# BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST ## Srila Prabhupāda's Desire to Print Books ==67-03 "Regarding publication of my books, you know that since I have come here the work is stopped and that is a great loss for me. My primary duty is to publish the Srimad-Bhagavatam and finish it in my life. But preaching in the Western countries is also my duty as it was ordered by my spiritual master. I thought that I shall be able to publish my books from America but it is very much expensive; therefore I have to get books published from India at any cost."== ([[letters/1967/670325_sri_krishnaji|Sri Krishanji, 25 March, 1967]]) ==67-05 "I understand that some girls have volunteered to type and therefore you can now get the revised Gita Upanisad nicely and correctly typed before it is handed over to the press. I am advising Rayarama to send you the 6 / 7th chapters for editing and I shall take with me the balance for re-editing and typing."== (SPL to Hayagriva, May, 1967) ==67-06 "Although I am practically on the path of death, still I cannot forget about my publications. I wish that if I live or die you should take very serious care for my publications.== Immediately I want to send *Gita Upanisad* to Japan for publication. The complete fair copy of *Gita Upanisad* has to be submitted. I hope you have completed fair copies of at least seven chapters. The balance are typed from the dictaphone, and there does not appear to be any possibility of their being edited here, so I think you have to do it. After sending fair copies of what you have done already you will have to edit the dictaphone copies. The original verse (Sanskrit) is to be taken from Dr. Radhakrishnans edition, and the word-to-word English equivalent, as well as the translation and purport is to be found already on the dictaphone copies. The only thing you have to do is place them properly and to make the complete fair copy." ([[letters/1967/670610_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 10 June, 1967]]) *** 67-10 "We must have our books printed. We have wasted much time in the matter of editing and finding out a suitable publisher. When I was alone there were 3 volumes published but during the last 2 years I could not publish a single volume more. It is a great defeat. If I have one or two sincere souls like you and if we can make more publications, then our mission will be a great success. I am prepared to sit down underneath a tree with one sincere soul and in such activity, I shall be free from all diseases." ([[letters/1967/671011_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 11 October, 1967]]) *** 67-11 "In the last paragraph of your letter of the 7th you have mentioned very nobly that you can work with me on the project of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and it will be a great success of my mission. If we jointly finish up complete *Srimad-Bhagavatam* published by MacMillan Company the chance is there. Let us carefully handle the situation and as soon as I return to the States we shall take up the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* in the same spirit as I have published first canto. The MSS of Canto 2 and 3 are ready and if we jointly work on the other 9 cantos I shall feel very much obliged to you. ==If I can leave behind me the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Gita Upanisad and Teachings of Lord Caitanya and if you continue to work in the spirit of pure Krsna consciousness surely we shall be able to do some tangible service to humanity at large.== Hope you are well." (SPL to Rayarama, November, 1967) *** 67-12 "I am so glad to learn that Satyavrata and yourself are trying to get the *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* published. You do not know how pleased I am to hear this news. ==When one book is published I think I have conquered an empire. So try to publish as many books as possible and that will enhance the beauty and prestige of our Society.== The Ramakrishna Mission has nothing to say substantial but because they have money and have published so many rubbish literatures they have become very cheaply popular. You can just imagine how much powerful our Society will become when we have as many substantial literatures published. We should not only publish in English but also in other important languages such as French and German." ([[letters/1967/671212_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 12 December, 1967]]) *** 67-12 =="As soon as you finish the Gita Upanisad business and the matter is handed over to the MacMillan Company, we begin on the Bhagavatam work without delay. Bhagavatam must be finished before my mortal body stops to work and your help in this connection will be very much helpful."== ([[letters/1967/671214_rayarama|Rayarama, 14 December, 1967]]) *** 68-02 "The *Bhagavatam* printing which is taking place in India will be almost of the same style and quality of the 3 volumes already printed. ==My special mission is to complete the Srimad-Bhagavatam in 60 volumes,== so the most important thing on the part of the International Society is to organize the sales propaganda of all the books that you are publishing. If there is less sales propaganda then the outlet of the books will be bottle-necked and smooth printing work will stop. You have not only to print, but you have to sell them. So please consult Mr. Kalman how to do it. In your previous letter it was informed that some firm, European, is going to take the sole selling responsibility for Europe. What happened to that proposal? We must find out some selling agent." ([[letters/1968/680220_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 20 February, 1968]]) *** 68-11 =="Please continue to try for the printing of Back to Godhead French edition. We work so that men of all languages and cultures may join us in chanting Hare Krsna and for this we need so many literatures in so many different languages. So please try for this. As you are His sincere servitor Krsna will provide you with the intelligence to do this nicely."== ([[letters/1968/681124_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 24 November, 1968]]) *** 69-01 =="One thing that I beg to bring to your notice about the printing of my books. In 1954, I left my home and for 5 years I lived as vanaprastha here and there and then in 1959 I took sannyasa.== Of course, even when I was a householder I was publishing *Back to Godhead* since 1947. But then my spiritual master dictated that I should take to writing books which will be a permanent affair. So after my acceptance of *sannyasa* I began working on *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and when the first canto was finished, with great difficulty I published the first volume in 1962, after leaving my home and after taking *sannyasa* and spending whatever cash money I had with me during the five years of my staying alone. Practically in 1960 I was penniless. Therefore I had to quickly take to publication of the first volume and after this I got some money just enough to pull on. In this way I published the 2nd volume in 1963 and the 3rd volume in 1965. Then I began to think of coming to your country and somehow or other I was brought here. Now since I have come I am unable to publish the 4th volume of *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* but with your help and assistance, since 1965 this one book only has been published and I do not know what this Dai Nippon Company is doing. Anyway, I am very much anxious for getting my books published. The manuscripts which I presently have may be converted into 8 different books of the same size, which I generally publish (400 pages). But I do not know how I will get them published. Last year when I was in India, I thought that Acyutananda would publish them in India but this boy could not help me in the least, and the net result is that I have lost my typewriter, and Rs. 2,000/- are now in the dark well of Hitsaran. Acyutananda was sent about Rs. 1,000/- plus he has collected a similar amount from the Dalmia trust fund. All of this has been lost for nothing. Whatever is done is done. I am now very much serious about printing my books. There may be 3 sources for their printing. One source is that if the MacMillan Company is interested to publish my books that will be a great relief. I do not mind for the profit concerned. But I want to see them published. Another source is if MacMillan isn't interested, we can get them printed from Dai Nippon, but the delaying procedure of this company in Japan is not very encouraging. Therefore the next step would be to start our own press at New Vrndavana because Hayagriva is ready to start a press there immediately, taking responsibility for the investment. He has told me that he could take a loan from his friend, Dr. Henderson. In this connection of purchasing a press I sent a list to be filled by the press men of New York telling of the prices of printing machines but there is no response. So I ask you what to do in this connection. Ultimately, if nothing is done, I shall be obliged to return to India for getting them published there. I hope that by now you have already deposited the $1,300 in the First National City Bank. So far as the profits from the store, you may do with them as you like. The temple needs maintenance and improvements and also the book fund requires much funds. I require to have 8 books published and on the price of $6,000 which is charged by Dai Nippon, I will require about $50,000 immediately. Selling or not selling, I want to see these books published. That is my ambition." ([[letters/1969/690109_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 9 January, 1969]]) ==69-05 "When you come to New Vrndavana, we shall talk in detail about our future preaching program. That is our first business. Specially you and Rayarama who are advanced disciples must now do the preaching work. We are now increasing centers and they must be maintained now properly. But our publication department must be considered as the most important department for preaching work."== ([[letters/1969/690515_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 15 May, 1969]]) ==69-07 "I wish that all of our Krsna consciousness literatures may be available to men of all languages throughout the world, so whatever assistance you can give in this connection is always appreciated. But your main business at the present moment is to propagate sankirtana to all the people of Germany. This is also very great service."== ([[letters/1969/690722_sivananda|Sivananda, 22 July, 1969]]) ==70-04 "Regarding the printing of the books, now you are managing these things in Boston. I just want that the books may be printed somehow, somewhere, that is all. So do it as you see fit, there is no need of checking with me. I give you full responsibility in the matter but only if there is some critical point it may be referred to me."== ([[letters/1970/700402_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 2 April, 1970]]) ==70-05 "Please see that the French and German editions of Back to Godhead are published as soon as possible, that is one of my dreams. And then we take the books and publish them in French and German languages. My Guru Maharaja liked the publication of books very nice. He liked publication of books more than construction of temples."== ([[letters/1970/700515_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 15 May, 1970]]) *** 71-12 "Please accept my blessings. I think you have written me two letters. Your former letter was also received by me. So far I remember I have replied it. In any case, very soon I shall be going to Calcutta, and there I shall call you and you may remain with me for some time for translating under my direction. Then ==I shall be able to see how you are translating my books. If you can do it very nicely, then I shall entrust the whole matter to you. This will be a great pleasure for me.== Kindly offer my blessings to all your family men. I hope this will meet you in good health. Your ever well-wisher, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. N.B. if you have desire to begin immediately translating one book, then you may request Jayapataka or Revatinandana or any of my disciples at Calcutta branch to hand over to you whatever book you shall require for beginning translating. Take *'Easy Journey to Other Planets'* first." (SPL to Sankara, December 9th, 1971) 74-04 "Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 4/1/74, along with the new publication in Swedish of my English work, *Krsna Consciousness the Topmost Yoga System.* Of course I cannot read Swedish, but looking through this book has given me unlimited bliss. After all, this is my prime duty, to publish books on Krsna consciousness. The printing of the book appears excellent, and that you are 'profusely distributing' the book all over Sweden is the crowning success of our movement. ==We will conquer Europe with these books. I can only thank you again and again in sincere gratitude for producing this literature, and pray to Krsna to bless you with all spiritual advancement."== ([[letters/1974/740407_ajita|Ajita, 7 April, 1974]]) *** 74-10 "I have not received the new books. I have learned about them from Puranjana, but I have not received them. Maybe they are held up due to a postal delay in Calcutta, but anyway I am so pleased that you have published. Even I have not seen them, I am pleased and obliged to you. Continue this work. ==Whenever there is any publication in any language, it enlivens me 100 times."== ([[letters/1974/741019_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 19 October, 1974]]) *** 74-12 =="Please print as many books as possible, this is my real pleasure. By printing these books of our Krsna conscious philosophy in so many different languages we can actually inject our movement into the masses of persons all over the world, especially there in the Western countries and we can literally turn whole nations into Krsna conscious nations."== ([[letters/1974/741221_gopijanavallabha|Hrdayananda Maharaja, 21 December, 1974]]) *** 75-05 "Please accept my blessings. *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 printers 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." ([[letters/1975/750515_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 15 May, 1975]]) ==75-07 "Yes, go ahead with your translation work. This is very important and work together with Yasomatinandana. We want very much to publish Hindi publications and distribute throughout India. This will be our next program, so please do it."== ([[letters/1975/750726_aksayananda|Niranjana dasa, 26 July, 1975]]) *** 75-07 "I therefore suggested in my last letter that now you are in ripe old age, so you can accept *vanaprastha* life which is your duty as you are born in a *brahmana* family. According to our Vedic principle a *brahmana* is supposed to accept the four *asramas,* namely *brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha,* and *sannyasa.* Others do not accept *sannyasa,* but a person who is a *brahmana* must accept *sannyasa* at the end of his life. So I would suggest that you now retire from family life and accept at least *vanaprastha* order of life keeping your wife with you as assistant and fully engaged in translating the Vedic literature as far as possible. It appears that in the Western countries there is a great demand for real knowledge of Vedic literature. So you are a learned scholar both in English and Hindi, and you can do this completely devoted to the service of Lord Ramacandra. I have opened many temples all over the world, numbering 100. Enclosed herewith are some of the photos of some of the Deities in some of the temples. Very recently we have established our temple in Vrndavana at a cost of 50 lakhs of rupees or more. The Governor of U.P., Dr. Channa Reddy was present for two days for the opening ceremony. All the Goswamis and *sannyasis* like Akhanananda Swami all attended the ceremony. We have got a guest house there containing about 80 rooms, and the recent report is that not less than 500 men are coming daily to visit the temple. *Prasada* is being distributed to the poor, and others are purchasing *prasada (pakki) to the extent of Rs. 100/- per day. We are selling our books also. Now I wish to establish some temple of Ramacandra, Sita-Rama. Of course it depends on the mercy of Lord Ramacandra. ==Therefore I am still requesting you to join our movement completely retired from family life and engage yourself in translation work for the rest of your life."== ([[letters/1975/750726_dinanatha_n._mishra|Dinanatha, 26 July, 1975]]) ==75-08 "The literature you have published is very nice. The Explosion is very good. I started out with this kind of paper, only I was the only writer, the only editor, the only publisher, and the only distributor. So go on with your publishing. At least each month one Hindi and Telugu magazine should be published from Hyderabad. Arrange like that."== ([[letters/1975/750803_mahamsa|Mahamsa Swami, 3 August, 1975]]) ==75-09 "I== am in due receipt of == your letter dated September 19th, 1975 and == the two copies of the three other parts of Caitanya-caritamrta. Yes, I am very pleased with how you have done it. I have ordered you in two months to do it, and you have done it.== I know you have worked very hard. The art paintings are very, very good. Everyone likes them, and I know they have worked especially hard. You should know that I am very pleased that you have fulfilled my request without any hesitation. This is your success in spiritual life. The photographs are all also wonderful. He has done nicely, the boy Bhargava. The translations ...I am not using. There is some fault. I am doing the translations, and Nitai will see that the synonyms are done. I have finished now the Sixth Canto and have already started the Seventh Canto." ([[letters/1975/750926_jagadisa|Radhaballabha dasa, 26 September, 1975]]) ==75-11 "Yes, I am doing Srimad-Bhagavatam, trying to finish, I am trying my best."== ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, 20 November, 1975]]) ==75-11 "I was very happy to receive the new edition of Bhagavad-gita. The make up is very nice. Every time I see a new publication of my books it gives me so much enthusiasm that my life is increased by 100 years. Thank you for helping me so much."== ([[letters/1975/751127_brsni_prabhu|Ramesvara dasa, 27 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 "It is very good that you have concentrated all the production of Spanish and Portuguese literature to Los Angeles. Please thank all the devotees of the Spanish BBT for the beautiful edition of *Bhagavad-gita As It Is.* ==This book publishing was the most important work of my Guru Maharaja and he ordered me to continue in the Western world. So I am very much indebted to all of you== who are helping me to carry out the order of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami. Please see that all of our books are translated as nicely as this edition of *Bhagavad-gita As It Is." ([[letters/1976/760104_hrdayananda|Hrdayananda Maharaja, 4 January, 1976]]) ==76-01 "Please dedicate your life to publishing all our books. It is our most important work."== ([[letters/1976/760105_satsvarupa|Radhaballabha dasa, 5 January, 1976]]) *** 76-05 "These books are the life of human society. Others may be disturbed, but they cannot disturb this *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* Let any man come, but here they cannot touch. We are putting these books for deliberation before the topmost thinkers of human society. Therefore, I have to see that in all languages all of our books are published. If we strain, and if he takes one book home, some day people will come to understand what valuable knowledge they have received. It is transcendental literature. Nobody can challenge it. It is done so nicely, without any spot, the spotless *Purana.* ==Please continue like this to print books in all the languages for the benefit of the suffering, misdirected humanity."== ([[letters/1976/760504_puranjana|Puranjana, 4 May, 1976]]) *** 76-11 "Now you have got good contact in Poland. You must immediately supply the books for the University library. It is a very good order. Yes, encourage them to visit other libraries. ==It is my earnest desire to have my books translated and published in Russian and Polish. Yes, the translations must be checked.== Work with Jayatirtha in that connection. I think *Easy Journey to Other Planets* will be very much appreciated because it is the scientific basis of our Krsna consciousness movement." ([[letters/1976/761111_rupanuga|Kirtiraja dasa, 11 November, 1976]]) ## Instructions Regarding Book Printing ==67-02 "Yes please send me immediately one copy of Bhaktisutra (with original Sanskrit text). I shall immediately begin the commentary."== ([[letters/1967/670210_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 10 February, 1967]]) ==67-02 "I have not as yet received the copy of Narada Bhaktisutra which you want me to write commentaries. I hope you are duly editing the tapes of Teachings of Lord Caitanya. While typing the records after your editing make it in duplicate and send me one copy to see how you are doing it."== ([[letters/1967/670215_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 15 February, 1967]]) *** 67-03 "I have seen the typed copies of *Narada Bhaktisutra* as well as *Teachings of Lord Caitanya.* Both of them are nicely made. I think ==let us finish first Teachings of Lord Caitanya and then we take again Narada Bhaktisutra. The subject matter discussed in Narada Bhaktisutra is already there in the Teachings of Lord Caitanya.== I have sent you matter for the second part of the *Teachings* and please go on sending me one copy of your typewritten matter. I shall be glad to hear from you." ([[letters/1967/670316_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 16 March, 1967]]) ==67-11 "Thakura Bhaktivinoda's book, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, may be printed in thousands and distributed."== ([[letters/1967/671102_rayarama|Rayarama, 2 November, 1967]]) ==68-01 "Your eagerness to render service to the Lord is very much appreciated by me. Please get the copy of Sri Brahma-saḥhitā and begin the transliteration. I think you know the diacritical marks for transliteration; please use them. Please send me full photostat copy of the original Brahma-saḥhitā. After you finish transliteration of Brahma-saḥhitā then we shall see for Srimad-Bhagavatam."== (SPL to Pradyumna, January, 1968) ==68-02 "You will be glad to know also that my Gita under the title of Gita Upanisad or Bhagavad-gita As It Is is going to be published by Messrs. MacMillan Company of New York."== ([[letters/1968/680201_harekrishna_aggarwal|Hare Krsnaji, 1 February, 1968]]) ==68-02 "Please send me the full photostat copy of the original Brahma-saḥhitā. I shall begin writing my own commentation after my Guru Maharaja. Gaurasundara will be helping me prepare this Brahma-saḥhitā. After you finish transliteration of Brahma-saḥhitā then we shall see for Srimad-Bhagavatam. Hope you are well."== (SPL to Pradyumna, February, 1968) *** 68-05 "And if this piece of land is turned into New Vrndavana then I shall forget to return to Indian Vrndavana. I am getting older and older, so actually ==if I get a peaceful place as described by you, the rest of my life will be continued in translating Srimad-Bhagavatam and other Goswami literature,== assisted by some of my disciples like you. So any time you take me to your new hermitage, I shall be very glad to go there. So far your cooking is concerned, you are my first student to learn Indian style of cooking and from you the disciplic succession has spread and many of our students are cooking. But still your cooking surpasses everyone's cooking. I shall be glad to participate in your nice and tasteful *prasada." ([[letters/1968/680523_gurudasa|Kīrtanānanda, 23 May, 1968]]) ==68-05 "Yes, to make a Krsna consciousness coloring book for children is a very good idea for serving and for spreading Krsna consciousness to the young children. Please do it. I will give you hints how to do it; just let me know when you are ready to begin. It will be a great service."== (SPL to Malati, May 28th, 1968) ==68-09 "I am contemplating also to publish one book, Krsna In Pictures. One boy, his name is Mark, he is very good artist. I have given him some ideas of drawing some pictures about Krsna from Srimad-Bhagavatam. And if I see he is successful, which I hope he will be, then we shall print many books of pictures. The picture books will be most appealing. We shall give stress on this point."== (SPL to Brahmananda, September 9th, 1968) ==68-10 "Regarding Karnapura's poetry, it is not available now. There is a book of Karnapura and that is written in Bengali type, partly Sanskrit. When opportunity prevails, we may translate it into English; then we shall get the poetry; for the time being there is no possibility of getting the poetry of Karnapura."== ([[letters/1968/681021_syama|Syama dasi, 21 October, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "So far as your question about the Krsna stories, you will be glad to know that soon ==we will begin working on a book called, Krsna, which will have stories and illustrations of all of Krsna's pastimes. These stories come from the 10th canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.== You have also written that you wish to obtain some pictures of Krsna in His childhood and such pictures can be obtained by writing to Brahmananda in New York about prices and which pictures he has available." ([[letters/1968/681213_girish|Girish, 13 December, 1968]]) ==68-12 "If you want I can send you theistic Vedanta interpretation which you can edit and translate into the French language for publication in Back to Godhead.== There are 4 chapters of *Vedanta-sutra* and the first one called *Janmadasya* I have explained in my *Srimad-Bhagavatam* at the very beginning. You can see it and if you think it is nice then I'll try to explain the other *sutras* in the same way. I am enclosing herewith the Sanskrit transliterations and meanings requested by you." ([[letters/1968/681219_janardana|Janardana, 19 December, 1968]]) *** 69-02 "Some time before in your letters you expressed a desire that we should jointly present Indian cultural ideas in this country. I think you will remember this proposal, and I replied that if we want to present the real Indian cultural traditions, then we must present the Vaisnava philosophy as it is. Poet Tagore became very popular in the Western countries by presenting his *Gita Anjali* which is full of Vaisnava sentiments. ==We have immense literatures, especially in the Gaudiya Sampradaya of the Vaisnava sect which is enriched by the contribution of the Goswamis. These should all be presented to the Western world.== Similarly, *Vedanta* commentary by the Vaisnava *acaryas* like Ramanuja, Madhva, Baladeva, Sridhara Swami, etc. can all be presented successfully. You are a learned philosopher, and your Cultural Integration Fellowship Institute advocates universal religion and cultural harmony. I think if you will turn your attention to the Vaisnava literature you will find all of these ideas in complete fulfillment." ([[letters/1969/690206_dr._chaudhuri|Dr. Chaudhuri, 6 February, 1969]]) ==69-03 "Regarding Vedanta-sutra tapes, please ask Hamsaduta to send me copies of the transcription so that I can make another tape. If I read the copy then it gives me impetus to write further."== ([[letters/1969/690318_himavati|Himavati, 18 March, 1969]]) ==69-03 "...and you will have ample opportunity to educate children and write books for them because there is sufficient matter for publishing such books from the Puranas, Mahabharata, Srimad-Bhagavatam and many other allied literatures. There are thousands of ideal historical events, which if we can put with suitable pictures, it will be a great idea and people will like to have such literature."== ([[letters/1969/690330_satyabhama|Satyabhama, 30 March, 1969]]) ==69-05 "Enclosed are a few nice poems by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura which you may hand over to Mandali Bhadra for translation into German and to be submitted for publication in German Back to Godhead."== ([[letters/1969/690514_ananda|Ananda, 14 May, 1969]]) ==68-07 "Regarding further tapes of Vedanta-sutra, this has been suspended for the time being, but when I begin again I shall send the tapes to you. Recently we have finished our book, The Nectar of Devotion, and now the book, Krsna, is in the process of being written. So when the project of Vedanta-sutra is again taken up I shall inform you."== ([[letters/1969/690711_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 11 July, 1969]]) ==69-09 "Regarding Vedanta-sutra tapes, I can send them to you when I return to Los Angeles, because the books and reference books are there"== ([[letters/1969/690928_brahmananda|Hamsaduta, 28 September, 1969]]) *** 69-10 "Regarding your question about *Govinda Ganamrta,* Govinda is Krsna, and *Ganamrta* means the nectar of songs. That means anything sung about the activities of Govinda is nectar. You have mentioned that Srila Rupa Goswami has introduced this. Srila Rupa Goswami, assisted by all the other Goswamis have left immense literature for singing about the glories of Govinda. ==Whatever literature we are presenting, following the footsteps of Rupa Goswami and the others, they are also Govinda Ganamrta.== So the more *Govinda Ganamrta* or the glories of Govinda will be spread the more the nonsense of impersonalism and monism will be defeated. It is said, *kaivalya-nistarakau.* This means the Goswamis deliver us from the danger of being lost in the philosophy of monism. As I wrote in my prayers to my spiritual master, 'impersonal calamity Thou hast moved.' So this impersonalism is a calamity for the spiritualist." (SPL to Tamala Krsna, October 13th, 1969) ==69-10 "The poem sent by Acyutananda is nice. It is enclosed herewith and you may publish it in Back to Godhead. Acyutananda should be encouraged to do this translating work. He is translating poems of Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and that is very nice."== ([[letters/1969/691027_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 27 October, 1969]]) *** 70-05 "I am very glad to learn that you have the Prahlada pictures in your safe custody because I want to print up many small books with text accompanied by illustrations, and the first one may be of Prahlada Maharaja. Some time ago you wrote me that ==you wanted some new topics for writing subjects, so I think you can begin by compiling information from my past lectures on Prahlada Maharaja, then add the pictures and print it.== Then you can do many other such books like this. Some other books may be about Dhruva Maharaja, Ajamila, etc. and I am sure these stories with their very significant purports will make very successful books, and they can be very easily sold. So if you can begin on this project and arrange everything carefully, that will be very nice." ([[letters/1970/700501_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 1 May, 1970]]) *** 70-10 "I beg to thank you so much for your letter dated September 21st, 1970, along with your copy of *Who is God?—A Children's Introduction to Krsna Consciousness* which I see you have done with great care. I have gone through the book, and I think it is very nice. Devananda and others have also seen it and have also approved your efforts. But ==I== think this book is meant for somewhat older children, about ten to fifteen years. We are also immediately requiring some books for much younger children, say five to ten years age.== Another thing you just see that every and each item and example for discussion is made very clear in continuous context, so that it will be easy for their understanding. As you have done this first book it is a very good beginning, so go on writing and improving and make a series of such books and we shall see to their printing. Also have the pictures done very nicely and in color if possible as it is done by our Art Department in Boston. And if you have any questions in this regard you may correspond with them directly. That will be very nice. In the meantime, have all your works read by the other devotees as they may find it convenient to do so and they can give you further suggestions. ==So go on writing more books; we need many such books for distributing to the public schools as well as for our own schools== and send me draft copies as you make them up. I will be very glad to see them." ([[letters/1970/701004_yogesvara|Yogesvara, 4 October, 1970]]) *** 71-03 "So far as your suggestion for a booklet of operational principles, you may go ahead as planned. For this book so many points have been explained in *The Nectar of Devotion.* So why don't you refer to it? Last years handbook was not bad. There was sufficient stock of information there but if you can improve upon it still further, that will be very nice. Also very soon ==I shall send you one complete set of instructions on worshiping the Deity and you can print in English and distribute. This book shall be named Method of Worship."== ([[letters/1971/710313_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 13 March, 1971]]) ==71-04 "For cheap circulation we can print small penguin book size paper-backs of Krsna which can be sold at 75c, each book about 250 pages, so that Krsna book may come in three books for a combined price of $2. What is your opinion about this? Then we can print cheaply Krsna book for large circulation. I shall be glad to know your opinion in this connection."== (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, April 21st, 1971) 71-09 "If you remain sincere and enthusiastic for spreading Caitanya Mahaprabhu's message then surely He will give you all facility to do so, you can be sure. And Krsna says in *Bhagavad-gita* that He will give you all intelligence in this connection. Everything will become revealed to you. Just like now we are commentating on the Western philosophers in the light of Krsna consciousness. I never studied different philosophy or science but Krsna has given me the intelligence how to defeat their nonsensical proposals. ==Soon these commentaries on the Western philosophies will be transcribed and published in a book entitled Thus They Talked."== (SPL to Sri Galim, September 25th, 1971) 71-10 "Please try to distribute our books very, very widely in all languages. That will push our movement very rapidly. We are now preparing a book on philosophical discussions. Syamasundara is daily discussing with me the views of the different Western philosophers and we are studying them from the ISKCON point of view. This work is going on regularly and Aravinda is typing them regularly. So very soon a book will come out. When I go back to India ==I shall review all the Indian systems of philosophy also, from this angle of vision, so that this book will be very much interesting to the student class in the schools and colleges.== Try to encourage all our centers to go to the schools and colleges and introduce our philosophy, books and literatures." (SPL to Karandhara, October 16th, 1971) 71-11 "I like your idea to publish many small books especially meant for the layman class. ISKCON Press has just printed *'Topmost Yoga* and *'Easy Journey,'* and you may order these from them. I have written and spoken ample stock for such articles and essays. Now it is up to our editors in NY to select and publish them. Actually ==it was my original idea that our press should print many smaller books by the millions,== but that they are not doing. Instead they talk of expanding more and more, but they cannot produce any big books. So you may approach Bhagavan dasa and Rupanuga with your suggestions for books, and among yourselves you just chalk out some practical plan." (SPL to Bahulasva, November 30th, 1971) ==71-12 "Your idea to publish a booklet of arguments against impersonalists is very good proposal. Do it nicely by mutual consultation with your learned elder Godbrothers and God-sisters, and if you like I can provide answers for any such questions that impersonalists frequently ask."== (SPL to Patita Uddharana, December 8th, 1971) ==71-12 "Your proposal to make a series of smaller books is approved by me. It is very nice. That will help in teaching the young children also.== If the press is running twenty-four hours, then everything is all right. Something must always be produced. I am very encouraged by the small pamphlets sent to me by Karandhara which he is printing in Los Angeles. I wanted that our press from the very beginning should print such leaflets, but that they have not done—simply trying for equalling Dai Nippon, consuming money like Dai Nippon, and producing nothing." ([[letters/1971/711228_bali-mardana|Bali Mardan, 28 December, 1971]]) *** 71-12 "I beg to acknowledge your letter of 17 December, 1971, along with copies of your advertising work, slides, and Dutch *Back to Godhead.* I am very pleased to see that the foreign literature is being produced nicely under your enthusiastic supervision. Just try to increase more and more our output of such books and magazines in many languages—otherwise how will preaching go on in these places? Though we have been settled in European countries for many years now, only now you are printing the first book in French language, and there is only one book done in German language. So the record has not been good, therefore our preaching work in these countries has not been going very well, and I think now things are not going too well in France and Germany centers. So if somehow or other you can produce profuse books for these places, spend your all time translating, organizing, printing and distributing such books in foreign languages, then I think you will be able to improve the situation there. If there are amply books, everything else will succeed. Practically our Society is built on books. One book is not very impressive. Still, a blind uncle is better than no uncle at all, so it is very nice that one book has appeared, and that *Back to Godhead* is appearing at least several issues in other languages. But now try to produce at least four or five new books per year in several languages, plus regularly *Back to Godhead* every month. That will be your success. You are very sincere and hard-working boy. Now just take good direction from your senior Godbrothers and apply yourself fully to this very great responsibility of producing numerous books in foreign languages. I don't think there is need to divert your attention by producing advertising. I have seen your advertisements as shown to me by Syamasundara, and I think you have made the thing less important. This kind of ad is not good, it is not grave. Our process is to show Krsna consciousness as it is, not as others want to see it. By showing Krsna consciousness in this way, you are making the thing less important. It is not that we should change to accommodate the public, but that we should change the public to accommodate us. Better you devote your full time to one thing only, not many things. That way your enthusiasm and talents will have big effect by being concentrated. ==Therefore, kindly concentrate for producing books and magazines in European languages, as many as possible, and make this your life work.== These books are the best advertising, they are better than advertising. If we simply present Krsna consciousness in a serious and attractive way, without need to resort to fashionable slogans or tricks, that is sufficient. Our unique asset is our purity. No one any where can match it. That will be noticed eventually and appreciated, as long as we do not diminish or neglect the highest standard of purity in performing our routine work, not that we require to display or announce ourselves in very clever ways to get attention. No, our pure standard is enough. Let us stand on that basis." ([[letters/1971/711228_yogesvara|Yogesvara, 28 December, 1971]]) ==71-12 "Krsna book should be published with the American University students in mind.== Brahmananda can not send money out of Africa, so there is no need of printing a special African edition. Instead a few copies may be sent to him and he can arrange to have them copied and printed there with the book fund money that is in Africa. Then he can adjust the size of the book according to the African book market. So I also agree that *Krsna* book of sixteen colour prints plus 6 by 9 will be very nice." ([[letters/1971/711230_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 30 December, 1971]]) ==72-01 "Please take quotation for the printing of a Bengali book-page 5" x 3 1/2", with very nice paper and soft-bound, about 100 pages long. When I receive the quotation I will send you a Bengali poem that I have written on the Bhagavad-gita called== Geetar-gan ==."== (SPL to Jayapataka Maharaja, January 5th, 1972) 72-02 "I am always very much encouraged to hear from my disciples and to reply them, but now I am old man and I have inclination for philosophy and translating, and if all day and night I am reading and answering and signing letters then I cannot utilize this, the fag-end of my life, to give you so many nice literatures ==like the Vedas, Upanisads, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other books in our own Gaudiya line, like Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami, Visvanatha Cakravarti and others.== So if the GBC which I have appointed for this task will kindly now assist me in this way, by handling very expertly and with all good consideration all matters of managing, ==I shall devote my full time to giving you further nice books."== (SPL to Kirtika dasi, February 16th, 1972) ==72-02 "Regarding the teacher Miss Wilson, you may engage her in translating, if she can read Bengali type. She can try Jiva Goswami's Sandarbhas—that will be a great contribution."== (SPL to Rudra dasa and Radhika devi dasi, February 20th, 1972) 72-02 "Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of January 28, 1972, ==along with the very nice book you have compiled 'Prayers to Krsna.' Actually, this book was so much enjoyed by me, and I think that you have done it perfectly and there is no need to make any changes.== So today I have sent the book to Karandhara in Los Angeles and I have instructed his New Dvaraka Press to make the layout immediately and have the pictures painted very nicely just as you have drawn them, and to send the finished manuscript to Dai Nippon for printing 10,000 copies at once." ([[letters/1972/720225_prajapati|Prajapati, 25 February, 1972]]) ==72-02 "I am an old man now, and my interests are turning to philosophy and translation. If you help me by relieving me from this administrative work, that will free me to give you so many more fine books from our Vedic literature and from our devotional line. So kindly assist me in this way."== (SPL to Mohanananda, February 27th, 1972) 72-05 "Please accept my blessings. In your last letter you informed me that Dr. Rao (Ramananda dasa) had come to see you in Varanasi, but he could not find you at that time. Will you immediately open correspondence with him? His address is as follows: Dr. Ravindra Pratap Rao, Reader in Chemistry, Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, U. P., India. Just now I have received a report from Ksirodakasayi dasa of Vrndavana that Ramananda is not nowadays translating our literature into Hindi. You may know it from me that the idea of starting the Hindi paper generated when Ramananda took charge of taking the editorship of the paper. Now he is indirectly declining. I do not know what is the reason. Both Ksirodakasayi and Ramananda took charge of publishing the Hindi *Back to Godhead 'Bhagavata Darsana,'* but Ramananda has stopped translating, and Ksirodakasayi says that he is not a perfect translator. Another boy, Radharaman Goswami, he has left, so far I understand, so this is the position of the Hindi *Back to Godhead.* ==I shall be glad to know if you can translate our literature into Hindi with the help of some friends in Varanasi. Varanasi is the learning site for the Hindi language. Can you take charge of this translation work somehow or other?== Then it will be a great service to the Lord. I shall be glad to hear from you immediately. Treat this letter as very urgent, and reply me by return post to our Los Angeles address." ([[letters/1972/720510_niranjana|Niranjana, 10 May, 1972]]) ==72-05 "Regarding Hindi literatures, I am very much encouraged that yourself along with Ramananda and Ksirodakasayi Prabhus are anxious to do some solid work.== You form a committee along with Guru dasa, Giriraja and Bhavananda and altogether you work cooperatively both to publish and to distribute our Hindi literatures very widely throughout India. The committee must be also organized for distributing the books and magazines, otherwise what is the use of publishing? First make certain that our distribution is very nice organised. So after your exams you may plunge into this task whole-heartedly and try to enlist the help of all the others and make the project come out very successfully. Form the committee and whatever is needed, you do it. It doesn't matter if the Hindi translation is perfectly the same length as the English original, translate any issue of *Back to Godhead* or any book and send the manuscript after composing to Japan for printing, that is the best plan. For our English *Back to Godheads* they have got the original photographs and negatives in Japan, so if you translate some issue of English *Back to Godhead* you can send there for printing and the cost will be cheaper because they have already got the photos, etc. In Benares there are many presses and they supply very cheaply. So you take quotations from Benares and find out the lowest quotation for soft binding, first-class paper, and printing in the size of our present *Bhagavatam* booklets, *Easy Journey to Other Planets,* like that. In Delhi and Mathura also there is very good facility for Hindi printing. So in this way cooperate with the others to find out either some printer there in India who will print our books in good quality and also very cheaply, or translate and compose the work there and send to Japan. Either way the work must go on and increasingly our literatures should be profusely distributed in India. Kindly report to me your progress in this respect after your examinations are finished. Meanwhile I hope this will find you in very good health." ([[letters/1972/720526_niranjana|Niranjana, 26 May, 1972]]) *** 72-06 "I am pleased to hear that the song books and tapes of Lalita Prasada Thakura are in New York for being edited and distributed. To answer your questions, the Deities in London, New York, etc. are not mentioned in *Teachings Of Lord Caitanya,* the Deities mentioned there were before these Deities were installed. In *Caitanya-caritamrta* there it is mentioned that all over the world there are to be found many Deities. They may be covered by flood, devastation, and so on. *Svayam Prakasa* refers to Baladeva. So far the songs of Jayadeva are concerned, there is one, *Srita Kamala.* ==Yes, if you want to translate the Bhakti-Ratnakara.== When I go to New York in a few days, namely on June 2nd, I shall be very glad to peruse the tapes and writings you have sent there." ([[letters/1972/720628_acyutananda|Acyutananda, 28 June, 1972]]) ==72-07 "You may develop the films of manuscripts from Birnagar and inform me what you have done and which manuscripts are with you, then I shall inform you where to send them for translating, etc."== ([[letters/1972/720713_yadubara|Yadubara, 13 July, 1972]]) *** 72-07 "Regarding the songs by Jayadeva, *Srita Kamala* is not approved. Sometimes our Krsnadasa Babaji sings, but it is not approved by Prabhupāda. Those songs are for *siddha-bhaktas,* not for us who are *sadha-bhaktas* or learning *bhaktas.* Lord Caitanya never divulged in public, He enjoyed them in the company of His selected three or four devotees. There is one song by Jayadeva, *Worshiping the Ten Incarnations,* that song is all right. The other songs that you mention are all right. Regarding the manuscripts, you may photograph all of the pages, then we shall type them later. If there is shortage of film, ==I have instructed Karandhara to send you a large supply of the appropriate films for photographing the pages.== Or you may purchase there and we shall pay from the book fund. ==These are important works and they must be preserved forever, so what is that expense?"== ([[letters/1972/720715_acyutananda|Acyutananda, 15 July, 1972]]) *** 72-07 "One thing is, I have got many tapes of my speaking in Bengali language, and if you and Satcitananda can co-operatively transcribe them for printing there? I do not want to send them to you unless I have got assurance from you that they will be done under your supervision. ==But if you are going to Vrndavana that will be a good opportunity to sit down and transcribe my Bengali tapes because there is Bengali typewriter in Vrndavana. You may also translate other things as you have mentioned, that is nice."== ([[letters/1972/720729_acyutananda|Acyutananda, 29 July, 1972]]) *** 72-07 "One thing is, Sriman Lalita Prasada Thakura has not fulfilled his promise to give us that place in Birnagara for our ISKCON temple. So I don't want you to mix with him further. I have just got one letter from Acarya dasa, wherein he requests to live with Lalita Prasada Thakura for taking instruction from him. I do not like this idea, I don't know where these ideas are coming from. No one should go there any more. ==Let Yadubara take his photos as he has taken so much trouble and they may be valuable for the future,== but besides Yadubara no one else should go there, and Acarya dasa should not go there either." ([[letters/1972/720729_acyutananda|Acyutananda, 29 July, 1972]]) ==72-07 "One thing is, I have got many tapes of my speaking in Bengali language, and if you and Satcitananda can co-operatively transcribe them for printing there?== I do not want to send them to you unless I have got assurance from you that they will be done under your supervision. But if you are going to Vrndavana that will be a good opportunity to sit down and transcribe my Bengali tapes because there is Bengali typewriter in Vrndavana. You may also translate other things as you have mentioned, that is nice." ([[letters/1972/720729_acyutananda|Acyutananda, 29 July, 1972]]) ==72-07 "Yes, that is nice, you may continue to photograph all of the manuscripts of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and other great acaryas in our Vaisnava line, but for now do not photograph anything of Lalita Prasada's manuscripts. When I go there I shall see. First of all let us see Bhaktivinoda Thakura's works, then we shall see further."== ([[letters/1972/720729_yadubara|Yadubara, 29 July, 1972]]) ==72-08 "Regarding Bhaktivinoda Thakura's manuscripts, immediately we do not have any program for printing them. You keep them carefully and when I return I shall consider the matter. The translating work can be done both by Ramananda and Niranjana in Benares."== ([[letters/1972/720821_yadubara|Yadubara, 21 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 "And most of all I am happy to hear that you have begun some translating work. Now you work conjointly with Ramananda in Gorakhpur for producing all of my books in Hindi language, that will be your great contribution. You are a learned scholar, so is Ramananda, == so the both of you together should head up this program of translating and publishing my books in Hindi language. If you require to have anything sent you from this country, I can arrange. You should be given all facilities to carry on this work with all expediency.== Thank you very much for helping me in this way, may Krsna bless you more and more." ([[letters/1972/720918_niranjana|Niranjana, 18 September, 1972]]) ==73-04 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated April 15, 1973 with enclosure of m/s Narada Bhaktisutra. I have no objection to your publishing it, however there are many, many mistakes in the Sanskrit which have to be corrected, so I am returning the m/s. to you under separate cover. Regarding Prayers of King Kulasekhara, I never said I was displeased with your publishing it in Back to Godhead."== ([[letters/1973/730419_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa Maharaja, 19 April, 1973]]) ==73-10 "So now you print small books as many as possible from my lectures past and present as New York has done, and if possible print big books, but I don't think that big books will be suitable for your press."== ([[letters/1973/731013_candanacarya|Candanacarya, 13 October, 1973]]) *** 73-12 "Just now I was reading *Krsna* book. It is very interesting and entertaining and written so even a child can follow. ==In our childhood days we were reading one book, 'Folk Tales of Bengal.' It was very widely read, especially by children. So why not introduce the Krsna book for the same purpose?== You may get some sanction from the Minister of Education. It is a very nice book for student study—they will get our cultural idea and learn to read English." ([[letters/1973/731213_beharilal|Tamala Krsna Goswami, 13 December, 1973]]) ==74-04 "As for Canakya Sloka, I think the best thing is if I translate it myself and send it to you for printing, rather than wait for Pradyumna"== ([[letters/1974/740411_dayananda|Dayananda, 11 April, 1974]]) ==74-04 "Yes, by all means you may print my morning walk speaking about 'Life comes from Life' into a small book; this argument should be spread, as any intelligent man will be convinced that our discussion is thoroughly scientific and exposes the so called materialistic scientists as rascals.== So go on printing and distributing as many books as possible; this is your real work and your personal success." ([[letters/1974/740421_whom_it_may_concern|Hamsaduta, 21 April, 1974]]) *** 74-07 "I do not know where your address is, still I am writing this letter to you for urgent business matter. The philosophy discourses we had years ago is now lying without any utility, so all your Godbrothers are very much anxious to publish it. I therefore request you to edit it immediately if you have time because you wanted to edit the whole thing yourself. Otherwise why not give it to some of your Godbrothers to do the task? ==They think this philosophy discourse will very much help our movement, so why it should be delayed unnecessarily? I hope you will do the needful without further delay and let me know the results."== ([[letters/1974/740715_syamasundara|Syamasundara Prabhu, 15 July, 1974]]) ==74-10 "Yes, the Mahabharata is an authoritative book. It is considered the Fifth Veda. But, quotations must be given from the original Mahabharata"== ([[letters/1974/741018_giriraja|Ksirodakasayi dasa, 18 October, 1974]]) ==74-12 "Here in India we are now arranging for publishing Hindi books and other languages for profuse distribution in India. That is my immediate program. I blindly follow my Guru Maharaja. I do not know what is the result. So I am stressing on this point of book distribution. He told me this personally."== ([[letters/1974/741206_sri_govinda|Govinda dasa, 6 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "Please accept my humble obeisances. ==Srila Prabhupāda has requested me that you should please publish one new book of Lord Kapiladeva's teachings. The book should consist of Prabhupāda's purports to Chapter 25 of Srimad-Bhagavatam Number 4== , ==as well as all the lectures he has given on these verses== here in the last month and a half. The title of the book should be: *Kapila's (the son of Devahuti) Sankhya Philosophy.* The tapes of these lectures have been sent to LA via one devotee returning to Washington DC (4 tapes) and Bali Mardan (3 tapes). The balance of 4 tapes is with Sruta Kirti and he will hand them over to you in Hawaii, via Ramesvara. Prabhupāda suggested that Hayagriva could edit the lectures into the purports for making this book. I hope this meets you in good health. Your servant,Brahmananda SwamiPersonal Secretary Approved: ACBS." (SPL to Radhaballabha dasa Prabhu, December 10th, 1974) ==75-06 "It is very good that you are progressing with the book proving scientifically that Lord Sri Krsna is the origin of life. Yes, do it slowly but surely. It is important work for our preaching mission."== ([[letters/1975/750623_svarupa_damodara|Svarupa Damodara dasa, 23 June, 1975]]) ==75-07 "Regarding your proposal for printing the condensed version of Bhagavad-gita, yes, do it."== ([[letters/1975/750707_locanananda|Locanananda dasa, 7 July, 1975]]) *** 75-07 "Regarding seeing your book on Lord Ramacandra partly translated into English, I am very much eager to see it. I am returning to India by the month of October, therefore there is no hurry. When I return I shall be glad to see your book either in Bombay, Vrndavana, or Calcutta. ==I have to translate all the Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and many other theistic literatures left by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas headed by the six Goswamis like Rupa, Sanatana, Jiva, etc.== I have already translated about 50 big books of 400 pages each, and my books are selling all over the world in universities, libraries, to learned professors, and the public also is receiving my books with great respect. Of course they are not my books, since I have simply translated; but my purports for each and every verse from the *Bhagavad-gita* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam* do very much appeal to the people in general as well as to learned circles. They are very much appreciating and we are selling to the extent to 30-40 hundred thousands of rupees per month. Out of this we spend 50% for the maintenance of our different temples all over the world and 50% we spend for reprinting my books. I do not take any royalty or any profit out of it. Similarly if you agree not to take any profit or royalty then our Bhaktivedanta Book Trust will publish your book on Lord Ramacandra. I have a great desire to translate the *Valmiki Ramayana* because that is authorized. Tulasi dasas *Caritamanas* is already translated into English by some clergyman, but I do not exactly know his name. ==Therefore I wish to translate Valmiki Ramayana exactly in the way I have done Srimad-Bhagavatam.== I am sending herewith a copy of our monthly paper *Back to Godhead* in which you will find the mode of translating of *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* It begins after page fourteen. It will give you an idea in which way we want to translate. Or you are welcome to come to our temple along with your son at 3, Albert Road, Calcutta. There you can see in my books the mode of translation by giving the purport of the verse in English." ([[letters/1975/750726_dinanatha_n._mishra|Dinanatha, 26 July, 1975]]) ==75-09 "Regarding your difficulty in rendering Caitanya Bhagavata, yes you are right that you are overstepping your position. Better to stop it."== ([[letters/1975/750903_nalinikanta|Acyutananda Swami, 3 September, 1975]]) ==76-01 "Enclosed please find one book written by Harikesa Prabhu called, Spiritual Dialectism. Please first of all print it in Back to Godhead magazine and if the response is good it may be made into a book along the lines of Svarupa Damodara's book, The Scientific Basis of Krsna Consciousness."== ([[letters/1976/760110_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 10 January, 1976]]) ==76-01 "What are those Bengali dramas that Nitai is working on? He should work on Arcana-Paddhati, not divert his attention here and there. He should make Hari-bhakti-vilasa into short cut, not more than twenty pages. He can consult Nrsimha Vallabha Goswami for help in this matter. This should be his first consideration now."== ([[letters/1976/760113_jayatirtha|Aksayananda Maharaja, 13 January, 1976]]) ==76-01 "Please continue to work on the Arcana-Paddhati and finish it. We cannot be sure that Pradyumna will come in time. Also, you can go on translating the drama of Girish Ghosh. Everyone here has appreciated it. As you translate the scenes, there should be people rehearsing it."== ([[letters/1976/760124_nitai|Nitai, 24 January, 1976]]) ==76-04 "Yasodanandana Swami wants to print the Brahma-saḥhitā with color paintings. The BBT trustees can discuss amongst themselves and if they agree then I have no objection."== ([[letters/1976/760423_sons_and_daughters|Ramesvara dasa Maharaja and Ranadhira dasa, 23 April, 1976]]) ==76-07 "Continue with your program in the temple. It is a good program and it sounds that you are doing very nice! You may begin translations of Brhad-Bhagavatamrtam and Laghu-Bhagavatamrtam as requested."== ([[letters/1976/760708_nitai|Nitai, 8 July, 1976]]) ==76-10 "There is no need to print Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His Life and Precepts, it is already there in other books"== ([[letters/1976/761015_dr._r.m._dave|Radhaballabha Prabhu, 15 October, 1976]]) ==76-12 "I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 30, 1976 accompanied by your translation of Srila Bhaktivinoda's songs. Thank you very much. You have done nicely."== ([[letters/1976/761223_jayasacinandana|Jayasacinandana dasa, 23 December, 1976]]) ==77-05 "Regarding the Arabic translation, whether it is good or bad, something should be printed."== ([[letters/1977/770506_german_disciples|Harikesa Maharaja, 6 May, 1977]]) ## BBT Press 68-02 "Regarding the purchase of a press, I do not know what is the condition of the press but I want a full complete press where all kinds of books can be printed. If our men can take charge of a nice press either in New York or in India, that will be an ideal proposition, but the press which you propose to purchase is not equipped for printing our books. If Mr. Kalman can equip the press for printing our books, *Bhagavatam* especially, and other books also, and if our boys and girls can efficiently take up the printing work, that will be very nice. ==If we have got a press in our control with full equipment it will be a great boon.== If such manipulation is not possible then I wish to start a nice press in our Indian branch and get all our books and printing work done there. For a nice arrangement of our Indian branch I am already in negotiation with Indian friends and I have proposed a big industrialist to become the president of the Indian branch. In India labor is very cheap in comparison with your country, and especially if we have our Indian branch in Vrndavana we can have labor there as our inmates of our institution. There are many Vaisnavas who will be ready to work without any remuneration, simply in exchange for their food and lodging. If we take American machines there and some of our American students to see the management we can get there labor practically without any charges, but this idea can be done as said, when we get a nice house to accommodate everything." ([[letters/1968/680224_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 24 February, 1968]]) *** 68-02 "Regarding buying a small printing shop, I am not very much optimistic. ==If you can organize a regular press for printing all our magazines and books and engage all our boys and girls in the press work that will be a nice proposal,== but if you purchase a small printing work where I understand even *Back to Godhead* cannot be published, what is the use of that press? Better we are negotiating with Hitsaranji and if we are able to open a nice center in India we shall purchase some machine from America and start a press there. In India the labor is cheaper extensively than in America. My idea is that if we are able to have a branch in India we can do the printing works nicely under your supervision. But, if you can start a full fledged press in NY, that will be better. A full fledged press means we must have two typographic machines at least and engage some of the girls for composition and the boys may be engaged in printing and machine manipulating. That will be a great success. If Mr. Kalman purchases a big machine for printing our books, then it will be very much helpful. I cannot advise you to purchase a small printing press because that will not help us. The same energy can be transferred to India when we are in possession of a bigger house. There is every possibility of Sharma's help in our publishing power, but that is not yet settled. As soon as I hear from him favorably I shall ask you to make direct correspondence with him. I am just waiting his favorable next reply." ([[letters/1968/680224_rayarama|Rayarama, 24 February, 1968]]) *** 68-06 "Regarding the press, recently I have received one letter from Rayarama which I am enclosing herewith for your perusal. You can open correspondence with him about the press, and give him the details of the press materials. I think they are asking $5,000 to make a bargain; if we can purchase a press for $1,000 as informed by Rayarama why should we spend $5,000? Anyway, you can open correspondence with Rayarama in this connection and certainly as we need a press for printing our books and magazines, I think Krsna is presenting us with the opportunity to purchase one press of our own. Here also in Montreal the temple space is very great, and part of it we can very easily spare for running on a nice press. And Mr. Kalman is ready to invest money. So far manpower is concerned, I think we shall be able to get it. There will be no scarcity of manpower. So considering all these different angles, ==if we can have our own press it will serve the greatest purpose of our mission. Please therefore send the details of the press to Rayarama and if possible, send me a copy of the details.== But I guess they are demanding not very reasonably. It cannot be so much high priced." ([[letters/1968/680618_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 18 June, 1968]]) ==68-07 "Yes, we are in need of our own press very urgently, and as Advaita has in his view to conduct such press, and he is laboring so hard for fulfilling this desire, certainly Krsna will be very pleased on him and you also for such endeavor.== It is contemplated that we may start the press here in Montreal because there is ample space. It is not settled up, but if we decide to start, then how Advaita can help this enterprise? Anyway, unless Advaita becomes quite conversant with the matter of conducting a press, I shall not try to start a press of our own. And when he is satisfied, then we shall start a well-equipped press." ([[letters/1968/680704_balai|Balai, 4 July, 1968]]) *** 68-07 "While fixing this letter I have received your second letter also. I understand that you are purchasing a printing machine. When you have the machine somebody must join you to work, anybody you like, and I shall arrange for that. If it is possible to print *Srimad-Bhagavatam* you can immediately begin it and I shall pay for the paper, binding, etc. We want to print them immediately. ==If you actually print our books in your ISKCON Press then a great problem will be solved. And if not I shall work with you provided you can give me the visa to stay.== Please let me know how far you are ahead in this proposal." ([[letters/1968/680713_subala|Subda, 13 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 "So far your work is concerned, now I am serious about starting a press as soon as possible, and because there is no other alternative, we must have a good press. So I have already advised about these things to Uddhava and he will inform you. And I have also advised Purusottama that he trains somewhat in taking photographs, and some of the girl students, especially Annapurna, she knows how to use typographic machine, and her future husband, Ananda, he has also some idea of press work. And your wife, Balai dasi, she has also some knowledge in typewriting, so I do not think there is any difficulty for conducting a press, and we must do it as soon as possible. Uddhava suggested that to start a complete press, it will require about $5,000 so I think Krsna will arrange to supply the necessary money, but you should try to start the press as soon as possible. Of course, in Montreal there is sufficient place, and more students are coming here, being chased by the draft board, under the circumstances, if it would have been possible to have a nice press here, then we could engage all the draft-age boys in the press work. But you say that New York is the best place, so we must start the press in the best place. That is the first consideration, and ==Krsna will give us all strength, and printing of Bhagavatam and other Vaisnava literature is my life and soul, so the press is the biggest mrdanga, recognized by my Guru Maharaja,== so I shall request you to qualify yourself for such work as soon as possible and with Krsna s name let us start it as soon as possible." ([[letters/1968/680819_tamala_krsna|Balai and Advaita, 19 August, 1968]]) *** 68-08 "Regarding your inquiry into Japan for reprinting the book, the best thing will be to arrange for our own press. Take quotation from the Japanese firm, but I do not think, unless we print in large quantity, it will be very cheap. Similarly, you can also inquire from Hong Kong as you have described, I have no objection, but ==our next attempt should be to start our own press.== As such, I have already instructed Uddhava about these things and so far photography work is concerned, you have got some experience and you can learn about it sufficiently in the meantime. As soon as Advaita and Uddhava say the press can be started now, we must start our own press. That I have decided. And here, Annapurna, she has agreed and her future husband, Ananda, he has also agreed to work on the typographic machine. Last time we inquired from IBM about the typographic machine or vari-type machine, so I do not know whether Rayarama has already purchased it, but our printing process should be on the typographic machine and vari-type machine, and get the photos of the prints. That will be the process of our printing. So you can inquire in the meantime." ([[letters/1968/680819_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 19 August, 1968]]) *** 68-10 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 3rd, 1968, and ==I am so pleased to learn that you are now going to be a photographic expert also for our press. It is all Krsna's arrangement. Please learn the art very nicely.== So far financial assistance for starting our press, I am sure Krsna will help us. Don't worry about it. Simply just become expert in conducting the press. Regarding binding: The cost of binding should not be more than 40 cents. And the best thing will be if some of our students learn binding also. The book size of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* will be exactly as it is, at present, but it may be that the pages may be increased. Because next printing I am thinking 3 volumes in one. And the papers may be just like Bible paper, thin, and pages will be not less than 1,000, and we shall print in one volume; the binding should be very first-class and similarly, part by part, we shall have to print 12 parts, altogether. So if some of our students becomes expert in binding, that will be very nice. I think Devananda, who is in Boston, has some knowledge in binding. Binding is not very difficult task. Anyone can do it, but I do not know how it will be successfully done. But the cost of binding must not be more than 40 cents." ([[letters/1968/681006_uddhava|Uddhava, 6 October, 1968]]) ==68-10 "Regarding binding: Some of our students also may learn the art, and so far I know, binding cost should not go beyond 40 cents"== ([[letters/1968/681006_advaita|Advaita, 6 October, 1968]]) ==68-11 "The New York boys are very much anxious to start our own press immediately and we must have sufficient matter to print in the press continually."== ([[letters/1968/681108_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 8 November, 1968]]) ==68-11 "Regarding press, if the Dai Nippon Company has not come to conclusion and the matter is prolonged so much, then we cannot wait any more. In that case the $6,000 which I have kept aside for their payment may be invested in press work, and the book printed in our own press. Please think over this matter seriously."== ([[letters/1968/681112_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 12 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "Regarding opening of the press, my idea is that unless we are fully independent, in all departmental works of the press, we should not attempt it. Your suggestion that the papers may be sent to Holland for binding is completely Utopian. If we print we must bind ourselves also. This is not practical proposal that we shall print in our press, and send for binding in other countries. Therefore, it is essential that some of our boys may learn about binding also. ==When we start our own press, we must simply print our own publications and magazines and books. We shall not accept any outside work,== and by selling books and magazines we shall have to maintain the family of our devotees or the *brahmacaris.* That should be the ideal work. We shouldn't depend for maintaining the workers by accepting outside job works. So for the time being, the Dai Nippon business must be finished immediately. Then after getting *Teachings of Lord Caitanya,* along with *Bhagavad-gita,* we will try to start our own press by the sales proceeds." ([[letters/1968/681116_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 16 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "Regarding press: I have already written to Brahmananda how the press should be started. The following principles should be followed strictly in our press: ==All the works of the press, including binding, and everything should be done by our men. We shall not accept any outside job for maintaining of this press.== We will print simply our books and magazines, etc. And the boys and their families should be maintained by the sales proceeds of books and magazines. Brahmananda told me that binding in New York is very expensive, and he is thinking of sending the papers to Holland for binding. These proposals are not at all practical. You write to say that Purusottama is desperate to come here and stay with me for a while, so let him come, and if need be he will go back again." ([[letters/1968/681119_rayarama|Rayarama, 19 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "I understand that the 3rd canto full and 4th canto up to date are with you. Please keep them with you and let me know when they are ready. ==Most probably we shall start our own press very soon. And as soon as the press is started we shall immediately begin printing of Bhagavatam and other books.== Please let me know if Devananda has any binding experience, whether he can teach some boys here to bind nicely. Unless I am certain that everything in all the press department will be done by ourselves, I am not inclined to start the press. I have duly received the copies of the prospectus sent by you." ([[letters/1968/681122_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 22 November, 1968]]) ==68-11 "Regarding the press you are thinking to purchase, yes it appears to be a very good opportunity. It may be that in the future we shall also purchase one offset press, but in any case, this is a good opportunity for buying this sort of press, so I think you should purchase it."== ([[letters/1968/681130_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 30 November, 1968]]) ==68-12 "So far as doing outside printing work on your printing machine, if it is worthwhile in terms of finance, then you may do this. Thanking you once more for your nice letter. I hope that you are very well."== ([[letters/1968/681229_satsvarupa|Dayala Nitai, 29 December, 1968]]) ==69-01 "Regarding the press, it is a very good engagement provided you can work properly on it. But if you purchase such press and there is nobody to work it, it will lie down idle, and that is not good. So if you are serious about working on a press, I advise you to do it immediately. Otherwise, you should not waste your time."== ([[letters/1969/690115_dhindro_vanalata_mullick|Krsna dasa, 15 January, 1969]]) ==69-02 "I am in correspondence with Hayagriva for renting one two-story big house near New Vrndavana for starting the press. I think we will be able to secure the house by next April when I will also go there, and our project of starting a school, press, etc., will be seriously taken at that time."== ([[letters/1969/690204_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 4 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 "I wish to go to New York by the first week of April, because after finishing in New York I shall have to go to Boston. And when I come back from Boston by the middle of May then we go to New Vrndavana, and if possible we make arrangements for starting the press. In the meantime, the press men and managers and everyone should be ready. ==If the press can manage to print 20 to 25,000 of Back to Godhead and 5,000 copies each of my books, I think that will be sufficient engagement for the newly started press."== ([[letters/1969/690310_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 10 March, 1969]]) *** 69-03 "Please ask Janardana what is the difficulty in editing *Back to Godhead* in French language. Of course, I received his letters that he was so much busy in so many ways, but still, this is also one of his responsibilities. In the absence of *Back to Godhead* printing, the machine is being used for some other purposes. Of course, when I was in Montreal I think ==I gave permission to print some outside work to get some money, but that does not mean that we should stop our own work and print something in our press which is against our principles.== Please try to convey that news to both Janardana and Dayala Nitai and they may please give attention." ([[letters/1969/690311_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 11 March, 1969]]) ==69-03 "Regarding Srimad-Bhagavatam: no it is not possible to delete so much of the books. We will print it ourselves. We do not find any special facility being published by MacMillan so we shall publish on our own press. That is the best idea. And Brahmananda is organizing a special department for book selling."== ([[letters/1969/690318_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 18 March, 1969]]) *** 69-03 "Regarding Hawaii, certainly it is a very nice place, the climate is milder and there is much fresh air from the ocean and sunshine, and the sceneric position is also beautiful. I would have immediately developed a colony for press operation but unfortunately there is no facility for conducting a press here at present. But so far I can think, your editorial staff must be situated where we have got our own press. ==I do not know whether it is Krsna's desire that we should start our own press immediately—but the circumstances give me to understand that we must start our press immediately.== Because the negotiations with Dai Nippon are very much prolonging I am thinking very seriously if we can print the 20,000 or more copies of *Back to Godhead* in our own press, as well as at least 4 books (the size of my *Srimad-Bhagavatam) in a year. That should be our future program, backed by our * sankirtana* parties moving all over the world. So for this proposal we have got our land already in New Vrndavana; so I do not know whether it is feasible but I wish to concentrate there in New Vrndavana the major portion of our activities. These Hawaiian Islands are very beautiful but at present there is no facilities for working out our scheme—whereas we have land in New Vrndavana. I am encouraging Gaurasundara and Govinda dasi to try to develop in this side another place, as New Navadvipa. So just immediately there is no possibility of operating our press in the islands but in future we shall see. But if there is too much difficulty to work out the Navadvipa plan then I may call back Gaurasundara and Govinda dasi to New Vrndavana, for working as part of the *Back to Godhead* staff. In California there is also a good place for working for operating the press but we have not got our own place there either. I have heard it from Dinadayala that it may be possible to get a house in San Francisco Bay area expected to be donated by a devotee lady. So I am going there and see how that is possible." ([[letters/1969/690320_rayarama|Rayarama, 20 March, 1969]]) ==69-07 "I am glad that you have named your printing press the Radha Press. It is very gratifying and may your Radha Press be enriched in publishing all our books and literatures in the German language. It is a very nice name. Radharani is the best, topmost servitor of Krsna, and the printing machine is the biggest medium at the present moment for serving Krsna. Therefore, it is really a representative of Srimati Radharani. I like the idea very much."== ([[letters/1969/690704_jayagovinda|Jaya Govinda, 4 July, 1969]]) '* *** 69-07 "Our first important business is to hold *sankirtana* as many times as possible. The next important business is publication work. Recently I received one letter from Sivananda that he is also thinking nicely to improve our press work. I hope in the future you shall be able to start a regular press in Germany for printing our books and literatures. ==I have heard that in Germany the press machines are very good and cheap. So if you jointly can think of starting a press there, that will be a great success."== ([[letters/1969/690728_mandali_bhadra|Krsna dasa, 28 July, 1969]]) *** 69-08 "Regarding the press, I wish this to be in Boston because you are now getting your own house there. In your last letter you also invited many householders to live there. Because all the press managers are householders, and you are also householder, so combinedly if you manage the printing and publication of our books, that will be a great success. ==If we have got our own press, we can earn some money by outside work when there is no pressure of our own work. So this is very important subject matter and keep me informed about the advancement of the idea."== ([[letters/1969/690819_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 19 August, 1969]]) ==69-08 "Regarding press starting, I have already given you the necessary instructions and again I say that you complete it as soon as possible. I wish to see the press is started when I go back to USA after my European tour..."== ([[letters/1969/690827_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 27 August, 1969]]) ==69-09 "Regarding the press purchasing, it must proceed on, and Krsna will help you. Don't worry.== I understand that you require approximately $14,000 out of which Advaita has $4,500 and you have about $5,000. The balance may be asked from Tamala as the house we are contemplating to purchase is untouchable by us on account of too high price. So Tamala can spare the balance money for the press at the present moment, and when the house will be actually purchased, Krsna will provide us with the money. Anyway, don't be discouraged. Whatever deficiencies will be there, Krsna will supply you, and if there is actually any deficiency, please let me know and I shall send you a check for that amount. I think this will be all right." ([[letters/1969/690916_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 16 September, 1969]]) ==69-09 "I am not very much enthusiastic to publish our books by some publication house, including MacMillan and Co.== So far as I know, Ramakrishna Mission has their own publication organization; Aravinda Asrama has their own publication organization; Theosophical Society has their own arrangement; Bible Society has their own arrangement; Ravindra Natha Thakura has their own arrangement. So ==why ISKCON should fail to have its own organization?== The thing is that publishers are interested in money. They will make a condition that you purchase 5,000 copies, investing your money, and give some restriction that you don't go to booksellers. That means they publish with our money, our literature, and sometimes if somebody goes to sell to some booksellers they take strong objection. At the same time, they want to publish from the business point of view, without taking into consideration the aesthetic and philosophical side of the literature. I am enclosing herewith one copy of the letter of the MacMillan Company sent by Brahmananda to me, and you seriously consider the whole situation along with Tamala and let me know your definite opinion what to do." ([[letters/1969/690922_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 22 September, 1969]]) *** 69-11 "So far as my books are concerned, I think there are materials for at least ten books which are ready for printing. Now all the manuscripts are with you. So now the editorial department is under you and Hayagriva and you combinedly please get my books printed, one after another. I think the following management will be nice: I shall pay the book printing price, the actual cost plus 10% maintenance charges. Then after the books are printed you will distribute them proportionately to the different centers, and they will remit the price directly to me. Purusottama will keep accounts for that so that the responsibility will be lighter on your side. Besides that, if the books are distributed immediately after printing, without payment at first, the centers will be encouraged to stock them and sell them. I have consulted on this matter with Purusottama and he says that the idea is right. Now you can give me your own opinion also. But continually all the *Bhagavatams, Krsna, The Nectar of Devotion,* etc must be published. After printing, some of them may be made soft-bound and some may be made hardbound, according to demand. ==I have already written to Brahmananda that we shall not accept outside work.== That will complicate our situation as a tax-free organization. Brahmananda wrote me that Advaita wants to purchase a wagon, but I don't think the press department will require a wagon just now. You have already got one bus, so money should not unnecessarily be spent up. For the present the idea may be suspended, and when I come to Boston I shall see if it is actually needed." ([[letters/1969/691105_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 5 November, 1969]]) *** 69-11 "I am very much anxious to hear from you. In my last letter I was informed by you that you were going to send me some specimens of the composed version of *The Nectar of Devotion,* but I have not received anything till now. Besides that, you have not called for the remaining portion of the manuscript. This means the major portion is not yet composed. In the meantime, the press is ready. The press has already begun to print, and without having any books ready, they are printing other materials. But ==the press is specifically meant for printing my books.== So far as I can understand, 12 or 13 books are ready for going to the press. Simply they require to be composed. So please let me know what is the exact position and why the work is going slowly. Here some respectable friend has promised to publish my book, *Krsna,* in 2 parts. The manuscript is also ready. So after *The Nectar of Devotion* I want to take up this work immediately. Formerly the plan was that Arundhati and Syama dasi combinedly will compose at least 20 pages daily under the guidance of Hayagriva and Pradyumna; Pradyumna will be responsible for the diacritic marks and Hayagriva for correct English and grammatical composition. This was the arrangement. The press is ready; the manuscripts are ready but I find from your department things are not up to the standard. So please let me know what is the position whether it is possible for you to take this responsibility. If you take the responsibility, what is the difficulty that things are going so slowly? I shall await your letter and shall thank you very much in anticipation." ([[letters/1969/691114_pradyumna_arundhati|Pradyumna and Arundhati, 14 November, 1969]]) ==69-11 "I am very sorry to learn that our press is lying idle, and your remark in this connection that we have purchased the cart before the horse is appropriate.== I have immediately asked Aravinda from Los Angeles to go there for doing layout work. I have asked also Pradyumna why the composition work is going so slowly. I have received one letter from Satsvarupa also in this connection, so all the composition and layout work must now be centralized in the press. For editing, already Satsvarupa is there, and Hayagriva will send his editorial matters without any delay. The actual difficulty is composing and layout. Satsvarupa informs me that there is a girl, Palika dasi, who is a good typist and Satsvarupa also agrees to purchase another machine. So if possible immediately purchase this composing machine and begin the composing work for *Krsna.* Jayadvaita is also there and Aravinda will help in layout work. So far as the press lying idle, I would advise you to immediately print the paperback edition. Originally you were going to print this and I do not know why this program was cancelled. After this is done, you can reprint the first volume of *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* because there is a need for more copies of this volume. So I do not know why the press is sitting idly and why the proposal for printing *Teachings Of Lord Caitanya* in soft-cover edition is put aside. Also, you mention that there is some lack of management, but I do not know why this should be since Brahmananda, yourself and the others are there. Please inform me of the cost for reprinting *Teachings of Lord Caitanya." ([[letters/1969/691119_advaita|Advaita, 19 November, 1969]]) *** 69-11 "The thing is that you have asked me so many questions, but it is not possible for me to manage all departments of our Society. Practically you are in charge of the press department, but it is better to form immediately one press committee consisting of you, Satsvarupa, Brahmananda, or whomever else you like, and do it nicely. How things should be done I have given you suggestion, but it is not possible for me to divert my attention. Then my real work will suffer. I have written a letter to Pradyumna but there is no reply as yet. Anyway, from the practical point of view it appears that we cannot depend on him for composing work. So in consultation with the others you arrange for other means. I have already advised Satsvarupa in this connection. If Sriman Candanacarya is busy in some other work, then Aravinda can wholly be engaged in Boston layout work. I have already asked him to go there. I have also noted down the lawyers instruction that outside work can be taken if the profit does not go to some individual person. I think if it is legally possible this is all right. I have no objection if you make some profit on outside work. That is very nice. ==My only point is that we have got our press for printing our own literatures more and more. We should not miss this point.== Otherwise, combinedly together do it nicely. I shall be very much pleased to see things are going correctly." ([[letters/1969/691123_advaita|Advaita, 23 November, 1969]]) *** 69-11 "Regarding press management, I have already informed Advaita that you should immediately form a Press Committee composed of yourself, Satsvarupa, Advaita etc., and manage things carefully and nicely. ==When we== have got our press, we must properly use it, always praying for Krsna's grace.== I do not think Satsvarupa can be overburdened with any further work. He is working outside, editing also, and looking after other business. But combinedly you can do very nicely. Also, the New York center must be entirely under your vigilance." ([[letters/1969/691125_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 25 November, 1969]]) ==69-11 "The next point is centralization of our publication department in one place.== Krsna has given us now a nice press in Boston, and you are now free from your job, so it will be very nice if you and your wife move to Boston conveniently. As you have written that Brahmananda has almost agreed to pay for the machine, so you have no anxiety. We have already discussed about purchasing another machine. So far as Syama dasi is concerned, I do not know how it will be possible for her to live alone without her husband. I think her husband also requires her help in so many ways. So I am not very much sure about Syama dasis moving to Boston. But you and Arundhati" can do it immediately. I am also going there, so we shall sit down together and call also Hayagriva and Syama dasi to hold a nice meeting of all the editors, printers, etc. We will chalk out a nice program so that our work may go on very smoothly without any impediments, and surely Krsna will help us. So far as I am concerned, I would have been very glad to stay with all the editors and press workers in my presence, but the only consideration is the climatic influence." ([[letters/1969/691127_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 27 November, 1969]]) ==70-04 "This ISKCON Press insignia is very appropriately drawn. It bears the real meaning of mrdanga, or press and mrdanga are 2 parallel lines."== ([[letters/1970/700420_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 20 April, 1970]]) *** 70-06 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 16th June 1970, along with two copies of *The Nectar of Devotion.* Yes, it is made very excellent. At least I can safely say that there is 80% perfection. This means we can hope very soon that books printed from your press will be cent per cent successful, as we are expecting to get from Dai Nippon. In some of the pages, the ink impression is not sufficient, otherwise it appears everything is very nice. The paper is first-class, the sewing is also nice, and I hope the cover binding will be nice when it is done professionally. The pictures have also come out very excellent. So everything is very hopeful. You are trying your best, and Krsna will give you proper intelligence to execute these press responsibilities. ==All of you in the press are doing so hard work. I can simply pray to Krsna for your perfect advancement in Krsna consciousness.== One thing I must inform you in this connection, that so far our activities in Krsna consciousness are concerned, every one of us should read this book very attentively, because all conclusive statements in the kingdom of *bhakti* are contained in this transcendental valuable book. It is the essence of all Vedic scriptures, enlightening about Krsna consciousness. If anyone will read this *The Nectar of Devotion* very carefully, he will have all guidance in *bhakti* cult. So in the temple class, some portions of this book must be regularly discussed." ([[letters/1970/700618_advaita|Advaita, 18 June, 1970]]) ==70-06 "I am so happy that our ISKCON Press is now producing several literatures consecutively like Srimad-Bhagavatam, chapter by chapter. So now I am enlivened to write more and more. Thank you very much."== ([[letters/1970/700622_uddhava|Uddhava, 22 June, 1970]]) ==70-06 "Yes, Kulasekhara is a first-class press operator. It is nice. We also started in Boston because Advaita is a first-class press operator.== But the point is if we do not have a nice press, what is the question of press operator? We have invested in Boston about $20,000, but still it is not well equipped and the major portion of our printing work is being done in Japan. Until we can open a very nice press and print our literature up to date it will not be a good investment. If you want at all the *Back to Godhead* in French and German languages published locally, better you try to get it from a local first-class press. I understand that in Germany and Holland there are many well equipped presses." (SPL to Hamsaduta, June 22nd, 1970) ==70-06 "Regarding the printing of Srimad-Bhagavatam, I have already advised you in my last letter dated 19th June 1970 not to make contract. We shall continue to print Srimad-Bhagavatam chapter-wise on ISKCON Press and when all the chapters are there we shall bind them together. The next book we shall print in Japan will be Krsna Volume II and maybe Bhagavad-gita As It Is revised and enlarged edition if composition is finished. Krsna Volume II is almost ready now."== ([[letters/1970/700625_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 25 June, 1970]]) ==70-07 "Our Press owned and operated by the Society is housed in our Boston temple buildings. Presently we are printing books regularly and our monthly magazine Back to Godhead is being printed== in English, French, German and Japanese editions with Spanish, Hindi, Bengali, Dutch and Danish forthcoming. The English edition is understocked at 125,000 copies per month and the other editions are printed at the rate of 10,000 per month. The public demand for our literatures is international and so much greatly increasing that although the Printing Department (editing, transcribing, composing, layout, photography, printing and binding as well as sales) is full time engaged, and the press is kept running almost 24 hours daily, we are unable to meet the demands for literatures and so we must also go to outside printers like Japan. See pages on ISKCON Press in the Krsna Consciousness Handbook." ([[letters/1970/700716_nevatiaji|Nevatiaji, 16 July, 1970]]) ==70-07 "The ISKCON Press was specifically established exclusively for printing my books. Please therefore give me an idea how you can help me in getting all my manuscripts printed as soon as possible.== Whenever Advaita is submitting an estimate for printing my books, I am supplying the money immediately. So far the finance is concerned, Krsna is supplying. Therefore, if you simply print my books in the press incessantly, that will give me great delight. Please therefore let me know how far you can all help me in this connection and what are the manuscripts ready for printing. I think I shall now stop all other activities except publishing of my books. Kindly enlighten me per return mail." ([[letters/1970/700727_satsvarupa_uddhava|Satsvarupa and Uddhava, 27 July, 1970]]) *** 70-12 "I know that Satsvarupa has got too much other engagement to be able to devote the requisite time for managing the press department. I had never considered either closing down our ISKCON Press or removing your responsibility for managing the press affairs. You may immediately resume your former activities and work the press according to your best ability because ==I am very eager to see our own press printing the majority of our publications.== The first thing now should be the printing of the new, enlarged edition of *Bhagavad-gita As It Is.* That will be a great boon to our movement....I have been very much encouraged and pleased to receive the two latest chapters of *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* Second Canto. So this printing must go on. ==ISKCON Press remains our big mrdanga and the backbone of our movement."== (SPL to Advaita, December 19th, 1970) 70-12 "The pictures on the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* Chapters are very nice. My sincere blessings are to Jadurani and the art department. If our books are printed in this standard, that will be very, very good. ==I do not aspire to any more efficiency in printing, but simply the printing must go on regularly. Offer my blessings to all the workers of ISKCON Press because that is my life.== Next time when I go there, I shall first go to Boston. In future, if we get some nice place, some of the workers may come and start our own press here also." ([[letters/1970/701219_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 19 December, 1970]]) *** 71-01 "I am so glad the press workers have become enlivened in their work. This is required if we at all wish to be a truly world-wide organization. World wide means world wide distribution of literatures. That is the business of ISKCON Press. Now you are again in charge, so please see that everything gets done with the cooperation of GBC. Everything must be done cooperatively. Your present schedule of printing is very encouraging. The chapters of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* are very successful. They are selling good, that's nice. One dollar the students can easily pay and if they read, immediately they will get some sense. If moving the press to New York is convenient, I have no objection. You must have all facility of work—that I want. It is good news that all the temples are expanding. So the press must be located in another place. The Brooklyn loft is nice and the rent is not much. Let us occupy at once. I have got all approval of this move. I have already ordered a third printing of *Krsna Volume 1* from Dai Nippon, but the Second Canto *Srimad-Bhagavatam* should be done by you. You have already printed up most of the chapters, so it should be printed here, not by Dai Nippon, so you do not have to send them the layout, etc. The new printing of *Isopanisad* should be not sent here. They should be distributed in the USA. ==I beg to thank your good self and all the other members of the Press Department for your sincere efforts to please your spiritual master and Krsna by propagation of Lord Caitanya's philosophy."== (SPL to Advaita, January 21st, 1971) 71-04 "You say that *Bhagavatam* printing is going on, but what about *Bhagavad-gita As It Is?* Some San Francisco Indian friends promised to pay $20,000, for this. So somehow get this money and manage to print *Bhagavad-gita* as quickly as possible, without stopping. ==Best thing is to get Bhagavad-gita printed on our own press, some soft bound and some hard bound, regularly sewn.== Now in NY we have got large space. If required we can increase by another press, but try to get all our books printed on our own press." (SPL to Rupanuga, April 9th, 1971) 71-04 "I have written as you know, to Dai Nippon regarding the printing of *Bhagavad-gita As It Is,* but I do not know what is the actual position of the manuscript. ==Neither I know whether you want to print this book with Dai Nippon or on ISKCON Press.== In San Francisco the Indians wanted to pay $20,000 for the printing cost, so what is the position now? Are the pictures ready? the index, Sanskrit and English editing, the missing purports, lay-out, composition, etc.??' (SPL to Advaita, April 17th, 1971) ==71-05 "No, maintenance expenditures cannot come from the Book-Fund.== I do not understand why the press has moved and a new location fixed up, all for the cost of $10,000. What is the benefit of it? The *Bhagavad-gita As It Is,* is being attempted to be printed in ISKCON Press, but it is taking time-years. Does it mean in this way that the book fund will have to pay $1,500. per month and await printing? ISKCON Press is simply meant for printing our books and there must be sufficient work for printing; otherwise what is the use for maintenance? First of all it was suggested that the printing place would be situated in our NY building. Now it has gone to another building. So I shall require the GBC members to inform me what is the actual benefit by such removal and keeping the press in a different building. ==The policy of maintaining a white elephant is not good."== (SPL to Karandhara, May 17th, 1971) ==71-06 "So if the book distribution program is going so nicely, then we should produce books on our own press in great quantity.== I have written Rupanuga one letter, the essence of which is that $15,000 worth of books, at our cost and not at face value, should be printed each month and distributed. Since it was formally agreed that the press would charge 10% of the total costs for maintenance, so if $15,000 worth of books are printed then the $1,500 per month maintenance cost is taken care of. Other than that, our press operation is not economically sound proposal. But if books can be produced to the extent of $15,000 per month, then it is all right." (SPL to Karandhara, June 16th, 1971) ==71-06 "So our books will have to be produced in great numbers. On our own press, they can do so, provided it is economically sound proposal."== (SPL to Tamala Krsna, June 17th, 1971) ==71-11 "So far ISKCON Press Europe, that was simply imagination. It never took shape. So it is better if you amalgamate it. This matter and similar topics should be consulted properly with you and the GBC members for the proper course of action. And for meeting your expenditures, taking on commercial printing jobs sounds all right. If you can maintain in this way and at the same time go on printing our books, that is our success."== (SPL to Advaita, November 1st, 1971) 71-11 "So far the posters for temple altars, if you have got extra money you can print the posters. But ==I am against the policy of our ISKCON Press charging exorbitant prices for books and other things which they sell to the temples.== Our policy should be cost price, or if a little more (10% above cost) is required for other expenses, that may be added. But it is not that we are in business to make profit from each other. With the public, that is a different thing. But our real business is to spread Krsna consciousness, and for that our centers require so many things like books, tapes, photos, like that—and these should be freely exchanged between the temples to be utilized nicely in preaching work, without profit-making." (SPL to Rupanuga, November 30th, 1971) 71-11 "There is no limit to expanding—you talk of expanding—we have to invest more and more to remain modern by purchasing machines, etc. But if the machines we have cannot even be utilized properly, then what is the use of expanding? I want that all of these big plans should be realized, and there will be no end to the resources Krsna will provide, but first there must be good management. Who will manage? But ==I have no objection if you can develop the press by making outside profit with commercial work and investing—that is all right."== (SPL to Rupanuga, November 30th, 1971) 71-12 "Regarding *Krsna* book paperback size I originally intended the pocket book size for the Africans, who have not got sufficient money. And if Brahmananda is ready with at least half of the total cost for printing 50,000 copies each volume or 150,000 copies total, then let him send and we shall invest for re-composing. I think the total cost is $36,800, so he will have to supply at least $18,400 before we can spend for re-composing. So I think the best thing is to reduce our existing plates to 5 1/4 x 7 1/2 size and print *Krsna* book in that way, as many as required. But I have just received a letter from Karandhara, wherein ==he proposes to establish a rival ISKCON Press in Los Angeles. This is a very good idea. It will accelerate my work, especially when I return to LA.== So he is thinking to buy some computerized type-setter which will re-set *Krsna* book type in a very short time for a pocket-book edition. So you all GBC members discuss among yourselves what is to be done, but I have no objection to the 5 1/4 x 7 1/2 size. It is still legible for everyone." (SPL to Rupanuga, December 5th, 1971) 71-12 'Tour proposal to make a series of smaller books is approved by me. It is very nice. That will help in teaching the young children also. ==If the press is running twenty four hours, then everything is all right. Something must always he produced.== I am very encouraged by the small pamphlets sent to me by Karandhara which he is printing in Los Angeles. I wanted that our press from the very beginning should print such leaflets, but that they have not done—simply trying for equalling Dai Nippon, consuming money like Dai Nippon, and producing nothing." (SPL to Bali Mardan, December 28th, 1971) 72-01 =="I== am very glad you want to start your own press, but one thing is that you cannot close it once it is begun. When your own press is very sound and established beyond doubt, then you may call back Yogesvara."== (SPL to Hamsaduta, January 20th, 1972) 72-02 =="I am especially pleased that you are compiling booklets for ISKCON Press. Yes, that is their best work: small booklets and pamphlets. Leave the big books to Dai Nippon"== (SPL to Hayagriva, February 13th, 1972) 72-05 =="So far moving the press to Los Angeles, that is for you to consult with Bali Mardan. You are a Book Trust now, you discuss with him and do the needful, that's all."== ([[letters/1972/720502_karandhara|Karandhara, 2 May, 1972]]) *** 72-05 "I am very glad to hear that you have got one life member there in Melbourne. He is helping you to get that press, but I do not think your getting another press will help. You claim that Sydney press is not working; similarly, if you start a press and there is not sufficient work, you will suffer. If you want literature, it will be sent. ==If there are different small presses, the work will not be of good quality. So this opening of small presses, here and there, I am not in favor.== Of course, if you utilize that store for a *kirtana* hall and book store, that is another matter—then many people will be attracted to actually learn about our movement and join us. That is a good proposal." (SPL to Amogha, May 9th, 1972) 75-11 =="I note that for the new printing of the abridged Gita, Dai Nippon, there were mistakes. Why there should be mistakes? Mistakes makes the book useless. You must be very, very careful. It will be detrimental to the sales."== ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Ramesvara dasa, 20 November, 1975]]) ## Editing, Proofing and Translating ==67-11 "Regarding editing of my books, it was rightly entrusted to you from the very beginning== but Kīrtanānanda wanted that the editing should be done by Hayagriva. But I understand from your version that in some places of *Gita Upanisad* he has followed Swami Nikhilananda who is quite unaware of Krsna consciousness. By their present behavior it appears that Hayagriva belongs to the same feather and Krsna has saved His *Gita Upanisad* by transferring the whole thing into your hands. Now please do your best and hand it over to MacMillan Company for necessary action. We have tried our best in the *Gita Upanisad* to show that Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the Supreme Person and His energies are acting impersonally. The devotees are primarily concerned with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, and His impersonal expansion of energy is of secondary importance to the devotees. Less intelligent *asuras* are attracted by the impersonal manifestation because they have no chance to meet Krsna face to face." (SPL to Rayarama, November, 1967) *** 67-12 "You should not waste too much time for editing as we have done in the matter of *Gita Upan* isad. ==If there is good English it is welcome but we should not edit as Hayagriva has, replacing 'devotional service' with 'knowledge of the self'.== Knowledge of the self is not complete until one is actually engaged in devotional service. There are many citizens who have complete sense of knowledge but out of many of them, one who is engaged in national service like Washington or Gandhi he becomes the most prominent with national consciousness. Similarly, when one is mature in knowledge of the self, he must know what is the duty of the self. " ([[letters/1967/671212_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 12 December, 1967]]) *** 67-12 "I have already written to Rayarama about *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* that there is no need of editing the first manuscript. Better let us prepare for its printing. Dai Nippon Company of Tokyo and our Dvaraka-dhisa did all the negotiation. Please contact him immediately and ask him to send me the correspondence he had with the printing company. I also do not like too much editorial work. ==This too much editorial work on Gita Upanisad has created some misunderstanding between the editorial staffs. Anyway, in future, one man should edit it== and be sufficient for our printing. And I do not want that *Lord Caitanya's Teachings* should be edited again and typed again and waste time in that way. I have also informed Rayarama of this and you can also inform him like this. The book should be printed immediately without any waste of time. That is my desire." ([[letters/1967/671223_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 23 December, 1967]]) ==68-01 "I wanted Teachings of Lord Caitanya to be immediately printed, therefore I said that it may not be delayed by further editorial work, but if you think that it needs further editorial work, please do it through Satyavrata, and forthwith prepare the manuscript ready for printing."== ([[letters/1968/680111_rayarama|Rayarama, 11 January, 1968]]) *** 68-01 "Regarding the manuscript, it is very difficult for me to see it again but I inquired from Brahmananda whether the manuscript is already delivered to MacMillan Company or not. If it is not delivered then I shall try to see it again. Your fear that the entire Society will be in danger by Rayarama's editing of the *Gita* is not a very suitable remark. Rayarama may not be as qualified as you are, but ==his one qualification, that he is fully surrendered to Krsna and his spiritual master, is the first-class recommendation for his editing any one of our literatures,== because editing of Vedic literatures does not depend on academic education. It is clearly stated in the *Upanisads* that one who has implicit faith in God as well as in the spiritual master, to him only the import of Vedic literature is revealed. I think Rayarama is doing work in that spirit and his recent publication of several booklets and *Back to Godhead* and a calendar are all first-class proof of his sincerity of service. Anyway, when I started *Back to Godhead,* it was my intention that your academic career and Rayaramas sincere service would be a good combination; unfortunately, I do not know why, you do not agree with one another. To me, English language is undoubtedly a foreign language and I thought your combination of editorship will help me a great deal. Anyway, whatever is done, is done. I wish that the misunderstanding created at the present moment may be mitigated by mutual cooperation and we can start fresh with renewed energy for service of the Supreme Lord. I think you will agree with me." ([[letters/1968/680115_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 15 January, 1968]]) *** 68-01 *"Bhagavad-gita* is nearing completion—I heard this before I started from India. The editing has been too much delayed. Now I request you to come here for a week with the full manuscript so that I can see it personally, along with you, and finish the editorial work, within a week Even after signing the contract, if the manuscript is not submitted it is regrettable. If it is not inconvenient for you somehow or other, it will be better if you come here for one week absolutely for this purpose so that we can finish this job without further delay. If need be it can be re-typed also here. We have got two nice girl typists. ==I wished that the editorial department should work combinedly but it has not been successful.== You are overloaded with so many works therefore it is being delayed; I can understand this. Therefore, I wish that you may come here for a week, suspending all other business and finish this *Bhagavad-gita* in my presence." ([[letters/1968/680118_rayarama|Rayarama, 18 January, 1968]]) ==68-01 "Regarding diacritical markings, you may refer to the book First Lessons in Sanskrit Grammar and Reading by Judith Tyberg of the East West Cultural Center published in 1964.== Each letter should be transliterated in a careful manner so that one may be able to know the *Devanagari* character corresponding. *Devanagari* type characters will not be there in this new book we are preparing. Markings are as follows. Here follows the Sanskrit alphabet and English equivalents as are found in *Bhagavad-gita* etc." ([[letters/1968/680122_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 22 January, 1968]]) ==68-10 "So far Srimad-Bhagavatam is concerned, now Pradyumna and yourself, immediately revise the 3 volumes already published.== My next attempt will be to get them in 1 volume as I have already suggested. And we shall now avoid the Sanskrit *slokas,* but simply give the transliteration, translation and the purport. Pradyumna is there and he will help in transliterating the verses, and translation is there, and purport is there, there is no use of giving synonyms and equivalent of Sanskrit word in English, simply transliteration and translation, as it is now adopted in Dr. Radhakrishnan's *Bhagavad-gita,* and purport. ==In this way, we want to print each canto, a book.== So you begin preparing immediately the present 3 volumes shall only be revised to see the spelling mistakes or if there is any grammatical discrepancy otherwise there is nothing to be added or subtracted." ([[letters/1968/681007_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 7 October, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "Regarding *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* please send me the chapters which you have already revised. I want to see it, how it is being done. ==I am glad that you are not omitting anything, but just making grammatical correction, and phrasing for force and clarity, and adding Pradyumna's transliteration; that is very nice.== Yes, henceforward as I have already told you, that *Srimad-Bhagavatam* will be ultimately seen by you before being printed. That will keep consistency. I quite agree with you." ([[letters/1968/681118_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 18 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 12th, 1968, and I thank you very much for it. Now you are in good opportunity to do the transliteration work and ==in cooperation with your professors and Hayagriva, make the Srimad-Bhagavatam revised edition in such a nice way that it may be accepted in any scholarly society.== In the last editions, because the transcription was not there, some of the universities in the Western countries refused to stock them. Of course, the American Congress Library purchasing department in India are pleased to purchase 18 copies of my *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* as soon as it is published and they have open order for it. Still we want it to be done so nicely that it may not be refused by any scholarly section. So the transliteration and divisions should be so nicely done that it will go to your credit when they are accepted everywhere. I think by Krsna's grace Hayagrivas attempt to revise it nicely and your attempt to fix up transliteration perfectly, will make the next edition as perfect as possible. Do it very sincerely and also pray to Krsna to help you and I am sure it will come out successful." ([[letters/1968/681118_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 18 November, 1968]]) *** 69-02 "It is not surprising that it is taking a little time to begin your actual printing work. In the beginning of everything there is always some difficulty, but when you are accustomed to the process, there will be no difficulty. If no better grammarian is available, the translations of Uttama Sloka may be published. But I think that as many friends are coming to the temple, especially some Bengali Indians, they can help you in doing this translation work. When a person is willing to help with our mission, he is also a devotee, so there is no question of him being non-devotee. ==But they must translate as it is, they must not deviate. Anyway, our motto should be to somehow or other express the objectives of Krsna consciousness to the German speaking people.== There is a verse in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* that a book or poetry in which the holy name of Krsna is depicted, such language is revolutionary in the matter of purifying the material atmosphere. Even though such literature is presented in broken language or grammatical inconsistency or rhetorical irregularity, still, those who are saintly persons adore such literature. They hear such literature, and chant it and adore it, simply because the Supreme Lord is being glorified in this literature. In other words, we are not meant for presenting any literary masterpieces, but we have to inform people that there is a fire of *maya* which is burning the very vitality of all living entities, and they should guard against the indefatigable onslaught of material existence. That should be our motto. So even if you do not get any assistance from friends, get it translated by Uttama Sloka, and publish. You can at least publish a 5-10 page edition of German *Back to Godhead* magazine. That is my request." ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Krsna dasa, 13 February, 1969]]) ==69-09 "In every page the name of the book over the left page and the subject matter on the head of the right page must be mentioned."== ([[letters/1969/690928_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 28 September, 1969]]) ==69-10 "Regarding our books, the scholarly way should be followed.== That means as Dr. Radhakrishnan and Bon Maharaja do it, and as Dr. Singh recommends. ==In all our books and magazines henceforward the whole process should be changed.== Whatever is done in the past forget. Now everything should be revised and presented in the scholarly way. That means throughout Krishna should be spelled Krsna, Visnu should be spelled Visnu and Chaitanya should be spelled Caitanya, etc. I think this will clear the whole thing and there will be no more *maya* impediment. I am sorry *The Nectar of Devotion* manuscript has not yet reached. This is another ill luck that the post office has not delivered. So whatever you have got finish it. If the manuscript does not reach, then we will have to rewrite it again. If there is such need, I shall send you the duplicate. If it does reach, however, please inform me immediately. Your idea that our books should be read by scholars is quite appropriate. Without following the diacritic marks, according to scholars, they will think it inefficient. Yes, we want that businessmen, economists, religionists, students, etc. will all be carrying *Bhagavatam* and *Gita.* Yes, do every word of our books meticulously and perfectly accurately transcribed so the most erudite and deep thinking men of the world can enter into the intricacies of meaning in each verse. Your idea is nice. Please help all our literatures in that way and Krsna will bless you. Never mind what has been done in the past. You follow these principles steadily, chant Hare Krsna, and everything will be all right. There is no question of being frustrated. Regarding *The Nectar of Devotion,* although it has been a little procrastinated, things should be done slow but sure. Your questions certainly are not stupid. They are very intelligent questions and I am just pleased to discuss all these matters threadbare. I quite approve of your way of thinking. So do the work and Krsna will help you." ([[letters/1969/691013_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 13 October, 1969]]) ==69-10 "I have duly made corrections on the Isopanisad glossary you had enclosed, and I shall send it to Brahmananda as requested by you. I want that in all of our books, magazines and other writings the scholarly presentation be given in all instances. So for every Sanskrit word there must be the appropriate spelling and diacritic marks."== ([[letters/1969/691026_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 26 October, 1969]]) ==69-10 "Regarding Isopanisad, enclosed please find the glossary that Satsvarupa has sent to me for making corrections. From now on all of our writings should be presented in the scholarly manner, so all spelling and diacritic marks must be done correctly. I have already sent you the corrected page which you sent me and now the glossary is also corrected. I do not think there is any necessity for any dedication on Isopanisad because it is a small book."== ([[letters/1969/691027_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 27 October, 1969]]) ==69-11 "So far as Krsna book is concerned, I understand that you did not keep any copy of the manuscript. Generally it is the custom to make at least four copies, so how is it that you have neglected this?== In the absence of a second copy it is risky to send you our copy in the mail. Therefore, I am personally glancing over and putting the diacritic marks in the Sanskrit words. Besides that, one respectable friend has promised to get this printed immediately." ([[letters/1969/691114_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 14 November, 1969]]) *** 69-12 "Regarding *Back to Godhead* magazine, I am so glad that you are printing 50,000 copies henceforward. I have received also your press management report, so the only thing to be amended there is that all books especially must be twice edited, once by Satsvarupa and once by Hayagriva. ==In every publication house all printing matters are edited at least three times. So we should be very much careful about grammatical and printing mistakes.== That will mar the prestige of the Press and the Institution." ([[letters/1969/691210_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 10 December, 1969]]) *** 70-01 "In the meantime, I have engaged Devananda transcribing the tape and a primary editing also, and the copy can be sent to you for final editing and then printing. We have to do things now very dexterously, simply ==we have to see that in our book there is no spelling or grammatical mistake. We do not mind for any good style, our style is Hare Krsna, but still we should not present a shabby thing.== Although Krsna literatures are so nice that, even if they are presented in broken and irregular ways, such literatures are welcomed, read and respected by bona fide devotees." (SPL to Satsvarupa, January 9th, 1970) 70-01 "Regarding tape transcription: many devotees are ready to help in this matter. I want to send daily one tape, and to finish one tape transcription and editing it takes about one week. Under the circumstances, if there are 4 or 5 men transcribing then at least four finished manuscripts come out per week. Many devotees are ready to transcribe; like in Detroit there is Bhagavan dasa; in Buffalo Rupanuga; in Berkeley, Hamsaduta, as well as here, Devananda. But how to adjust things? Do you think that their transcribing will help you or do you want to transcribe yourself? I wish that ==all copies, before finally going to the press, must be thoroughly revised and edited so that there may not be any mistakes, especially of spelling and grammar, or of the Sanskrit names.== So how to finish it, I do not know. So give me your directions about this immediately. Whether I shall send the tapes directly to you or to the other centers who are ready to help?" ([[letters/1970/700125_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 25 January, 1970]]) ==70-02 "It is very much encouraging to see you are a good and scrutinizing editor. May Krsna bless you."== ([[letters/1970/700210_jayadvaita|Jayadvaita, 10 February, 1970]]) ==70-02 "I have sent a few tapes to Bhagavan dasa. He sends to you his edited copies and they may be made final. I want two editings only, just to see if there is any grammatical or spelling mistake. Your present program of two editions first by yourself and then by Jayadvaita is a nice arrangement. Jayadvaita has good knowledge."== ([[letters/1970/700215_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 15 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 18 February, 1970, along with one sheet enclosure, and I am very much pleased with your work. The minor mistake which you committed on the first verse of *Isopanisad* I marked, but I ignore it as very insignificant. I am very glad to know that you are so much repentant even for this insignificant mistake, and that will push you forward further in Krsna consciousness. Please be happy and work on with steady and firm determination. ==I== have read the transliteration of Bhagavad-gita verses, but I think you have to do it very carefully because there are some mistakes in some of the verses. But I am sure in your next reading they will be all corrected."== ([[letters/1970/700222_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 22 February, 1970]]) *** 70-04 "Regarding the prayer verses, I have sent you immediately the Bengali prayer book and you will find all the prayers of the *acarya's* there. I have also sent you one copy of *Panjika* which will help you to find out the list of names of *acarya's* appearance and disappearance days. If you can, you can prepare conveniently the *Panjika* or ISKCON *almanac* for the next year, but not now, you have got many engagements, this is for leisure hours. Regarding the new prayer addition, *'namaste sarasvati devau...'* I think you can change the word *devau* into *deve* to make it compatible with *sarasvati. Sarasvati* is locative so you can change the word to *deve* to make it fit, or it can be made *devam.* ==Devam is the accusative singular and deve is the locative singular, so both can be used, but I think deve will be the most fitting word.== Regarding your tenth point, the word *Radha-ramana-hari* is one word compound, therefore it is correct. Regarding your 9th point, the exact verse is as follows: Meaning a person who has taken shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Murari (Krsna), which are the shelter of all great souls and are famous for being the reservoir of all piety, this great ocean of material existence shortens like the pit-hole created by the foot of a calf and for him the supreme abode of the Lord is quite fit place for living, but not this miserable material world where there is nothing but danger in every step. Regarding your 11th point, the line should read: *jagannatha svami nayana pathaga-mi bhavatu me.* Yes, it is just a line for repetition of a great verse prayer for Jagannatha Swami, but I do not remember immediately where it can be found. For the present you be satisfied with this one line. Regarding: *tipadika sabda,* I consulted grammar and it is correct to mention the first case ending or nominative case. The authorized injunction in this connection is as follows: *abhideyamartre praihama pratipadikartha langa parinama, vacana matre pratama* Translation: The sound which indicates a particular subject or word should be the first case ending or nominative case." ([[letters/1970/700409_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 9 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 "In *Krsna,* Chapter 87, on page 4, the last line, it is said, 'known as *budbuvasa* which is manifested by Govinda.' I do not know what is this editing. The correct word is *bhur-bhuvah-svah* as it is in the *gayatri mantra,* and everybody knows it. This *budbhuvasa* is an extraordinary word, neither it is Sanskrit nor English, so how it has avoided the vigilance of the so many editors? So if none of the editors knew this word, why was it pushed? ==There should be no such negligences like this, nothing uncertain should be pushed. Now what other discrepancies there may be like this? Or what is the use of such editing? Everything must be done very carefully and attentively."== ([[letters/1970/700417_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 17 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 "Regarding *Topmost Yoga,* in the blueprint there are many mistakes. I am pointing out some of them as follows: Page ==2== '...decided to kill his sister.' not sisters, because only Devaki was there. 'The Lord's compromise was that He had Vasudeva propose to the brother-in-law.' This sentence is obscure. The actual fact is Vasudeva made a compromise and said to his brother in law 'such and such.' Then everywhere there is *yogins, gosvamins, sannyasins,* etc. in many places. The 'n' is not required—that I have already informed Pradyumna. On page 17 there is a word 'enfuriated'; this is a spelling mistake, it should be 'infuriated.' Then on page 48, 'on the bank of the Ganges near Didbee.' This is not 'Didbee,' it is 'Delhi.' On page 49 there are so many *'gosvamins,'* but there should be no 'N.' In this way I have read the book sporadically, not very minutely. I think it should be gone through once more very carefully and all the mistakes that are still existing there should be corrected. ==If the books are printed with spelling mistakes and other mistakes, that will be a discredit for our publication. So please see that editorial work is done very nicely."== ([[letters/1970/700422_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 22 April, 1970]]) ==70-06 "So you have gone to Japan, make perfect arrangement for our printing work—Back to Godhead, Srimad-Bhagavatam etc., and let me peacefully write books. I wanted the help of an editor. In the present Krsna book everything is done nicely but there are many mistakes, but on the whole the work is nice. So if our books are regularly printed and magazines are regularly distributed and occasionally you visit the centers, that will be very nice program."== ([[letters/1970/700602_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 2 June, 1970]]) ==70-06 "I am also in due receipt of one letter from Pradyumna regarding Sanskrit editing. I will study this letter scrutinizingly and then I shall reply. But on the whole, the Sanskrit editing has been done very nicely and the style is completely satisfactory. Answers to the questions will follow in the next mail."== ([[letters/1970/700618_uddhava|Uddhava, 18 June, 1970]]) ==70-06 "== I am in due receipt of your letter dated 14th June, 1970, and have read it carefully. So == your efforts in the matter of our Sanskrit editing are effectively improving our books more and more with scholarly standards. All your work and programs are approved by me== as you have listed them. So please continue to develop your capabilities by careful work as you are doing. Your corrections of the discrepancies found in the Gita Press editions of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* are all right. On page 39, verse 24, the word *vyajyate* is correct." ([[letters/1970/700621_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 21 June, 1970]]) ==70-06 "Regarding composing our literatures, diacritic marks will carry weight amongst the scholars, so for the present moment you can do this:== wherever a word is required with diacritic mark, or when a verse is needed, since you are translating from our literatures already printed in English language, simply cut the word or verse from the English edition and paste it on the layout in the correct place in the text. They are already using this system in Boston for printing *Devanagari* script, and the result is very good." ([[letters/1970/700622_uddhava|Hamsaduta, 22 June, 1970]]) *** 70-07 "Regarding your second point, ==all incarnations should be proper nouns and therefore capitalized. It does not matter whether they are Visnu-tattva or jiva-tattva, saktyavesa avatara or plenary expansions.== The incarnations listed however may be classified as follows: *Visnu-tattva,* Kapila, Nara Narayana, Rama, Balarama, Krsna, the *Purusas,* the Boar, Yajna, Rsabha, Matsya, Kurma, Dhanvantari, Mohini and Kalki. *]iva-tattva (empowered): Narada, Vyasa, Buddha, Kumaras, Dattatreya, Prthu and Bhrgupati." ([[letters/1970/700712_jayadvaita|Jayadvaita, 12 July, 1970]]) ==70-07 "Regarding Bhagavad-gita, enlarged edition, the picture approved by me to Jadurani is all right. I am glad to learn that it is being serialized. Regarding Srimad-Bhagavatam, first canto, I am glad that the manuscript is also being composed. Srimad-Bhagavatam, second canto, improper title pages being rectified is good news. Please keep me informed about the progress of those manuscripts."== ([[letters/1970/700731_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 31 July, 1970]]) ==71-03 "I have dictated the missing purports from Chapter IX and they are set enclosed herewith. So far changing the wording of verse or purport of 12:12 discussed before, it may remain as it is"== (SPL to Jayadvaita, March 17th, 1971) 71-08 "Regarding the Bengali translation by S. Ganguli, it is almost perfect; 90%. But 10% incorrect is not his fault. He is a new man. Therefore there are little discrepancies with our thoughts. Besides that there are some mistakes in spelling as Sanskrit verses. On the whole we can immediately start the Bengali paper, and find out if there is one qualified man who can check over the correctness of the papers. ==Even it is 99% all right, still that 1% must be corrected.== So far I am concerned, I cannot give my time to this. The best thing would have been if this Mr. Ganguli would come and be our student and learn our philosophy carefully and then he would be a most suitable man for becoming editor of our Bengali paper. Do you think that Amrtananda will be able to check as the second Bengali man? Ask him if he is able to check the papers. Then jointly, with the endeavor of Amrtananda and Ganguli, you can start the Bengali paper as well as publish books." (SPL to Tamala Krsna and Gurudasa, August 23rd, 1971) ==71-10 "One thing is that all translations should be checked by you and Candravali because those who are not our students, if they write some wrong conclusion, the whole thing will be murdered."== ([[letters/1971/711012_citsukhananda|Citsukhananda, 12 October, 1971]]) *** 71-10 "If you want to preach the Bible you can tell them why there will be misinterpretation. In N.Y. there is a big press that prints 'Watchtower.' They are forcefully criticizing Christian behavior. I read that one Christian priest allowed a marriage between two men—homosex. So these things are going on. So your proposal for preaching the gospel on the basis of *Bhagavad-gita* will not be successful. If you want to do that I cannot check you but I cannot allow you to do such things from within our Society. ==You have to understand our philosophy perfectly, follow the regulative principles, and then in fact you can edit our books and papers.== When I shall go to Mayapur then upon hearing from you of my proposal as mentioned above, I shall arrange for your coming to India. First of all you have to decide yourself whether you are prepared to surrender to our principles, but if you keep your independence either in Mayapur or N.Y., your position is the same. To associate with me you are always welcome but not with your independence. That will not help me or you." (SPL to Rayarama, 22nd, October, 1971) ==71-12 "Diacritical marks must be maintained. These are internationally accepted by all scholars, so I want they should remain.== If they are a botheration, then leave out the Sanskrit words altogether, or wherever there is a Sanskrit word keep the English spelling or pronunciation in brackets following it. For example: 'Krsna' (pronounced 'Krishna'). If you are printing children's books you may avoid Sanskrit words. But in my speeches there must be Sanskrit. This changing from one standard to another is not good—either avoid Sanskrit, put English pronunciation in brackets, but use the diacritical marks wherever there is Sanskrit.... I am not much fond of the idea of changing things to accommodate the public—better to change the public to accommodate us. Therefore I suggest wherever there is Sanskrit used there should also be English spelling in brackets. In this way, the public will become accustomed to Sanskrit language so that in future we may use only Sanskrit and they will understand." (SPL to Bali Mardan, December 28th, 1971) ==71-12 "In reply to Jayadvaita's questions, henceforward the policy for using diacritic markings is that I want them used everywhere, on large books, small books and also Back to Godhead magazine.== If there is any difficulty with the pronunciation, then after the correct diacritic spelling, in brackets the words 'pronounced as-,' may be written. So even on covers the diacritic marking should be used. We should not have to reduce our standard on account of the ignorant masses. Diacritic spelling is accepted internationally, and no learned person will even care to read our books unless this system is maintained." (SPL to Jadurani dasi, December 31st, 1971) 72-01 "I have noted that your translation work is going on. This I want, that you shall from now on be the head of the translating department in German language for all ISKCON literatures. You translate yourself as it is comfortable, but all other translations in German language, by other translators must be checked by you, edited and corrected very strictly for grammar and proper use of German language. It is not our philosophy to print errors. Of course, our spiritual subject matter is transcendental and therefore it remains potent despite mistakes in grammar, spelling, etc.. But this type of translation may only be allowed if there is no other way to correct it, then it is all right. But if you know the correct order, then you must make it perfect. That is our philosophy: everything perfect for Krsna. ==So far your telling me that some devotees consider that because there may be some grammatical discrepancies in my Srimad-Bhagavatam, first canto, then they may also be allowed to translate with errors accepted, that is just like imitating Rasa-lila.== When you do all other things like Krsna, then you can do *Rasa-lila.* So if these other writers can do like me and spread Krsna consciousness all over the world by becoming big Vedic scholars, then they can do. If one is too big, there is no mistake. *Arsapreyaya* means there may be discrepancies but it is all right. Just like Shakespeare, sometimes there are odd usages of languages, but he is accepted as authority. I have explained all these things in my Preface to First Canto." (SPL to Mandali Bhadra, January 20th, 1972) 72-01 "So far translating, I have made Mandali Bhadra as Chief of translating department. He shall translate comfortably and all other translations must be checked and edited and approved by him, with grammatical corrections. It is not that we may present anything crude translation and that is acceptable. ==No, even though the transcendental subject matter of Vedic literature is still spiritually potent despite the crudest translation, still, because we have got facility to make it perfect, that is our philosophy.== When I translated *Srimad-Bhagavatam* I had not the facility so you may notice grammatical discrepancies. But because Mandali Bhadra is now Head of the translating department you have got all facility to translate our books in perfect German language." ([[letters/1972/720120_sri_govinda|Hamsaduta, 20 January, 1972]]) *** 72-04 "Regarding *Back to Godhead,* my plan is this, that you shall simply translate from our English issues and reproduce the writing and insert it wherever there is writing in the English version. They have already got the plates in Japan, so you will not require to have any photos, simply translate into Hindi the English text and lay it out in exactly the same columns on the page. Every publication you translate should be done just like this. Now send immediately one composed *Back to Godhead* to Tokyo immediately and I shall get it begun. I am very glad to hear that you are all happy in Vrndavana and that our *sankirtana* party from Radha Damodara temple to our new place is being appreciated. Please continue this. ==You have retired from material life and Krsna has given you the nicest place in this material world to live in, so stick there and every month send one Back to Godhead [in] Hindi composition to Tokyo.== Radha Raman Goswami is there with you so you work together and do this job nicely." ([[letters/1972/720418_ksirodakasayi|Ksirodakasayi, 18 April, 1972]]) ==75-06 "I don't think that Hayagriva is at fault. He has not changed the meaning or the philosophy in any way. But if you like to use the original manuscript, then if it is possible, you can use it."== ([[letters/1975/750608_revatinandana|Hamsaduta, 8 June, 1975]]) *** 75-07 *"* I * * therefore suggested in my last letter that now you are in ripe old age, so you can accept * vanaprastha * life which is your duty as you are born in a * brahmana * family. According to our Vedic principle a * brahmana * is supposed to accept the four * asramas, * namely * brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, * and * sannyasa. * Others do not accept * sannyasa, * but a person who is a * brahmana * must accept * sannyasa* at the end of his life. So I would suggest that you now retire from family life and accept at least *vanaprastha* order of life keeping your wife with you as assistant and fully engaged in translating the Vedic literature as far as possible. It appears that in the Western countries there is a great demand for real knowledge of Vedic literature. So you are a learned scholar both in English and Hindi, and you can do this completely devoted to the service of Lord Ramacandra. I have opened many temples all over the world, numbering 100. Enclosed herewith are some of the photos of some of the Deities in some of the temples. Very recently we have established our temple in Vrndavana at a cost of 50 lakhs of rupees or more. The Governor of U.P., Dr. Channa Reddy was present for two days for the opening ceremony. All the Goswamis and *sannyasis* like Akhanananda Swami all attended the ceremony. We have got a guest house there containing about 80 rooms, and the recent report is that not less than 500 men are coming daily to visit the temple. *Prasada* is being distributed to the poor, and others are purchasing *prasada (pakki) to the extent of Rs. 100/- per day. We are selling our books also. Now I wish to establish some temple of Ramacandra, Sita-Rama. Of course it depends on the mercy of Lord Ramacandra. ==Therefore I am still requesting you to join our movement completely retired from family life and engage yourself in translation work for the rest of your life."== ([[letters/1975/750726_dinanatha_n._mishra|Dinanatha, 26 July, 1975]]) ==75-08 "Regarding the English editing discrepancies, how can I know? Let them point out which part and on which page so I can see."== ([[letters/1975/750826_ramesvara|Radhaballabha dasa, 26 August, 1975]]) *** 75-09 "I think the translation work was done by Vegavan and Ajita Prabhus. So encourage them in this work. ==This translation work is very important. It is not simply a matter of ABC's, but it requires spiritual realization to do it properly.== I understand that you are a good *sankirtana* man and book distributor, so you all cooperate. They translate, and you print and distribute. What more do you want? In this way you flood Sweden with transcendental literatures. I am very glad that you are getting so much interest from persons coming from the Eastern Europe countries. You should give the two devotees from there all facility in translating." ([[letters/1975/750901_jayananda|Alalanatha dasa, 1 September, 1975]]) ==75-09 "Regarding the corrections you have sent, these kind of changes are admissible. There is no harm."== ([[letters/1975/750921_mahamsa|Radhaballabha dasa, 21 September, 1975]]) *** 75-10 "Herewith please find the copy of one letter received from Karunasindhu in the matter of asking my permission to allow Purusottama dasa *brahmacari* to scrutinize final printing. The letter has come from Karunasindhu suggested by Kirtiraja. Did you suggest this proposal to Kirtiraja? If not, then please inquire who suggested this proposal to Kirtiraja. ==I do not like that anyone should scrutinize our publications without my sanction.== Kindly inquire into the matter and let me know the report to Bombay address. Also, send me a general report of Vrndavana affairs." ([[letters/1975/751020_srutakirti|Nitai dasa, 20 October, 1975]]) ==76-01 "I will have to see personally what are the mistakes in the synonyms and also how you intend to correct them.== I was not satisfied with the corrections that were made before. I saw some changes which I did not approve. Nitai may correct whatever mistakes are there, but the corrected material must be sent to me for the final approval. So reprinting the volumes will have to wait until the mistakes are corrected and approved by me. In the meantime you can supply the standing orders for whatever new volumes are published." ([[letters/1976/760105_satsvarupa|Radhaballabha dasa, 5 January, 1976]]) ==76-02 "Thank you very much for your nice translation of Markine Bhagavata-dharma. It is well appreciated.== I think it can be included in the front of the new printing of the song book, and it can be sung in *kirtana* like the other songs of Bhaktivinoda Thakura, I have included a few corrections below which can be noted. The other prayer can be called *Prayer to the lotus feet of Krsna,* and I will be sending comments on that shortly: 1Corrections Verse 2: synonyms: *ei* —in this, *ugra-sthane* —terrible place translation:...to this terrible place. Verse 3: synonyms: *prosanna* —is happy or jubilant Verse 5: transliteration: *bujhale* synonyms: *bujhale nija-vasa* —under your controlling power Verse 8: synonyms: *kane* —by aural reception; *bara bara* —again and again Verse 9: translation: accumulated in the core of the heart Verse 15: synonyms: *dhara* —determination translation: ...in my mind there is only great determination" ([[letters/1976/760208_jayasacinandana|Jayasacinandana, 8 February, 1976]]) ==76-05 "Yes, there is no need for corrections for the First and Second Cantos. Whatever is there is all right. Once Pradyumna comes to join me here from India, then there will be no need for Nitai dasa or Jagannatha dasa to edit the Srimad-Bhagavatam."== ([[letters/1976/760504_kashinath_mullick|Radhaballabha, 4 May, 1976]]) *** 76-05 "I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 25, 1976, along with samples of the *Geetar-gan* and the cover in for the *Bhagavata-darsana.* ==No, the printing of the Geetar-gan cover in this fashion is not at all approved by me. You have done most nonsensically. Why change the cover? When people look to see the Bhagavad-gita they expect to see Krsna and Arjuna, not the picture of Krsna with cow.== You have done a great mistake by changing the front picture and it will hamper the sale. In future you don't do any changes without asking me first. Simply because there is no stock of books, we can do anything whimsically??? Is this logic? *Gita* is not spoken in Vrndavana, it is spoken on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, but this is Vrndavana picture. That chariot driven by four horses, that is the real Kuruksetra picture. It is not that because there is no stock we can do whimsically as we like and lose the idea, that is *rasa-bhasa.* Because there is no bread, you take stone to eat? There is no stock of bread so you will take stone??? The front picture is most important thing and you have changed it. It must remain standard, and not change. Also, the lettering is not nice on the cover. You could have taken a color picture of Krsna and Arjuna and used it black and white (one color) on the front cover. Just as you did with the inside back cover of the *Bhagavata darsana,* the original picture of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in color but you have printed it in black and white. You could have done this on the front cover with Krsna and Arjuna on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, but the cover must not be changed. Concerning the *Bhagavata-darsana* cover, the Hindi on the back is not good. Who is translating this? Also, the address on the back of our Vrndavana temple is not correctly spelled. It has been spelled Chattakara Road; but it should be Chattikara Road. Who is proof-reading?" ([[letters/1976/760529_haihaya|Bhargava dasa, 29 May, 1976]]) ==76-09 "Concerning the editing of Jayadvaita Prabhu, whatever he does is approved by me. I have confidence in him. Your changes which I have seen of the Sanskrit synonyms is also approved by me. Tanmayatraya refers to the fact that the trees and the father were absorbed in the same feelings."== ([[letters/1976/760907_radhavallabha|Radhaballabha dasa, 7 September, 1976]]) ==76-09 "In general, if any translator of my books requires the original manuscripts for his work, he should be supplied them by you."== ([[letters/1976/760918_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 18 September, 1976]]) ==76-09 "With reference to your letter to Harikesa dated 21st instant regarding the purport, second paragraph to Bhagavatam 2.2.38, it is clear. Do not try to change anything."== ([[letters/1976/760928_gopiparanadhana|Gopiparanadhana dasa, 28 September, 1976]]) ==77-05 "Regarding the Arabic translation, whether it is good or bad, something should be printed.== As you have suggested, let it be printed in India. Our good friend Mr. Brij Ratan Mohatta volunteered to help pay the printing costs of Arabic publication. So in this regard you can send the manuscripts to Gopala Krsna, and he will arrange everything. Regarding the translations into Russian and other East European languages, you are the expert in the field, so however you decide to get the work done is all right. I will simply be very glad to receive any publications from these languages. If you think that by getting a telex hookup in Bombay our international work would be benefited, I have no objection." ([[letters/1977/770506_german_disciples|Harikesa Maharaja, 6 May, 1977]]) ## Printing, Covers, Layout and Contents ==67-12 "Regarding the Teachings of Lord Caitanya, it must be very nice. I think Dai Nippon Printing Company agreed to print our books 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 size, best paper, 400 pages, 10-12 point print composition, with best hardback binding with gold lettering on the backbone at $5,000 for 5,000 copies. I think you will immediately contact the company and send the manuscript for printing without any delay."== ([[letters/1967/671221_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 21 December, 1967]]) 67-12 "I am in due receipt of your letter dated 12/27/67 along with the MacMillan Company agreement form. Prior to this letter I have received your two other letters, but I was expecting this letter, so I did not reply your prior letters earlier. I am sending herewith the agreement duly signed by me. Regarding Mr. Alan Watt's introduction I may inform you that if the books will sell nicely by Mr. Watts introduction, I do not mind his nonsense. The other gentleman, Professor Edward Dimock of the University of Chicago who is a student of Vaisnavism is willing to give some introduction. But you say he is not well known. For me either Professor Dimock or Mr. Watts, both are nonsense. Now for selling purpose if you think Mr. Watts is nice, I have no objection. I give you full power of attorney in this connection. Whoever you like you can accept." ([[letters/1967/671229_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 29 December, 1967]]) ==68-03 "So far the order of photos in the Teachings of Lord Caitanya is concerned, they should go like this: My photo, Guru Maharaja's photo, Srila Gaurakisora, Srila Bhaktivinoda, Lord Caitanya, and lastly, Lord Caitanya's Birthplace. For Lord Caitanya's photo, you may use a photograph of one of Jadurani's recent paintings of Panca-tattva. The other five pictures will be with the reading matter."== (SPL to Brahmananda, March 21st, 1968) ==68-08 "So I have decided to print Srimad-Bhagavatam in 12 volumes, naming them differently. I have decided in this way; 1st volume: Creation; 2nd volume: Cosmic Manifestation; 3rd volume: Status Quo; 4th volume: Mercy of God; 5th volume: Creative Energy; 6th volume: The Rulers of the Universe; 7th volume: Activities of God; 8th volume: Dissolution; 9th volume: Liberation; 10th volume: Ultimate Goal; 11th volume: General History; 12th volume: The Age of Deterioration."== (SPL to Kīrtanānanda, and Hayagriva, August 23rd, 1968) 68-10 "I have already written to Uddhava about binding and size of the book, and again I am repeating, that all my books shall be printed in the size 6 1/2 x 9; but next printing, I am willing to do it, canto by canto. That is to say, the three volumes already published of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* may be printed in one volume. And the paper should be that Indian thin paper. And the pages shall not be less than 1,000. Of course, the composition all in Roman type, we shall avoid now the Sanskrit type. Simply we shall put transliteration, translation, and purport. == In this way, volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. 12 volumes of Srimad-Bhagavatam will be published. So we can do the needful.== And so far *Back to Godhead* magazine is concerned, it is already known to you how to do it." (SPL to Advaita, October 6th, 1968) 68-10 "Regarding binding: The cost of binding should not be more than 40 cents. And the best thing will be some of our students learn binding also. The book size of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* will be exactly as it is at present, but it may be that the pages may be increased. Because next printing ==I am thinking three volumes in one. And the papers may be just like Bible paper, thin, and pages will be not less than 1,000, and we shall print in one volume; the binding should be very first-class,== and similarly, part by part, we shall have to print 12 parts, altogether. So if some of our students becomes expert in binding, that will be very nice. I think Devananda, who is in Boston, he has some knowledge in binding. Binding is not a very difficult task. Anyone can do it, but I do not know how it will be successfully done. But the cost of binding must not be more than 40 cents." (SPL to Uddhava, October 6th, 1968) ==68-11 "Yes, get the books from Japan as soon as possible, and I have also written them one letter which you will find enclosed herewith. They have agreed to gold print on the cover, that is all right. So get it as soon as possible. I think the binding is all right. So do not delay, just try to get them as soon as possible."== ([[letters/1968/681120_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 20 November, 1968]]) *** 69-05 "Regarding the MacMillan Company's printing *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* we may note herewith that the MacMillan's publication of the *Bhagavad-gita As It Is* and our publication of *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* is the difference between heaven and hell. If MacMillan Company can invest their good money for publishing our *Srimad-Bhagavatam* they must take the standard as we have presented. The first canto cannot be reduced less than 200 pages. In the *Bhagavad-gita As It Is* we have cut short the pages under the instruction of MacMillan Company without explaining many important verses. We are presenting a new philosophy to the world against all foolish impersonalists, atheist, agnostic and all other imperfect philosophies. Therefore we must have sufficient chance for explaining the purports of *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* So if MacMillan agrees to these conditions, then we can entrust the publication of the *Bhagavatam* in their hands. Such a big company, world famous publishers, and we are giving them the topmost transcendental knowledge in the world. ==Why they should become miserly in the set-up and quality of the book?"== ([[letters/1969/690506_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 6 May, 1969]]) *** 69-09 "I thank you very much for your appreciation of my book, *Krsna,* and you all enjoyed it on Janmastami Day. You write to say that each book I write is greater than anything written previously, but I must also inform you that each book you print is nicer than the previous printing. Two books, *Bhagavad-gita As It Is* and *Teachings of Lord Caitanya,* both are practically done by you, and the *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* has come out in printing art better than *Bhagavad-gita As It Is.* Similarly, I hope when you will print *Nectar of Devotion* and *Krsna* in our own press, it will come out better than *Teachings of Lord Caitanya.* So I will give you better writing and you will produce better books. In this way there will be competition in the service of Krsna. That is very nice. ==One the whole, I am very much pleased with the getup of Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and I hope in the future all our books may be printed at least to that standard."== ([[letters/1969/690909_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 9 September, 1969]]) ==70-03 "Regarding your question about the art department, for the present we should finish the pictures for Krsna first. Then if there is opportunity, they can print pictures for The Nectar of Devotion. Both are required, but most important is Krsna book. It is better to have pictures in all our books, as many as possible."== ([[letters/1970/700320_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 20 March, 1970]]) ==70-03 "Regarding printing of KRSNA on the cover and title, it should not be 'KRSNA Book,' but it should be 'KRSNA' in large type on the first line, that is the title, and on the second line, by way of adjective, 'The Supreme Personality of Godhead' should he printed in smaller type."== ([[letters/1970/700320_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 20 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 "Regarding picture pages, sections of 8 pages together is not nice. ==The pictures should be just at the appropriate place of description in the text.== There are many modern glues which will not loosen for a very long time, so glueing is not a problem. I think that this method of insetting the picture pages is best, and even better if they can be each protected by a leaf of waxed paper also. That will be best. So do whatever you think is best for getting the book ready (printed) as soon as possible." ([[letters/1970/700320_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 20 March, 1970]]) ==70-06 "The style of Srimad-Bhagavatam just as I had printed earlier in the First Canto editions is very nice. Go on with this style for all our Bhagavatam editions."== (SPL to Pradyumna, June 21st, 1970) ==70-07 "It is simply to the pictures. People become attracted with these unusual transcendental pictures at first, so even without reading the book they become inclined to purchase it. This is one point. Another point is that the picture gives the explanation of the passage very quickly. So try to insert as many pictures as possible in all our books and other publications."== (SPL to Jadurani, July 11th, 1970) 70-11 "I am pleased to hear that the paintings for Vol. I Canto II have been finished and that more paintings for Volume II have begun. ==At least from 50 to 100 paintings should appear in each volume, and that will be the perfection of your service for Lord Krsna.== In reply to your specific question, there is no ocean of milk, rather they are standing on a normal ocean. I am always showing your paintings in *Krsna* book to respectable Indian gentlemen and ladies and they are very much impressed that my American disciples have taken to this process with so much love and determination." ([[letters/1970/701104_jadurani|Jadurani, 4 November, 1970]]) *** 74-05 "Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter undated. Now you are preparing the publications of Vol. 1 and Vol. 3 of *Caitanya-caritamrta.* As far as subtitles all the volumes should have on the cover just as it is on the cover of Vol. 2 ==,== The Pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.' As for the subtitle on the inside title page which is now printed in Vol. 2 as 'Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the Renounced Order of Life,' you can make a subtitle suitable according to the subject matter of the subsequent volume. But == the phrase 'The Pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu' should appear on the cover of every volume."== ([[letters/1974/740509_manager_of_liberty_bank|Radhaballabha, 9 May, 1974]]) *** 74-09 =="Regarding the printing, it does not matter where you print our German books. Never mind the cost whether it is a little more or less. Wherever it is convenient. We are not after profit. The important thing is good printing and binding so that the people will be impressed. A== book sold, rather than a record will be a solid sale."== ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Hamsaduta dasa, 7 September, 1974]]) *** 74-10 "Srila Prabhupāda received an advance copy of SB 3:4, which was printed in the USA in five weeks, with the quality practically as good as Japan. Prabhupāda was also informed that the index of the Third Canto will be a separate volume, as well as for the Fourth Canto which will have a separate volume index. When we mentioned to His Divine Grace that this is the system of encyclopedias to publish separate volumes for the index ==he said that we could advertise his Srimad-Bhagavatam as 'The Encyclopedia of Spiritual Life.'== SB 4:4 has also been given to the American printer and three remaining volumes of S.B. 3:3, 4:2, and 4:3 have already been printed in Japan. That makes 13 volumes of SB not including the index volumes! Prabhupāda's translation of *Caitanya-caritamrta* is almost finished, only two more chapters left in the whole book. Then he will resume SB starting with Canto Five. This was Srila Prabhupāda's reason for taking up CC by working on CC the press was given time to publish all the backlog of S.B. that was piling up. By exact coincidence Prabhupāda is finishing CC just as they have finished publishing all of SB through the Fourth Canto. Now as Srila Prabhupāda resumes SB., they can publish the CC." Your servant, Brahmananda Swami, Personal Secretary Seen by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami." (SPL (seen by ACBS) to Ramesvara Prabhu, October 25th, 1974) 74-12 =="...for our books the words 'Bhaktivedanta Book Trust' must appear on the spine of the jacket. Formerly it was being done, and now it has been stopped. These things should always be there."== ([[letters/1974/741201_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 1 December, 1974]]) 74-12 =="I have seen on the new books printed that on the spine of the jacket the words 'Bhaktivedanta Book Trust' have been omitted. Formerly they were there on all the books. It is understood from Ramesvara that you removed these words. Why did you do this? Who authorized it? Did Bali Mardan authorize it? These things must be there. Please see to it."== ([[letters/1974/741202_jayadvaita|Jayadvaita, 2 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "Please accept my humble obeisances. I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 20th, 1974 and also your telegram regarding the SB indexes. I have discussed the points of your letter with Srila Prabhupāda. He said that yes, it was a very good idea to offer the first published edition of CC Adi:1 to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on his disappearance day, January 1, 1975. Regarding the SB index idea of separate volumes, Prabhupāda does not like this idea. He said that we are selling the books mostly to casual customers, so what will be the fate of the index for them? They will never see the index. Therefore, ==Srila Prabhupāda prefers that each volume have its own separate index. This system should be revived.== I hope this meets you in good health. Your servant Brahmananda Swami Personal Secretary Approved: ACBS." (SPL (approved by ACBS) to Radhaballabha Prabhu, December 3rd, 1974) ==74-12 "Yes, in the future you should make sure that all the books, no matter what size or color, have the words Bhaktivedanta Book Trust under the logos. Whether it is clear or unclear it should be there."== ([[letters/1974/741220_jayadvaita|Jayadvaita, 20 December, 1974]]) ==75-01 "I have received one copy of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 4, Volume 4, and Krsna Consciousness: The Matchless Gift. Thank you very much for these books. One thing is that every volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-caritamrta and any other big volumes, must have a full index. It is not a very prestigious presentation without the index. All volumes in the future must have the index."== ([[letters/1975/750119_radhavallabha|Radhaballabha dasa, 19 January, 1975]]) ==75-02 "The sample that you sent me of the new design for the BBT logo is approved by me. For the sake of consistency, you can also use it on the cover jacket. Every volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam as well as Caitanya-caritamrta must be fully complete with an index, list of references, glossary, Sanskrit pronunciation guide, and index of Sanskrit (or Bengali) verses. This will be best."== ([[letters/1975/750206_brahmananda|Radhaballabha dasa, 6 February, 1975]]) ==75-09 "Also on the spine of the book under the BBT logo the words 'Bhaktivedanta Book Trust' must appear. They are doing this on all the new volumes of Caitanya-caritamrta from Los Angeles."== ([[letters/1975/750903_nalinikanta|Hamsaduta dasa, 3 September, 1975]]) *** 75-09 "I have received a letter from Jayadvaita dasa dated September 8th, regarding the *Upadesamrta* book. The title of the book can be *The Nectar of Instruction.* We already have *The Nectar of Devotion* so now you will have *The Nectar of Instruction.* You can make it just like the set-up of *The Nectar of Devotion* book. The words *Sri Upadesamrta* do not have to appear in the title. ==A dedication is not required because it is not a big book.== The suggestion for the picture of Rupa Goswamis Govindaji temple is approved. Regarding the conclusion of the book, yes, it says in the text that the most fortunate devotees execute devotional service near *Radha-kunda.* That is stated in the book. I am enclosing the introduction for the book; please find." ([[letters/1975/750921_mahamsa|Radhaballabha dasa, 21 September, 1975]]) ==75-10 "Concerning the synonyms, henceforward I am adding the synonyms myself. From yesterday night I have begun adding the synonyms as it doesn't save very much time to have the synonyms. The Upadesamrta can be composed in the Bhagavatam format in the size of pocket The Nectar of Devotion."== ([[letters/1975/751020_srutakirti|Radhaballabha dasa, 20 October, 1975]]) ==76-01 "The new Sixth Canto Bhagavatams are very nice. Yes, actually they are worshipable Deities. Be careful that our books do not appear like Bible printing. Sometimes the Christians also put gold gilding on their books, but people are adverse to purchasing Bibles. Neither our books should be given free, there must be some remuneration, otherwise it will be like Bible selling."== ([[letters/1976/760103_ramesvara_prabhu|Ramesvara, 3 January, 1976]]) *** 76-01 "I wish to thank you and all the devotees serving at the BBT for helping to produce these new volumes. Thank you very much. This type of decoration on the books—the gold gilding and gold stamping—is generally found on Bibles and Shakespearian texts. Whether people will now confuse our books with these others? Our get-up is already approved, you should not unnecessarily increase the price. You say that these additions will be especially useful for libraries, but if the price is increased they may not accept them. Of course, it depends on the local sellers—they can say whatever is best. ==You should only make these changes if the sales will actually be increased. I don't want the BBT or the temples to lose."== ([[letters/1976/760105_satsvarupa|Radhaballabha dasa, 5 January, 1976]]) ==76-01 "Regarding the improvements of gold stamping and gold gilding on the Bhagavatams, I have already advised Radhaballabha Prabhu. Simply to make fashionable and increase the price may hamper the sales. Rather decrease the price."== (Ramesvara, 12 January, 1976) ==76-02 "If the gold stamping on the bindings will increase the appeal of the books then it is OK. Yes, I have also seen that the old cover cloths were very poor quality. It is good that you have improved them. You can add to the Song-book the poem I wrote before arriving at the Boston Port, when I first came to America. This can be printed at the beginning of the books."== ([[letters/1976/760203_radhavallabha|Radhaballabha, 3 February, 1976]]) ==76-09 "Titling of the Ninth Canto as 'Liberation' is good, and the Tenth Canto should be called 'The Summum Bonum.' As far as the 11th and 12th Cantos are concerned they shall be named when they are presented. The title which you have given to the Eighth Canto was a little hard to understand at first but if it refers to pralaya, then it is all right. You must consult with me on such matters. Do not manufacture anything."== ([[letters/1976/760907_radhavallabha|Radhaballabha dasa, 7 September, 1976]]) *** 71-12 "Your proposal to make a series of smaller books is approved by me. It is very nice. That will help in teaching the young children also. If the press is running 24 hours, then everything is all right. Something must always be produced. ==I am very encouraged by the small pamphlets sent to me by Karandhara which he is printing in Los Angeles.== I wanted that our press from the very beginning should print such leaflets, but that they have not done—simply trying for equalling Dai Nippon, consuming money like Dai Nippon, and producing nothing." (SPL to Bali Mardan, December 28th, 1971) 72-02 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated January 16th and January 23, 1972, and it is with great pleasure that ==I remember you and your good husband by reading them and seeing the nice work you are doing in the New Navadvipa News and other pamphlets....== I ====am especially appreciating the writings of Siddhasvarupa in the *New Navadvipa News* and 'Open Letter' pamphlets, like *Die Hippy, Die!* and these articles should be printed in our *Back to Godhead* magazine and distributed very widely." (SPL to Govinda dasi, February 12th, 1972) ==72-02 "I am especially pleased that you are compiling booklets for ISKCON Press. Yes, that is their best work: small booklets and pamphlets. Leave the big books to Dai Nippon"== (SPL to Hayagriva, February 13th, 1972) ==76-05 "I am in receipt of the Hare Krsna Souvenir printed from the Madras center. It appears that you neglected to advertise my books. It was a very good opportunity but why was it overlooked?"== ([[letters/1976/760526_yasomatinandana|Yasodananda Swami, 26 May, 1976]]) ## Loans, Management, Money and Accounts 68-06 "By the by, I require you to find out the duplicate copies of *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* 2nd canto, and a few chapters of the 3rd canto, which are lying in my closet in my room, and send to me immediately. I want to prepare it for printing in Japan just after the printing of *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* is finished. I have decided now definitely that all my printing works shall be done in Japan. ==In America it is too expensive and in India it is too much botheration.== Therefore in the future if there is sufficient money, I wish to print each volume of my book, 5,000 copies. Now, very soon we shall get 5,000 copies of *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* and we have to organize the sales propaganda. If there is sale, then there is no scarcity of matter for printing. Mukunda has written that he is acquainted with some man for selling *Back to Godheads,* and you can just contact him to know further about it. I am sending you today the balance book sheets of *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* to Brahmananda. Hope you are well." ([[letters/1968/680612_rayarama|Rayarama, 12 June, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "So far as my book fund is concerned, you have said that you do not wish to take profit from this fund so as you like you may take the commission as Brahmananda has proposed and then you can return the profit to me in Los Angeles. ==That will keep the accounts clear. But== somehow or other see that our books are sold very quickly.== My book fund is now drained by $7000 and I should fill up this gap very soon. I require to keep this fund because it is helpful in achieving the immigration papers as well as credit for such items as temples and books from MacMillan and Dai Nippon. This account should therefore always be kept for an emergency. Also, I wish next to publish a new book entitled *The Nectar of Devotion.* So if you can help with these funds it will be very appreciated." ([[letters/1968/681212_ananda|Hamsaduta, 12 December, 1968]]) *** 69-05 =="Regarding the church, I think you should try for it by all means, and if need be I shall see that the funds which you need will be loaned to you.== I have already informed Tamala Krsna that the Los Angeles temple may be called upon to give this loan. So try for it, because such a nice church will be a tremendous boon to our Seattle propaganda activities." ([[letters/1969/690508_upendra|Upendra, 8 May, 1969]]) *** 70-06 "But Gargamuni informs me that the payments for *Back to Godhead's* and book sales are not being sent. So the best thing will be to keep daily count of your stock and how many magazines and books sold. ==Then regularly, on Sunday of each week the sales proceeds may be totalled for issuing a check to the amount owed to my book fund and to the Back to Godhead accounts.== Then on each Monday the check may be sent to Los Angeles. So you do this regularly and it will be very nice." (SPL to Hamsaduta, June 29th, 1970) 70-07 "I, the undersigned, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, presently author of the following books: *Krsna; The Nectar of Devotion; Easy Journey to Other Planets; Isopanisad; Bhagavad-gita As It Is; Srimad-Bhagavatam; Teachings of Lord Caitanya; Krsna Consciousness: The Topmost Yoga System,* do hereby appoint Rupanuga dasa Adhikari, Bhagavan dasa Adhikari, and Karandhara dasa Adhikari for the purpose of the publishing of manuscripts and literatures made by me, distribution and collection, and all other necessary paraphernalia in this connection. This Trust is called the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Out of the three trustees the majority decision will be carried. At the present moment, the *Krsna* books are coming from Japan and they should be taken care of immediately. The present procedure is that Sriman Karandhara dasa Adhikari is looking after the business and collecting the fund. The same procedure should be followed and whenever there is a collection, entitled ISKCON, INC. - BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST, number __ with the Security Pacific National Bank. And whenever there will be a new printing, on submission of the estimate, I shall immediately advise the bank to remit as I am now doing. In the future, things will be done as it is necessary. All withdrawals are to be signed by me exclusively. ==The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust account will be used to publish my books and literature and to establish temples throughout the world, specifically three temples are to be established, one each in Mayapur, Vrndavana, and Jagannatha Puri."== (SPL to BBT trustees, July 29th, 1970) ==71-07 "The book distribution policy should be like this: Cash only. All books are to be sold cash on delivery, (COD).== Books can be returned for exchange of other books only for a period of up to one year. Householders can sell books and get 15% commission on the net income. The retail discount schedule will be as follows: 1-2 books, 33%; 3-24 books, 40%; 25-99 books 42%; and 100 books and over, 50% (wholesale rate)." (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, July 7th, 1971) 71-10 "If you think it is wise to purchase that house you can give the loan of $15,000 from the amount of $33,000 advanced to *Back to Godhead* a/c. But one thing is that these amounts are especially kept to meet emergency credit with Dai Nippon, because twice I paid them at the rate of $20,000, to meet their immediate demand. So our credit is maintained with them. So this $15,000 loan to the Dallas school scheme, must be returned very quickly, because it is emergency fund. If it becomes blocked on account of purchasing property, then I do not think this money should be invested in that way. ==So if you consider that this money will be returned as soon as possible, not later than six months, then I allow you to give them the loan."== ([[letters/1971/711009_karandhara|Karandhara, 9 October, 1971]]) ==71-12 "So far the books shipped to Africa, this will be a contribution this time. But from now on books used in Africa and India shall be printed in those countries, and you may send them the plates of each book required by them for printing locally."== (SPL to Bali Mardan, December 28th, 1971) ==72-01 "Distributing literatures in German language is the most important task ahead, and it is very good, your proposal to print locally—but why it was not done before?== Anything locally available is better, if the supply is regular. If you can arrange for that then do it. I do not know why in Europe, nothing has been done to print books. So many years you have been there, and still there is no literature in European languages. Why is it that you cannot find out some formula for printing nicely? I think there is no shortage of translators. Better if you turn your attention to this project immediately." (SPL to Krsnadasa, January 10th, 1972) ==72-04 "Now, so far the Back to Godhead and Book Funds are concerned, these matters shall be managed separately from the GBC, by a body known as The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.== The Book Trust shall be comprised of Srila Prabhupāda, Karandhara dasa, and Bali Mardan dasa. They shall combinedly collect the sales proceeds from each center and utilize all funds for the printing of Srila Prabhupādas books and the construction of ISKCON centers all over the world. Not a farthing is to be spent for any other purpose. The Book Trust shall see to the printing and distribution to centers, of books and magazines, and it will be the serious responsibility of each temple president to see that the billed amounts for these are paid to the *Back to Godhead* and Book Funds regularly. The billing and collections shall come from and to Los Angeles, where Karandhara dasa will collect and keep accounts. We request that everyone will take these formulas to heart and execute them very conscientiously. In this way we shall certainly be successful in pushing on this movement." (From Karandhara dasa Adhikari letter approved by Srila Prabhupāda to all temple presidents, April 22nd, 1972) 72-07 "I have recently seen a copy of a letter that Karandhara Prabhu has sent to all centers regarding payments to the *Back to Godhead* and Book Funds dated July 9th, 1972. ==Karandhara has informed me that you are apparently an offender in the connection of being tardy in payments to my Back to Godhead and book fund. This is not good.== We are trying to push on this movement on many fronts, one of the most important being the production and distribution of our Krsna conscious literature for the upliftment of mankind. My Guru Maharaja particularly gave me this assignment, so please assist me to your best capacity in this regards. Karandhara Prabhu is the treasurer of the *Back to Godhead* and BKF so you may immediately clear your accounts with him and this will be a serious responsibility upon you." ([[letters/1972/720715_amogha|Amogha, 15 July, 1972]]) ==72-08 "Regarding the corner property, for which you have offered $73,500, that is a nice proposal, if the Book Trust can purchase the whole building outright as an investment and collect the rents as dividends."== ([[letters/1972/720801_karandhara|Karandhara, 1 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 "Regarding your questions, *Seva Puja* means only for daily worship of Deities. ==The building fund will construct, the book fund will maintain, and this fund is for daily expenditure of Seva Puja or worship of the Deities only.== So far your administrative duties as secretary of Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund are concerned, that will be informed by you. For the time being, rents should be collected by Karandhara and sent to India. How it will be done I shall think over and let you know." ([[letters/1972/720913_upendra|Atreya Rsi, 13 September, 1972]]) ==72-12 "That policy of frying the fish in its own oil' is all right, but don't touch the bonds. It should be kept as it is.== And now I am thinking to pay Dai Nippon for supplying books to India because there is no money in Mayapur Fund. There is huge demand for books in India, especially *Bhagavad-gita.* So I wish to transfer the bonds for paying Dai Nippon on account of supplying books to India. The idea is that you can supply all varieties of books to India, whatever they order, and send them a bill in dollars, cost-price dollars, and the cost-price dollars may be paid to Dai Nippon by encashing the bonds. All of our books may be printed by Dai Nippon in huge amount to the extent of $100,000 cost-price and sent to India. I shall pay them with dollars from the bonds and everything, and here the money will be paid in rupees into a Bhaktivedanta book fund and M-V Trust Fund in Indian banks, at the rate of ten rupees per dollar. So there is no difficulty. Just like TLC costs $1.50, and the temple takes 25% or $1.50, and above that there is $3 profit. So from Jain if we get 10 rupees per dollar, this way we will get 20 rupees." ([[letters/1972/721203_karandhara|Karandhara, 3 December, 1972]]) *** 74-01 "I know you are a very good cook and I can understand that you have found the books useful for distribution. I have no objection to your printing it with the name *Revatinandana Swami's Cookbook,* but ==the royalty should go to the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Just as I am publishing Bhagavad-gita As It Is with MacMillan Company but the royalty is going to the BBT.== I think this method is appropriate. If you yourself take the royalty it will be personal interest money and trade, and this will deviate your principle of *sannyasa. Sannyasi* means he is in renounced order and lives by begging alms for the bare necessities of life. It is not good to make trade to get money for personal expenditure. If the royalty is given to the BBT, we will keep a separate account from this royalty and necessary expenditures for your preaching may be supplied from the BBT." ([[letters/1974/740109_sukadeva_1|Revatinandana Swami, 9 January, 1974]]) ==74-08 "Regarding money collected, do not keep this money. Immediately spend on printing books. Perhaps we may require money for building purposes. This should be strictly followed: 50% for printing and 50% for building. No money should be invested for any business purposes. He may require $100,000 for this purpose. Let me know if it is possible. I think it is possible but I want to hear from you."== ([[letters/1974/740813_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 13 August, 1974]]) ==74-09 "Yes, it is good that you have understood me about not investing any BBT monies in business."== ([[letters/1974/740903_rsabhadeva|Ramesvara dasa, 3 September, 1974]]) ==74-09 "BBT management should be rigidly done very carefully, and I think Ramesvara is a good manager. He can be appointed BBT secretary. I approve BBT moving to New York, because of their freehand dealing. Ramesvara may be made your assistant and remain with you. It is all right that no others be appointed as trustees at present."== ([[letters/1974/740905_vijoyadhvaja|Bali Mardan dasa, 5 September, 1974]]) *** 74-09 "Now you publish in German language all our books and distribute. Krsna will help you in every respect. The BBT collection should be spent 50% for publishing and 50% for construction of temples. At the present moment the Mayapur-Vrndavana projects are going on, so as soon as there is an excess of money it should be utilized here. ==Not a single farthing should be invested in any business enterprise. Formerly it was done so without any sanction. So be careful.== Regarding printing, you can print in USA or any other country. UK also has big presses, I have heard that Belgium is also good. Also Holland, and Germany is also good." ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Hamsaduta dasa, 7 September, 1974]]) ==74-09 "Regarding BBT lending Bhaktivedanta Manor dollars 25,000 for purchasing a house in Letchmore Heath, the BBT has no money, that is what I think. It is lending to Australia $100,000 and prepared to lend to Paris $100,000. I do not know that after lending this money there will be anything more. Lending for opening a temple is the business of BBT but not lending for residential quarters."== ([[letters/1974/740929_jagadisa|Hamsaduta dasa, 29 September, 1974]]) ==74-09 "Regarding the International Publishing House under one roof, the principle of management is that everything will be managed by BBT.== We have so many centers but the management is done by the GBC and myself. So what is the difficulty? It is a question of management, but not that all staff come together. Any big establishment has got different works and staff in different place. Recently I met one big manufacturer from Kannauj. He has got his factories in Orissa, Mysore, etc., but the whole thing is being managed from Kannauj. What is being manufactured in Orissa cannot be brought to Mysore. It is the capacity of management, but not that we bring everyone together." ([[letters/1974/740929_jagadisa|Hamsaduta dasa, 29 September, 1974]]) ==74-11 "So it is all right. I did not know it was a loan. In name money comes to India in loan but it is never repaid. In name there are so many loans, like to Spiritual Sky and now it is not being repaid. Everyone is taking a loan from BBT. That is the only source of our income but if everyone takes a loan, then how can it go on?"== (Jayatirtha dasa, 11 November, 1974) *** 74-11 "Regarding not being able to make any more loans from BBT, I think if necessary we can borrow from the bank using the fixed deposits as security. So long as the loans are not paid back to the bank we shall assure that we shall not withdraw the fixed deposits. ==These properties should be purchased in the name of BBT, and when the local center repays the loan, then the name can be transferred.== Now you have loaned Madhudvisa $133,505.50. How will he repay? What are the terms for repayment? In France they are wanting to borrow $120,000. Can you arrange for this loan in January, 1975? I understand that Spiritual Sky is not able to repay its loan now. This rule must be strictly followed that 50% paid for printing and 50% paid for property and building loans." ([[letters/1974/741114_patita_uddharana|Ramesvara dasa, 14 November, 1974]]) ==74-11 "No, we cannot loan BBT money for any other purpose than what is mentioned in the BBT agreement. These other loans for cows, equipment, and restaurants must all be re-paid, and no other loans other than for publishing and temple construction can be granted."== ([[letters/1974/741125_subala|Ramesvara dasa, 25 November, 1974]]) ==74-12 "Regarding the film making BBT has already financed the film, so the film is made, so let them sell it and finance other films. Continually it is not possible for BBT to finance. So let them sell and finance and make films."== ([[letters/1974/741208_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 8 December, 1974]]) ==74-12 "As far as your future films are concerned I do not think it is possible for the BBT to continue financing these films. BBT is strictly for construction of temples and printing books.== My idea is that you can use the original capital that BBT gave you. You don't have to pay that back. You can somehow or another, by business tactics increase that capital and employ it again to make a new film. Then again use the capital from that film or use the profit from that film to create another film, etc. In this way you can make many films. But I do not think that BBT should finance it. These films are very nice and they can be effectively used for our preaching work. Generally people enjoy seeing any film. But when a film has something substantial such as our Krsna conscious philosophy to offer then it becomes a real pleasure. Therefore our films should be the most popular films ever produced. Try to distribute this and your original first film as widely as possible and in this way the finances will be easily obtained for producing further films." ([[letters/1974/741225_yadubara|Yadubara, 25 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "I have just received one letter from Tamala Krsna Goswami which is very encouraging regarding his preaching program in the United States. He has requested to take a loan from BBT for $30,000 to purchase three more buses. I fully authorize this. Therefore please do the needful. ==Fifty percent of BBT funds are for printing books and fifty percent are for construction of temples. So these buses are like temples, moving temples. Therefore you should give him the loan."== ([[letters/1974/741227_trivikrama|Hamsaduta, 27 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "I think that you should immediately try and get the church in Toronto. Take it immediately. Church is always cheaper as there are not many other purchasers. This way we can bargain with them and bring the price down. The psychology behind it is that the Christians will hesitate to tear down a church. They would rather see it still standing. Gradually you should buy all the churches and make them into temples. There are so many churches actually they should give us these churches free, if they were actually God-conscious. But they are sectarian. ==Anyway purchase this church immediately. It is not very costly. $200,000 you can arrange. If it is available from BBT at this time then I have no objection.== You can make the $150,000 loan from BBT. I do not know though if that much is available." ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 "Any householder devotee who is working full-time (with his wife) as a *sankirtana* book distributor, or temple managerial duties, artist, cook, etc. shall be provided food, shelter, and other bare minimum necessities by the temple itself. They should not cook their own meals separate from the temple meals. If they have children, then some minimal allowance may be given according to the number of children. If they want anything extra or over and above what the temple president sees as absolute necessity, then they should work outside—the temple cannot pay for anything beyond the bare necessities. And ==definitely, the BBT cannot pay any salary to anybody. Our philosophy is 'simple living and high thinking'—not sense gratification. The temple presidents and leaders (elder students) must show this by example.== Temple or *asrama* means for renunciation and renounced persons. If one is engaged in self-realization process, then his material necessities become almost nil. Persons who do not like this can work outside." ([[letters/1975/750112_mr._lepesqueux|Kirtiraja dasa, 12 January, 1975]]) ==75-11 "Now you are going to print the small Bhagavad-gita As It Is. One thing is, if the people will get the small Bhagavad-gita at the cheap price, then will they want to purchase the bigger one? Will that be good? How will you distribute the bigger ones at the more expensive price when there is the cheaper one also available?"== ([[letters/1975/751114_sri_v._s._murthy|Bhagavan dasa, 14 November, 1975]]) ==76-01 "You are charging too much for the Krsna Conscious Movement Is Authorized. It should not cost the temples more than 10 cents or whatever the cost price is. This is our advertisement and is meant for mass distribution. I have already suggested to you how to do this."== ([[letters/1976/760118_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 18 January, 1976]]) ==76-01 "Another point is that the BBT cannot give a loan to Dallas for gurukula construction. That is not possible. Jagadisa Prabhu is expecting a loan of $150,000 from the BBT. So I have told him that the money is already needed for construction here in India, in Bombay, Kuruksetra, and Mayapur. The best thing is that gurukula should be moved to India."== ([[letters/1976/760123_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 23 January, 1976]]) *** 76-02 "In Madras we have to construct a very gorgeous temple. In Nellore the owners of the land are putting so many impossible conditions that we cannot construct. So that foundation stone can be brought to Madras and used for the Madras temple. Now immediately find out some land and begin the construction. Never mind what the cost will be. We are not concerned with the amount of money, but we want a very attractive temple. The money should come from the gentlemen of Madras. ==The foreign funds are reserved note for Bombay, Kuruksetra, Jagannatha Puri and Mayapur.== But if absolutely required, something may be arranged. Go on sending funds to Hyderabad. That construction should be completed as soon as possible. But whatever amount you have sent there, Hyderabad will repay you after their temple is finished." ([[letters/1976/760204_danavir|Sravanananda and Bhavabhuti, 4 February, 1976]]) ==76-02 "I have recently thought of a scheme to increase funds in our BBT account. I would like to send Indian goods to you for sales to the devotees and others.== In the beginning I can have cloth sent, especially *saris.* So many others are doing it successfully, we can also be successful. I will have the papers sent through Lloyds bank as I have an account with them in London. So you can find out the Lloyds branch there. You can deposit all monies received from sales of the saris in the Lloyds Bank. You may also keep a percentage of the sales for yourself. Please advise me if you are able to execute." ([[letters/1976/760225_nitai|Bhurijana dasa, 25 February, 1976]]) *** 77-04 "Now we are forming a scientists' party and we shall try with their help to establish Krsna consciousness as the genuine scientific movement of the world exposing the so-called scientists as nothing but speculators. Svarupa Damodara has received very good response here in India from the scientific community and there is good hope that many others will join him. He is returning to America for preparing some publications and when these are completed I have asked him to tour vigorously throughout the world lecturing with his other colleagues at all major institutions and universities. ==He has drawn up a budget of immediate needs, a copy of which is enclosed and I immediately sanction this amount. Whatever expenditure he requires supply him immediately from the BBT. I am prepared to give $10,000 or more monthly if required to finance this most important preaching program.== So whatever money Svarupa Damodara needs must be supplied monthly and he will send you accounts. You can save this money by minimizing the expenditures in the luxury departments of Sanskrit and artists. We do not want these departments for the time being. One or two men must suffice for Sanskrit work. There is no need of new paintings. Whatever paintings we have, that is enough. There is no need of constantly making new variations on the same themes. So for the art department no more expenditure. If they want to continue painting let them come and live here in Bombay or in any of our other temples in India. We have got sufficient facilities now for accommodation and in this way we can save so much money. Svarupa Damodara has requested that Dravida dasa may come and help him with editing work. The scientists are publishing some booklets to be completed by their return here on Janmastami. If possible please arrange for Dravida dasa to join them." ([[letters/1977/770402_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 2 April, 1977]]) ==77-04 "Yes, try to reduce the expenditures more and more. It is only with great difficulty upon all our book distributors that BBT gets its funds. So those who are responsible should be very frugal to see that not one penny is unnecessarily spent."== ([[letters/1977/770406_gurukrpa|Radhaballabha dasa, 6 April, 1977]]) ## The 50% Principle ==69-02 "Regarding the distribution of Teachings of Lord Caitanya, the principle will be that 60% will go to the book fund, and the rest will go to you as the distributor. So you may offer to the temples whatever is suitable. But you will be the sole distributor and the book fund will get 60%."== (Brahmananda, 29 February, 1969) ==70-11 "Regarding your collecting is concerned, persons who donate should not receive membership for such donation, membership is different. 50% should go each to the temple fund and to my book fund. For the 50% put into my book fund, yes, they may receive credit for our book program; why not?"== (SPL to Jayapataka Maharaja, November 15th, 1970) ==71-02 "Now the most important point is to recruit life members as many as possible. Please let me know how many you have made. The money received from the life membership fees should be divided into two: 50% for building fund and 50% for my book fund. By distribution of our books and literatures through this program of life membership, our institution can become greater and greater all over the world."== (SPL to Dayananda, February 8th, 1971) ==71-04 "All book sale proceeds should be immediately transferred by mail. 50% should go to the book fund account and 50% to the building fund account. The building fund account number is 9-381, Central Bank, head office. The book fund account number is 14538, Central Bank, Gowalia Tank branch, Bombay."== (SPL to Ksirodakasayi, April 21st, 1971) 71-11 "If you simply push on this one activity of distributing my books, your all success will be there. I have hatched this 'transcendental plot' for getting money by selling my books, and if we stick only to this plan, and use our brain for selling books, there will easily be sufficient money. ==I have recently informed the GBC to allow each temple to keep 25% of the money they collect from direct book and magazine sales for temple maintenance, 75% to be sent to book fund.== Supposing you sell 800 dollars a week worth of literature (retail price). Will not 200 dollars weekly be sufficient for food and rent? If not, increase book sales, or, until things are adjusted in this way, supplement in other ways, but try to avoid too much business as this distracts us from our real mission. If Krsna sees that we are very active to spread information about Him, He is Master of the goddess of fortune, He will give everything." (SPL to Lalita Kumara, November 15th, 1971) ==72-01 "From book sales at least 50% of the face value of the book has to go to the book fund. And from the sales of the Back to Godhead at least one rupee per magazine should be paid to the book fund. So whatever remains after this can be utilized by you to do the publishing."== (SPL to Ksirodakasayi, January 3rd, 1972) 72-09 "Please accept my most humble obeisances at your feet. Prabhupāda just spoke with me ==regarding the distribution of foreign (other than English) language literature. His direction is that 10% of the gross income on the sales of all of our literatures, books, and magazines, should be sent to The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.== The BBT is financing many world-wide projects for the Society, and therefore all income from literature distribution should contribute and support it. Please therefore make the necessary arrangements. A simple way to accomplish this would be to figure at the end of each month what your gross (total, before subtracting production costs and overhead) income from the sale of literature was for that month, calculate 10% of this figure, and send this to BBT in care of myself in Los Angeles. I know that you will understand that this subsidy will greatly facilitate the growth of Society-wide programs and everyone will benefit. From your local view it may appear to be an imposition, but I assure you that overall it is in the interest of Lord Caitanya's movement. Regarding your regular remittance, it will be left solely to your integrity and 'for the overall benefit' conscientiousness. I am sure you will do the needful. Also, regarding the sale of translations to outside publishers (which we hope to do with the *Bhagavad-gita As It Is* for Spanish, French, and German) 50% will go to the local center which did the actual translating and 50% will go to the Book Trust, as per Prabhupādas directions. If you have any questions or points to make, please correspond with me.Your Servant,Karandhara dasa Adhikari Approved A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda." (SPL to temple presidents, September 16th, 1972) ==74-08 "Regarding money collected, do not keep this money. Immediately spend on printing books. Perhaps we may require money for building purposes. This should be strictly followed: 50% for printing and 50% for building. No money should be invested for any business purposes. He may require $100,000 for this purpose. Let me know if it is possible. I think it is possible but I want to hear from you."== ([[letters/1974/740813_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 13 August, 1974]]) ==74-09 "Now you publish in German language all our books and distribute. Krsna will help you in every respect. The BBT collection should be spent 50% for publishing books and 50% for construction of temples.== At the present moment the Mayapur-Vrndavana projects are going on, so as soon as there is an excess of money it should be utilized here. Not a single farthing should be invested in any business enterprise. Formerly it was so done without any sanction. So be careful. Regarding printing, you can print in USA or any other country. UK also has big presses, I have heard that Belgium is also good. Also Holland, and Germany is also good." ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Hamsaduta dasa, 7 September, 1974]]) *** 74-11 "Regarding not being able to make any more loans from BBT, I think if necessary we can borrow from the bank using the fixed deposits as security. So long as the loans are not paid back to the bank we shall assure that we shall not withdraw the fixed deposits. These properties should be purchased in the name of BBT, and when the local center repays the loan, then the name can be transferred. Now you have loaned Madhudvisa $133,505.50. How will he repay? What are the terms for repayment? In France they are wanting to borrow $120,000. Can you arrange for this loan in January, 1975? I understand that Spiritual Sky is not able to repay its loan now. ==This rule must be strictly followed that 50% paid for printing and 50% paid for property and building loans."== ([[letters/1974/741114_patita_uddharana|Ramesvara dasa, 14 November, 1974]]) ==74-11 "Regarding the collections, the books are increasing, so 50% should go to BBT and 50% to construction, but if needed, then that money can be spent in other ways."== ([[letters/1974/741115_atreya_rsi|Tejyas dasa, 15 November, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "I have just received one letter from Tamala Krsna Goswami which is very encouraging regarding his preaching program in the United States. He has requested to take a loan from BBT for $30,000 to purchase three more buses. I fully authorize this. Therefore please do the needful. ==Fifty percent of BBT funds are for printing books and fifty percent are for construction of temples. So these buses are like temples, moving temples. Therefore you should give him the loan."== ([[letters/1974/741227_trivikrama|Hamsaduta, 27 December, 1974]]) ==75-05 "Regarding BBT affairs, European publications are your main business, but for the time being, you must also see to the accounts and managing of the BBT in USA. Bhagavan can also be another BBT trustee. His name can be added to the list. It is approved by me that you get the books for only 20% above the cost of printing."== ([[letters/1975/750519_mahamsa|Hamsaduta dasa, 19 May, 1975]]) *** 75-06 "I am thinking that Gurukrpas collections may be used for book publishing only. He can print books there in Japan and send you for selling in India. ==From these sales, you can spend 50% on construction and 50% on Hindi publishing. And anyone who can manage such an organization, he can manage the BBT.== But one must do it. It is simply a matter of organization. We can send you unlimited number of books. You simply have to apply your brain how to sell them. Then you will have plenty of money. This my mission, you know it started when I came alone to your country by selling my books, and still whatever money we are getting it is coming from the book selling. So it is already proven how important the book-selling is." ([[letters/1975/750621_gurukrpa|Gopala Krsna, 21 June, 1975]]) *** 75-07 "Regarding seeing your book on Lord Ramacandra partly translated into English, I am very much eager to see it. I am returning to India by the month of October, therefore there is no hurry. When I return I shall be glad to see your book either in Bombay, Vrndavana, or Calcutta. I have to translate all the *Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata,* and many other theistic literatures left by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas headed by the six Goswamis like Rupa, Sanatana, Jiva, etc. I have already translated about 50 big books of 400 pages each, and my books are selling all over the world in universities, libraries, learned professors, and the public also is receiving my books with great respect. Of course they are not my books, since I have simply translated; but my purports for each and every verse from the *Bhagavad-gita* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam* do very much appeal to the people in general as well as learned circles. They are very much appreciating and we are selling to the extent of 30-40 hundred thousands of rupees per month. Out of this ==we spend 50% for the maintenance of our different temples all over the world and 50% we spend for reprinting my books.== I do not take any royalty or any profit out of it. Similarly if you agree not to take any profit or royalty then our Bhaktivedanta Book Trust will publish your book on Lord Ramacandra." ([[letters/1975/750726_dinanatha_n._mishra|Dinanatha, 26 July, 1975]]) *** 75-09 "The BBT arrangement you have made is all right, but Brahmananda Swami says that it may be difficult for the temples to maintain by giving to both the book fund and the building fund. So if it is not possible that the temples maintain themselves by giving 45% to the BBT and 45% to the building fund, then use the building fund for maintenance. But the BBT must get its money. That is the prime responsibility of every temple. ==So let the temples pay the BBT 50% and when you require money for construction, then we shall see."== ([[letters/1975/750904_gatravan|Cyavana Swami, 4 September, 1975]]) ==76-01 "Regarding supplying the Radha Damodara TSKP books at discount, there is no harm. The BBT should charge them the printing cost only and the balance they will send to India.== It is the same as before, but instead of the money being sent to the BBT and then to India, this is shortcut and the money will go directly to India. As their collections depend entirely on book distribution, whatever amount they transfer here plus the amount paid to BBT in Los Angeles may be combined for listing in your monthly ratings as book distribution. In this way they will be encouraged to go on increasing the book distribution more and more and at the same time they will be encouraged to send more and more for the construction. There is no question of discounting them more money than is needed in India, because we require crores and crores of unlimited funds. America has the money, so this is cooperation between the blind men and lame men. This will be a good name to your country, that Americans are building such nice buildings. It will make good relations between India and America. The next chance I have for meeting with Indira Gandhi, I shall inform her about how much foreign exchange we are sending. After receiving your encouraging assurance, that as book distribution increases the amount BBT sends will also increase, we are now going to attempt the Kuruksetra project and the Jagannatha Puri project. For the time being we are spending in India, but eventually we will spend everywhere. This will greatly enhance the Americans spiritual position." ([[letters/1976/760126_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 26 January, 1976]]) ## BBT and ISKCON Temples ==70-11 "My European disciples have written that there are no books available in Europe. I want that each and every one of my centers should be fully stocked with all of my books, never mind if they can pay or not. The principle is that every center must pay for whatever books they order, but if for some financial difficulty a center is not able to pay for books, still we should supply them whatever they need."== (SPL to Satsvarupa, November 4th, 1970) 74-03 "My dear disciples, Please accept my blessings. Now that our ISKCON is growing into a huge world wide organization, it has come to my attention that sometimes centers are printing my literature, taking collection and spending all outside the jurisdiction of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This must not go on. I specifically formed the BBT to invest in it exclusive rights for the printing of all literature containing my teachings, writings and lectures. In this way the collections are to be divided fifty percent for printing new books and fifty percent for construction of temples. ==The BBT can authorize a center to print, as in the case of foreign translations, with the agreement that when the foreign printing becomes financially solvent they will pay royalties to the BBT.== But all printing of ISKCON literature must be by the BBT or under their sanction and approval. If temples print independently it will be at the cost of the books I am myself printing, and could eventually cause the financial ruin of the BBT, meaning I could not order new books from the printer or have sufficient funds for construction of temple projects. I trust this is now clear and you will all do the needful. If you have any question in this matter you can write me directly or consult with the GBC representative." ([[letters/1974/740314_hrdayananda|Memorandum to all ISKCON centers, 14 March, 1974]]) ==74-10 "Now henceforward you make the following arrangement for getting payment from the temples for BBT.== For all book orders the BBT will present the invoice and shipping documents to your bank a/c BBT for collection. The orders may be shipped by rail, so the temples will pay the invoice amount in order to receive the shipping documents from the bank, and then collect the goods. Now that the inventory has been sent to all centers, there should be no complaint that there are no books being made available. Let them pay for what they order, and you fill the orders promptly, so there should be no difficulty." ([[letters/1974/741020_giriraja|Giriraja dasa, 20 October, 1974]]) ==74-11 "So for maintaining the gurukula, at least the cost price for the books must be paid. Gurukula can take the profit for its maintenance. BBT cannot pay for maintenance of the temples. BBT can only pay for printing and temple properties and construction."== (SPL to Jagadisa, Jayatirtha, and Dayananda dasa, 15th November, 1974) 74-12 "Regarding the BBT and the Society corporation, yes I want this kind of umbrella corporation. But if there is any difficulty, we have got BBT already tax exempt in India. If there is difficulty in getting BBT tax exempt in USA then we have got it here. You say that the lawyer suggests that BBT be a satellite organ of ISKCON, but does that mean that BBT is separate from ISKCON or not? Ramesvara gives the hint that ISKCON may go into liquidation. I cannot think of it. But, anyway, ==I cannot at any cost risk BBT if ISKCON goes into liquidation. Why risk the BBT by amalgamating it into ISKCON? Therefore I want to keep BBT separate.== Or there is no need of keeping a separate BBT account. The BBT is here in India. That BBT may or may not keep an office in Japan where the majority of the books are printed. The printer ships the books to, say, ISKCON LA., who can warehouse and distribute to other ISKCON centers. BBT India issues the advice of the amount ISKCON LA has to pay the printer. And ISKCON LA pays 50% directly to the printer for goods received and 50% may be deposited in the ISKCON Mayapur Vrndavana Fund, to be used for temple construction or purchasing property. In this way there is no need of keeping any separate BBT account which may be taxable. And ISKCON LA acts as the appointed agent of BBT India. So, if ISKCON LA goes into liquidation, BBT India will not be affected. If the agent goes into liquidation, does it mean that the supplier must also go into liquidation? So ISKCON LA receives goods and pays according to advice received from BBT India." ([[letters/1974/741208_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 8 December, 1974]]) ==75-02 "Srila Prabhupāda is concerned that so many temples have got big debts to the BBT, and he wants that the GBC takes a very active interest in seeing that these debts are paid as soon as possible. He is very strong on this point and went so far as to say that temple presidents who do not keep up with their BBT payments must be replaced."== (Memo to all GBC, signed by 4 GBC men, February 2nd, 1975) ==75-06 "Why did you publish this college program book independently and unauthorized? Any literature that is to be published on behalf of the movement, must be authorized by the BBT trustees. You have not even mentioned my name in this book. This is not at all good. Why have you done this?"== (SPL to Bhakta, Jayananda, and Bahulasva, 17th June, 1975) ==76-01 "Regarding the suggestion for book selling, the point is that the temples must pay the cost of printing. Then they may sell for whatever price they like."== ([[letters/1976/760103_ramesvara_prabhu|Ramesvara dasa, 3 January, 1976]]) ==76-01 "I am very glad to know that you have already purchased the Mercedes. For such a long time this car has been required and now you are fulfilling that desire. Thank you. But you must pay your entire debt to the book fund in the future, otherwise you will become that disciple who spends the money of his spiritual master."== ([[letters/1976/760123_sri_chaudhuri|Pusta Krsna, 23 January, 1976]]) ## Mail Order ==70-04 "It is very encouraging that you are receiving 10-30 letters of inquiry and they should be properly replied. Who is doing this work? This is very important business to enlighten so many people when there are so many inquiries.== All informative literature should be supplied to them and request them to read our publications especially *Back to Godhead* magazine. One Xerox copy of such letter was sent to me by Guru dasa and I have replied the same, the copy of which is sent herewith. I think this copy will help you in answering similar other letters." ([[letters/1970/700416_satsvarupa|Yamuna and Gurudasa, 16 April, 1970]]) ==71-11 "I am very pleased that you have taken over responsibility for our ISKCON books mail-order department. I consider it one of the most important posts in our Society, so you must he very diligent to perform very nicely this immense work.== I especially want that my books and literatures should be distributed profusely, but so far I understand this is not being done very perfectly. So I want that you all my students shall very vigorously try for this book distribution. Do not hesitate to use your American and European brains to increase, that is Krsnas special gift to you, now use it. Any activity which will please Krsna should be accepted favorably, this is our guiding principle. Now apply it in this way by doing everything and anything for spreading this Krsna consciousness literature, and this is really pleasing to Krsna, know it for certain. Especially you must always be eager to supply our branches all over the world, with whatever literature they require; not that they must pay and then get books like ordinary mundane business. It is not that they shall not pay for books, but that payment must come gradually and in regular installments. We have to be prompt and gracious in this business of mail-order books, and I am very encouraged that you are enthusiastic to do everything required for increasing in this way." (SPL to Kirtiraja dasa, November 27th, 1971) 71-11 "So far the posters for temple altars, if you have got extra money you can print the posters. But I am against the policy of our ISKCON Press charging exorbitant prices for books and other things which they sell to the temples. Our policy should be cost price, or if a little more (10% above cost) is required for other expenses, that may be added. But it is not that we are in business to make profit from each other. With the public, that is a different thing. But ==our real business is to spread Krsna consciousness, and for that our centers require so many things like books, tapes, photos, like that—and these should be freely exchanged between the temples to be utilized nicely in preaching work, without profit-making."== (SPL to Rupanuga, November 30th, 1971) 72-01 "You have got a very important duty to see that all the branches are kept with a full stock of all my books. And ==I know that we are getting many mail orders daily, so you must see that these orders are all filled promptly. If we take the publics' money, and then delay too long in filling the orders, this will give us a bad reputation.== So be very conscientious and hard working and Krsna will give you the ability to do everything nicely. There is no difference between chanting Hare Krsna or *sankirtana* and doing one's assigned work in Krsna consciousness. Sometimes we have to do so much managerial or office work, but Lord Caitanya promises us that because in the Kali-yuga this is required for carrying on our preaching mission, He gives assurance that we will not become entangled by such work. When the work has to be done, do it first, then chant. But you must fulfill at leasty sixteen rounds daily. So if necessary sleep less but you have to finish your minimum number of rounds." (SPL to Kirtiraja, January 2nd, 1972) ==72-02 "I am very much pleased to hear that our mail-order department for books and Back to Godhead magazines is increasing steadily. Now you have good American brain by Krsna's grace, so the more you go on thinking of ways to increase in this way, the more Krsna will understand that you are sincere to serve Him as dearmost friend by preaching His message of Bhagavad-gita and the more He will attract you to come back to home, back to Godhead."== (SPL to Kirtiraja, February 28th, 1972) ==73-10 "I also thank you for sending the copies of the letters of the people expressing their appreciation of our books. I am glad that these letters are being answered promptly by you. This is important."== (SPL to Ramesvara, October 12th, 1973) 76-02 "Regarding *Krsna Consciousness is Authorized,* the first thing you should do is arrange to have a few thousand sent to India immediately. They can be sent to the Calcutta temple but addressed to me. I am organizing an office of book distribution under my direct supervision, and I shall post these books to officers, professors, lawyers, etc. ==I think that the mass mailings of this book can be done by the BBT Mail Order Department== and BBT can cover the whole cost. But because we will be distributing it freely for the most part, you should try to get the cost reduced as far as possible. You can try to get a good response from your mailings, but regardless of the response, we should distribute this book indiscriminately to selected persons, as I have already indicated: renowned businessmen, medical men, government officials, scientists, etc. Your new membership publication should be included with the *Krsna Consciousness is Authorized* in any mass mailing." ([[letters/1976/760206_manager_central_bank_of_india|Ramesvara dasa, 6 February, 1976]]) ==76-02 "Please advise mail-order to send one or two copies of their new catalogues to me."== (SPL to Ramesvara, February 25th, 1976) ## Records and Tapes ==68-09 "I can give so many verses, just like cintamani-prakara-sad-masu ... and explain them in English, so we can produce not only pictures, but also records, in so many ways. So you should be serious about taking a quotation for the records as soon as possible and immediately we shall print some records."== (SPL to Brahmananda, September 9th, 1968) 70-02 "Regarding the small booklet, Jayadvaita from Boston has sent me two pages writing which I am enclosing herewith. So with additional alteration of this idea, plus your idea, if you write a suitable introduction, then we shall print them with some pictures on nice paper as many copies as you require for putting them within the paper covering of the records, and that will be a good introduction. == But one thing, I must warn you in this connection that these records are distributed amongst teenagers, therefore the language and presentation should be suitable for their understanding.== I think you will understand me right in this connection. So, after writing the pamphlet and if possible getting it edited amongst yourselves, you can send the copies one to me and one to Boston for printing. So this is my idea, now you can work upon it as you think it fit." ([[letters/1970/700221_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 21 February, 1970]]) ==70-03 "For the present I have a plan for opening 108 centers all over America, Europe, Canada, Japan and Australia. I have got at present 26 centers. I have sent some of my devotees in Germany where people are more interested in this Hare Krsna movement. You will be pleased to know that simply in Germany alone our Hare Krsna Mantra record has been sold to the extent of 57,000 copies."== ([[letters/1970/700304_hanuman_prasad_poddar|Sumati Morarji, 4 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3rd March, 1970, along with ==the Govindam record. The record is so nice that I am playing it at least once in a day and it is giving me transcendental pleasure with tears in my eyes.== I am sure this record will be the first-class hit as already opined by the experts. Certainly this has come out so successful because of George's sincere effort in Krsna consciousness. I ====am so pleased that he is advancing toward perfectional stage of Krsna consciousness; and your association will greatly help. Try to convince him to avoid the four principles of sinful life and chant Hare Krsna *mantra* as much as possible, then he will find everything is successful in his life. I think on account of this record, many people, at least from different parts of Europe, will come to see our temple. Many tourists also may come there. So you do not take it as gloomy, but you should welcome them in our temple. Regularly try to sell our books and magazines to them." ([[letters/1970/700308_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 8 March, 1970]]) ==71-02 "Yes, you can see to making more records, certainly. The more our movement is increased, the more the demand for these records will be there. People here in India are also wanting these records.== So you can send one copy of every record as samples here immediately to the above given Bombay address. Records are exempt from our life membership program. Also the new recording described by you meets my approval, so do it nicely. You can send the booklet here as soon as it is ready." ([[letters/1971/710216_upendra|Dinesh Candra, 16 February, 1971]]) ==74-09 "Regarding the printing, it does not matter where you print our German books. Never mind the cost whether it is a little more or less. Wherever it is convenient. We are not after profit. The important thing is good printing and binding so that the people will be impressed. A book sold rather than a record will be a solid sale."== ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Hamsaduta dasa, 7 September, 1974]]) ==76-12 "The music is nice for the non-devotee class of men. However the picture on the album cover is not nice. Why this crazy picture? This will not help our cause. They will not be able to understand. They will think it is change of body, not of heart. We have got so many nice pictures of Krsna."== ([[letters/1976/761202_brahmananda|Krsna Kanti dasa, 2 December, 1976]]) ==77-03 "Your proposal for arranging a Gita on tapes in different languages for distributing all over the world is very good. You may contact my representative, His Holiness Harikesa Swami....and arrange everything with him."== ([[letters/1977/770330_nicholas|Nicholas, 30 March, 1977]])