# CHANTING HARE KRSNA ## The Importance and Results ==67-07 “Please keep steady, follow all my instructions scrupulously, chant Hare Krsna and Krsna will give you all strength.”== ([[letters/1967/670724_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 24 July, 1967]]) ==67-12 “Krsna-kirtana is not for earning livelihood. Krsna kirtana is not meant for entertaining the public for demonstration of arts. It is dynamic service to the Lord. We do not therefore mind so much about the artistic presentation of Krsna-kirtana, but we want to see how much a devotee is satisfying the Supreme will.”== ([[letters/1967/671212_jadurani|Jadurani, 12 December, 1967]]) *** 68-02 “Krsna is so sublime and transcendental that He cannot be realized by mental speculation or by personal endeavor, education or material acquisition. He can only be approached and understood clearly by our service attitude, engaging all our senses in His service. The beginning of service is to engage our hearing organs and receive the transcendental message by aural reception. ==And whenever we are mature in receiving the transcendental message from books like Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam via media the transparent bona fide spiritual master, then we are able to chant or engage our tongue in the service of the Lord,== **being engaged in the service of the Lord. The material covering of our senses becomes inactive and the actual spiritual form of activity becomes manifest. I very much appreciate your development of this spiritual perception and Krsna has given you a good chance in the matter of your proposed dealings with the U.N.” ([[letters/1968/680202_purusottama|Purusottama, 2 February, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “I thank you very much for that nice sketch done by Janaki, and I shall have Jadurani begin a painting from that pose. So far as the spirit soul is concerned, if conditions are for some reason not favorable in some place, he is forced to leave that womb and take shelter in another. And if there is chanting of Hare Krsna, even the soul is there for a short time, Oh! he will hear and become advanced. ==This sound vibration is not material, it is spiritual and powerful beyond our conception. So it cannot be hindered in any way by something material; it surpasses all these material barriers.== So you can know it that when you are chanting, you are also giving benefit to even the child in the womb. I hope you are feeling much healthier by this time, and I shall be very glad to see you when I arrive in San Francisco. Hope you are both well.” ([[letters/1968/680228_mukunda_janaki|Mukunda and Janaki, 28 February, 1968]]) *** 68-07 “Our only life and soul is *kirtana* and by the grace of Krsna you are Kīrtanānanda. So the present activities which you are performing there, chanting and preparing nice *prasada* for the Deity, is a very nice program. This chanting of Hare Krsna and our sincere desire to serve Krsna will make everything clear, even if there is some impediments, because from *Srimad-Bhagavatam* we understand that a system of religiosity is to be understood as the most perfect if by following such system, we enrich our tendency to love God. Actually, that tendency is in everyone, but on account of not being associated with pure devotees, our love is placed on something non-God. The whole process of Krsna consciousness is to replace our love to Krsna. So any process that helps us to increase our love of Krsna, that is the best system of religiosity. Such system cannot be checked by any material impediments, and such development of love of Krsna is without any cause. ==Chanting of Hare Krsna is not meant for achieving any other better thing than Krsna.== * * ==But when we chant Hare Krsna== * * ==without any offense, we relish Krsna,== ** ==the Reservoir of all pleasure.”== ([[letters/1968/680714_kirtanananda|Kīrtanānanda, 14 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 *“Kirtana* means both lecturing and chanting with music. ==The chanting with music is specially attractive for the mass of people, but talking from philosophical point of view on Krsna== * * ==consciousness is also chanting.== The whole * Srimad-Bhagavatam * is full of philosophical discussions and we are prepared to present our Krsna consciousness movement both ways, whichever is suitable in special circumstances. If Mr. Renovich is interested only in philosophical discussions, we are prepared for that. But at the same time we are concerned mostly with the mass of people, therefore Hare Krsna * kirtana* is our life and soul. So there is no problem if Mr. Renovich is especially interested in scholarly philosophical discussions.” (SPL to Upendra, August 14th, 1968) 68-10 “So far studying Bengali, of course if you can do it with spare time, I have no objection. But I don't think there is any importance in studying Bengali. It is too late now to study Bengali and become a scholar, neither Bengali is very useful in your country and this part of the world, but there are many literatures in Bengali. If you can study conveniently, then spare your time; otherwise, do not waste your time ==. If you have got some time, the best thing would be to chant Hare Krsna more and more because our life is very short and we have to finish our Krsna consciousness in this life very quickly.== **We do not know when we shall meet our next death, our next exit from this platform. But before going out of this platform, we may try to finish Krsna consciousness. That is our main business.” ([[letters/1968/681006_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 6 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “So far crying for Krsna is concerned, it is very nicely explained by Lord Caitanya. He says that a moment is appearing to Me as twelve years, and My eyes are tearing torrents of rain, and I am feeling everything vacant in the absence of Govinda. The thing is that ==as we go on chanting Hare Krsna, in the pure status, we shall be on the loving platform and at that time, we shall feel the greatest separation from the Lord,== * * but that feeling of separation from the Lord is more relishable than meeting the Lord. These are all transcendental existential understandings and as we grow in Krsna consciousness, we understand everything, gradually, by the grace of the Supreme Lord. The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, and He reveals Himself to the devotee with the progress of Krsna consciousness. Thank you very much for your writing me.” (SPL to Makhanlal, 21st October, 1968* ) 68-11 “I am in due receipt of your letter of November 18th, and I have noted the contents with great satisfaction. It is very encouraging to me. I can understand from your letter that you are working nicely for the spreading of Lord Caitanya’s mission. Just keep this, your attitude of sincere service, and without a doubt Krsna will give you all intelligence to serve Him nicely. Krsna is not ungrateful but rather He sees * * all our efforts and appreciates our sincere service. Krsna is interested in how we engage our energies in His service. We are very small, very insignificant, so what can we do? Simply He wants to see * * that we are engaging our time and energy in His service. And you always remember to abide by the laws of Krsna as described by His bona fide representative, and the passage of going back to Godhead is assured. This is Krsna’s mercy. But pure devotees do not even want to go to Krsna’s abode. ==Simply our prayer should be, ’My dear Krsna, please remind me to always chant Your holy name, please do not put me into forgetfulness. You are sitting within me as Supersoul, so you can put me into forgetfulness or into remembering You. So please do not put me into forgetfulness. Please always remind me to chant, even You send me into the hell, it doesn't matter, just so long as I can always chant Hare Krsna.’== Lord Caitanya and Nityananda are singing one very nice song in which they are requesting everyone to please chant Hare Krsna, and come along with Them. So that is our request to everyone.” ([[letters/1968/681123_devananda|Devananda, 23 November, 1968]]) ==68-12 “...when one becomes accustomed to inoffensive chanting, then his fruit is that he is promoted to the stage of pure love of Godhead or prema. This prema is the perfectional stage of consciousness and the most blissful by very far.”== ([[letters/1968/681204_sivananda|Sivananda, 4 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “In the *Bhagavad-gita,* this *omkara* is mentioned as being the sound representation of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, the Hare Krsna *mantra* is also the sound representation of Krsna. ==So practically we do not make any distinction between the omkara and Hare Krsna but the spiritual path is to follow the footprints of the path of the great acaryas== *.* Lord Caitanya encouraged the *sankirtana* movement, or the chanting of Hare Krsna, as the means for God realization for this age and it is in pursuance of the revealed scriptures *.”([[letters/1968/681210_gaurasundara|SPL* to Mr. Chagan Govind, 10 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “Regarding your question about Krsna recommending the chanting of His holy names, probably you have not marked it in your study of the *Bhagavad-gita,* but in chapter 9, verse 14, Krsna describes how His devotees are always chanting His Names. Lord Caitanya, although He is Krsna Himself, is even more merciful than Krsna in that ==He has shown to the fallen living entities of the Kali-yuga, how the chanting process can immediately elevate one up to the spiritual atmosphere.== *” ([[letters/1968/681221_syamasundara|Harer Nama, 21 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “I was much aggrieved to hear the news of your accident and I was very anxious to learn that you are lying now in the hospital. I hope that you are progressing nicely but ==in any condition I request that you continue to chant the maha-mantra, Hare Krsna. Here is the chance== * * ==for you to chant Hare Krsna exclusively in the hospital bed.== This world is full of dangers in every step. Just like in the ocean there is danger in every step but if we take shelter of the boat which is known as the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, then this great ocean of danger becomes as harmless as a small pit. We shall be able to cross hundreds of such pits simply by chanting the holy names of the Lord, the Hare Krsna * mantra. * I am forwarding this letter through Rupanuga and I shall be glad to hear about your improved health from him. Praying to Krsna for your early recovery. Do not be worried. Krsna will save you from all dangers. Chant sincerely.” ([[letters/1968/681221_syamasundara|Mr.* Ginsberg, 21 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 “You have expressed the desire to become an *Ayur-vedic* physician but I do not think that this proposal is very good. This science is not so important to us now because in your country there is ample facility for receiving medicines. Besides many of the herbs which are needed for *Ayur-vedic* treatment would have to be sent here from India, and this is not very practical. This homoeopathic medicine you have mentioned is not genuine and therefore it is a bluff. ==So the first medicine which you should be concerned with is to chant Hare Krsna and to become increasingly steady in Krsna consciousness.== Study ==== *Bhagavad-gita As It Is* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and continue to help your Godbrothers in developing Krsna consciousness. So develop your preaching abilities in this way, and this will be the most successful and appreciated endeavor.” ([[letters/1969/690106_upendra|Upendra, 6 January, 1969]]) ==69-01 “== Regarding other *yoga* exercises, if you take Krsna *prasada* you shall keep your body automatically fit for working, so there is no need of extra exercises which are required by persons who may eat more than what is required. So for executing Krsna consciousness one should not eat more than what is needed. One should not endeavor beyond his capacity. One should not talk unnecessarily. One should not stick with some extra regulative principles, nor should one associate with persons who are not in Krsna consciousness. One should not be too much greedy. What ====one *should do is chant the holy name of the Lord with faith, enthusiasm and firm conviction on* the statement of Lord Caitanya that, simply by chanting the maha-mantra, one * can be gradually elevated to the highest platform of spiritual perfection.* Also what is important is to follow the four regulative principles of avoiding illicit sexual connections, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. I am sure that Rupanuga will ably guide you in these matters.” ([[letters/1969/690115_kanupriya|Kanupriya, 15 January, 1969]]) ==69-01 “Regarding== ** ==your second question, the other names of Krsna== which you have mentioned, such as Gopala and Govinda, are as powerful as the name Krsna”== ([[letters/1969/690125_mahapurusa|Mahapurusa, 25 January, 1969]]) ==69-02 “As== * * ==for your question about the ecstasy of chanting and working for Krsna, the ecstasy which is automatically manifest is very welcome, but we should not try to come to the ecstatic status by any artificial practice. You should give more stress on the importance of chanting. Working for Krsna== * * ==is non different from chanting, but such work should be done under the direction of the spiritual master.”== (SPL to Sivananda 13th February 1969) 69-03 “I am very glad to receive your letter dated February 28th, and have noted the contents with great pleasure. The transcendental experience which you had during *kirtana* performance at the Loyola University is very nice. Relishing the transcendental sweetness of *Krsna-kirtana* is only possible when one is actually advanced towards perfection. Srila Rupa Goswami used to say, wishing if he had possessed millions of ears and billions of tongues, then he could chant the Hare Krsna *mantra* a little bit relishably. ==In the conditioned stage, we chant the Hare== * * ==Krsna== * * ==mantra officially without any attachment and try to finish the rounds as soon as possible.== Sometimes we also forget to chant the prescribed number of rounds. But Haridasa Thakura even at the last stage of his life, he was chanting 300,000 beads although Lord Caitanya personally asked him not to labor so hard. But Haridasa Thakura said that he would continue the practice till the end of his life. So that is the position of transcendental taste. Please therefore chant very sincerely with your present aptitude of mind and Krsna will bless you more and more in understanding this secret of transcendental vibration. Of course, sometimes the public may misunderstand such tears of bliss, so we may better have to check it from the vision of ordinary persons. So far the strange colors, etc., better when you see all these things that you chant and hear; that will help you to understand what they are. (Also it may be some effects of your past drugs habit.)” ([[letters/1969/690311_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 11 March, 1969]]) ==69-06 “== When the composer machine is purchased, you will be engaged from 11 till 3 p.m. and from 7 till 10 p.m. That means seven hours in a day. ==’When you are typing you should know that it is as good as chanting because the work is also on the matter of Krsna== *.* ==Chanting on the beads and chanting on the typewriter composer machine are both transcendental sounds of Krsna.== Krsna’s name, His fame, His qualitiesall of them are on the absolute platform and therefore there is no difference between one and another. So do not be misled that you are typing and not chanting.” ([[letters/1969/690616_arundhati|Arundhati, 16 June, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “Both of you chant Hare Krsna and join the *sankirtana* party, and there will be no disease. Maharaja Pariksit said that chanting the glories of the Lord can be executed by liberated persons. This means by chanting one becomes liberated from all material impediments. Not only chanting gives us liberation, but even in our conditioned state we like to hear the sweet melodious sound of the chanting. ==Only a person who is committing suicide or who is addicted to animal killing, such persons cannot relish the sweetness of this chanting. But even if they take to this chanting, they will become liberated.”== ([[letters/1969/690617_jadurani|Jadurani, 17 June, 1969]]) ==69-07 “Regarding the Beatles, if they chant the Hare Krsna mantra, give them all facilities. Because if they make some Hare Krsna record, that will be widespread, and we want simply that the Hare Krsna mantra may be very popular all over the world.== * * We do not care for any profit out of it. We should not try to make a profit out of the Hare Krsna * mantra;* then our spiritual enlightenment will be hampered. Our principle should be to beg contributions from others, and as far as possible not to try for any big bargains.” ([[letters/1969/690702_mukunda|Mukunda, 2 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “Simply pray to Krsna that you may be able by His grace to serve Him nicely. Our prayer of the Hare Krsna *mantra* means addressing Radha and Krsna for being engaged in Their service. ==Hare Krsna means, ’O Hare, O Radharani, O Krsna, please engage me in Your service so that I can get relief from the service of maya.’== * * Just like a person resigns from an inferior quality of service and accepts a superior quality of service, similarly, our prayer to Krsna is to give us relief from the inferior quality of service to * maya,* and to be engaged in the superior quality of service to Krsna. Service we have to render, and the whole process is to accept the superior quality of service in Krsna consciousness. I hope this finds you in good health.” ([[letters/1969/690708_rayarama|Subala dasa, 8 July, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “Regarding your recording of ’Nama Om and Hare Krsna’ it is very, very good and everyone says that it is technically all perfect. So your endeavor to induce the Beatles to cooperate with us is successful to a greater extent. Now when I shall go to London I shall carry with me various other recordings sung by me, and ==if these recordings can be attuned to the same technical perfection, then under my direction we can produce at least one dozen Hare Krsna recordings in varieties of tunes.== * * I am sure people will like them very much when they are presented through Mr. George Harrison and his Company. I am very glad to learn that Mr. George Harrison was playing on harmonium and guitar; Digvijaya and Gurudasa were playing * karatalas; * Yamuna and Malati were singing; and you were playing * dilruba. * Kulasekhara is so nice * kohl* player I thought it was being played by Mukunda. Why do I not find the name of Mukunda? I am also very glad to learn that this record is being played on some first-class radio station all day, and wherever you go people congratulate you by chanting Hare Krsna. This is very encouraging.” ([[letters/1969/690813_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 13 August, 1969]]) *** 70-01 “Actually this Krsna consciousness movement inaugurated by Lord Caitanya is the only panacea for all the diseases of the material world. The missing point is forgetfulness of God. This is not a new thing because the reason for our material existence is forgetfulness of our relationship with God. ==Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu very mercifully reclaimed the fallen souls especially in this age by this short-cut method of chanting Hare Krsna mantra.== **By repeated chanting of this transcendental sound vibration, dirty things in the materialistic mind become cleansed. The dirty things in the materialistic mind are the modes of passion and ignorance. When the modes of passion and ignorance come in, although the process of cleansing is not yet completed the modes of goodness become prominent. This means that the propensity of being lusty and greedy diminishes and one can be fixed up in the devotional service of the Lord. When one is fixed up in the modes of goodness and devotional service of the Lord, he can factually understand his constitutional position, and that is his liberation.” ([[letters/1970/700122_brahmananda|Barindra Babu, 22 January, 1970]]) *** 70-01 “The sixteen word *maha-mantra* is nobody’s invention. There are authorized *mantras* in the different *Puranas* which are Vedic authorities. ==Especially in the Kali Santara Upanisad it is stated that this sixteen word maha-mantra is the holy name of the Supreme Brahma for the deliverance of the fallen souls.== * * Caitanya Mahaprabhu chanted, Haridasa Thakura chanted 24 hours, all the Goswamis and * acaryas* chanted, my Guru Maharaja chanted, and following all these footsteps we are also chanting. So they are authorized by disciplic succession, and all of us must chant at least sixteen rounds daily to keep us fit on the Krsna consciousness transcendental platform.” ([[letters/1970/700124_ranadhira|Ranadhira, 24 January, 1970]]) ==70-01 “== In the last paragraph of your letter you have mentioned that you are not irritated at the chanting of the Hare Krsna *mantra (like some people) but rather you like it. It has given me much satisfaction, and I am sending herewith a copy of our magazine, * Back to Godhead * issue Number 28, in which you will find how the students liked this chanting of Hare Krsna * mantra * although all of them were neophytes to this cult of chanting. Actually it is very pleasing to the heart and the best means of infusing spiritual consciousness or Krsna consciousness into the hearts of people in general. This is the easiest and recommended process in the * Vedas. * In the * Brhad Naradiya Purana* it is clearly stated that it is only chanting of the holy name of Hari that can save the people from the problems of materialistic existence, and there is no other alternative, no other alternative, no other alternative in this Age of Kali. Western culture is monotheistic, but they are being misled by the impersonal Indian speculation. The young people of the West are frustrated because they are not diligently taught about monotheism. They are not satisfied with this process of teaching and understanding. This Krsna consciousness movement is a boon to them because they are being really trained to understand Western Monotheism under authoritative Vedic system. We do not simply theoretically discuss, but we learn by the prescribed method of Vedic regulations. But I am surprised to see that in the last paragraph of your letter you say, ’It is an indisputable fact that the *Bhagavad-gita (not to mention the * Vedas) does not require such constant chanting.’ I think, however, that you have missed the following verse in *Bhagavad-gita,* apart from many other similar verses: satatam kirtayanto mam, yatantas ca drdha-vratah*namasyantas ca mam bhaktya, nitya-yukta upasate (BG. 9.14) The engagements of the great souls, freed from delusion and perfect in their realization of God, are described here: *satatam kirtayanto mam* —they are always (satatam), * chanting (kirtayanto) My glories, and * nitya-yukta upasate *—always * *worshiping Me. So I do not know how you can say ’indisputable.’ And, if you want reference from the *Vedas,* I can give you many. In the *Vedas* the chief transcendental vibration *Omkara* is also Krsna. *Pranavah Omkara* is the divine substance of the *Vedas.* Following the *Vedas* means chanting the Vedic *mantras,* and no Vedic *mantra* is complete without *Omkara.* In the *Mukunda Upanisad, Omkara* is stated to be the most auspicious sound representation of the Supreme Lord. This is also confirmed again in the *Atharva Veda. Omkara* is the sound representation of the Supreme Lord and is therefore the principal word in the *Vedas.* In this connection, the Supreme Lord Krsna says: *pranavah sarva-vedesu (B.G. 7.8)—’I am the syllable * Om * in all the Vedic * mantras.’ * Furthermore, in the 15th verse of Chapter 15, * Bhagavad-gita, * Krsna says, ’I am seated in everyone's heart. By all the * Vedas * I am to be known; I am the Compiler of * Vedanta * and I know Veda as it is.’ The Supreme Lord, seated in everyone's heart, is described in both the * Mundaka * and * Svetasvatara Upanisads: dva suparna sayuja sakhayah; ’*The Supreme Lord and the individual spirit soul are sitting in the body as two friendly birds in a tree. One bird is eating the fruits of the tree or reactions of material activities and the other bird, the Supersoul, is witnessing.’ The goal of Vedantic study, therefore, is to know the Supreme Lord Krsna. This point is stressed in *Bhagavad-gita* chapter 8, verse 13, where it is stated that by the mystic *yoga* process, ultimately vibrating the sacred syllable *Om* , one attains to His Supreme Spiritual Planet. In the *Vedanta sutras,* which you have certainly read, the Fourth Chapter, Fourth Adhikaran twenty-second *Sutra* states it positively: *om anavrttih sabdat-* ’By sound vibration one becomes liberated.’ By devotional service, by understanding well what is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, anyone who goes to His Abode never comes back again to this material condition. How is it possible? The answer is, simply by chanting His name constantly. This is accepted by the exemplary disciple, Arjuna, who has perfectly learned the conclusion of spiritual science from the Yogesvara, master of mystic knowledge, Krsna, recognizing Krsna to be the Supreme Brahman, Arjuna addresses Him: *sthane hrsikesa ...; ’* The world becomes joyful hearing Your Names and thus do all become attached to You.’ (B.G. 11.36) The process of chanting is herein authorized as the direct means of contacting the Supreme Absolute Truth the Personality of Godhead. Simply by chanting the holy name, Krsna, the soul is attracted by the Supreme Person, Krsna, for going home, back to Godhead. In the *Narada Pancaratra* it is stated that all the Vedic rituals, *mantras* and understanding are compressed into the eight words; Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare. Similarly, in the *Kali Santara Upanisad* it is stated that these sixteen words Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, are especially meant for counteracting the degrading and contaminating influence of this materialistic Age of Kali. All these points are elaborately presented in my book, *The Teachings of Lord Caitanya.* ==The process of chanting is, therefore, not only the sublime method for practical perfection of life, but it is the authorized Vedic principle and inaugurated by the greatest Vedic scholar and devotee== (Whom we consider as an incarnation of Krsna), ==Lord Caitanya, and we are simply following His authorized footsteps.== * * The scope of the Krsna consciousness movement is universal. The process for regaining one’s original spiritual status or eternal life full with bliss and knowledge, is not abstracted dry theorizing. Spiritual life is not described in the * Vedas * as theoretical, dry or impersonal. The * Vedas * aim at the inculcation of pure love of God only, and this harmonized conclusion is practically realized by the Krsna consciousness movement or chanting Hare Krsna * mantra. * As the goal of spiritual realization is only one, love of God, so the * Vedas * stand as a single comprehensive whole in the matter of transcendental understanding. Only the incomplete views of various parties apart from the bona fide Vedic lines of teaching, give a rupturous appearance to the * Bhagavad-gita. * The reconciliative factor adjusting all apparently diverse propositions of the * Vedas * is the essence of the * Veda* or Krsna consciousness (Love of God).” (SPL to J.F. Staal Professor of Philosophy and of South Asian Languages, University of California, Berkeley, California, 30th January, 1970) ==70-01 “I am so glad to learn that you are taking very much interest in the Deity worship and such activities must be accompanied with chanting of the holy name regularly. Actually chanting of the holy name regularly is our life and soul, and on the basis of such activities all other devotional service will sustain.”== ([[letters/1970/700210_ekayani|Ekayani, 10 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 ** ==“Yes, because the transcendental sound vibration directly appeals to the soul, therefore everyone will take it if the vibration is made by a pure devotee. We should therefore try to fix up our mind to remain in our spiritual position by chanting and following the regulative principles. Both in our American and European centers things are improving and I hope you shall also do the needful.”== ([[letters/1970/700313_sudama|Sudama, 13 March, 1970]]) *** 70-09 “Regarding Mr. Ginsberg’s article, yes, it may appear if it is followed by an adequate refutation. But kindly make the refutation very strong; then that will be nice. I am adding some points that you may elaborate on. 1) As you state, Krsna is identical with His name. That means that His name has the same qualities as Himself, i.e. *sat, cit, ananda.* No mundane vibration is eternal, otherwise why does it grow tiresome and have to be changed every other week. Nor do mundane songs produce real knowledge or bliss unending. Also, this transcendental vibration purifies one. Anyone can see **practically how our students are becoming purified, but the chanters of material songs are not. 2) Ginsberg says these words are physical in a frankly physical universe. But this is not true, for actually everything is spiritual. It is only under certain conditions, viz. forgetfulness of Krsna that this internal or spiritual energy of Krsna becomes material. Therefore when we hear the name Krsna, which is identical with Krsna, we must remember, and in that way everything is purified. 3) Tennyson may have felt something when he chanted Tennyson, but does anyone else? Does Mr. Ginsberg want to chant Tennyson, Tennyson? But everyone enjoys chanting Krsna. That means there is something different about His name. He is the center of everyone and everything. 4) Krsna explains in the 7th Chapter of B.G. that there are four classes of men who approach Him. There are millions of men in distress, or searching for money, or curious, or searching for knowledge, but only a few come to Krsna, and all of them are *mahatma* —simply * * because they have come to the right place, Krsna. That is not by chance, but due to their past pious deeds. No one can approach Krsna without being purified, so this is the process. But no matter what the original motive, if one actually comes to Krsna he is * mahatma. Srimad-Bhagavatam * confirms it that if someone follows all the rules and regulations very nicely but doesn’t come to Krsna it is useless, and similarly if someone comes to Krsna, even if he doesn’t follow very nicely, he is perfect. Also * Bhagavad-gita* 7.19 says that the wise man after many births comes to know that Krsna is everything. So Krsna is central. So we may begin our chanting with some motive, but that is not the final stage. Love of Krsna is final, and how can we develop that unless we are chanting and thinking of Krsna? 5) Some analyst or priest or lover may widen the consciousness from this to that, but only Krsna is without limit and therefore can widen the consciousness infinitely. That is the difference. The material world has varieties of this and that, this thing more than that thing, but only Krsna is without limit, and if we desire *ananda,* bliss unending, we must go to Krsna. 6)“Hare Krsna cannot be compared to any sexual cry because the sexual cry is a call for some partner to come satisfy the callers desire== *.* That means it is sense gratification that is sought. The rest of the points I think you can cover nicely.” ([[letters/1970/700926_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 26 September, 1970]]) ==71-01 “== Your idea for film distribution is also good, so do it nicely in cooperation with the GBC. I am very much anxious that at the same time as you carry out all these outside activities you are maintaining a strict schedule of temple activities. Such regular activities like attendance of *arati,* chanting of rounds, study of literatures in the class, will keep you fit for effective preaching work in the outer field. Our standard of purity must be kept, otherwise there will be loss of spiritual strength, and subsequent fall down. ==Every one of you should be thoroughly convinced of the power of the Hare Krsna mantra to protect you in all circumstances. Chant accordingly at all times without offence,== then advancement will be swift and you will gradually come to see everything clearly so that you may act for the pleasure of the Lord without uncertainty. When one is spontaneously engaged in this way, always in the service of the Lord and anxious to avoid all mundane activities, he is actually experiencing the taste of bliss in Krsna consciousness.” (SPL to Damodara, January 10th, 1971) ==71-03 “== About the *’guru’* living next door, as well as other so-called *sadhus* in Fiji, why be disturbed by them? Simply go on with your preaching work with determination. Sincere people will be attracted by the purity of your message. And ==if that man insists on chanting Hare Rama first, what harm is there?”== ([[letters/1971/710321_upendra|Upendra, 21 March, 1971]]) ==71-12 “You mention ghosts. So far I have experience, the best way to remove them is to chant Hare Krsna very loudly and have jubilant kirtana until they leave. In England, at Mr. John Lennon’s house where I was staying in 1969, there was one ghost. But as soon as the devotees began chanting very loudly, he went away immediately.”== (SPL to Damodara, December 3rd, 1971) ==72-04 “Everyone who is chanting Hare Krsna== * * ==is getting benefit. Sanatana Goswami says that one should not hear from an avaisnava or non-vaisnava. So people who are imitating are hearing from a Vaisnava== * .* ==They are not avaisnava because the Hare Krsna== * * ==mantra is introduced by us only into the Western world, so whatever they have heard is from a Vaisnava.”== (SPL to Revatinandana, April 2nd,* 1972) ==72-04 “== The *maha-mantra* was given to Narada by Brahma. Other *mantras* made by ordinary men are not authorized by the *sastras,* so they have only proportionate effect as much as they are authorized or unauthorized. Highest benefit is from the *maha-mantra,* or Hare Krsna *mantra,* because this is said by authorities. You know these things, you are becoming strong yourself by chanting this *mantra,* so actually it is so *.* ==Compare what you were before to what you have become, now challenge any other mantra to produce such effect. You know it, now try to realize it yourself and convince others,== **that is Krsna consciousness.” (SPL to Madhavananda, April 25th, 1972) 72-06 “Now please continue to strictly follow the regulative principles and rigidly observing the four principal restrictions, namely; no eating of meat, fish or eggs, no taking of any kinds of intoxicants including coffee, tea and tobacco, no illicit sex life, and no gambling, and always without fail chant sixteen rounds of the holy names daily, and be happy. If you stick to these principles with determination, then you will become free from all attachment to *maya,* by Krsna’s grace. The example is that when the sun is in the sky, there is no question of darkness. Similarly, ==when the Hare Krsna mantra is vibrating on your tongue and you are hearing attentively, then your consciousness becomes clear or Krsna consciousness and there is no question of maya or hazy consciousness.== * * Just as when the light and the darkness come together, the darkness cannot stand before the light, so * maya* cannot stand before the presence of Krsna. Always remember therefore to chant Hare Krsna, and that will save you in all circumstances without any doubt." ([[letters/1972/720625_kirtanananda|Haripuja dasi, 25 June, 1972]]) *** 73-07 “You ask how you can become free of envy. Simply by chanting Hare Krsna, Lord Caitanya has said the heart will become cleansed of all the dirty things accumulated in the heart. It is not that we have to endeavor separately to become rid of envy or any deficiency or impurity In this age the chanting of Hare Krsna is recommended as the only possible method to associate with Krsna. ==By offenseless chanting, when we associate with Krsna through His holy name, then all inauspicious things are cleared from the heart. So wherever you are you should always go on chanting,== **and that in itself will bring all perfection.” ([[letters/1973/730717_cintamani|Cintamani dasi, 17 July, 1973]]) *** 74-10 ** ==“Regarding the London affair, what can be done? This is the American and European habit of diplomacy. Unless there is spiritual advancement they will do by their nature like this. The whole thing should be corrected by diverting their attention to chanting and the regulative principles. We have to tackle these problems very carefully.”== ([[letters/1974/741019_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 19 October, 1974]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“There are two things; there is Krsna and there is sex life. So if you want to have Krsna, one must be above illicit sex life. That requires some strength. So you have to impress upon them that following these rules and regulations, especially by chanting Hare Krsna, one will become strong. Unfortunately, we have no taste for this chanting. This is our misfortune.”== ([[letters/1975/751118_mr._mohan_majundar|Govardhana dasa, 18 November, 1975]]) *** 76-12 ** ==“Regarding the Narayana Kavaca mantra, the Hare Krsna mantra is everything. But, I think that you are working too hard. Your illness is the result of too hard work. Remain in Mayapur. Take rest as much as necessary, work through your assistants, and chant Hare Krsna== .” ([[letters/1976/761204_jayapataka|Jayapataka Maharaja, 4 December, 1976]]) ## Songs and Bhajans 67-06 “The record which you have sent singing, *Sri rama jaya rama jaya jaya rama,* and other *kirtanas* is really a new turn and we have enjoyed the record so nicely. ==This Narada Muni song is in your country tune and I think it will attract many more of the common men to join the kirtana, so you should practice this standard kirtana more== **conveniently so that during your Ratha-yatra festival you can have this singing with the procession.” ([[letters/1967/670606_mukunda|Mukunda, 6 June, 1967]]) *** 68-11 * * ==“I am pleased to learn that you are singing the Cintamani prayers of Brahma-saḥhitā. This Brahma-saḥhitā contains the highest of all spiritual knowledge.== * * In lecturing too, if we sing a verse from the *Brahma-saḥhitā* and then nicely explain the meaning it will be very much appreciated. Just as Krsna is the all-attractive principle, so similarly these *krsna-kathas* of the *Brahma-saḥhitā* are all-attractive and will gain favorable attention from listeners.” ([[letters/1968/681124_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 24 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 ** ==“Regarding the prayers of Narottama dasa Thakura, you will be pleased to know that we have taped these prayers and this tape shall be reproduced by Dinesa for all of the centers along with others, and also to be sent out is the transliteration and translation of these prayers. So I think you may wait for these.”== ([[letters/1968/681126_upendra|Upendra, 26 November, 1968]]) ==68-12 “You have asked about singing the prayers of Narottama Thakura and yes, they are very much approved in any language.”== ([[letters/1968/681212_ananda|Hamsaduta, 12 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 “I am in due receipt of your letter of January 13th, 1969, along with the *kirtana* tapes and pictures of Buffalo temple. ==I cannot tell you how very much I enjoyed listening to this wonderful tape recording. All of the super-excellent qualities of kirtana were present on this tape and it was thus a great joy to hear it.== * * On this tape Rupanuga has set an example for all householders because there was singing on this of Hare Krsna by all of his family members. It was all sounding very nicely, and I am going to show this tape to the * sankirtana * party which is here in Los Angeles, so they may take example from such nice * kirtana.” (SPL to Bhurijana, 18th* January, 1969) 69-01 “I am so pleased to read your letter of January 21, 1969 and to learn of your sincere eagerness to serve Krsna in the best capacity of your talents. There is a Sanskrit proverb that says that there is not any better knowledge than to become a musician. Our ==Krsna consciousness movement is practically based upon music and dancing. If by your exceptional qualities you can help in this movement, I think you have been sent by Krsna Himself to help me in this connection.== * * I have one nice disciple, Michael Grant (Mukunda dasa Adhikary) who is a very good composer of Western music. He was earning lots of money in New York as a professional music teacher, but since he has become my disciple he has dedicated his life for propagating this movement along with his wife. I shall be glad if you immediately contact him in London at the following address: 22 Betterton Street, London WC 2, England. I have got a very ambitious program to organize a nice * sankirtana* party both in Oriental and Occidental style, so that we can thus attract all classes of people in the world to Krsna consciousness. Very nice arrangements are being made in this connection under the leadership of Michael Grant. Please contact him soon. I am also sending him a note about you.” ([[letters/1969/690125_mr._levine|Mr. Levine, 25 January, 1969]]) *** 69-02 ** ==“Regarding the Raghu Pati Raghava song, we are not concerned with this song because it had a political motive; it is not pure devotional service. Gandhi was a great statesman in the garb of a saintly person, so that the Indian population would blindly follow him. But his motive was political and we are therefore not very interested with it. However, you can sing the first two lines: raghupati raghava raja rama, patita pavana sita rama.”== ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Krsna dasa, 13 February, 1969]]) ==69-02 “Regarding your questions about various names of God, we have nothing to do with Jehovah, Allah, Jesus, etc. If somebody else wants to chant in this way it is all right,== let them do that, but as far as we are concerned, we should be satisfied with the Hare Krsna *mantra* and nothing more. We have registered our association particularly under the name of Krsna. God has millions of names undoubtedly, but we are especially concerned with the name of Krsna because we are in the disciplic succession of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu Who chanted this holy name of Krsna. Everyone should be particular to his particular disciplic succession or *sampradaya's* regulative principles. This is required, as much as there are many different political parties, although every one is meant to serve the country.” ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Sivananda, 13 February, 1969]]) ==69-04 “I have already acknowledged receipt of your nicely taped kirtana recording.== I ====think that the *mrdanga* sound should be a little more increased, and the *tambora* sound should be decreased. When the chorus is chanting in response to the leader, the *mrdanga* is not very distinctly heard. Therefore, it should be increased. As for when this record will be pressed I think this should be done as soon as possible, because everyone is already wanting this record. If you cannot get it pressed immediately then I have asked Brahmananda to arrange for the pressing. I have heard that Dai Nippon Company can give such pressing at a competitive price. The jacket design you have described sounds nice, so you may develop it in this way.” ([[letters/1969/690425_dinesh|Dinesa, 25 April, 1969]]) ==70-02 “Regarding the presentation of ’Govindam’ as well as other mantras, the vibration is always pure. I will give the theme and if the sound is Westernized that does not matter.== But another point is that this specific sound of *kirtana* as I sing is also another introduction of art that can be intermingled with Western art, and such combination will certainly be appreciated. But so far I know that the *kirtana* tune is a specific representation of Gaudiya Vaisnavas and this tune is appreciated all over India as unique. They say that the *kirtana* tune is the specific gift of Bengal, and that is a fact. So why not utilize this tune in the Western countries under the able guidance of such expert musician as George?” ([[letters/1970/700225_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 25 February, 1970]]) *** 70-05 ** ==“The first two lines of the song, ’hari haraye namah krsna’ were sung by Lord Caitanya and His followers, but the other lines of the song were composed later on by Srila Narottama dasa Thakura.”== ([[letters/1970/700503_ekayani|Ekayani, 3 May, 1970]]) *** 74-12 “My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krsna consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His *sankirtana* devotees. ==We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krsna bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents.== * * Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God Himself. Had He thought it would have been better to spread Krsna consciousness by another way He would have done so. But no, simply with * mrdanga * and * karatala, * traveling and chanting Hare Krsna asking everyone to chant Hare Krsna preaching simply * Srimad-Bhagavatam * philosophy, this is the process. There is no need for us to try and add anything to this simple method. It will only be a distraction. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Krsna consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting sixteen rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending * mangala arati* and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.” ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Jagadisa Pandita, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 76-07 ** ==“Concerning the recordings of Krsnadasa Babaji; how can I make any judgement as I have not heard them. However, you should just go on chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra and the Panca-tattva mantra and don’t divert your attention. You cannot understand the meaning of the Indian songs and simply parrot-like chanting of these songs has no value.”== ([[letters/1976/760717_damodara_pandita|Damodara Pandita dasa, 17 July, 1976]]) ## Temple Kirtana 67-02 ** ==“Hope you are all well and performing kirtana regularly. Kīrtanānanda has learned one tune to be sung in the morning which you should please practice as far as possible.”== ([[letters/1967/670203_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 3 February, 1967]]) *** 68-08 ==“Kirtana means both lecturing, and chanting with music.”== (SPL to Upendra, August 14th, 1968) 68-08 ** ==“Please go on chanting, Govinda Jaya Jaya, Govinda Jaya Jaya, along with Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. And in any condition you shall be happy without any doubt.”== ([[letters/1968/680822_daniel|Daniel, 22 August, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “It is very much encouraging to me to hear of so many activities of performing *kirtana* there. ==Kirtana is the universal principle, therefore, if you chant Hare Krsna offenselessly,== * * that is to say, avoiding the ten kinds of offenses, ==the vibration is sure to act.== * * And anywhere this vibration is made, it will be liked because it is done on the spiritual platform. And on the spiritual platform there will be certainly agreement. So our movement is directly taken to the spiritual platform. So do it nicely, offenselessly, and it will be successful anywhere.” ([[letters/1968/681214_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 14 December, 1968]]) *** 69-05 ** ==“Regarding your desire to improve your singing voice, by singing you will become an expert singer. Anything you practice regularly you become expert in.”== ([[letters/1969/690504_sivananda|Sivananda, 4 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 * * ==“Regarding your question about kirtana, practically we are not concerned with the instruments. They are used sometimes to make it sweeter, but if we divert our attention for using the instruments more, that is not good.== * * Generally *kirtana* is performed with *mrdanga* and *karatalas* but if somebody is expert instrument player, he can be admitted to join *sankirtana.* We can accept everything for Krsna’s service, but not taking the risk of diverting attention to any other thing which will hinder our Krsna consciousness. That should be our motto, or principle.” ([[letters/1969/690526_jadurani|Jadurani, 26 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 * * ==“Regarding your request for a kirtana musician, we don't require anyone who is very musically talented. Here in New Vrindavana Hayagriva has organized a very nice kirtana party== and they are singing and chanting thrice daily, and very, very nicely. So I think you are the best * mrdanga* player, and similarly you have Rsi Kumara, Madhusudana, Uddhava as well as others, so if you think all of you are deficient I can send you a tape recording teaching playing techniques and you will learn from this. You have got another devotee, Mohini Mohan, Purusottama's friend, and Purusottama says he is a musical master, so utilize the talent you have got and surely your propaganda will be successful and more men will come. It is in the same way that I came here with only one pair of cymbals and now there are hundreds of cymbals going on. So Krsna will send us men; gradually as we qualify ourselves everything will come.” ([[letters/1969/690526_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 26 May, 1969]]) *** 69-11 ** ==“Regarding crying, when someone cries during kirtana, this crying is crying of the soul. But if anyone tries to imitate such crying to get some adoration that is a bodily function.”== ([[letters/1969/691102_arundhati|Arundhati, 2 November, 1969]]) ==69-11 “Regarding your question about feeling emotions during kirtana, these are real spiritual emotions. Spiritual emotions cannot be experienced by the fallen soul; but one who is feeling spiritual emotions is not actually fallen. That is the benediction of this sankirtana movement that it elevates one to the highest position of spiritual experiences.”== ([[letters/1969/691102_hayagriva_vamanadeva_pradyumna|Krsna devi, 2 November, 1969]]) *** 70-06 ** ==“Here presidents from other centers like Hayagriva, Rupanuga, and Kīrtanānanda Maharaja ... yesterday played the church organ very nicely. We are going to have another meeting this evening with organ playing. So everything is going nice in this center, and perhaps you remember the park which they have constructed; it is very, very nice.”== ([[letters/1970/700602_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 2 June, 1970]]) *** 71-04 “My dear son, Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25th March, 1971 and have noted the contents. Because I have been very busy with the movement which is going on here, I haven't had time to reply your letter until now. As soon as I remember that you are trying to fulfill my desire of trying to open ten centers, it gives me renewed vigor and life. Please do it nicely. ==I have got confidence in you because Krsna has given you special talent for chanting Hare Krsna mantra. When you were chanting in Los Angeles temple in the evenings, or in the mornings, I enjoyed your chanting so nicely that I thought myself immediately carried to Vaikuntha.== * * So I am always thankful to you for your activities in announcing the interest of our mission. Thank you very much. Most probably when I return to Los Angeles I may call you back just to hear your chanting of Hare Krsna * mantra.* I am very anxious to meet you also.” ([[letters/1971/710404_nayanabhirama|Visnujana Maharaja, 4 April, 1971]]) *** 73-10 **==“Regarding the morning kirtana songs, what you have given is all right. If time permits there are other songs that can be sung, such as Jiv jago; Udilo aruna: ’There is now sunrise on the Eastern horizon and Lord Caitanya accompanied by His devotees have started the morning sankirtana party…” ([[letters/1973/731014_bali_mardan|Dhrstaketu dasa, 14 October, 1973]]) *** 74-09 ==“Regarding the 24 hour kirtana as a regular temple function, do not do anything impractical. If it is not possible, then don't do it.”== ([[letters/1974/740905_vijoyadhvaja|Bali Mardan dasa, 5 September, 1974]]) *** 74-10 ** ==“Regarding your dancing in the middle of the kirtana, it is not wrong. It is completely right. If in your kirtana everyone dances in ecstasy it is perfectly all right. That is spiritual enthusiasm.”== ([[letters/1974/741019_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 19 October, 1974]]) *** 75-02 ** ==“Regarding instruments for temple kirtans, karatala and mrdanga are sufficient. There is no need of other instruments.”== ([[letters/1975/750202_sahadeva|Rupanuga dasa, 2 February, 1975]]) *** 75-05 “I was very much encouraged by this nice report you have given. Continue to organize the guest house. This is very important. Do it very nicely with the cooperation of Dr. Verma. In the evening, you must have many varieties of first-class ghee-cooked preparations offered to the Deity and you can sell the *prasada.* The L.A. standard is good, but still you should have a better standard. You should make *kacoris, samosa,* etc. If it is required, a professional confectioner may be employed. The Deity worship must be done very gorgeously. ==The== ** ==24 hour chanting is very encouraging to me.== Please continue all as I have given you. I have full faith in both of you.” ([[letters/1975/750526_hasyakari|Aksayananda Swami and Dhananjaya, 26 May, 1975]]) *** 75-10 ** ==“Yes, your plan to hold 24 hour kirtana is approved. Everything is kirtana including recitation of Bhagavatam which is also kirtana, and japa as well.”== ([[letters/1975/751017_cyavana|Gopijanavallabha dasa, 17 October, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“Regarding your question about the dancing, the dancing should be done enthusiastically by raising the hands like Panca-tattva. You can also dance enthusiastically by raising hands. All of Lord Caitanya’s followers used to dance with raised hands. If someone dances with ecstasy, that is all right, but it is better to dance with raised hands.”== (SPL to Kīrtanānanda Swami. 10th November, 1975) 76-01 ** ==“The harmonium may be played during bhajan if there is someone who can play melodiously. But it is not for kirtana and arati.”== (SPL to Bahudaka. 11th January, 1976) 76-01 “In India the system is that people go to see the Jagannatha Deity. The Deity is not very beautiful from the artistic point of view, but still people attend by the thousands. That sentiment is required. ==Similarly with our kirtana we are only using drums and kartals, but people come to the point of ecstasy. It is not the ornamentation, it is the ecstasy.== This ecstasy is awakened by *sravanam* and *kirtanam* by devotees. I hope this makes everything clear.” ([[letters/1976/760129_karandhara|Dr. Wolf, 29 January, 1976]]) ==77-01 “As far as music is concerned, we have got our standard of music, the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. We do not require to introduce anything new.”== (SPL to Bhakta Wayne, Denver, 3rd January, 1977) ## Japa 57-05 “In continuation of my yesterday’s letter, which I hope you have duly received by this time, and with reference to your request of submitting the way of powerful *mantra* for broadcasting all over the world, I beg to inform you further that in every *mantra* the prefix *namah* is generally added. Just for example you said the other day *namah sivaya.* Now this *mantra* is practically including the holy name of Lord Siva. *Na* means negation and *ma* means false ego or *ahankara.* Therefore *namah* means surrendering to the name Siva. In other words, to accept the supremacy of Lord Siva means *namah sivaya.* Therefore the conclusion is that in *mantra* the name of the Deity is unavoidably amalgamated. And in the *mantra* the spiritual power, by the *rsis* like Narada etc. is surcharged, like the copper is electrified by magnetic force. ==The etymological alphabets are so surcharged with spiritual potency and as such all mantras indicating the transcendental holy name of God or Godhead, are to be understood in that way.== When we chant the *mantras* as were presented by the authoritiesthe process helps communication with the Personality of Godhead by the sound waves, as we have now experienced in the material world, of physical wave vibrations. The powerful *mantras* have such potency if they are sounded in the right direction. And by chanting the *mantras* only, one can spiritualize the whole existence as heat can expand on the spherical objects. *Mantra-siddhi* means complete liberation. Therefore, there is no difference between the holy name and mantra *. Man* means *mind* and tra *deliverance* . That which delivers one from mental speculation is called *mantra. Mantra-siddhi* is to transcend the gross and subtle mental plane. The same meaning is for___. In this age all the *mantras* that can help us in reaching perfection up to the plane of Godhead have been still more concentrated into the *hari-nama.* We find therefore in the *Brhad Naradiya Purana (38/126) a particular stress on * hari-nama * which is stated as follows: * harer nama harer nama harer nama eva kevalam, kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha.” (Sri Padampatji, 7 May, 1957) *** 67-11 “I am so glad to learn that you are now getting the fruit of chanting Hare Krsna. Hare Krsna is so nice that it clears the dirty things from the mind of the devotee and the more one is used to chant the holy name offenselessly the more one develops love of God, forgetting the whole material nonsense. It is my duty to deliver you the right thing in right earnestness and it is the duty of the receiver to act in the standard spiritual regulation. When you left us I simply prayed to Krsna for your return to Krsna consciousness because that was my duty. Any good soul who approaches me once for spiritual enlightenment is supposed to be depending on my responsibility to get him back to Krsna, back to home. The disciple may misunderstand a bona fide spiritual master, being obliged to do so under pressure of *maya's* influence. But a bona fide spiritual master never lets go a devotee once accepted. When the disciple misunderstands a bona fide spiritual master the master regrets for his inability to protect the disciple and sometimes he cries with tears in the eyes. We had an experience while my Guru Maharaja was alive. One of his disciples who accepted *sannyasa* was one day forcibly dragged by his wife. My Guru Maharaja lamented with tears in his eyes saying that he could not save the soul. ==We should always therefore be careful in the matter of being attacked by maya's influence and the only means of guarantee is to chant Hare Krsna offenselessly.== **The greatest offense is to defy the spiritual master and act sinfully thinking in the strength of chanting. If a man thinks that the chanting will save him from all kinds of sinful reaction deliberately committed by him, then he becomes the greatest offender. By chanting Hare Krsna we become free from all sinful reaction but that does not mean that we shall deliberately commit sin and counteract it by chanting. Your reference to Kīrtanānanda and Hayagriva is very nicely appreciated. We shall silently pray for them to Krsna and shed tears for them for our inability to save them. Let us honestly pray and go ahead with Krsna consciousness. More when we meet.” ([[letters/1967/671123_woomapati|Umapati, 23 November, 1967]]) *** 67-12 ** ==“I am very glad to learn that you are chanting forty-eight rounds. Actually, it is all right that one should chant sixty-four rounds, even sixteen rounds, so if one is able to chant more than sixteen rounds up to sixty-four, it is very good. You fix up your rounds. Try to increase it but never decrease it”== ([[letters/1967/671217_indira_iris_mendoza_ekayani_esther_mendoza|Indira and Ekayani, 17 December, 1967]]) *** 68-01 ==“So, in any circumstances you must not forget Krsna. I love you in my heart and therefore I gave you the name Krsna devi dasi. Don't forget Krsna even for a single moment; chant Hare Krsna loudly or slowly as it may be convenient. But don't forget to chant the holy name. I hope everything will be all right as soon as you come here with Danny, and I am awaiting your arrival with great interest. Hope you are well.”== ([[letters/1968/680126_krsna_devi|Krsna devi, 26 January, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “The strong hand of *maya* is insurmountable as it is stated in the *Bhagavad-gita.* But if one sticks to Krsna consciousness with firmness, then he can easily surmount. My instructions I have already given to you, how to chant on the beads and how to protect yourself from the offenses. ==I shall advise you again to chant always, increasing the counting, namely, sixteen rounds is generally prescribed, but for the time being you can stop all other activities and increase the chanting to 64 rounds.== * * Follow the rules and regulations strictly. If you want sex life, you are at liberty to get yourself married. But don't have illicit sex with some * maya's* representative. That won’t help you in your spiritual advancement. We don’t forbid sex life, but we cannot allow illicit sex. For a young man it is very difficult to check sex desire, therefore the best thing is for him to get himself married, and live like a responsible gentleman. Irresponsible man cannot make progress materially, or spiritually. You’re an intelligent young man, you can understand things as we say, and you follow and you will be benefited. Mistakes we may commit because it is not out of human activity, but at the same time, we must use our good consciousness how to achieve the goal of our life, Krsna. Please stick to this chanting process, sincerely, without any offense and everything will be all right with you. Thanking you once more for remembering me.” ([[letters/1968/680212_bhaktijana|Bhaktijana, 12 February, 1968]]) *** 68-02 ** ==“Also Bhaktijana is there in New York and he may be nicely treated as he has come back, so he will understand the philosophy nicely. I have asked him to chant sixty-four rounds instead of sixteen.”== ([[letters/1968/680215_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 15 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ==“I am especially happy to hear your statement, ’I have taken to the process of chanting Hare Krsna—feeling the results immediately.’ This is very good. Please continue to chant, and execute your duties with thoughts and words of Krsna, and you will be happy always.”== ([[letters/1968/680303_hansadutta_himavati|Michael O'Leary, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ** ==“Your sincerity and desire for doing some service for Krsna is very much encouraging me. Please go on chanting nicely, and steadily. Chanting sixteen rounds is prescribed, but you can chant more rounds and hear them very attentively.”== (SPL to Devananda, March 18th, 1968) ==68-03 “It is very good news for me that you are regularly chanting your sixteen rounds; try to increase the rounds, but don't decrease. Yes, if you can inject this Krsna consciousness to the young children, it will be a great service to humanity and to the Lord.”== ([[letters/1968/680328_mahapurusa|Mahapurusa, 28 March, 1968]]) *** 68-05 “I am so pleased to learn that you are constantly trying to follow my instructions. Of course, I have no particular instructions, save and accept the instruction which I have also heard from my spiritual master. So all instructions in the disciplic succession directly come from the Supreme Person. Therefore, to follow the instructions of a spiritual master is to follow the instructions of the Supreme Person. And as soon as we are accustomed to this habit, then all our misgivings of material existence are over. ==Your ambition for chanting Hare Krsna exclusively is very good. But sacrificing the results of action is as good.== * * A concrete example is Arjuna. He fought very chivalrously under the instructions of the Lord, and the Lord certified him to be the best devotee and friend of the Lord. So there is no distinction between chanting and offering the results of one's activity. ==Sometimes under the garb of chanting people take to the habit of laziness,== * * which is not required at all. Execution of devotional service is prescribed first with enthusiasm and patience. One can execute these transcendental activities staying as he is, but he must follow and try to apply in practical life the instructions as they are given in the *Bhagavad-gita* or the *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* received through the proper channel.” ([[letters/1968/680510_dayananda|Dayananda, 10 May, 1968]]) ==68-05 “Regarding quality of chanting Hare Krsna, we shall try to avoid the ten kinds of offenses; that is the quality.”== ([[letters/1968/680510_dayananda|Rayarama, 10 May, 1968]]) *** 68-05 “I am very glad to receive your letter dated May 26, 1968, along with beads, and I am so pleased that you are seeking for being initiated. So, after due chanting I am sending both your beads by separate first-class post parcel. Receive it and chant ==without any offense. The ten kinds of offenses are like this:== 1. Blaspheming the Lord’s devotee. 2. Considering the Lord and the demigods on the same level or assuming there are many Gods. 3. Neglecting the orders of the spiritual master. 4. Minimizing the authority of the scriptures. 5. Interpreting the holy name of God. 6. Committing sin on the strength of chanting. 7. Instructing the glories of the Lord's name to the unfaithful. 8. Comparing the holy name with material piety. 9. Inattention while chanting the holy name. 10. Attachment to material things while engaged in the practice of chanting. So you follow those principles as well as the four restrictive rules namely, no addiction or indulgence in any form of intoxication, including coffee, tea and cigarettes, no illicit sex relationships, must be strictly vegetarian, no gambling. And the other standard practices for initiated devotees: ** - Must attend evening and morning classes. - Should not extensively mix with non-devotees. - Should not eat food cooked by non-devotees. - Should not waste time in idle talks. - Should not become engaged in frivolous sports. - Should always chant and sing the Lord’s holy names. Chanting as enunciated by Lord Caitanya is the only means for spiritual realization in this age of dissension. So chant at least sixteen rounds daily, and for other help you can ask assistance from your elderly Godbrothers.” ([[letters/1968/680530_sacisuta|Sacisuta, 30 May, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “Regarding your question about living alone, living alone is a general tendency for a person who wants to get disassociated with the materialistic persons. That is also recommended by the Goswamis in their instructions. It is better to remain alone than to mix with materialistic persons. But this is not applicable when we have the opportunity to get the association of pure devotees. Our program is negative and positive simultaneously. We want to negate the materialistic side and make positive the spiritual side, it is not one sided. If you have no positive standing, negating only will not make you successful. Therefore, it is better to remain positively within the society of pure devotees. That is also recommended by the Goswamis, that one should be occupied in activities in the modes of goodness and associate with spiritualistic persons; that will make one's advancement very quick. Persons who want to take advantage of cheap reputation; they imitate great personalities like Haridasa Thakura, who was alone chanting 300,000 of holy names daily. By such chanting, lonely chanting he got so much spiritual power that he could convert even a harlot to become a great devotee, whereas an ordinary person falls easily to such allurement. ==So one should not imitate such great personalities but one should try to see how much taste he has developed for chanting, so that one can remain alone simply being engaged in chanting.== **If one can remain alone simply being engaged in chanting, that is very good, but it is difficult also. For a conditioned soul in conditioned life, it is very difficult to concentrate the mind on chanting absolutely. Better to be engaged in preaching work, that will make one gradually successful. Besides that, when we are actually engaged with the preaching work, we gradually acquire our spiritual strength without failure.” ([[letters/1968/681111_sivananda|Sivananda, 11 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “It is very nice that you shall speak on this at the *yoga* group program. Subala should read carefully that *hatha-yoga* received in the *Bhagavad-gita* is very difficult in this age. *Yoga* system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it, and everyone is always full of anxiety, so how they can concentrate? ==So best thing is to chant Hare Krsna which is== ** ==forced meditation.== In ====this way make nice speech, and conclude with declaring that the topmost yogi is he who surrenders to Krsna, and worships Krsna with all thoughts, activities, and intelligence.” ([[letters/1968/681120_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 20 November, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “Regarding your first question, ==’Is it offensive to think of Krsna's pastimes while chanting?’ I think you should know that it is not offensive but rather it is required.== One must try for the point when he simply hears Krsna and immediately all of Krsna, His pastimes, His form, His qualities, are in his thoughts. So to always be immersed in thoughts of Krsna this is our process. When we are full in Krsna then where can be any chance for *maya* in us? So this is our duty, to remember Krsna's pastimes. One who cannot remember Krsna, let him always hear Hare Krsna and then when he has perfected this art, then always he will remember Krsna, His activities, His qualities, etc.” ([[letters/1968/681204_sivananda|Sivananda, 4 December, 1968]]) ==69-02 “I have sent back the beads for Girisa by separate mail, after duly chanting upon them. I am very glad to learn that he is completing daily his rounds at any cost. It is an example even for the elderly students. Please encourage this nice boy. He is given under your protection so take care of him very nicely. Just produce one nice Krsna conscious youth. It will be a great service to Krsna and recognition of your nice service.”== ([[letters/1969/690213_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 13 February, 1969]]) ==69-02 “So far as you not completing your chanting, I think this should not be a regular practice.== If by chance you miss to finish in one day that is a different thing. But as far as possible we must try to complete the prescribed number of beads. You should try to chant at least two or three hours every day. We have got twenty-four hours at our disposal, so for chanting we can find two or three hours without any difficulty. Simply we have to adjust things in the right way.” ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Sivananda, 13 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “Regarding your question, I do not remember if Rayarama ever chanted very loudly in my room, neither he ever lived in my room, nor had I ever asked him not to chant loudly. I do not know how these news are spread. ==There is no such requirement that japa should be done silently and chanting should be done differently. Loudly or silently, everything is all right. There is no such restriction. Only thing is that we should chant very attentively, hearing the vibration very distinctly.”== ([[letters/1969/690308_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 8 March, 1969]]) *** 69-03 * * ==“Yes, it is very good if you can chant 64 rounds; this is very nice if you can do it. But first of all we should not be disturbed by any circumstances.== * * If you do become disturbed then this means you are still deficient in reaching the point. In *Bhagavad-gita* it is said that when Krsna is within our view, at that time one is not disturbed even in the midst of gravest calamity. Anyway, even if we are disturbed then the only resort is to chant and concentrate one’s mind on Krsna. There is no other alternative. Chanting and dancing makes one relieved of all material burdens.” ([[letters/1969/690323_satsvarupa|Hamsaduta, 23 March, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “I am happy to hear you are very much liking living in New Vrndavana, and that you are anxiously awaiting receipt of your first cow. I am also very much concerned about your health; I have written to Hayagriva in this connection. But I do not know what could be the cause of this illness. Please let me know what are the reports given by the doctor. But ==it is good that you are keeping even greater amount of faith in Krsna, and are chanting 35 rounds daily. Keep up this good attitude and surely you will be saved from all dangers.”== ([[letters/1969/690324_brahmananda|Syama dasi, 24 March, 1969]]) ==69-04 “Regarding Jadurani's question, hearing the vibration of Hare Krsna automatically reminds one of Krsna’s pastimes. So both of them arise simultaneously in the mind when one is sincerely chanting. So you cannot make any distinction between listening to the sound and thinking of the pastimes. But the process is to hear, and then Krsna’s pastimes, form, qualities, etc. will automatically come to mind. That is very nice.”== ([[letters/1969/690410_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 10 April, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “Regarding your last question about the ecstatic symptoms of chanting Hare Krsna, you should know that the Hare Krsna *mantra* has an equal effect upon all devotees. Just like the sunshine has an equal effect on everyone, but when it is covered, the sunshine has a different effect. Similarly, the influence of the Hare Krsna *mantra* becomes manifest when one is no longer covered by the ten offenses to chanting. The more we become free from the ten offenses, the more the effect of chanting becomes manifested through us. ==Everyone can become a great devotee, being freed from the offenses 100%, simply by one's determination and effort.”== ([[letters/1969/690616_arundhati|Arundhati, 16 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “Regarding someone to go there to take charge of the children in Satyabhama’s absence, I will write to Lilavati in Boston to see if she is able to fill this position for that time. If not, we will have to make other arrangements. But wherever you go, either in New Vrndavana or New York, you should make effort to finish your sixteen rounds whenever possible. Of course, if you are always engaged in Krsna's service, and always chanting Hare Krsna, even if not on your beads, that is also a nice status. As you are an important worker there and you have so many important duties, especially to take care of the cows, it may not be possible for you to stop your work for chanting sixteen rounds. This is no great loss, and you should not feel badly about it. Krsna sees your sincerity in Krsna consciousness, and He will be very much kind upon you for this. But as much as possible you should try to fulfill the goal of sixteen rounds daily. ==If you must fall short of this because you have so much service to render to Krsna, do not become disturbed by this. But you should not fall too much short of this goal. That will not be good.”== ([[letters/1969/690729_paramananda|Paramananda, 29 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 ==“I am very pleased to note that you are chanting twenty-five rounds daily. Please continue in this way, and more and more Krsna will be pleased to bless you with intelligence to understand Krsna consciousness. I hope you are well.”== (SPL to Yoland, 30th July,* 1969) 69-08 ==“You should chant on these beads sixteen rounds every day and avoid the following offenses:== **1)Blaspheming the Lord's devotee, 2) Considering the Lord and the demigods on the same level, 3) Neglecting the orders of the spiritual master, 4) Minimizing the authority of the scriptures, 5) Interpreting the holy name of God, 6) Committing sin on the strength of chanting, 7) Instructing the glories of the Lord's name to the unfaithful, 8) Comparing the holy name with material piety, 9) Inattention while chanting the holy name, 10) Attachment to material things while engaged in the practice of chanting.” ([[letters/1969/690819_jananivasa|Jananivasa, 19 August, 1969]]) *** 69-09 * * ==“Regarding your question, ’What does Rama mean in Hare Rama? Is this Balarama or Lord Ramacandra?’ You can take it both ways because there is no difference between Ramacandra and Balarama== * .* Generally it means Krsna because Rama means enjoyer. So either Ramacandra, Balarama or Krsna are all Visnu-tattvas and are always enjoying. The * sakti-tattva * or * jiva-tattva * is always enjoyed. Our position is always predominated. If we remain in that position and properly use * * our small independence then we remain happy eternally. But artificially if we want to be independent and imitate the Supreme enjoyer then it is delusion. Material life means trying to imitate the enjoyer and spiritual life means to remain in one’s eternal position as enjoyed. This Hare Krsna *mantra* is addressed to the energy of the Lord, and the Lord Himself to keep the chanter in his eternal position of being enjoyed. The prayer is ’My Lord, O the spiritual energy of the Lord, kindly keep me engaged in Your service.' Regarding your other question, Krsna in His four-handed Visnu form is within our hearts, but He is not different from two-handed Krsna.” ([[letters/1969/690909_arundhati|Arundhati, 9 September, 1969]]) *** 69-10 * * ==“Regarding the information you heard that it is all right to neglect one's sixteen rounds as a daily minimum, this is wrong. Everyone should strictly follow the regulations of sixteen rounds daily. If one is busy for other Krsna consciousness activities and cannot fulfill the regular routine of chanting, he must compensate it the next day,== * * curtailing his activities in the matter of sleeping or eating or any other sense gratification process. So far as how long each day to go out on *sankirtana* party, Caitanya Mahaprabhu prescribes to chant Hare Krsna *mantra* twenty-four hours. So if you can do so, it is very nice. Otherwise, as much as possible. *Sankirtana* is our life and soul.” ([[letters/1969/691011_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 11 October, 1969]]) *** 69-10 “Regarding your business and spiritual practices, ==I give you special permission as follows: you find out of twenty-four hours at least one hour conveniently for chanting Hare Krsna with great attention, either by the Deities or any place, without being disturbed by anyone else.== * * So you have twenty-three hours for other things. Now these twenty-three hours, whatever you do in them, either eating or working or sleeping, you always try to think of Krsna. That will keep you intact in Krsna consciousness. If one is always careful about falling down and prays to Krsna that he may not fall down on account of greater strength of * maya, * then Krsna will give him special protection. This was advised to Arjuna by Krsna himself. Arjuna was a great fighter, statesman, and at the same time a great devotee. A statesman and military commander has very little time to perform the routine work of devotional service, but Krsna advised him especially to be engaged in his occupational duty, and at the same time always be thinking of Krsna. This is the secret of not being a victim of * maya. * Rayarama’s case is different. He definitely denied my instructions. I asked him to come to me and live with me, and he definitely denied. So this denial is cause of his temporary suspension of devotional life, but if he has executed devotional service in the past sincerely, I think he cannot go back.” (SPL to Gargamuni, October 29th* , 1969) 69-11 “Regarding the vows and chanting method you have adopted, it is very nice. But ==do not impose something which will be difficult to execute.== * * There is no need of fasting once every week. Two days fasting per month on Ekadasi is sufficient. Besides that there are other special fasting days. Spiritual realization depends on austerities and vows, but in this age by the mercy of Krsna and Lord Caitanya we need not undergo very severe penances, as we are unable to do it. The rules and regulations which we have already prescribed that is sufficient for ordinary men. ==But as you have increased the chanting of beads to twenty-five rounds daily that is very nice.”== (SPL to Rudra, 11th* November, 1969) 69-11 * * ==“Regarding omkara you may know that om is the impersonal sound form of Krsna. Those who are unable to utter immediately the sweet name of Krsna, they are recommended to chant om== . Just like a child is taught to make a particular type of sound, and thus he learns the name of the father, mother and other relatives. That is the beginning. So in the beginning, * om * is the right vibration of transcendental sound, and the meaning is to address the Supreme Lord. Our business is directly with the Supreme Lord. Impersonal feature of the Lord is just like the illumination of the lamp. The lamp is the more important thing. You will gradually understand all these features of the Absolute Truth if you read * Bhagavad-Gita * and adhere to the regulative principles. If there is difficulty in understanding you consult with Brahmananda, or still further you send your enquiry to me. Thank you very much for your letter.” (SPL to Harold Torf, 15th* November, 1969) 70-01 “Regarding your question: you are right when you write to say that everything about us, tables, chairs, bricks, etc. is originally emanating from sound vibration. This is also admitted in the Christian *Bible* wherein it is said that, ’God said, “Let there be creation.” And there was creation.’ So ’said’ means it was sound vibration; but this sound vibration is not material sound vibration because before creation of the material sky and sound, transcendental sound was there. So actually the transcendental sound is the cause of the creation but material sound is not transcendental sound. We have to receive transcendental sound through the transcendental channel therefore, *Vedas* are called *sruti.* That means transcendental sound can be received through the ear. ==And by hearing this== * * ==transcendental sound through the ear our heart becomes spiritually purified, and we can realize at that stage the transcendental name, transcendental qualities, transcendental form, transcendental pastimes, etc.== * * This is the way of the descending process. Because everything manifested is creation of the original transcendental sound, therefore factually everything is spiritual. But being covered by material cloud we do not appreciate properly the spiritual nature of everything. The Krsna consciousness movement means gradually advancing towards that stage of spiritual realization. As such, the philosophy of *acintyabhedabheda-tattva* is perfect. Everything is simultaneously one and different from the Supreme. One in quality because the original source is the spiritual whole, and different in quantity. This quantitative difference becomes more and more separate by increase of material consciousness.” ([[letters/1970/700123_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 23 January, 1970]]) *** 70-01 ** ==“Amongst all our duties surely we must not forget to complete our sixteen rounds. We should not be carried away simply by Krsna duties which are also regarded as good as chanting, but in all circumstances we shall not forget this duty… Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice—in the morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered.”== (SPL to Ranadhira, January 24th, 1970) ==70-01 “Herewith, I am returning back the new beads duly chanted. The former beads may be kept with you and if some new boy comes and wants to chant, you may lend him the beads—not to be taken away by him, but to be used for chanting while he is in the temple. Otherwise, you can keep them carefully and they may be used in some emergency.”== ([[letters/1970/700130_cidananda|Cidananda, 30 January, 1970]]) ==70-02 “When we chant, we must concentrate our mind on the sound vibration and in that way everything will be revealed one after another: the form, the qualities, pastimes, etc. of the Lord. And this is the way of cultivating spiritual realization.”== ([[letters/1970/700227_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 27 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 ** ==“It is very encouraging to me that you are regularly chanting your twenty rounds of beads daily. Be careful never to decrease but increase the number and you will become more strong in Krsna consciousness. So continue to tend your Deities first-class and be happy in Krsna's service.”== ([[letters/1970/700303_manager_of_bank_of_baroda|Mr. DDD, 3 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 ** ==“In this connection, in order to remain fixed in spiritual strength, always be sure to chant the prescribed sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail. This is essential for insuring your spiritual progress.”== ([[letters/1970/700309_rudra|Rudra, 9 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 ** ==“I do not know just what has happened to your old beads, but you should keep your beads always very, very carefully, they are your direct link with Krsna.”== ([[letters/1970/700407_giriraja|Giriraja, 7 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “I am very glad to learn also that you are feeling joy while chanting the *mantra* Hare Krsna. Yes, it is exactly like this. If anyone chants this *mantra* in good faith and in simple understanding, then surely this transcendental vibration will act immediately in spiritual bliss. Please therefore continue to chant this *mantra* as many times as possible throughout the day and night. I do not think there is any inconvenience or loss on your part if you do so all the time ==. Even when you are walking you can softly chant Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna or even when you are on the bus going to somewhere you can also chant. When you are working with your hands you can also chant== * * and when you are resting or going to take rest you can also chant. Even in your toilet room while taking bath you can also chant. In this way there is no limitation or restriction for chanting this holy name of God, Krsna and His energy, Hara. In doing this business there is no loss, but there is very great gain which is transcendental realization.” ([[letters/1970/700422_brahmananda|Sriman Minoru* and Kenji, 22 April, 1970]]) *** 71-01 “I am so glad to hear how you are strictly following the regulative principles of devotional service and chanting regularly sixteen rounds daily, mostly before Lord Jagannatha. That is our strength in spiritual life and will make for your rapid advancement in Krsna consciousness. There are three stages of chanting: offensively; free of offense, or in the liberated stage; and in full love of Godhead. ==Simply continue chanting and any offenses you may be committing, because they are not intentional, will soon vanish by the grace of Lord Jagannatha."== (SPL to Sri Govinda, January 21st, 1971) 71-03 ** ==“Your beads are also duly enclosed and to keep them strong they should be soaked in oil; mustard oil will do. Also they should be re-strung properly.”== (SPL to Anandini devi dasi, March 30th, 1971) 71-05 “So that is perfection in Krsna consciousness; to be so much engaged in Krsna’s loving service that you cannot bear separation from that service, not even for a moment. So somehow or other always be engaged. And if there is nothing else, you can always sit down and chant Hare Krsna *mantra.* ==Sixteen rounds daily is the minimal requirement, but you should chant Hare Krsna as much as possible.== And follow all the regulative principles strictly. Read all our books, attend classes and go for street *sankirtana.* In ====this way be engaged in Krsna's business twenty-four hours and you will be happy and in the end you will go back home, back to Godhead.” (SPL to Kirtika, May 21st, 1971) ==71-06 “Generally it is the process to simply chant and hear, but if Krsna's lila comes into remembrance, that is very good. It should come automatically. Not that you are remembering artificially.”== (SPL to Prahladananda, June 17th, 1971) ==71-07 “A1l these initiation beads should be kept very carefully and protected. It is not a question of changing beads, but this carelessness, of losing beads, is not very good. You are very intelligent boy, so you should be careful and instruct others also. So keep your beads in a bag and keep the bag around your neck. Then you won't lose.”== ([[letters/1971/710706_hrdayananda|Hrdayananda, 6 July, 1971]]) ==71-12 “If there are broken beads, they may simply be replaced without that I have to chant on them. Once sanctified by the spiritual master, your chanting of Hare Krsna is eternally blessed.”== (SPL to Upendra, 8th, December, 1971) ==71-12 “Also, I have sent beads of Sukhasagari dasi, duly chanted. In cases when beads are lost, it is not necessary to give new ones to the spiritual master for again chanting. Once the disciple has received the Hare Krsna mantra from the spiritual master, that is an eternal blessing, whether these beads or those beads.”== (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, December 10th, 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 public's 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 least sixteen rounds daily. So if necessary sleep less but you have to finish your minimum number of rounds.”== (SPL to Kirtiraja, January 2nd, 1972) ==72-01 “Chanting japa should be done early in the morning with full concentration preferably during the Brahma-muhurta time. Concentrate fully on the sound vibration of the mantra,== pronouncing each name distinctly and gradually your speed in chanting will increase naturally. Do not worry so much about chanting fast, most important is the hearing. A devotee should always be grave and silent which means that he only discusses topics relating to Krsna consciousness. Yes, spend your time chanting and reading and taking Krsna *prasadam* and automatically your tongue will come under control. If ====you sincerely engage twenty-four hours daily in devotional service according to the instructions of the spiritual master, chant daily sixteen rounds, attend the *arati* ceremony of Lord Krsna, associate with the devotees and adhere strictly to the regulative principles, then Krsna will reveal Himself personally to you.” (SPL to Radhaballabha dasa, January 6th, 1972) ==72-02 “== So far your other letter, ==devotion does not depend on the body, and in spite of all difficulties we can chant, so long we have got the tongue—and even we have got no tongue we can chant in our mind.== So where is the question of not serving with devotion? On the contrary, I consider that you and your good husband, Gaurasundara, are two of my topmost disciples and the work you are doing greatly encourages and pleases me, therefore do not think that because you are sometimes sick or weak that you are not making any advancement and that you are disappointing me, no. I am always thinking upon you both, that Krsna will give you all His blessings. ==Simply if you are able always to chant Hare Krsna, that is the same as following all other regulative principles.”== (SPL to Govinda dasi, 12th, February, 1972) *** 72-02 “I am glad to hear that you are always keeping engaged in Krsna’s service and chanting Hare Krsna. ==As you chant, try to hear each word very carefully and always complete your sixteen rounds. Regular and attentive chanting, along with following the four regulative principles will keep one pure.== **Simply by following these principles and chanting Hare Krsna one can make his life successful and perfect. So far your two lost beads are concerned, you can simply add two more beads, and because I have already chanted on all the others, they will be sanctified also.” (SPL to Tosana, February 20th, 1972) 72-02 “Your third question, ’What is the explanation of split-personality?’ Actually, there are not two personalities; there is only change of mind. Therefore, the mind has to be fixed up in Krsna, then there is no more extreme change in the mind from one personality to another. There is always only one personality, it is just that if the mind is very disturbed, it may change in extreme way. If such a person is a devotee, ==the best remedy is to sit down very tightly and chant Hare Krsna very loudly and hear for a long time, until he feels himself one-minded and fixed on Krsna’s lotus feet.”== (SPL to Mohanananda, February 27th, 1972) 72-05 “Simply follow the regulative principles with determination, and you will become free from all attachment to *maya,* by Krsna's grace. The example is when the sun is in the sky, there is no question of darkness. Similarly, ==when Hare Krsna mantra is vibrating on your tongue and you are hearing attentively, then your consciousness becomes clear or Krsna consciousness, and there is no question of maya or hazy consciousness.== * * Just as when the light and the darkness come together, the darkness cannot stand before the light, so * maya* cannot remain in the presence of Krsna. Always remember therefore to chant Hare Krsna, and that will save you in all circumstances without any doubt.” (SPL, May 28th, My Dear Sons and Daughters, Denver, 1972) *** 73-07 ** ==“Of course we have to control the mind and I have already instructed you and all my students that the restless fickle mind can only be controlled by putting the mind to the lotus feet of Krsna; and that can best be done by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, and there is no alternative in this age. By chanting without offenses, the devotee cries to Radharani and Krsna, to please lift him out of the material energy and put him into the spiritual energy, which is devotional service.”== ([[letters/1973/730720_tamala_krsnaa|Govinda dasi, 20 July, 1973]]) *** 74-03 ==“All initiated devotees must chant at least sixteen rounds daily, without fail. Now that they are initiated there is no question== * * ==of not doing their rounds== * .* You may hold a fire * yajna* and Jagadisa Prabhu may chant on their beads. In court when a person swears to tell the truth he can be punished by perjury if he does not take it seriously and tells a lie, so those who will promise before the Deity to follow the rules and regulations of initiated disciples will be punished if they fail to do so. I am certain, however, that under your able guidance all the boys and girls are enthusiastic in their duties for Krsna.” ([[letters/1974/740324_dayananda|Dayananda, 24 March, 1974]]) *** 74-06 “You write he is chanting fourteen rounds daily; so you are experienced and know what to do in this case, simply encourage him to chant sixteen rounds. ==The injunction is: kirtaniyah sada harih, one should always be chanting all day. The sixteen rounds is just a minimum I set for my disciples so they will chant at least that much== *.* Actually chanting should always be going on. So I will be anxious to hear that Govardhana has returned and is chanting more seriously, aware that he must do so to remain free from the clutches of *maya.” ([[letters/1974/740625_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 25 June, 1974]]) *** 74-11 ** ==“You are a devotee, and so Krsna will protect you. Always think that Krsna is with you. He is present in His name, so you are always associating with Him”== ([[letters/1974/741125_subala|Annada devi dasi, 25 November, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “It is good that you are keeping under your parent's protection for the time being, but wherever you remain do not forget to follow the four regulative principles and chanting at least sixteen rounds daily. Then all other things will be manifested in you by the grace of Lord Krsna. It is the advice of Narottama dasa Thakura to chant the holy name of Gauranga either if one remains at home or in the forest. ==Similarly, do not forget the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra either you live in the temple or at home.== *” ([[letters/1974/741208_hansadutta|Saci Mata devi dasi, 8 December, 1974]]) ==74-12 “As far as the seven transcendental meters for singing the names of the Lord, that is not so important for now. Better to try to increase the purity of the chanting first, that is our most important thing.”== ([[letters/1974/741215_tribhuvanatha|Bhakta Mark, 15 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 ** ==“Thank you very much for participating in this sankirtana movement. I am glad to hear that you are enthusiastic about chanting. Keep chanting twenty-four hours if possible. This constant chanting of Krsna's names will assure you of not falling down from His service. Never leave the association of devotees, otherwise it will be very difficult to chant constantly.”== ([[letters/1975/750112_mr._lepesqueux|Lesley Fordham, 12 January, 1975]]) *** 75-03 ** ==“The reason for the japa beads is so that you can keep track of how many times you are chanting Hare Krsna mantra daily. It should be chanted a steady amount of times regularly. We chant at least sixteen times around the string of one-hundred-and-eight beads daily (one full mantra on each bead). This keeps us strong in spiritual consciousness.”== ([[letters/1975/750314_mr._dennany|Mr. Lourence, 14 March, 1975]]) *** 75-06 ** ==“...even if there may be some problems, always try to remain in Krsna consciousness. Do not give up chanting the Hare Krsna mantra simply due to some external difficulties. Under all circumstances you should always chant Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This will protect you from all danger of being influenced by maya or the material energy.”== ([[letters/1975/750610_radha_krishna_dhawan|Sudhindra Kisora Raya, 10 June, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“It is your responsibility as the president of the temple to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations, such as chanting sixteen rounds minimum on the beads. Sixteen is the minimum; one can chant more, there is no harm, but one at least must chant the fixed number of rounds.”== ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|Alanatha dasa, 10 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 “I am glad to learn of your interest in Krsna consciousness. You should take up this chanting of Hare Krsna *mantra* very seriously. The devotees in the Frankfurt temple will instruct you how to do it. In this way you can become cured of any mental anxiety. Krsna consciousness is something non-sectarian. It does not depend on Hindu religion or Moslem religion. ==So if you chant the Lord's name and pray to Him, ’What service can I render?,’ then soon you will advance in Krsna consciousness.”== ([[letters/1975/751115_janajanmadhih|Touati Lakhadar, 15 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 ** ==“Considering your problem I will advise you to chant on your lips since you become tired chanting out loud. Also you can sit and hear your Godbrothers chanting. And you can also hear tapes. Do all of these and there should be no problem.”== ([[letters/1976/760116_ajitananda|Ajitananda, 16 January, 1976]]) *** 76-02 “It is your great fortune to be chanting Hare Krsna *mantra.* This is the special purpose of human life. In the other forms of life like the animals, this opportunity is not available. So make your life perfect by becoming Krsna conscious. Spiritual life means to become pure, and chanting Hare Krsna will automatically make you pure. But just as when a physician prescribes a certain medicine, he also describes the conditions under which the medicine will be most effective. Similarly, the chanting will have the most effect if you can abide by the principles of purified living; first, no eating of meat, fish, or eggs; second, no gambling; third, no taking of any kinds of intoxicants such as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, coffee or tea; and fourth, no illicit sex life, which means sex life only within marriage and then only for the purpose of procreating Krsna conscious children. ==If you can follow these principles and chant Hare Krsna, you will make great spiritual advancement.== The best thing is for you to associate with the devotees at the Dallas temple, then it will be much easier.” ([[letters/1976/760201_elaine|Elaine, 1 February, 1976]]) *** 76-05 * * ==“The best thing is that you engage yourself in chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra as many times as possible and Krsna will save you. I wish that all your family members should chant, your wife especially, for your prolonged life.== * * Whenever you find time please go to the Bombay temple and offer your sincere obeisances to Lord Krsna. Nobody's life will continue in this material world but if we practice Krsna consciousness, then certainly by giving up this body one goes back to home, back to Godhead. As said by Lord Krsna, then certainly by giving up this body one goes back to home, back to Godhead. As said by Lord Krsna Himself in the *Bhagavad-gita:* janma karma ca me divyam, evam yo vetti tattvatah *tyaktva deham punarjanma, naiti mam eti so ’rjuna (B.G. 4.9) ’One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.’” ([[letters/1976/760509_trivikrama|Sushil Asnani, 9 May, 1976]]) *** 76-08 “All initiates of mine must strictly follow the four principles of no meat, fish or egg eating; no gambling; no intoxication of any kind; and no illicit sex. ==They must chant sixteen rounds a day minimum with attention, clearly chanting the mantra, and listening very carefully. This is the recommended process for purifying the heart== in this sinful Age of Kali. Be serious to push on this *sankirtana* movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and certainly He will bless you and your life will become prefect: *na ca tasman manusyesu kascin me priya-krttamah;* anyone who preaches this message of the *Bhagavad-gita* is the most dear servant of the Lord.” ([[letters/1976/760826_bhakta_dasa|Bhakta dasa, 26 August, 1976]]) ## Hari-Nama and Temple Worship 69-05 “I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 14th, 1969, and I have received a similar letter from Brahmananda also that you are finding some difficulty in keeping pace regularly with the routine work. My advice to you under the circumstances is that at least for one hour you must all go to have *sankirtana* outside on the streets or in the park. That is your life and soul, first business. The next business is completing the chanting of sixteen rounds every day. The next business is your editing and if you find extra time then you can attend the temple ceremonies. Otherwise you can stop these activities, but outdoor *kirtana,* your editing work and chanting of sixteen rounds must be done. ==Outdoor kirtana must be done, even at the cost of suspending all editorial work. That is your first and foremost business. Temple worship is not so important. If need be, the whole temple can be locked, but the outdoor kirtana cannot be stopped.”== ([[letters/1969/690517_rayarama|Rayarama, 17 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I have received a letter from my Godbrother informing me it has been advertised in India that in Vietnam also somebody is spreading Hare Krsna movement. So there is no need to be disappointed. You go on with your work as best as Krsna gives you the opportunity, and there is no cause of your anxiety. Everything is going smoothly. But since you are now separated the strength of your activities appears to be a little disturbed. Now you try to assemble together in the same spirit as you were doing, and in that case, temple or no temple, your movement will go on progressively. ==We are not much concerned about the temple because temple worship is not primary factor in this age. Primary factor is sankirtana. But sometimes we want a center where people may gather and see, so a temple is required secondarily.== **So try your best immediately to live together. I am very much eager to see that you are again living together.” ([[letters/1969/690527_mukunda|Mukunda, 27 May, 1969]]) *** 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]]) *** 70-02 ==“I am so glad to learn that you are taking very much interest in Deity worship and such activities must be accompanied with chanting of the holy name regularly. Actually chanting of the holy name regularly is our life and soul, and on the basis of such activities all other devotional service will sustain.” ([[letters/1970/700210_ekayani|Ekayani, 10 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 ==“I am very pleased to note that you are nicely engaged in preparing bhoga at the Boston temple and you are also going on sankirtana. Please study very carefully all our books and learn our philosophy with the help of our many experienced students there in Boston, and remain happy in Krsna consciousness under the care and guidance of Sriman Satsvarupa and Sriman Brahmananda as you are their younger sister.”== ([[letters/1970/700221_manmohini|Manmohini, 21 February, 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 Los Angeles 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. Now everything is there and you are also experienced, therefore go on opening branches as many as possible and preach the *sankirtana* movement to your best capacity. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura entrusted the responsibility to my Guru Maharaja and he also in his turn empowered us to do the work. Similarly, I am requesting you, all my European and American students, to spread this movement city to city and village to village and make all people of the world happy. Actually, they are missing the central point--Krsna, therefore they are unhappy. Let us inform them about this missing point and certainly they will be happy.” ([[letters/1970/700312_citsukhananda|Hamsaduta, 12 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 especially 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]]) *** 70-07 “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 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) 71-04 “So far as waiting for sending Deities, that is all right. Although there is no Deity, still this Hare Krsna *mantra* is considered to be the sound vibration incarnation of Krsna. ==Actually we should give more stress in worshiping the incarnation of sound vibration but whenever there is possibility of installing Deities and strictly following the regulations of worship, we shall do this, but the essential part of our activities is to worship the sound incarnation.”== (SPL to Visnujana Maharaja, April 4th, 1971) 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 are 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_sudama|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 s *ankirtana* 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 s *ankirtana* 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 fitted out 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]]) ## Hari-Nama Sankirtana 67-05 “You have done right by attaching a lace on the *mrdanga* just to make it convenient playing while dancing. I request you to get more *mrdangas,* of course the first consignment of *mrdangas* and the cymbals, I sent money from my personal book account, but if you want more *mrdangas* you will have to arrange to pay. A first-class *mrdanga* available in India is about ten dollars. I think you should get at least four *mrdangas* and teach, so that other students can also play on it, ==so if there are three or four mrdangas played at the park and there are about twenty pairs of cymbals then the kirtana will be more beautiful.== * * We have to popularize this movement everywhere, so if you send me $100 then I can secure for you one best harmonium and two * mrdangas* and three pairs of cymbals.” ([[letters/1967/670505_mukunda|Mukunda, 5 May, 1967]]) *** 68-02 “Regarding *kirtana* party: my idea is that ==at least one dozen persons should form a kirtana party. Two persons play mrdangas, eight persons play karatalas, one person playing tambora, and one person playing melodious harmonium.== * * The person who will play on * tambora * will be leader singer. You have just calculated what I want, when you suggest that the leader should sing as I do and the others will respond. That will be very nice. But all the members of the party will be pure devotees. None of them should be outsiders. We do not want any outsiders as far as possible. * Mrdanga * playing as you are doing at present will make you more and more expert as you go on playing. Here also I see Gaurasundara simply by playing is improving. If all the members keep their faith in Krsna and try to please Him certainly everyone will be pleased by hearing our * kirtana. * It is sure and certain. When such * kirtana * will be demonstrated, only the harmonium player may sit and all the others may stand up and join the * kirtana, * and dancing properly dressed. This is the actual idea and I hope if such * kirtanas * are performed even on public stage, we can sell tickets. That will be a source of earning to maintain our activities. I am glad that Purusottama is trying to get our Society recognized in the UN as a non-government organization. And if it is successful, then we shall be able to perform * kirtana * on the UN stage. And if we are recognized by the representatives of different nations, then we may be invited from different parts of the world, then our * sankirtana* movement will be successful. Our process will remain the same eternally, namely, to begin with *sankirtana* and prolong it at least for one half-hour; then speak something from *Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Brahma-saḥhitā,* etc., and invite questions and answer then. Then again concluded by chanting. This is my dream or idea, and I shall be glad if you, Brahmananda, Purusottama, Rayarama and others can give this idea a practical shape and life, then I shall be very much thankful to you. Please convey my blessings to your good wife, Himavati, and I hope to meet you both very soon. Hope you are both well.” ([[letters/1968/680204_labangalatika|Hamsaduta, 4 February, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “My advice to you is to continue your good attitude that you are keeping now and this alone will help you in advancing your cause of Krsna consciousness. Yes, it will be great advantage if you can chant so much as one *lakh* of names daily, and also read scriptures. This is good opportunity for you to learn to sing all the verses in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* as you began to do so nicely in San Francisco. That will be very nice. Namacarya Haridasa Thakura was taken to the jail and he told the prisoners there: ’Oh!, you are so fortunate to have this opportunity to sit and chant the holy names without the *maya* distractions of the outer world!’ So you should think like that, and use your time in the prison-house to the greatest advantage for spiritual advancement. Please note that the other side of this page was appearing in the very popular magazine *New Yorker,* and ==even they are chanting Hare Krsna in mockery still it doesn't matter. Just so long as they are chanting Hare Krsna, that is the success of our mission.== * * The Kazi's men were breaking up the * kirtana* parties of the Lord and in mockery some of them chanted Hare Krsna, and thereafter, their tongues would not stop singing Hare Krsna. Our tongues should be like that, unable to ever stop singing the glories of the Lord. We practice, and some day it will be like that.” ([[letters/1968/680205_upendra|Upendra, 5 February, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “I have seen the *Life Magazine* article; the pictures have come very sublime and imperceptibly they have admitted our super-excellence of chanting Hare Krsna. You have marked it that they have said, ’The chanting of Hare Krsna continues to vibrate the brain for several days.’ We ==want to inject this transcendental poison into the heart of the maya serpent bitten people in general.== * * Krsna consciousness, by the sound of Hare Krsna, if it continues for a moment in the brain of the rascals, then certainly it will act in the future to help them to become Krsna conscious. In the * Bhagavad-gita * it is said: * svalpam apy asya dharmasya, trayate mahato bhayat. Bhayat * means fearfulness. Even a slight injection of this transcendental vibration can save one from the greatest danger. In future, of course, we shall not be a very cheap plaything in the hands of the so called publicity leaders in the kingdom of * maya.* We simply give them a little chance to serve Krsna, but we cannot accept their leadership. In future, therefore, we shall agree to such publicity if they publish about ourselves exclusively. I think the television proposal as written by you may be utilized in that way.” ([[letters/1968/680208_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 8 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “I have noted the contents and your attitude of service is so nice. ==I am pleased to hear that you have begun practicing for the kirtana party. Please keep me informed how you are progressing. Yes, if you like you can also arrange for costumes and wig; one boy may be dressed as Lord Caitanya, another as Nityananda,== **as well as Gadadhara, Advaita with white beard and Srivasa with shaven head. Responsive chanting is very nice; one good singer may lead and the others may join in. That is the system in India. It is very good for two reasons especially. One, the chanter gets to rest, so he does not become tired, and two, you get to chant and hear; that is the process. You may also have melodious accompaniment of instruments and amplifiers. Blowing of the conchshell and horns is very nice.” ([[letters/1968/680303_hansadutta_himavati|Hamsaduta and Himavati, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “Some years before when I was staying in your Prema Kutir you expressed your desire to organize a *sankirtana* party, and I wish that it may be done now to help me in my mission. If you have got opportunity to purchase one copy of *Life Magazine* published February 9th, 1968, you will find there on page fifty-six, how nicely the American boys and girls are dancing and chanting the holy name of the Lord. A *sankirtana* party as they can be organized in India is not possible here. Here the boys and girls are very serious about chanting but they are not trained singers, or singers in the tune we chant in India. Therefore, I wish that if you organize a *sankirtana* party there, completely trained in spiritual ways and the American students combine with them, I think a very nice *sankirtana* party can be organized to travel all over the world. ==I have tested it definitely that melodious vibration of sankirtana, if they are performed by serious devotees, can attract people from the very spiritual platform== *,* and it at once makes the spiritual background very smooth, when a spiritual instruction from *Bhagavad-gita* can be implemented very nicely. So my first concrete program is that if you agree to organize such a *sankirtana* party, a batch of my American students may join and I can combine these American and Indian devotees together under discipline. The American boys are being trained up strictly on spiritual line, which I have already explained to you in my last letter. Similarly, the Indian boys or girls must be spiritually trained; it is only by spiritually trained vibration that can implement spiritual seeds in the heart of the audience, not otherwise. So if you agree to cooperate with me in this direction, then I wish to go with a batch of American students to your care and stay in Bombay for some time, and try to open a branch in Bombay of our Society. Here we have got 6 temples already, and they are being nicely managed by the American Vaisnavas under strict discipline, without their being born in any Hindu family. Similarly, in Bombay we are inviting all classes of men to join us; we have no distinction of caste, creed, color or religion. Anyone can join us, never mind whatever he is. We shall entertain Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, or whoever may come. We shall have no restriction. In that temple everyone will be welcome. In other words, in our secular state an international feeling of God consciousness will be introduced where no one will be restricted. And I am glad to inform you that this principle is accepted by everyone working under me. So, the sum and substance of the concrete program is to organize a nice *sankirtana* party in combination of Indian and American students. I want your cooperation in this adventure.” ([[letters/1968/680303_hansadutta_himavati|Harikishand Agarwal, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “I am very glad that Krsna is already dictating to you how to make perfect the *sankirtana* party. I completely agree with you about our program of travelling across the country, being booked in several places. And I am glad that our friend, Allan Ginsburg, is helping you. There is no doubt about our success if we can make this *kirtana* party successful. The most important point in this connection is that we shall never be professional; that is to say, we shall try to make the *kirtana* party perfect from the point of view of Krsna consciousness. The idea of introducing Panca-tattva in the *kirtana* party was also contemplated by me. Not only that, we have to prepare different dresses for Radha and Krsna and Their eight confidential associates, *sakhis.* Sometimes you have to dress somebody as Nrsimhadeva and Prahlada; in this way we shall have varieties of show along with *kirtana,* and all the varieties will be picked up from the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and *Bhagavad-gita.* We have to teach the *brahmacaris* and the *brahmacarinis* to speak in Sanskrit some of the verses in this connection, and we explain the verses by singing, chanting and speaking also. Sometimes in the middle of chanting and singing, we shall speak also. ==So all these variety shows will be so attractive with melodious musical sounds, and above all our good behavior and advanced Krsna consciousness will make this show very successful.== In the meantime, you train the *kirtana* party as you are doing, and the responsive method is all perfect. I have already written to you in my last letter in this connection, and I again say that the responsive method should be practiced. There may be more than one singer, just like you may take the leader's seat, sometimes Jaya Govinda may take the leader's seat; sometimes others may take the leader's seat, but the method of chanting and responding and then chanting should always be followed. When I come to New York certainly we shall devise plans on this touring program, not only travelling within the States, but also travelling all over the world. And when we go to India in the course of our travel, we shall collect some Indian devotees to join us *.* Not only Indian, we shall gradually collect devotees from all over the world without any discrimination. Our Krsna consciousness movement must be all-pervading as Krsna is all-pervading.” ([[letters/1968/680304_brahmananda|Hamsaduta, 4 March, 1968]]) *** 68-06 ** ==“I am going to Montreal on Monday, June 3rd, and if I find Montreal quite suitable I shall call you and some other students to assemble there to practice sankirtana in a systematic way. Of course, chanting Hare Krsna does not require any artificial artistic sense, but still, if the procedure is presented rhythmically, then the people may be attracted more by the transcendental music.”== ([[letters/1968/680601_upendra|Upendra, 1 June, 1968]]) *** 68-06 “Your presence in the London center with other assistants will be greatly helpful, considering the fact that I wish to form a nice *kirtana* party consisting of twelve heads-two *mrdanga* players, one harmonium player in melody, one *tambora* player, and at least six cymbal players. In this way ==twelve heads shall perform kirtana very rhythmically and melodiously. The harmonium should be practiced just to follow the song; not simply for tuning== *.* I think you can very well organize this *sankirtana* party and if we have a successful *sankirtana* party with me, backed by our books and literature, we can make a nice propaganda of this sublime movement in all the European cities. And if we are successful in Europe then we may go to other countries also in Asia. In India also if we go with this *sankirtana* party we shall be very much welcome and there is great possibility of cooperation of the richer section of India. So I am thinking of organizing this nice *sankirtana* party very seriously and you may also think in that way.” ([[letters/1968/680611_mukunda|Mukunda, 11 June, 1968]]) *** 68-06 ** ==“It is very good news that you have got good prospects of the future of that center in Buffalo. And you will be glad to know that in New York and Boston, by following this process of chanting in public places like parks and streets, they are getting a very good response by contributions from the public as well as by selling our literatures.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, June, 1968) *** 68-06 “Those who are agitated in the mind, they will hear neither Krsna conscious philosophy nor Christian philosophy. So to make the mind smoother, you should chant Hare Krsna nicely, not to do it by changing the philosophical topics. The chanting will work. ==When there is no possibility of talking philosophy, we should simply chant, nothing more. Don't talk anything. That will help both the singer and the audience.== **Your little speech is very nice. Caitanya Mahaprabhu also said there are millions of names of God, and one can chant anyone of them he prefers. We chant Hare Krsna because Lord Caitanya also chanted Hare Krsna. We recommend to chant any name of God, but we prefer to chant the holy name of God, Krsna, following the footprints of Lord Caitanya.” (SPL, unidentified) 68-07 “ ==I understand that Mukunda is leading now a nice kirtana party in the streets and there is good response. The time is fast approaching when we will have to perform such public kirtana in all the important cities of the world. Here also, in the Expo, they have performed kirtana for two days, and it is wonderfully successful.”== (SPL to Yamuna, July, 1968) *** 68-07 “Here I have gotten some encouragement by recent *kirtana* performances in the Expo. For two days they have paid us $300, and maybe they will be required to perform *kirtana* for a few days more. Similarly, I have got one encouraging letter from San Francisco written by Tamala Krsna, that there is good collection in the *kirtana* performances led by Mukunda. I have asked Hamsaduta to open correspondence with you to make plans how to go to London. I understand that he has got already $1500-$1600 in this account. The thing is that twelve to fifteen heads will have to go there. First of all we have to accommodate ourselves in a nice place. And I am so glad you have already written to Annaprasana’s father and as soon as some plan is fixed up, we start immediately. It may be that we may not even wait up to the end of August. ==My special instruction to you all is that you practice sankirtana very rhythmically and in a responsive way. That means one should chant first, and others should follow him.== **That is a very nice system. I understand from Gurudasa that you had some meeting among yourselves to chalk out the plan and I shall be glad to know what plan you have made, as he has mentioned this meeting in his letter, which I am replying herewith.” ([[letters/1968/680715_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 15 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 ==“So far sankirtana is concerned, that should be continued in all circumstances. Chanting of Hare Krsna, sankirtana is our life and soul. Side by side, if possible, then you can attempt for ISKCON restaurant and Krsna prasadam distribution, but this I think is secondary.”== (SPL to Nathan Baruch, August 7th, 1968) 68-08 * * ==“Kirtana means both lecturing and chanting with music. The chanting with music is especially attractive for the mass of people, but talking from philosophical point of view on Krsna consciousness is also chanting.== The whole * Srimad-Bhagavatam * is full of philosophical discussions and we are prepared to present our Krsna consciousness movement both ways, whichever is suitable in special circumstances. If Mr. Renovich is interested only in philosophical discussions, we are prepared for that. But at the same time we are concerned mostly with the mass of people, therefore Hare Krsna * kirtana* is our life and soul. So there is no problem if Mr. Renovich is especially interested in scholarly philosophical discussions.” ([[letters/1968/680814_upendra|Upendra, 14 August, 1968]]) *** 68-08 “Chanting in the park and on the street is our new movement and it is successful. It has become successful in San Francisco, in New York, as well as in Montreal. So if we adopt this means in Los Angeles, I am sure it will also become successful. In San Francisco, I understand the *kirtana* party collects sometimes up to $40 daily, and Montreal, the other day, Hamsaduta collected $24, similarly I hear from Boston they are also making good collection. ==So if you can organize this sankirtana party chanting in the parks and in the street, with permit from the authorities, there will be no scarcity of money and people will be very glad to contribute.”== ([[letters/1968/680824_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 24 August, 1968]]) ==68-09 “…..I am so glad to learn that you have got permission to chant in the park. Previously you sent me the press clippings, and I have seen that there was some difficulty, now by Krsna's grace you have got permission. Do not mind that the park is not visited by many people. But, if you chant many people will come. That will make your attempt successful.”== ([[letters/1968/680909_subala|Subala, 9 September, 1968]]) *** 68-11 ==“Also your description of progress in kirtana performance with Gurudasa playing sitar and Mukunda playing kohl is encouraging. Practically we see that as we sincerely try to improve our chanting for the pleasure of Krsna, Krsna reciprocates and we feel our greatest pleasure which is devotional service to the Lord. So, you may continue with this method, it is very nice and approved by me.”== ([[letters/1968/681124_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 24 November, 1968]]) *** 68-12 * * ==“Regarding chanting in the street and being chased by the police, this is not good at all. The best thing is to invite people in our temple and chant peacefully.== * * If a person can sell from seven to twelve magazines individually there is no need of making a procession of chanters and thereby disturbing the police equilibrium. If you can sell *Back to Godhead* individually as proposed by you, and some copies of our books like *Bhagavad-gita As It Is,* that will be a great success. And there is no need of leading a procession of chanters for this purpose. The idea submitted by you is very nice, and I have given my 100% approval and I have given my opinion as above mentioned. Now you can do with intelligence depending on the supreme will of Krsna. I hope this will meet you in good health, and offer my blessings to all other devotees there.’ (SPL to Cidananda, December 24th, 1968) 69-01 “I am very pleased to note that the newspaper article which you had helped arrange has resulted in much interest in our movement in Hawaii. ==It is also very encouraging to note that you are going out onto the streets to chant and preach to the people there. This is a very good policy, and as far as possible you should continue to go out and let the local inhabitants of Hawaii become very familiar with the sound of the Hare Krsna mantra.== **This will insure the success of our center there and it is also very pleasing to Krsna to see His devotee taking courage in this way. So by no means should you give up this very nice activity.” ([[letters/1969/690125_mahapurusa|Mahapurusa, 25 January, 1969]]) *** 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]]) ==69-02 “You will be glad to know that in London they are doing very nicely and a report was published in some San Francisco paper with the heading, KRSNA CHANT STARTLES LONDON.== So you shall also try to startle Germany with the Krsna chant. That should be our main program, and publishing of *Back to Godhead* is a bigger chanting process. With *mrdanga* you can chant within the boundary of your temple, but by publishing *Back to Godhead* you can chant throughout the German speaking land. So both *mrdanga* and *Back to Godhead* is our life and soul.” ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Krsna dasa, 13 February, 1969]]) *** 69-02 ** ==“By no means should you stop kirtana and chanting. Of course I know that you cannot stop kirtana or chanting but it must be done regularly because that is our strength. We are always in the whirlpool of maya and only this chanting of mantra can save us from all pitfalls.”== ([[letters/1969/690226_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 26 February, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I thank you very much for sending me the poster with pictures of Mr. Ginsburg and myself. It is very nicely done. From now on I shall lead the *kirtana.* I shall first of all chant and our devotees should respond as usual. And Mr. Ginsburg will also be amongst our devotees and the public will be requested to follow this response. In this way there shall be *kirtana* performance for at least half-an-hour. For our men ==I want four mrdangas and twelve karatalas or cymbals. If Kīrtanānanda can play the harmonium melodiously along with the chanting it will be nice. If somebody can play the Tambora, that will be still more nice. But they should be rhythmically played.== * * So I do not know how many devotees are there or how many * mrdangas * are there, but we will require four * mrdangas. * If this is deficient now in men or * mrdangas * then you should arrange for that by calling New York men and Buffalo men. Recently I have made one record in Los Angeles, so in trying to train our men in that rhythm is not difficult. Just arrange for sixteen men, four * mrdangas, * harmonium, tambora and the rest playing * karatalas. * If we can perform * kirtana* following the recently made recording, it will be marvellous. The summary is that you should make the above preparations for when the advertised meeting is held.’ ([[letters/1969/690503_hayagriva_pradyumna|Hayagriva and Pradyumna, 3 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 ’Regarding your questions about *sankirtana* party, I think you should try to always have *sankirtana* going on. All other things are subsidiary. ==This chanting is our life and soul, so we must arrange our program now so that there will be as much chanting on the streets and at college engagements as possible.== **On May 12th we had a very successful engagement at Ohio State University, and over one thousands boys and girls were chanting and dancing along with us. So this policy should be continued as far as possible.” ([[letters/1969/690514_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 14 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I am very pleased to note that there are some nice boys and girls who are joining you at *kirtana.* Try to show them the importance of our movement, and the best way of doing this is by *sankirtana.* Here in Columbus we had a very big meeting at the Ohio State University and more than one thousand students were chanting and dancing along with us. So there is very good potential for spreading our movement amongst the college students and if we simply present them with the opportunity of chanting with us, and then we lecture on *Bhagavad-gita As It Is,* then surely many intelligent people will become attracted. ==So sankirtana party in the streets and sankirtana party in school engagements should be our chief business. This will assure success in our propaganda activities.”== ([[letters/1969/690514_ananda|Ananda, 14 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I am very much encouraged to receive your letter of May 12th 1969 along with the German articles published in two different papers with pictures. ==It is very, very encouraging that you are holding kirtans in public places and someway or other people are becoming interested. These outdoor kirtans should be rigidly followed at least one hour daily. That will make our movement popular there.== * * We have good experience here in every city, especially Los Angeles, New York, Boston and here in Columbus. This is making our movement very popular more and more, so in any circumstances, you all go out together outdoors for * kirtana* at least for one hour daily.” ([[letters/1969/690517_rupanuga|Krsna dasa, 17 May, 1969]]) ==69-05 “Try to keep nice peace with the police as far as possible, because our method is to be tolerant more than the tree and humbler than the grass on the street. We don't mind for so-called prestige. If keeping peaceful we can execute our Krsna consciousness duties, that is all we want.”== ([[letters/1969/690531_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 31 May, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “Regarding registration of the Society you can simply translate our New York registration form into German and submit it to the court clerk, depositing the requisite fees, and I == == think that will finish the registration problem. == If the police do not allow you to perform kirtana in public places, do not disobey their orders. Try to abide by the law of the state for taking advantage of performing kirtana as far as possible.”== ([[letters/1969/690613_mukunda|Krsna dasa, 13 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 * * ==“Regarding the difficulties you are having because of the police stopping your chanting in the streets, when Subala was arrested in Philadelphia for this same reason the judge declared him as ’not guilty' when he learned of the nature of our movement and the purpose of our collecting.== Subala has testimonial of this ’not guilty’ verdict as declared by the judge, so if you think it will be of help to you in getting permission from the police for chanting on the streets, then you may write to Subala for a xerox copy of this testimonial.” (SPL to Gaurasundara, 2nd August* , 1969) ==69-08 “Sankirtana is the tried and proven method of propagating all aspects of our Krsna consciousness movement, so continue to go out chanting in the streets as much as possible.”== (SPL to Jayapataka, August 1st, 1969) ==69-08 “I am pleased to learn that your center and the Vancouver center are cooperating together to propagate this movement. Your idea of joining together on sankirtana once in a month for large scale sankirtana party is nice, and you may do it conveniently.”== ([[letters/1969/690816_upendra|Upendra, 16 August, 1969]]) *** 69-09 “I can understand that Krsna is giving you encouragement to increase the strength of Detroit center because you write to say that there is a big article to be printed in the largest Detroit paper and you have already arranged for two university courses. This is very encouraging news, and please forward a copy of the article to me when it is printed. ==You should try now to obtain permission for chanting on the streets. This will greatly enhance your activities there in every respect. Sankirtana is our very life and soul,== so try to take permission from the authorities as soon as possible. I understand that you are very sincere soul ==and surely Krsna will show His favor upon you.”== (SPL to Jagadisa, September 7th, 1969) 69-10 “I understand from your letter of October 8th that there is a struggle with the Kazi. This obstacle by the Kazi is not new to our Krsna consciousness movement. It was there even during the time of Lord Caitanya, but ==we must steadily go on with our activities without caring for these so-called custodians of law. We are the most lawful citizens in the world,== but if some demon Kazi gives stumbling to our execution of duties, we cannot abide by such order. I am very glad to learn that some of the Catholic priests are sympathetic with our movement. The government says, ’In God We Trust,’ and we are preaching the message of love of God, pleading with the people to become servants of God. So where is the cause of breaking the public peace? I am enclosing herewith a declaration of our Krsna consciousness movement which you may present in court if necessary. You depend on Krsna, try to face the charges by your best abilities and surely Krsna will help you. A similar charge was brought against our men in Philadelphia and the learned judge found that we are not culprit.” ([[letters/1969/691013_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 13 October, 1969]]) *** 70-01 “So you can see * * the great necessity of following the prescribed duties of chanting regularly and following strictly the instructions of the spiritual master and the regulative principles. ==In addition to this, everyone should go on the streets with the Sankirtana party as much as possible and preach this Krsna consciousness movement to the best of his ability== * * for the benefit of all people. Please continue your efforts in Krsna consciousness with great determination. Yes, patience is a qualification in the successful execution of devotional service. So study our literatures, discuss philosophical points and problems with your Godbrothers, and especially chant regularly sixteen rounds daily without offense and go on *sankirtana.* We must always remember that chanting of Hare Krsna *maha-mantra* is our life and soul.” ([[letters/1970/700130_madhusudana|Madhusudana, 30 January, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “The court case is very humorous, happy, and authoritative. The charge was ’Chanting God's Name’ for the welfare ’of mankind.’ So what can be the charges? If a man is chanting God's Name for the welfare of mankind, how can the learned judge convict him with any charges? So he has done real justice by dismissing the case. This will be great evidence of our sincere activities and you can send copies to all the centers as well as to the editors of *Back to Godhead* for immediate printing *....* ==This charge against Hare Krsna chanting is not very new. Even during Lord Caitanya's days a similar charge was brought against Him by Chand Kazi who later on converted to become His devotee. So chant Hare Krsna mantra sincerely and seriously and Krsna will give you all protection.”== ([[letters/1970/700208_yamuna_mandakini_ilavati_jyotirmayi_dhananjaya_digvijaya_jotilla_prithadevi_tamala_krsna|Bhagavan dasa, 8 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “Regarding the six months contract for $250 per week from engagements in halls, colleges, clubs, etc. it is very good news. But ==one thing we must remember that we are not professional musicians or concert party. Our main business is to vibrate the holy name of Krsna everywhere== **so that people will be benefited by hearing the transcendental sound. The musical training is not so important as it is to keep ourselves spiritually fit in spiritual strength, that we should not forget. If we are in spiritual strength there will be no scarcity of money and the spiritual strength is that each and every one of us must chant the sixteen rounds of beads and follow the rules and regulations with great adherence.” ([[letters/1970/700208_yamuna_mandakini_ilavati_jyotirmayi_dhananjaya_digvijaya_jotilla_prithadevi_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 8 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 * * ==“But I will suggest one thing—that you can organize a mass sankirtana procession on the Advent day of Lord Caitanya,== * * 22nd March 1970; that day is also Sunday. Therefore, if George and John Lennon both lead the procession that will be a great service. Because of their presence many young men especially will join the procession. And if you carry flags, festoons and pictures in that procession, starting from a big park like Hyde Park or St. James Square and then pass over some important streets, especially the residential quarters, that will be a great success. In that procession you can distribute our literatures of various kinds *—* books and magazines also. I think that will be a great successful program.” ([[letters/1970/700221_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 21 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 17th March, 1970, with enclosure and ==it is very satisfying that you have introduced the sankirtana party procession in the public streets and parks on the occasion of Lord Caitanya's Birthday.== * * It is a good addition to my missionary activities, and I thank you very much. In the London streets, introduction of Ratha-yatra procession, as well as Lord Caitanya’s Birthday procession, and in the most important part of the city, a Radha-Krsna temple * —* all these things are a great achievement of your London * yatra * party, and personally I feel a great credit for me because by such activities my Guru Maharaja is certainly very pleased upon us. * * So whatever progress we are making by the grace of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja we must stick to them and make further progress.” ([[letters/1970/700324_mukunda|Mukunda, 24 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “So far *sankirtana* is concerned, I am so much pleased to learn that you are taking *sankirtana* as your life and soul. There is no doubt about Krsna’s being pleased very much upon those who are engaged in such *sankirtana* movement and that is admitted by Lord Krsna in the *Bhagavad-gita* and *Caitanya-caritamrta.* Some of the best students like you, Tamala, Mukunda, Syamasundara and Jaya Govinda, are all now in Europe. Now you form a strong party for opening centers as well as organizing the ==World Sankirtana Party. This sankirtana party, backed by literatures and books, will certainly bring in a great change in the modern civilization== *.* Godless civilization can never be happy. Therefore, as soon as they become Krsna conscious, they will feel practical happiness without any doubt.” ([[letters/1970/700401_mukunda|Hamsaduta, 1 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 ** ==“Regarding the court case, such kinds of case will come and go. We have to go on with our transcendental business. It is very encouraging that the Sankirtana party is going twice daily, that should be continued. Other things will be adjusted by the grace of Krsna.”== ([[letters/1970/700401_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 1 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 ** ==“Yes, I am going to the newly purchased church temple and when I go there by Sunday next, I shall try to teach the local boys in the way of performing sankirtana in a circle. I shall send to you the sound production with photographs if possible, and instructions also.”== (SPL to Mukunda, April, 1970) *** 70-04 “I understand from the letter from Bahulasva as well as from your letter that the police and the public have appreciated this transcendental procession. The general public of Berkeley had a bitter experience that whenever there was a large gathering like this, inevitably there was political upheaval, protests and window breaking and general havoc. But ==this unique procession has convinced them that our men are very nice and they can organize a great crowd without any violence.== * * That is a fact: if people actually want peace and tranquility, they must support this movement wholeheartedly and we shall execute our prescribed duties very seriously and sincerely. In this way if we are given a chance, I am sure we will enact a new chapter in the history of the Western world. Please therefore always pray to Krsna to give you strength and protection, and go on with your duty straightforward. I am so pleased to learn how the crowds gave their attention to your street play. This is transcendental entertainment. And to distribute * prasada* sumptuously to the crowd is strictly in our Vedic tradition. Now the police have given you permission for continuing the program of festivals throughout the summer, so get this permission positively. That will serve our purpose in many ways. If the people do not put any hindrance to our routine work surely we will be able to render a great service to the state.” ([[letters/1970/700414_madhudvisa|Madhudvisa, 14 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “It is very encouraging that you are selling an average of one-hundred-and-eighty *Back to Godheads* per day, and just try to increase as much as possible. ==Regarding what to do about the local authorities checking your Sankirtana activities in the streets, just show the police officer how peaceful we are. They should give us help to encourage such peaceful activities. We should not take any action in angry mood.== **Lord Caitanya has advised to become more humble than the grass and more tolerant than the tree and be ready to offer all respects to others while not caring to accept any respects for oneself. As far as possible we will try to follow this principle and Krsna will help us in all respects.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, April, 1970) *** 70-06 ** ==“When you take the procession on the street, always keep our books and magazines ready for distribution.”== (SPL to Gurudasa, June 4th, 1970) 70-07 “I am so happy to learn that you have been so well received in Provincetown by the young boys and girls. It is a fact that the hippies are our best clients. I had very good response in San Francisco during the Ratha-yatra festival. I saw that they were taking up the chanting of Hare Krsna *maha-mantra* very feelingly, even without the presence of any devotee to lead them. They appreciated my lecture and I appreciated their attitude. They joined in Ratha-yatra very enthusiastically. So try your best to convince them by very nice preaching, and in particular very nice *sankirtana* party and distribution of our literatures. It is very good news also that you have received permission in Providence for chanting and distributing literature and incense as well as collecting. Now you should concentrate to develop your spiritual power to attract the fallen souls to Krsna consciousness. The daily regulative duties must be performed by everyone very strictly, the beads chanted sixteen rounds and our literatures read and discussed. In this way everything should be done very nicely. ==Sankirtana should be done by you in the streets and at gatherings and in this manner display what is this Krsna consciousness movement and how it is for everyone's eternal welfare and happiness.”== ([[letters/1970/700708_manager_of_security_pacific_bankb|Sridhama, 8 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 *“* ==Yes, get nagara sankirtana organized, it is very nice program. It is all encouraging. Nityananda Prabhu was doing this although He was attacked by Jagai and Madhai. In spite of His being injured by them, Lord Nityananda delivered these two brothers. That is the way of preaching. Certainly there will be thousands to follow a large sankirtana party, so you do like that.”== ([[letters/1970/700710_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 10 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “Regarding harassment of our devotees, ==yes, this is not a new thing in the history of the world that preachers are sometimes persecuted. But at the present status of civilization I do not think anybody will be crucified like Lord Jesus Christ.== **Hiranyakasipu persecuted his own son and only five years old. So the demons and atheists are always prepared to give trouble to the devotees. Sometimes the demons like Kamsa are prepared to kill God even. During Lord Caitanya's time Thakura Haridasa was also persecuted and put into jail. Not only that, he was whipped in twenty-two market places, but still the demons could not come out successful in the snubbing down of the Hare Krsna movement. So do not be worried about this. Go on about your business. Krsna will give you all help, rest assured. Simply stick to your work seriously and sincerely.” ([[letters/1970/700715_upendra|Upendra, 15 July, 1970]]) *** 70-09 “I am glad to learn your *sankirtana* party is going to all the areas of the city each time out. Here also the *sankirtana* party led by Madhudvisa Maharaja is having great success and ==sometimes as many as four hundred business and working men join them in chanting Hare Krsna on the streets. It is all Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy that this is happening all around the world== and we should pray to Him that He may benedict us with even greater opportunity to spread His *sankirtana* movement.” (SPL to Hari Vilasa, September 21st, 1970) 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 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) 71-08 ==“So far your questions: Any tune can be used. When it is in relationship with Krsna, that makes it bona fide.”== (SPL to Ekayani, August 31st 1971) 72-04 “So if you have talent for musical achievement, that is nice; but if you nourish some idea of becoming famous by playing some music, that will be a source of frustration *—* the end. ==So it is better if you play your music for Krsna by having very ecstatic kirtanas in your center in Vancouver, and in this way, as I have introduced it, all of the devotees and also the general public as well, will be able to join together cooperatively in the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not that we shall glorify anyone else.== * * Let the materialists operate in their own way, but we have got Vaisnavism stand and we should train the general public to accept it and come up to our platform and process of doing things, not that we should reduce to their standard.” (SPL to Mahatma, April 10th,* 1972) 72-09 “I have read your account of the incidents of fighting with the hoodlums with great concern. After all, this world is full of darkness and controlled by the demons, so difficulties are there certainly. But if we stick to the lotus feet of Krsna, these difficulties will be over, just like a child jumps over the pit caused by the hoof of a calf. Krsna fought with so many demons so fighting is not prohibited if it is for the good cause. But one thing is, these are young boys, so actually if you approach them humbly and you yourself go to their leaders and speak to them nicely about Krsna consciousness they will agree to leave us alone, that I think. But if you make big armed confrontation and show of strength there will be continuous fighting more and more. ==Better to resolve the whole situation by approaching their leaders at once and reconciling everything with them by bringing them prasadam and other nice gifts and giving them our philosophy, and if they are willing to hear it, also teach them how to chant Hare Krsna mantra.== **These are innocent young boys, they are simply misled, so you go to them and give them the right information and then you will have nothing more to fear from them. But if you think buying a shotgun is necessary, that is all right, we have to defend Krsna's temple if it comes to it.” ([[letters/1972/720914_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 14 September, 1972]]) *** 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]]) *** 72-12 “So far I am concerned, ==we have just completed our pandal program in Hyderabad and it was very, very successful. In that portion there was no rain for two years, but due to our sankirtana yajna the rain came and everyone was happy that we came to make it rain== *,* and besides that they gave us some nice land in the most central marketplace of the city and we are raising up a gorgeous temple with the help of the local devotees. In the *panda1* program sometimes I am thinking of you, how you are always playing the drum and singing. You are a very nice singer, that much I recall. Now give all the new *brahmacaris* your best instruction for making spiritual advancement, you are one of my senior disciples, so that much, if you do, that will be the best service.” ([[letters/1972/721210_revatinandana|Revatinandana, 10 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 ==“You== * * ==are having difficulty with police-force, that is to be expected. This material world is so full of danger, even from our so called ’protectors.’== * * But we have got the best protector, Krsna, so do not worry about anything, police or other envious persons. In one stroke Krsna can finish them all. But you may get some relief in this connection if you can approach very carefully some leading members of the city government, or big, big men of the town, and convince them by your words and behavior, that our devotees are not in any way unworthy persons, that in fact they have left their lives of criminals to try to turn others away from being criminals, and that if simply we get a little facility we can render immense service to the cause of law and order. Like that, if you are sincere and cool-headed, they will appreciate after some time-and if only one of such big, big leaders understands the real fact, that is sufficient to stop all further cases of police attacks. But one thing is, we have not got anything to gain by ’fighting the demons in the streets and courts.’ No, our process of solving the matter is simple, why should we unnecessarily take botheration for fighting? Only after exhausting every possibility of peaceful solution shall we fight anyone. Just like Krsna, He did not call for fighting until after every chance for settlement failed. So we shall try to overcome our opponents by, first our words and our behavior, and all means of friendly approach we shall attempt by sober planning, and only later, all else failing, shall we actually fight. That is our philosophy. And if we stick to these lines of politics and diplomacy as set out for us by Krsna, we shall expect always victory, without any doubt: yatra yogesvarah krsno, yatra partho dhanur-dharah*tatra srir vijayo bhutir, dhruva nitir matir mama (BG. 18.78) Hoping this meets you in good health.” ([[letters/1972/721213_balavanta|Balavanta, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 “Regarding your question is it all right to assign the entire *sankirtana* party for distributing books so that nobody will be free for street chanting? ==Of course we should not understand the meaning of sankirtana very narrowly, that only chanting and dancing and playing instruments, no, sankirtana means to glorify the Lord in a congregational manner.== * * So if many devotees are going out daily on the streets and public places for distributing our literature, that is also * sankirtana, * even if there is nobody chanting. Hearing and chanting are essential processes for * sankirtana.* So if someone is hearing us singing on the street, or if he is purchasing one book and if he reads sincerely, these two activities are the same. So if there is any occasion of necessity, if there are not very many men available or if there is prohibition by the municipal authorities, something like that, we may assign everyone for distributing our literatures, there is no loss for that. But it is always better if there are also some devotees chanting loudly on the street. If there is even one man to two men or a small party who are chanting Hare Krsna that will increase also the book sales. So if there are sufficient men, and if we have got sanction by the authorities, it is always better to have at least a small party chanting along with as many distributors of books as possible.” ([[letters/1973/730105_kirtanananda|Ravindra Svarupa, 5 January, 1973]]) *** 73-02 “I am very much encouraged to hear of your increased *sankirtana* movement and your return to Geneva to open up still another chapter in Lord Caitanya's conquest of the world. You may consult closely with Bhagavan dasa on all matters and he will give you good advice in this regard. ==As far as police problems are concerned, this is going on all over the world, especially here in Melbourne, they are being persecuted by the police. Even they are going to jail daily, but still they will not stop their chanting and distributing.== When they go to jail, they refuse to eat the food, and in this way so much public sympathy is there. So eventually the police will accept us and our *sankirtana* activities will go on unchecked. Simply we must have the determination to continue our preaching work under all circumstances.” (SPL to Guru Gauranga, February 11th, 1973) 73-02 ==“I have the information of a few cases of illicit sex in our society but this is not an overall thing. And whether it is or not, the only cure is Harinama. You simply be engaged in chanting all day and serving Krsna and any time there is no service, simply chant Hare Krsna. Then there is no chance for illicit sex.”== ([[letters/1973/730214_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 14 February, 1973]]) *** 74-12 “I am in due receipt of your letter undated together with clippings and photos, and thank you very much. I think the article about the book distribution at the airport is indirectly an advertisement. People will come to know about our books and our movement. Here in Bombay they also have the complaint that we are nuisance. What can be done? The writer of the article calls us Hare Krsna’s. He calls us this over and over again. He does not know that by doing this he is chanting the holy name and will be benefited. Just like during Lord Caitanya's time, the Mohammedans used to joke how the devotees were chanting Hare Krsna. One of the officers said to his subordinate that it was all right that they were chanting, but why was he chanting. And ==the man had to admit that, yes he was also chanting and that he did not know why he was doing it. So by writing this article, this man is chanting.”== ([[letters/1974/741206_sri_govinda|Sri Govinda dasa, 6 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krsna consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His *sankirtana* devotees. We are using *mrdanga, karatala,* that is enough. ==We are not musicians. We are Krsna bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God Himself. Had He thought it would have been better to spread Krsna consciousness by another way He would have== * * ==done so== . But no, simply with * mrdanga * and * karatala, * traveling and chanting Hare Krsna, asking everyone to chant Hare Krsna, preaching simply * Srimad-Bhagavatam * philosophy, this is the process. There is no need for us to try and add anything to this simple method. It will only be a distraction. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Krsna consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting sixteen rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending * mangalaarati* and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.” ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Jagadisa Pandita, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 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]]) *** 76-09 ** ==“Yes, kirtana and prasada will appeal to even the uneducated. We have means to preach to both the educated and uneducated, the sinful and the pious—dhiradhira-jana-priyau. Regarding the concerts, make mrdanga concert. You will get good mrdangas from LA.”== ([[letters/1976/760929_dvarakesa|Dvarakesa dasa, 29 September, 1976]]) *** 76-10 “Go on singing Krsna *kirtana.* That is our program. ==Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to go out chanting. He never spoke philosophy in public, only among higher circles. The chanting is very effective.== * * ==Along with tambora and mrdanga== * * played very rhythmically let them chant. Perform this musical demonstration and sell books as far as possible, and feasting. Then everything will be successful. It is good that they do not like these bogus yogis and they like Hare Krsna *mantra.* Give them the chance to chant the Hare Krsna *maha-mantra* somehow or other, then very soon good results will be visible.” ([[letters/1976/761028_caitya-guru|Harikesa Swami, 28 October, 1976]]) ## World Sankirtana and Padayatra 68-01 “Another proposal is I want to form a *sankirtana* party in which 2 members will play *mrdanga,* 8 will play the cymbals, 2 will play on the *tambora,* and one harmonium; besides that there will be the leader of the party. This party will be so trained that exhibitions of our chanting and dancing along with distribution of *prasada* will be performed on a stage and for this performance we will sell tickets to the public. It will be known as a spiritual movement. ==Suppose if we begin it from New York and there is good response from the public, then our attempt will be successful prior to our travelling all over the world.== **We will earn money by stage exhibitions and attract attention of the elite public and move from one station to another. A shorter type of this exhibition was held during our television show and the performance was very much appreciated. So I want to train such a party immediately. I do not know where such training will take place, but I want to do it immediately in my presence. So consult with Brahmananda and others about this proposal. Give me your return suggestions about this proposal.” (SPL to Hamsaduta 22nd, January, 1968) *** 68-02 “I am very much ambitious for leading a *kirtana* party, especially all over your state, and Europe. Hamsaduta is trying to organize this party. ==If you can move with this kirtana party, say a batch of twelve to fifteen heads, all over the States, as well as Europe, I am sure we will be more popular than the so-called yogi Maharishi Mahesh.”== ([[letters/1968/680226_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 26 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ** ==“I am especially interested in the Sankirtana party…which is understood to be being molded up by Hamsaduta. We have got an invitation from a Bombay friend for our Sankirtana party and if Hamsaduta’s Sankirtana party is made up, with the whole party we will go first to England, then to Holland, then to Germany, then to Bombay and make the program right and earnest from now.”== ([[letters/1968/680321_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 21 March, 1968]]) *** 69-02 ==“I thank you very much for your assurance that I will find London a most flourishing center for our World Sankirtana Movement. That is my ideal of life,== * * to form a nice group of devotees to perform * sankirtana * and to distribute our books in wider circles. Here, Tamal Krsna's group has proved a very nice * sankirtana * party, and we can combine with your group which is also a very nice * sankirtana* party. Then we could immediately take the responsibility of a round the world trip, and I am sure it will be successful. You can let me know by return mail if my services in London are immediately required. I am prepared to go.” ([[letters/1969/690205_colin_jury|Gurudusa, 5 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “I have in my mind to form a very strong *sankirtana* party in London. Namely, the members who are already there, joined by the LA party and some others, some from Montreal, some from New York, to make a strong party of not less than twenty-five boys and girls. ==We wish to make a world tour with this sankirtana party—that is my ambition.== I do not know what is Krsna’s desire but if it is successful I am sure, to push our movement very nicely this will be the way.” (SPL to Yamuna, 13th March,* 1969) 69-03 ** ==“Actually my ambition is to form a strong sankirtana party and travel all over Europe and then in Africa, Asia, India and Japan etc. This is my thought. Please try to give it effect.”== ([[letters/1969/690315_tamala_krsna_visnujana|Krsna dasa, 15 March, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “The most successful *sankirtana* affairs are going on here in Los Angeles. It is actually wonderful in comparison to others. They are also thinking of opening a branch in Laguna Beach, and I have encouraged this idea. ==Personally, I also still maintain the idea of a World Sankirtana Party, but such things at the present moment are a dream only. But one day maybe it may come out successful.”== ([[letters/1969/690626_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 26 June, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “So your program, seemingly like military men, marching with the Hare Krsna *mantra* slogan is very, very encouraging to me. ==I am always dreaming of a World Sankirtana Party, but your idea of marching 300 soldiers all over the world with the Hare Krsna mantra is almost in fulfillment of my dream.== **So if you can believe in this adventure, certainly you will be doing a great deal of service to the humanity and therefore satisfying Krsna also.” (SPL to Robert Hendry, 3rdAugust, 1969) 69-10 * * ==“Regarding the World Sankirtana Party, that is my long cherished idea, and I wish to see it fulfilled as soon as possible== * .* But do not count on others. If somebody comes forward to help us, that is welcome. But if we at all take the job, we must take it on our own strength. For experimental sake, you can seek out for an agent who can arrange for our * sankirtana* party moving in all the states of America, and then we can think of touring all over the world.” ([[letters/1969/691018_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 18 October, 1969]]) *** 69-11 ==“So far as corresponding with the other West Coast presidents, that can be done from here also. Here you can talk with Mukunda and others about the World Sankirtana Party. There is good possibility. Simply it requires some good organization. Therefore you are called.”== ([[letters/1969/691104_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 4 November, 1969]]) *** 70-02 ==“I have received letters from London that they are organizing a World Sankirtana Party very seriously;== * * therefore, it would be better if you go first to London and see how things are going on, then you may go to Germany if it is needed. They have asked me to send Visnujana but I think if Visnujana goes from LA there is no second man to organize the street * sankirtana * here. Practically in his absence his place cannot be immediately replaced. But if you go to London and join the * sankirtana* party, I think the vacancy there will be filled up. So I shall be glad to hear from you what you decide to do.” ([[letters/1970/700204_hanuman_prasad_poddar|Hamsaduta, 4 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “I have advised Hamsaduta to go to London and then to go to Germany for organizing *sankirtana.* I could not follow the meaning of the last line of your letter. ’We look forward to the day when you grace us with your holy instructions for Lord Caitanya's *sankirtana.’* If you mean by this line about the *World Sankirtana Party,* then I may inform you that for this purpose you will have to wait for some time more. The purpose of *World Sankirtana Party* will be to establish a center in each and every city and village of the world. This idea is taking practical shape in various centers. Just like you started for London *yatra* and now after one year it has taken a shape, similarly in Germany also it has taken a shape, but in Paris it has not taken as yet. ==Therefore, World Sankirtana Party means to establish a center everywhere we go.== I do not mean a concert party or a musical party that may go to a city, have some performances and collect some money without some permanent effect. ==For this purpose a World Sankirtana Party should consist of members who can impress their spiritual ecstasy in the hearts of the people, so that some of them may come forward and agree to establish a center where the Sankirtana party may go on continually.== ** From Krsna dasa’s letter it appears that in Germany there is good prospect for opening many centers. When you last went to Germany it was very effective. Why not first of all start a center in Paris and a few other centers in Germany and then think of the *World Sankirtana Party* on the * * basis of starting a center wherever you go. Both Tamala and yourself, Gurudasa and Syamasundara think over this idea and in the meantime as you are yourself a musical instructor, you can teach the newcomers the * kirtana* performances for future program.” ([[letters/1970/700208_mukunda|Mukunda, 8 February, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “So far *sankirtana* is concerned, I am so much pleased to learn that you are taking *sankirtana* as your life and soul. There is no doubt about Krsna being pleased very much upon those who are engaged in such *sankirtana* movement, that is admitted by Lord Krsna in the *Bhagavad-gita* and *Caitanya-caritamrta.* Some of the best students like you, Tamala, Mukunda, Syamasundara and Jaya Govinda are all now in Europe. ==Now you form a strong party for opening centers as well as organizing the World Sankirtana Party.== * * This * sankirtana* party, backed by literatures and books will certainly bring in a great change in the modern civilization. Godless civilization can never be happy. Therefore, as soon as they become Krsna conscious, they will feel practical happiness without any doubt.” ([[letters/1970/700401_mukunda|Hamsaduta, 1 April, 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 “Now our next program will be to lead a World Sankirtana Party around the world. It is already advertised in India from mouth to mouth that I am coming there next year with forty disciples.== **So I think we must keep this program for the beginning of next year. There is already invitation in Africa. One party may go from London via other countries to Bombay, and another party may go from here via Japan to Calcutta, and then they will meet together.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, April, 1970) *** 70-05 “In conclusion I may inform you that Acyutananda has given publicity in an important newspaper that next year I am going to India with forty students, so for the next year we have got sufficient margin of time-eight monthsso what do you think? ==Shall we be able to have our World Sankirtana by that time? That will be very nice.== **All our selected students like yourself, Hamsaduta, Mukunda, Syamasundara, Umapati, etc., along with their wives, and some of the students from here may join, then we can go to India via Africa, and then after a few days in India, we can come back via Japan. So you have to consult over this matter also because it is already advertised in India.” ([[letters/1970/700501_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 1 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 * * ==“When you go to London making plans for World Sankirtana,== * * you may take into consideration of the proposal made by Mr. Parikh. He said from Kenya there is invitation for our group to perform *kirtana* there. So if we go, a group of at least twenty-five heads, they have already agreed to pay for return journey and accommodation there. So on your way to India you can perform *kirtana* in some important cities of Europe, and then go to Africa, Kenya. From Kenya you may go to South Africa. In this way you collect funds there from Indians and proceed to Bombay. In Bombay some of my friends will receive you very nicely, and from Bombay you gradually travel all through other provinces namely Gujarat, Rajasthan, Central India, Northern India, then Bihar, and then reach to Bengal. In Bengal we then start our own temple at Mayapur, and some of the devotees may live there in batches. Some batches go, some batches come.” ([[letters/1970/700515_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 15 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 ** ==“Regarding the members comprising the World Sankirtana Party, on the whole I wish that forty members will go, one half from Europe and one half from America or as it may be suitable; there is no definite restriction.”== ([[letters/1970/700527_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 27 May, 1970]]) *** 70-07 ** ==“World Sankirtana Party does not mean that we have to cover immediately the whole world. The program is that everywhere the sankirtana movement should be introduced.”== ([[letters/1970/700719_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 19 July, 1970]]) *** 74-11 ==“I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 22nd, 1974 regarding your proposal to spread Krsna consciousness in Germany village to village by horse and wagon. I do not know if this is a practical suggestion, but if the preaching goes on I have no objection. You can consult with Hamsaduta in this connection to see if he approves. Preaching is the important thing and not the mode of transport. So if it can be done I have no objection” ([[letters/1974/741122_nrhari|== *SPL to Padmagarbha dasa, 22 November, 1974]]) ==76-04 “Concerning== * * ==your offering of doing padayatra, travelling village to village;== what is the use of getting the land in the hands of politicians who cannot properly utilize the land according to the instructions of Krsna. That's a fact. But if young Indian men join me I am immediately ready for this travelling and touring from village to village, town to town. However, my foreign disciples have the language defect, they can't speak the village language, otherwise I would have started this program long ago. If some young men like you, would join me then along with some foreign disciples, I can immediately take up this program. ==If you are very eager, please get hold of at least half a dozen young men like you, then with another half dozen foreign disciples, I can immediately take up this program and tour village to village and town to town. It will be very, very effective, I know that.== To think of Krsna 24 hours a day, if you are serious this can be done. It is not very difficult. Your associates are harassing you for your interest in spiritual culture, yes, that is due to India's great misfortune. They're impressed with so-called politicians and scholars of the modern age. The example is given in this connection that when a man is ghostly haunted, he speaks all nonsense. At the present moment they're all ghostly haunted and in this delirious condition the only cure is chanting the Hare Krsna * maha-mantra.” ([[letters/1976/760416_aksayananda|Punjabi Premananda, 16 April, 1976]]) *** 77-03 “Whatever is available we can easily use. There is no objection to using electricity. But we should not be dependent upon it. Produce oil from castor seeds and stock the oil sufficiently. It can be used in so many ways-for burning, grease, cooking, and as a purgative to cure all diseases. And oxen can be used for driving carts and go preaching village to village, what is the question of killing them? ==Here in India our Lokanatha Maharaja has successfully organized such a program and it is a great success. He has travelled all over India and everywhere they distribute books, prasadam and perform kirtana, village to village. Each night they stop at a different village. We can introduce many millions of such carts all over the world.”== ([[letters/1977/770316_minakshi|Nityananda dasa, 16 March, 1977]])