# BOOK DISTRIBUTION AND TRAVELLING SKP ## Travelling Sankirtana Party 69-06 * * ==“Regarding the tour of North Dakota, this is a nice proposal. So if it is practical it will be very nice for you and your wife. Only thing you have to do is rent a station wagon so you can travel, sleep and cook there== * .* Keep with you four or five pairs of cymbals, one harmonium, and one * mrdanga. * One of you play the harmonium, one of you plays the * mrdanga * and some persons in the audience can play the * karatalas. * In this way you can perform nice * kirtana. * Subala met me here in New Vrndavana and described this plan, but I do not think it is mature yet. But when some arrangement is done, you can accept it. You have suggested that Nanda Kisora and his wife join you, but how will you manage with two pairs of husbands and wives with the $350 per week? The program is very nice, and if you can make it practical, I have full support for it. This is a good opportunity for spreading our philosophy and * sankirtana. * I understand that you and Himavati have gone already to Vancouver, and I am expecting a letter from you as to your report in this connection. ==”== ([[letters/1969/690617_jadurani|SPL to* Hamsaduta, 17 June, 1969]]) *** 70-03 * * ==“Regarding moving with sankirtana party as Kīrtanānanda Maharaja is doing now, it will be another impetus for pushing forward our mission== * .* Please do this business very nicely. Caitanya Mahaprabhu also did like that and He presented Himself as a merchant in Krsna consciousness, selling the transcendental commodity in exchange for eagerness from the people. If people simply become faithful to the understanding of Krsna consciousness, that will be the price for our transcendental commodity, Hare Krsna * mantra.* As you are having many engagements, it is very much encouraging. The clippings which you have sent are very nice. You are going to about a dozen colleges in different places and that is very much encouraging also. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700329_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 29 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 * * ==“The moving sankirtana party was programmed long, long ago even when I was in India== * .* When there was talk about our preaching amongst our Godbrothers, I used to say to my Godbrothers that when I would begin preaching I shall take two trucks, one for * sankirtana * party and one for carrying requisites, and I would go from village to village throughout the whole world preaching Lord Caitanya's message. So the time has come as per my dream, by the grace of Krsna you are carrying on this program. Please therefore organize this moving * sankirtana* party as you are already doing from one school or college to another. If we can rightly impress the Krsna consciousness idea in some intelligent student's heart, it will be of great service. Perhaps some time after, I will request you and Kīrtanānanda to go to India and execute this program in the student community there. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700427_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 27 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 ==“== I am negotiating with a gentleman in India to get the management of a very old Radha-Krsna temple and if this negotiation is successful we will organize a very nice preaching center in the center of India. From this part, any side extreme boundary is not more than 1,000 miles. I think that will be a very nice preaching center. ==So try to recruit more members for our Society because we have to open many centers and from each center we shall organize this moving sankirtana party.== **That will be nice program for executing the will of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I am very glad to learn that you are visiting the near-about centerskeep them alive by such visits. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700427_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 27 April, 1970]]) *** 71-03 ==“So your idea of having a large boat travelling from city to city is very encouraging. So if you have got means, then go ahead and do it. Krsna conscious men aboard ship and chanting Hare Krsna is very nice program and the coastal people may take advantage of this transcendental vibration and be benefited. So do it cooperatively with Hayagriva Prabhu and let me know of your progress.”== (SPL to Abhirama dasa, March 5th, 1971) 71-08 * * ==“Your program of travelling in a van from town to town and distributing our books and literatures and having street sankirtana sounds very encouraging== * ,* so you can go ahead and do it with my full approval. So if the management of St. Louis temple will be maintained nicely then you can go ahead. The small Deity of Caitanya Mahaprabhu can go ahead with you on tour. That will be nice. This touring program, going from town to town with * sankirtana* party and distributing our literatures is our real program. So do it enthusiastically and with determination and surely Caitanya Mahaprabhu will bless you more and more. ==”== (SPL to Vamanadeva, August 31st, 1971) 71-11 “I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters just now received by me here in Calcutta and describing your plans for travelling *sankirtana* party, and it is very much encouraging news for me. Silavati Prabhu said that this was her long cherished dream. It has been mine also. ==If there were three or four such travelling parties, it would be a grand scale propaganda. So do it with great enthusiasm and surely you will have the blessings of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And wherever you go, if there is good response you can try and open a center there. This is first-class scheme and surely will be “The greatest show on earth.’”== ([[letters/1971/711106_kirtanananda_vrindaban_candra_silavati|Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, 6 November, 1971]]) *** 71-11 ** ==“You may organize your travelling party on the lines of a festival which moves from city to city, and if there is good field, a camp may be set up and you may carry on with our Hare Krsna Festival as long as there is good response. In this way, you may move from country to country as the weather permits. And you can equip yourselves to be completely self-sufficient—sleeping, cooking and everything. This program is very, very pleasing to me.”== (SPL to Krsna dasa, November 30th, 1971) 71-12 ** ==“I am especially pleased that your travelling sankirtana party is being organized nicely under your supervision, and that it is meeting with good success. This travelling SKP and buses carrying tents is very encouraging. It should be continued all over the country.”== ([[letters/1971/711212_uddhava|Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, 12 December, 1971]]) *** 72-01 ==“== Your songs and poems are very much liked by me. Syamasundara informs me of your proposal for a travelling party roving all over England and Wales, just like Kīrtanānanda is doing in America. I think this is a good proposal, and you may compose many such nice songs for attracting the young people from villages and towns ==. I very much approve of such travelling SKP program. And if you are able to infiltrate into schools and colleges for introducing Krsna consciousness and selling our books, that is also very nice== *.* In this way, keep yourself always twenty-four hours engaged in Krsna's service, and very quickly you will advance to the highest platform of life. Somehow or other, Krsna has sent me sincere souls like yourself and others to assist me, therefore there has been a little progress. Thank you very much for helping me to spread Lord Caitanya's movement. ==”== (SPL to Kulasekhara, January 10th, 1972) ==72-02 “The travelling SKP and teaching in the schools and colleges which you are organizing is excellent proposal, and I think that this is the best program for pushing on this Lord Caitanya's movement: simply travelling and preaching, and infiltrating the schools where young boys and girls are interested to learn something which will satisfy them. In both activities you may distribute many of our literatures, and that will please me very much.”== (SPL to Jagadisa, February 5th, 1972) 72-04 * * ==“Also, your ideas for travelling SKP are very much liked by me. Here in Australia they have got one double-decker bus, like you have seen in London streets,== * * and they have painted it very brightly, and as it moves there is *kirtana* party chanting very loudly inside, and on top floor there is sleeping space and kitchen. On the whole, it is so nice that I am suggesting Dayananda that he supply you and Krsna dasa with information, how you may purchase such buses in London and drive them all over the European continent, and these ’Hare Krsna Movement’ buses will make us famous all over the world. I am enclosing one photo of their Australian bus in Sydney. ==”== (SPL to Hamsaduta, April 2nd, 1972) ==73-02 “As far as staying in some boy's apartment, this is permissable if everyone in the house agrees to follow the principles while you are there== *.* That is no smoking, no drinking, etc. You may also install a small altar there with a picture of *guru* and Gauranga and the spiritual masters there and perform *mangala-arati* every morning and hold classes etc. Under these circumstances you can live in others apartments. The point is we must not lower our position but we must educate others to come up to our standards. ==”== ([[letters/1973/730210_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 10 February, 1973]]) *** 73-02 ==“== As far as your attachment for tending the Deities is concerned by no means this can be considered material attachment, but this is our real desireless state to be always engaged twenty four hours in the service of the Lord. But if the facility for serving the Deities is not there, then we should not be discouraged. This is real detachment. ==When Caitanya Mahaprabhu was touring all over India He did not bring the Deities with Him. So in our travelling and preaching, Deity worship is not essential but if it is done nicely it can be a very attractive aspect of our preaching work.”== ([[letters/1973/730216_sudama|Sudama, 16 February, 1973]]) ==73-05 “Your plan to get a large vehicle for travelling with built-in shower, kitchen, etc. is approved by me. But you should try to get new, because the old ones always need repair. We have seen by practical experience.”== (SPL to Hrdayananda, 10th May,* 1973) ==73-07 “You are setting a very good example in that you yourself are going with the travelling party. The Vedic concept of the commander is that he must be in front in the fight, not that he sits back behind the lines.”== ([[letters/1973/730723_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 23 July, 1973]]) ==73-07 “Regarding your contemplating opening new centers, I have felt the pulse of your country and that is, that wherever we open a small branch it will develop. So now you have to train our men so that the possibility for such opening centers will be good. As soon as you have the qualified men then you can open a small branch. But the travelling party is most important even more so than the new centers. The travelling sankirtana must go on.”== ([[letters/1973/730723_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 23 July, 1973]]) ==73-08 “To install Deities in a moving vehicle is not very good. There is always danger of falling and breaking. Sudama already has experience of this.== **Why is Deity worship being introduced? It should not be introduced because it is very difficult to maintain the standard under such circumstances. If you have picture of Guru-Gauranga that is sufficient. You are wondering if you did the right thing by giving the Deities to Sudama, so the answer is no. The Deities may be brought back and worshipped in the temple as before. The idea of travelling Sankirtana is to distribute books not to do Deity worship, it is very difficult to maintain the standard of Deity worship in the temple, how will it be maintained in a truck? Another thing is that opening temples should not be encouraged at this time. Subala did the same thing in Santa Fe years ago, why again doing the same thing? Hamsaduta in Germany instead of increasing the temples and Deity worship, he has increased the *sankirtana* parties. He is running on eight new buses and distributing large quantities of literature, this is more important. Neglectful Deity worship means offence. So make propaganda in this way, but in the bus there should not be Deity worship, simply the picture of Guru Gauranga. ([[letters/1973/730815_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 15 August, 1973]]) *** 73-08 ==“== I am happy to note that you are travelling and preaching, this process was also practiced by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in the beginning of his *sannyasa* life he travelled all over India for almost six years and ==my Guru Maharaja also travelled, similarly I am also travelling. One thing is that I do not know how practical it is to carry Deities in the truck,== * * by the jarring of the vehicle there may be some damage and also I think that it is not possible to keep the top standard of worship, cleanliness, punctual offerings, etc. We must be very careful about Deity worship, if it is neglectful then it is very * * offensive and that will not help us, we should not do it simply for show. My suggestion is that all our buses should be outfitted with the picture of Guru Gauranga, that will be quite nice. Main business of travelling buses is to distribute books profusely, what do you think?” ([[letters/1973/730828_sudama|Sudama, 28 August, 1973]]) *** 73-08 “ ==Regarding the Regina temple, if it is already opened then maintain it, otherwise we should not open more centers at this time, especially in the smaller cities, it is better to go there with travelling sankirtana parties, that was my point. And the Deities in a moving vehicle is all right provided they are cared for properly, so do the needful. Everything has to be done expertly—that is my point.”== ([[letters/1973/730831_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 31 August, 1973]]) ==73-09 “My sanction for the Deities in the touring van is still there. But I have heard that sometimes the Deity falls down, so these things are objectionable. Touring and book distribution, side by side, this is the main business. The general public will not be very much interested to see the Deity, it is our personal business. When you contact with the mass of people, sankirtana is the main business. So considering all these points you do the needful, I have no objection.”== ([[letters/1973/730904_trai|Sudama Maharaja, 4 September, 1973]]) *** 73-10 ** ==“To be stagnant is not good. Just like I am an old man, but I am always travelling.”== ([[letters/1973/731012_ramesvara|Hamsaduta, 12 October, 1973]]) *** 74-04 ** ==“As for the Deities of Gaura-Nitai, yes you may take them on travelling sankirtana and worship them. Please keep me informed of your activities.”== ([[letters/1974/740427_pusta_krsna|Pusta Krsna Maharaja, 27 April, 1974]]) *** 74-12 *“* ==I was extremely pleased to hear your report from your travelling buses. It sounds as if your program is very, very wonderful and I am very encouraged to hear that such a program is coming along so nicely.”== * * I am glad that you have understood the importance of my books, therefore I am stressing it so much. Let everyone take these books. If he simply reads one page then he is getting something substantial, a real eternal benefit. Or if he hands it over to his friend and he reads one page the same result is there. So continue these festivals constantly and make them all Krsna conscious. Overflood the whole country by this preaching work. Let the whole United States become Vaisnava, then everyone else in the whole world will follow. That is my real ambition. Therefore your program is very glorious. This is really preaching. Your intelligence is being properly utilized. In the beginning you took up the distribution of * Back to Godheads * and you sold the most. Now you have taken up this van program and you will also be successful in the same way. This preaching spirit will make you recognized by Krsna. There is so much wonderful potential in USA for this type of program. So organize hundreds of such parties. This is fulfilling the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I am very glad to hear that not only you are maintaining such program but that you want to expand it. Yes, this is our philosophy: * anandambudhi vardhanam. * It means to expand or to increase. Therefore I strongly urge you to double your program by getting three more buses if you can do it. There is no difficulty. BBT will help. I have written Hamsaduta one letter to give you the loan of $30,000. BBT means fifty percent is for printing books and fifty percent for construction of temples. So your buses are all moving temples. Don't worry. There will be no scarcity of money. Go on with your program and increase and increase more and more. In the end of your letter you mention that people are not very much eager to go to temples but with your program you are bringing the temples to the people. Yes, this is a very important point. You have picked up this idea very nicely, of bringing the temples to the people. In this way you will give everyone the opportunity to step in the direction of back to Godhead, back to home. So you and Visnujana Maharaja and all of your nice * Brahmacaris* continue strongly with great enthusiasm and determination to spread this Krsna consciousness movement all over your country and Lord Caitanya will certainly be pleased with you. ==”== ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Tamala Krsna Goswami, 28 December, 1974]]) ==75-02 “Regarding the bus, now I am serious to purchase one bus at least and I have secured money. So, arrange for this immediately with the help of Sridhara. We do not want the seats—it should be vacant. As such, the price should be reduced considerably. Gurukrpa Swami will go to India to lead the party, but at least six Indian men must go with him. As soon as I return to India, I shall take up this bus sankirtana very seriously.”== ([[letters/1975/750204_giriraja|Giriraja dasa, 4 February, 1975]]) ==75-06 “Your proposal for travelling and distributing books all over India is very good. Krsna will bless you with His mercy. Take books and sell and spend for your expenses.”== ([[letters/1975/750623_svarupa_damodara|Abhinanda and Gopesvara dasa, 23 June, 1975]]) *** 75-07 ** ==“Tripurari Swami is starting his bus preaching program, and you are required for this purpose. You are a good preacher. I very much like these bus programs. They are greatly increasing the scope of our book distribution and many new men are being attracted.”== ([[letters/1975/750705_bhagavata|Bhagavata dasa, 5 July, 1975]]) *** 75-10 *“* ==Concerning your idea to go port to port by ship, why waste time and energy? Don't spoil money purchasing boat. Port to port we can go by airplane.”== ([[letters/1975/751022_tulsi|Tulasi dasa, 22 October, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ==“I am glad to note that you are taking out the travelling party. I hope that you have good success. Just do everything very soberly. Regarding the instruments, stringed instruments are Vedic, but the real Vedic instrument is mrdanga and karatala. Anyway, you have to do according to the time and circumstances if you use these other instruments. So you have got my approval and you can go on.”== ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|Bahudaka dasa, 10 November, 1975]]) ==76-01 “Yes, begin the bus program village to village, distributing kirtana, prasadam, and books. That will make our foundation strong== *.* ==”== ([[letters/1976/760129_karandhara|Hamsaduta, 29 January, 1976]]) ==76-02 “The bus program is a good idea== *.* ==”== ([[letters/1976/760226_bhaja_hari_mukunda|Bhaja Hari dasa and Mukunda dasa, 26 February, 1976]]) ## Street Chanting ==69-01 “Our propaganda should be focused on spreading kirtana and distributing literature, books and magazines. The process experienced now is that after holding kirtana, they are selling magazines and books successfully== *.* ==”== ([[letters/1969/690130_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 30 January, 1969]]) ==69-07 “This sankirtana party and our book department are very, very important; they are our right and left hands, so everything should be done very carefully and in remembrance that this is Krsna's business that we are executing. Because we are doing Krsna’s business does not mean that we should be less careful, but it means we should be much more careful than someone who is performing activities simply for sense gratification. So instruct the boys in that way== *.* ==”== ([[letters/1969/690716_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 16 July, 1969]]) *** 70-06 ==“== I am very glad to know that you are maintaining a nice program of *sankirtana* in the Washington area. Yes, this *sankirtana* is our prime means for attracting sincere souls back to Krsna consciousness, so continue to improve your *sankirtana* as far as possible. ==It is very encouraging that you have received written permission from the police to chant and take collections. This permission is very important.== Please send a copy of the letter to me for reference. So it is very good that your sales of literature are very good and improving more. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700626_dinesh|Dinesh, 26 June, 1970]]) *** 71-06 * * ==“Yes, my order still stands. Please organize Back to Godhead distribution and do it nicely. The sankirtana party and distribution of our magazines and books is our real program. Other things are secondary. So during the summer time you should utilize this program of sankirtana and book distribution vigorously. Attention diverted to incense business is not a very good sign. We should give all our energy for distributing Back to Godhead== * .* ==”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, June 21st, 1971) 72-11 ==“== Yes, we shall base our preaching work on Lord Caitanya's formula: *sankirtana.* After all, He is God, and if He recommends, what is the question of failure? That is not possible. If we simply stick to this program as I have done it since the beginning, namely, *kirtana,* preaching, *kirtana,* distribution of *prasadam* —if you do like this only that will be sufficient. Of course, you may make the *kirtana* as nice as possible, with dancing, many *khols, karatalas,* conches, and if you preach sincerely, anyone will listen and become convinced. The potency of Krsna consciousness movement does not come from some outward showing, no, it is the transcendental sound vibration of Hare Krsna *mantra* and the words of *Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam,* like that. So now go on and develop the things in this spirit, that will be nice. We are not interested to attract millions of men to see some show. Better we attract one sincere soul to join us in ecstatic chanting and hearing, that will be of real value. And distribute books, as many as possible. If anyone hears something philosophy from us, that will help him. But if he purchases one book that may turn his life. So selling books is the best preaching activity. ==Sell books, hold the kirtana in public places like schools and colleges, preach—if you practice these things, and try to improve them more and more, simply by your practicing sincerely, that simple program will please Krsna the most and you will see that very soon.”== ([[letters/1972/721125_sudama|Sudama, 25 November, 1972]]) *** 74-10 * * ==“Regarding sankirtana and book distribution, book distribution is also chanting. Anyone who reads the books that is also chanting and hearing== * .* Why distinguish between chanting and book distribution? These books I have recorded and chanted and they are transcribed. It is spoken * kirtana.* So book distribution is also chanting. These are not ordinary books. It is recorded chanting. Anyone who reads, he is hearing. Book distribution must not be neglected. If things deteriorate that is another thing, but it is not the fault of book distribution. ==”== ([[letters/1974/741019_hansadutta|Rupanuga dasa, 19 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 ** ==“Regarding sankirtana and book distribution, both should go on, but book distribution is more important. It is brhad kirtana. In Tokyo airport one boy had come up to me asking if he could speak with me. I said yes, and then he asked me 'Swamiji, where do you get all that knowledge in your books?' Of course it is Krsna's knowledge, not mine. But the effect is there. So for—kirtana, book distribution is better. Book distribution is also kirtana.”== ([[letters/1974/741023_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna Goswami, 23 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 ==“== Please accept my humble obeisances. There have been two letters from GBC men to Srila Prabhupāda regarding street chanting and book distribution, and there seems to be some discussion about the two. ==Srila Prabhupāda has said that book distribution is more important than street chanting. Book distribution is brhad kirtana.== It is literally *kirtana* in the sense that the books are spoken and therefore, anyone who reads a book is hearing. Because his books are recorded and transcribed Srila Prabhupāda calls his books spoken *kirtanas,* or recorded chanting. So book distribution is also *kirtana* and should not be considered less than *kirtana.* The reason book distribution is greater than chanting is because the effect is wider. A purchased book goes into a person's home and will be read by others, whereas street *kirtana* only benefits those in the vicinity who hear. Two cases are cited. In Portugal one boy, who is only 11 years old, has become a devotee. He offers *prasadam* and is translating *Bhagavad-Gita As It Is* into Portuguese with the help of his mother. He got several of our books at a book-store in Lisbon and has asked his father who is just now coming to USA to get him all available *Srimad-Bhagavatams.* Prabhupāda remarks that our books went there to Portugal but we did not, but still he has become a devotee. Then in Tokyo airport Prabhupāda tells how one Japanese youth approached Srila Prabhupāda and asked if he could speak with Srila Prabhupāda. When Prabhupāda said yes, the boy asked, 'Where do you get all the knowledge that is in your books?' So by comparative study, book selling is more important. Srila Prabhupāda also pointed out that in the West sometimes the street chanting is considered as a farce. Also in India. At first street chanting was tried but was met with mostly derogatory reaction. Therefore, there is mostly life membership preaching in India, which is of course book distribution. But on no account should street chanting be stopped. Prabhupāda has never said that street chanting should be stopped. The chanting can go on for a little while and when a crowd is drawn books can be distributed. When I mentioned to Srila Prabhupāda that when last in Los Angeles, there was the system of book distribution all week long and on weekend nights full street *kirtanas,* he said that was a good system. Regarding the claim that devotees have difficulties maintaining Krsna consciousness by only doing book selling with not enough street chanting, Prabhupāda remarked that if things deteriorate that is another thing, but it is not the fault of book distribution. Book distribution must not be neglected. Your servant, Brahmananda Swami, Personal Secretary Seen by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami ==”== (SPL to Ramesvara Prabhu, October 25th, 1974) 74-11 “I look forward to seeing the Italian *Sri Isopanisad.* In France they have now published. There is very good scope in Europe for this *sankirtana* movement. ==If you just spread this chanting in Europe, then it becomes Vaikuntha. Side by side push on the literature distribution as far as possible== *.* This should be done very vigorously, and you will have great success there. My Guru Maharaja was always very **pleased when even a small pamphlet was distributed. So I thank you for your assisting me in this mission to fulfill the order of my Guru Maharaja. ==”== ([[letters/1974/741121_nrsimha_caitanya|Haihaya dasa, 21 November, 1974]]) *** 74-11 ==“== So it is a good thing that you have distributed books to the son and daughter of the president. ==This is another example how the book distribution is better than the street sankirtana alone. Now the books are in the president's house, but by your chanting you could never approach the president's house== *.* That the body guards allowed our devotee to sell them the books, means that they accept us as good people who do not cause harm. Most probably when entering the house and seeing the father, the daughter would say see **what I have purchased today. ==”== ([[letters/1974/741125_subala|Ramesvara dasa, 25 November, 1974]]) ## And the Sankirtana Newsletter ==74-04 “Your chart for reporting book and record distribution is approved by me, as from this chart I can quickly see how the centers are doing== *.* ==”== ([[letters/1974/740421_whom_it_may_concern|Hamsaduta, 21 April, 1974]]) ==74-05 “This regular reporting is very encouraging for everyone of our devotees and I have faith in your words that next year the figures will be far beyond what they were last year. It is the nature of the spiritual energy, it is always increasing if we just apply our energy.”== ([[letters/1974/740509_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 9 May, 1974]]) *** 74-09 “I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 15th, along with the *sankirtana* newsletter Number 19, and I thank you very much for it ==You can continue sending me these newsletters as you publish them weekly. It is this sankirtana which is the life and soul of our movement== *. Sankirtana* and book distribution should go on together side by side. I am always glad when these activities are increasing and my pleasure is always increasing. ==”== ([[letters/1974/740908_sarvabhauma_putanara_gandharvi|Srutadeva dasa, 8 September, 1974]]) *** 75-05 ==“I am in due receipt of your weekly sankirtana newsletters. I am always happy to hear of increasing book sales. These reports are very encouraging to me== *.* Our real business is to print and distribute books. By doing this business, you are all becoming recognized by Krsna. Please try to continue working so nicely for Krsna, following the rules and regulations, chanting sixteen rounds, and studying my books and you will finish your business in this material world in this life and enter into the spiritual world to live with Krsna eternally. Don't become discouraged by any so-called problems. Make your program simple, that is to say, always make sure that you are somehow or other engaged in the Krsna's service, and the best service is preaching or engaging others in Krsna's service. So continue in this way and be happy. ==”== ([[letters/1975/750519_mahamsa|Srutadeva dasa, 19 May, 1975]]) ==75-08 “I have read this week's newsletter and I like it very much. You are doing very nice service. I have got all blessings upon you, and I am ordering all temples to send you regular news. You may send them a copy of this my letter. You are a very nice boy, and you should be encouraged. It is very nice, and a great service to our cause. But, everyone should read it, otherwise what is the use?”== ([[letters/1975/750811_bon_maharaja|Srutadeva dasa, 11 August, 1975]]) ==75-11 “Regarding Baltimore, again deficit. This is not a good sign. Regarding the sankirtana newsletter, then stop it. If the BBT does not pay for it, then stop it. The temple cannot afford to publish it, and if the BBT does not pay for it, then stop it. But it is a good attempt.”== ([[letters/1975/751109_jagadisa|Rupanuga dasa, 9 November, 1975]]) ## And Dress 69-07 ==“So far as your dress is concerned, that is immaterial. But as a soldier you know that every soldier has got a uniform dress according to the army etiquette of regulation== *.* Therefore, the army of Krsna consciousness must have at least the *tilaka* on the forehead in all conditions. For your business you can wear your naval service uniform; similarly, if you have *tilaka* on your forehead as a soldier of Krsna consciousness, you may not have so much objection, because it is essential. ==”== (SPL to Robert Hendry, 3rdAugust, 1969) ==72-12 “Yes, if it is enhancing our distribution of books to wear warm clothes like coat-pants in winter, I have no objection, you may wear them”== ([[letters/1972/721231_bali-mardana|Bali Mardan, 31 December, 1972]]) ==73-02 “Regarding our sankirtana party members dressing up as hippies in order to increase book distribution, this is not a very good plan== *.* I **am instructing Bali Mardan Maharaja that this should be stopped, that we should not give anyone cause to call us hippies, but the devotees can dress up in respectable clothes like ladies and gentlemen in order to distribute my literatures under special circumstances, but even this program should not become widespread. It should only go on under the supervision of Bali Mardan Goswami and Karandhara dasa. ==”== ([[letters/1973/730214_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 14 February, 1973]]) ==73-07 “There is no objection to going in Western clothes in order to distribute my books. It is not necessary that we always wear the robes, but we should always keep sikha and tilaka== *.* However, a wig or hat may be worn as you describe. We have to take whatever is the favorable position for executing Krsna consciousness. Do not forget our principles, but sometimes we may adapt such means in order to help distribute books. Somehow or other distribute books and if you can impress people a little to chant then it does not matter about your dress. ==”== ([[letters/1973/730723_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 23 July, 1973]]) ==73-10 “Yes you can go on with your book distribution as you were doing before, there is not any harm. I thought that our men were becoming like hippies, but now I understand from you that this is not the case. So I have no objection. Our main business is to distribute books, and from the reports I am receiving from all over the world, the progress is very encouraging.”== ([[letters/1973/731006_karandhara|Karandhara, 6 October, 1973]]) ==73-10 “I am glad to hear of the book distribution success of Tripurari in Chicago. It is reported that he did it dressed in dhoti, but Karandhara says that dhoti is an impediment. So if he can distribute 105 Gitas and 105 Sri Isopanisad in one day in dhoti in Chicago, why not try for this in other places as well.”== (SPL to Ramesvara, October 12th*, 1973) ==74-06 “Regarding the techniques for book distribution, it is all right if the devotees dress like the young people they are selling the books to. The main thing is that the innocent are given the books and the chance to become Krsna conscious by reading them. You have to see that our book distributors are also reading my books and following all the regulative principles, then it is all right selling in public in that way.”== ([[letters/1974/740625_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 25 June, 1974]]) ==76-02 “It is nice that you are continuing to distribute Back to Godhead. If karmi dress is favorable, then go on with karmi dress. We have to execute missionary activities; dress is not fundamental.”== (SPL to Satadhanya dasa. 16th February. 1976) ==76-12 “Now with Bhagavad-gita translated in Japanese our standing will be there. Let us sell Bhagavad-gita only in plain dress, we don't require saffron dress. Try to sell to the professors and at the school colleges, as we are doing in other countries. Book distribution is our best preaching work. But, all our men must follow the regulative principles. That must not be neglected.”== ([[letters/1976/761214_gurukrpa|Gurukrpa, 14 December, 1976]]) *** 76-12 ==“Your description of how you are distributing Bhagavad-gita is very nice. Follow that principle. There is no need of sannyasa dress. Organize this system all over Southeast Asia and distribute as many books as possible. I think that in Taiwan the Chinese people are very friendly to the Americans.”== (SPL to Trivikrama. 23rd December, 1976) ## And Temple Worship 68-02 ==“== Yes, the verse concerning *arca-vigraha* is like this: *arcye visnau sila-dhir gurusu, nara-matir vaisnave jati-buddhir.* The meaning is that one should not think of the Deity as made of stone, wood, etc. Another verses is: *arcayam eva haraye, pujam yah sraddhayehate.* The meaning is that one ==who worships the Deity with great devotion but doesn't show any devotion to the devotees of the Lord, or doesn't preach Krsna consciousness for the benefit of the general public, he is in the lower stage of devotional service.”== ([[letters/1968/680201_madhusudana|Madhusudana, 1 February, 1968]]) *** 69-08 ==“== Regarding your questions about details for Deity worship, I have already mentioned in a previous letter that I shall teach you these things when I arrive in London. In the meantime there is no necessity for you to increase Deity worshiping. For the time being these new Deities may be put away nicely until I personally install them and instruct you very nicely how to tend for them correctly. For the present you may join *sankirtana* party * * because I know that your presence will enliven everyone. * * Actually, temple worship is for the neophyte devotee, and the preacher is in a higher position than the neophyte. That is the definition given in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* ==The advanced devotee should be very much enthusiastic in preaching the transcendental message of Lord Caitanya, and temple worship should be entrusted to the newcomers or neophytes.”== (SPL to Yamuna dasi, August 12th, 1969) i* ==69-09 “In this age, chanting of Hare Krsna mantra is the prime business of the devotee, and preaching of this Hare Krsna mantra by outdoor sankirtana and propagation of literature is our more important business. Side by side, Deity worship is recommended, but when there is a question of accepting one of them, we shall prefer to accept chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra first.”== ([[letters/1969/690905_dr._syama_sundardas_brahmacari|Hamsaduta, 5 September, 1969]]) *** 69-12 * * ==“Sankirtana and distributing Back to Godhead and our other literatures is the fieldwork of this movement. Temple worship is secondary== * .* People are invited to come to the temple to see the behaviour of the devotees specifically in the matter of purification. There are two kinds of purification methods, external and internal. In our Krsna consciousness movement, Deity worship helps to keep us externally purified and * sankirtana* helps to keep us internally purified. So as far as possible we shall execute both of these processes simultaneously. And by your exemplary character, the general mass of people will be benefited. Our hearts in material condition are filled with all dirty things, and this Krsna consciousness movement is the cleansing process. ==”== (SPL to Cidananda, December 15th, 1969) ==70-01 “== That is a fact, this plan of *sankirtana* is the only way, the only way for our success. ==Sankirtana, love feast and selling Back to Godhead they are our primary engagements and next temple worship. Temple worship is needed for the inner section.== * * In the beginning, * sankirtana* is more important for drawing the attention of the people in general. Last night, I went to see our men chanting in Hollywood Boulevard and I saw it was so fine and satisfactory. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700108_sudama|Sudama, 8 January, 1970]]) ==70-03 “== Now work with great enthusiasm and ask Himavati to take care of the Deities very, very * * nicely. Both of you have seen in LA how much they are careful about Deity worship. We have to make our steady progress, keeping both sides in balance, namely * pancaratriki-vidhi * and * bhagavata-vidhi. * The * pancaratriki-vidhi * is * arcana * or temple worship and the * bhagavata-vidhi * is to preach by chanting and distributing literature. ==Although chanting is quite sufficient to cover all the vidhis still to keep ourselves pure and sanctified we must observe the rules and regulations of pancaratriki-vidhi== * .* Our London Deities are certainly very, very nice; and everyone is captivated by seeing the smiling face of the Lord. It is very enchanting. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700312_citsukhananda|Hamsaduta, 12 March, 1970]]) ==70-03 “== At first I must thank you very much for your slides and the viewer which I enjoy whenever I find some time. The pictures of the London temple immediately get me there and I enjoy your company. So I can understand that everything is going on well in the London temple. The service of the Lord should be so nicely executed that Radharani will bestow upon you blessings, raising Her right hand palm. You have got a very nice wife, a devotee and intelligent. So both husband and wife combined together please see that the temple service is being executed regularly and nicely and thus make your lives happy and successful. Side by side, both of you should train your junior brothers and sisters in the service of the Lord, so that in case both of you go for preaching work, the scheduled program of the temple may not be hampered. We should follow two important lines, namely the *pancaratrika-vidhi* as well as *bhagavata-vidhi.* The *bhagavata-vidhi* is preaching work, and *sankirtana,* and the *pancaratriki-vidhi* is temple worship of the Deities ==. The temple worship will keep us sanctified and when we shall preach in sanctified pure heart the preaching will be immediately effective== *.* So we have to follow the two parallel lines simultaneously for successful execution of devotional service. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700315_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 15 March, 1970]]) ==70-04 “== I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12th April 1970, and the information is very encouraging. The more you worship the Deity very nicely, all of you will feel very nice and peaceful spiritually. Therefore, this point should be very much carefully attended. Similarly, in London Yamuna is also doing nicely, and ==all the wives of our students should be trained up for Deity worship and cooking, and when possible they should go outside on sankirtana party with their husbands and others.”== ([[letters/1970/700418_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 18 April, 1970]]) ==70-05 “== As I have already said many times that we have to maintain two lines parallel; namely the path of *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and the path of *pancaratriki. Srimad-Bhagavatam* is the path for the *paramahamsas,* and *pancaratra* path is for the neophytes ==. So the temple worship is necessary for the beginners so that by following the regulative principles such devotees become more and more purified and thus gradually come on the platform to understand Srimad-Bhagavatam== *.* So we shall always keep these principles in view and maintain our centers on this standard. ==”== ([[letters/1970/700528_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 28 May, 1970]]) ==70-07 “== I do not know what Kīrtanānanda Maharaja has told you, but where there is want of *pujaris* only Panca Tattva picture should be worshipped by performance of *kirtana* and as soon as Jagannatha or Radha-Krsna Deities are installed you will require some qualified *pujaris* immediately. ==If there is a scarcity of such qualified pujaris, each center should be satisfied only by worshiping Panca Tattva of Lord Caitanya by performance of sankirtana== *.* I * * am glad to learn that you are continuing your * maha-sankirtanas, that * is very nice. This is our main business. Temple worship is not so important as * sankirtana* on the public roads and selling our literatures. Your class schedule is also very nice. ==”== (SPL to Damodara, July 1, 1970) 71-09 ** ==“Your proposal for a grhastha travelling sankirtana party is a very good one but the temple work should not be neglected. Both things should go on simultaneously. Our process is to work on bhagavata and pancaratriki systems simultaneously. Deity worship is pancaratriki system and preaching is bhagavata system. If we keep both systems in a regular way that will help us solidly in our advancement in Krsna consciousness.”== (SPL to Makhanlal and Tilaka devi, September 24th, 1971) 71-12 ** ==“When our routine work, like chanting, reading books, nice arati, Deity worship, etc., is very nice, then our preaching will have effect. That is the secret.”== (SPL to Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, December 12th, 1971) ==73-01 “You have my sanction to take with you Gaura-Nitai Deities. Carefully worship Them, attending to Them with regular aratis and bhoga offerings. Be very careful to maintain a strict standard of worship, and whenever you arrive at a temple you can place the Deity on the altar.”== ([[letters/1973/730126_sudama|Sudama, 26 January, 1973]]) *** 73-02 ** ==“Regarding your question about taking Gaura-Nitai Deities with you on travelling kirtana, this is not so important. When Caitanya Mahaprabhu was touring India He did not bring His Deity with Him. But if you can make proper arrangements then you may take Them, but if you say you have no brahmanas then I think for the time being you may postpone this program.”== ([[letters/1973/730214_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 14 February, 1973]]) *** 73-03 “You mentioned about your temple bus, and that is very nice. When I saw Rupanuga’s bus in New Vrndavana I wanted that there be a whole fleet. But ==you should not take Radha-Krsna travelling, better you take Gaura-Nitai. For serving Gaura-Nitai there is no offense, but if Radha-Krsna is there and there is some discrepancy, then there is great offense== * * and this should be avoided. Therefore, I gave the same advice to Visnujana when I was in Pittsburgh. The idea of the temple bus is to attract them aboard back to Krsna and the hippies and college students, anyone, will be very much attracted to the program. Now you have my full blessings, so go out and recruit some solid new devotees to help us push on this movement.” ([[letters/1973/730323_satyabhama|* SPL to Sudama, 23 March, 1973]]) ==73-08 “To install Deities in a moving vehicle is not very good. There is always danger of falling and breaking. Sudama already has experience of this. Why is Deity worship being introduced?== * * It should not be introduced because it is very difficult to maintain the standard under such circumstances. If you have picture of Guru Gauranga that is sufficient. You are wondering if you did the right thing by giving the Deities to Sudama, so the answer is no. The Deities may be brought back and worshipped in the temple as before. The idea of travelling * sankirtana* is to distribute books not to do Deity worship, it is very difficult to maintain the standard of Deity worship in the temple, how will it be maintained in a truck? Another thing is that opening temples should not be encouraged at this time. Subala did the same thing in Santa Fe years ago, why again he is doing the same thing? Hamsaduta in Germany instead of increasing the temples and Deity worship he has increased the *sankirtana* parties. He is running on eight new buses and distributing large quantities of literature, this is more important. Neglectful Deity worship means offence. So make propaganda in this way, but in the bus there should not be Deity worship, Simply the picture of Guru Gauranga. ==”== ([[letters/1973/730815_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 15 August, 1973]]) *** 73-08 “I am happy to note that you are travelling and preaching, this process was also practiced by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in the beginning of his *sannyasa* life he travelled all over India for almost six years and my Guru Maharaja also travelled, and similarly I am also travelling. One thing is that ==I do not know how practical it is to carry Deities in the truck, by the jarring of the vehicle there may be some damage and also I think that it is not possible to keep the top standard of worship, cleanliness, punctual offerings, etc== *.* We must be very careful about Deity worship, if it is neglectful then it is very offensive and that will not help us, we should not do it simply for show. My suggestion is that all our buses should be outfitted with the picture of Guru Gauranga, that will be quite nice. Main business of travelling buses is to distribute books profusely, what do you think? ==”== ([[letters/1973/730828_sudama|Sudama, 28 August, 1973]]) ==73-09 “My sanction for the Deities in the touring van is still there. But I have heard that sometimes the Deity falls down, so these things are objectionable== *.* Touring and book distribution, side by side, this is the main business. The general public will not be very much interested to see the Deity, it is our personal business. When you contact with the mass of people, *sankirtana* is the main business. So considering all these points you do the needful, I have no objection. ==”== ([[letters/1973/730904_trai|Sudama Maharaja, 4 September, 1973]]) ==74-09 “Regarding taking the Deities out on sankirtana as advised by Tamala Krsna Goswami, occasionally the Deities may come and go, however you can let Tamala Krsna Goswami guide you in this connection.”== ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Batu Gopala dasa, 7 September, 1974]]) ==74-12 “I received today also the Chinese literature On the Way to Krsna. One Chinese literature is 1,000 times better preaching than worshiping in the temple. But we have to have a place and the worship must go on. Without having a selling place, how will people come to see us and talk with us? So try to distribute and publish as much as possible. I am coming there very soon. So please arrange for it.”== ([[letters/1974/741202_madhudvisa|Trivikrama Swami, 2 December, 1974]]) ==75-01 “Because I am stressing one thing (book distribution) especially, does that mean that everything else is not important? No. Everything must go on. Please consult with your temple president or your GBC for direction as to what is your best engagement there in San Diego.”== ([[letters/1975/750116_m.v._sita_ramalai|Jyotiganesvara dasa, 16 January, 1975]]) *** 76-12 ==“== I have seen the pictures of the Deity installation you have sent. It appears to be very nicely done. Stick to the principles. All the *brahmana* devotees appear to be very nice. Do this and be happy. In your country hundreds of temples like this must be opened. Town to town, village to village. I am very pleased. ==Another temple opened, another book published that is the success of this movement. Without book distribution the temple worship standard will also diminish. Therefore both of them should go side by side== *.* I can see in the pictures so many outsiders offering respect with awe and veneration. This Deity worship is very important. As soon as you get sufficient initiated *brahmanas* try to open another center. ==”== ([[letters/1976/761228_kurusrestha|Kurusrestha dasa, 28 December, 1976]]) ## Book Distributors Should Read My Books 70-11 ==“I am very glad that your distribution to the libraries is well received. Please get our books at least one full set in every city and college library in your neighboring areas. And if you read these literatures carefully you will realize the topmost science of Krsna consciousness and be more inspired to spread the same to all persons as their real welfare benefit.”== (SPL to Bansidhari, November 16th, 1970) 72-05 ==“== I am pleased to know that all of you are enthusiastically engaged in distributing our books. In this modern Godless civilization, everyone is greatly suffering due to lack of the real knowledge of Krsna consciousness, and our task is very great and very important. We must deliver this pure science of God to everyone and give them the chance to make their lives successful. So you ==continue this book distribution program very nicely, and at the same time take advantage of these books yourselves. Not that you just distribute but neglect reading them yourself.== * * Always read them, especially * Krsna* book. Every time you have a spare moment, you should read. This will help you to advance in Krsna consciousness, and will give you the ability to convince others also. ==”== (SPL to Trai dasa, May 5th, 1972) 73-01 ==“== I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 27, 1972, and with great happiness I have read your figures of amount of books sold during three-day period, December 22-24, 1972. It is scarcely believable that more than 17,100 books could have been sold by one temple in three days! That indicates to me that people are at last becoming a little serious about this Krsna consciousness movement in your country. Otherwise, why they should buy our books? But they can see that our boys and girls, devotees, are so much sincere and serious to distribute the message of Krsna consciousness, they are at once struck by seeing them and therefore, they appreciate and purchase. This is unique in the world. Perhaps we are the only sincere persons on this whole planet. At least our books are not to be seen anywhere else. So I am so much pleased upon all of the boys and girls in Los Angeles and all over the world who are understanding and appreciating this unique quality of our transcendental literature and voluntarily they are going out to distribute despite all circumstances of difficulty. By this effort alone they are assured to go back to home, back to Godhead. In order to change this materialistic society and prevent them from gliding to hell, first thing is to educate them. All decent men want to give service to humanity, only thing is they do not have information really what is that service. Hospitals, feeding the poor, Red Cross, these are service to the bodies only, not to the man. Service to humanity means *jnana.* By giving people knowledge, *jnana,* that is the highest service to humanity. So we are performing the actual welfare work of society by informing everyone through our literatures who is God, who they are, and what is the relationship. In this way everyone who hears our message gets the opportunity to fulfill his actual position as human entity and become delivered from the clutches of *maya.* So you may understand it that by disseminating our Krsna consciousness propaganda anywhere and everywhere, by selling books, by making publicity, newspapers, television, so many ways there are to spread Krsna consciousness information, you may know it that by utilizing our energy in this way to give everyone access to the Absolute Truth, that is the real understanding of desire to serve humanity. Understanding is one thing, and practical application of that understanding is another. But as devotees of Krsna, being engaged in the practical work of spreading Krsna consciousness, that is already the highest realization. That's all right, ==that is our real mission, to deliver the world by preaching Krsna's message to others, but even higher realization, the highest realization, is to save oneself.”== (SPL to Ramesvara dasa, January 9th, 1973) ==73-07 “Regarding book distribution, everyone, including book distributors, must follow the standard regulations. Book distribution is preaching, it should not be thought of as done for money. It is executed as a preaching purpose. With these guidelines in mind, try to distribute as many books as possible.”== ([[letters/1973/730723_kurusrestha|Kurusrestha, 23 July, 1973]]) ==74-06 “Regarding the techniques for book distribution it is all right if the devotees dress like the young people they are selling the books to. The main thing is that the innocent are given the books and the chance to become Krsna conscious by reading them. You have to see that our book distributors are also reading my books and following all the regulative principles then it is all right selling in public in that way.”== (SPL to Jagadisa, 25th* June, 1974) ==75-05 “== From your letter, I can understand that you are reading my books nicely and understanding our philosophy. This is wanted. * * ==By reading my books carefully, you will become enthused to distribute them more and more in greater== * * ==quantities== *.* If you continue in this way being very much determined to achieve success in this lifetime, **following all the rules, chanting at least sixteen rounds, and reading my books, then all of your desires to advance in Krsna consciousness will be fulfilled and you will surely attain spiritual perfection and be able to go back to Godhead, very soon. ==”== ([[letters/1975/750522_rasarani|Ganesa dasa, 22 May, 1975]]) ## Miscellaneous Instructions ==68-09 “We shall not sell a single copy to the store. Our principle should be to sell books retail in the kirtana, in our temple, or selling by going door to door, or, individual persons. Not a single book should be sold to the stores. The store selling they may organize: we don’t mind.”== (SPL to Brahmananda, September 15th, 1968) ==69-02 “For your final question, you are correct in your idea that leaflets which are destined to be thrown upon the ground should not contain pictures of Krsna, Jagannatha etc. Such leaflets may only be hung up for people to see.”== ([[letters/1969/690214_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 14 February, 1969]]) *** 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 fifteen percent 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) ==72-01 “I am especially pleased by your proposal of producing many small leaflets and pamphlets to distribute widely to the public. Karandhara has initiated this program, and his small pamphlets are very, very nice and to the standard, so you may also do like that.”== (SPL to Bhagavan, January 11th, 1972) 74-05 ==“== The enclosed newspaper story, ’Krsna followers freed from police harassment,’ is just further testimony of the great victory made by Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Chicago. I understand that the Chicago area is the most lucrative place in the world for distribution of our books and that you have done very careful work in getting all permission. Therefore ==this rumor that within a few years there will be police repression and people will have no more money to buy books and sankirtana will stop is completely bogus.== * * Whoever told you that is a rascal, saying it in my name. I never said that. Rather the * sankirtana* movement will expand, continuing so long as we are sincere. When I came in the beginning I began to expand it and it is now going on and there is no question of it stopping. Therefore go on with your life time plans making secure in distributing of books. There is no cessation. This movement is eternal. ==”== ([[letters/1974/740508_govinda|Govinda dasa, 8 May, 1974]]) ==74-05 “I received one rumor that the sankirtana parties in the US would soon be stopped by political repression and lack of money by the people. Some so-called devotee was thinking like that but you can assure all your men that I have great hope for Krsna consciousness in America, more than any other place. And there is no question of repression provided we go on sincerely.”== ([[letters/1974/740509_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 9 May, 1974]]) ==74-05 “Sankirtana is also a part of Vaisnavism. All our activities are a part of Vaisnavism. So sankirtana should also be developed at Dallas.”== ([[letters/1974/740510_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 10 May, 1974]]) ==74-08 “Your program of adding six more men to your party is approved by me. Yes, the advanced men can distribute the big books, and the new men the smaller ones. Your entire program is approved by me. By the grace of Krsna, you can teach others at the temples to distribute the books and perform Deity worship, and distributing prasadam. You do this work with my full sanction.”== ([[letters/1974/740808_dayananda|Tripurari dasa, 8 August, 1974]]) ==74-09 “I very much appreciate your report of Sarvabhauma Prabhu who distributed 138 hardbound books simply because of hearing about my letter. That is very, very nice. They are all very nice, Krsna will bless them.== **This boy he immediately attempted and Krsna immediately responded. So this is the success of your book distribution. So if our books are distributed nationwide that is the success of our movement. ==”== ([[letters/1974/740914_jayatirtha|Ramesvara dasa, 14 September, 1974]]) *** 74-11 ==“== This book selling is the real preaching of our cult. Especially when you sell *Caitanya-caritamrta* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* They will understand what we mean by reading these books. ==So you organize freely. You are incarnation of book distribution. So take the leadership and do the needful.== Your bus program is a very nice idea, and I pray that by Krsna's grace you will have all success. Yes, you are correct that by distributing books, that income will be sufficient for all programs. ==”== ([[letters/1974/741112_tripurari|Tripurari dasa, 12 November, 1974]]) ==75-02 “Thank you very much for sending the book reviews. Send more if you can. These are very, very encouraging. I am keeping a collection of these reviews and I show them to big, big scholars and professors when they come to see me. They are very impressed”== ([[letters/1975/750215_svarupa_damodara|Satsvarupa Maharaja, 15 February, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ==“== I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 4, 1975, with the enclosed copies of the *Yoga Library* in Swedish language. The get-up is very nice and I think they will sell very, very well. Just see what books we are publishing all over our Society in all the languages. ==“Where is the CIA message in our books that they are claiming? They are claiming that we are CIA's, but where is the CIA message in our books?== **Our books are simply on the basis of Krsna consciousness. What better service are we doing than publishing these books. ==”== (SPL to Alalanatha dasa 13th November, 1975) ==76-01 “The transcendental competition is nice. If Jayatirtha Prabhu defeats Tamala Krsna Maharaja, then Tamala will have heart failure. Go on selling books. My Guru Maharaja was very much anxious about selling books and preaching, so you are pleasing him by this bombastic flood of books all over the world. Thank you.”== ([[letters/1976/760103_ramesvara_prabhu|Ramesvara dasa, 3 January, 1976]]) ==76-02 “Regarding The Nectar of Instruction, why not distribute it to the common men? Every book is meant for everyone, but especially for the devotees. Please try to print a large number so that it can be distributed just like Sri Isopanisad.”== ([[letters/1976/760206_manager_central_bank_of_india|Ramesvara dasa, 6 February, 1976]]) ==76-04 “== Firstly, there is no need to print *The Reservoir of Pleasure* as if it were an excerpt from Dr. Judah's book. Furthermore, we can use some book review when it is favorable, otherwise reject it. Why should we print *The Reservoir of Pleasure* as if it were Dr. Judah's writing? Furthermore, you should not distribute Dr. Judah's book. ==We should not distribute anyone else's book except our own.”== (SPL to Ramesvara dasa Maharaja and Ranadhira dasa, 23rdApril, 1976)