# EDUCATION - GURUKULA ## Opening Schools 68-12 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your very nice and encouraging letter dated December 20th, 1968 and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. There is a statement of Sri Naradaji, the exact Sanskrit words are: satdharmasya ababadhaya yenam nirbandhini matih achirat eva sarbarthah siddhati esam akhipasitan The purport is that anyone desiring to raise the peoples standard of advancement in spiritual life, will have their noble desire very soon successful by the grace of the Lord. So ==I== ** ==am very glad to see your enthusiasm in the matter of starting a Krsna consciousness primary school in New Vrndavana== and it will be just befitting that you become the head mistress of the school. I have shown your letter to Professor Howard Wheeler (Hayagriva dasa Adhikari)—he was just married the day before yesterday with Syama dasi, a very nice girl like you. I am also enclosing Hayagriva's letter to you along with this. Now you can do the needful and make arrangements to start the school immediately. If you take charge of the children of our devotees and give them nice education strictly on Krsna consciousness principles, it will be a great help to the preachers just like our six students, husbands and wives, who are preaching in London. One of them has got a child and as soon as she is at least two years old, she may be sent under your care. New Vrndavana is just the suitable place for keeping cows and children. It will be an ideal residential quarter, completely for spiritual life and I hope for the future the Americans must evaluate this enterprise as very, very valuable." ([[letters/1968/681227_satyabhama|Satyabhama, 27 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "I thank you very much for taking my time in this way. May Krsna be pleased upon you; both you and your good husband will be more and more spiritually happy by your nice service attitude in Krsna consciousness. ==Actually, I== ** ==have no desire to start the school in any city. City life, especially in this Age of Kali-yuga, is very much polluted.== Poet Cowper stated that the city is made by man and the village is made by God. So in the village there is a natural tendency for Krsna consciousness, so we want to develop such atmosphere in New Vrndavana. Your cooperation in this matter will very much encourage me." ([[letters/1968/681227_satyabhama|Satyabhama, 27 December, 1968]]) ==69-03 "Yes, we must set up our Society as a school as best we can—== I have already sent your letter. Please ==formulate the whole curriculum because we have to immediately submit to the Draft Department and if this is accepted that will be a great gain for our Society.== *'Bhakti-sastri'* is awarded after extensive study of *Bhagavad-gita, Easy Journey,* and *The Nectar of Devotion. 'Bhakti-vaibhava'* is awarded after study of *Vedanta-sutra* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam* on a preliminary basis and 'Bhaktivedanta' is awarded after extensive study of *Caitanya-caritamrta* and *Teachings of Lord Caitanya." ([[letters/1969/690323_brahmanandaa|Brahmananda, 23 March, 1969]]) *** 69-12 "Regarding the little boy named Jimmy and his mother, the mother may do work; just like sweeping, cleansing the temple, collecting flowers, making garlands, washing dishes, etc. The boy should be trained to be a nice *brahmacari,* but it is risky to keep a boy of this age away from the public schools. In your country the law is very strict to send such minor children to school. The best thing will be to send him to New Vrndavana to be taken care of by Kīrtanānanda, Ranadhira, Satyabhama, Syama dasi and Paramananda. They are already taking care of some young boys who are there. ==They are trying to develop a school of our ideal in that place.== So after some time, if the mother sticks to our principles, the child may be sent to New Vrndavana and she can remain in the temple and gradually be initiated. In the meantime, encourage her to read our literature and books, and be engaged in some service as above mentioned." ([[letters/1969/691207_sridhara_maharaja|Hamsaduta, 7 December, 1969]]) *** 71-11 "I am very much encouraged that the school building may be purchased in the near future. But one thing, how the $30,000 is to be paid and from where you have got so much money? *I* ==am very much anxious to open schools for educating children of responsible leaders in our Krsna consciousness way of life, especially also in India.== If these leaders simply become a little convinced about the real purpose of human life, there is tremendous potency for improving the world. Last night the topic of my lecture at our Delhi *pandal* was the necessity for teaching Krsna consciousness in all our schools and colleges. This is a revolutionary thought. But we have seen the practical outcome of so much hippies, one after another. What is the use of their skyscraper buildings if their sons will not maintain them? The old system of *gurukula* should be revived as the perfect example of a system designed to produce great men, sober and responsible leaders, who know what is the real welfare of the citizens. Just as in former days, all big, big personalities were trained in this way. Now you have got the responsibility to inject this idea in your country. Please do it with a cool head, and very soon we shall see the practical benefit for your countrymen." (SPL to Satsvarupa, November 21st, 1971) ==72-01 "I am very much pleased that you are enthusiastic to instruct our Krsna consciousness children at Isavasya school. I have heard from Satsvarupa that we have not got that big building we were trying for. Nevermind, the important thing is that we continue our work nicely for educating children, and Krsna will give us all facility."== (SPL to Aniruddha, January 10th, 1972) ==74-04 "I think also that you are the right man to be in charge of our school. It is especially nice to hear that the boys are becoming first-class preachers; that is especially needed. Without preaching, our institution becomes all rubbish. So it is very good they are becoming good preachers. So along with Jagadisa you investigate the practical aspects of expanding by purchasing new buildings. Expand, develop and make it a unique institution."== ([[letters/1974/740411_dayananda|Dayananda, 11 April, 1974]]) ==72-04 "As soon as possible we should open our own school and teach children Krsna consciousness through an English medium, that is one of our programs. Our school will not be government recognized because we cannot follow the government syllabus. We want to teach only Krsna consciousness. Also, in Mayapur and Vrndavana we must have schools, and if Srimate Morarji co-operates with this scheme then we can do something combinedly instead of separately."== (SPL to Giriraja, April 12th, 1972) ==76-04 "Now that the Dallas gurukula has been closed we have opened many smaller regional gurukulas on some of our farming communities, such as our farms in Vancouver, Pennsylvania, and also Mississippi as well as others. It is best if you go to one of these regional gurukulas where you can be nicely engaged in Krsna's service, and your young daughter can go to gurukula."== ([[letters/1976/760421_puranjana|Mrs. Blasko, 21 April, 1976]]) *** 76-05 "Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated April 29, 1976, along with a photocopy of your letter concerning the organization of *gurukula.* You have some experience now with *gurukula,* so ==your full-time engagement should now be how to organize the gurukulas all over the world. Do it very nicely and thoughtfully.== So far your plans are concerned for the same, you can have them conjointly approved with the other GBC. In this way, you may make the *gurukula* program your portfolio and organize it throughout the world." ([[letters/1976/760506_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 6 May, 1976]]) ## The Purpose 68-01 "The idea of opening an *asrama* in the near future is certainly a wish of Krsna's. To develop our institution to its fullness we require such an *asrama* without doubt. ==Child is the father of man, so the basic principle of any type of life is to instruct the children from the very beginning in Krsna consciousness. Children grow to be the topmost leaders of the human society.== In the *Bhagavatam* it is said that the *brahmanas* are the head of the social body, the *ksatriyas* are the arms of the social body; the *vaisyas* are the waist of the social body and the *sudras* are the legs of the social body. The legs may be placed in a lower position then the head ephemerally, but actually the legs are as important as the head for maintaining the body as it is. It is not that the legs should not be taken care of and just the head should be cared for. But it is a fact that if there is not a head it is a dead body. The modern civilization is a sort of social body without a head, or actually it is a dead body. The body is dead since the very beginning of its birth and it is the spirit that keeps it moving. Therefore, spiritual enlightenment is the basic principle of civilization. The modern civilization is lacking in that respect and there are so many disadvantages on account of this deficiency. So we have to grow children to become head of the human society and there is great need for this. I pray to Krsna that you may give a start to such an *asrama* in full Krsna consciousness. In the *asrama* there must be a grand temple as the Deity in the *asrama." ([[letters/1968/680122_satsvarupa|Hamsaduta, 22 January, 1968]]) *** 68-05 "I am so glad to learn about Haridasi, the fortunate girl in Los Angeles. ==She has got nice parents and has the opportunity of being in Krsna consciousness from childhood. It is therefore needed that we may train some children in our Krsna consciousness movement,== and it will come out very successful. Yamuna devi is also training two nice boys in San Francisco and they are getting very encouraging achievements. It is very good news that the girl Haridasi is dreaming about Krsna, and Krsna is playing with her; it is very much encouraging. It means she will come out a great and successful devotee of Krsna when she is grown-up and young. May Krsna bless her, and her good parents who are training her in that way. Please offer my thanks to Balarama and his good wife." ([[letters/1968/680506_mukunda|Mukunda, 6 May, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "Now it is understood that you are taking charge of Girish and I think that you may teach him very nicely the principles of *Bhagavad-gita As It Is.* Then, when this is learnt you may go on to *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* In this way we wish to train all of the boys of his age who come to our temples. If you can take charge of this teaching, we can immediately open a teaching department where such instructions can go on. Hayagriva has agreed to take charge of a teaching department and when he comes to see me soon, I will talk with him in detail. ==We want such teaching department to teach and raise children to the standard of Krsna consciousness.== You can make trial with Girish and let me know how it is progressing." ([[letters/1968/681205_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 5 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "I do not think that at this time it will be necessary for you to obtain a teachers certificate. You have so many other important duties to perform in your center. Also, I understand that in West Virginia the qualification for being a teacher is simply that one has graduated from high school so there will be no necessity for such teachers certificate. Before long ==we are hoping to obtain a schooling program in New Vrndavana where our boys may be trained up in the principles of Krsna consciousness as well as reading, writing and arithmetic.== In Los Angeles, Visnujana is taking care of Virabhadra and this boy is also doing very nicely. Certainly this boy is a very good soul to be in contact with Krsna consciousness even at such an early age, so be patient with him and I think that he will continue to progress very nicely." ([[letters/1968/681219_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 19 December, 1968]]) ==68-12 "If you take charge of the children of our devotees and give them nice education strictly on Krsna consciousness principles, it will be a great help to the preachers,== just like our six students, husbands and wives, who are preaching in London. One of them has got a child and as soon as she is at least two years old, she may be sent under your care. New Vrndavana is just the suitable place for keeping cows and children. It will be an ideal residential quarter, completely for spiritual life and I hope for the future the Americans must evaluate this enterprise as very, very valuable." (SPL to Satyabhama, December 27th, 1968) ==70-03 "Another important thing is our theistic school in New Vrndavana. If you can establish a nice educational center, I know many parents of your country will be glad to send their children in New Vrndavana. But we have to create a nice atmosphere and educational system there. Satyabhama is very much enthusiastic in this connection. So you organize this institution systematically."== ([[letters/1970/700309_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 9 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 "Regarding the organization of our theistic school at New Vrndavana, I am happy to know that you are now proceeding with regular classes. So it is better late than never, and now it will develop nicely. You are an educated and understanding devotee of Lord Krsna. Now Krsna will see your sincere cooperative efforts and He will provide all necessary facilities for continued growth of our educational center. I know the atmosphere in New Vrndavana is very, very nice and the children will surely benefit greatly in their advancement in spiritual life. So please do it carefully and I am certain that when we are fixed up there, many parents will like to send their children for education in our New Vrndavana school. I am so glad to know that the boys are being taught four to five hours daily by the combined teaching of yourself and Devakinandana. Of course their spiritual progress is natural because of the good association of devotees and their good fortune to be in the service of the Deities. I am so much encouraged to learn how they are becoming purified and elevated in Krsna consciousness and are just like spiritual *gopas.* That is very nice. Mr. DDD and Ekendra are also very good boys, so see that they may be trained up well because they are our future Krsna consciousness Society. I am very happy to learn that your son is growing strong and blissful. That is good news. And ==your desire to raise many such souls in Krsna consciousness is very nice proposal. We need as many Krsna conscious men as possible, trained from the very beginning of their lives,== to carry on our mission and purify the Society." ([[letters/1970/700314_satyabhama|Satyabhama, 14 March, 1970]]) *** 70-07 "Yes, it is very good work that you are doing by making children's books on Krsna conscious subject matter. We have got so many children now in New Vrndavana and it is also learned that in England and Holland the young grammar school boys and girls are eagerly taking to this process of chanting Hare Krsna. ==So what is learned in the early years of life, will not depart for whole life, therefore do this work very carefully to explain simply and directly—Who is Krsna? Who are we?== What is the material world? What is the relationship of Krsna with the living entities? How we should act in that relationship, etc. And if you can illustrate these books with pictures they will certainly become very, very popular in the schools. Sriman Yogesvara is also doing this work in London. So in consultation with your husband make some nice Krsna conscious children's books and we shall then see to printing them. You are also a skilled painter so I think this venture will be successful" ([[letters/1970/700725_ekayani|Ekayani dasi, 25 July, 1970]]) *** 72-06 "I am very glad to hear that all of you have been such a great help to Stoka Krsna there in our Dallas *gurukula* and I can understand that all of you are very sincere boys and girls and quite eligible for going back to home, back to Godhead. Now I very much appreciate your activities for conducting our school to the highest standard of Krsna consciousness behaviour, and ==I== ** ==consider your work the most important in the society because you are shaping the future generation of our Krsna consciousness preachers, and this is not any small thing.== So I am depending very much upon you all to assist Lord Caitanya in fulfilling His mission for saving the human kind from very quickly gliding into hell." (SPL to Sons and Daughters, Dallas Gurukula, 20th June, 1972) 72-07 "Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter from Cleveland dated June 26th, 1972 and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. Similarly I have received such nice letters from Rupanuga and Hrdayananda, and I am very much satisfied that you are all feeling the serious nature of this *sannyasi* mission. So far you are concerned, ==I== ** ==am especially stressing the importance of our Dallas gurukula for training up the next generation of Krsna consciousness preachers. This is the most important task ahead.== I am seeing practically how wonderful the children are coming out. Therefore, we shall be very, very vigilant and careful to maintain the highest standard of temple atmosphere and conduct in Dallas. You may install Radha-Krsna Deities and worship Them very, very gorgeously. Simply by associating with the elderly members, the children will learn everything. So, the quality of the elderly members must be also very much to the standard of excellent Vaisnavas; otherwise, the children learn by example and they will very easily be misguided if their senior God-brothers and God-sisters are themselves neglectful. I shall certainly come there to Dallas to see how things are going on as soon as there is an opportunity. We must develop our Krsna consciousness school at Dallas to be the model for education in all the world, and let anyone see our Krsna consciousness children and they will immediately understand the importance and necessity for such education amongst the citizens at large. Otherwise, the children of your country and other countries, they are simply growing up to be sophisticated animals, so what good will their education do? But if they will agree to try to understand our Krsna consciousness education or way of life and allow their children to be educated by us, they will see them come out as the topmost citizens with all good qualities such as honesty, cleanliness, truthfulness, loyalty, etc. So that is a very important work and you are especially responsible to make it successful. All other GBC men should give you all assistance for building up the standard there." ([[letters/1972/720701_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 1 July, 1972]]) *** 72-12 "I am very, very glad to hear of your desire to return to *gurukula* school and apply yourself to developing that place. I am so glad to hear this good news. Only a few weeks back I had got a letter from Satsvarupa wherein he has informed me that Stoka Krsna has left Dallas and that he must go there to take charge himself. But he is *sannyasi* and he should travel and preach, and he has not much taste for watching after so many things. So I had suggested him to get a full-time manager, some *grhastha,* nice husband and wife together, to manage the things, and that he shall expect that such persons will stay tightly and develop it and make that his life work. It is the most important preaching work, to train our children in Krsna consciousness education of life. And I think that you are just the right man to do it. Krsna has given you the right idea, just see! I was also at Dallas school last summer and I was very much impressed with these children, how nicely they are becoming preachers and *kirtana* men and girls. If we can develop properly, one day they will turn the world by their preaching. Let the small children from all good families in your country come to our *gurukula* school and take education from us. They may be certain their children will get the real knowledge which will create the best citizens of *brahminical* type, clean, honest, law-abiding, healthy, industrious, all good qualities they will have. Now I think Krsna has inspired you in this way, and every facility is there, you are the pioneer in Dallas and you know how to do everything nicely, that I know, so now you go there immediately after consulting with Satsvarupa and Karandhara and Madhudvisa and the others, take their advice and do the needful. ==If you become Head Master of the gurukula that is more important than going to South America. This is the most important post in pushing on this movement, practically, because you shall create our preachers of the future, many, many of them.== That will be your great credit and contribution. May Krsna give you His all blessings more and more for this task. If you still like to contact Hanuman, he is having some difficulty with the governments in these places, but I have just got one letter from him with the following address: c/o Agencia Wallis C.A. Edificio Karam, Avenida Urdmeta, P.O. Box 1826, Caracas, Venezuela. But I think it is better if he takes some *brahmacaris* and *sannyasis* with him for travelling in such difficult and dangerous places. You are manager with best experience, and besides you have got wife and child to protect, so it will be very much pleasing to me if you shall take up the big work of *gurukula* school and develop it very nicely. Thank you for helping me in this way." ([[letters/1972/721211_mohanananda|Mohanananda, 11 December, 1972]]) ==73-01 "Gurukula is our most important project. If the children are given a Krsna conscious education from early childhood, then there is great hope for the future of the world.== I have already given instruction on how the teaching should be conducted there, and this you can learn from Satsvarupa, Mohanananda, and the other senior teachers. Whatever service we do, our enthusiasm must always be kept strong. So Krsna is giving you guidance from within. So if you go to *gurukula,* try to help develop things there and make it the model educational institution in the world." ([[letters/1973/730127_marie_priterel|Dayananda and Nandarani, 27 January, 1973]]) *** 73-02 "I am in due receipt of your letter dated February 1st, with the nice pictures of the Sri Sri Radha-Kalacandji Deities in ISKCON *gurukula.* I am very pleased that the Deities are worshiped so nicely and as this continues, the children there will become more and more purified. ==These children in gurukula are the most fortunate children in the world, because right from the beginning they are having the association of Radha and Krsna.== This was the case in my childhood also. My father was pure Vaisnava and he gave me and my sister the Radha-Krsna Deities to worship and in this way we were trained. And still to this very day my sister is worshiping these very same Deities in Calcutta." ([[letters/1973/730218_gurudasa|Bhaktin Toni, 18 February, 1973]]) ==74-03 "Now I am concerned that the gurukula experiment should come out nicely. These children are the future hope of our Society, so it is a very important matter how we are training them in Krsna consciousness from the very childhood. It was yourself who started this idea and it has been progressing nicely. Now you see that it continues to develop. So you should go there and inform me what is the position."== ([[letters/1973/730411_jayapataka|Satsvarupa Maharaja, 11 April, 1973]]) *** 74-04 "It is extremely assuring to me to hear that *gurukula* is doing nicely. ==The importance of the school in Dallas cannot be overestimated, both for our ISKCON movement, and for the outsiders as well, indeed it is important for the whole world.== I was discussing this point in my lecture last night here in Bombay, that human life means *tapasya,* and *tapasya* must begin with *brahmacaryena,* life at *gurukula.* The boy is supposed to lie down on the floor, collect alms for the spiritual master—not that they are trying very hard to make a comfortable material arrangement. But the result is that although in this age everyone is born a *sudra,* we are producing first-class *brahmanas* who can actually do good for their fellow man. I think also that you are the right man to be in charge of our school. It is especially nice to hear that the boys are becoming first-class preachers; that is especially needed. Without preaching, our institution becomes all rubbish. So it is very good they are becoming good preachers. So along with Jagadisa you investigate the practical aspects of expanding by purchasing new buildings. Expand, develop and make it a unique institution." ([[letters/1974/740411_dayananda|Dayananda, 11 April, 1974]]) ==74-10 "Recently I have visited our gurukula school in Dallas, and I was quite satisfied how the boys and girls are being trained up to be ideal Vaisnavas. This training from an early age is important, and I also was fortunate to have received such training when I was a child. So why not send Karnapura to Dallas, and come yourself to stay here at Mayapur."== ([[letters/1974/741012_mr._perry_muckerheide|Tulsi devi dasi, 12 October, 1974]]) *** 74-11 "(m) To perform extensive research work in Sanskrit and Bengali literature of historic texts of Vaisnavism such as Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhakti Rasamrta Sinduh, etc. and to distribute this research work throughout educational institutions all over the world, regardless of race, color or creed, and religion. (n)To promote Vedic research work in the area of argiculture and animal husbandry, and alternative energy sources according to the historic Vedic texts for the sound and healthy development of body, mind, and soul; and to promote and distribute this research work.== (c)To perform research work into the ancient Vedic educational schemes such as Gurukula as well the development of the individual through yoga and to promote and distribute this research work throughout India and the world.== Seen: ACBS" ([[letters/1974/741117_agent_central_bank_of_india|Draft of Additions to Memorandum of Association for Calcutta Registration, 17 November, 1974]]) *** 75-02 "I am very happy to see that you are learning our philosophy so nicely. You will grow up to be a great devotee of Krsna. ==You are very fortunate to have the opportunity of attending gurukula, so don't waste this opportunity. Take full advantage of it== by always rising early, attending *arati,* classes and chanting at least sixteen rounds daily without fail. These things will make you very strong in Krsna consciousness. Thank you for appreciating my books. Read them carefully and you will preach very nicely." ([[letters/1975/750202_sahadeva|Candramukhi devl dasi, 2 February, 1975]]) *** 75-03 "Thank you for the *karatala* bag. It is very beautiful. I was very happy to see all of you bright faced children at *gurukula.* And I am already thinking of when I can come and visit there again. ==You are so fortunate to have such training in Krsna consciousness from the very beginning of childhood. So, take full advantage of it and follow very obediently what your older Godbrothers and Godsisters ask you to do.== Chant Hare Krsna all day and dance nicely. Eat nice Krsna *prasadam* and go back to Godhead, back to home." ([[letters/1975/750314_mr._dennany|Krsna dasi, 14 March, 1975]]) *** 76-01 "Please accept my blessings. Regarding the ISKCON *gurukula* presently situated in Dallas— ==the gurukula must be based on the principle of renunciation; vairagya-vidya-nija-bhakti-yoga. Bhakti is based on the principle of the renunciation of material desires beginning from the earliest age;== *kaumara acaret prajno, dharman bhagavatan iha.* From the very beginning, a boy must be trained to perform devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and not to be attached as the fruitive workers, the *karmis,* to the so-called fallible soldiers: *dehapatya-kalatradisv, atma-sainyesv asatsv api, tesam pramatto nidhanam, pasyann api na pasyati.* The *karmis* are attached too much to their bodies, children and wives, who are like fallible fighting soldiers who must ultimately be destroyed. Although they are sufficiently experienced, they still cannot see this. Therefore our young men must be trained at the earliest age to not be attached to so many things like the home, family, friendship, society and nation. To train the innocent boy to be a sense gratifier at the early age when the child is actually happy in any circumstance is the greatest violence. Therefore: *brahmacari guru-kule vasan danto guror hitam.* The *brahmacari* lives at the place of the spiritual master by begging for his maintenance, by cleaning, learning the principles of Krsna consciousness, and engaging in the process of *Bhagavata-dharma,* whereby his life will have a firm, sane foundation with which he can overcome the forces of *maya* by strong training in the beginning. The *karmis* cannot accept this because they are too much attached to their bodies and cannot tolerate any austerities. Since they are too attached to their children they are even more insistent that the child be drowned in bodily consciousness so that he may avoid all types of austerities and enjoy life to the fullest, thereby going to hell at the earliest age: *mahat-sevam dvaram ahur vimuktes, tamo-dvaram yositam sangi-sangam. (SB 5.5.2) Those who associate with the * mahatmas* through service to them become eligible for liberation whereas those who are associating with woman or those who are too attached to woman are paving their way to hell. Therefore the school systems require so many codes and regulations so the children will not feel any inconvenience. The training is geared to producing cats and dogs who will feel quite at home in a society of sense gratification. Therefore how can they accept our school system which teaches that the young men must undergo *tapasya* to become purified? *Tapo divyam putraka yena sattvarh, suddhyed yasmad brahma-saukhyam tv anantam.* They will never accept that one must undergo austerities to break the influence of the modes of material nature upon the living entity in order that he may experience the transcendental bliss on the platform of pure goodness. Therefore they see our school as a threat and a cruel punishment to the children. If we were to run our school as it was actually to be run, they would close it down, and factually they will place more and more codes and restrictions as the school develops to water down the process until it becomes unrecognizable and useless. We cannot be forced to follow the standards of the *mlecchas* and *yavanas.* One may build so many buildings to follow this and that code, but the basic principle of such codes is sense gratification which we are against. There are so many thousands of buildings in the west which are filled with illegalities, but how is it that we must come to a perfect standard or be closed down? This is not the standard of law, but prosecution. If in illusion we think that we must spend money to come to that standard what guarantee is there that they will not simply find another standard for us to follow which will cause so much more trouble and cost so much." ([[letters/1976/760120_jayatirtha|Jayatirtha, 20 January, 1976]]) ==76-06 "Now you can utilize your knowledge of marketing for Krsna's service, idam hi pumsas tapasah srutasya va, sv-istasya suktasya ca buddhi-dattayoh, etc. This is the perfection of education. Gurukula education should be trained up for their character. I have already mentioned in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Simply they should be able to read out books in English and Sanskrit, and explain. That is compulsory."== ([[letters/1976/760624_aksayananda|Gopala Krsna, 24 June, 1976]]) *** 76-12 "So far our *gurukula* is concerned, we require some practical assistant who can teach the boys how to be controlled in the mind and senses, how to rise early in the morning, chant the Hare Krsna *mahd-mantra,* go to the Yamuna for bathing, then study some Vaisnava literatures like the *Bhagavad-gita* and the *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* remain always for the benefit of the *guru,* and work for him as a menial servant. These things are recommended for the *brahmacari.* You will find the statement in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* Canto Seven, Chapter Twelve as follows, *brahmacari gurukule vasan danto gururohitam.* I want my *gurukula* should be in that way, we don't want big big scholars, for doing research work; what research work they will do? Everything is in perfect order in the Vaisnava scriptures summarised so beautifully in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and the *Bhagavad-gita* is the primal study. So we want to introduce this system of education for the boys who are at the *kaumara* age. That is recommended by Prahlada Maharaja: *kaumara acaret prajno, dharman bhagavatan iha.* So this is the practical application in life of the education mentioned in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* I == == am also practically finding that if any of our students artificially try to become scholars by associating with unwanted persons they become victimized, for a little learning is dangerous, especially for the Westerners. I == == am practically seeing that as soon as they begin to learn a little Sanskrit immediately they feel that they have become more than their *guru* and then the policy is kill *guru* and be killed himself. So we shall have to teach character and spiritual understanding to the young children. ==To study other things as a high grade scholar is secondary for us. The first thing is to build up character and be experienced in the understanding of the conclusions of the Srimad-Bhagavatam:== *harer namanukirtanam, nrpa nirnitam;* it is decided, there is no more need of research work. So think over these matters. You are experienced and if you take up the charge of our *gurukula,* it will be a great relief for me, but the principles are described above—we do not want anything more or less. The principles are vividly described in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and we have to follow and accept. I am glad to hear that you are coming here during *Diwali* holidays and you are always welcome. I hope this meets you in good health." ([[letters/1976/760918_dr._b.n._shukla|Dixit dasa, 18 September, 1976]]) ## Management 68-10 "Now so far teachings to the students, I think in New Vrndavana we shall have our own institution for teaching some boys, and I think you can be recognized as the principal of that institution. So far I can understand the law of your country is that nobody can keep youngsters without being sent into the schools, so there are many juvenile *brahmacaris* in San Francisco and their mothers are perplexed where to send them. ==So I== ** ==shall request you to think on this matter how we can organize a small party of brahmacari school, so that the government may recognize it and that will be a nice program."== ([[letters/1968/681007_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 7 October, 1968]]) ==68-11 "So far as the lady psychiatrist making tests with our children, you should know that our children are fireproof and waterproof due to Krsna consciousness, so there is no harm for them. Let them test if they wish; we shall come out successful."== ([[letters/1968/681205_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 5 December, 1968]]) *** 69-08 "Regarding Krsna devi's proposal, that is too immature now. ==We have to see the boy's tendencies first. This will be judged when he is at least sixteen years old. Before that, up to the 15th year, he should be given all sorts of education and training as brahmacari.== We can't impose anything from so early age, because when he is grown up he may not like the idea. So all this contemplation is premature. For the present your duty is to make him healthy and strong, physically and spiritually. Of course, if our Krsna conscious children are to marry, the marriage must be performed within the group." ([[letters/1969/690808_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 8 August, 1969]]) ==70-10 "It is very encouraging that you have got a license from the Board of Education to continue our children's school. Kindly organize it nicely and it shall be a great achievement.== We have to concentrate to give them some idea about God—that should be our first business. In art class they should be encouraged to draw pictures of Krsna, Kuruksetra, etc. There are so many subjects for drawing as it is stated in our book Krsna. If they are trained, they will come out nice devotees. It will depend on the process of training. Regarding some misbehaviour, that we have to check by training peacefully. Your attitude of tolerance and kindness very nice, so train them in this way. It is Lord Caitanya s order that we have got to discharge welfare activities of behalf of Lord Caitanya. Please offer my blessings to all the boys and girls and children. I hope this will meet you in good health." ([[letters/1970/701028_bhavananda|Bhavananda, 28 October, 1970]]) *** 71-08 "Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter. So far your son leaving you, his parents, at five years, that is not necessary. Especially our Krsna conscious children; they are already living in an *asrama.* ==The children of our devotees may live with their parents perpetually because you are all living in the temple and already engaged in devotional service. Other instructions are for those not engaged in Krsna consciousness.== Any family engaged in Krsnas service is living not in this material world. Such a home is considered as Vaikuntha. That is the verdict of Bhaktivinoda Thakura." (SPL to Indira, August 15th, 1971) 71-11 "Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter of November 2, 1971, and I am pleased that you have returned to New Vrndavana to develop it nicely. I wanted from the beginning that school-house for teaching our children Krsna consciousness. Now it seems that Krsna has fulfilled our desire and that Mr. Coffield may now sell it to us. Purchase it immediately and we shall construct there a model school for molding children in the perfect way of life. I know that you are the fit person for carrying out his plan, so I am entrusting you to see that everything is done very nicely and up to standard. ==This project of opening a school for young children may be expanded to include inviting children of respectable families for some tuition fee== to come there for an ideal education including the basic requirements of reading and writing, but giving them also real spiritual knowledge of how to live perfectly—what other school of learning can offer such wonderful educational opportunity? There has also been suggestion of a kind of summer camp for children from crowded cities. What do you think?" ([[letters/1971/711118_paramananda|Paramananda, 18 November, 1971]]) ==71-12 "I am especially pleased that your gurukula project is going forward nicely. I consider that this is one of our most important projects,== because people in general are only suffering due to poor fund of knowledge. So if we have facility to give them the right knowledge of how to make an end to suffering condition of life, then we shall be performing the highest type of welfare work. So you can try on this point to convince rich businessmen, educators, politicians, etc. to help us push forward this *gurukula* system for guiding their young children on the right path to becoming sober, upright citizens. You can inform them that if they give me proper facilities that I can save all the young people of your country from the worst danger. People are always willing to give anything for educational purpose. They think that if their children get the right knowledge then they will become very successful in life, and that is their concern, so they sacrifice everything for good educational cause. Now their children are all becoming hippies, and they want so much technology and knowledge which gives them no real satisfaction, so they are losing all interest in education and only they want to enjoy life, that's all. But if such children are given practical guidance on the transcendental platform, above the bodily and mental conception of life, then they will develop into perfect citizens—moral, honest, hard-working, law-abiding, clean, faithful to home and country like that. That is the unmatched success of our Krsna consciousness schooling system, so you introduce it nicely, so that your country's leaders will see something very nice and come to our assistance." ([[letters/1971/711217_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 17 December, 1971]]) ==72-01 "I have read that you are 'screening very carefully' the children who want to come there. That is not a very good proposal. All children of devotees should be welcome.== Even they have developed some unfavourable qualities, they are only young children, how do you expect them to behave in the best way? You have to make them have very nice behaviour by training them and simply giving discipline. So let everyone come to our school. That is our policy, not to discriminate." ([[letters/1972/720110_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 10 January, 1972]]) ==72-02 "Complete separation from the boys is not necessary for girls at such young age, so I don't require that they must be educated separately, only that they should live separately.== What do they know of boy or girl at such young age? There was one question by a little girl like Sarasvati to her father: 'Father, when you were young were you a boy or a girl?' So when they are grown up, at about ten or twelve years old, then you can make separate departments for teaching also. But while they are so young, although they must live in separate boys and girls quarters, they must be educated sometimes together, there is no such restriction that little girls should not have association with little boys, not until they have grown up." ([[letters/1972/720216_chaya|Caya dasi, 16 February, 1972]]) ==72-04 "Our girls can be engaged for teaching as well as temple worship."== ([[letters/1972/720414_bhavananda|Bhavananda, 14 April, 1972]]) ==72-05 "Regarding dancing, our dancing is ecstatic. We need not waste time five hours daily instead of chanting, for practicing. We are not professional dancers, neither we require it. These things should not be encouraged. In New York they have such activities, but they should not be going on in gurukula."== ([[letters/1972/720511_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 11 May, 1972]]) *** 72-09 "I am very happy to hear that you have got a son for dedicating for Lord Caitanya's *sankirtana* movement. Yes, his name of Gauranga dasa is very nice and I == == have no objection for calling him like that. == Now we are at the Dallas school and it is a very nice place and just suitable for educating your son here when he becomes old enough, at least four or five years old.== Now give him all facilities to become conscious of Krsna from very birth, and this will be the greatest service for Krsna if you can deliver Him one pure devotee." ([[letters/1972/720910_rsabhadeva|Rsabhadeva, 10 September, 1972]]) *** 72-11 "The best thing is to discuss with Karandhara and other GBC men to find a permanent manager of Dallas school, who will not suddenly go away; of course we cannot prevent that someone may suddenly go away, it may happen to anyone, but so far as possible impress upon the leaders what is their duty. ==That school is very, very important business, and the best man must be found out for taking charge there and developing it nicely,== and if he sticks and works hard to build it up, that will please me very much." ([[letters/1972/721105_puri_maharajji|Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, 5 November, 1972]]) *** 72-12 "I == == am very, very glad to hear of your desire to return to *gurukula* school and apply yourself to developing that place. == I== am so glad to hear this good news. Only a few weeks back == I== had got a letter from Satsvarupa wherein he has informed me that Stoka Krsna has left Dallas and that he must go there to take charge himself. But he is *sannyasi* and he should travel and preach, and he has not much taste for watching after so many things. So I had suggested him to get a full-time manager, some *grhastha,* nice husband and wife together, to manage the things, and that he shall expect that such person will stay tightly and develop it and make that his life work. It is the most important preaching work, to train our children in Krsna consciousness education of life. And I think that you are just the right man to do it. Krsna has given you the right idea, just see! I was also at Dallas school last summer and I was very much impressed with these children, how nicely they are becoming preachers and *kirtana* men and girls. If we can develop properly, one day they will turn the world by their preaching. Let the small children from all good families in your country come to our *gurukula* school and take education from us. They may be certain their children will get the real knowledge which will create the best citizens of brahminical type, clean, honest, law-abiding, healthy, industrious, all good qualities they will have. Now I think Krsna has inspired you in this way, and every facility is there, you are the pioneer in Dallas and you know how to do everything nicely, that I know, so now you go there immediately after consulting with Satsvarupa and Karandhara and Madhudvisa and the others, take their advice and do the needful. If ==you become Head Master of the gurukula that is more important than going to South America. This is the most important post in pushing on this movement, practically, because you shall create our preachers of the future, many, many of them.== That will be your great credit and contribution. May Krsna give you His all blessings more and more for this task. If you still like to contact Hanuman, he is having some difficulty with the governments in these places, but I have just got one letter from him with the following address: C/o Agencia Wallis C.A. Edificio Karam, Avenida Urdmeta, PO Box 1826, Caracas, Venezuela. But I think it is better if he takes some *brahmacaris* and *sannyasis* with him for traveling in such difficult and dangerous places. You are manager with best experience, and besides you have got wife and child to protect, so it will be very much pleasing to me if you shall take up the big work of *gurukula* school and develop it very nicely. Thank you for helping me in this way." ([[letters/1972/721211_mohanananda|Mohanananda, 11 December, 1972]]) *** 73-03 "Actually, I don't want our energy spent in that way, to develop a school at New Vrndavana. Rather, ==all of our children should go to Dallas when they are four and begin their training program there.== In Dallas, they have full facility approved by me, I have personally seen that they are doing very nicely there. So, for the younger children to be at New Vrndavana that is all right, but when they are a little older, at four, they should go on to our Dallas facility." ([[letters/1973/730323_satyabhama|Satyabhama, 23 March, 1973]]) ==73-04 "Regarding dancing, our dancing is ecstatic. We need not waste time five hours daily instead of chanting, for practicing. We are not professional dancers, neither we require it. These things should not be encouraged. In New York they have such activities, but they should not be going on in gurukula."== ([[letters/1973/730419_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa Maharaja, 19 April, 1973]]) ==73-10 "Yes, Dayananda is correct. When the boys and girls become ten or twelve years and above, then they should be separated. At that time special care should be taken, because once they become a victim of sex their whole life becomes spoiled."== ([[letters/1973/731004_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 4 October, 1973]]) *** 73-10 "In my opinion all *gurukula* students should be educated free of charge, but outside students may be charged. Our own parents should without obligation contribute liberally, but we should not be hard with them if they cannot pay. Sometimes the parents get money from the Welfare Dept., so whatever money they get for their children must be paid to *gurukula.* It is not possible for me to tax my brain on every detail. The GBC should meet in Mayapur in March and all details of management should be discussed. My inclination is to retire completely from management and devote my time to my books. Let all of you give me this chance and consult amongst yourselves regarding the management. ==But, on the whole the gurukula standard should be free education, boarding, and lodging. People shall voluntarily contribute as far as possible.== That should be introduced. We cannot enforce that if you do not pay, then take back your child. Rather the opposite. We must give free education to our children. We have to, if need be, provide money from the incense business or Book Trust, like that, if sufficient income is not there." ([[letters/1973/731013_mohanananda|Mohanananda dasa, 13 October, 1973]]) ==73-10 "Regarding the older boys, they can do gardening engagement and other brahmacari engagements, study and manual work.== And as soon as they can read Sanskrit and English, they should read our books, such as *Bhagavad-gita As It Is.* By cleansing the temple and growing flowers their attention in this way will be always in Krsna consciousness. That will save them from the clutches of *maya:* *kaumara acaret prajno, dharman bhagavatan iha durlabham manusam janma, tad apy adhruvam arthadam (S.B. 7.6.1) 'From the very beginning of childhood one should learn how to behave and practice Krsna consciousness, because this human form of life is very rare. Although it is also perishable, it can give us the greatest boon; therefore we shall utilize this body from the very beginning of life.'" ([[letters/1973/731016_madhudvisa|Dayananda dasa, 16 October, 1973]]) *** 74-06 "From your report it appears that the transfer of the older *gurukula* boys above ten years old has proven successful. I am glad to hear they are housed in a clean building with electricity and hot and cold water and that their teacher from Dallas is with them instructing them just as before. ==I am always eager to hear that gurukula is going well so he very vigilant that this program with the older boys in New Vrndavana as well as all levels of teaching at Dallas are just to the standard as I introduced it.== There is no more important school in the world, so it requires careful guidance." ([[letters/1974/740618_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 18 June, 1974]]) ==74-09 "One thing I received one letter from gurukula regarding the Krsna Bowl contests, and I want you to know that nothing new should be added. Whatever I have introduced should remain. Nothing new should be added. New things means their brain is not clear. Carefully manage things what I have established."== ([[letters/1974/740904_temple_president|Rupanuga dasa, 4 September, 1974]]) ==74-11 "Regarding gurukula, they are in financial difficulty, so introduce book distribution. Sankirtana and books distribution should be pushed side by side, and there will be no difficulties. That is our experience."== ([[letters/1974/741112_tripurari|Hamsaduta dasa, 12 November, 1974]]) ==74-11 "So, for maintaining the gurukula, at least the cost price for the books must be paid. Gurukula can take the profit for its maintenance. BBT cannot pay for maintenance of the temples. BBT can only pay for printing and temple properties and construction."== (SPL to Jagadisa, Jayatirtha, and Dayananda dasa, 15th November, 1974) 75-11 "The new *gurukula* buildings are very nice. We shall invite children there from all over the world. If big Indians here in India understand that Vedic culture in English medium is given, they will want to send their children. This is a unique opportunity. We shall induce big life members to send their children. Sanskrit and Indian culture through English medium—this is what they want if their children will not be trained up to do business. ==If we organize very nicely, the Indian families will send their children. The whole world is misled. You must apply your brains how to spread Krsna consciousness.== I am an old man. I can give you the idea, now you have to carry it out." ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Jagadisa dasa, 20 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 "You have suggested that some men are best engaged in doing business. I agree. All *grhasthas* who are interested in doing business should do so in full swing: *yat karosi yad asnasi, yaj juhosi dadasi yat, yat tapasyasi kaunteya, tat kurusva mad-arpanam.* Let this be the guiding principle. So let all the *grhasthas* who wish to, execute business full fledgidly in the USA and in this way support *gurukula.* Business must be done by the *grhasthas,* not by the *sannyasis* or *brahmacaris.* ==Neither the sannyasis or brahmacaris can be expected to support gurukula. The parents must take responsibility for their children, otherwise they should not have children.== It is the duty of the individual parents. I am not in favor of taxing the temples. The parents must pay for the maintenance of their children. Neither can the BBT be expected to give any loans. Now the BBT fifty percent for construction is pledged to the projects in India—Bombay, Kuruksetra, Mayapur. The profits from the businesses should first go to support *gurukula* and balance may be given for the local temples maintenance. *Grhasthas* can do business. It is best if the temple presidents are either *sannyasis* or *brahmacaris.* If the *grhasthas* want to do book distribution, they should be given a commission of five to ten percent of which part must go to *gurukula.* For any others who are engaged in important Society projects, they must get something for maintaining their children at *gurukula.* So far as *prasadam* and residence, they are already getting that free. But sometimes, *grhasthas* make their own arrangement for cooking. For that we can give no expenditure. Just try to improve the *prasadam* system so nicely that one will not want any other arrangement. Another thing is that the *grhasthas* may be encouraged to do agriculture. In the Indian villages like in Vrndavana, they get enough ghee for their personal use, and sufficient excess to be sold to the merchants, who then also get some money. Cow protection means good food and good trade. So I can give you suggestions how to manage everything, but it is up to the GBC to practically execute all these points." ([[letters/1976/760122_jayatirtha|Jayatirtha, 22 January, 1976]]) *** 76-01 "Another thing is that you are expecting a BBT loan of $150,000 but the BBT has already taken responsibility for Bombay, Kuruksetra, Mayapur, so this money has to go to India. Therefore I do not think the BBT can give this loan. ==Actually it is the responsibility of the parents to maintain gurukula. By taxing the temples or taking loan from the BBT the parents are being allowed to avoid their responsibility.== Before having a child the parents should see whether they shall be able to pay for their child's education. The GBC should make an injunction that if they beget children, then whatever the expenses are for supporting *gurukula* they must pay for it. In another letter to Jayatlrtha I have suggested how the parents can earn money for their children's support. So you can discuss everything together and do the needful." ([[letters/1976/760122_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 22 January, 1976]]) ==76-03 "My dear gurukula devotees; Please accept my blessings. I have requested that Dayananda go to take complete charge of gurukula, so you all please cooperate with him. I do not wish that the gurukula should be closed. Please work combinedly and endeavor with great determination to keep it going on nicely."== ([[letters/1976/760304_gurukula_devotees|unidentified, 4 March, 1976]]) ==77-03 "So far as gurukula is concerned, literary education is for the brahminical class, not for all.== Others should learn by seeing, like the *ksatriyas, vaisyas,* and *sudras.* Just like driving a bullock cart; it doesn't require education. Modern so-called education is simply a waste of time producing hippies. Shameless! Why compulsory education? To make hippies—compulsory education to degrade. So it is very fortunate that there is no compulsory education required by the state of Mississippi." ([[letters/1977/770316_minakshi|Nityananda dasa, 16 March, 1977]]) *** 77-03 "Our literature is not sentimental stories. It is meant to be understood by the intelligent class of men. ==Children and those with childlike mentalities will do better to chant 'Hare Krsna' and take prasadam. We cannot water down the philosophy to make it more palatable. Our books must remain as they are. Do not waste your time any more with such attempts.== We are not going to publish it. Whatever books we have got, let them try to understand, and if they cannot then let them chant 'Hare Krsna' and take *prasadam." ([[letters/1977/770331_lilavati|Lilavati dasi, 31 March, 1977]]) ## Teaching 68-12 "I do not think that at this time it will be necessary for you to obtain a teacher's certificate. You have so many other important duties to perform in your center. Also, I understand that in West Virginia that the qualification for being teacher is simply that one has graduated from high school so there will be no necessity of such teacher's certificate. Before long we are hoping to obtain a schooling program in New Vrndavana where ==our boys may be trained up in the principles of Krsna consciousness as well as Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic.== In Los Angeles, Visnujana is taking care of Birbhadra and this boy is also doing very nicely. Certainly this boy is very good soul to be in contact with Krsna consciousness even at such an early age so be patient with him and I think that he will continue to progress very nicely." ([[letters/1968/681219_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 19 December, 1968]]) *** 69-02 "You are right when you say that setting the example for the boys is the best precept. ==There is a saying that an example is better than a precept.== Our exemplary character depends on strictly following the four principles, and this will conquer the whole world. Our boys and girls in London, by their exemplary character, have drawn the attention of many respectable persons and even some public papers. ==Our movement is not only for some theoretical teaching, but it is for developing practical character and definite understanding."== ([[letters/1969/690204_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 4 February, 1969]]) *** 69-08 "Regarding Krsna devi's proposal, that is too immature now. ==We have to see the boy's tendencies first. This will be judged when he is at least sixteen years old.== Before that, up to the fifteenth year, he should be given all sorts of education and training as *brahmacari.* We can't impose anything from so early age, because when he is grown up he may not like the idea. So all this contemplation is premature. For the present your duty is to make him healthy and strong, physically and spiritually. Of course, if our Krsna conscious children are to marry, the marriage must be performed within our group." ([[letters/1969/690808_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 8 August, 1969]]) ==69-11 "Please also take care of the children. They are our future hopes and the adolescent age is the most dangerous age. It is the turning point of one's life. In this age, if you take care of the children, surely they will come out first-class Krsna conscious devotees."== ([[letters/1969/691107_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 7 November, 1969]]) *** 70-03 "I have received one letter from Balmukund Parikh, the copy of which is enclosed herewith. It is understood that he is introducing something new in the name of teaching *devanagari* script. The prayer of the spiritual master as he has quoted has no use for us, it is completely impersonal. This prayer immediately must be stopped. Another thing is he asked me about Aurobindo's estimation. This means that he gradually wants to introduce Aurobindo philosophy. All these things do not sound very nice. Please let me know what is the necessity of learning the *Devanagari* script. We are transliterating all our books— *Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, Brahma-saḥhitā* etc.—in Roman type. So why you should waste your time in learning *Devanagari* script? ==So I am very much anxious to know what is the actual situation because I can sense that Mr. Parikh wants to introduce something in my absence which is completely against Krsna consciousness.== I hope you will understand me right and reply this letter by return mail what is the actual situation." ([[letters/1970/700509_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 9 May, 1970]]) ==70-07 "Your report for organizing village schools in England is very encouraging. Similarly I have received report of Amsterdam also very nice. So it can be easily guessed that Europe is a very good field for spreading this movement. So in consultation with Tamala kindly take up the grammar school organization immediately. In childhood the impression taken continues life long, so try to train little English and Dutch boys to be accustomed to chant and dance."== ([[letters/1970/700719_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 19 July, 1970]]) *** 70-10 "I beg to thank you so much for your letter dated September 21st, 1970, along with your copy of *Who is God?* — *A Childrens's Introduction to Krsna Consciousness* which I see you have done with great care. I have gone through the book, and I think it is very nice. Devananda and others have also seen it and have also approved your efforts. But ==I think this book is meant for somewhat older children, about ten to fifteen years. We are also immediately requiring some books for much younger children, say five to ten years age.== Another thing you just see that every and each item and example for discussion is made very clear in continuous context, so that it will be easy for their understanding. As you have done this first book it is a very good begining, so go on writing and improving and make a series of such books and we shall see to their printing. Also have the pictures done very nicely and in color if possible as it is done by our Art Department in Boston. And if you have any questions in this regard you may correspond with them directly. That will be very nice. In the meantime, have all your works read by the other devotees as they may find it convenient to do so and they can give you further suggestions. ==So go on writing more books; we need many such books for distributing to the public schools as well as for our own schools== and send me draft copies as you make them up. I will be very glad to see them." ([[letters/1970/701004_yogesvara|Yogesvara, 4 October, 1970]]) ==71-05 "Deity worship can be learned at not less than ten years by children. Before that they can assist. They can learn how to bow down, how to dance and chant, how to make garlands, clean arati utensils, etc. In this way they can be engaged. These are also different parts of Deity worship."== ([[letters/1971/710501_laksmimoni|Laksmimoni, 1 May, 1971]]) ==71-12 "I am very glad that you are teaching Krsna consciousness in the schools. That is our best field for training people in Krsna consciousness.== Young children have not yet learned an artificial standard of sense gratification, so they accept austerity very nicely as enjoyable. Just see the young *brahmacari,* goes out and begs all day on the order of the *guru,* to collect a little rice and return at night to sleep on the floor without cover—and he thinks this life is very nice! So if children are trained-up in this way, they will naturally grow up to be sober and responsible, the best citizens and a credit to their state. So preach in this way, attract their young children to Krsna by teaching in a very interesting fashion—let them chant, dance, and take *prasadam,* that's all. Later, when they are old enough to understand, a little philosophy. And always keep them engaged one way or another in devotional service. That way they will become very attached to Krsna and they will not go away to a life of false standard of life. If you can get that couple from America to help you, that will be very nice. Actually I wanted one householder couple to come there and teach. This I told Bali Mardan when he was with me in India. So now you are arranging for that, so that is the best plan." ([[letters/1971/711225_amogha|Amogha, 25 December, 1971]]) *** 72-01 "The children should be trained in early rising, attending *mangala-arati,* some elementary education: Arithmetic, alphabet, some of our books like that. They should go to bed by eight pm and rise by four am for *mangala-arati,* getting eight hours sleep, they will not fall asleep during *arati.* When they get up they should wash with a little warm water, at least three times wash face, They may sleep one hour in the afternoon and there is no harm. Encourage them to chant as *much japa* as possible, but ==there is no question of force or punishment. If there is need you may shake your finger at them but never physical punishment is allowed.== Try as far as possible to discipline them with love and affection, so that they develop a taste for austerity of life and think it is great fun to serve Krsna in many ways. Rising early and *mangala-arati,* this is enough austerity. Besides that, let them learn something, chant, dance, eat as much *prasadam* as they like, and do not mind if they have playful nature—let them also play and run, that is natural. It is nice if they eat often—if children overeat it doesn't matter, that is no mistake. Boys and girls should be educated separately. Please keep me informed your progress there, and if you have any further questions. Hoping this will meet you in good health." ([[letters/1972/720110_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 10 January, 1972]]) ==72-01 "In training the children you will see that whatever is taught to them they will take very seriously."== ([[letters/1972/720129_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa dasa, 29 January, 1972]]) *** 72-02 "Yes, as in the case of Ranadhira, please institute these most important points of attending *mangala-arati* and chanting sixteen rounds, these are the most important points of Krsna consciousness process. But make it so that people may not think it too repressive so they will not go away—impressive but not repressive, that is the system. These regulative principles are our life, if they are not respected then we fall down from the standard and the whole thing is finished. As GBC you should see the standard is perfectly maintained, and that Deity worship is perfectly done. Then Krsna will give us protection. Neglecting the principles means neglecting Krsnas order. So you are one of the chief men of this institution, kindly maintain your behaviour to the standard so that others will follow and the whole thing may go on nicely. It was said about Lord Caitanya: *apani acari prabhu jivere sikhaya;* that is, ==He personally used to practice Himself the injunctions and then He used to teach others. That is our principle. Unless one is perfectly behaved person, he cannot teach others.== My only request is that all the GBC members should be strictly to the standard of life, and see that others are also following them. Then our centers will be well-managed. Kindly do that and advise your co-workers to do that." ([[letters/1972/720213_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 13 February, 1972]]) ==72-02 "If Aniruddha is shaky in his Krsna consciousness, how he can teach the children? Unless one is firmly convinced about Krsna consciousness, I don't think the children will learn properly from such a person. Other experienced teachers may be called from other centers if they are required, that you should discuss with the GBC."== ([[letters/1972/720216_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 16 February, 1972]]) *** 72-02 "I == == am very, very pleased that you have been able to secure that place for our *gurukula* school and temple. I == == am enclosing one letter to Caya dasi in this respect, to clear up a few points, namely, that we should concentrate on training these children up in Krsna consciousness, not so much by formal, academic education—a little Reading, Writing, Mathematics, that's all—but more by giving them facility to follow the examples of the older devotees in the regular Krsna conscious program, namely, rising early, *arati,* chanting, Reading, street *sanklrtana,* preaching, distributing books—like that. These children can be trained in that way, by participating in all these activities throughout the day, and always the focus of attention will be on Krsna. So you kindly see that these programs are carried out nicely, that is, in the matter of our routine Krsna consciousness program, and let the children learn in that way. ==Not so much time should be wasted giving so much academic knowledge, a little Reading and Writing, that's all. Let them be able to read our books very nicely, and that will be their higher education.== Keep them always happy in Krsna consciousness, and do not try to force or punish or they will get the wrong idea. By and by, if they are satisfied in this way, they will all grow up to be first-class preachers and devotees." ([[letters/1972/720216_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 16 February, 1972]]) *** 72-02 "All children should learn to read and write very nicely, and a little mathematics, so that they will be able to read our books. Cooking, sewing, things like that do not require schooling, they are learned simply by association. There is no question of academic education for either boys or girls— ==simply a little mathematics and being able to read and write well, that's all, no universities. Their higher education they will get from our books, and other things they will get from experience, like preaching, SKP, etc.== Alongside the regular classes in reading and writing, the other routine programs they should also participate in, like *arati, klrtana,* preaching, *sanklrtana,* like that." ([[letters/1972/720216_chaya|Caya dasi, 16 February, 1972]]) *** 72-02 "You ask about marriage, yes, actually I want that every woman in the Society should be married. But what is this training to become wives and mothers? No school is required for that, simply association. ==And it is not necessary to say that women only can instruct the girls and men only can instruct the boys, not when they are so young. At twelve years, they may be initiated.== A woman's real business is to look after household affairs, keep everything neat and clean, and if there is sufficient milk supply available, she should always be engaged in churning butter, making yogurt, curd, so many nice varieties, simply from milk. The woman should be cleaning, sewing, like that. So if you simply practice these things yourselves and show examples, they will learn automatically, one doesn't have to give formal instruction in these matters." ([[letters/1972/720216_chaya|Caya dasi, 16 February, 1972]]) *** 72-02 'Tour idea to start a nursery school in New Vrndavana is very good proposal and you may immediately try for it by cooperatively consulting amongst yourselves how to do it. But one thing, we are teaching *bhakti* by practical attendance and by decreasing playing desire or drive. If the children simply do as their elders are doing, that is, regularly attending *man-gala-arati,* rising early, chanting, eating *prasadam,* looking at books, worshiping the Deities like that, then automatically they will become trained up in the right way and there is no need for a special program for education. Children will always do as they see others doing, so if by the good association of their parents and the other older persons, they will come out nicely fixed in Krsna consciousness, and because they are not spoiled by an artificial standard of sense gratification, they will think that performing austerities is great fun, just like in India we see the young *brahmacarls* are sent out to beg for their spiritual master to teach them humility and non-attachment, and they spend the whole day in the hot sun and come back at night, take a handful of rice, and sleep without blankets on the hard floor—and they take this type of life as very much enjoyable and great fun. This is how we train our children in Krsna consciousness, just by keeping them always attending our regular program and associating with Krsna devotees, teaching them in spiritual realization by giving them an idea that sacrifice and *tapasya* for achieving the highest goal of life is a very nice way of life. ==Not that we shall give them many games for playing, these so-called scientific methods of learning are artificial, unnecessary, and on the whole I do not have much trust in this Montessori system or any other such system of teaching.== Your idea for having altars to train the children in Deity worship is very nice." ([[letters/1972/720228_satyabhama|Satyabhama, 28 February, 1972]]) *** 72-03 "I am very glad to learn that you are enthusiastic to teach the children. Most of your questions I have answered as above to Satsvarupa. Simply follow the program of the elders, let the children associate as much as possible with the routine Krsna consciousness program, and when the others go out for working and business matters, the children can be given classes as you describe. ==They can learn our method of Krsna consciousness by rising early, cleansing, plus knowledge of Sanskrit, English, a little Mathematics, History, Geography, that's all. We haven't got to take any help from the government== by getting so-called accreditation. If outsiders want to send their children to us, it will not be for their accreditation, but because they will get the best education for relieving them of all anxieties of material life and for this education the government has no idea. Where is such thing as transmigration of the soul being taught in classroom? If they simply learn to rise early, cleanse, all hygienic principles, their study will be greater than any government program. Whatever the elder members are doing, the children should do if possible. But for teaching the teachers themselves should be fixed up initiated devotees, otherwise how the children can get the right information and example? Thank you very much for serving Krsna in this way, and if you go on sincerely serving like this, chanting, and following the regulative principles strictly, all your questions will be answered by Krsna automatically." ([[letters/1972/720307_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 7 March, 1972]]) ==72-04 "Try to introduce immediately Krsna consciousness instruction to the students through English medium.== I know many parents are eager to educate their wards through English medium. If we can introduce this system, our girl disciples may be engaged for teaching them: a little English Grammar, Reading and Writing, Geography, Arithmetic, History, Sanskrit, but all of them should be Krsna consciousness—that is *Bhagavata* program: *kaumara acaret prajno, dharman bhagavatan iha." ([[letters/1972/720412_giriraja|Giriraja, 12 April, 1972]]) ==72-06 "Yes, the proof of your teaching method shall be seen in the spiritual improvement and fresh enthusiasm exhibited by the children.== If they are allowed to worship the Deity by practicing performing *arati* very seriously, plus always be engaged in different various activities centered around Krsna, then their education will be completely successful. The children should always be instructed by taking advantage of their playful mood and teaching them to play Krsna games like become cowherd boys, cows, peacocks, demons and in this way if they always think of Krsna by playing just like they are actually present in association with Krsna then they will become Krsna conscious very quickly. In addition, there should be a little ABC, then *prasadam,* then worshiping the Deity, then more playing Krsna games, some *kirtana,* a little more ABC, like that. In this way, always keep their minds and bodies engaged in different activities because children are restless by nature so they will want to change often." ([[letters/1972/720613_stokakrsna|Stoka Krsna, 13 June, 1972]]) ==72-06 "So far the children are concerned they should know simply four things: 1. Simply think of Krsna always, 2. become Krsna's devotee, 3. offer Krsna worship, 4. offer Krsna obeisances.== These four things should be taught and everything else will follow nicely and they will be learned persons. Give them nice food, let them play. Some can be cow-herds boys, some can be cows like that. Play and take food and be Krsna conscious. As soon as they begin playing they will be inspired, only one has to direct how to play, that's all. They should attend the regular *arati's* and dance before the Deities, just like the children are doing in Los Angeles, and there should not be separate special *arati's* for the children, although they may also learn how to do *arati* in the class before one picture. They must all go to bed by nine p.m. and arise at four a.m. for *mangala-arati,* and in day-time a little rest." ([[letters/1972/720616_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 16 June, 1972]]) ==72-06 "The women are best for teaching small children, especially if they are themselves mothers, and when they become brahmacaris at five or six years old then they may be instructed by the men. If Stoka Krsna is finding difficulty to manage things then you find out some men to help him from your zone. Let him do all of the organizing and be the authority in charge how everything is running, and let others follow his direction and free him to supervise."== ([[letters/1972/720616_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 16 June, 1972]]) *** 72-07 "So far the school of Sumati Morarji, make the children into Vaisnavas through English medium of learning. We are not going to abide by the government schedule. They should be taught our books as soon as they can read and write. The idea is that those who will later on accept service, they cannot be accepted by us for schooling, we cannot help them. They must be the sons of rich and important men who will not be taking education simply to use it for eating and sleeping. They should be taught just to do like the elders, that is, rise early, cleanse, attend *mangala-arati,* read our literatures, chant, go for *sankirtana,* like that, and besides that, a little ABC, Mathematics, Geography, History, that's all. And ==teach the small children to play Krsna games: one child is a cow, another is cowherds boy, they go to the forest, there are demons there, Krsna kills the demons, like that;== in this way, let the children play Krsna games, then attend *arati,* then learn some ABC, then play some more, have *kirtana,* little ABC, and by keeping them always diversified they shall not lose interest and will keep their attention always focused around Krsna." ([[letters/1972/720730_giriraja|Giriraja, 30 July, 1972]]) *** 72-09 "One thing is, ==I have just returned from Dallas gurukula school, and the young students there require to learn Sanskrit language.== So I think you may purchase minimum fifty copies of the primary Sanskrit book for learning Sanskrit language from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Chowpatty and send to Dallas school as soon as possible. Ask them if they will donate, but if they will not donate then purchase outright minimum fifty copies of the first grammar or primary book for learning Sanskrit at earliest age." ([[letters/1972/720913_yadubara|Yadubara, 13 September, 1972]]) *** 72-11 "One thing is, I am very much sad to learn that you have left the company of the devotees over this incident at *gurukula* school. Now you are living by yourself because you have been hurt by seeing that the children are sometimes mistreated, and because no one has taken your good advice in this connection. But you may be assured that I am always anxious about the welfare of my disciples, so that I am taking steps to rectify the unfortunate situation. Now my advice to you is to give up these feelings and return to your life of Krsna consciousness devotional service, and if you go back to Dallas school and demonstrate to the other teachers there just the proper way to instruct and discipline the students nicely, that will be a great service. I am forwarding the copy of this letter, with your letter, to Satsvarupa for his immediate attention. Now the thing is, ==children should not be beaten at all, that I have told. They should be shown the stick strongly. So if one cannot manage in that way then he is not fit as teacher.== If a child is trained properly in Krsna consciousness, he will never go away. That means he must have two things, love and education. So if there is beating of child, that will be difficult for him to accept in loving spirit, and when he is old enough he may want to go away—that is the danger. So why these things are going on—marching and chanting *japa,* insufficient milk, too strict enforcement of time schedules, hitting the small children? Why these things are being imposed? Why they are inventing these such new things like marching and japa like army? What can I do from such a distant place? They should run and play when they are small children, not forced to chant *japa,* that is not the way. So I have given you the guiding principles, it is not that I must be consulted with every small detail, that is the business of the in-charge, but if no one is there who can manage in the right way, what can I do? Now if you have got the right idea how to do it, you may go there again and take some responsible post for correcting the situation, that will be your real duty, not that there is some disagreement and I go away disgusted, no. That is not Vaisnava standard. Standard should be that, never mind there is some difficulty, my spiritual master has ordered me to do like this, now let me do it, that's all." ([[letters/1972/721118_rupa_vilasa|Bhanutanya dasi, 18 November, 1972]]) *** 73-01 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter from Dallas school dated December 26, 1972, along with examples of the children's class work. Thank you very much for allowing me to see the nice progress being made by our future preachers. I think everything is going on there nicely, and the children are learning in the proper line. ==So far Geography and History are concerned, you may teach Geography as it is, there is no harm== to getting knowledge about our material earth planet, even up to learning all of the countries and places, names, landscape, production, natural resources, climates, oceans, deserts, everything should be there. ==Krsna consciousness devotees shall not be known as fools.== All of you nice boys and girls have had that kind of education and you are preaching now Krsna consciousness in its pure form, so there is no hindrance for learning such things, just as you have also learned them as child. So teach them in this way, exactly as you have also been taught Geography, History and other things. So far History is concerned, we shall not teach the History as Darwin has given, but there is no harm to learn what is the History of your country, just like Washington was the first president, and after him came so-and-so, like that. If the modern historians have altered the story of History to fit their own view of things, that can be avoided, anything like opinion and speculation, but the bare facts as much as we know them may be learned by the young children, there is no harm." ([[letters/1973/730104_sama_sammita|Dinatarini dasi, 4 January, 1973]]) *** 73-04 "Regarding *gurukula,* it is not required that parents live there with their children. We can take care of the children, but not the parents. Any parents there must be engaged preaching and selling books, and going on the *sanklrtana* party. Mohanananda Prabhu has agreed to fully cooperate, now you just direct him. ==I just want that the children learn English and Sanskrit nicely, that's all. I want that things go on there nicely, it is so important work.== If necessary I will come there myself to see how it is going, but only if the climate is suitable, neither too hot nor too cold. This Los Angeles climate is just suitable for me." ([[letters/1973/730419_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa Maharaja, 19 April, 1973]]) ==74-07 "I understand that you are the mother of the little boy Purnima dasa. He is very nice boy. He is Vaisnava. So you are very fortunate to have such a son. You can take it that Krsna has given you this son. So you must take care of him nicely and raise him in Krsna consciousness. All these boys must be taken care of very nicely. They are the future hope. When he is ready, he must be taught English and Sanskrit."== ([[letters/1974/740720_suchitra|Sucitra devi dasi, 20 July, 1974]]) *** 74-08 "Jagadisa Prabhu has informed me that he has already gone over the points with you at New Vrndavana recentiy. ==In teaching the children, you should refer very carefully to my books.== The qualities of a *hrahmana* as mentioned in *Bhagavad-gitd* Chapter Eighteen: *samo damas tapah saucam.* You must teach these qualities. These qualities will naturally come out, if you just give the process purely. ==The information is there in my books so if you strictly adhere to them then your program of teaching will be successful.== First of all you must teach by your personal example. This is the principle of Lord Caitanya Maha-prabhu: *apani acari bhakti karila pracara.* So you yourself chant sixteen rounds and follow the regulative principles and automatically they will do as you are doing. Then they will become strong Vaisnavas." ([[letters/1974/740819_sridhara|Hiranyagarbha dasa, 19 August, 1974]]) *** 74-09 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter regarding the Krsna Bowl game, and it should be stopped immediately. This thing will be a taxation on the brain on the young children. Why are you inventing? Why you are not satisfied? You are all only inventing and spoiling money. You should teach the children perfectly Sanskrit and English instead of spoiling time and money. The children cannot pronounce correctly the Sanskrit. Let them read it correctly, that is wanted first. They must pronounce nicely English and Sanskrit. The English is no difficulty. If you can do this, then your education is all right. ==You may introduce contests, but if the children and also the older devotees cannot pronounce Sanskrit correctly, it is all a useless waste of time."== ([[letters/1974/740903_rsabhadeva|Aksobhya dasa, 3 September, 1974]]) ==75-02 "Your study aids that you are using to help the children learn the meaning of Bhagavad-gita slokas fully seem to he all right. The thing is, you must see that the meaning of the verse is in no way altered or changed. Simplification is all right but do not change anything."== ([[letters/1975/750202_sahadeva|Dayananda dasa, 2 February, 1975]]) *** 75-05 "I == == have been informed by my servant, Srutakirti, that the young children, under twelve, are not allowed to use their *japa* beads while chanting. This policy is not good. Why this change has been made? == == I == == never said they should not use their beads. That is our business. They must be taught how to respect their beads. How they can learn unless they use them? That is the trouble with you Westerners, always changing. No changes should be made without first consulting with my GBC representative. So, == the children should immediately be allowed to chant on their japa beads."== ([[letters/1975/750514_yadunandana|Yadunandana, 14 May, 1975]]) ==75-09 "It is nice that you have started the Sri Rupanuga Vidyapitha Library and that you are teaching the boys at the gurukula Sanskrit. You can do it. You have got the capacity. Now do it. You may send me a copy of the examination and what were the results."== ([[letters/1975/750928_prem_j._batra|Pradyumna dasa, 28 September, 1975]]) ==75-11 "Regarding your use of manpower in the Texas gurukula, that is very good what you are doing now. There should not be more than twelve students for one teacher. This is tutorial system."== ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Jagadisa dasa, 20 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 "Regarding the land of Sri R. N. Bhargava, since he is offering it to us for our unconditional use, why not take it? Naturally if we start a *gosala* there later on we can start a Vedic school for the higher class of people. ==Study of the Vedas is not meant for children.== You should ascertain definitely by asking some knowledgeable persons, whether or not the Ganges will come again. Another point is whether the government can be induced to build a road there. So, if there is possibility of developing the land, then we can take it." ([[letters/1976/760106_k.c._kapur|Aksayananda Maharaja, 6 January, 1976]]) ## Discipline ==70-07 "Keep Narottama dasa very nicely. He is a very good boy, sometimes he is attracted by maya but this is not a very unusual thing. So kindly try to protect this boy as much as possible, and when you come to New York he may also come so that I may see him again."== (SPL to Himavati, undated) ==72-04 "So far my chastising you at Mayapur for your questions it is simply out of love that I chastise any of my students.== It is a father's duty to raise his son to be a strong, useful citizen, and sometimes he must reprimand him for some mistake in order to teach him. But this harshness is only for his son's benefit. Similarly, you are all my spiritual children, and my only concern is to see that you all becoming strong in your devotion to Lord Krsna, so sometimes scolding may be there, but you should always remember that it is done with love and it is only for your benefit. You are an intelligent boy, and I want to train you very nicely so that you will be able to preach this great Krsna conscious philosophy with conviction, and help to deliver all the spiritually-starving souls in this world. Therefore, you should take this chastisement as an opportunity to advance in Krsna consciousness and not in any other way." ([[letters/1972/720412_niranjana|Niranjana, 12 April, 1972]]) *** 72-05 "We have got so much to do. We have to deal with so many men with different personalities. So kindly utilize their energies and at the same time keep them satisfied. That is leadership, if one man is appointed as leader, all must follow him and be obedient. =='Obedience is the first law of discipline.'== They are pointing out irregularities, but they themselves are not doing their duty, so they are pointing out the irregularities in others. They came to serve, now they don't want to serve so there is some excuse. Oh!, irregularity, let me go away. The workers should not suggest irregularities." (SPL to Giriraja, May 15th, 1972) 72-11 "One thing is, I am very much sad to learn that you have left the company of the devotees over this incident at *gurukula* school. Now you are living by yourself because you have been hurt by seeing that the children are sometimes mistreated, and because no one has taken your good advice in this connection. But you may be assured that I am always anxious about the welfare of my disciples, so that I am taking steps to rectify the unfortunate situation. Now my advice to you is to give up these feelings and return to your life of Krsna consciousness devotional service, and if you go back to Dallas school and demonstrate to the other teachers there just the proper way to instruct and discipline the students nicely, that will be a great service. I am forwarding the copy of this letter, with your letter, to Satsvarupa for his immediate attention. Now the thing is, ==children should not be beaten at all, that I have told. They should be shown the stick strongly. So if one cannot manage in that way then he is not fit as teacher.== If a child is trained properly in Krsna consciousness, he will never go away. That means he must have two things, love and education. So if there is beating of child, that will be difficult for him to accept in loving spirit, and when he is old enough he may want to go away—that is the danger. So why these things are going on—marching and chanting *japa,* insufficient milk, too strict enforcement of time schedules, hitting the small children? Why these things are being imposed? Why they are inventing these such new things like marching and *japa* like army? What can I do from such a distant place? They should run and play when they are small children, not forced to chant *japa,* that is not the way. So I have given you the guiding principles, it is not that I must be consulted with every small detail, that is the business of the in-charge, but if no one is there who can manage in the right way, what can I do? Now if you have got the right idea how to do it, you may go there again and take some responsible post for correcting the situation, that will be your real duty, not that there is some disagreement and I go away disgusted, no. That is not Vaisnava standard. Standard should be that, never mind there is some difficulty, my spiritual master has ordered me to do like this, now let me do it, that's all." ([[letters/1972/721118_rupa_vilasa|Bhanutanya dasi, 18 November, 1972]]) *** 72-11 "I am very glad to learn that the children at *gurukula* school are making good progress in their Krsna consciousness education, that is very good news. Yes, if we simply train them properly they will come out just to the highest standard of Vaisnava devotee. And what is that training? Simply they should be engaged in such a way that they are somehow or other remembering Krsna at every moment, that's all. It is not something mechanical process, if we force in such a way they will come out like this, no. We are persons, and Krsna is a person, and our relationship with Krsna He leaves open as a voluntary agreement always, and that voluntary attitude—Yes, Krsna, I shall gladly cooperate whatever you say—that ready willingness to obey is only possible if there is love. Forcing will not make me agree. But if there is love, Oh!, I shall gladly do it. That is *bhakti,* that is Krsna consciousness. So, similarly, if we train children by developing and encouraging their propensity to love Krsna, then we shall be successful in educating them to the topmost standard. Then they shall always very happily agree to do whatever you ask them. So I == == have heard that there has been some beating with sticks on the children. Of course I == == do not know, but that should not be. ==You may show the stick, threaten, but better art is to somehow or other, even by tricking them, avoid this matter of force and induce them to obey out of loving spirit.== That is success of disciplinary method." ([[letters/1972/721118_rupa_vilasa|Rupa-vilasa, 18 November, 1972]]) *** 72-12 "Regarding your question should force be used on children, no, there shall be no forcing the children to do anything. Child should not be forced. This is all nonsense. Who has devised these things? If we want them to become great devotees, then we must educate the children with love, not in a negative way. Of course, ==if they become naughty we may show the stick but we should never use it. Child is nonsense, so you can trick him to obey you by making some little story and the child will become cheated in the proper behavior. But never apply force,== especially to his chanting and other matters of spiritual training. That will spoil him and in the future he will not like to do it if he is forced." ([[letters/1972/721210_brahmanya_tirtha|Brahmanya Tirtha, 10 December, 1972]]) *** 74-05 "Regarding your *gurukula* report, why are the older boys being sent to New Vrndavana? What are the facilities like, what is the program there, what is the need for them to move? As things are not fully explained in your letter, I == == am inquiring regarding this very important change. As for buying a new house and land in order that the pre-school children may go there, what is the need of them being separate. == If they cannot rise early, why should you take care of such young ones at gurukula? == But if they are rising early and attending *arati,* then why must they be separate from the other little children? Please explain further. You are right when you say Deity worship must be maintained. This is most important. I know Nandarani is expert in Deity care but I == == think she is working with the children. Your wife is also expert, so she can maintain the sewing and Deity worship program. But the standard must always be kept up. *Sankirtana* is also a part of Vaisnavism. All our activities are a part of Vaisnavism. So *sankirtana* should also be developed at Dallas." ([[letters/1974/740510_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 10 May, 1974]]) ==75-05 "I have just been informed by my servant, Srutakirti, that the young children, under twelve, are not allowed to use their japa beads while chanting. This policy is not good.== Why this change has been made? I never said they should not use their beads. That is our business. They must be taught how to respect their beads. How they can learn unless they use them? That is the trouble with you Westerners, always changing. No changes should be made without first consulting with my GBC representative. So, the children should immediately be allowed to chant on their *japa* beads." ([[letters/1975/750514_yadunandana|Yadunandana, 14 May, 1975]]) *** 76-01 "Yes, try to encourage book distribution as much as possible. Books are the basis of our movement. Whatever appreciation we are getting on account of our books, it is because we are following the path chalked out by exalted devotees. We are not writing something whimsical. So far devotees being hesitant to distribute books on account of pressure, ==sometimes pressure is required, especially when one is not so advanced. Of course it has to be applied properly, otherwise there may be some bad taste. But spontaneous service can only be expected from advanced devotees. Just like a child by pressure goes to school and is made to read.== Then after some time he wants to read, even without pressure. We have all got experience of this. It is *vaidhi-bhakti—vaidhi* means 'must.' Sometimes devotees are promised a plate of *maha-prasadam* for the biggest distributor. There is no harm. Actually one should try to serve Krsna to his or her full capacity without thought of reward—service is itself the reward. But this takes time to actually realize and until that platform is achieved some pressure or inducement is required." ([[letters/1976/760109_vishambhar|Tusta Krsna Maharaja, 9 January, 1976]]) *** 76-11 "Dear Ramesvara Maharaja, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupāda. The following is an extract from a morning class on S.B. 5/6/3, delivered on 25/11/76. Srila Prabhupāda has requested that it be sent to all temples and GBC: =='If you pat your subordinates it will increase their faulty habits and if you chastise them, they will improve. Therefore it is advised that either your son or disciple, you should always chastise them, never give them leniency.== So a little leniency, immediately so many faults will grow. Now for our practical life we are known all over the world as shaven headed, is it not? Now we are becoming hair-headed, we are forgetting shaving. Because there is a little leniency, immediately faulty things are creeping in. So we should be known as shaven-headed, not hair-headed. This is discrepancy. At least once in a month you must be clearly shaven-headed. On the bright fortnight, on the day of *purnima,* four days after Ekadasi. Once in a month, in the bright fortnight we must be shaven-headed. It is not desirable that in grown up age also, you be chastised. That is not desirable—that is also difficult because when the disciple or son is grown up, if he is chastised, then he breaks. So before being chastised we should be conscious that this is our rules and regulations, we must observe. Therefore it is advised by Canakya Pandita (Sanskrit) After the 16th year of the disciple or son, he should be treated as friend because if you chastise when he is grown up then he will break up—that is also another risk. So our request is that instead of chastising, with folded hands I request you, don't you become hippies again by growing hair. Keep your head cleansed at least once in a month. That is my request. Neither I can chastise you, I am an old man and you are young men.'" Approved: A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami." (SPL to all temples, November 26th, 1976) ## Brahmacari, Asrama 67-02 "These pictures of Krsna and the *gopis* are not understandable by a layman who has no idea of Krsna. Therefore, this picture is wrongly put without asking me. Please, therefore, consult me before putting any such picture or interpretations. One must understand first Krsna from the *Bhagavatam* by reading the first nine Cantos. Otherwise Krsna would be taken as an ordinary man and His pastimes will be wrongly understood. Besides that, ==a brahmacari should not see any kind of naked picture. That is violation of brahmacari law.== I am asking you therefore not to put the picture in the issue of *Back to Godhead.* I have asked you not to put this picture. I think all the pictures are not yet stapled and therefore it must not be put in there." ([[letters/1967/670228_rayarama|Rayarama, 28 February, 1967]]) *** 67-04 "Krsna consciousness means to increase the number of persons in Krsna consciousness. Therefore, it is the duty of the *brahmacari* to go door to door as beggar and enlighten people in Krsna consciousness. Whenever you go to some person he will hear something from the devotee about Krsna consciousness and that will be very much beneficial for both the devotee and the person who hears the devotee. ==In India the brahmacaris are meant for begging from door to door for the spiritual master. But in your country the activity is not allowed, therefore some devices like selling the publications, recruiting members, inviting them to our meetings and likewise activities must be taken by the brahmacaris and that will be very nice.== *Grhasthas* or the householders have responsibility of family therefore whatever contribution they can offer for the Society is welcome." ([[letters/1967/670413_kirtanananda|Kīrtanānanda, 13 April, 1967]]) *** 67-11 "You have written to say that your wife and you have a problem on which you require my help. The whole world beginning with the highest planet to the lowest in the material world is facing this problem. The combination of husband and wife is a necessary satisfaction of the sex urge. The foolish people see every day this problematic situation but still they are not intelligent enough to avoid it. Training of *brahmacari* life is especially meant for this purpose and the student is advised not to indulge in sex life just to avoid these problems. It is very difficult to satisfy a woman by a person who has no income, neither very good health. The woman as a class wants sufficient means to eat and decorate and at the same time full satisfaction of sex. Any husband who cannot satisfy his wife by these three items namely sufficient food, sufficient dress and ornament and sufficient satisfaction of sex must meet all these problems and as soon as one becomes engaged in solving these problems it is very difficult to make any progress in Krsna consciousness. ==If one is serious to make any success in the matter of Krsna consciousness one should avoid the association of women as far as possible.== Married life is a sort of license to the incapable man who cannot avoid sex life. On this statement you can understand your real position. I do not agree with your wife's statement that New York is unfit for human habitation. A real Krsna conscious person can adjust things nicely even in hell. A fully Krsna conscious person is always in transcendental position and he is not afraid of any place which is so-called unfit for human habitation. A Krsna conscious person is always satisfied whether in Vaikuntha or in hell. His satisfaction is not the place but his sincere service attitude towards Krsna. I have no objection if your wife and you go to San Francisco and live there peacefully as man and wife and concentrate your attention for Krsna consciousness." ([[letters/1967/671113_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 13 November, 1967]]) *** 68-06 "Yes, you can teach the *brahmacarinis* sewing very nicely and it will be a great help to the Society. Of course, if they can remain *brahmacarinis* it is nice but it is difficult also. It is not good for the *brahmacarinis* to associate with householders; similarly it is not good also for the *brahmacarinis* to mix with *brahmacaris,* but in your country the boys and girls are accustomed to mix freely. Therefore, we cannot put any deadline restriction. In my opinion, if the boys and girls get themselves married just like ideal Vaisnava householders that is very good, but, if by the grace of Krsna, both the boys and the girls can live separately, that is still better but is not possible. ==If it is possible to divert the attention for Krsna's service it is quite possible to remain single even for the whole life.== So you have now got good engagement so remain engaged in that work and train the *brahmacarinis* also, chant Hare Krsna and pull on your sewing machine." ([[letters/1968/680614_himavati|Himavati, 14 June, 1968]]) *** 68-06 "When I first came from San Francisco to New York, and when you informed me about the prospective business with Mr. Kalman I was so much doubtful about the success of the plan. And therefore I hesitated. Anyway, whatever is done is done, now try to separate from this botheration without breaking our good friendship with Mr. Kalman. Caitanya Mahaprabhu especially warned His devotees not to deal with worldly-minded men. Therefore, ==according to Vedic principles, only the brahmacari, the vanaprasthas, and the sannyasis are recommended to take to Krsna consciousness seriously or to get free from the problem of earning money.== The *grhasthas* are supposed to support the three sections of the society. Anyway, the best source of our income should be by accepting contributions from the sympathetic public, and selling our own books and literature. That is also a sort of business, but it doesn't matter. And if we do business we must do it independently, without any assistance from outsiders. We can take help from the outside in the matter of monetary help, either by contribution or by loan, but not to enter into transactions with outsiders. Because their aim of life is different from ours." ([[letters/1968/680628_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 28 June, 1968]]) *** 68-09 "Regarding collecting fund: ==The brahmacaris, vanaprastha, and sannyasis are not supposed to earn money like grhasthas.== The *grhasthas* or the householders can engage himself in earning money, either by accepting job or some professional work. But a *brahmacari, vanaprastha* and *sannyasis* is supposed only to depend on Krsna and beg from the *grhasthas.* The same system can be followed if it is possible. You are completely right when you think that if by begging alms we can provide ourselves, we should not accept any job. So far I can understand from the indication in your letter, that if you form a party of *sankirtana,* and walk in the street, I think you can get not less than 50 to 100 marks daily. If five or six men who are sympathetic to you and as some of them have already assured that you can count upon them, the best thing will be to form a *local trust party,* including those gentlemen and yourself, of twelve heads, and immediately start your work. In the meantime, we shall have our books, *Bhagavad-gita As It Is,* and *Teachings of Lord Caitanya,* ready. That will sell also." ([[letters/1968/680918_sivananda|Sivananda, 18 September, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "Somehow or other you should dedicate your life for developing your Hamburg center. ==If you still like, you can marry in the future, but for the present continue with brahmacari life so far as you can. This brahmacari life can be continued only by deep absorption in Krsna consciousness.== Don't be disturbed in your mind. I have sent a letter to Sivananda to stay there and conjointly work with you and Krsna dasa in progressing the success of the Hamburg center." (SPL, name unidentified, December, 1968) ==69-02 "I am pleased by your wish to remain as brahmacari, and if you stick to your decision you will be able to go back home, back to Godhead,== in this very life without waiting for another birth. Please try in every way to stick to this principle, and simply engage yourself in Krsna s service. That will protect you from any attack of *maya. Maya* can take Krsnas place in our heart as soon as there is a slackness on our part. Otherwise, if Krsna is seated always, *maya* has no opportunity to occupy the seat. Try to follow this method and you will surely be successful." ([[letters/1969/690201_upendra|Upendra, 1 February, 1969]]) *** 69-02 "So far as your occasionally getting agitation from the *maya,* the answer is very simple that one must either strictly control his senses, or else he must get himself married. If one is strong enough in Krsna consciousness, then there is no reason to become *grhastha,* but if one is still disturbed by sex desire, then marriage is the only other possibility. But if one is still *brahmacari,* then he must be sure to follow all of the rules and regulations very strictly. There is no place in spiritual life for cheating in this matter. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has never criticized a householder for having sex life for the purpose of bearing children. But when it came to Junior Haridasa, who was posing as *sannyasa* but was still engaging in lustful thoughts, Lord Caitanya would not tolerate, and Junior Haridasa was banished from the association of the Lord. So ==this is very important that we remain very firm in our vow of brahmacari,== or if this is very difficult, then householder life is the next satisfactory solution." ([[letters/1969/690208_hrsikesa|Hrsikesa, 8 February, 1969]]) ==69-03 "So far the brahmacaris, you cannot check the association with householders. But their living should be separate."== ([[letters/1969/690318_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 18 March, 1969]]) *** 69-05 "As far as your decision to remain a *brahmacari,* it is very good and if you follow the rules and regulations and chant regularly and pray to Lord Balarama and Caitanya, surely He will give you the necessary strength. And ==if you can continue as a brahmacari then you can avoid so much botherations of worldly life.== The great sage Narada is a *brahmacari* and with his tambora he is travelling all over the universes without any restricting and chanting Hare Krsna *mantra* and creating new devotees of the Lord. In the *Bhagavad-gita* it is said that one who does this service, namely to go on preaching the glories of the Lord and creating devotees of the Lord, that person is the most confidential and favorite of the Lord. I am so pleased to learn that Uttama is helping to bring persons in our temple. Now Jaya Govinda is there and Mandali Bhadra and his wife are coming very soon in Germany and so you are already four and when Mandali Bhadra comes you become six. Why six? Seven. Because he has got a little boy. So your center Hamburg will very soon become as large a center as Los Angeles." ([[letters/1969/690521_sivananda|Sivananda, 21 May, 1969]]) *** 69-06 "Your determination to remain as *brahmacari* is very encouraging. Actually the living entity does not require to be entangled more and more. Rather he should save his time to finish the Krsna consciousness business, and thus be liberated in this life. Sex urge is a symptom of every living entity, but in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* it is advised that it is something like the itching propensity. If one can tolerate this itching, he can save himself from enormous troublesome business resulting from this itching sensation. So ==an intelligent person rather suffers the pain of itching sensation than accepting the after effects of satisfying the itch. In India, therefore there are many akanda brahmacaris, and my Guru Maharaja was the best brahmacari.== So your decision to remain a *brahmacari* is glorious, and if you stick to the principles of Krsna consciousness rigidly, you will never be disturbed by any sex urge, and life will be very much simplified, completely being engaged in Krsna consciousness." ([[letters/1969/690610_madhudvisa|Madhudvisa, 10 June, 1969]]) *** 69-06 "From your statement, it appears that you do not expect to do anything with *Back to Godhead* after #29 because it is in the hands of he (Brahmananda). I cannot follow what you mean by this. Everything is Krsna's business. It is not my business, nor Brahmananda's nor Hayagriva's. It is the business of Krsna, and we want to serve Him in the best way. I wanted to save the monthly expenditure of $600 for some other business but that does not mean that you shall cease to work as one of the editors of *Back to Godhead.* You say that much of your time will be engaged in earning money, but that does not mean you have to cease your service to Krsna. You are praying for Krsna's blessings in order to serve me better, but when Krsna speaks through me, you hesitate to accept the words. I do not know why you should work at all if you want to remain *brahmacari.* Here is an ideal *brahmacari* with me. He works day and night with me. Why don't you become a *brahmacari* like him and come here? ==One who is a householder, he has to work because he has to maintain a wife and children at home. But for a brahmacari why should he take the botheration of working simply for the matter of satisfying the belly?== So far as belly satisfaction is concerned, that is already arranged by Krsna. Krsna is supplying food to the birds and beasts so why should He not supply a *brahmacari* food? Food is not a problem. So my advice to you is that either you become a regular householder, giving 50% of your earnings to Krsna, 25% for family and 25% for savings, or else you strictly follow the principles of *brahmacari* life. A *brahmacari* has nothing to do except serve his spiritual master. That is the injunction of the *Bhagavata. A brahmacari* is supposed to work as a menial servant of his spiritual master and whatever collection he gets, it becomes the spiritual master's property, not the *brahmacari's.* That is real *brahmacari* life. If a *brahmacari* earns money for his sense gratification, that is not *brahmacari* life. Better one should become householder and live peacefully. So far as work is concerned, you have got more than sufficient work with me. You have got a good qualification for editing literary works and we have sufficient engagement for that purpose. Formerly you were very much eager to transfer yourself from New York to Los Angeles because of considerations for your health. Now when I say that you may come here, there is a nice room for you, and work here day and night, I do not know what is the cause that you do not come. But still I request you that you give up all other engagements, come here and fully engage yourself in editorial work. So far as eating is concerned, I don't think there will be any scarcity. I think this suggestion will be the best for you, and you should come here at once. You say that your mind unfortunately runs away now and then. That is the business of the mind, but if you simply fix up your mind on the lotus feet of Krsna, the rascal mind cannot disturb you any more. My Guru Maharaja used to say that just rise early in the morning and then kick the mind with a shoe 100 times. Then while going to sleep one should take a broomstick and strike the mind another 100 times. The mind is so restless, that it can be brought to tameness only by the process suggested by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. So you should try this process and stop the mind from running away now and then. If you follow the process of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati naturally he will help you in controlling the mind and bestow all his blessings upon you. I thank you for your appreciation that you accept me on the superhuman platform and this will compel you to believe in God etc. So if you are convinced about this fact, then I request you to come here immediately. And if you agree to come here, then you may bring some goods with you, which I shall list for you upon hearing your favorable reply. May Krsna bless you with good sense, and I hope surely He will do so." ([[letters/1969/690629_rayarama|Rayarama, 29 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 "Regarding your question about marriage, the thing is that I am a *sannyasi,* I am not concerned with family life, but because I want to see my disciples very happy in Krsna consciousness, therefore, those who are feeling some sexual disturbance are requested by me to get themselves married. ==Another principle is that those who are brahmacaris should sacrifice all of their income and collection for the Krsna consciousness movement,== whereas those who are married should work, earning money as much as possible, and at least 50% should be spent for the Krsna consciousness movement. So we have no objection for allowing you to get married, but it is up to you to consider if you will work hard and earn money both for Krsna and for your family. You cannot get married and at the same time do not earn money. Of course, by preaching *sankirtana* movement if you are satisfied with a small income, that is also nice. I think that your Godbrother, Rupanuga is an ideal householder and you should try to follow him." ([[letters/1969/690705_sacisuta|Sacisuta, 5 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 "Regarding your $2,000 which you promised to send me within three weeks, I beg to thank you for this. ==Actually a brahmacari should contribute whatever he has got to Krsna, through the spiritual master. The spiritual master does not accept anything for his personal use,== but he employs everything for Krsna's service. Therefore, the spiritual master is accepted, in the renounced order of life. So far as householders are concerned, they may contribute at least half of their income to Krsna. Then life is sublime. After all, everything belongs to Krsna and the sooner we return whatever we have got to Krsna, the better it is. That is our normal life." ([[letters/1969/690705_giriraja|Giriraja, 5 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 "I am pleased to note that you have decided to remain as *brahmacari* because it will be the most undiverting for your Krsna consciousness. Actually this is correct. ==If one is able to remain as brahmacari that is first-class because so much botheration of household life is immediately avoided.== But Krsna consciousness is not limited that one must be *brahmacari* to execute, or one must be *sannyasi* to execute. Spiritual means that there are no conditions whatever, so in any position one may be in, he can chant Hare Krsna, preach Krsna consciousness, and pray to Krsna to engage him more and more in His transcendental loving service." ([[letters/1969/690708_bhurijana|Bhurijana, 8 July, 1969]]) *** 69-11 "Krsna consciousness is not limited within any circle. *Brahmacari, grhastha* or *sannyasi,* everyone is eligible for cultivating Krsna consciousness. There are these stages for gradual development of control of the strong senses in the material environment. But any order of life suitable for a particular person in which he can most favorably execute his Krsna consciousness is the best position to take up. ==Generally if one can remain a brahmacari, it is very convenient, and from brahmacari one can take sannyasa.== But in this Age of Kali Bhaktivinoda Thakura recommends that it is better to cultivate Krsna consciousness as a householder." ([[letters/1969/691102_hayagriva_vamanadeva_pradyumna|Mandali Bhadra, 2 November, 1969]]) *** 69-11 "Regarding your marriage, that ==it is my open opinion that if anyone can remain a brahmacari all the time, without being disturbed by sex urge or who can tolerate such urges there is not any need for him to marry and take some extra responsibilities.== But one who is disturbed in mind, he must get himself married. Therefore, it has to be decided by oneself if he should marry or not marry. It is a fact however that if one is thoroughly engaged in Krsnas service, this sex urge does not have much disturbance. But you have got work outside with the *karmis* and different types of people. Under the circumstances, if you have a good wife to help you, that will be very nice. Another difficulty is that in modern civilization everyone is independent spirited. The girls are no longer very much humble and submissive to their husbands. So you must be prepared to tolerate such whims of your future wife. According to our Vedic civilization, disagreements between husband and wife is not taken very seriously. But the modern age allows divorce even, either by the husband or the wife. There things are not good. But after marrying certainly there will be some disagreement or misunderstanding between husband and wife. So consider all these points and you can decide yourself. But if you marry, I have no objection as I have gotten married so many boys and girls and they are living very peacefully. If you marry one Canadian girl, your citizenship will be immediately made, without waiting for time. That is the law in the USA I do not know what it is in Canada." ([[letters/1969/691126_aniruddha|Gopala Krsna, 26 November, 1969]]) ==70-02 "My open advice is that if anyone can remain a brahmacari, it is very nice, but there is no need of artificial brahmacaris.== In *Bhagavad-gitd* it is stated that one who exhibits outwardly as self restrained, but inwardly he thinks of sense gratification he is condemned as, *mithyacara,* which means false pretender. We do not want any false pretenders in numbers, but we want a single sincere soul. There is no harm in accepting a wife and living without any disturbance of the mind and thus sincerely advancing in Krsna consciousness." ([[letters/1970/700202_sumati_morarjee|Lalita Kumara, 2 February, 1970]]) ==70-02 "According to our sastras, the brahmacaris, the vanaprasthas and the sannyasis are allowed to collect alms and are considered to be as the children of the society which is composed of householders.== In other words, our Vedic civilization is the most perfect community project. Only the *grhasthas* are supposed to earn money, especially the *ksatriyas* and the *vaisyas* and the money is distributed community wide. The community is divided into four parts, *brahmacari,* the *grhasthas,* the *vanaprasthas* and the *sannyasis.* Out of these four divisions only the *grhasthas* are supposed to maintain the *brahmacaris,* the *vanaprasthas* and the *sannyasis.* That is the whole program which means if there are 100 members in the community, 3/4 of the whole number, namely 75% are maintained by the one-fourth members, namely 25%. Our movement is for preaching the *sankirtana* vibration, so while the *brahmacaris* and *vanaprasthas* or the *sannyasis* take to this preaching work the *grhasthas* or householders can maintain the temple and institution. In India, you have said, the temples are richest because the *grhasthas* support them. In this country also the householders support the churches. So for the inmates of the temple, namely *brahmacaris* or the priests, (even though they are *grhasthas,* householders), they do not work outside. They are maintained by the outside householders. But so far as our London temple is concerned, it is not yet self-supported although the expenditure is very high. I think you are also one of the important members of the London temples, so you can suggest to the directors how the expenditures can be minimized. In the meantime, the householders, either Indian or European community, support the temple expenditures. The inmates of the temple may not take any collections from the street, so that will be great relief for them. We have no idea to go against the laws of England, where begging is prohibited, neither are we beggars. You know very well that the six married couples who I sent from America are all respectable, educated, cultured American boys and girls, and how with great difficulty they maintained themselves in London and at the same time preached the *sankirtana* movement which was certainly very effective. At the present moment the London temple has got some status and if you kindly induce especially the Indian community to give some monthly subscriptions for the bare necessities of temple management the inmates of the temple will completely stop taking collections from the street *sankirtana.* So far in India the *sankirtana* party has still got the right to collect. In America also we are collecting but I do not know why English law should prohibit them. Anyway I shall request you to help Gurudasa, Mukunda, Syamasundara, etc. to adjust the problem so that they may not be hampered in their advancement of Krsna consciousness." ([[letters/1970/700211_balmukundji_parikh|Balmukundji Parikh, 11 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 "I do not think that Hamsaduta is pressing you for marriage. Marriage is a concession for a person who cannot control his sex desires. Of course it is a difficult job for the boys in this country because they have free access to intermingling with the girls. Under the circumstances, it is my open order for everyone that everyone can marry without any artificial pose. But ==if somebody is able to remain a brahmacari, there should not be any canvassing for his marriage.== But at the mature age say after 50 years old age, everyone should separate from wife. Married life does not mean that one should continue to live with the wife throughout the whole life; at a certain stage, say between 20-25 years, one may accept a wife, live with her to the maximum age of 50 years, and then there should be no more sex relationship—stringently. And at the mature old age, say 65-70 years, everyone must accept the renounced order of *sannyasa,* if not in dress, then in action positively. Our students, either *brahmacari* or *grhasthas,* are being trained up for constant engagement in Krsna consciousness service without any personal interest. This is perfect order of *sannyasa.* So if everyone is trained up in this line of action, all of us are *sannyasis* in all circumstances. This is explained in the *Bhagavad-gita* that anyone who is not after the result of any action, but simply he acts as a matter of duty for Krsna, he is a factual *sannyasi* and yogi. So whatever status of life we accept, this principle of working for Krsna as a matter of duty for Krsna, he is factual *sannyasi* and yogi. So whatever status of life we may accept, this principal of working for Krsna as a matter of our duty, without being attracted by the result—should be followed by us." ([[letters/1970/700307_trivikrama|Trivikrama, 7 March, 1970]]) *** 70-06 "We must stick to our Krsna consciousness business at all circumstances. This determination will make us successful. Although according to Vedic system there is restriction that boys and girls should not freely mix, the *brahmacaris* are strictly prohibited to talk with young women; but in the Western countries this rule is not valid. As such, we have to accept both boys and girls in the same standard. But ==if each of us follow the regulative principles and chanting of the mantras hardly there will be any chance for sex indulgence. So we have to be a little careful about it and Krsna will help us."== ([[letters/1970/700624_upendra|Upendra, 24 June, 1970]]) ==70-09 "Regarding your program of duties for the brahmacaris and brahmacarinis and grhastha men and women, this is a very nice arrangement. The girls should manage internally and the boys should manage externally. So all of you have my hearty blessings for your kind service to Lord Krsna. Be always engaged in this way and become happy."== ([[letters/1970/700916_yamuna|Yamuna, 16 September, 1970]]) *** 72-01 "If you and your wife want to have children for raising them in Krsna consciousness, and if you are prepared to take full responsibility for delivering them from the clutches of birth and death, then I have no objection. I have allowed my disciples to marry as a concession for having household life, because you American boys and girls are accustomed to mix freely with one another, so what can I do? But ==brahmacari life or celibacy is better, because if the semina is saved it fertilizes the brain for sharpening the memory, and if there is good memory, our Krsna consciousness becomes perfect:== hearing, chanting, remembering—that is the process." ([[letters/1972/720120_sri_govinda|Sri Govinda dasa, 20 January, 1972]]) *** 72-09 "Thank you very much for your always presenting me with your hard-earned money. I can very much appreciate your sacrifices for me. Now ==my best advice to you is that you remain like Narada Muni, the perfect brahmacari, loitering all over the universe and chanting the Lord's name.== I have understood that you are our top first-class book distributor, and you can rest assured that this has not gone unnoticed by Krsna. Krsna appreciates very much when His devotee works very hard to serve Him. So you are doing the greatest service, do not be disturbed by anything temporary disturbance, simply focus your energy in always serving Krsna in this way of distributing His books widely, and you may travel if you like, and always under every circumstance remember to chant the Lords name and remember His lotus feet, and that will protect you under every condition, without any doubt." ([[letters/1972/720921_visala|Visala dasa, 21 September, 1972]]) *** 72-09 'Your question is how much or how little *brahmacaris* should associate with the unmarried *brahmacarinis* in the temple. As *brahmacari* you should not mix at all with *brahmacarinis.* Actually they should not at all see the face, but that is not possible in your country. But so far as possible, remain separate and talk almost nil. *Brahmacari* is advised not to go near a young woman anywhere. A ==brahmacari should always address every woman as mother. In your country it is a little difficult, but the principle is to avoid. To talk secretly or privately is strictly prohibited.== If you want to discuss philosophy and other matters you can discuss publicly in a meeting, but not privately. A *brahmacari* and unmarried woman in the same room together alone is strictly forbidden." ([[letters/1972/720930_sankarsana|Sankarsana, 30 September, 1972]]) *** 74-12 "I have written him one letter asking him to take charge of management, handling of money and the registration of the Society. I request you to also remain there, ==work nicely with Mr. Punja and take charge of the preaching, kirtanas, prasadam and book distribution programs. This is actually the work for a brahmacari. If you absorb yourself in this work you will feel very blissful."== ([[letters/1974/741229_vijayadvaja|Vijayadvaja, 29 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 "Those young boys are living as true brahmacaris. Brahmacari's business is to study and then go to make some collection on behalf of the guru. This is very good engagement for them: atah sri-krsna-namadi, na bhaved grahyam indriyaih sevonmukhe hijivadau, svayam eva sphuraty adah (Padma Purana) No one can understand Krsna as He is by the blunt material senses but He reveals Himself to the devotees, being pleased with them for their transcendental loving service unto Him. So, keep everyone engaged 24 hours and everything will be all right. Bring them all to India for Lord Caitanya's appearance day and they can also attend the opening of the Krsna-Balarama temple in Vrndavana." ([[letters/1975/750104_nrsimha_dasa|Hiranyagarbha dasa, 4 January, 1975]]) *** 75-09 "Begarding the restaurant, that is the defect, that if we divert our attention more on business. Therefore it is very difficult. Things should be adjusted so that temple programs are not hampered. ==The brahmacaris and sannyasis must stick to the temple activities. Only the grhasthas can take part in the restaurant. Our aim should not be to work for profit.== You American boys and girls can make large profit, but why you have taken to Krsna consciousness? You are not meant for profit making but for advancing in spiritual life. So we should not take to the restaurant for profit making at the cost of slackening of spiritual life. This is dangerous." ([[letters/1975/750904_gatravan|Paramahamsa Swami, 4 September, 1975]]) *** 75-09 "Begarding the disturbance made by the women devotees, they are also living beings. They also come to Krsna. So consciously I cannot deny them. If our male members, the *brahmacaris* and *sannyasis,* if they become steady in Krsna consciousness, there is no problem. ==It is the duty of the male members to be very steady and cautious. This can be done by regular chanting like Haridasa Thakura did.== Whenever there is a young woman, we should remember Haridasa Thakura and beg his mercy to protect us, and we should think that these beautiful *gopis* are meant for the enjoyment of Krsna. It is a dilemma for our Society that we cannot deny these girls, and at the same time they are a great dangerous allurement to the young boys. Yes, as you say, I never think in terms of Indian or American regarding my students. I take you all as part and parcels of Krsna." ([[letters/1975/750929_gargamuni|Gargamuni Swami, 29 September, 1975]]) *** 75-12 "Regarding your getting married, I have no objection. However as a *brahmacari* you are not obligated to marry, what is the advantage to your getting married? That should be considered. ==If one can remain brahmacari that is best. Finish this life and go back to Godhead, that is the basic idea of Krsna consciousness movement. So you decide."== ([[letters/1975/751231_madhudvisa|Mahavisnu dasa, 31 December, 1975]]) *** 76-12 "It appears that you are an unmarried *brahmacari.* So, if you continue this status of life for the matter of executing devotional service, that will be a great advantage. Many great personalities remain *brahmacari* throughout their whole lives and get freedom from material bondage very easily. Of ==course marriage is not prohibited in devotional service, but if one can remain brahmacari, in unmarried life, it is a great facility."== ([[letters/1976/761208_dr._suresh_candra|Dr. Suresh Candra, 8 December, 1976]]) ## Parents and Gurukula ==73-12 "I have met your son. His lovely features are very nice and he appears to be a first-class brahmacari. Always be an example to him by being steadfast in Krsna consciousness and your motherhood will be perfected."== ([[letters/1973/731208_madhudvisa|Kadamba dd, 8 December, 1973]]) ==75-03 "Regarding sending children to gurukula, that is also optional, not compulsory. The most important things are that you follow very carefully all of the rules and regulations such as rising early, and having mangala-arati and classes, etc. and that you chant at least sixteen rounds daily without fail. These things are most essential for your spiritual advancement and then everything will be all right."== (SPL to Tirthanga dasa, 14th March, 197S) 76-01 "Another thing, is that you are expecting a BBT loan of $150,000 but the BBT has already taken responsibility for Bombay, Kuruksetra, Mayapur, so this money has to go to India. Therefore I do not think the BBT can give this loan. Actually it is the responsibility of the parents to maintain *gurukula.* By taxing the temples or taking loan from the BBT the parents are being allowed to avoid their responsibility. ==Before having a child the parents should see whether they shall be able to pay for their child's education. The GBC should make an injunction that if they beget children, then whatever the expenses are for supporting gurukula they must pay for it.== In another letter to Jayatirtha I have suggested how the parents can earn money for their children's support. So you can discuss everything together and do the needful." ([[letters/1976/760122_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 22 January, 1976]]) ==76-02 "The best thing is to send your daughter to gurukula, but if you cannot do that, then somehow see that she is trained nicely in Krsna consciousness."== ([[letters/1976/760221_gabhira|Maeve Davies, 21 February, 1976]]) *** 76-03 "My dear Parent, Please accept my blessings. There has been a serious mistake. I do not wish that *gurukula* should be closed down in Dallas. So you kindly arrange to send your child back to *gurukula.* One thing is ==at least for the time being, you must arrange to pay the tuition for your child. If you like, you can get my books and sell them and you can pay tuition in that way.== You purchase at the temple's price and sell them and with the profit you can pay your tuition." ([[letters/1976/760304_parent|Parent, 4 March, 1976]])