Training of Gargamuni dasa (Letters, 1972 - 1976)

Correspondence

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 1 January, 1972:

Yes, take the Doc Bungalow property. As soon as you get it we will begin construction immediately. We should prefer to construct our institution by Mayor's gift land. So work very fervently to get it. I think you are very expert. But if you need someone to help you I can send someone. But I think you are very strong.

We can take Radha Damodara as hopeless, but the two rooms should be maintained as my right. For the time being make Vrindaban your headquarters. Maintain Radha Damodara Temple two rooms and verandah. Don't fight with Gauracandra.* Offer respects to Radha Damodara. Every day go and see that my rooms are kept nicely. We require Radha Damodara and Brahma Kunda rooms, because if we do something gorgeous some of our men must live there and oversee the work.

Whatever letter you send I immediately reply. But whether you have received my telegram and letter telling you to go to Agra. We have received one letter from Cox and Kings who are very big tourist guides and they have asked that they would like our Society to help them in meeting the increasing demand of tourists to India who come to India for spiritual and religious reasons. So Agra is a very big tourist center. There is one man Mr. Bansal, you may remember that he came to Delhi and Vrindaban trying to arrange for a pandal program in Agra. He has one house in mind which he says will be very suitable for our needs. So I want you to go to Agra immediately to see this house and give me your report. If your report is favorable we can purchase that house. You may also see the Maharaja of Bharatapur and try and convince him to give us the house. Mr. Banasal or his manager are expecting you and they will take you to see the house and the maharaj. Mr. L. D. Bansal, Bansal Building, Subhash Bazar, Agra-3. So as soon as you see this house report to me what is your opinions. I think if it is possible you should get a Post Office Box or if that is not possible then make a letter box. Then we will be sure to receive all mail properly.

Eat sufficient vegetables, little milk, curd and ___ Don't overload. And not much rice. That kind of diet will ___ you healthy.

I hope this letter finds you well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

*Pay him Rs 5/- per month and take a receipt always

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 5 January, 1972:

Regarding the Agra house, I thought it was nice and I therefore requested you to go and see it. But from your report that house appears useless. So we can stop the idea of purchasing a house in Agra. So immediately get land in Vrindaban and make a nice Temple. I will be going to Jaipur for our program which begins the 15th January and lasts through the 23rd January. So when I am there you may both come for two or three days.

So far the Radha Damodara Temple, they have occupied the verandah illegally. So we must have the entrance to the verandah. So I am trying to take some action in this matter and the result I shall let you know in a few days. So far Gauracand Goswami, don't bother him. Simply go and come and see that no interruption on my rooms is made. Very soon we shall take steps against Madan Mohan Goswami who has usurped my verandah and entrance. Most likely you will have to fight a case against him with the District Magistrate of Mathura.

I hope this meets you both well.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS:tkd

N.B. I have received one letter from the __ Ksirodakasayi Prabhu, agreeing to give __

Letter to Gargamuni, Subala -- Bombay 8 February, 1972:

I am just coming from Africa. I have heard about your Ram Krishna Mission asrama, so you can request them that we are going to make an asrama, and it was meant for an asrama so why not let us use this asrama without any charges. Or, allow us to develop it on some nominal lease contract. For the time being, lease terms or renting is better, and if the place becomes suitable for us, then let them give us the option to buy, then we can consider to buy later.

Regarding this letter from Gauracandra Goswami, the original position is that these two rooms and the entrance veranda were in very dilapidated condition. So with the agreement of the two sevaites, Gauracandra Goswami and N. Banerjee, I took formal possession of these rooms after installing electricity and making considerable repairs, spending more than Rs. 500/- since 1959, and I was paying at the rate of Rs. 5/- per month; then I went to U.S.A. in 1965, and from there I advised the bank to pay him at the rate of Rs. 5/- per month; and then when I came back in 1967, I took a receipt from him for the two years of payment or Rs. 120/-, and he gave me receipt signed as "sevaite." So I am a regular tenant of these two rooms, and they have taken advance money so many times, and at the present moment they owe me Rs. 725/-. Now in his letter dated 25-1-72 he denies this and he is asking Rs. 160/- as due to him, and he says "donation owed" by me. So he is making some blackmail against me, therefore we have to bring this matter to the rent court or magistrate in Mathura. You must consult whether ___ this matter to the rent court or to the magistrate. One __ the other, we must take the court's decision in this matter otherwise they will go on blackmailing like this. A full set ___ graphic copies of the Radha-Damodara documents is being ___ by Yadubara, and he will send them to you in one or two ___ you will have to take this matter to the court, by filing ___ there will be three defendants: (1) Gauracandra Goswami, (2) N. Banerjee, and (3) Madhanmohan Goswami. The first two ___ money, and the last one served notice to vacate. We ___ call them to court and the court will decide my position. ___ also sue for damages for occupying my entrance veranda illegally.

My position is strong: He has given me a stamped receipt ___ giving me in exchange for money rooms "in his use." What else is that but rent? Then they gave notice as if I am illegally there. This case has to be presented very nicely: I have got a sentiment, I have got no shortage of places to live—85 branches around the world—but because it is Rupa Goswami's place and I want to do some service, therefore I want to keep these rooms, present it like that. One man says rent, one says donation—it is becoming so complicated ____ it up, and I ____ this case into you __ __.

Today I have __ agreement for a large 20,000 __ in Juhu, a very wealthy and beautiful suburb of Bombay, and I have paid check Rs. 50,000/- as earnest money. I shall have to pay another Rs. 1 1/2 lakhs 30 days after completion of the conveyance deed. That I have got. The total balance due will be 12 lakhs, to be paid in 4 years time, at 3 lakhs per annum. Your big brother, Brahmananda, has assured me he will come here and take full charge to make this the first ISKCON City, and immediately we shall raise up a grand Temple and form a cooperative housing society of devotees of Krishna, and many respectable men will purchase flats in our skyscraper building. I want that you will assist your brother in this great project, along with Madhudvisa and others, but we shall plan everything out nicely when we meet in Mayapur later this month, at least by the 22nd. So in that case I think you should work with Ksirodakasayi in this court-case matter, so in your absence he may take charge of it nicely.

So far the iron gates, let us wait until the court decides in my favor before investing so much. Meanwhile, secure the doors with very strong locks.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Madras 15 February, 1972:

I have just now received your letter, and I thank you very much for understanding our philosophy correctly. Yes, if one is always engaged in following the orders of the Spiritual Master, even in hell, that is Vaikuntha or Vrindaban. Now I think immediately you should go to Bombay to take charge of one matter while I am away at Mayapur. During our absence, the vacant plot which we have purchased must be levelled, cleared, and at least four latrines constructed, in preparation for the pandal festival which we are holding there throughout month of March. I will be coming back to Bombay about the first of March to ___ once in the morning and once in the evening, and we shall ___ camp there, so that people may be attracted and some ____ may be raised. Now there is one very good boy, Mahamsa ____ who is now in charge of things in Bombay, and he has ____ experience and is perfectly qualified to manage every ____ he is there now. But since he has not got opportunity ___ bay for more than one year, because he has always ____ behind to look after things, therefore Madhudvisa ____ he can come to Mayapur. It will be good if he can ____ So you please go there and take instruction from him ____ regard to levelling the vacant plot and constructing ___ see what progress he has made. He was supposed to have ___ use of hiring coolies to level by hand, but it is doubt ___ can be done very nicely, so if you think it is better, you ___ one machine for levelling the whole thing in one day, and ___ have several Life Members in Bombay who are having such machine ___ building business. Now do everything nicely, also hold our regular ___ kirtana and arati programs daily in the temple, and I shall completely trust this important business to you. I think Madri dasi and Tungabhadra dasi are also there for attending the deities. You write that you have no money, so I have instructed Mahamsa to send you the fare money, and as soon as you receive that you may go there immediately.

Now I have just received a cable from Ksirodakasayi Prabhu that Mr. Saraf has given us the land. We shall gladly accept the offer, so kindly inform Ksirodakasayi to draw up all the legal papers and gift deed for handing the land over to our Society, and he can bring those papers, along with a plan of the plot showing length and width dimensions, and we shall settle up our Vrindaban program when he shall meet me in Mayapur. Meanwhile, Subala Maharaja may remain there for looking after things in Vrindaban and assisting Ksirodakasayi wherever possible. I am very much pleased to know that we shall be raising up a nice center now in Vrindaban, and also in Bombay, so Krishna has been very kind upon us, now let us all work cooperatively and with full enthusiasm to do the needful.

I am enclosing one plot-plan of the Bombay land for your attention. Kindly send me your report c/o our Calcutta branch.

So far the court case is concerned, I do not know how long it will take you to present the case to the court, but in any case you must take the help of some lawyer, and I think it will take some time to prepare. But if you give him all details and documents, why the lawyer cannot deal with the matter in your absence? Also, Subala may assist and make certain that everything is presented properly, and also Ksirodakasayi, if he is there. It is not a difficult problem, only I want assurance that my rooms at Radha-Damodara, that I shall not be obstructed from using them in the future and that something in my favor be settled about the illegal seizure of my entrance veranda, that's all. In other words, I am the legal tenant, and as long as I continue to pay rent, there shall be no interference.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Calcutta 18 February, 1972:

Regarding the law suit I am making against the three defendants, if you can give Gargamuni Maharaja some assistance in this matter, and see to it that it rests in the hands of a competent lawyer before Gargamuni must go to Bombay, that will give me great relief. I am always counting on your senior experience and good advice in these matters, and I am especially pleased upon you that you have secured that Saraf land for Krishna. Now let us cooperate to build up a wonderful center there in Vrindaban.

Letter to Mr. K. M. Diwanji -- Calcutta 24 February, 1972:

Please accept my greetings. I have heard from my disciples in Bombay that Mr. A. B. Nair is a little anxious to settle the financial side of our Sales Agreement for the Juhu property, so I am enclosing in his wife's name a check no. CT/A-T 492829 drawn on the Central Bank of India, Head Office, Fort, Bombay-1, for the sum of Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty-thousand only), to bring to one lakh of rupees the amount we have paid Mrs. Nair to date as per our Sales Agreement. Now you may please hand over the check to Mrs. Nair, and you can assure Mr. Nair that the balance one lakh I shall pay him immediately upon my return to Bombay during the first week of March.

Meanwhile, I shall be very grateful to you if you will have finished your clearing of the deeds and other matters, so that the conveyance deed will be ready to sign by both parties. The Deed of Conveyance should be made in the name of "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness." Again, you may assure the vendors that I shall transfer the balance sum of Rs. 100,000 immediately as the conveyance deed is completed, during the first week of March.

Thanking you once again, I beg to remain

Yours in the service of Krishna,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

cc. Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Nair/Theosophical Colony/Juhu/Bombay.

Gargamuni Swami/ISKCON Bombay.

Letter to Giriraja -- Bombay 23 March, 1972:

Now Brahmananda is in charge here, and there is a huge land and we are occupying it in tents and small cottages like Mayapur cottage and the work is immense. So Gargamuni is collecting also not less than two Life Members daily, but his collection goes toward our Vrindaban construction work. So now things are not going very nicely in Nairobi because Brahmananda has left, so I shall have to send him back there tomorrow, therefore I wanted that you should come here to assist Madhudvisa and __ by collecting profusely, and I think there will be no difficulty here because there is such rich population. Madhavananda can go from Mayapur to Calcutta to help Bhavananda collect there, and you shall come here at the soonest.*

Hoping this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

*latest by the 27th March 1972

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Sydney 2 April, 1972:

I have requested Saurabha, our new Holland devotee in Bombay, who is an excellent designer, to send you plans for the Vrindaban scheme, but meanwhile you should concentrate on collecting as much cement, sand, stone chips, and steel as possible and stockpile them, along with bricks, etc. Meanwhile Gargamuni is collecting very nicely in Bombay for Vrindaban scheme, so you have not to worry about money as he will be in charge of that department, so you may correspond with him frequently and work together all of you for making this Vrindaban project a heaven on earth.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Sydney 2 April, 1972:

I am advising Saurabha das, our new Holland devotee in Bombay, who is an expert designer, to draw up the plans for Vrindaban project, and he will be sending you in due course. Meanwhile you must stockpile enormous quantities of cement, sand, rock chips, bricks, etc., along with steel, so you may cooperate with Gurudasa and others to work very hard for securing ample supply of these things. Gargamuni is collecting funds in Bombay for Vrindaban scheme, so he will be in charge of getting money, and you may also help by getting rich men to contribute.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Tokyo 25 April, 1972:

I am much very happy to hear that hut and fence are finished. You may submit the bill to Gargamuni with my approval that he can pay it.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Tokyo 26 April, 1972:

I have received your letter dated 15/4/72, and I have noted the contents. Soon there are many men coming to India from USA and England, so you can take five men and do the needful, just as Tamala Krishna is doing at Mayapur. Ask Karandhara to send them immediately. They have spent Rs. 90/- for one hut and Rs. 1800/- in Vrindaban for the fence, so you can send them some money immediately for these items. I have just received report from Brahmananda in Nairobi and they are doing very nicely, so I don't think he shall have to return to India for the time being.

Letter to Giriraja -- Tokyo 2 May, 1972:

I have heard that some men have come from USA, so if Gurudasa needs some help, some can go there to help him. Also, Gargamuni wants to form a travelling party for raising funds, so some men can be given him, not more than four.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Tokyo 4 May, 1972:

I have already written to Gargamuni, and he will not bother to become president. So combinedly you do everything nicely, he will supply money, but you can supply accounts and vouchers to Gargamuni for checking. Statements should be supplied regularly by you both, you both sign them, so he'll be encouraged to send you money.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Tokyo 4 May, 1972:

So far Gargamuni is concerned, he'll not become president, I am requesting him to forget this idea. So do not become agitated in your mind. As Gargamuni supplies the money, you supply him with a full accounting. As things will be done by yourself and Gurudasa, you give him purchase bills and statements of account. I am asking him, he will send you money, and that money, along with whatever you raise, will be used for materials and constructing, you keep good accounts and send him regularly.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Honolulu 11 May, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 5/8/72, and I have noted the contents. Your idea for helping Vrindaban by sending money upon their sending you invoices will be very nice. But there is no need to keep all the money in Bombay, as suggested by Giriraja to Gurudasa. They have made a very nice plan for Vrindaban, more gorgeous than Bombay plan but also quite costly, but they are also collecting nicely and I have requested them to go ahead as they see fit. The present construction of fencing, etc., they have paid for collecting locally. Ksirodakasayi has promised me: "I am planning to make a very big program to collect at least 25,000 rupees per month average for our project." So they are doing something enthusiastically, so let them do it. What is there in occupying a post, we simply want to serve Krishna, and if you also can collect this amount then combinedly the construction can go on very nicely and quickly.

If you leave Bombay, make sure the school is in very capable hands such as yours, because this program is very, very important, not that you shall go away and things will stop.

Yes, you can go to Madras and South India. In Madras we wanted to start a center and it was almost settled that the Chief Justice would give us a place. So actually, if it is possible to open a center in Madras that would be very nice. Regarding the letter published in "Swarajya", I do not think it is a very important paper, but still I am enclosing* my reply and I would like it to be signed by Giriraja and he can send it to his friend on the Hindu paper and one copy to Swarajya for printing. Meanwhile, I have sent one copy to Gaudiya Math in Madras.

Regarding the second initiation for Paramahamsa das, I approve and his thread and copy of mantra have been sent under separate post. Now you hold a fire yajna, and there have been several other threads recently sent to Bombay, so you hold yajna and give them all threads. 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.

Hoping this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sda

n.b. There is one request for 2nd initiation from Yadavacarya das, but I have not received any recommendation from the temple president or a sannyasi.

*under separate cover

Letter to Gurudasa -- Honolulu 13 May, 1972:

You can accept Suri's plan, it is very nice, so you execute it perfectly. That will be the grandest temple in Vrindaban. May be a little costly, but if you can collect Rs. 25,000 per month and also Gargamuni can collect Rs. 25,000 per month, then it can be done nicely.

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

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May the 20th, 1972, and I have noted the contents carefully. So far your travelling party is concerned it will only work if Indians go out with you. The problem is that as soon as you go out of the city no one will speak English. If you simply chant and do not speak then that would be all right, but there must be some speaking. Because if there is no speaking everyone will say that we are just like Devanand's film. So to be very respectable, we must speak our philosophy, and that would be impossible for you in Hindi and other languages. So I do not think it is a very good plan for travelling outside of the big cities like Bombay. Concentrate yourself in Bombay. Take many men and go in the suburbs. You can travel up to 100 miles from Bombay to places like Thana, Poona, Ahmedabad, like that. Just purchase a monthly ticket on the train and travel in the Bombay area very extensively. Just like Ville Parle is a big city, so there are so many suburbs like that in Bombay. First you organize this program for widespread distribution in Bombay. In Bombay, the people have money but in the villages no one has got any money, so what is the use of going there for collecting for our Juhu project? Besides, our books are in English, and they can neither read them or purchase them. The money is in __. So organize your travelling party to go all around Bombay __ distributing and collecting, and that will be the best ___ Tamala Krishna how he is doing in East India.

Bhagavan dasa in Detroit is trying for some cars __. Also , Hamsaduta has got some very nice buses in Germany __ has written to me that he can purchase one for sending to __ there is need. but I do not think it is possible to drive __ India by crossing over Pakistan, because the border has been __ Anyway, in the near future we shall be dispatching some vehicle __ India, but meanwhile you should concentrate on this plan of distributing books and magazines very extensively in Bombay area.

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

I have written to Gargamuni Maharaja that his traveling sankirtana party should concentrate for distributing our literatures there in Bombay suburbs. The money is in Bombay. What is the use of going village to village when the village people not only can they not read in English but also they have no money. And we will not be able to preach to them. So I think best thing is to thoroughly travel into the suburbs and all sections of Bombay city, sometimes going to Thana, sometimes to Poona, somethimes to Surat, like that, and distribute our books in these places and collect.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 8 June, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 6, 1972, and I have noted the contents. I shall be very glad to see the manuscripts which you are typing. You say that ___ early writings are very powerful and strong, so now it is not ___ I have become a little soft on account of my disciples. They ___ follow very strong orders.

I am glad to hear that you will be going to Gujarat state for about one month and that you are preparing one Gujarati BTG for distributing there. Tamala Krishna is doing very nicely by this traveling program in Bihar and Bengal. But one thing, why still insisting on this truck? Rather I have already explained, that in the interior preaching will not be suitable for you. Our business is in the big towns of India with the persons who speak in English language, so go town to town, and for that there is already the ___ arrangement of train, bus, like that. But I have given you the ___ in my previous letter to organize your party for traveling __ out the suburbs of Bombay city for collecting. Bombay mean __ So if you are anxious to collect large fund for our Vrindaban __ Bombay construction work and distribute many literatures ___ think is to stick to Bombay city and outlying districts ___ Poona, Thana, and others.

But the best thing for attracting many people ___ in India will be the opulence in our Deity worship ___ should try to assist also in making sure that ___ ornately and gorgeously worshiped so that the ___ observe that our American and European Vaisnavas are passing all others in the sincerity and purity of their service to Lord Krishna.

Our business is to chant, so the time that Indian __ to come to hear our chanting and arati and take prasada __ that your preaching work is actually successful. For the __ we should be satisfied with that. And if they become __ that is very nice. The only difficulty is the Indians __ we have to learn from the Americans? So the best thing is to __ or other make them members and raise funds for our activities. When someone pays it means he is converted. Somehow or other __ has to render some service, so if you can collect money from ___ that means practically they are becoming our disciples. So do not become spiritual depressed, actually these things are going forward very progressively there in India and I am very much thankful to you all my sincere disciples, especially the elder disciples and Sannyasis like your good self, for assisting me in this great mission of reviving the original Krishna Consciousness atmosphere in India. Do not worry, in time we shall be completely successful.

Hoping this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sda

n.b. Syamasundara. has just shown me your letter ____ and I agree that these pandal programs or ____ very good opportunities for us, but we should ____ if somebody invites. If local men cooperate ____ all expenses, that will be nice, for example, at Kanpur. ____ held at Jaipur, the leading citizens raised money and ____ thing. But the Vrindaban Fund should not be touched at ___ time being, unless there is donation, a truck is not __.

I am just now in receipt of your letter dated 7th June, ___ (can understand that it is best thing for you to travel as ___ posing, and that is actually the duty of the Sannyasi, to ___ widely and preach. So you can go to Gujarat and other ___ Krishna is doing.

Letter to Gargamuni, Mahamsa, Naranaraya, Giriraja -- Los Angeles 19 June, 1972:

My dear boys, kindly accept my blessings, and I hope by Krishna's Grace you are doing all well. This morning I received one telephone message that there is some misunderstanding between yourselves, and Giriraja, who is in charge of Bombay center. I may inform you in this connection that what I am doing to push on this great movement in the world is all with your cooperation. It is not possible for me alone to execute this great responsibility. Kindly, therefore, abide by the direction of the man in charge of the center. If there is lack of obedience then there cannot be discipline, and without discipline we cannot manage a huge world organization. I shall be returning by September next. Kindly therefore do not make any fracture during this period at least, and when I return if you all don't like the man in charge surely I shall replace him out of you. But for the time being, please do not make any rupture, and please obey by the direction of Giriraja Brahmacari.

So far Gargamuni is concerned, I have already given him permission to go to Ahmedabad and other places in Gujarat State. He is a sannyasi and his main business is to travel and preach as I am doing in this old age, and that will please me very much.

So far Nara Narayana is concerned, he is engaged in gardening work, so please give him all facility so he can make a good garden on all the vacant land on our property.

Mahamsa and Cyavana may act by the decisions of Giriraja, so Cyavana may transfer his building supervision work to somebody else, according to Giriraja. I have heard the building work is not going on satisfactorily, but that is our main business there, so if it is not being done nicely, the proper experienced man must be put in charge of the construction work.

So in conclusion, it is my request even you do not agree on some points, Giriraja is in charge so please follow his direction and that will please me. I am very much anxious to see the progress at Bombay center, and I want it shall become the first-class preaching center in the world. Please help me in this ambition. If we can manage successfully, we will be attractive for the whole of India. Our task is very heavy, do not neglect by paltry disagreement. I hope Krishna will bless you to understand my heart and oblige.

Letter to Yadubara -- Los Angeles 20 June, 1972:

I have just now written to Gargamuni, Mahamsa, Nara Narayana, Giriraja as follows: "It is my request even you do not agree on some points, Giriraja is in charge so please follow his direction and that will please me. I am very much anxious to see the progress at Bombay Center, and I want it shall become the first class preaching center in the world. Please help me in this ambition. If we can manage successfully, we will be attractive for the whole of India. Our task is very heavy, do not neglect by paltry disagreement. I hope Krishna will bless you to understand my heart and oblige."

You state in your letter that everything is going on nicely there in Bombay, and I suppose that in general things are all right, but this todays news disturbs me and so I have ordered that Gargamuni shall immediately leave Bombay for his Gujarat tour and that Nara Narayana be given full assistance for extending the garden to all vacant areas of our property. Kindly assist me for seeing that these plans are carried out immediately and that our main task, namely, the construction work, shall not be neglected. This is very important matter.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Los Angeles 24 June, 1972:

Sometimes before, Ksirodakasayi has made promises many, but then he goes away. So Gargamuni is a little aspiring to be the president of Vrndavana, and he was sorry when he was refused the post because I wanted to give Ksirodakasayi chance. But Ksirodakasayi is not very responsible, so why not make Gargamuni president of the Vrndavana temple to be responsible for collecting the money and making certain that the job gets done on time? If he is given a big task to do, Gargamuni has got determination and he always comes out successful in this matter of raising money and doing some big work with it, just like when he purchased our Los Angeles temple. Main thing is, don't waste any time. Finish it on time.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 28 June, 1972:

Your touring party has done a very excellent job of spreading Krishna Consciousness in Bihar state as I have seen from the newsclippings and other enclosures which you have sent. One thing, our Subala Maharaja is preaching alone in Kanpur and I do not very much approve of alone preaching, so if you like you can request him to join with your party.* Also, Gargamuni Maharaja has left Bombay with his party for touring in Gujarat state and other places. Your touring and the publicity is a tremendous service. Krsna will be very much pleased. This touring and preaching, along with sankirtana party, this is our actual mission. And if you go to Bangladesh and do the same work there, it will be a great achievement for you and all of the world if you are successful. So I will pleased to learn if you have got the visas in Delhi, and if you go to Bangladesh make certain first to get the money from Mr. Jayan and sent the requisition order with signatures duly.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

*Subala's address is c/o Swami Om Prakash, Ramayan Vedanta Ashram, 112/177 ARYA NAGAR, KANPUR-2, U.P.

Letter to Subala -- London 11 July, 1972:

I have received your letter from Kanpur dated July 2, 1972, and I have noted the contents therein. Yes, singhania will not help us very much, but if he wants to sponsor a ten-day "Hare Krishna Festival"* in Kanpur from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1, 1972, that will be nice. If I am in India at that time, I shall be pleased to attend. In future, you may join either Tamala Krishna's party or Gargamuni's party for preaching tour, this alone preaching is not good.

Hoping this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sda

*or "Bhagavat Dasaha" which means ten days of transcendental discourses on the science of Bhagavan reading from Bhagavad-gita as it is as well as that from Srimad-Bhagavatam. If I attend, I shall let you know timely so that you could give publicity sufficiently. Most probably I shall attend.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Amsterdam 29 July, 1972:

I have received your letter from Dvaraka dated July 17, 1972, and with great pleasure I have noted the contents. I am very glad to hear that your Sankirtana party is having such great success all over Gujarat province and I am very much pleased upon you. This is actually Lord Caitanya's movement, this Sankirtana party for preaching and chanting. So do it nicely, and I shall try to help you as much as possible.

Hamsaduta has promised to arrange for getting one German van for your party in India, and he will send some men there by driving it to India very soon. If so many men are coming forth to offer you all cooperation, why not take collection from them for new slide projector? That is not very big thing, so I think you can manage. In Bombay they have got very big work to collect for their Juhu building scheme, so they may not be bothered ___ small thing of slide-projector, but I have requested Giriraja ___ give you all cooperation and whatever you want you give __ and I am enclosing one copy of that letter to Giriraja. __ likewise must also try to assist him and work together ___ for the success of our mission as a whole, not that ___ is more important than another—they are all important ____ work in that spirit and do the needful for pushing ____ all over the world progressively, you have got _____

The murti is already installed, and you ______ etc. I have already told you to do it. So ___ ____ to help you, why is this still going on? _______ But anyway I have written to Giriraja and we ________ prove. But one thing is, cooperation takes ___ ____ if we always see that it is my defect if no ________ me. In this spirit, try to woo Giriraja into ________ also help you both.

Yes, start a center in Dvaraka immediately ____ achievement for us. Subala can join you immediately ___ not needed in Delhi.

Letter to Giriraja -- Amsterdam 30 July, 1972:

I have got one letter from Gargamuni wherein he complains he is not getting cooperation from Bombay for his travelling party. He is doing very well, I am very much in favor that his work shall not be hindered, so kindly extend to him every facility, any small thing he requires you supply. And I have advised him also to please work nicely with you and let whatever is done be finished and go on progressively in a cooperative manner.

Letter to Gurudasa -- London 1 August, 1972:

So far Ksirodakasayi returning to Vrindaban, that has not yet been settled up. After I have discussed this matter thoroughly with Ksirodakasayi, I will let you know. But one thing is, why there should be disagreement between you? Our process is to work cooperatively, otherwise how the things will go on? And whether Acyutananda will stick there? If you and Acyutananda can manage, then there is no need of Ksirodakasayi coming there. The water with slightly iron taste is not bad, so you may construct the tank as before decided. One thing is, the 2 1/2% interest to be charged by the architect, Mr. Suri, that is too much. Why he should not donate his services? Sometimes in the past months you have told me that Mr. Suri would be donating his services. We shall not pay fees for such things. Now in Vrindaban the financial situation is being conducted nicely by Gargamuni Maharaja, but the work is not going on. In so many months, there is only one fence one small hut, and a well. So I think it will be to the advantage, on the whole, to invite our Tamala Krsna Goswami to come to Vrindaban and bring one of his qualified engineer friends from Calcutta to do the work in Vrindaban. He has got good experience, and he can organize everything and begin the work immediately.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 1 August, 1972:

Now the Bangladesh business is postponed, and you have trained Yasodanandana Maharaja in leading the sankirtana party, so you will be free for a few weeks to help me in this way by taking one qualified engineer from Calcutta who has agreed to work with us and live with us without consideration of remuneration and go to Vrindaban and do some solid work. Kindly do the needful immediately and let me know. Gargamuni has collected funds for Vrindaban project very nicely, so if cooperatively you and Gargamuni Maharaja work together you can do something concrete, and this will please me very much. He will supply you with funds and you supervise the building work.

Letter to Aksayananda -- London August 2, 1972:

For some time now it has been my desire that our students in India shall have the advantage of one or two trucks or vans for spreading this Krsna consciousness movement there. I have just now got one letter from Gargamuni Maharaja, and he has had a very, very good success in Gujarat State by driving one van which he has borrowed for one month only. In that letter he has requested very urgently that one van be provided immediately from the European centers. So I wish that combinedly you may all pool your resources and purchase one nice van. Furthermore, a few men will be required to take that van by driving it to India. So I am placing this matter in the hands of Hamsaduta and he will do the needful. Now you all please cooperate with him as much as possible for procuring this dream of mine.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 7 August, 1972:

I have received your letter from Vrindaban dated July 29, 1972, and I am not very much pleased to note that you are leaving our ISKCON Society forever. I have not received report from Dinanath or anyone else in this matter, so I do not know what is the real position, but such kinds of disturbances are not at all desirable. So you can come here and live with me immediately. You have nothing to do, simply chant and take prasadam. Do not be disturbed by the other devotees. Or, I am coming to India very soon, at least by October, so you please wait for me either in Bombay or Vrindaban or Mayapur, until I come back. Or if you cannot wait, you can come and live with me.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 22 August, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your long letter redirected here from London. Do not be upset. The thing is that the construction work must be begun immediately. Gargamuni is there, I understand, and you are there, and Tamala Krishna is preaching. So if you and Gargamuni can do the work, then there is no need of taking help from Tamala Krishna. So there is no need of talking any more. Begin the work immediately. That I want to see.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 24 August, 1972:

I have received your letter from Vrndavana dated 15th July 1972 and I have noted the contents carefully. You may know that I am no longer in London but I am in Los Angeles and New Vrndavana for the month of September. I am going back to India by the 15th of October. So you have stayed so long in India, if you can remain there one and one half months more kindly remain there and wait for me. When I come there you will stay with me. Meanwhile if it is possible you try to work in conjunction with Gurudasa on the Vrndavana Project because I think you have got real interest to see that it is completed very nicely. If however you are unable to work with Gurudasa, otherwise you sit down and wait for me there. Do not fight with anyone, try to remain always very humble and meek like the advanced Vaisnava devotee, always thinking yourself lower than the straw in the street and more tolerant than the tree, and in this way very quickly you will be come relieved of so many anxieties. When we shall meet in October, then we shall chalk out some plan further.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 26 August, 1972:

I have received one letter from Madhavananda and he has assured me that the collecting is going on well. He has also mentioned that you are planning your Maidan Pandal from 7th October to November 5th tentatively. But these things must be consulted amongst all of you leaders, not that one man decides these things whimsically. My program is already sent to you earlier, I shall be in Vrndavana from middle October to middle November, but after that time I am free to come to Calcutta for holding our festival, but these things should be decided amongst all of you leaders in India, including Gurudasa, Giriraja, Tamala, Bhavananda, Gargamuni.

Letter to Brahmananda -- New Vrindaban 2 September, 1972:

I am very glad to hear that your programmes in Tanzania and other places are coming out very successful and everyone is becoming satisfied by your presesnce in their towns and villages. That is a very good plan for making twice on the magazine and books by selling once to the Hindus and again to the Africans. You and your brother Gargamuni Maharaja are always good brain for making some money, but I think that he is little better than you for making money, but I like your plan very much. Yes, now go on in this way making tour all over Africa, following the same plan you have chalked out of making Life Members, selling books and magazines, holding kirtana, distributing prasadam, dancing, like that.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 15 September, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter from Calcutta dated September 5, 1972, and I have noted the contents carefully. Yes, you wait there for me and be engaged as you are doing, chanting, reading, etc. Nobody is your enemy, rest assured. All of your godbrothers are as good as you are. So you remain peacefully in Calcutta and you shall remain with me when I come there, and nobody will disturb you.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

You may inform Acyutananda that I want that he shall come here for the pandal programme, to lead the kirtana and preach in the "Questions and Answers" tent. He should remain prepared, and if I call to bring deities, he can bring. Otherwise he may reach here by first of January, in any case. Others may also come from that side, especially Gargamuni may come if he likes, he is first-class preacher to preach to many thousands who will attend the Questions and Answers tents, so you may inform like that.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Bombay 29 December, 1972:

I have heard one rumor from Gargamuni that Kanupriya and Hayagriva are smoking ganja. In that case, Hayagriva should be asked to leave for U.S.A. immediately to sit down in New Vrndavana and do what he likes. But he is big leader, and if it is common knowledge that he is using such intoxicants, the others will follow his example and there will be havoc throughout the society. That would be a catastrophe.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Tamala Krsna, Jayapataka, Bhavananda, Gargamuni -- Melbourne 10 February, 1973:

While travelling here to Melbourne I was thinking how wonderful our Mayapur project is and how it can be developed in the future. I want that Mayapur be self-sufficient by having its own production of grains, vegetables, fruits and milk products etc., to the extent that you will be able to feed at least 500 men daily. This will be better than trying to arrange for maintenance funds to come from outside. So we can make some scheme for purchasing sufficient quantity of land. The land there is very fertile and if our men can manage the program then we can go ahead. The low land we can purchase at 600 rs./bigha and the high land at 800 rs./bigha. So now you all make inquiries for purchasing as much land as we shall require and immediately inform me how much money shall be required.

One thing to consider before we take any action is that if we buy lots of land, the government may become envious to feed so many men without them working etc. and the communists there are notorious for confiscating property. So I am concerned that if we develop this scheme the government may take some action against us. If you can develop an educational institution, that may help to pacify them.

I shall be in Sydney until the 18th, and shall then be going to New Zealand and Indonesia. I shall return to India during the first week of March. Hoping this finds you all well.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Mayapur 17 June, 1973:

Regarding our involvement with the property in Bombay: by chance we have been entangled but now a strong committee. should be formed of our life members. Let them take it up, otherwise what can be done? Our men should be engaged for preaching—why should the preaching be stopped? I was very much encouraged when you and Gargamuni Swami purchased jeeps and formed a travelling sankirtana party. So why have you stopped it? Let the matter of the property in Bombay be dependent on the life members. They have paid us for membership and we have paid them, so they are also concerned.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Calcutta 28 June, 1973:

Please let me know how much you have deposited in the BBT account since you have taken a loan of 1 lac 50,000 on the Mayapur scheme. I have advised Gargamuni Maharaja to deposit part of his collection to the BBT account against the loan. The BBT is in the Gwalior Tank Road Branch, Central Bank of India, but Gargamuni Maharaja says you have opened another account in the Indian Overseas Marine Lines. Please let me know what is this idea? I never knew of it. Your early reply will be much appreciated.

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

Gargamuni told me that he collected 50,000 Rs/. of which the major portion was spent to pay for bills that Madhavananda left unpaid. If this is a fact then it is most dangerous. Let me know. Gargamuni is sending you reports, but have you not received this report?

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 24 December, 1973:

N.B. I am only anxious for the municipality sanction and Mrs. Nair's income tax certificate. Please __ this immediately. Gargamuni has written a long letter so many __. When you go to Calcutta see what is the matter. Let me know what you have done.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Bhavananda, Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 6 January, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated December 25, 1973, from Mayapur. Thank you for the information. I have advised Karandhara to send immediately $4,000 to Gargamuni Maharaja and you take the Indian exchange for $4,000 from him immediately. I am writing this letter today January 6th at 8:00 P.M. and I have advised Karandhara to send the money by telegram. Probably you will get the money tomorrow or the day after. The exchange of $4,000 is about Rs 32,000. Out of this 32,000 purchase Goswami Maharaja's land for 5,100 and the balance 27,000 you can open an account, the Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund. The MV Trust is registered here and I am sending you a copy of the trust so that the bank will immediately open a MV Trust account. The signators will be three, namely you two maharajas and myself. Two signators out of three will be valid for drawing money. You deposit the balance Rs 27,000 in this account. I shall try to send more money as soon as I know the account is open and you can purchase land as much bighas as possible. But don't purchase more land than we can utilize. My only desire is that our temple must be a living temple by chanting Hare Krsna Mantra and distributing prasadam as well as distributing books to the intelligent class of men. This time we shall have the first part of Caitanya Caritamrta published 400 pages. I am working on Caitanya Caritamrta continually.

So by the time I reach India, maybe the first week of February, I hope that by that time my quarters will be completely open for use without any difficulty.

I am glad Bharadraja and others are learning laboriously how to model. materials like bamboo, thatch and tarpolin you can purchase if the prices are cheap. I cannot say how many will be required, but purchase and keep in stock. If Tirtha Maharaja is having a big showing then we have to show more and let everyone see what the American model makers can do. What exhibition of models are you going to show?

I am glad hundreds of visitors are coming by our songs. You are already working hard there now work harder and Krsna will give you all facilities. My full blessings, with Krsna's consent, are upon you all. Hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

cc: Gargamuni Swami

N.B. If you want to send me a telegram before February 1st, you may send it to our Hawaii address:

ISKCON Hawaii, 1578 Ala Aoloa Loop,

Honolulu, Hawaii 968.

After that date, you may telegram my c/o our New Delhi center.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:

Yes I know very well that Gargamuni Maharaja is an expert collector and preacher. He is so expert in collecting therefore I call him Gargamoney. Regarding the BBT debt of Calcutta, you can wait for that. Not that the payment can be washed off, but we can wait. It is very good news that Gargamuni Maharaja is supporting both Calcutta and Mayapur. Now you cooperate and you yourself develop Bombay.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:

Yes, I fully agree that "What is the use of a temple if there is no prasadam distribution?" Prasadam distribution on a large scale must be resumed. Such a temple where there is no such distribution has no value, I agree. You say more land is needed for growing crops. So for the time being go ahead and purchase land and I will pay at the rate of Rs 5,000 per month. But do not acquire more land than we can use. Purchasing land and keeping it without use is not my policy. What is Gargamuni Maharaja doing with the money he is collecting for Mayapur? Regarding money being used for construction of gosala, pavilion etc., at Mayapur, I shall consider that after going there. I have arranged to transfer $100,000 which will be done by next Monday. But this is for the temple in Vrindaban. You cannot expect all the money to come from here. I will, however, be trying to carry as much money as possible.

I have deposited $100,000 in the M-V Fund which is earning interest at Rs 5,500 per month. I want to utilize this for month after month for Vrindaban, and I do not want to break the original principle I have set up in this regard. I have arranged to send $100,000 for Vrindaban and another $100,000 has been deposited for the M-V Trust. When I come to India, we shall sit together, you, myself, Bhavananda Maharaja, Gargamuni Maharaja, Gurudasa, and do the needful.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 12 January, 1974:

I am very much encouraged by your activities in selling books. So not only you shall supply ghee in exchange of books supplied by Gargamuni Swami. In the future we may need large quantities of ghee in our different centers because after going back to India I shall see that in every temple food distribution goes on nicely. Australia is famous for producing wheat and milk products. My question is whether you can supply as contribution to our ISKCON centers in India, wheat and ghee in exchange of books. If it is possible then consult with the Trustees of BBT and consider the matter and do the needful.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Honolulu 17 January, 1974:

I was surprised that Tamala Krsna Goswami and you all are contemplating cancelling the Vrindaban touring of our devotees going to Mayapur. In my opinion it must be carried out.

Just to give you help I am enclosing one letter to Sripada Radhika baba of Imlitala. Enclosed find one Bengali letter to deliver to him. He will introduce you to the son of our panda. I paid this man the sum of Rs 100 recently, so Radhika baba will introduce him and with his help just arrange the program of visiting Vrindaban.

Thousands of people go to Vrindaban daily. They make the arrangement of visiting so many holy places. Arrangement should be made. If we have no place, still there is no scarcity of place in Vrindaban. There are hundreds of dharmasala. The panda will arrange for the dharmasala for three days, namely the 12th, 13rd and 14th. The pilgrims shall stay there for 3 days. Buses should be engaged to take the devotees one day to Govardhana and Radhakunda, Nandagram and Barsana. The other day, Dauji and another day to some other places. From dharmasala the buses will take the devotees to visiting places and then come back to their respective dharmasala. If there is a little inconvenience, still the devotees must visit Vrindaban. In Mathura there are dharmasalas of Krsna-janma-bhumi and Jaya Dayal Dalmia constructed just for foreigners. Arrangement should be made with the help of the panda.

This touring will enhance our prestige for the Krsna Consciousness movement. People will appreciate devotees from foreign countries visiting Vrindaban. It will attract the attention of the Tourist Department of government. Immediately, Tamala Krsna Maharaja and Gurudasa, you must arrange, with the help of the panda. The party can not only be headed by our leaders, but with the help of Indian assistants like Caitya-guru, Sacidulal. Arrangement must be made like that.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

c.c. Tamala Krsna Goswami, Gargamuni Swami

Letter to Brahmananda -- Honolulu 26 January, 1974:

One thing is very gratifying that you are doing the preaching work in Africa without any financial help from here. But in India the case is different. We have to send always financial help from America. I have collected and dispatched to India about 40 lacs of rupees. Even today I have dispatched to Gargamuni Swami $5,000, or about Rs 50,000 by telegram. Krsna is arranging everything. Let us work cooperatively nicely all over the world.

Letter to Guptaji -- Vrindaban 7 February, 1974:

Sometime back, in your letter dated 23 September, 1973, you wrote as follows, regarding the front portion of our Vrindaban temple land given in charity by Geeta bai, wife of Kasiramji Saraf:

"Sri Nandalal Saraf has already arrived and visited our temple. I introduced him to Swami Gargamuni Maharaja. We discussed with him for the donation and transfer of land at Vrindaban. He said that sometime back he has already replied a letter to Vrindaban that you can utilize the land in the manner you want. you can take it into construction."

Letter to Jayapataka , Bhavananda -- Bombay 3 April, 1974:

As for working with the architects, if you think the soil test is necessary you can consult together, you two and Gargamuni Maharaja and Brahmananda Maharaja and decide yourselves. Tamala Krsna goswami has no extraordinary experience, so you can do it yourselves. Tamala Krsna is sick now, recovering from a hernia operation, and after he has recovered he is going to America.

Yes, it is a good idea to go preaching in Bangladesh. If possible some men may go there. Gargamuni has some experience; when he went there it was Pakistan but still he had good reception. If you go to Bangladesh and establish a center it will be a great achievement. We have a center in China and one in Moscow why not Bangladesh and Pakistan?

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 13 April, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 4, 1974, and I have noted the contents.

I am glad to hear that the Calcutta temple is progressing nicely under your direction, that devotees are going out daily distributing books and collecting. As far as my meeting with the indutrialist G.D. Kothari and others to discuss building a Calcutta temple, my present schedule is that I am remaining in India until May 15, and then going to Pairs, France. On April 18 I am going to Hyderabad for a week and from there spend a week in South India traveling. So after that, if such a meeting can be arranged before I leave? Otherwise, when I return to India at the end of July I can meet.

Regarding your complaint that Jayapataka Swami does not give you account of the money you send there, please try to rectify this amongst yourselves. I have sent Brahmananda Swami your elder brother, to Mayapur just to help organize their management. Now among yourselves you are all senior members, rectify this rift between Calcutta and Mayapur. Your idea to send Mayapur Rs 6,800.00 monthly for construction costs only, and let them make up that same amount monthly which is their maintenance money, is a good plan. I have heard there is good chance for life membership in Nadia area, and Panca Dravida Maharaja can train up others how to do it. You all must push on cooperatively and spare me from too much management intervention; that will be your success.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

P.S. I want to organize a women kirtana party singing the Gita Gan. Can you help me?

Letter to Bhavananda , Jayapataka -- Hyderabad 20 April, 1974:

N.B. Previously, eighty thousand rupees was taken from Hyderabad for Mayapur. (RS 80,000.00) I am not sure of the exact sum but Gargamuni Maharaja will have a record of it. So now that Hyderabad construction is going on, this money is required by them. Please see that it is returned by you as soon as possible.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 5 May, 1974:

I think you are aware Gargamuni Maharaja has formed a spiritual sky tours program and will be bringing about 70 life members on a world tour including of course the United States. I need to know from you whether the BBT has sufficient capital in the bank to cover the amount of $130,000.00. This amount will be required to cover their expenditure.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 15 May, 1974:

Another thing, is that we have received a serious criticism that one of our very important Indian life members, Mr. Brij Mohon, M.P. visited Bhaktivedanta Manor, and was refused entry. He even had a letter from Tejyas das introducing him. This has caused much concern and Gargamuni Swami is postponing his scheme to take life members on a tour of many of our centers, thinking the centers are not ready to receive guests. Please investigate this report of the turning away of a life member at the Manor and let me know. There should always be one or two rooms available for a life member. In your report you say 450 Indians visited on Sunday, so how could one Indian be turned away? Who turned him away?

Letter to Mahamsa, Giriraja, Gargamuni, Gargamuni, Jayapataka, Tejiyas, Gurudasa -- Geneva 2 June, 1974:

After meeting here in Geneva with Karandhara das Adhikari and several other GBC members, I have decided to send Karandhara to India to replace Tamala Krsna Goswami as the new Governing Body Commissioner for India. I know from experience that Karandhara is a highly qualified devotee and I feel confident in placing him in such an important position for our society as head of affairs in India. It is a great relief for me. Karandhara is very enthusiastic to begin his new assignment and will be leaving for India in a few days. Please give him all cooperation and work together for advancement of our mission to make the people of India Krishna Conscious.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Paris 13 June, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your two recent letters.

I find in both these letters you have especially desired to call Tamala Krsna Goswami to act as GBC. But he left India particularly thinking himself not very fit for management. He has now gone for preaching work with Visnujana Maharaja and recently Karandhara met him and Tamala Krsna Maharaja is now unwilling to come to India for GBC management work. Therefore I have called Karandhara Prabhu to act as GBC in India. He has practical experience in various lines of management work. I hope he will replace Tamala Krsna Maharaja better than anyone else.

Tamala Krsna Maharaja said that you are not following the regulative principles. I do not know why you should do like that. Anyway, if there was any discrepancies in that way I hope you will rectify it and fully cooperate with Karandhara Prabhu. I am coming to India on my way to Sydney to stop for one day in Bombay on June 23rd. If you so desire you can see me in Bombay on the 23rd. Further, Brahmananda Maharaja wanted to remain in India and act as my secretary, but there is no proper man to replace him. Sometimes back you also wanted to go to Africa. If you still feel like that you can consider on the matter and I shall call Brahmananda here in India to act as my personal secretary. Hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Frankfurt 17 June, 1974:

I am glad to read that you are eager to join me as my permanent secretary and that your major concern is to help provide me with "a conducive environment to translate" my books. That is my desire also. On the other hand, I can understand the programs are developing in Kenya and therefore you want a strong replacement before you leave Africa. I think Gargamuni Maharaja can do it nicely. I have written him a letter inviting him to go to Africa and also Karandhara has gone to Calcutta to talk with him directly about this. So we shall see whether he is willing.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Frankfurt 19 June, 1974:

With further reference to my letter of June 13, 1974 I beg to inform you that a difficulty has arisen in that we have not yet received visa permission from the Australian government. As such, it may be that I will not be able to meet you in Bombay on 23 June as previously informed. In case I do not go to Australia I will go to U.S.A. via London.

So unless I meet you on my return to India by the 25th July, do not go outside of India. I want to discuss on some important subject matter and want to meet you and Karandhara together. That is the idea.

In case we do not get the visas and I cannot go to Bombay on June 23rd, then I will send you a telegram. But if you do not receive a telegram that means I will go to Bombay on the 23rd June, and will see you there.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Vrindaban 8 August, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2/8/74 and have noted the contents. You have not mentioned anything about receiving my letter dated 14/7/74 about purchasing the Pani Hati property. I want to know about this, so I am enclosing the copy of the letter.

Regarding Karandhara's comment that Mayapur and Calcutta were the best organized centers in India, that I know. I have full faith in you, and also Bhavananda and Jayapataka Maharajas.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Vrindaban 5 September, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated 19/8/74 and 1/9/74 and have noted the contents. So you can fix up the Hindi High School Program as you have proposed, and we shall go. You can fix it for three weeks from now at the end of September. Regarding Kanpur program I could go for one or two days but in my present state of health it is hard to travel.

Regarding books supply, Giriraja informs that a shipment is due in mid September and they have already received the shipping documents. All titles have been ordered, and I have instructed Brahmananda Swami, Bhagavan, and Giriraja to take immediate steps. You must have sufficient stock of books. You can send your order to Giriraja, and as you are sending Rs. 10,000/- monthly, you should be supplied with the same amount of books.

Letter to Sarvabhauma, Putanara, Gandharvi -- Vrindaban 8 September, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your three letters dated August 6th, and am very glad to receive them. I have noted the questions. Anyway I am expecting to arrive in Calcutta some time this month and at that time I will be glad to see you and answer all of your questions. In the meantime you may please consult with Gargamuni Swami, the in-charge of the Calcutta Temple. He will also be able to help you with your questions.

Letter to Giriraj Prabhu -- Mayapur:

Regarding the Life Membership increase, Gargamuni Swami

Presented strong arguments for not increasing it, but because of the situation indigenous to Calcutta. If you are getting success there, and similarly thay got success at Natadwara I understand, I suggest that we have the donar membership at Rs. 1,000/- and the life membership at Rs. 2,000/-. I will discuss it with Gargamuni Swami this weekend and try yo get some agreement.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Mayapur 1 October, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 5, 1974 and have discussed the contents with Srila Prabhupada. The Dollars 5,000 which you have collected for Food Relief may be sent for the construction of the Prasadam Distribution Pavilion here at Mayapur temple. One thousand people will be able to be fed at a time and it will cost Dollars 25,000. Gargamuni Swami has pledged to provide one half of the funds. Hamsaduta Prabhu has just sent Dollars 4,000 for Food Relief which will also be used for this project. Please send your money directly to Gargamuni Swami's Calcutta account, with a separate letter to this effect.

Letter to Giriraja -- Mayapur 1 October, 1974:

N.B. I am returning the draft with corrections and additions as per enclosed. I have just received notice from Hamsaduta that he has sent Dollars 4,000 to Central Account for Food Relief. That money may be immediately transferred to Gargamuni Swami Calcutta account for use on construction of the Prasadam Distribution Pavillion.

Letter to Gargamuni Swami -- Nadia 7 October, 1974:

Srila Prabhupad has requested me to ask you to kindly bring Mr. Nannungo and his wife Chhavi here to Mayapur to make the Orissa scheme. Prabhupad will talk with him about how much he is prepared to help.

The three month tourist visas of Sruti Kirti, Nitai, and myself expire within three weeks time. Could you please send down the necessary forms that we can fill out along with other requirements such as how many photographs are required for an extention of the tourist visa. We of course would prefer not having for all three of us having to go into Calcutta to the immigration office personally. Can we get an extension of more than three months?

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your servant

Brahmananda Swami

-/bs Personal Secretary

Approved:

ACBS

Letter to Mr. Jayakar -- Mayapur 9 October, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 13, 1974. I was very ill in Vrndaban as you know. Now I have come to Mayapur, Navadvipa. Here it is a very open place. Sometimes when you come to Calcutta, you can visit this place. You can come direct by motor car. You can contact our man, Gargamuni Swami at 3, Albert Road, and he will arrange for your transportation. It is a very nice, open place. Here we have got our temple and nice accommodation for respectable men.

Letter to Giriraja -- Mayapur 17 October, 1974:

I have received the report of Bombay from Gargamuni Swami that things are being mismanaged. Why you are building this road without my sanction? This road will spoil the whole scheme. Why are you letting the dictation of the municipality spoil the whole thing? This road must be stopped at any cost. Fight in the court if required.

I am sending Gargamuni and Brahmananda to save the situation. They are authorized to take any action in this connection.

Letter to Mr. Setti -- Mayapur 17 October, 1974:

I have received the report from Gargamuni Swami that things are not being managed properly there. I do not know anything about this road. It must be stopped immediately. I am sending Brahmananda and Gargamuni there to sve the situation, and shall be very thankful to you if you help them in every way to stop this road making.

Letter to Giriraj Prabhu -- Mayapur 17 October, 1974:

Regarding the new Life Membership fee. I understand you compromised with Gargamuni Swami by creating a Patron Membership for Rs. 2222/=, but what are the additional benefits of a Patron Membership? Tejiyas das writes that he is also getting 90% success with the increased fee.

I note that you are ready to accommodate Srila Prabhupad in his come there. In the meantime what about this road that is being constructed? You have not given any report about the intended Government seizure of Hare Krishna Land. What was the results of the hearing?

Do not send Jashomatinandana to Punjab. He should remain in Bamcay and work there.

Enclosed is the letter to CBI regarding the extended Fixed Deposit.

I hope this letter meets you in good health. Jayatirtha was to inform you to send five copies of each book to Calcutta, Gargamuni Swami, to fulfill the Embassy Order gotten by Vrindaban De.

Your servant

Brahmananda Swami

Personal Secretary

Approved: ACBS

Letter to Bhagavan Prabhu -- Mayapur 18 October, 1974:

The threat is in relation to a road that is being built there. This you can study when you go there. Regarding the book distribution, Gargamuni Swami and Jayatirtha recently were sent to Bombay especially to organize the BBT there. They have made some suggestions.

...

Your servant,

Brahmananda Swami

Personal Secretary

Approved: ACBS

Letter to Giriraja -- Mayapur 22 October, 1974:

Gargamuni Swami has returned with copies of letters from the BMC architect, the Bandra Asst. Engineer, and the letter regarding the land acquisition. Regarding the property evaluation, I have already written you how we have paid Rs. 200/- per sq. yard. From the developed portion we are receiving income per annum of Rs. 18,000/- including the tax deductions. The current rate of interest for an investment is 10%, so the value for this portion is Rs. 1,80,000/-. For the entire land we have paid Rs. 14,50,00/-; so the value for the undeveloped portion is Rs. 12,70,000/- (for 6,000 sq. yards) or Rs. 200/- per sq. yard. If they are calculating the value at Rs. 130/- per sq. yard, then we have paid more than the market value, not less.

Letter to Ramesvara -- West Bengal 25 October, 1974:

Work on a spacious kitchen complex near the Bhaktisiddhanta Road is progressing, but Prabhupada ordered that a second story should be added so that women and householders can live there and that the kitchen operation in the present residential building be moved there so that additional guest rooms can be added in the present kitchen and women's quarters. A dollar 25,000.00 Prasadam Distribution Pavilion attached to the new kitchen complex will also be built. Gargamuni Swami has pledged half the cost, and Hamsaduta Prabhu has sent dollars 4,000.00 from Germany and promises more. 1,000 people will be able to be served prasada at one sitting.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mayapur 27 October, 1974:

I understand from Bhavananda and Jayapataka that you have agreed to give Dollars 8,000.00 from BBT funds for construction of the second story of the Kitchen here. So, you can do this. The money may be sent to Gargamuni Swami in Calcutta, and he will forward here.

Letter to Whom it may concern -- Calcutta 30 October, 1974:

I also appoint the following as the Trustees: Gargamuni Swami, Bhavananda Goswami, and Jayapataka Swami.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 31 October, 1974:

Regarding the registration of ISKCON Calcutta center as a separate entity, it should be clearly understood by you that the registration cannot be applied for unless my express sanction is there. No papers should be filed without my permission. Any papers you may draw up must be submitted to me first before filing.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 8 November, 1974:

This is to inform you that yesterday Giriraja has sent by T.T. Rs. 2,25,000/- to American Express Bank a/c No. 090031. Now the wall and proposed rooms and other works must be finished by Gaura Purnima.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

cc: H.H. Gargamuni Swami, Calcutta

Letter to Jayapataka, Bhavananda -- Bombay 17 November, 1974:

Hamsaduta has sent RS. 15,000/00 for the Food Program, and Bhagavan dasa has given the check to Gargamuni Swami for the Pavilion. So money is there. That is no difficulty. Only the projects must be finished by Gaura Purnima.

Letter to Saurabha -- Bombay 26 November, 1974:

may inform you that the Governor of U.P. has accepted the invitation to become Chief Guest at our temple opening. Now many big men will come. So we have to arrange very nicely for their accommodation. The Governor will require a special apartment for his staying.

It is all Krishna's grace. Bon Maharaja had to go several times to get the Governor, but with one letter he has accepted our invitation. Our movement is being accepted. They are saying that Swamiji is doing nice things. So it is up to you Europeans and Americans to push it all over the world, and one day you will be the leaders of the world. It is not difficult. You just have to work sincerely and intelligently. Krishna will do everything.

Enclosed is a copy of the Governor's letter.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

cc: Tejiyas, Jayatirtha, Gargamuni

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 8 December, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated December 2, 1974 with enclosed copy of Trial Balance from June '73 to June '74. and also your telegram reading as follows: ONE THOUSAND RUPEES BOOKS SOLD MAYAPUR RAS PURNIMA DAY THOUSAND VISITED CHANDRADOYA MANDIR PRASADAM DISTRIBUTED—

GARGAMUNI SWAMI.

So this is very nice. Why not reprint our Gitar Gan in Japan fifty thousand copies? Our temple is getting more and more famous. It is already famous as the sahib temple. And it will become even more famous when there is gate. __ walls, kitchen, prasadam pavilion, and lake. Then it will be very nice. So I am looking forward to seeing these things when I return to Mayapur. This next Sunday I am planning to start for Honolulu.

Please send the monthly trial balances.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 12 December, 1974:

I am in due receipt of the photos of Vrindaban as well as your telegram reading as follows: WORK STOPPED ON KITCHEN DOLLARS EIGHT THOUSAND NEVER RECEIVED PLEASE ADVISE

—GARGAMUNI.

So what I can do? Brahmananda Maharaja informs me that Jayatirtha told him on the telephone that the money was sent. So you have to check with the bank why it is not yet received. But why the work should be stopped?

I understand you are considering a property on Camac Street opposite Central Bank of India and the price is Rs. 20 lakhs. So whether the property is worth Rs. 20 lakhs? Is there sufficient land to build a nice temple there? I do not think so. Anyway, we will not move out of our present place. You are paying rent only Rs. 1100/- monthly. Our men can continue to live there, and we can construct a nice temple on this other property. What is the area?

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

N.B. Why you do not supply the straps and the brass rings on the __

Letter to Satadhanya -- Bombay 12 December, 1974:

Regarding the construction you have not mentioned anything about the gate. I want that the gate should be there. The gate should be constructed before the wall is constructed. It is very nice that the work is progressing by having a hired man instead of a contractor. This is proper method for us. Gargamuni Swami has telegrammed that work on the kitchen has stopped and that money from Jayatirtha has not come. But Jayatirtha has told Brahmananda Swami that it was already sent. So what can I do? Anyway the work should not be stopped. This is not good.

Letter to S. K. Roy -- Bombay 16 December, 1974:

In regards to you becoming one of our life members I wish to refer you to Gargamuni Swami who is at our Calcutta Mandir at 3 Albert Rd. You can go and see him there and he will make some arrangement for you to become a member of our society. We have many different membership programs and he can discuss them all with you, and show you all the books we have been publishing, etc.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 1 January, 1975:

I am writing you regarding 8,000 dollars that was sent from Ramesvara for the Mayapur Temple Kitchen. I received notice that the money was sent before December 15th, 1974. Have you not received it yet? When you had not received any money for the construction, you sent a threatening letter. Now money is there and you are silent. Why don't you inform us?

Letter to Ramesvara -- Perth, Australia 15 May, 1975:

Caitanya caritamrta is complete (12 parts) and only 3 parts are published, and now the 5th Canto is almost finished, so why these books are not being published? This is our first business. Immediately, these pending books (17 in total) must all be published. Why the delay? The US printer's binding is better than Dai Nippon. So, some may be printed in US and some in Japan, but the pending books must be finished in a very short time. When I see so many books pending, it does not encourage me to translate. When I see books printed, I become encouraged to write more and more. We can talk this over more in Hawaii. Now, you and Hamsaduta expedite the publishing work. That is your business. And push on the selling. You request Tripurari Maharaja in this connection along with the others. Now, Bhavananda Swami and Gargamuni Swami are there. They are also expert in pushing this on. By combined effort, publish as quickly as possible and immediately Caitanya-caritamrta should be done.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Honolulu 8 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 30, 1975 and have noted the contents. Go on preaching for now, so far money matters, that we shall see later. Preaching is our life. Follow strictly the principles, read, chant,—then there is success. And if you don't do this, spiritual strength is reduced. It is just like a snake is very powerful, so long he has got poison. If it has no poison, nobody cares for it. Similarly, this chanting, reading, and following the principles is our spiritual strength.

Letter to Sudama -- Honolulu 8 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 2, 1975 and have noted the contents. Last time, when I saw you in Hawaii, and I saw that you had become mad, I was very surprised how you had become like that. So, I prayed to Krishna to bring you back. Now, be very careful. Don't make any mistakes. Keep company with Bhavananda. He is very sincere. Also keep Gargamuni with you. Now, the scholarly section of society is accepting our philosophy. Perhaps you have seen Professor Judah's book. So, we have got so many things to do, strictly on Lord Caitanya's principle.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Denver 28 June, 1975:

Gargamuni Swami is collecting for Mayapur. Is he sending you any money? How is the money being utilized?

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Philadelphia 14 July, 1975:

Yes, you can use BBT payments from the temples for printing the books. I paid Giriraja three lakhs from the Book Fund and Gargamuni was also given money from the Book Fund. Besides this there are the regular collections, so use this money.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Vrindaban 26 August, 1975:

Now Bombay is requesting that more money be sent. So please send them US 50,000 to Bank of America, Bombay. Also I am told that Gargamuni Swami has pledged to send Vrindaban US 1,000 monthly but he has not sent anything this month. Please see why he has not done it yet for this month.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Ahmedabad 29 September, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 25/8/75 and have noted the contents. Regarding the disturbance made by the women devotees, they are also living beings. They also come to Krishna. So consciously I cannot deny them. If our male members, the brahmacaris and the sannyasis, if they become steady in Krishna consciousness, there is no problem. It is the duty of the male members to be very steady and cautious. This can be done by regular chanting like Haridasa Thakura did. Whenever there is a young woman, we should remember Haridasa Thakura and beg his mercy to protect us, and we should think that these beautiful gopis are meant for the enjoyment of Krishna.

It is a dilemma for our Society that we cannot deny these girls, and at the same time they are a great dangerous allurement to the young boys. Yes, as you say, I never think in terms of Indian or American regarding my students. I take you all as part and parcels of Krishna.

Regarding your program, that is your fortune, that wherever you go, you do nicely. One thing is that in your absence the Calcutta center is not being managed very nicely. You were making progress for making a Calcutta temple. Who is there who can do that now? Those men cannot do that. Anyway you are doing greater service there by distributing so many magazines and also books.

Your program of travelling to Europe and then by vehicles to India is a very good idea. I quite appreciate that idea. Do it. Come to India and preach. Six months in America and six months in India. Such a program of world touring work is very nice, and you are the competent person to execute this program. At the same time chant Hare Krishna regularly. That is my request.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 4 November, 1975:

Now after consideration it is my desire that you return to take over Calcutta affairs. Otherwise things are not at all going on nicely there. You are experienced man for Calcutta. I do not wish to see things deteriorating there. It is important center, and you have proven that you can manage things nicely, so why you should not be there? I want you to go there immediately. This is more important responsibility. Gopala Krishna also agrees with my desire, so you should go there. You can apply for one year entry visa. Say that you are a member of ISKCON and you are going to India to study Vedic culture and languages and Deity worship in our temples in India. Apply immediately because Gopala Krishna says it may take 6-8 weeks for the visa to be granted.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Bombay 13 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter undated from El Paso, Texas and I have noted the contents. So I am glad to see that you are doing well. Similarly, now we are getting literature published all over the world. I just received very nice books in Swedish and also Italian Isopanisad and similarly our Bhagavad-gita is being prepared in Dutch language. And also our literatures are being received very nicely. Bhagavan das in Paris has reported that they are collecting $20,000 per week in literature distribution. Our Bhagavad-gita in French language is being received very enthusiastically by the people, libraries and schools.

All other reports are also very good. Tamala Krsna is also distributing many big books and also magazines and having many college engagements. Here in India the government is beginning to give us facility for our men to remain here. I am here in Bombay and I am supervising the construction of our temple here. It is a very large project. The temple is larger than our Vrndavana temple. We are trying to get it done as quickly as possible.

I have just received a report from Mukunda in London that the Encyclopedia Brittanica wants to carry my biography article in their publication. So this is all welcome news. So I am very pleased by all of the progress, how you boys and girls are working very sincerely to push on this movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The only difficulty is the fighting that is going on. Why there should be fighting in our society? This is not a good sign.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 13 November, 1975:

I have received a letter from Gargamuni Swami that he has sent $20,000 to Mayapur. So why should there be scarcity of money? What are you doing with this money? Please give me your report.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 20 November, 1975:

Originally I allowed that Gargamuni could start the incense business. I thought that the Ramakrishna Mission, they are doing and the incense we are using, so if we make some and sell it, then what is the harm. But now I see that Spiritual Sky, they have so many products. And now there is jewelry business going on. So why should the business increase? Nanda Kumar, he came here to India simply for doing business. This is not required. So I have given him sannyasa and now he is finished with all business, and he will go to Africa to preach. So this business should be discouraged, otherwise, if they do it, our men will again become karmis. Our business is simply book distribution.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Vrindaban 4 December, 1975:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 11, November 1975, I have noted the contents carefully. Yes! your present engagement is more important, managing Calcutta temple is not so important. I am pleased that you are selling my books, this is superior engagement, so please continue and increase it more and more.

Your plan for the busses is nice. One address in Yugoslavia is Vladimir Radovanov, 45 Skadarska, Belgrade.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Foreigners' Registration Office -- Mayapur 21 March, 1976:

Please be advised that my student, Mr. Gregory M. Scharf (Gargamuni Swami) was sent here to India by me for his immediate assistance was required. In New York he was told at the Indian High Commission that an entry visa would take 11 weeks, however, I required his assistance immediately, so he arrived on a tourist visa. Since his service here in India is valuable as GBC (Governing Body Commissioner) for our branch in Mayapur, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, kindly give him visa. Your willing assistance in this matter will be much helpful.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Honolulu 29 May, 1976:

So far your program is concerned, do not worry that Gargamuni Maharaja's party is doing more books and collecting more money. Both of you are doing very nicely.

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

I am very much encouraged by Bhavananda Swami and Gargamuni Swami's preaching attempts. Now we have just published 30,000 Gita-Gan's (although I am not satisfied with the new cover, why they have changed?). So go on preaching very very nicely. Everyone will like our program.

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

Concerning the request for another vehicle for preaching, you mentioned the cost of $9,500, Ramesvara Maharaja has informed me that Gargamuni Swami still owes $13,000 or so from when he was in America to the BBT. Ramesvara Maharaja has proposed that Gargamuni Swami purchase the vehicle and then Ramesvara could deduct this amount from Gargamuni's debt with BBT.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Los Angeles 7 June, 1976:

Yes, it is simply time wasting and money wasting the way construction is going on in Mayapur at present. I have seen also when I was in Mayapur that 50% of the workers are simply wasting time. Best will be to get a reliable construction contractor and adopt the same method that has been done in Bombay. We can check their bill according to the contract so that they do not cheat us.

Taru Kanti Ghosh, since he is favorable, there will be government support. So continue this boat program. I do not know about motor launch or not, but you should consult and do the needful. I simply want to see that the preaching goes on. That's all.

In the hot climates, hold programs at nightime, and the daytime can be used for resting. Also, green mango sherbet can be prepared. Roast the green mango, and take out the pulp. Mix this pulp with a little salt, black pepper, sugar, and make a liquid by adding some water, then drink it. This will give protection from stroke from the heat.

Concerning the Rs. 25,000 for continuing the food distribution program, Pusta Krsna Swami has discussed with Ramesvara Maharaja and there is enough money in the Food Relief bank account in Los Angeles to send this amount to India for this purpose. So Ramesvara Maharaja should be forwarding this amount to you for the prasadam distribution program in Mayapur.

If the Jagannatha Puri land is simply desert, sand, and there is no prospect of growing any vegetation there, like grass and trees and plants, then in the hot season it will be difficult to go there and to remain there. So before we consider this plot of land, it will be necessary to see if there is possibility of vegetation or not. What about the Bhuvaneśvara land?

Letter to Tejiyas -- Toronto 18 June, 1976:

If you can arrange with Gopala Krishna then I have no objection to you increasing your preaching activities there. If Gopala Krishna wants to be interim president, then if that is your "mutual" arrangement, then you can do more preaching work, especially to the government officers. I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Gopala Krishna das Adikari

Gargamuni Swami

Hamsaduta Swami

GBC Secretary for India

n.b. 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 Nandarani -- New York 8 July, 1976:

Try to publish Persian books as many as possible. That will be a big success. Iranians have very much respect especially for the Americans and your dealings with them will be very much appreciated. Also, if the collections are very good there you can send some money to Gargamuni Swami in Mayapur for the project.

Letter to Gargamuni -- New York 11 July, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your telegram and I have informed Gopala Krishna to supply you with the needed books. However, he has complained that you have a large debt to the BBT and you are not paying it off. So I request you to gradually reimburse the BBT in Bombay.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- New York 11 July, 1976:

So many standing orders are being taken out but they are not being executed. Why? I have written to Gargamuni Maharaja to gradually repay the BBT for the books that they are getting but you must immediately supply them books to supply their orders. They can gradually repay.

Letter to All GBC Secretaries -- Unknown Place 19 August, 1976:

Please accept our humble obeisances at your feet. It has come to His Divine Grace's attention that many members of our society are engaged in the same business that Rsabhdeva (ex-President Laguna Beach) and devotees of Laguna Beach Temple were engaged in. These devotees were recently in Delhi and Calcutta. Some of them also met one of our GBC men in Hongkong. The list of devotees doing this business includes some senior devotees. Furthermore, it was discovered that some GBC members were backing these projects. Exact details on how these activities are carried out were revealed by a participant and His Divine Grace is thoroughly aware of the entire operation now.

His Divine Grace is very very unhappy about this. He said that under no circumstances can any GBC or Temple President accept any money from these devotees. This business has to be stopped at once immediately. His Divine Grace wants all of you to refer to the instruction of 3rd verse of Upadesamrta. First and foremost our profession must be very hones—above all suspicion. His Divine Grace said "I am trying to retire from management to translate but if these things come then how can I translate. I have set up the framework and everything should be done within the framework. Kindly see that this business is stopped at once."

Your servants

Gargamuni Swami GBC

Gopala Krsna Das

Harikesa Swami

Approved: ACBS

Letter to Gurukrpa -- Hyderabad 23 August, 1976:

During discussions with Jayapataka and Gargamuni Maharaja's regarding the construction of the present new guest house in Mayapur, they informed me that 9,70,000.00 rupees are required to finish the project.

I desire that this project be completed as soon as possible. They inform me that the construction can be completed in five months if funds are provided adequately. Therefore you may transfer the above mentioned amount to ISKCON's Mayapur Development Fund in Calcutta, and advise me of the transfer.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Vrindaban 10 November, 1976:

I have received one telegram from Gargamuni reading as follows; Ras purnima over five thousand books sold four lakhs visit temple Bhavananda signs twenty thousand autographs awaiting your arrival 15th or after please reply.

This means that by the grace of Krishna, not only our Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir has become very popular all over Bengal, side by side you have also become the attractive feature in Bengal. So, it is Krsna blessing you. Take this opportunity for preaching in Bengal. Especially please go from village to village with a party of 5, 6 men and preach the message of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu with great enthusiasm. Along with preaching simultaneously Gitar Gana will be distributed.

So far my going to Mayapur, I am expecting to go to Hyderabad, therefore I shall fix up my date later on. In the meantime both Gargamuni and yourself preach vigorously.

Letter to Gaura Govinda -- Vrindaban 11 November, 1976:

I have already informed you that I received only one document, which I have received from Gargamuni Swami. I received no sale deed. You may take one certified copy and use that.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Vrindaban 13 November, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your telegram reading as follows; "Due to your displeasure with Vrindaban management ..."

Before this I received one letter form you addressed to Jagadisa. The reply to that letter is sent with Debu. There I have requested you to come here with the car. I've sent one letter to Bhavananda also, in which I requested him to preach in the interior of Bengal. Now he is in the limelight, so his attention should not be diverted.

Regarding management in Vrindaban, it is improving in My presence. I hope it will go on nicely. The only problem is the guest house. There are practically no guests. Out of 44 rooms we cannot engage even one daily. So, here is the real problem. We have invested in this guest house about 25 lakhs. So, without utilization of these rooms, we are losing about 20,000 per month. This is the real problem. Other problems are minor, they can be rectified. So, amongst yourselves discuss this guest house problem, and when you come, please bring the solution scheme. Then I will be able to talk with you how things can be improved.

The proposal of closing Calcutta center is very inauspicious. Any center we open cannot be closed at any cost, what to speak of the Calcutta center. You have asked for 2 lakhs loan. That can be also arranged, but why Calcutta center bank account is broken. I'm too much perturbed on this point. I was just planning to go to Mayapur when Jagadisa received your letter, therefore I postponed my journey to Mayapur until I come here and I shall discuss with you. My health is also not very sound, still I wanted to go to Mayapur. But, I think the Calcutta problem would give me more trouble even if I am in Mayapur. Thus, I postponed. So, when you come here we shall discuss the matter in detail.

Page Title:	Training of Gargamuni dasa (Letters, 1972 - 1976)
Compiler:	Labangalatika, Visnu Murti
Created:	27 of May, 2010
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=109
No. of Quotes:	109