katyayana das Brahmacari, and Lisa—Manisa devi, are also now initiated devotees. All initiated devotees must chant at least 16 rounds daily, without fail. Now that they are initiated there is no question of not doing their rounds. You may hold a fire yajna and Jagadisa Prabhu may chant on their beads. In court when a person swears to tell the truth he can be punished by perjury if he does not take it seriously and tells a lie, so those who will promise before the deity to follow the rules and regulations of initiated disciples will be punished if they fail to do so. I am certain, however, that under your able guidance all the boys and girls are enthusiastic in their duties for Krsna.

I have received your recommendation for second initiation for Ram Gopala and Baladeva. das Brahmacaris. I am enclosing sacred thread for them as well as gayatri. Have them hear the tape of me chanting gayatri through the right ear. I will be pleased to hear your latest reports from Gurukula.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 11 April, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 29, 1974 and I have noted the contents.

It is extremely assuring to me to hear that Gurukula is doing nicely. The importance of the school in Dallas cannot be overestimated, both for our ISKCON movement, and for the outsiders as well, indeed it is important for the whole world. I was discussing this point in my lecture last night here in Bombay, that human life means tapasya, and tapasya must begin with brahmacaryena, life at Gurukula. The boy is supposed to lie down on the floor, collect alms for the spiritual master—not that they are trying very hard to make a comfortable material arrangement. But the result is that although in this age everyone is born a sudra, we are producing first class brahmanas who can actually do good for their fellow man.

I think also that you are the right man to be in charge of our school. It is especially nice to hear that the boys are becoming first class preachers; that is especially needed. Without preaching, our institution becomes all rubbish. So it is very good they are becoming good preachers. So along with Jagadisa you investigate the practical aspects of expanding by purchasing new buildings. Expand, develop and make it a unique institution.

As for Canakya sloka, I think the best thing is if I translate it myself and send it to you for printing, rather than wait for Pradyumna.

Please go on developing nicely. When I come to the U.S. next time I would like to go to Gurukula and stay there for some time.

Letter to Dayananda -- Vrindaban 8 August, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 10, 1974 and have noted the contents. Regarding the candidates for first initiation, I have initiated them as follows:

Gary Dallman—Gambhira

Mike Mitchell—Mahavaraha

Butch Eichelburger—Bhusaya

Hector Veriell—Hemanga

Christina Kennedy—Krsna devi dasi

Please see to it that they follow strictly the rules and regulations as I have given you.

Regarding the second initiations, I am especially concerned that the second initiations not be taken cheaply. Brahmins are expected to rise early in the morning and follow strictly all the devotional practices. So I am enclosing the sanctified sacred threads and mantra sheets for Niragadev das, Paratpara das, Rajarshi das, Nirnasa das, and also a sheet for Vrajaraja devi dasi. So hold a fire yajna and impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and Vaisnavas. Everyone must always chant 16 rounds and follow the four regulative principles.

Letter to Jayadvaita -- Vrindaban 14 September, 1974:

I have also seen the article by Brahmananda Swami and it has been returned to you with Dayananda together with corrections.

Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 1 November, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letters dated September 27, 1974; nil; and October 15, 1974. I understand that due to financial needs you are doing Sankirtana party in order to raise funds. Regarding the solution to your getting the necessary funds as well as your request for men to lead the Sankirtana, this must be decided by the GBC and not myself. If they cannot solve this problem, then what is the meaning of GBC? They must arrange it for you to receive the necessary funds so that you do not have to be asking me for money. This is what I want. So you consult with them, and inform me the result.

Regarding your recommendations for initiations, I accept the following as my disciples and their names are: Mike Pugh—Mayesa dasa; Beverly Pugh—Vaisnavapriya devi dasi; Raymond Crowe—Rajendranandana dasa; Jan Crowe—Lokahita devi dasi; Joe Torres (Joseph Terrones—ed.)—Jyotirmaya dasa; Raymond Kennedy—Ramadeva dasa; Dennis Winiker—Dhanurdhara dasa. I also accept for second initiation Subandhu dasa and Jayasri devi dasi, the sancitified thread and mantra sheets are enclosed.

Letter to Jagadisa, Jayatirtha -- Bombay 15 November, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 1, 1974 and have noted the contents. So for maintaining the Gurukula at least the cost price for the books must be paid. Gurukula can take the profit for its maintenance. BBT cannot pay for maintenance of the temples. BBT can only pay for printing and temple properties and construction.

Why are the Spiritual Sky accounts being serviced by Los Angeles rather than by the Dallas devotees?

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Dayananda -- Honolulu 2 February, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Jan. 17, 1975 and have noted the contents. Your study aids that you are using to help the children learn the meaning of Bhagavad-gita slokas fully seem to be alright. The thing is, you must see that the meaning of the verse is in no way altered or changed. 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.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. Sacred thread and mantra sheet enclosed.

Letter to Nandarani -- Vrindaban 17 April, 1975:

Your going away, I did not take very seriously. I am very glad that you have come back. You should remain with Dayananda. That is your duty. He is a very good boy. So, please remain always fixed in devotional service and live peacefully.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Dallas 29 July, 1975:

I saw many nice churches when I was there with Dayananda. He has much information about them, but he does not remember. If required he can go there for one month and find out some church and negotiate.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Gurukula Devotees -- Mayapur 4 March, 1976:

I have requested that Dayananda go to take complete charge of Gurukula, so you all please cooperate with him. I do not wish that the Gurukula should be closed. Please work combinedly and endeavour with great determination to keep it going on nicely

Page Title:Training of Dayananda dasa (Letters, 1967 - 1976)
Compiler:Alakananda
Created:01 of Jun, 2010
Totals by Section:BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=99
No. of Quotes:99