# ISKCON TEMPLE MANAGEMENT ## Considerations for Opening a Temple 65-11 “So my lecturing or appointing one selling agent here for my books is already finished and if I remain such many lectures can be arranged in different parts of the country. One Dr. Chaudry is prepared to arrange for my lectures in San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. but in my opinion such casual lectures may be a good personal advertisement but factually they do not make any permanent effects. But ==if there is a center of activity for attracting people as you are doing in the Research Institute, the people can be trained up in the cult by regular association and hearing== the transcendental sound of *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* Now we have got our English *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and there will be no difficulty to impress the audience with our *siddhantas* and any intelligent man impressed with our *siddhantas* will certainly change his life’s mode of action. I think you may take up this suggestion very seriously and immediately start the center and other things will automatically follow. And above all this is to satisfy the transcendental desire of Srila Prabhupāda who desired very enthusiastically to start centers like that in the foreign countries. If you want to start the center on rented house, the rent will not be less than three to 4 hundred dollars but the space will be one fourth of the house as we want to purchase. If you agree kindly confirm it by wire so that I can ask the broker to keep the house for some time for sale to other party. The Christian churches are not very favorable in the matter of increasing the Hindu religious institutions as it is natural to think with sectarian views. I hope you will accept this proposal and confirm it by wire on receipt of this letter by the end of this month. Hope you are all well and with my humble obeisances for all the Vaisnavas. I am yours obediently, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami” (Tirtha Maharaja, 23 November, 1965) *** 67-02 “I have received one letter from Janis Dumbergs at Montreal proposing a branch there and he has selected one very nice place for this purpose. He wants two students from New York to help him and $400. I wish therefore that you should go at once there for a week or so and if you approve of this place and prospect, we can begin a branch there also. He has asked help for $400 in this connection. And if you approve then both New York and San Francisco will contribute each $200 and this may be returned by the Montreal branch later on. ==I wish that each and== * * ==every branch shall keep their independent identity and cooperate keeping the acarya in the center. On this principle we can open any number of branches all over the world== * .* The Ramakrishna mission works on this principle and thus as organization they have done wonderfully. Bob is prepared to go there also but I shall send him to assist you on hearing from you in Montreal. The address of Janardana dasa Adhikari: (Janis Dumbergs) is as follows: 311 St. Louis Square Montreal, Quebec, Canada The thing is that in April 1967, there will be a great exposition and millions of people will gather there from all parts of the world. We have to prepare literatures both in French and English and have to draw the attention of the university students as our members. Mr. Janis proposes that by the end of March, 1967 the branch organization must be completed and by the end of the third week of April, I shall go there after opening of our New York house (as per present negotiation). I think the idea is good and we shall take the opportunity and for this I *select you* to go there first and study the prospective situation immediately. I shall be glad to know per return of post about your decision in this connection or if you start immediately on receipt of this letter then you can write me from Montreal.” ([[letters/1967/670211_rupanuga|Kīrtanānanda, 11 February, 1967]]) ==67-02 “The advice of friends here has been accepted by me that opening of too many branches at the present stage will be too heavy for us. Let us consolidate there in 2 places which we have already opened. Besides that, the Montreal branch wants men and money which we cannot spare at the present moment.”== ([[letters/1967/670214_brahmananda|Brahamananda, 14 February, 1967]]) ==67-08 “I have received news from Santa Fe that they have opened a nice branch there in an old castle and it is very much pleasing to me. Now Kīrtanānanda Swami is going very soon to the USA and I expect that all of you will combine together to open at least 108 centers before I leave this world== *.* ==”== (SPL to Brahmananda, 27th August,* 1967) ==67-10 “Whenever there is a new branch of our society for Krsna consciousness I become very, very happy, and my blessings in heart and soul are with you== *.* I went to your country for spreading this information of Krsna consciousness and you are helping me in my mission although I am not physically present there but spiritually I am always with you. Our procedure is very simple and consistent. We chant, we read from *Bhagavad-Gita* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam* and we distribute *prasadam.” (SPL to Nandarani, Krsna devi, Subala and Uddhava, 3rd October, 1967) 67-10 “Your suggestion for opening a center in Russia is welcomed as the Europeans were very enterprising in the middle historical period for colonization. Similarly, ==we should be enthusiastic to open different branches in different parts of the world other than India. In India they are opening many such branches, but our responsibility is to open branches outside India.== **So it will be a great endeavor if you four go to Russia to open a center there.” ([[letters/1967/671022_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 22 October, 1967]]) *** 67-11 “I understand that you want Subala to go to Amsterdam but who will take care of the Santa Fe temple? I think Subala and his wife should take care of the Santa Fe temple as much as Dayananda and Nandarani should take care of the temple in Los Angeles. ==Once a center is open it must be maintained. A responsible man for each center must be found out before opening. In your previous letter you wrote something about difficulties in our different centers== *.* Therefore, you should be cautious before opening any further centers.” ([[letters/1967/671115_brahmananda|Brahamananda, 15 November, 1967]]) *** 68-01 “Recently I have come to Los Angeles where the warmer climate is better for my health than in San Francisco. I am told the Bahama Islands are very warm year round and I am very interested to come there. ==If you can find an appropriate store-front and decorate it nicely for a temple, with altar, pictures, candles, incense etc., and begin holding kirtana there== *,* then I will come there in February to the Bahama Islands and give lectures there in the temple. ==You will be doing very good service to Krsna, and it is not very difficult to do. People will come, you will see== *.* However, if it is not possible to do this, then I will be very happy to meet you when I go to New York in April and Montreal afterward.” ([[letters/1968/680113_andrea_temple|Andrea Temple, 13 January, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “If you can sublet the present house it is better because that way we can occupy later on if need be. ==I would like to maintain Krsna consciousness boarding house there some day if it is at all possible== *.* But as it is not very easy to maintain the big house at the present time, and you think it best to move to the cheaper one, then I have no objection. It is better not to be too much bothered with rent, and getting into debt is not very good; so you can take care of the matter in a way that there will be less difficulty.” ([[letters/1968/680306_janardana|Janardana, 6 March, 1968]]) *** 68-04 “We are trying to purchase one house here, and most probably your S.F. branch will have its own house very soon. ==We are not interested in having our own house, but we should always remember, why Krsna should remain in a rented house?== **Although everything belongs to Him, still our energy should remain employed so that we can have many temples all over the country.” (SPL to Mukunda, April 9th, 1968) 68-07 “When you go to Australia, you must take with you one *mrdanga* and at least 4 pairs of cymbals to begin *kirtana* immediately there. When I came to your country in 1965 I brought with me only one pair of cymbals, and it has increased to so many pairs, at least 50 times. And I came here without *mrdanga.* So when you go to Australia, you have to similarly increase the number of cymbals proportionately, namely 50 times 4. That should be your mission, and I am confident that you can do it because you are a sincere soul. ==If you can introduce this Krsna consciousness movement in such a distant place, Lord Caitanya will pour His incessant blessings upon you, and your life will be glorious.== **In this connection, I may give you the example of the boy, Subala, who was struggling in Santa Fe. Although he is not very much qualified from the worldly point of view, still his struggle for existence in Krsna consciousness is advancing him more and more in spiritual realization. So far I know about you, you are intelligent, qualified, and a willing worker for Krsna consciousness, and I hope if you try to establish a center of our Society in Sydney or anyone of the important cities of Australia, it will be a record in the history of Lord Caitanya’s movement. I hope with this seriousness you will go there and always pray to Lord Caitanya to help you. He is very kind, and He is always ready to help a willing worker. And as soon as you establish one center, it may be that I may go there for some time and try to help you in your organization. But before starting you should make an estimate of your procedure of working there, as well as you must be assured of getting a job there. Here in America you are working and you are getting some money, but in Australia if you do not get immediately some occupation, it will be risky. So you must consider all these pros and cons intelligently and then, depending on the grace of Krsna, you can go there, chanting all the way Hare Krsna.” ([[letters/1968/680712_cidananda|Cidananda, 12 July, 1968]]) *** 68-07 “If you want to take on lease, then it must be on long period, say 99 years; but first hand lease is better, that is from the government. I do not understand what is the position of Mr. Rose there, but I shall advise you not to make any big plans on the land of others. There is a Bengali proverb that if one is a poor man, he can go to some friend’s house and accept food and then come back, but one should never accept residence in another’s house. That is very inconvenient. Of course, for a *sannyasa* like us, we can live anywhere and everywhere, rather we should not have our own place. But for the New Vrndavana project, ==I would advise you to purchase land as much as you can because it appears that the atmosphere and situation is very nice there.”== ([[letters/1968/680714_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 14 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 “I have also addressed one letter to Upendra as well as to Mr. Renovich asking for the passage money to Vancouver, but I have received neither any letter nor any passage money from either of them. Under the circumstances, I can understand that the situation in Vancouver is not favorable for starting a center there immediately, so we can stop that attempt, and you may do the needful. But anything you do, that means ==starting a center, must be first of all estimated that we must be able to continue it. Otherwise, rather we should not open a center in any place. Whatever centers we have already started that must be maintained.== * * The London party is going to New York today and from there they will start for London as soon as possible. That center is immediately necessary, because we have no center in Europe. Anyway, don’t be worried if the Vancouver situation is not good; stop the idea, and you may go back to the USA, as it is * * already suggested.” ([[letters/1968/680819_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 19 August, 1968]]) ==68-09 “It is not very difficult to open a center for our activities. You can remain in any apartment as husband and wife, and invite persons there to hear your chanting and topics; that is our center, and let it be gradually improved. I think this program will be very much suitable for you at the present moment.”== ([[letters/1968/680904_anapurna_ananda|Annapurna and Ananda, 4 September, 1968]]) ==68-09 “So far your opening a center in the Columbus University, that is also a very nice idea.== * * The 3 days you will be there must be utilized in propagating our Krsna consciousness amongst the students, and I think in charge of that center, Pradyumna may be left so that when you are there, he will work with you. And when you are not there, he will take care of the center. I think you will like this idea. In this way, Kīrtanānanda may develop New Vrndavana. He will have a nice assistant, Vamanadeva, and Hrsikesa, and I think everything will come out very * * successful without delay. Krsna is giving you intelligence and bestowing His mercy upon you; continue this attitude, whenever you feel some difficulty, chant Hare Krsna, pray to Krsna to help you, and there will be no difficulty. Be rest assured. I hope this will find you in good health and cheerfulness.” ([[letters/1968/680909_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 9 September, 1968]]) *** 68-09 “You are right that you propose to travel because you are alone. But there is an Indian proverb: that you can earn $12 by traveling but you can earn $13 by sitting, provided you know how to sit in a place. ==The same principle can be applied in this connection. Certainly you can preach well by traveling, as I also came in your country, but since I sat at 26 2nd Ave in July 1966, the Society has developed to its present shape== *.* I came here in your country September, 1965 and because I could not sit down at a nice place until July 1966, I could not do very well in the matter of preaching work. So anyway, your traveling was not at all disturbing to me, but Krsna has given us good chance to open a nice center now. Please utilize this opportunity. I shall very soon write to your mother, and I hope very soon your dream of a religious congress in Berlin, sponsored by the Krsna consciousness Society, will be fulfilled. I am asking immediately Acyutananda to return from India to Germany, to you, and you can immediately arrange for the place and let me know.” ([[letters/1968/680918_sivananda|Sivananda, 18 September, 1968]]) ==68-10 “So kirtana plus distribution of our books and literature is the basic principle of our success. Even if we do not have our own temple it does not matter, but if we can hold kirtana 24 hours, and distribute our publications, that is our great success.”== ([[letters/1968/681001_mukunda|Mukunda, 1 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “Gaurasundara is doing there some work, but that is not sufficient even for maintaining an apartment. He is of course searching for a better job, but I do not think alone he can start a center there. He writes to say that the rents there are very expensive. So I shall be glad to hear from you. Mahapurusa is going today to Florida and will reach there by tomorrow. But anywhere, ==one man show is not very prospective. So if you go to Hawaii and try to open a center, please let me know what is your program.”== ([[letters/1968/681008_murari|Murari, 8 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “In London, though they have not opened a branch, they are doing *kirtana* performances daily, twice or thrice and in the parks, schools, colleges and private houses, so our propaganda is not stopped. So ==even you have not found any place at Hamburg, you are three together and you can chant Hare Krsna kirtana in the same way as they are doing in London and other cities. We are more or less concerned for preaching== *.* It does not matter even if we have got a temple, but if the preaching work goes on that is a great satisfaction. I understand from Sivananda’s letters that you are getting engagements in Berlin, but I don't hear that you have got any engagement in Hamburg. So please try * * to find out some engagement and perform * kirtana. * You are now three. One can play * mrdanga * and two can play the cymbals and chant nicely, and so even you have not yet found a place, you can go on with your work, ask New York to send you magazines and go on with * kirtana.” ([[letters/1968/681021_syama|Krsna dasa, 21 October, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “ ==I am so pleased to note the address of our new ISKCON Radha Krsna temple in Hamburg, Germany. Krsna is giving you all facilities for spreading Krsna consciousness there—== *good* store front, and good job, and plenty of financial support—so it is very much encouraging to me! It sounds on good street, if trains run down that street, so many people must come there. With such good location it will soon be very successful. And you have very good enthusiasm that you shall make it the most attractive store front in all Germany, or in the whole universe. Yes, do it nicely.” ([[letters/1968/681125_krsna_dasa|Krsna dasa, 25 November, 1968]]) ==68-12 “You will be glad to know that we have now signed a lease for a new temple for the Los Angeles center. It is a very large, fine chapel and now there is program being organized here to set up everything very nicely and invite many new people to participate in our programs. Krsna has been very kind to grant us such facilities and now there are many efforts to be made to use it nicely.”== ([[letters/1968/681208_kirtanananda|Kīrtanānanda, 8 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “I have also heard from Purusottama that you have now obtained one beautiful temple on Second Avenue that can very nicely be compared with a palace. So this is all Krsna’s grace. You have tried so hard to find a new temple there but Krsna did not approve so there was no temple. But ==now that Krsna wills it with simply a flick of the eye a temple has come to us, better even than we were hoping for. So this is what is meant that Krsna is controller and we are controlled== *.* When we simply remember to accept the control of Krsna and not to act independently then all fortune is automatically present. We have received from Yamuna devi in London some completed certificates so please send a list of all initiated devotees in New York so we can send out. Hope you are all well.” ([[letters/1968/681211_krsna_dasa|Brahamananda, 11 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 “Concerning the house, if it is possible to rent it with an option to purchase that will be very nice. My Guru Maharaja instructed us, especially to me, that it is better to remain in a rented house than to purchase our own place, but actually He had constructed many temples during his lifetime. The idea is that if things can be done without any extra endeavor, that is all right. ==If purchasing a house becomes cause of our extra anxiety, we should avoid it. But if by the grace of Krsna it can be easily done, there is no harm of having our own house.== Anyway, if this house is suitable for a temple and for *prasada* distribution, we must have it at any cost. You may do as it is best by consulting Krsna.” ([[letters/1969/690112_kirtanananda|Hamsaduta, 12 January, 1969]]) *** 69-02 *“* ==So my advice to you is that you make a small center immediately, and, if possible, get some musical instruments from New York.== * * Brahmananda will supply you with a * mrdanga * and a few pairs of cymbals. Simply you have to sit down together as you have seen done in New York. Just begin chanting Hare Krsna in the accompaniment of a beating drum and the playing of cymbals. There is no necessity of any other instrument at present. The chanting is very simple: Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. So in this way for 15-20 minutes you chant and then read from our * Bhagavad-Gita. * There is explanation there as far as possible to convince everyone what is the importance of Krsna consciousness. So 15 minutes of chanting and dancing, and one half hour of reading from text of * Bhagavad-Gita,* then questions and answers, and at last chanting again of Hare Krsna. In this way you can begin, and there will be no difficulty.” ([[letters/1969/690201_gopala_krsna|Larry Snyder, 1 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “In London there may be a temple or not, it does not matter, you are doing very nicely, more than having a temple. ==If Krsna gives us a better temple that is all right, otherwise, your engagement in kirtana is very, very nice. So continue this program== **in cooperation with your other Godbrothers and sisters and Krsna will make you very happy. You six together are doing so nicely that I am very much proud of you. Be blessed by Lord Sri Caitanya and go on like this.” ([[letters/1969/690313_yamuna|Yamuna, 13 March, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “Your desire for opening many temples is very laudable, but unless you prepare some temple worshippers then the temples will remain vacant. So in this age it is more important to create devotees than to construct temples. My Guru Maharaja advised me to give more stress on literary work such as publishing books and magazines in Krsna consciousness, and temple opening is a secondary consideration. ==I am just trying to open some temples in the Western countries because there are none. So far India is concerned, still there are millions of temples, but gradually the number of temple worshippers is diminishing.== * * Perhaps you know that recently within 50 years our capital New Delhi has developed tremendously, but the constructor of the New Delhi city has not erected even a single temple. So this is the tendency. Neither it is recommended in the scriptures to give more stress on temple building. The best thing in this age is to propagate this * sankirtana* movement. So I shall be very glad to utilize your energy in this Krsna consciousness movement as you are a willing volunteer.” ([[letters/1969/690316_gopala_krsna|Gopala Krsna, 16 March, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “So far Los Angeles temple is concerned, both you and your good wife, Nandarani, desired to see the temple affairs improve, which I understood from your past letters. And you took the risk of $400 or $500 by renting the store front in Hollywood Blvd. It was certainly very nice, and you were paying $350, but because you very sincerely desired to have a very, very nice place Krsna arranged in a different way. In the beginning we thought that we are losing a nice place, when the landlord wanted to kick us out, but now I can understand Krsna’s desire was to give us a still better place, and so now we have got it. So ==it is not the place alone which is responsible for beautifying the temple; it is the devotees who are actually beautifying the temple.== **And as president you are in charge of the whole branch, so kindly try to maintain the present atmosphere, and try to improve it more and more; that is my request.” ([[letters/1969/690326_dayananda|Dayananda, 26 March, 1969]]) *** 69-04 “So without investing further money in our present temple, because it has now become uncertain, we shall carefully save some money for investing in some new place. As our devotees are now coming by cars, we can go to a distant place undoubtedly. I have seen that there is one church just near the Bank of America on La Cienega Boulevard. I do not know to which sect this church belongs, but that church is very suitable for your described purpose. ==There are many churches everywhere like that, and if some of the proprietors are convinced, we can utilize such churches for this Krsna consciousness movement for the general welfare of the mass of people. Why not approach the proprietors of such churches?== **I know it is very difficult, but there is no harm if we approach.” ([[letters/1969/690426_vrndavanesvari|Tamala Krsna, 26 April, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I am in due receipt of your letter dated May, 13th, 1969 and noted the contents very carefully and your ideas are just in accordance with the idea of a preacher. ==Your proposition to establish a center and then hand it over to the people who come later on and then start another center is the desire of Lord Caitanya. So kindly do this.== **You have now some way or other brought into some status the Hamburg center and as soon as it is going on nicely, you can start another center in any country of the central Europe.” ([[letters/1969/690521_sivananda|Sivananda, 21 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 *“* ==Regarding your idea of purchasing a house, if it is possible, do it immediately. When you pay big rent anyway, purchasing a house is nice.”== ([[letters/1969/690526_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 26 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “You don't worry about my health. I am quite fit now and in New Vrndavana I am walking on the hills daily. In Boston for three or four days I had some acute backache pain but by the grace of Krsna it was made all right very soon. This body is called the temple of diseases. So long as there is no disease it is wonderful, but when there is disease it is not wonderful. So this is the temple of disease. Of course, you are all very kind upon me, whenever I am slightly indisposed you become concerned, and I thank you very much for such anxiety. But so far as I am concerned, I always wish only to expedite my mission of life to spread Krsna consciousness in the Western part of the world. I am still firmly convinced that if I can establish this movement through the help of all the boys and girls who have now joined with me, then it will be a great achievement. I am an old man, and there has already been warning, but before I leave this body, I wish to see some of you very strong in Krsna consciousness understanding. I am very glad and proud also that you six boys and girls, although you have not been able to establish a nice center in London, still you have done your best. And the news has reached far away in India that my disciples are doing very nice work in Krsna consciousness. So that is my pride. I have received a letter from my Godbrother informing me that it has been advertised in India that in Vietnam also somebody is spreading Hare Krsna movement. So there is no need to be disappointed. You go on with your work as best as Krsna gives you the opportunity, and there is no cause of your anxiety. Everything is going smoothly. But since you are now separated the strength of your activities appears to be a little disturbed. Now you try to assemble together in the same spirit as you were doing, and in that case, temple or no temple, your movement will go on progressively. We are not much concerned about the temple because ==temple worship is not primary factor in this age. Primary factor is sankirtana. But sometimes we want a center where people may gather and see, so a temple is required secondarily== *.* So try your best immediately to live together. I am very much eager to see that you are again living together.” ([[letters/1969/690527_mukunda|Mukunda, 27 May, 1969]]) ==69-05 “Regarding the church, I think you should try for it by all means, and if need be I shall see that the funds which you need will be loaned to you== *.* I have already informed Tamala Krsna that the Los Angeles temple may be called upon to give this loan. So try for it, because such a nice church will be a tremendous boon to our Seattle propaganda activities.” ([[letters/1969/690508_upendra|Upendra, 8 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I think that when Mandali Bhadra comes there will be no more difficulty in the translation work. ==As far as possible though you should all try to learn a little German. One should learn the local native language if one desires to live there== *.* For the present, even though some people may think our translation work is terrible, there is nothing to lament. After all, German language is a foreign language for us, and our main business is to present our thoughts to the German people. If in a foreign country a man is met with some catastrophe such as fire, he has to take help from the neighbors even though he has no language to express himself. Some way or other he has to inform his neighbors there is a fire in his house so they can help him. So if the foreigner cannot express himself in very good language, he is not at fault. So there is a blazing fire of *maya* and we have to inform the people, even if we must use broken language. That is no fault. But by Krsna's grace this problem will soon be solved. Don't worry.” ([[letters/1969/690522_jayagovinda|Jaya Govinda, 22 May, 1969]]) *** 69-06 ** ==“I am very glad that the Queen has consented the Redundant Churches Bill, and there is good chance of getting one church for our temple. There are many redundant churches because the Christian people are gradually deviating from their religious beliefs.”== ([[letters/1969/690603_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 3 June, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “I am very glad to receive your letter (undated) and I have noted your new address. ==I am pleased to note that you have already paid for the place for one month’s rent. I thank you very much that you are struggling there alone and silently, and Krsna will surely bless you for this.== **I suggested in my previous letter that you join the Toronto party if you are feeling alone. But if not, you go on with your present program, and I have got all support for that. In all the centers everyone is trying his best to improve his own center, and gradually there is becoming factual evidence of very nice progress.” ([[letters/1969/690608_ananda|Ananda, 8 June, 1969]]) *** 69-06 ** ==“You write to say you are too much strained in various ways, but by your such activities, Krsna will be very much pleased. I think because Krsna is pleased, therefore you have got at last a very nice place.”== ([[letters/1969/690612_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 12 June, 1969]]) *** 69-06 ** ==“Regarding opening branches in Laguna Beach, you know I am always very much enthusiastic to open branches, so if another branch can be opened for propagating Krsna consciousness, it is always welcome. If we have got opportunity to open such branch, we must take advantage.”== ([[letters/1969/690617_jadurani|Tamala Krsna, 17 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 ** ==“Regarding a house, you look for a place. Krsna will provide for the funds. Now, because Los Angeles has got a nice church, the situation has improved very hopefully. They are getting all help.”== ([[letters/1969/690711_murari|Murari, 11 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “Regarding the plot of land you have mentioned, I do not think it will be big enough for our purposes because we want at least 10 *bighas* and not 10 *kottas.* If you have got any land around this larger size, then please write to us. Another possibility is, as you say there are many Vaisnava temples in Serampore, ==if any big temple is in difficulty financially, we can take charge of this temple and improve it and maintain it nicely. So if you know of any prospective temples where this could be arranged, please inform us.”== ([[letters/1969/690717_sri_goswami|Sri Goswami, 17 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 * * ==“Regarding your idea of going to Copenhagen, it is very nice and I am always anxious to open strong temples where the chanting of Hare Krsna and Krsna consciousness philosophy will be propagated nicely== * .* So as Janardana is planning to begin the Paris center, you may make investigation for a center in Copenhagen. So if you think you can open such a center in Copenhagen then please inform me of what your exact idea is to begin this project, and I shall advise you accordingly. I think when I come to Hamburg we shall talk about it.” ([[letters/1969/690711_sivananda|Sivananda, 11 July, 1969]]) *** 69-09 “I am so glad to learn that two new branches are now opened: one in Laguna Beach, another in Tokyo. With great interest I read the letter of Sudama, and I have also sent him a letter of congratulations. You have proposed to go to Japan next year and I am very much pleased on this point. I wish to go with a big *sankirtana* party from Los Angeles. So if we can over flood Japan with this *sankirtana* movement, it will be a great, great achievement in the eastern countries, ==and if we move a little further more into China and Russia, then we shall build up a strong belt all around the world of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness== *.* ==”== ([[letters/1969/690919_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 19 September, 1969]]) *** 69-10 ==“I thank you so much for the new temples that are opening. Please conduct them nicely and enthuse the people to stick to the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra and follow the rules and regulations. Then they will be strong enough to manage things very nicely. Other things will be supplied by Krsna.”== ([[letters/1969/691018_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 18 October, 1969]]) ==69-10 “Regarding the purchasing of temples, if within our means and estimation it is possible, that is a good idea.== **The best example is Boston temple. They have taken responsibility for $1100 per month and by the grace of Krsna they are now collecting at the rate of $120 per day. So if Berkeley is also in that position, they can take that risk. Similarly, San Francisco also, and I understand that both Hamsaduta and Madhudvisa are doing nicely. So if the principle of Boston temple can be followed without any overburden and anxiety, that is very good. If they are also collecting daily average $100, they can take the risk of purchasing the house.” ([[letters/1969/691018_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 18 October, 1969]]) *** 69-11 “I have received also a separate letter from Vamanadeva who is going to open a center in St. Louis. The list of proposed centers in different places is very encouraging to me. ==My aim is that I want to start at least 108 centers during my lifetime. So there are about twenty three centers already existing, and your list completes another 16. That is very encouraging== **and if factually it is done under a suitable scheme by your mutual cooperation, I have all approval for this, and you can do the needful.” (SPL to Hayagriva, Vamanadeva, Pradyumna, 2nd November, 1969) 69-11 “Regarding the house, ==I think there is an indication of Krsna that we shall have our own house in Hawaii. Usually we do not wish to have our own house, but when Krsna offers it we must take the facility without any hesitation== *.* In Boston also, Satsvarupa was put into similar trouble and by the grace of Krsna he has got now our own house and we have established our own press there also. The description of the house as you have given appears to be very nice, because it is near the University of Hawaii. If by the grace of Krsna you get the bank loan, I think that you can take the risk. For Krsna, to take some risk is also devotional service. That is ordered by the Goswamis: *krsnartha akhila cesta.* This means for Krsna’s sake to do everything possible. From San Francisco when I pushed you alone for Hawaii, you did not know where you were going, where to stay and what to do. But since more than one year you have struggled very hard, and gradually you are getting some foot in that distant place, and your good wife, Govinda dasi is helping you. Also, some very nice assistants have joined you, so try for Krsna to do your best. That is our duty. Success or no success, it doesn’t matter. The only thing is that we should try our best. So that I know you are doing your best and Krsna will be very much pleased upon you all.” ([[letters/1969/691120_gaurasundara|Gaurasundara, 20 November, 1969]]) *** 69-12 “Regarding the Radha-Krsna *murtis:* first of all, as you are searching out a permanent place, ==the best thing will be to install Them in that permanent place. It doesn't matter if it is on rent or purchased, but we must be confident that there will not be disturbance by some landlord on some flimsy grounds== *.* In the meantime, you can construct a nice throne as you will see it on the pictures enclosed. I have got plans for going to Japan from Los Angeles, but in case I do not go, you shall be able to install the Deities. I shall send you the instructions how to do it, if this becomes necessary. In the meantime, just prepare the preliminary things.” ([[letters/1969/691209_govinda|Govinda dasi, 9 December, 1969]]) *** 70-01 “We require hundreds of bona fide students in Krsna consciousness. The world is in need of this function. People are going to hell for want of proper guidance. No other religious institution are so much serious about God consciousness as we are. So ==you must train your contemporaries in such spirit of alertness, then we shall be able to open hundreds of centers, and the people in general shall be saved from being misguided.”== ([[letters/1970/700115_harer_nama|Harer Nama, 15 January, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “My activities in London began as early as September 1968. I sent six of my disciples there, all of them young couples, husband and wife, and none of them more than 26 years old. These boys and girls first started *sankirtana* movement in London and there were very nice reports about them. Even the Times of London printed one article with the caption, *’Hare Krsna chant startles London.’* In London there are many Indians, especially Gujaratis and Punjabis. All of them were astonished to see how American boys and girls were chanting the Hare Krsna *mantra.* They were invited to many centers both by the Indians and Europeans but it was very difficult to find out a suitable house there in the midst of the city. My Guru Maharaja liked to start centers in the busiest part of a city. So, forty years ago, my Guru Maharaja attempted to start a temple there but some way or other it was not possible. Still, ==I cherished a strong desire to start a temple in the heart of the city, and by Lord Krsna’s grace these boys and girls rented a five storied house in the busiest quarter of central London== *,* at 7 Bury Place, which is near to the British Museum, London University, Great Russell Street and Bloomsbury Square. The British Museum is just a few stones on the left side of our temple. Our activities are going on regularly in London. There are about 35 English and American boys and girls.... The government of the UK has passed a bill to hand over the redundant churches to other religious sects, but the Christian authorities want a good amount of money for selling these properties. So none of the churches have we been able to acquire on account of the exorbitant price, for which I have not got the money to pay. But they are available. In London we saw a redundant church and also in Oxford. They are very nice for our purpose but the negotiation is very slow. Some other churches are also available in other districts but they can be purchased. The government has no such scheme to place these unused churches at our disposal. How can we expect the government to give us any financial help while our Indian government does not allow any money to be brought from India for this purpose? How can we expect financial help from another government? Our financial budget is managed by Krsna's grace only. Undoubtedly we have huge expenditures-for example in our Los Angeles temple we spend near about Rs. 20,000/- in our Indian exchange per month. But the devotees, boys and girls, somehow or other collect this huge amount, and by the grace of Krsna we have no difficulty. In most of our centers our activities are in rented houses, only in Boston and Buffalo we have our own houses. In Boston we have got our own press, ISKCON Press, where our books and magazines are published partially. The major portion is printed outside our press especially in Japan. The government is neither encouraging nor discouraging; sometimes the police department prohibits our *sankirtana* party when they go out into the street. In the US this hindrance by the police is not very much but in London they have practically stopped us. In Hamburg and in Tokyo they are also not very strict. In the beginning we have difficulty everywhere. By now, as people in general are appreciating our movement-that we are devotees of the Lord, boys and girls of nice behavior and character they give us as far as possible all concessions. The government draft board has accepted our Society as religious, so they are kind upon us. But we do not get any direct financial help either from the government or big foundations. Neither have we been able to contact the richer section of the people.” ([[letters/1970/700205_hanuman_prasad_poddar|Hanuman Prasad Poddar, 5 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “Krsna will give you timely a suitable place, don't worry about it. Our leader, Sanatana Goswami, was living underneath a tree, and He was keeping his Deity, Krsna, hanging on the branch of the tree, wrapped up in a cloth—and still he was always engaged in the service of the Lord. ==So place or no place, we must go on with our preaching work.== **Please keep me informed about your progress and offer my blessings to all the boys.” ([[letters/1970/700312_citsukhananda|Citsukhananda, 12 March, 1970]]) ==70-03 “Now everything is there and you are also experienced, therefore go on opening branches as many as possible and preach the sankirtana movement to your best capacity.== **Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura entrusted the responsibility to my Guru Maharaja and he also in his turn empowered us to do the work. Similarly, I am requesting you, all my European and American students, to spread this movement city to city and village to village and make all people of the world happy. Actually, they are missing the central point-Krsna, therefore they are unhappy. Let us inform them about this missing point and certainly they will be happy.” ([[letters/1970/700312_citsukhananda|Hamsaduta, 12 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 ** ==“Actually, my mission is to establish hundreds and thousands of temples like the one which I have established in London and other places. And I wish that every Indian who has a little love for Krsna may cooperate with me in this attempt.”== ([[letters/1970/700315_subala|Sri Balmukundji, 15 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “I have also received one similar letter from London, and ==I have sent the reply to Gurudasa and the copy is enclosed herewith so that all of you may follow the same instructions and open hundreds of temples in Europe combinedly.== **Mukunda, Tamala, yourself, Syamasundara, Gurudasa and if possible, George, as well as Hamsaduta and all your better halves just make a very rigid plan for opening centers in every nook and corner of the European countries. I am arranging with Indian sympathizers to get some nice Deities like those in London. So try to install Deities and centers as many as possible. Actually, the modern human society is in need of Krsna relationship, so as soon as they will come in touch with our movement surely they will feel very happy. So kindly execute this responsibility to your best capacity and Krsna will be very happy upon you. Your combination with your good wife Jotilla is very good and now with greater enthusiasm execute Krsna activities as I have advised Gurudasa also. We must be fully equipped and the preaching work by pairs of husbands and wives will be an unique example to the world. Formerly the *acaryas* were generally all *sannyasis* but Lord Caitanya, in His instruction to Raya Ramananda, who was a confidential devotee of Lord Caitanya but a householder and responsible government official, Governor of Madras, has given open instruction that it does not matter what is the social or ecclesiastical order, if one is fully in Krsna consciousness, he can act as *acarya.* So all you boys and girls who are now married, follow this instruction of Lord Caitanya, and show a vivid example to the world how man and woman can be united, not for sense gratification but for the service of the Lord.” ([[letters/1970/700317_suridas|Suridasa, 17 March, 1970]]) ==70-03 “If you think that the time spent for studying two and a half years more can be better used immediately to push on our Krsna consciousness movement, then you can turn your efforts in this direction. That will be very nice.”== ([[letters/1970/700320_rukmini|Krsna dasa, 20 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “Regarding opening a branch in Providence, Rhode Island, it is very encouraging. Both Nanda Kisora and Sri Dhama are nice devotees and I am sure they will be successful in conducting the new center. It is a good news for me. ==To open a center for us is not a very difficult job. Simply the devotees who volunteer their service must be very serious and sincere.== * * Both Sri Dhama and Nandakisora are good administrators of * prasada * which is our peak medicine for driving away * maya, * so I have all blessings for them. Let them chant Hare Krsna and distribute * prasada* and things will come very quickly.” ([[letters/1970/700328_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 28 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “So I am glad to learn that your daughter and Syamasundara’s daughter are learning Krsna consciousness very nicely. The program was that you would go to New Vrndavana for training childrennever mind, you can do it there also. So far George's house is concerned, it was formerly learned through Syamasundara that he also wants to have a Krsna consciousness center there. If he gives us a place there, just like Lennon gave a place in his garden, then you can start a similar temple there under your supervision. But ==unless there is some tangible program there, I think you should not divert attention in starting a new center there.== * * We have to organize this London center very solidly, so at least on Sundays all of you should come there and manage things. Anyway, conjointly you shall manage the London center and * sankirtana— * that * * should not be neglected. Regarding George’s center, if he opens it very nicely according to his position, then on hearing from Syamasundara I shall give direction how to do it. I have already written Syamasundara about this and I am awaiting his reply. The conclusion is that you are so many advanced disciples now in Europe, including Hamburg, London and Paris. Now you should organize the *sankirtana* movement in Europe by opening as many centers as possible from town to town at least. So do it conjointly and that will give me very much satisfaction.” ([[letters/1970/700401_lilavati|Lilavati, 1 April, 1970]]) ==70-04 “Recently we have purchased a big church property consisting of four different houses, namely, the lecture house, the temple house, the acarya residence, and the quarters for the devotees both male and female== *,* along with a small garden and parking land for the visitors’ cars. Enclosed please find two pictures of this temple house as well as I am enclosing some of the pictures of our Philadelphia activities where one American boy and girl, devotees, were married under the ministerial guidance of the local president. You will understand from the information that this Krsna consciousness movement is a major revolutionary renaissance specifically delineating social and religious conception of life based on authorized Vedic culture.” ([[letters/1970/700407_giriraja|R.C. Dhruva, 7 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “I am very glad that you are going to marry Manmohini dasi and I have got my full sanction and blessings for this unity. Nanda Kisora and his wife and yourself and your wife, four together, organize the center in Providence which is already wonderful and by your propaganda of Krsna consciousness it will be heavenly. ==As soon as a center is open and my disciples conduct it nicely, it gives me Vaikuntha bliss== *.* Vamanadeva is doing very nicely in St. Louis and I am sending herewith some pictures of his activities. So Bali Mardan and Upendra are doing in Sydney also. All these news are to me life giving ambrosia so the more you open branches the more I increase my duration of life. Therefore, if you all my students want me to live for some days more, go on opening nice branches as many as possible.” ([[letters/1970/700410_mukunda|Sridhama, 10 April, 1970]]) *** 70-05 “So it is very encouraging that London temple is being managed by one pair of husband and wife very nicely. Similarly, each pair should take care of a center; and ==if you love me at all, then all of you try your best to open at least 108 centers during my lifetime—that is my special request.== **At the same time we must be very careful to see that every center is going properly. Our possessing our own building is not so important as it is important to see that everything is going on nicely in order.” ([[letters/1970/700527_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 27 May, 1970]]) ==70-06 “So far the possibility of opening centers, it is now definitely ascertained that there will be no difficulty to maintain a center anywhere on the basis of the present procedure. The only thing required is that we have to create some nice devotees and expand the opening of centers.== * * Gargamuni is very much enthusiastic on this point, and he has recently opened another center in San Diego. Rupanuga also informs that there is possibility of opening many other centers. He was recommending Chicago as a very nice place for opening our center. So kindly you all together help me in these missionary activities and open at least 108 centers—that will satisfy me—and complete the publication of the * Srimad-Bhagavatam.” ([[letters/1970/700602_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 2 June, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “It is very, very encouraging to learn that London temple is receiving so many inquiries from the different European countries. So open branches there. When there is inquiry, the people are receptive. ==It is now already experimented that wherever we may open a center, Hare Krsna mantra will be chanted with great delight== *.* Our Japanese center is doing very well. They have got many television engagements. Brahmananda had gone there and he says that in those parts of the world there is very good chance of spreading Krsna consciousness. Most probably Brahmananda will open a branch in Hong Kong. One Indian gentleman has taken very active interest, and he is paying $50 per month. So if there is possibility of opening centers in the places from where you have got inquiries, do it as far as possible.” ([[letters/1970/700604_yamuna_and_gurudas|Yamuna, 4 June, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “I am so happy to learn that both you and your good wife are now engaged in opening our new center in Baltimore. ==This opening of new centers gives me the greatest transcendental pleasure, and I beg to thank you very much.== * * It is very good news that you have received such nice cooperation from the City authorities so you can carry out our * sankirtana* program with unrestricted distribution of literatures. This is excellent opportunity, so please take full advantage and push on our movement with your greatest enthusiasm. The house which you have described sounds very good for our purpose. So continue to develop this building for our Baltimore temple. Please also continue to cooperatively join with Philadelphia temple and the other temples for spreading Krsna consciousness by *maha-sankirtanas,* festivals like Janmastami festival to be celebrated at New Vrndavana. I want that all my students will cooperate fully for expanding our movement, and in this way every center will be benefited.” (SPL to Vrndavana Candra, June 5th, 1970) 70-06 ==“So far opening a branch in Chicago, this is a very encouraging proposal, but I think before opening a center we must be confident that things will go on nicely== *.* Chicago is a very important place, and we need a strong man to manage affairs there. So I think if you personally can stay there for some time to arrange things it will be very nice. Best thing is to consult Rupanuga, and whatever you do by mutual agreement that is accepted by me.” ([[letters/1970/700605_bhagavan|Bhagavan dasa, 5 June, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “Your proposal to open several new centers is very good news for me. However, for opening new centers Tamala and yourself must be present. There is no need of installing Deities immediately. ==New temples may be opened by placing Panca-tattva and acarya pictures== *.* Unless we have got sufficient experienced devotees we shall not install Radha-Krsna or Jagannatha Deities. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is very kind and lenient. Simply chanting of Hare Krsna will please Him. But when we have Deities like Radha-Krsna or Jagannatha we must strictly follow the regulative principles of *arcana.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, June 22nd, 1970) 70-07 “If you and Tamala both are present at the opening of a new center that will be nice. Or you may follow your other plan, but however you do it, do it jointly by combined consultation. If you do it jointly in this way you will get strength to decide the right thing. Another thing is that ==before opening a branch we must have able men also to conduct, otherwise how can we open branches?”== (SPL to Hamsaduta, July 11th, 1970) 70-07 ** ==“The first business is if the temples are not properly maintained then we should concentrate on sankirtana outside. Temple opening is secondary, but we should concentrate on sankirtana outside. As in Paris we have no official temple but still sankirtana is giving us encouragement.”== ([[letters/1970/700719_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 19 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “You are expecting to see me, but I also expected to see the London Ratha-yatra, but you made no arrangement so what can I do? So let us meet by *sankirtana.* I also do not feel separation from my Guru Maharaja. When I am engaged in his service his pictures give me sufficient strength. To serve the spiritual master’s word is more important than to serve him physically. ==Please try to open as many branches as possible in European countries.”== (SPL to Syamasundara, July 19th, 1970) 70-07 * * ==“Wherever a sankirtana temple will be established, I shall require at least three pictures, namely your spiritual master, my spiritual master and the Panca-tattva== * * as they are being worshipped in the first apartment of the temple here in L.A. These pictures may be painted on a canvas oil painting and when it is dried up they may be rolled all together and dispatched by Post Air Mail. The frame work may be done locally. Paraffin paper may be placed between paintings so they will not stick.” (SPL to Jadurani, July 31st, 1970) 70-08 ** ==“The prospect of your opening a new branch is very good. If you can, do it. This opening of centers is required. However, Krsna consciousness does not depend on the place, on the contrary, it depends on the person who is free from duality. So why another part of the world for opening a new branch. There are many places in this country where it is important to have our branches.”== (SPL to Dinesh, August 1st, 1970) 70-09 “Regarding Deity worship, Silavati and Yamuna devi may be considered expert, so if some new hands come and take their help, that is a good proposition. ==Once established, however, Deities should not be removed.== * * We should treat the Deities as the Personality of Godhead, and to invite Him to come to your home you must worship regularly. You cannot remove. ==If there is scarcity of pujaris, then Deities should not be installed, only pictures of Guru and Gauranga should be worshipped== * .* Irregularity in worshiping Guru and Gauranga can be tolerated, as they are always kind and forgiving, but irregularity in worshiping Lord Jagannatha and Sri Sri Radha-Krsna is not good.” (SPL to Karandhara, September 19th, 1970) ==70-11 “In the meantime Gargamuni and Visnujana can work together for establishing a nice temple in Coconut Grove, near Miami, Florida, and that will please me very much. Please go on opening thousands of centers all over the world.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, November 4th, 1970) ==70-11 “Why are you asking for more men to help you in Florida? As I created, so you must create others; that is parampara. You are already three; why do you need any more? And you are big three.== * * You just try sincerely in your work and Krsna will bless you. You have written to say that a Krsna consciousness temple can be established in any place without any material qualification and that is a fact! Wherever Hare Krsna * mantra * is chanted, some words are spoken from one of our books, and * prasadam * is distributed, that is considered a temple. We have no need of any large buildings or palaces. We are simple. Our great * acaryas* in the past like the six Goswamis of Vrndavana accepted dwellings under the trees. So we do not require any large buildings to do our preaching work. But if Krsna supplies them, we may also accept any nice facility which He provides, but we will strive to go on preaching under all circumstances.” (SPL to Gargamuni Maharaja, November 4th, 1970) 70-11 ==“You are one of my oldest and best-qualified students, so now you may, along with the other men of GBC, take over from me the management of ISKCON affairs and work combinedly to open as many centers as possible all over the world. If you simple carry out the instructions which I have given you Krsna will reward you with all success.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, November 4th, 1970) 70-11 “I am very glad that you have found some interested and friendly persons to give you at least some temporary assistance in Fiji. Do not worry about the future ==. If you will simply work on very strenuously in a humble state of mind as the sincere servant of the servant of the Lord, then Krsna will give you all facilities.== **I know you are already acquainted with the Lord's mercy in this respect because you have already had several times experience in the matter of establishing our ISKCON temples in different places.” (SPL to Upendra, November 21st, 1970) 70-11 “So far a temple place is concerned, ==even there is no place, we can sit down underneath a tree and chant as I did in New York.== **Krsna will give a nice place. You have been anxious to stick to fulfilling the desires of Krsna and spiritual master without deviation. Our technique is that we work sincerely and the dictation will come from within; Krsna is seated there.” (SPL to Bali Mardan, November 24th, 1970) 70-11 ==“It is very nice that you are opening another center in Cleveland, Ohio. Please do it very thoughtfully.”== (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, November 24th, 1970) 70-12 “Yes, I have heard of your plan to open a branch in Trinidad. That will be very nice and the selected members are approved by me. ==The more we open branches, the more I feel encouraged.== **These branches are like the oasis in a vast desert. In the desert there is no water, but occasionally if one is fortunate he may come in contact with an oasis and he is saved. Similarly in this material world we are drying up due to lack of spiritual knowledge. Our ISKCON centers are meant to give relief to the dried up conditioned souls who are searching after the nectar of joyful life. So I request you and all other members of ISKCON to flood the world with Krsna conscious centers and realize the prediction of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, ’As many towns and villages there are, my name will be known.’” (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, December 18th, 1970) 71-01 ** ==“It is good news that you have now got a house and are remodeling it for the temple. You may immediately arrange an altar for worship of Guru-Gauranga and that will be very suitable for the present. Later you can increase the Deity worship, but for the first while worship of Guru-Gauranga will be within your present situation very nice.”== ([[letters/1971/710108_vrindaban_candra|Visnujana Maharaja, 8 January, 1971]]) *** 71-04 “My dear son, Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25th March, 1971 and have noted the contents. Because I have been very busy with the movement which is going on here, I haven't had time to reply your letter until now. ==As soon as I remember that you are trying to fulfill my desire of trying to open ten centers, it gives me renewed vigor and life. Please do it nicely.== * * I have got confidence in you because Krsna has given you special talent for chanting Hare Krsna * mantra. * When you were chanting in Los Angeles temple in the evenings, or in the mornings, I enjoyed your chanting so nicely that I thought myself immediately carried to Vaikuntha. So I am always thankful to you for your activities in announcing the interest of our mission. Thank you very much. Most probably when I return to Los Angeles I may call you back just to hear your chanting of Hare Krsna * mantra.* I am very anxious to meet you also.” ([[letters/1971/710404_nayanabhirama|Visnujana Maharaja, 4 April, 1971]]) *** 71-07 ==“So far your leaving Philadelphia center, that is not advisable at the present moment. Better to wait until Philadelphia temple is very firmly established and then if you wish you can go to Morocco to open a center. Whatever center you open, it must be organized. There is no use to open a center if the management is not proper.”== (SPL to Nayanabhirama, July 4th, 1971) 71-08 “If you leave, who will look after St. Louis? You are a householder with wife and children. You can’t move very often. Better you stick to one place and develop it nicely. Whenever you move you have to take so much trouble to move your whole family. I do not know what is the situation there in St. Louis but in every center there is potential to improve more and more. My opinion is that you stick to St. Louis and develop it more opulently. Of course ==I am in favor of opening new centers but not at the cost of taking from our already established centers.”== (SPL to Vamanadeva, August 24th, 1971) 71-08 “The temple plan enclosed is approved by me, but we must have full control over the temple, otherwise we are not going to take charge. We cannot make any compromise on this point. Unless we have full charge we are not interested. It must be a branch of our ISKCON and run by us. ==We cannot take responsibility if others are controlling the temple, otherwise we are not going to take charge== *.* That is not possible. We have got our own principles and they must be followed as they are in all our branches all over the world. We cannot make any change in Kuala Lumpur.” (SPL to Amogha and Hanuman, August 25th, 1971) 71-09 “If there is the possibility of regular worship then you can install Jagannatha Deity. Otherwise don't do it. ==Not that there should be a repeat of the situation in Hamburg that the Deities were taken away. Unless there is solid temple arrangement I don't advise you to install the Deity.== * * Deity installation means regular worship without fail and for good. Just like in Jagannatha Puri. That temple was established over thousand of years ago and it is still going on. Always they have * prasadam * ready for at least a thousand people and * bhoga* is offered 56 times in a day.” (SPL to Sivananda, September 2nd, 1971) 71-11 “It is not so important that you have no temple building just now. The main thing is that somehow or other preaching work goes on and literature is distributed. ==We are prepared to sleep under a tree, so what is there need for a fancy house? Only people must have some place to go, so as soon as possible try to get some place where the public can come and sit down comfortably and chant Hare Krsna.”== ([[letters/1971/711120_bhakta_dasa|Sri Galim dasa, 20 November, 1971]]) *** 71-12 “You mention that you will open centers, many centers. I don't think there is need to open many more centers in your country. Rupanuga proposes to open only a few more centers in big cities and concentrate the balance of men in college preaching and traveling parties like yours. To manage centers requires many men, so unless we have got many men this idea will not be very fruitful. ==Better if there are a few important centers and traveling parties for the smaller towns and villages, going and coming back== *,* going and coming back, like this.” (SPL to Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, 12th, December, 1971) *** 71-12 * * ==“Never mind we have to wait some time for a house. We are Vaisnavas, means we can live under a tree. Main thing is preaching, so if preaching is going on, that is enough. But because people want a comfortable place to sit down and chant, therefore we have got our centers around the world. So just to accommodate such public you can get a house whenever it is possible, and decorate it very nicely for attracting the citizens.”== (SPL to Amogha, Decemher 25th,* 1971) 71-12 “So far the action taken by city officials, it is not good to disturb them unduly or cause unwanted agitation or anger with such people. They are demons so they will not change. Civil disobedience movement can be led by Lord Caitanya, but we are not so strongly organized and influential to be able to perform successfully such civil disobedience movement. It is good if the newspapers take our side and public opinion is against the authorities viewpoint, but it will be better if we use all goodwill and tact to avoid such violent confrontation in public and simply take another place with required parking space. Regarding your question about Deities, what is the use of such temple if non-residents cannot come? ==For ourselves, we do not require a temple for serving Krsna. But, because the public must have a comfortable place to sit down and chant Hare Krsna, therefore we get a nice house, install Deity, decorate nicely and invite everyone== *.* So if no one can come due to law, I do not think you should keep such place. Better to find a more suitable place, then install Lord Jagannatha. Consult Karandhara in this matter.” (SPL to Rsabhadeva, Decemher 28th, 1971) 72-01 ** ==“You have always served me very faithfully, so I pray that Krsna may bless you with a long life with which to open many temples and that in this very lifetime you may return back to home, back to Godhead.”== (SPL to Sudama, January 5th, 1972) 72-03 “Your suggestion to have a *brahmacari asrama* is all right, and you should train all these boys to become good preachers. So far installing new Deities, I think it is best if you concentrate your energy on *sankirtana* and book distribution for now, and as your temple grows and facilities are there for very opulent Deity worship, then this can be considered. ==I have made it a policy that there must be at least ten initiated brahmanas in a temple before Deities are installed.”== (SPL to Patita Uddharana, March 25th, 1972) 72-05 ** ==“It is not good if small number of devotees open a center and then fall away. Association of devotees is the most important thing. So I think in the future at least ten to twelve men must open a center. But you have done the right thing to concentrate our forces on traveling sankirtana.”== (SPL to Dayananda, May 20th, 1972) 72-06 “My money is already invested in a Mayapur Trust Fund, so there is no possibility of lending you any money. Furthermore, in your absence I don't think there is need of very big house. If you make arrangements for purchasing two big, big houses and then go away, then that is not very good proposal. To purchase our own house in Los Angeles, London, these headquarters are required as permanent but we should not be very much anxious after purchasing many houses and properties. ==In future throughout the society, it is better so far as possible that we should rent. Big house means big responsibility. So unless there are many men, and very big propaganda, buying house is risky and unnecessary.”== ([[letters/1972/720616_bhagavan|Bhagavan, 16 June, 1972]]) *** 72-07 “I have met with Mrs. Morarjee on arriving here in London and she has agreed to be the president of our Bombay Board of Trustees for building up the Juhu project. This is a good opportunity. ==So she, along with our other big life members, can form this committee, and our own men will give direction== *.* Now form the committee by consulting her how to do it, and the committee may meet and organize how to raise funds and push on this project, and I shall give direction how to do it.” ([[letters/1972/720712_giriraja|Giriraja, 12 July, 1972]]) *** 72-08 “So far your purchasing that building is concerned, if it is a great endeavor, how can you manage? If you have so many debts to the book fund and Spiritual Sky business, how can you take more debts to the book fund? We are not very much for owning buildings, our real business is to preach and propagate Krsna consciousness widely. Washington D.C. is the capital of your country, and therefore it is a very strategic location for preaching amongst the nation’s leaders. Concentrate on this work, and the *sankirtana* and book distribution activities, and if you wait until there is solid financial basis before purchasing, what is the harm? But ==if we spend our whole time simply to earn money to pay for big, big buildings and decorations, what is the value? I am more interested in preachers than builders and decorators.== **But if you think you are able, and there is good opportunity, you may purchase, I have no objection. When I come there in September I can install the Jagannatha Deities if you invite me. If you can find eucalyptus twigs, you can send them to me wherever I am in the world, and I shall always have nice toothbrushes thanks to you. Eucalyptus is the best.” (SPL to Damodara, August 6th, 1972) 72-08 “Yes, that is a good idea if you want to return to Jakarta for again opening our center there, along with your wife. It is very encouraging that the citizens in Jakarta have donated for your airline tickets, so that is a good sign. If Madhudvisa has agreed, then you may go there immediately. It is better if you take some men with you for the preaching work and other things. ==We should not open centers with only two persons, we shall have at least four men.== **I remember once before you wrote me from Jakarta and informed me that you were going to Australia to find a wife and then you were going to Indonesia. So now your plan is coming true and I think Krsna will give you all facility for continuing as you have proposed. When the soldiers risk their lives on the battlefield, the government is very much inclined to give them all facilities in their work, even the citizens may be deprived of their comforts. So Krsna takes special appreciation for His devotees who are engaged in risking for His preaching work, and He will give you special care and guidance at all times because you are sincerely trying to serve Him in this way. Thank you very much for your sincere endeavors.” ([[letters/1972/720809_amogha|Amogha, 9 August, 1972]]) *** 72-08 “One thing is, ==I have just received one letter from the black devotees in Cleveland who wish start their own ISKCON center independently of the white devotees there. In principle, it is all right, birds of a feather will flock together.== * * We should not discourage them in any way from opening their own center, but I want you to go there and see how their things are going on and that the standard of Krsna consciousness is being maintained on the highest level. You should give them all assistance for organizing their center and be fully convinced that they can manage everything properly and then I have no objection if they open their center in Cleveland. These souls appear to be adhering to our principles and they are requesting someone to come and give them all good instruction, so you kindly go there and do the needful and give them all facilities such as pictures, * mrdangas,* and other Krsna consciousness paraphernalia. It is not that we should remain separate from them as they are sincere souls and there is no objection if they want to remain separate from the white people and pursue this Krsna consciousness way of life, but I must be convinced by you that everything is being done properly before I shall be glad to give them the final sanction. As soon as hearing from you in this regard, I shall be glad to give them due initiation and my blessings so that they may continue in their own way. I am sending a copy of this letter to them and you may go there immediately to see what is the situation there.” ([[letters/1972/720824_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 24 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 “I am very glad to hear that you and your good wife want to go to Perth, Australia, for opening one ISKCON center. There is no doubt about it that I shall sanction your endeavor in this respect. I am always praying that my disciples will gradually increase our war against *maya* on all fronts. But I do not think it is necessary to take money from Karandhara for opening that center. From our experience ==we have found it is always in the long run more stable and a better situation if local people can be persuaded to help from the very beginning.== **So you may solicit money from them in small amounts and gradually collect in that way enough to open a center and involve or engage all of the local people from the very beginning.” ([[letters/1972/720913_upendra|Upendra, 13 September, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 2, 1972, along with photos of a new building you have seen, but I did not yet receive the floor plans as you promised. So far advising you in this connection, what can I say? Now you must be able to judge these things as you have got experience and you are there, what can I do from such distant place? If you think it is nice, then try for it. But one thing is, there is no residential place, so what is the use? But if that can be arranged somehow there is no objection. We are not so much after big, big buildings, we are interested to preach only. But ==if such a building will enhance our preaching work and not distract us from the main business, then it is nice.== **But you must determine if it will be an easy task to raise so much money, not that we shall have to labor so much just to get money and after for maintaining, so much so that our spiritual life becomes neglected, no. Our real business is to spread the message of Lord Caitanya throughout the world. But if we are able to get the place in downtown center of New York City, that is the most important location in the world, and from that place we may broadcast Krsna consciousness all over the world. You are the first-class business brain, so if you can get that place without too much difficulty, that will be a very great asset for preaching.” ([[letters/1972/721118_rupa_vilasa|Bali Mardan, 18 November, 1972]]) *** 72-11 * * ==“Preaching is our real business, not getting big, big buildings and doing business for money just to maintain them, no.== We shall live under a tree, that is not difficult, but we must go on preaching every moment, that will make us happy. So I am glad to see * * also your quiz-test for the African boys, and also your Swahili-language *Back to Godhead,* these are good evidence of your improvement.” ([[letters/1972/721111_cyavana|Cyavana, 11 November, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Regarding that building in Manhattan, of course we are not very much mad after big buildings, so long there is enough space for our devotees so they may be able to carry on their preaching work, but if you can get such building as you are describing in the midtown area costing between $1-1.6 million, oh, that will be your greatest achievement in Krsna consciousness. ==Such building being our world headquarters of ISKCON would facilitate our preaching expansion work all over the world== *.* So far money is concerned, you are saving roundabout $30,000 per month, so go on saving like this, and even it takes a few more months to raise the down payment for such expensive building, never mind, a few months delay is not much. But the point is that Krsna is now giving freely so much money, why He can't increase that amount more and more? I don't think there will be any difficulty to raise the money for down payment, you will be successful under any circumstance, of that I am certain. But I want to keep my bond of $80,000 to be spent for books for India, that is my final decision.” ([[letters/1972/721231_bali-mardana|Bali Mardan, 31 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 * * ==“I am so glad to hear that you are re-opening the Baltimore temple and that you are prepared to stay there your life long for developing it to the highest standard== * .* Yes, I was little disturbed to hear that we had closed down the Baltimore temple before. Baltimore is a very important city of your country and we must maintain our center there at all costs. I can understand by your letter that you are both very serious and sincere devotees of Krsna, husband and wife, so I think that you will have no difficulty in performing your duties there. First business will be to preach widely throughout the city and distribute our books and Krsna consciousness propaganda. In this way, try to recruit some local men to help you. You are only two persons, therefore big temple with Deity worship and so many other things will be impossible to maintain. Therefore if you get a place, simply hold our standard program of *kirtana* morning and evening, with class, inviting friends and other people that you meet. In this way develop the thing gradually, we are not in very much hurry to get big, big house and very comfortable position, no. Our first and foremost business is to spread Krsna consciousness. So utilize every opportunity that Krsna gives you for preaching His message, that is real meaning of temple management.” (SPL to Sama and Samita dasi, 4th January,* 1973) 73-01 ** ==“When Krsna sees that you are very serious and sincere to serve Him only, you need not have to worry to get a new place, He will help you in that way.”== ([[letters/1973/730105_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 5 January, 1973]]) *** 73-02 * * ==“If you are laying the foundation stone to this temple there is a ceremony which you can observe== * .* First you may have one fire ceremony with four * brahmanas * surrounding the fire, reading from * Bhagavad-Gita, The Nectar of Devotion, Srimad-Bhagavatam * and * Teachings of Lord Caitanya. * This reading should go on during the entire ceremony. You may also dig one pit about 15 feet deep and have one golden Ananta form prepared, about two inches, put at the bottom of the pit. All during this, * kirtana * should be going on. And then five types of various items should be placed in the pit, five types of jewels, five types of metals, five types of fruit, five types of grains, five types of * amrta, * like this different * panca. * These all should be carried down the ladder by the various * brahmanas, * and as they put each one at the bottom of the pit, the various fruits, flowers, etc, all of the * brahmanas * should one by one climb to the bottom of the pit and make their offering and chant the first verse of * gayatri mantra. * After this, you may lay some bricks down on top of everything and then begin to fill up the pit with dirt again. When the pit is filled up with dirt again you may put one foundation stone on top of the pit and this pit should be located at the exact corner of the temple building. The idea of this is that the entire building will be resting on the hoods of the Ananta snake, and this is very auspicious. After this program you may have several days * of kirtana* and feasting.” ([[letters/1973/730218_gurudasa|Kīrtanānanda, 18 February, 1973]]) *** 73-03 ** ==“Gaura-Nitai Deities may be approved and ordered by the local temple presidents with consultation of the GBC. There should be at least three or four brahmanas available. So there is no need to delay any shipments if these qualifications are met.”== ([[letters/1973/730311_govinda|Govinda dasi, 11 March, 1973]]) *** 73-03 * * ==“There is no need of adding further Deities. Once installed it cannot be changed. Do not make it childish, too much addition of Deities will encumber us.== * * At first, either Panca-tattva or Gaura-Nitai Deities may be installed, taking care that there is sufficient space. There is no need to consult with me for these installations, the local president can decide whether the circumstances are opportune.” ([[letters/1973/730331_karandhara|Karandhara, 31 March, 1973]]) *** 73-07 “Regarding your contemplating opening new centers, I have felt the pulse of your country and that is, that wherever we open a small branch it will develop. So now you have to train our men so that the possibility for such opening centers will be good. ==As soon as you have the qualified men then you can open a small branch.== * * But the traveling party is most important even more so than the new centers. The traveling * sankirtana* party must go on.” ([[letters/1973/730723_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 23 July, 1973]]) *** 73-09 ** ==“After finishing these Bombay affairs I am thinking not to increase any more branches for the time being. Whatever branches we have already opened let them be managed perfectly.”== ([[letters/1973/730927_rsabhadeva|Karandhara dasa, 27 September, 1973]]) *** 73-10 ** ==“For the time being new centers may not be opened. Whatever centers we have got already, let us organize them very soundly. If more men are available, let them come to India. I have already written to Karandhara that fifty more men are required in India, so if possible, you may arrange for some men to come from your zone.”== ([[letters/1973/731004_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 4 October, 1973]]) *** 73-12 ** ==“It is a fact that at this time I do not want to open any further centers. It is a question of timing. We have initiated so many projects and centers and practically we are short-handed all over the world, so it is better at this time if we work to maintain and develop whatever we have.”== (SPL to Babhru, December 9th, 1973) 74-10 ** ==“One thing try to remember is that a temple should not be started whimsically. It must be given very careful consideration. And once started, a temple cannot be closed whimsically. You must be fully prepared to maintain nicely the temple. You must consider carefully. Once a temple is started, it cannot be closed in any circumstances.”== ([[letters/1974/741006_madhavananda|Bhurijana dasa, 6 October, 1974]]) *** 74-12 ==“I am very glad to know that you are preaching there in Baltimore, and there is no question of bigness or smallness of the center so far pleasing me is concerned== *.* It is the sincerity of the attempt that is the important thing. Of course as Krsna sees the sincerity of our hearts, He supplies the facilities. Just like I came to your country with only Rs. 40/-, and now we have got this huge institution. So you can be sure that Krsna will supply you according to your capacity. So I think that if you continue working sincerely, you will get all facilities that you require for your purposes.” (SPL to Sama dasa adhikari, 9th December,* 1974) 74-12 “I think that you should immediately try and get the church in Toronto. Take it immediately. Church is always cheaper as there are not many other purchasers. This way we can bargain with them and bring the price down. The psychology behind it is that the Christians will hesitate to tear down a church. They would rather see it still standing. ==Gradually you should buy all the churches and make them into temples. There are so many churches actually they should give us these churches free, if they were actually God conscious.== But they are sectarian. Anyway purchase this church immediately. It is not very costly. $200,000 you can arrange. If it is available from BBT at this time then I have no objection. You can make the $150,000 loan from BBT. I do not know though if that much is available.” ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-02 “Regarding your engagement, I strongly recommend and encourage you to travel extensively and preach our philosophy everywhere you go. ==You have my authorization to open centers as you see fit after considering twice and thrice. Do not whimsically open or establish any center and then close it down later on.== Please report to me directly as to your whereabouts and your programs for preaching work. You must be very strict to follow all of the rules and regulations that I have given without even the slightest deviation. By a perfect example from your own conduct, others will be nicely trained up to be perfect Vaisnavas.” ([[letters/1975/750212_manager_central_bank_of_india|Hanuman dasa, 12 February, 1975]]) *** 75-04 * * ==“The process of opening a center somewhere is that we go there and hold classes for one week on the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita and if the people like, then we'll open a center.== * * Actually, the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu that in every town and village there will be a center of Krsna consciousness, is essential. People must cooperate. If not, then they will have to suffer. So, I am very glad that you have come forward, being one of the leaders of the cultural community. I am very much enthused by this. Our ideology is standard. It is not anything new, but it is very old. It is not anything concocted: *ajo nityah sasvato 'yam purano, na hanyate hanyamane sarire.* The living entity is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain. (BG. 2.20)” ([[letters/1975/750408_gupta|Mr. Roy, 8 April, 1975]]) *** 75-07 “I have opened many temples all over the world, numbering 100. Enclosed herewith are some of the photos of some of the Deities in some of the temples. Very recently we have established our temple in Vrndavana at a cost of 50 lakhs of rupees or more. The Governor of U.P., Dr. Channa Reddy was present for two days for the opening ceremony. All the *gosvamis* and *sannyasis* like Akhanananda Swami all attended the ceremony. We have got a guest house there containing about 80 rooms, and the recent report is that not less than 500 men are coming daily to visit the temple. *Prasada* is being distributed to the poor, and others are purchasing *prasada (pakki) to the extent of Rs. 100/- per day. We are selling our books also. ==Now I wish to establish some temple of Ramacandra, Sita-Rama. Of course it depends on the mercy of Lord Ramacandra== * .* Therefore I am still requesting you to join our movement completely retired from family life and engage yourself in translation work for the rest of your life.” ([[letters/1975/750726_dinanatha_n._mishra|Dinanatha, 26 July, 1975]]) *** 75-08 ** ==“Regarding Adelaide, unless you are sure that the Deity worship will go on nicely, do not install the Deity. Simply have kirtana and keep the Panca-tattva picture, that's all. What are the ingredients of the Lord Caitanya murti? Metal or wood is best, but not ordinary wood, nim wood which is never attacked by moth is best.”== ([[letters/1975/750804_gopala_krsna|Madhudvisa Swami, 4 August, 1975]]) *** 75-08 “Gopala Krsna informed me that you plan to build the temple in Nellore with the help of local life members. This is a very good idea. ==You may construct a library and a meditation hall to please the donors, but as far as possible the library should carry our books and books of other Vaisnava acaryas.== **The meditation hall you may put pictures of Krsna on all four sides.” ([[letters/1975/750817_kirtanananda|Mahamsa Swami, 17 August, 1975]]) *** 75-11 “As a child when I was going to the neighboring Mallik temple, I was thinking then when will I have such a nice Deity to worship and ==now Krsna is so kind that I am establishing so many nice temples all over the world. Now I want that there should be established 108 temples before my death, so you think how to do it== *.* Make some program, train up devotees. All temples in Melbourne, London, Paris, Bombay, all are very nice. Everything is very bright and brilliant. The Deity is proof of the sincere service. It is the duty of the GBC now to maintain this. Their duty is how to enthuse them and maintain.” ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|Madhudvisa Swami, 10 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 “This book distribution, that was my Guru Maharaja’s purpose. He said that ==I have got so many temples and now in Calcutta I have got a marble temple, but I would have wished that if by selling the marbles I could publish and distribute books== *.* Now by the mercy of His Divine Grace Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupāda I am doing both by the cooperation of my American disciples. I am constructing so many marble temples and I am distributing so many books on Krsna consciousness. This does not mean that I am excelling my Guru Maharaja, but it is the mercy of my Guru Maharaja that he is giving me the facility for doing both.” ([[letters/1975/751114_sri_v._s._murthy|Ramesvara dasa, 14 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 “Regarding the proposal for a new warehouse, what is the rent that you are presently paying for your warehouse? I think if you can go on renting, that is better. Personally I do not have a financial brain. But ==my Guru Maharaja, he preferred rented house rather than one's own house. At least in India, a rented house is preferred than possessing one and that is practical.”== (SPL to Ramesvara dasa, 20th November,* 1975) 76-01 “I have seen that the temples in your zone are now leaders in book distribution in their respective categories. Particularly Miami, Gainesville, and Houston. I am glad to see that Abhirama is doing well. He is a very intelligent boy. ==Now he is concentrating on book distribution so there will be no difficulty. This should be our first business. Temple opening is secondary.== **Yes, I approve Amarendra's program to have the men go out on book distribution and distribute the feast at the temple instead of at the college. Regarding closing the Phoenix center, since there is no Deity installed, it can be closed if you decide to do so.” ([[letters/1976/760122_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, 22 January, 1976]]) *** 76-02 “If we get chance, we must open a center in Kanpur. It is a very important city in India. I heard that there was someone who was willing to give us a house. ==Kanpur is the third most important city in India next to Calcutta and Bombay. We must open a center there, if there is a chance.== Padampat Singhania can himself build the whole *gurukula.* Similarly Banthuram Jaipuria who is our member, I think, can build the whole thing. ==If anyone gives the whole money for the building, then we can call the building in his name== *.* The mercantile community is advised to follow the *brahmanas.* So you are bona fide *brahmanas.* And if the *vaisyas* follow your instruction, they will be happy and pious.” ([[letters/1976/760228_ramram_maharaja|Aksayananda Swami, 28 February, 1976]]) *** 76-07 “The Rs. 32,000/- should be spent for *gurukula* in Vrndavana. Now the construction has begun and it must continue. Do not spend that Rs. 5,000/- for alterations in the New Delhi temple. Unless we have got our own land, where is the question of other projects in New Delhi. Let us continue in the rented house and see how things develop. If local people come and join and take initiation, then we can consider developing. Simply lip-sympathy will not do. They must be regular disciple, follow the regulative principles, and they will develop it themselves. Besides that ==book distribution and preaching is our most important activity. Opening temples is subordinate. We have to see how books are being distributed and how people are joining whole-heartedly. That is actual development.”== ([[letters/1976/760711_bishambhar|Gopala Krsna dasa, 11 July, 1976]]) *** 76-10 ** ==“Whether we require our own house in Mombasa? Why spend energy in that way when there is no money? Preaching is first and foremost. If by preaching people will contribute, then we can get, otherwise, what is the need?”== ([[letters/1976/761026_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 26 October, 1976]]) *** 76-12 “I have seen the pictures of the Deity installation you have sent. It appears to be very nicely done. Stick to the principles. All the *brahmana* devotees appear to be very nice. Do this and be happy. ==In your country hundreds of temples like this must be opened. Town to town, village to village. I am very pleased. Another temple opened, another book published that is the success of this movement== *.* Without book distribution the temple worship standard will also diminish. Therefore both of them should go side by side. I can see in the pictures so many outsiders offering respect with awe and veneration. This Deity worship is very * * important. As soon as you get sufficient initiated * brahmanas,* try to open another center.” ([[letters/1976/761228_kurusrestha|Kurusrestha dasa, 28 December, 1976]]) *** 76-12 “Regarding starting a center in Kanpur, that is a very * * good proposal. Yesterday one gentleman came from Kanpur to see me. His name and address are as follows: Mr. G. Pant/ 111A/87 Ashoknagar/ Kanpur 208012. He's a great devotee, he can help you. But, ==the center should be for this purpose, that you go to the villages for preaching and come back. But, if you become packed up in the center, that is not wanted== * .* The center should be opened for financial help for the preaching program. Just like our Aksayananda Maharaja is sending out men to the surrounding villages and towns preaching and holding programs. This should be the purpose, otherwise you may simply go on as you are now and simply depend on Krsna.” ([[letters/1976/761214_lokanatha|Lokanatha, 14 December, 1976]]) *** 77-01 ** ==“When the property is secured, then you can install the Deities. Otherwise, don't take the risk.”== ([[letters/1977/770104_balavanta|Balavanta, 4 January, 1977]]) *** 77-04 * * ==“Just because there are no men is not a good reason to make someone a brahmana. This policy is not good. First have devotees. Then we should consider to open a center.== * * Not that we open centers and have no devotees to manage them and therefore we create *brahmanas.* However, because this is a special case, I accept the two devotees, Sriman Jyotsna dasa Brahmacari and Sriman Lalita-Govinda dasa Brahmacari for second initiation.” (SPL to Radha-Sarana, April 17th,* 1977) ## The Best Location to Open a Temple 67-12 “On my arrival from India I am very * * much pleased to receive your letter of 12/13/67 and much encouraged to know that you have again found out a nice place in the city of Santa Fe to continue your transcendental activities. I think it was Krsna's desire that you should be induced to find out a better place in Santa Fe. ==My Guru Maharaja never liked to open a branch preaching center in a place where there is less population. We are not meant for living peacefully in a secluded place. We are meant for recruiting Krsna’s eternal servants and therefore a better populated place== * .* Of course, we don't neglect the village but our first preference is to the cities. Please therefore organize the place nicely. Both you and Srimati Krsna devi are sincere workers for Krsna consciousness and as such Krsna will never put you in difficulty, rest assured. Don't be discouraged. Sit down tightly husband and wife. If nobody comes to hear, please chant and hear yourself. Success or failure does not matter. In the Absolute world there is no such relativities as success and failure. The one thing in the Absolute world is to serve Krsna. Don't care for the result. Krsna must know that we are working very seriously and that is our success of life.” ([[letters/1967/671216_subalab|Subala, 16 December, 1967]]) *** 68-03 ==“So far changing the place; we must give first consideration to the right place, not to the rent. Even the rent is high, we shall first pay for a place where many people come and go.== Our New York and San Francisco centers are well situated because many newcomers pass through the street in front of the temple. Similarly, if the present place is better, you may not change to other place for cheaper rent. Please, try to convince that college boy who is coming and I hope he will be very much helpful in your activities.” ([[letters/1968/680505_subala|Subala, 5 May, 1968]]) *** 68-06 ==“I am so pleased to learn that the new temple location will be very near the business district.== **In business circles there is a popular English saying that you can earn more by sitting in one place than by traveling in many places provided you can sit down in a place with due consideration. Similarly, if you have actually selected a nice place, that place itself will act as advertisement for popularizing our Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1968/680613_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 13 June, 1968]]) *** 68-07 “When you go to Australia, you must take with you one *mrdanga* and at least 4 pairs of cymbals to begin *kirtana* immediately there. When I came to your country in 1965, I brought with me only one pair of cymbals, and it has increased to so many pairs, at least fifty times. And I came here without *mrdanga.* So when you go to Australia, you have to similarly increase the number of cymbals proportionately, namely, fifty times four. That should be your mission, and I am confident that you can do it because you are a sincere soul. If you can introduce this Krsna consciousness movement in such a distant place, Lord Caitanya will pour His incessant blessings upon you, and your life will be glorious. In this connection, I may give you the example of the boy, Subala, who was struggling in Santa Fe. Although he is not very much qualified from the worldly point of view, still his struggle for existence in Krsna consciousness is advancing him more and more in spiritual realization. So far I know about you, you are intelligent, qualified, and willing to work for Krsna consciousness, and I hope if you try to establish a center of our society in Sydney or anyone of the important cities of Australia, it will be a record in the history of Lord Caitanya’s movement. I hope with this seriousness you will go there and always pray to Lord Caitanya to help you. He is very kind, and He is always ready to help a willing worker. And as soon as you establish one center, it may be that I may go there for some time and try to help you in your organization. But before starting you should make an estimate of the procedure of your working there, as well as you must be assured of getting a job there. Here in America you are working and you are getting some money, but in Australia if you do not get immediately some occupation, it will be risky. So you must ==consider all these pros and cons intelligently and then, depending on the grace of Krsna, you can go there, chanting all the ways, Hare Krsna.”== (SPL to Cidananda, July 12th, 1968) 70-08 ** ==“The prospect of your opening a new branch is very good. If you can, do it. This opening of centers is required. However, Krsna consciousness does not depend on the place, on the contrary, it depends on the person who is free from duality. So why another part of the world for opening a new branch. There are many places in this country where it is important to have our branches”== (SPL to Dinesh, August 1st, 1970) 70-11 “Regarding the Hamilton House, it is a first-class building for our preaching work with its central location. ==My Guru Maharaja wanted us to open our centers in the most congested parts of major cities. We do not want a place in a quiet and solitary place== *,* so offer them 6 to 7 lakhs Rs. immediately. Start with 6 lakhs and eventually you can offer then 7 lakhs, but that is the highest you can go, and we shall arrange Rs. one lakh in advance. If they agree, we will come immediately and finish business.” (SPL to Jayapataka Maharaja, November 10th, 1970) 72-01 ==“I am very pleased to note that you have got a nice place in the central part of Munich city and that a good response has been found by you there.== **When we become fully engaged in serving Krsna by preaching His message, especially by opening centers in places where there is not much previous knowledge about Krsna consciousness, then our all anxieties disappear and we feel ourselves really happy. This is the highest type of devotional activity, this preaching work. So I am very glad that you are working in this way, and I think that you will find no impediments to advancing yourself very rapidly in spiritual life.” (SPL to Sucandra, January 11th, 1972) 74-06 “Regarding your looking for a more suitable building and location for the San Francisco temple, one thing is ==be very careful you don’t again buy a place in a bad neighborhood or neighborhood that is about to become bad.== **And although you are at the same time looking for a farm community land outside the city, you must keep a temple in the city of San Francisco also.” ([[letters/1974/740604_bhakta_dasa|Bhakta dasa, 4 June, 1974]]) ## Grhasthas Opening Temples 69-10 * * ==“If you can open a center with Indira dasi that will be a great pleasure for me. I want that all married couples should open new centers and carry on by dint of hard labor.== * * Every householder, husband and wife together, they require to live in an apartment, so if they have got an extra room, they can immediately start a center. You have seen in Hawaii how Gaurasundara and Govinda are gradually developing from this beginning to a nice center in Hawaii. Wherever we sit down and chant Hare Krsna people will gather and gradually become our devotees and thus the center is developed. So if you want to open a center, that is very good. But at the same time you must be able to measure your strength whether you will be able to do it. In the meantime Columbus center may require your services, so you may remain there, and when you feel strong you can do it with Krsna’s blessings. But if you do it sincerely and seriously, you will be successful. In Japan Sudama and his wife are doing very nicely, and I have got encouraging letter that Bali Mardan is desiring to go to Australia to open a temple. Also, Suridas and his wife, Jotilla, with others have gone to Paris. As formerly the Europeans made colonization in different parts of the world, it is the same thing; colonization of *sankirtana* in Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1969/691021_vamanadeva|Vamanadeva, 21 October, 1969]]) *** 69-10 “Now I am very glad you decided to marry and I quite approve of it. My married couple disciples are doing very nice service to Krsna consciousness in Hawaii, Japan, London, Los Angeles, Boston, New York etc. So ==you also get yourself married, and if you like you open a new branch, and husband and wife together advance the cause of Krsna consciousness.== **Anyway, I recommend your married life very strongly. That will give you extra strength to serve Krsna. So do it as soon as possible. I think Brahmananda will help you in this matter and that will solve all your problems.” ([[letters/1969/691021_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 21 October, 1969]]) *** 70-03 ==“I am very glad to know that you are so eager to start a center when you get married. That is very nice. We want to open hundreds and thousands of centers in every town, village, neighborhood and everywhere.== **And we want to show ideal householder life also. If one pair of nice Krsna conscious householders are there, so many people derive benefit out of their behavior. So when you decide to marry we shall find out a suitable devotee husband for you.” ([[letters/1970/700315_ekayani|Ekayani, 15 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 ==“I have all my blessings for Jagajjanani dasi and Prahladananda dasa for being married under your care. Train this couple for opening a new branch in one of the places you are now visiting with sankirtana party. Try to open as many branches as possible and manage to see that they are going on nicely. That is my request.”== ([[letters/1970/700329_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 29 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “I have initiated Denise Clapper as you have advised, and her spiritual name is Dvijapatni I am sending her beads enclosed herewith. So now train her up nicely in Krsna consciousness and when you find a nice *brahmacari* she may be married. That will be very nice. Then ==after some time she may go with her husband for starting a new center when they are ready. My idea is to train up many devotees and as soon as they are ready send them for starting new branches.”== (SPL to Damodara, March 30th, 1970) 71-12 “I am very pleased that you have opened another center for spreading Lord Caitanya’s sublime Krsna conscious movement all over the world. I know you are very expert in this business of opening temples, because you have done very nicely in St. Louis temple. Now you simply carry out our routine program very nicely there in Oklahoma City, and you will meet with the same success. ==I am encouraged especially that my householder disciples are carrying out this task of opening centers all over the world.== * * Such position of leadership and organization is regarded as Krsna's special favor upon you, because you are forced in this way to become very responsible and set the ideal Krsna conscious example, and in this way you will make very nice advancement in spiritual life.” (SPL to Vamanadeva and Indira dasi * , * December 8th, 1971) ## Bhet-Nama 72-05 “Your plan for collecting Rs. 6,000/- to 11,000/- for each room, that is very nice process. Then rooms will be there always to receive the owners. ==There is a system, bhet-nama, it means the person who contributes, for his lifetime the room is reserved for him and after his demise it goes to the temple. There are many buildings in Vrindavana which are constructed on this principle== *,* and for Delhi men it will be very convenient.” (SPL to Gurudasa and Yamuna, May 16th, 1972) 72-06 “This is a good idea. And ==you can introduce the bhet-nama system== *,* whereby one person purchases the use of one room or some rooms for his lifetime and whenever he may come to stay the room must be vacated immediately for his residence for as long as he likes, but if he leaves, someone else may use the room in his absence. This is called *bhet-nama.* As Mr. Chabria has said he wants to reserve one room for the weekends, similarly, many men are prepared to pay for this facility. We have to simply find them out. All good men should spend their weekends with us, away from business, and they may bring family and it will be Vaikuntha in Hare Krsna Land.” (SPL to Giriraja, June 8th, 1972) 72-06 ==“So far your question regarding bhet-nama== *,* the idea is that the man purchases life time use of one room or several rooms so that whenever he wishes to come to visit he is always guaranteed that room. But if the person is not present then his room may be utilized some how or other. But if he comes, the room must be vacated for him immediately. And the room is his for his lifetime only, it is not that anyone coming after him or his sons or family after his demise can use the room.” (SPL to Gurudasa, June 12th, 1972) 72-06 “I am very much especially pleased that you have had such a nice meeting with Sumati Morarji. She is our old friend and benefactor from long years back, and always she has desired for us to live as her close neighbors. She used to tell me in Bombay two years back that she wanted we should build our temple somewhere nearby to her place. She also assisted Tamala Krsna and Syamasundara to try **to find one house in Juhu for our headquarters several times. So you can mention this fact to her that now we have fulfilled her desire and we are living in close proximity to her, so she should take advantage of Krsna’s blessing her with such an opportunity for serving the Lord by herself building our Juhu temple. Encourage her to attend the meetings every day, and if you make the Deity worship very, very opulent and gorgeous, she will automatically be attracted to them. She has no children of her own, so why not she should take Radha and Krsna as her Children? ==So you can propose gradually and tactfully that she can alone build up a wonderful temple on our properly and we shall name it, ’Sumati Temple’ or ’Sumati Hall.’== So encourage her in this way, and I am very much engladdened that she is so much willing to help us, now you apply yourself to the matter very diligently and think always of Krsna and it will come out very auspiciously. You can ask her to write me her itinerary in London, or if you think so, I will send her a letter personally. You can tell her that I shall be in London during that time also. I am leaving here on morning of July 2nd and arriving London July 5th via New York. I shall be very glad to see her and bring her in our temple there. Or she can write to me when she is there c/o 7 Bury Place. That is a good proposal to receive her at London Airport. Somehow or other, either she pays for the temple herself or she raises the funds from others, she must be persuaded in this great project, which will bring great benefit to her countrymen and which will attract many, many foreign devotees of Krsna to Indian soil for taking up this spiritual life very seriously. It is a unique temple in the world, and if you show your wonderful abilities as American and European boys and girls to manage everything superbly, she will not hesitate to entrust you in every way. Therefore, there must always be good will and cooperation amongst yourselves for this huge task ahead. I always think of our Juhu place, and I want that it shall be the model for all the world to emulate and respect as the perfect example of a Krsna conscious community. The temple will cost about 2 lakhs, more or less, so Sumati Morarji can pay easily.” (SPL to Giriraja, June 21st, 1972) 72-08 “I think things are going nicely there, but we must always remember that the Hare Krsna Land Development Trust, the trustees must be such persons who contribute lump sums for developing different parts of the building. I am very pleased that Mr. Kandelwal has contributed for the library portion. Similarly, I request Sumati Morarjee to contribute for the temple portion. ==I am prepared to put a tablet that the temple portion is contributed by Sumati Morarjee. Similarly, the two wings on both sides of the courtyard in front of the temple may be contributed, one by Mrs. A. B. Nair, one by somebody else. The idea is that all the trustees should contribute with great distinguishment.== And let me know how many trustees you are taking (TEXT MISSING) how many are our initiated members. Our initiated members must be in the majority, and if any deed has to be prepared then I shall send you the wordings. If not, verbally is all right. If they want to make any documents, that must be approved by me. The idea is that no one should enter into the management without sanction. If they pay lump sums then they can be on the committee, but our majority must be there. We have had bad experience in Nairobi due to carelessness in forming the management committee, therefore I am advising you in this way. You mention you are making resolution to change the Articles and Memorandum of Association, but I do not think you can do that because the trustees in the Articles and Memorandum must all sign, and I do not think that you are mentioned there. You may send me one copy of the Articles and Memorandum. Why she wants to be included in the Articles? On the total, how many square feet are estimated throughout the whole building? You must raise the full amount of our expenditures. Sumati Morarjee is our friend, that's all right, but tactfully she must agree to contribute for the main temple, just like Khandelwal. Let me know what they are doing.” ([[letters/1972/720808_giriraja|Giriraja, 8 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 * * ==“Regarding the Bharatpur house, try to convince the present king that everything will be in his name, that is, we shall name it ISKCON Bharatpur Temple or ISKCON Bharatpur House and we shall fix up a marble plaque in the front.== * * For renovating we shall spend for all the three or four houses and they will be used for the same purpose as a Radha-Krsna temple and for accommodating foreign visitors and devotees. This movement is so great and ISKCON is propagating Krsna consciousness all over the world, so why not Bharatpur Maharaja donate the building for this great purpose? They have lost their kingdom but still they have these buildings, so if they are given in our hand it will perpetually commemorate their nice gift to the ISKCON institution and thus to the world.” ([[letters/1972/720930_bali-mardana|Tamala Krsna, 30 September, 1972]]) *** 73-07 * * ==“Yes, your plan for people paying for a guest room at Vrndavana is very nice== * .* The idea is they pay the price of the room and they may come there for their lifetime duration. This practice is called * bhet-nama,* where a room is reserved for a donor for a lifetime. You will be able to secure much money in that way as many gentlemen will want to come to Vrndavana. So arrange to accommodate them in the new temple. You should also arrange for that in Mayapur building.” ([[letters/1973/730720_tamala_krsnaa|Tamala Krsna Maharaja, 20 July, 1973]]) *** 73-07 ** ==“From Bombay and Delhi we can rent rooms in the temple. This is called bhet-nama. Perhaps you may know. The room is used by the contributor for the lifetime then it becomes again the property of the temple.”== ([[letters/1973/730725_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 25 July, 1973]]) *** 75-06 * * ==“The idea of the bhet-nama system is that the man pays the cost of the room and we make a plate with his name on it saying, ’the cost was paid by such and such person.’ Whenever he may come, he can use the room.== * * And when he is gone we will use the room for other guests, but if he may come the room will immediately be made available. After his death, his heirs cannot make any claim on the room. While staying with us, they must follow the principles and there should be a certain limit to how long they can stay. For the details, I think Giriraja can find out how it is done at Tirupati and other temples in India and let you know. I will ask him to do so and inform you.” ([[letters/1975/750610_radha_krishna_dhawan|Caityaguru dasa, 10 June, 1975]]) *** 75-07 * * ==“Regarding the money you are taking for the rooms, this must be carefully done.== * * As soon as you take money and allow a person to stay in your place, then the money can be considered by him as rent. The Rent Act is so subtle in India. If you have to call the police to eject a man, the police will not do it. They will see that the man is living there only, but they will not ask how he got there. That is a matter for the courts to settle. And in India court business is very troublesome. Practically it is useless because you have to bribe. This is Kali-yuga; you have to pay money to get justice. Neither will it be sufficient for you to print on the registration form that the visitor signs that you have some right to bar entrance. Making your own law on the registration form has no value. You know of that Mr. Mukherjee who refused to leave our place even when you called the police. In Tirupati they have a nice system. You have to see **how the hotels and dharmasalas are doing it. What laws there are to protect them. People are very cunning nowadays, and we have to be careful. You should manage the whole thing very nicely, just like in Tirupati they are managing so many buildings very carefully.” ([[letters/1975/750704_ramesvara|Giriraja dasa, 4 July, 1975]]) *** 75-09 “I have the copy of your letter addressed to K.T. Charitable Trust dated July 29, 1975 regarding the sale of one guest room. But, what you have agreed to is not satisfactory. We cannot make such agreements with Trusts because it will go on perpetually. It can only be in one person’s name and for his lifetime. The following scheme should be followed henceforth. We have guest rooms and devotee rooms. The guest rooms can be used by anyone who pays the fees, in advance. Any Life Patron Member can live in a guest room for a period not exceeding three days free of charge. If he wants to stay with us longer for any reason, then he may move to the devotee rooms, where he must live as we do, following all devotional practices as we do. ==Rooms can be sold on bhet-nama basis, but only to an individual and for his lifetime== *.* A person who purchases a room can stay there as long as he likes for his lifetime and the room cannot be transferred to his sons, heirs, or assignees. His individual name will be put on a plaque on the room. Trust or Companies can nominate one man in whose name the room can be sold. No guest rooms can be given to anyone free of charge. Everyone must pay for the accommodation, except Life Patron Members for three days. When a guest comes he signs in the book how many days he will stay, and then pays in advance. Small kitchens can be provided for the use of guests for preparing their own tea. Smoking is strictly prohibited. All men who live in the devotee rooms must attend *mangala-arati* or starve. The price for rooms on *bhet-nama* basis in Vrndavana are Rs. 60,000/- for a double room and Rs. 50,000/- for a single room.” ([[letters/1975/750911_giriraja|Giriraja dasa, 11 September, 1975]]) *** 76-06 * * ==“Concerning the bhet-nama, you can follow the plan of Tirupati, that guests cannot stay more than 2 months, 60 days, like that. But, there must be space left vacant for receiving foreign guests== * .* Guests must register like dharmasala, where they come and can spend 3 days, otherwise they create trouble. So for ordinary guests, they can stay for 3 days, the ordinary life members. And for those who have paid for constructing one room, they can stay for up to 2 months per year. In Bombay, apartments are very expensive, 2 lakhs, so everyone would purchase an apartment for Rs. 50,000/ if they knew that they could remain permanently. So we cannot have them as permanent residents, only 2 months per year. Precaution must be taken that people don’t take advantage like Mr. Badruka who is occupying 3 rooms, it has caused us so much inconvenience. Be careful. Make it clearly understood when they give the donations towards the rooms that they cannot stay more than 2 months per year, otherwise they may cause trouble.” ([[letters/1976/760606_giriraja|Giriraja, 6 June, 1976]]) ## Moving a Temple ==68-11 “You== * * ==will be glad to know that we lost our Hollywood temple, but by the grace of Krsna== * * ==we have got a better place at a cheaper rent already on the Melrose Avenue. And we are going to occupy the same within a day or two if all goes as planned.”== (SPL to Upendra, 18th November,* 1968) 69-01 “Without any license you will have to stop *kirtanas* immediately if this should happen. In my apartment on the same street as the new house I had the experience that one day there was playing of the *mrdanga* and immediately there was objection. So these things must be carefully considered before making a final decision. Also, because there are several new people coming to *kirtanas* there, you must be sure that there is ample room for them to be comfortable. Anyway, before there is a final settlement of this house affair, please hold a meeting amongst yourselves to discuss the matter further. The meeting should include Janardana, Dayala Nitai, Jayapataka, etc. ==Already you have a very nice temple on Park Avenue so before you make any plans to change this you must make sure that this move is very carefully thought out.”== ([[letters/1969/690121_kulasekhara|Hamsaduta, 21 January, 1969]]) ==70-12 “So far as moving the temple to a new location, that is very good news.== When I return to your country, I must visit your temple, either from New York or from New Vrndavana. Formerly, when I first came to the US I saw this Philadelphia city. It is a nice small city almost representing New York. In the Philadelphia University there is one professor of Sanskrit. His first name is Norman, and the last name is, I believe, Brown. Dr. Norman Brown. He invited me to speak in his class, so we are acquainted. If possible, try to introduce our books there. This university is in the Walnut district. If you can keep cows, it is very good. You’ll get fresh milk. That's a great benefit. To take care of the cow is a religious function for the Hindus but actually if care is taken for cows, it delivers us the miracle food-cow's milk, which is so valuable. And because we drink cow's milk, we should accept the cow as our mother. That is etiquette.” ([[letters/1970/701201_nayanabhirama|Nayanabhirama, 1 December, 1970]]) *** 71-12 “So far the action taken by city officials, it is not good to disturb them unduly or cause unwanted agitation or anger with such people. They are demons so they will not change. Civil disobedience movement can be led by Lord Caitanya, but we are not so strongly organized and influential to be able to perform successfully such civil disobedience movement. It is good if the newspapers take our side and public opinion is against the authorities viewpoint, but it will be better if we use all goodwill and tact to avoid such violent confrontation in public and simply take another place with required parking space. Regarding your question about Deities, what is the use of such temple if non-residents cannot come? For ourselves, we do not require temple for serving Krsna. But, because the public must have a comfortable place to sit down and chant Hare Krsna, therefore we get a nice house, install Deity, decorate nicely and invite everyone. So ==if no one can come due to law, I do not think you should keep such a place. Better to find a more suitable place, then install Lord Jagannatha.== **Consult Karandhara in this matter.” (SPL to Rsabhadeva, December 28th, 1971) 72-01 “I am pleased to note that you are happy to be engaged in working on the new ISKCON school in Dallas as maintenance man and carpenter, ==I have no objection if GBC men have approved your closing of Oklahoma City center and moving to Dallas== *.* Actually, I have appointed them to act on my behalf, so it is their responsibility now to sanction such matters and make decisions of management.” ([[letters/1972/720121_vamanadeva|Vamanadeva, 21 January, 1972]]) *** 72-01 ** ==“Your proposal to move Tokyo temple back to the center of Tokyo is very good. This was my Guru Maharaja's policy that we should remain in the big cities in order that the maximum amount of people could take advantage of our preaching.”== (SPL to Karandhara dasa, January 25th, 1972) 73-02 ** ==“It is not very good policy to move the Deities once they have been installed.”== ([[letters/1973/730221_karandhara|Karandhara, 21 February, 1973]]) *** 74-11 * * ==“If the Hamburg Deity is moved but worshipped, it is all right. You do not have to re-open if it is inconvenient. What you have said about considering a thousand times before opening a temple, that I want. Not that you should open a temple whimsically, and then close whimsically.”== (SPL to Hamsaduta dasa, 19th October,* 1974) 75-05 “Please accept my greetings. Since a long time, I did not hear from you. Hope you are all doing well with your business and family affairs. Recently we have purchased one building at Berkeley, and the Deities, I have understood, are being removed by the 1st of July. I understood also that the Gujarati Vaisnavas there are not happy on account of the temple being moved to Berkeley. The San Francisco temple, not being situated in a nice quarter, they are trying to remove to somewhere else. Now they have got a Berkeley temple. ==It is not my policy to close any temple, but if there is inconvenience, we change the place. If we can get another nice house in San Francisco in good quarters, we can immediately re-open another temple in San Francisco== *.* Sriman Citsukhananda dasa Adhikari is also enthusiastic in this connection, therefore, if your good self along with other Hindu Vaisnavas help us in this connection, it will be my pleasure to get another temple in San Francisco as soon as possible.” (Mooljibhai Patel, 8 May, 1975) *** 75-08 ** ==“Regarding the Washington temple why are you selling the present building? Why are you changing it? We are not businessmen that we sell for profit and then move the Deity. Develop the farm in New York nicely. Show by example what it means plain living and high thinking.”== ([[letters/1975/750821_rupanuga|Rupanuga dasa, 21 August, 1975]]) *** 76-03 ** ==“Concerning the construction of a new temple for Sri Sri Radha Vrndavana Candra, our men can see how the Indian mistris are doing the work there, and they can learn the art. During the construction, the Deities can be moved to some temporary place. The worship must continue, it doesn't matter if the Deities are moved.”== ([[letters/1976/760504_kashinath_mullick|Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, 4 May, 1976]]) *** 76-07 * * ==“The Hyderabad Deity is already installed. Simply they are moving Them to their new temple. The installation (bathing ceremony) can be at noon. Then again there can be the regular Janmastami function at midnight.”== (SPL to Gopala Krsna dasa, 11th July,* 1976) ## Never Closing a Temple 67-04 “I can understand that there is some difficulty in meeting the regular expenditure of your Society—namely $350, as you have stated in detail. I apprehended this difficulty in San Francisco when you first informed me of opening a branch in Montreal, and I discouraged the enterprise. But you were, both you and Kīrtanānanda, all enthusiastic. ==Now when you have opened it is not good to close it; that will be a discredit for the Society. Try to continue the branch by cooperation.”== ([[letters/1967/670412_janardana|Janardana, 12 April, 1967]]) *** 67-11 “I understand that you want Subala to go to Amsterdam but who will take care of the Santa Fe temple? I think Subala and his wife should take care of the Santa Fe temple as much as Dayananda and Nandarani. I should take care of the temple in Los Angeles. ==Once a center is open it must be maintained. A responsible man for each center must be found out before opening.== **In your previous letter you wrote something about difficulties in our different centers. ==Therefore, you should be cautious before opening any further centers.”== ([[letters/1967/671115_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 15 November, 1967]]) *** 67-12 ==“I am glad to learn that you are going to re-open your Santa Fe temple. Please make it a point that once a center is opened it should not be closed. I have already given charge of six temples to six boys. You and your husband must take charge of the Santa Fe center and Krsna will bestow all blessings upon you.”== ([[letters/1967/671208_mukunda|Krsna devi and Subala, 8 December, 1967]]) *** 68-06 “Just now I understand from Mahapurusa dasa that you phoned here to inquire whether the temple can be closed for your going to San Francisco on the Ratha-yatra Festival. ==Since the temple is started, the temple cannot be closed on any day== *.* This is the serious business of opening a center. In no case, even in the most urgent case, the temple cannot be closed even for a single day. The Deities should be offered *prasadam* regularly, and worshipped regularly, so if you are going to San Francisco, somebody must remain to look after the temple affairs.” (SPL to Aniruddha June 24th, 1968) 69-07 “I can understand that you are in need of some more *brahmacaris* there, and I have already told Tamala Krsna to send some devotees there. You may correspond with him immediately to make definite arrangements for this. You will be glad to learn that another center has recently been opened in Philadelphia, and another is to be opened very soon in Laguna Beach, 50 miles from Los Angeles. ==Our policy should be to open branches as many as possible, but not to close a single one. That would be a degradation. I think you have got enough potential opportunity in your center, so go on chanting and things will come out successful.”== ([[letters/1969/690708_bhurijana|Bhurijana, 8 July, 1969]]) *** 70-02 “==I am glad to learn that another branch in Toronto you are contemplating to open. This news I have received from Cidananda also. Certainly it is good news, but we must always remember that once a center is opened, it cannot be closed at any time.” ([[letters/1970/700202_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 2 February, 1970]]) ==70-07 “Regarding your closing the temple in Providence during the very cold winter and going to Florida at that time, yes you may do it, but in that case you may not install any Deities in the temple.== * * Worship of Deities means special care must be there for regular uninterrupted service and the Deities cannot be moved from place to place. So you must have picture of Panca-tattva for worshiping and making offerings. This picture along with * the acarya* pictures may be carried from one place to another. Lord Caitanya is very kind and He accepts the simplest worship or simply sincere chanting of the holy name of Krsna.” ([[letters/1970/700708_manager_of_security_pacific_bankb|Sridhama, 8 July, 1970]]) *** 70-12 ** ==“So far as your plan for opening centers is concerned, that program sounds very encouraging. But one thing you should know is that we cannot have another situation like Edinburgh. Once a temple has been opened it must never be closed. So if you are confident in this regard, then continue as planned.”== (SPL to Murari, December31st, 1970) 71-01 “I am glad that you have found all our West Coast temples to be going on nicely to the standard and I am also very enthusiastic for you to continue opening more branches as far as possible. But the first thing is that the already established temples must be maintained and the second is that ==once a center is opened it may not be closed down. That is very bad. So all considerations must be done very thoughtfully and carefully.”== (SPL to Karandhara, January 1st, 1971) 71-03 * * ==“We have got so many centers. Now we should concentrate on developing the existing centers nicely rather than randomly opening new ones. If a temple has to close down it is a great discredit. So we should work in such a way that all our centers may prosper.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, March 24th,* 1971) 71-08 “In one letter you decide to close Hamburg center and in the next letter you change your decision. So my ==decision is that, at any cost, Hamburg center must be maintained== * * and you cannot go to nightclubs. Going to nightclubs will deteriorate the quality of our transcendental chanting. Please do not do this. Stick to Hamburg temple and maintain it somehow or other. Of course touring from city to city is nice program, but not in the clubs. Our only program should be having * sankirtana * on the streets and if somebody calls then at the home, and we should distribute our literatures. You say that there is a very good demand for * Isopanisad,* German edition, so why not stress on selling this book and maintain in that way? And if it is a burden that the rent of the temple is too high then you can reduce the size of the temple and Himavati may be fixed up for worshiping the Deity. So make your plans accordingly.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, August 31st, 1971) 72-02 “I have just heard from Sankarsana that you are planning to close down your center there. I cannot understand why this should be done if there is such good field for preaching and if you are having a university course. Our policy is not to decrease, only increase, therefore I do not think it is a good idea to leave Austin just because you have not got a temple house there. Better to stay there and work very hard, and then Krsna will provide a nice house where you may open your center very soon. ==There have been cases of closing down, but only where the field was absolutely hopeless and there was waste of time.== **But Sankarsana does not think you should close down, and he has offered to stay as president, and from your report it appears there is good prospect, so I think you should remain there and preach with increased determination.” (SPL to Sri Galim, February 4th, 1972) 74-09 “Why did you close Edinburgh without asking me? Paramahamsa reports that you have closed the Edinburgh temple. Edinburgh was doing nicely. You can't close a temple without asking me? Is this too much to do this? Our propaganda is opening temples, and you are closing them. We are not for closing but for increasing. I do not approve of this. If possible the Edinburgh temple must be re-opened again. If you close the temple, what is the management? Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu pushed the *sankirtana* movement, but He never said to close the Jagannatha temple or the Govindaji temple. In Edinburgh we had a nice house, why you have closed it? Why you have whimsically done this? If possible the Edinburgh temple must be re-opened. Don't do anything whimsically without consulting me. I made the GBC to give me relief, but if you do like this, then where is the relief. It is anxiety for me. This is the difficulty, that as soon as one gets power, he becomes whimsical and spoils everything. What can I do? If anything has to be changed, that can be decided at the annual GBC meeting, but not whimsically. ==I am not in favor of closing even a small temple== *.* It is not a plaything to close a temple or to start a temple. “When we open a temple we are inviting Krsna. So you can't say to Krsna, go away. You have no feeling what are the ideals of a temple. You should always consider that we have invited Lord Caitanya, Lord Jagannatha, and Radha-Krsna, and if we close it, it is an insult. How can we call Them, and then say get out. We should always feel when we open a temple that the Deity is living and not dead stone or wood. It is a great offence. Before opening a temple it must be considered a hundred times, and after opening it cannot be closed. It must be maintained: *arcye visnau sila-dhir gurusu, nara-matir vaisnave jati-buddhir;* ’One who considers the *arca murti* or worshipable Deity of Lord Visnu to be stone, the spiritual master to be an ordinary human being, and a Vaisnava to belong to a particular caste or creed, is possessed of hellish intelligence.’” ([[letters/1974/740912_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 12 September, 1974]]) *** 74-09 “Srila Prabhupāda has become very disturbed at the news that Hamsaduta Prabhu has closed the Edinburgh temple without consulting him and has asked us to issue the following memo: No GBC man can whimsically do anything without consulting Srila Prabhupāda, especially in the matter of opening a new temple and closing an old one. Such activities must be absolutely regulated and cannot be done without consultation of Srila Prabhupāda and other GBC. In the annual meeting in Mayapur the activities of the whole year should be resolved, and the GBC cannot do more or less than that. In addition, Srila Prabhupāda reiterates, that all GBC must strictly follow the rules and regulations and do what Srila Prabhupāda does. We must be the strict prototypes of Srila Prabhupāda. We must be pure by preaching and chanting. ==To close a temple is a very serious business, as well as opening one. It means that we are calling Krsna to come and reside there. Once Krsna is there, we cannot tell Him to now leave== *.* Whimsically closing a temple means we do not understand what is devotional service and this violates *bhakti.* Only under very extraordinary conditions can a temple be closed when there is consultation. Even then a temple is not to be eliminated but moved to another place.” (SPL to all GBC Secretaries and signed by Srila Prabhupāda, Brahmananda Swami, Bali Mardan and Bhagavan, 14th September, 1974) 74-09 ** ==“I am very shocked that he has closed the Edinburgh temple. This is very serious matter. Why has he done this? It is against the principles of devotional service to whimsically close a temple. I have written him that the temple must be re-opened if possible.”== ([[letters/1974/740916_manager_of_liberty_bank|Madhavananda dasa, 16 September, 1974]]) *** 74-09 “Regarding the closing of the temples, no ==temple can be closed for any reason. You have done a great mistake.== **I am sending you a copy of a letter I have written in this connection. We have to consider very carefully before opening a center, and once opened it cannot be closed. It is disastrous. What you have done is not at all allowed. I am very disappointed that you have done this. Even you did not consult me, why? Now you want to purchase a farm, but can you manage? Why are you closing all the temples and then opening a farm? Do you have sufficient men to maintain a farm? Why are you purchasing a farm?” ([[letters/1974/740929_jagadisa|Hamsaduta dasa, 29 September, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “In Germany you have to follow this principle. Once opened it cannot be closed. Somehow or other you have to manage to continue the temple worship. That is the devotional cult. If they are closed and it is impossible to re-open, then what can be done? If there is no Deity, then it doesn't matter. If possible re-open the Hamburg temple and transfer the Deity again and worship. ==A center without a Deity can be closed, but a center with a Deity if closed it is a great offense== *.* The Deity is not an idol; it is Krsna. We cannot say to Krsna personally, now go away.” ([[letters/1974/741001_rupanuga|Hamsaduta dasa, 1 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “I quite appreciate that one main center may remain there and from there the preaching may go on, but no attempt may be made to open a new center without being confident that it will go on. Strictly this principle should be followed. ==Before opening a temple it has to be carefully considered, and once opened it cannot be closed.== **Henceforward completely forget the idea that any present temple can be closed. That you should forget. Don't do it again. At least you should re-open Hamburg and Edinburgh and the Deity should be transferred there again.” ([[letters/1974/741001_rupanuga|Hamsaduta dasa, 1 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “Regarding Edinburgh temple, yes it should be re-opened. I have already explained that once a temple is opened it cannot be closed. Before opening we must consider very carefully. Worship in the temple means to personally call Krsna, and He personally comes, therefore the arrangement must be there for the temple worship to go on nicely before opening any temple. In Vrndavana there are many dilapidated, important temples started by the Goswamis, but still they are not closed. They are becoming debtor and debtor and the temple building is practically falling down, but still the Deity worship is going on somehow or other. This is the principle. ==Closing a temple we cannot do. It becomes a farce and is against the bhakti cult.== **Our principle must be to carefully consider before opening any temple, and once opened it cannot be closed.” ([[letters/1974/741001_rupanuga|Hamsaduta dasa, 1 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “You have a nice house, six devotees and a good field. ==Now that you have opened the temple do not think to close it even if there is some difficulty== *.* If there is any difficulty, you go and just depend upon Krsna. Krsna will help you, that is a fact. I have given order that once a temple is opened it cannot be closed under any circumstance. This is *bhakti* cult. In whatever condition I will depend on Krsna.” ([[letters/1974/741008_pranava|Badrnarayana, 8 October, 1974]]) *** 75-03 * * ==“When our Mexico City branch is open, how can we close it? That building is very nice and we have been there for five years now. I am not at all in favor of closing such a temple. Stay there in that building somehow or other, and if you like, you may also open a center in Guadalajara.== * * We can keep men in Mexico City who are approved by the government, why should we close it? Jagadisa Prabhu is there, so work together with consultation so that we may remain in that building. Jagadisa has met one good lawyer and he is helping us. It looks favorable for us. You and Jagadisa please arrange it so that we may not have to leave Mexico City. That is my desire.” ([[letters/1975/750519_mahamsa|Hrdayananda Goswami, 19 May, 1975]]) *** 75-08 ** ==“Regarding your questions, no, the large Deity can never be moved, not at all.”== ([[letters/1975/750821_rupanuga|Rupanuga dasa, 21 August, 1975]]) *** 76-01 ** ==“Regarding closing the Phoenix center, since there is no Deity installed, it can be closed if you decide to do so.”== ([[letters/1976/760122_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, 22 January, 1976]]) *** 76-11 * * ==“The proposal of closing Calcutta center is very inauspicious. Any center we open cannot be closed at any cost, what to speak of the Calcutta center.== * * You have asked for 2 lakhs loan. That can be also arranged, but why Calcutta center bank account is broken. I'm too much perturbed on this point. I was just planning to go to Mayapur when Jagadisa received your letter, therefore I postponed my journey to Mayapur until you come here and I shall discuss with you.” ([[letters/1976/761113_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 13 November, 1976]]) ## How to Maintain a Temple 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]]) *** 67-09 “Regarding our temple affairs, as stated in your previous letter, I think Brahmananda might have written me something to my Delhi address, where I may go early next week; but in any case ==the temple affairs should be adjusted in the manner where the important members or all the members may work and support the temple affairs== *.* I am getting very encouraging reports from San Francisco and Montreal; but reports from New York are not very much encouraging.” ([[letters/1967/670909_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 9 September, 1967]]) ==67-12 “If there is cheap labor you can organize there some incense manufacturing concern. I wish that in every center we shall now manufacture incense of very good quality.== **The only thing you have to be assured to get the splinters or the thin sticks. If you think it will be possible to get, then immediately start the work. The ingredients are the splinters, charcoal, starch or gum and essential oils. It will be a very lucrative business and the profits will be sufficient to maintain the center once you begin the work. I will give you many business ideas by which you can accumulate nice profits. For business four things are required. Namely place, labor, capital and organization. For incense we have already organization. Little capital you are gathering. The poverty place means that you can get cheap labor and the place you have already in your possession. Guidance, I am present. So do it immediately and there will be no scarcity of money. I hope you understand me right.” ([[letters/1967/671216_subalab|Krsna devi, 16 December, 1967]]) *** 68-01 “ ==I quite approve of your plan for manufacturing Jagannathas and get some profit out of it for maintenance of the temple.”== (SPL to Hamsaduta 22nd, January, 1968) *** 68-03 “I am enclosing herewith one letter from Pradyumna, and you can let me know what is to be done for his hospital charges. We are increasing our expansion, but we have to take account of these emergencies. I have already written you about taking steps for protecting our boys from the draft board; now, when we live together, somebody may fall ill. Now, find some future main source of income for our institution, and main source is publications. So if we can organize a good sales organization, that is our main hope. Besides that, if the *sankirtana* party is nicely organized, we can have demonstration for public. ==I do not know how far we shall be successful, but we must find out a source of our income. At the present moment, some of the boys are working and practically it is going on under their working strength.”== (SPL to Brahmananda, March 23rd, 1968) 68-03 “This morning I have sent you one note of the tape regarding Pradyumna’s hospital bill. I think I shall be able to send you $500 from this center. I understand the hospital bills are also paid by small installments. We have to make arrangement for future emergency and I wish to organize a central board for such management. For me it is not possible to look after the administrative affairs. Some of you should form a committee for this kind of management. ==In India the brahmacaris collect alms and subscription. But here it is not possible to do like that; therefore all brahmacaris may work at least part time so that our financial difficulty may be minimized.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, 26th March,* 1968) 68-05 “So far from my side, I can say that if you have got a party who can travel with you, then you can travel with them for some time with the *sankirtana* party. If you go in the bus with your *sankirtana* party, then we must sell our literatures, magazines, books, records, etc. ==The whole institution is not in very sound financial position, so we should always remember this position and try to sell our articles so that we may again publish our books and literatures.== *Back to Godhead* is already in difficulty for financial matters. It is giving me some anxiety. *Back to Godhead* may not be stopped publication-it will be a great set-back for our missionary purpose.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, 14th May,* 1968) 68-06 ** ==“Yes, you can have the band play there in the temple as you are in great need of money to carry on there. When we are in need of money to carry on Krsna’s work, then we can resort to whatever means there is available. So long it is always for Krsna and never for personal sense gratification. So you can try to get some money in that way.”== (SPL to Subala, June 12th, 1968) 68-06 “Yes, the coloring book idea is nice, but for now there is greater need of your service to Krsna in helping out the Santa Fe temple. You have requested me in your letter to please advise you about your devotional service, and I shall tell you frankly that the best thing for you to do now is to help the Santa Fe temple financially. You were originally entrusted with the responsibility of that branch, as you helped start it, and so it is your duty now to help maintain it, even you are not present there. If it is closed down, it will be great shame to you. So, at the present moment your former husband, Subala, is struggling alone there and there is urgent need of financial aid to him. Therefore, I request you to do this service; you and your husband should earn money nicely, and send to Santa Fe at least $100.00 a month. That will be good for you both, and good for me, and good for Subala, and the best service for Krsna. Krsna wants that you should do Him this service, to help maintain His temple there, so I request that you shall do this immediately. And Krsna will be pleased upon you, and will give you all aid in serving Him in this way. That is my desire. And, if after first giving service in this way, then, if you have got extra time and money, you can execute the coloring book idea, and I shall help you in the future on it. But ==the first duty is to help maintain the Lord's temple as I have instructed.== **Hoping you are both well.” (SPL to Krsna devi and Dinesh, June 13th, 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. Please therefore do not be agitated at the present situation. Tackle everything cool-headed and if Purusottama is not feeling well then you can send him for a few days here, to live with me. And while coming here he may bring with him my yellow colored hand-bound *Bhagavatam* book. Now from the dealings of Mr. Kalman, we can clearly know that he is after business for his own profit. And I am sure he is not going to help us with any money as you expected from him in the matter of publishing *Teachings of Lord Caitanya.* Therefore, in the acknowledgement, his name should not be given as it was suggested by you. I shall be glad to know what is further development in this connection. But try to settle up everything peacefully and in future, if possible you can do business independently.” ([[letters/1968/680628_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 28 June, 1968]]) *** 68-06 “Yes, I quite agree with you, on this money subject. This subject matter I have discussed here also. The difficulty is that in your country the *brahmacaris* cannot go and beg from door to door, therefore the process which is now adopted by Hamsaduta is coming to be very hopeful. But ==boys who are not engaged in the temple service during the daytime must try to get some money by working or some other way. Without money it is not possible to exist in the material world.== **Although Krsna is always on the background, still Krsna advised Arjuna that you have to fight, at the same time, remember Me. The same principles we have to follow. We have to work, just like others, and at the same time think of Krsna constantly. Outsiders should be educated to know that we are the most humble servants of the human society.” (SPL to Rupanuga, June 30th, 1968) 68-07 “I understand that you have now gone to Santa Fe and are trying to get a job there. And I hope Krsna will arrange for this. Do not be worried. Another boy, Christopher Fynn, may be going there very soon. So three together try to live peacefully and always discuss on *Bhagavad-Gita* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* chant Hare Krsna in regular classes and whenever the opportunity is there, go to the park as they are doing in Boston and New York and getting good collection. In this connection you can consult Hamsaduta in New York, and Satsvarupa in Boston how they are successfully carrying on. Here also the *brahmacaris* are chanting in the Expo, and the arrangement is they will get some lump sum of money and they have already gotten $300. Hamsaduta has also collected, by chanting, $150. ==So if there are no jobs at all, then you can fully engage yourself in Krsna’s job by chanting in the parks and public places and certainly Krsna will send you salaries. Krsna provides all living entities and why not His sincere devotees?== * * Therefore, we have to become simply sincere in our Krsna consciousness movement and all other things will follow.” (SPL to Umapati, 13th July,* 1968) 68-07 “My first request to you is that as you are getting a job again, in the Ohio State University, you must accept it without any hesitation. In the *Bhagavad-Gita* you have read that one should fully utilize one's talent for the service of the Lord. Arjuna was a military man and he utilized his talent fully for executing the purpose of Lord Sri Krsna. So, ==by the grace of Krsna, you have got some educational talent, and wherever there is an opportunity to get some money, you must accept it, but spend the money for Krsna.== **As you are projecting to develop New Vrndavana, you will require money and I would advise you to purchase land there instead of taking on lease.” ([[letters/1968/680714_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 14 July, 1968]]) *** 68-07 “I am so glad to receive your letter dated July 12, 1968 with the notes of your successful performances of city *kirtana* movement and it is a very good plan. ==I think we should not be worried about our expenditure. Krsna has given us good opportunity of service, and if we simply execute the service, by such performances of kirtana and practice ourselves the rules and regulations rigidly and with faith in Krsna and service to the orders of the bona fide spiritual master, then there will be no scarcity== * * of our necessities of life, and very pleasantly we will be able to execute our Krsna conscious activities without any anxiety for financial difficulties. Actually, everything belongs to Krsna, and if He likes, He can immediately give us the whole USA, but He is very cautious because we are prone to the allurement of * maya, * so He does not give us all of a sudden the facilities, lest we may fall prey to the illusory presentations of * maya.* Just like a physician does not give delicacies to a suffering patient, but as he recovers from the disease, the physician allows to accept palatable dishes. So we have to wait for the cure of our material diseases, and proportionately as we become recovered from the disease, the supplies of pleasant things will automatically come. But we must always know that there is nothing more pleasant than Hare Krsna. When we will be able to relish the transcendental pleasure in chanting Hare Krsna, that will be the sign of our recovery from material diseases. Please continue the method in cooperation, very faithfully and diligently and Krsna will help you more and more.” ([[letters/1968/680716_yamuna_devi|Tamala Krsna, 16 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 “Chanting in the park and on the street is our new movement and it is successful. It has become successful in San Francisco, in New York, as well as in Montreal. So if we adopt these means in Los Angeles, I am sure it will also become successful. In San Francisco, I understand the *kirtana* party collects sometimes up to $40.00 daily, and Montreal, the other day, Hamsaduta collected $24.00. Similarly I hear from Boston they are also making good collection. So ==if you can organize this sankirtana party chanting in the parks and in the street, with permit from the authorities, there will be no scarcity of money, and people will be very glad to contribute.”== ([[letters/1968/680824_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 24 August, 1968]]) *** 68-09 * * ==“Regarding collecting funds: The brahmacaris, vanaprasthas, 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 * sannyasa * 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 of your letter, that if you form a party of * sankirtana, * and walk in the street, I think you can get not less than 50-100 marks daily. If 5 or 6 men who are sympathetic to you and as some of them have already assured you that you can count upon them, the best thing will be to form a local trust party, including those gentlemen and yourself, of 12 heads, and immediately start your work. In the meantime, we shall have our book, * Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, * and * Teachings of Lord * C * aitanya,* ready. That will sell also.” ([[letters/1968/680918_sivananda|Sivananda, 18 September, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “I am very glad to learn that your *sankirtana* party in San Francisco is doing very well, and similarly you will be pleased to know that here *sankirtana,* led by Jayananda and Tamala Krsna, they are also doing very nicely. Average, they are collecting about $50 a day, and selling 50 to 75 copies of *Back to Godhead.* Similarly, you should also try to sell copies of *Back to Godhead.* This is propaganda. ==If we can sell some copies of our publications, books and literature, and we can maintain our establishment, somehow, we shall think it is a great success. We don't want anything more.== **Neither we want any big bank balance. Our mission is that people should understand their relationship with Krsna, and thus let him become Krsna conscious so that he may be relieved from the threefold miseries of this material existence.” ([[letters/1968/681021_makhanlal|Makhanlal, 21 October, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “Regarding the *Bhagavad-Gita,* yes you must get a considerable discount. You will get 40% less than the list price, and ==I wish that you will distribute at least 1,000 copies amongst your students and thereby you will be able to save at least $1,000 for developing New Vrndavana scheme.== * * There are 42,000 students in your university, and if 5% of them purchase our * Gita, * then we can sell at least 2,000 copies there. So I hope you will try for this as far as possible, and it will be both propaganda as well as income for the New Vrndavana scheme. When you order to Brahmananda you can mention this statement of mine, and in the meantime when I write to him again I shall also inform him about that discount. In the meantime, recently I have received 40 complete sets of * Srimad-Bhagavatam,* and if you so desire you can order some sets immediately.” ([[letters/1968/681108_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 8 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 ** ==“When you were in Montreal I told you that you could continue to work at present and give me $400 per month for my literary propaganda work. I require so much money for purchasing a printing press as well as paying the bill of Dai Nippon. So do not quit your job, but try to earn some money for feeding our missionary activities.”== ([[letters/1968/681111_umapati|Umapati, 11 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 ** ==“Yes, your place is very nice, but don't try to change it, but try to improve it. Better to have sankirtana and get one mrdanga from New York by paying them, and in this way try to improve the attendance of the temple. Your ideas you mention are very good. Try to search out jobs, and eventually if you can establish your own means of income that will be very nice.”== ([[letters/1968/681113_patita_uddharana_was_patita_pavana|Harer Nama, 13 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “When we start our own press, we must simply print our own publications and magazines and books. We shall not accept any outside work, and ==by selling books and magazines, we shall have to maintain the family of our devotees, or the brahmacaris. That should be the ideal work.== * * We shouldn't depend for maintaining the workers by accepting outside job works. So for the time being, the Dai Nippon business must be finished immediately. Then after getting * Teachings of Lord Caitanya, * along with * Bhagavad-Gita,* we will by to start our own press by the sales proceeds.” (SPL to Brahmananda, November 16th, 1968) 68-11 “Regarding the press: I have already written to Brahmananda how the press should be started. The following principles should be followed strictly in our press: All the works of the press, including binding, and everything should be done by our men. We shall not accept any outside job for maintaining of this press. ==We will print simply our books and magazines, etc. And the boys and their families should be maintained by the sales proceeds of books and magazines.”== (SPL to Rayarama, November 19th, 1968) 68-11 “Yes, it is a very good opportunity for spreading our Krsna consciousness movement. ==We require unlimited money for constructing New Vrndavana and other schemes in Krsna consciousness. So if it is possible to get some money from your father's business and employ it in Krsna consciousness, it will be glorious both for your father and yourself.== * * It is a very good opportunity that he has supplied your car and does not object to Krsna consciousness. So gradually turn your father to Krsna consciousness. Not immediately, but gradually. In the meantime, you can serve your father working at his business and live like an aristocratic gentleman, use his car, chant Hare Krsna, and live with the devotees in the temple. Anyway, your temple attendance * must* continue. So if it is possible that you shall live with the boys at the temple, then that is very good idea, and work also with your father. Please keep me informed how you are arranging for this matter, as I will be anxious to hear.” ([[letters/1968/681120_brahmananda|Bali Mardan, 20 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “You are thinking of accepting a job but you are already in the job of Krsna, so for the maintenance of Krsna’s temple you can contemplate as Krsna desires. But I will suggest, why do you not start the *prasada* program? It was in our contemplation for a long time and you and your wife are expert cooks. There’s ample space in our temple. ==Why not organize the prasada program? That will be both spiritual propaganda and monetary gain also. Besides that, I'll suggest instead of accepting job outside, why not try to sell our books?== *Bhagavad-Gita* is already published. If you want to sell, immediately ask Brahmananda to send you as many copies as you can sell and there also is a source of income. Next month we are getting *Teachings of Lord Caitanya.* Dayala Nitai knows how to sell books, so both Dayala Nitai, yourself and the others, if you attempt to sell our books that will be the most glorious job. Plus if you can distribute *prasada* [PAGE MISSING]” (SPL to Hamsaduta, November 30th, 1968) 68-12 “So now there is plenty of engagement for everyone at the temple and ==if you can secure funds simply by selling our literature, by prasada program and by some sewing labor, then it will not be necessary to take karmi jobs outside.== **So Krsna has given you very good facilities to be engaged and make profit at the same time for the temple so even though you may live poorly, if you can support yourselves simply with these activities it will be very good.” ([[letters/1968/681212_ananda|Hamsaduta, 12 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 * * ==“Your sewing proposal is very nice and such idea is given by the grace of Krsna. Try to utilize your profits to maintain the temple with your husband and the others== * .* With much pleasure I have seen the French edition of * Back to Godhead * and I thank you all for this endeavor. With such engagements as this magazine, we can live to propagate Krsna consciousness and that is the success of our lives. Actually, our living conditions can be minimized as far as possible. Simply we should live for propagating Krsna consciousness. That is our life. In conclusion to your letter you have asked as to where is the ocean of love? And I think that you may know that it is in your heart. So please convey my blessings to all others there and I hope you are all well.” (SPL to Himavati, 12th December,* 1968) 68-12 “I am in due receipt of your letter dated December 20, 1968, and with great pleasure I have noted the contents. Both you and Aniruddha are sincere devotees with good talents, so anything you do by combined consultation has my 100% approval. The idea of distribution of *prasada* is long standing and I suggested this from the very beginning of my missionary activities, both in New York and in San Francisco. But it has never come to any practical shape until now. Therefore, if you can actually start a *prasada* distribution program, it will be very, very nice. But to start a separate restaurant for this purpose does not appeal to me. If we have *prasada* distribution program it is to be done in the temple premises, not separately. Separate attempt will require separate energy diverted from the temple management. Therefore, if you do at all start *prasada* distribution, try to do it in the temple itself. ==In the temple also if you keep some Indian goods for sale, that is also very nice. But don’t attempt two at a time. First of all start the prasada distribution and make it successful, then try to do business in Indian goods.”== ([[letters/1968/681224_cidananda|Cidananda, 24 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “First of all, I must inform you that Vamanadeva’s advice that, first you should make a move and then consult your spiritual master is most unauthorized. A disciple should not do anything without first asking his spiritual master. It is said in *Srimad-Bhagavatam* that a *brahmacari* should beg and collect things and then deliver them to his spiritual master, and when the spiritual master will ask him to come and take *prasada* he will do *so.* If one day the spiritual master forgets to call the *brahmacari* to participate in the lunch, he should rather fast that day than take food out of his own accord. Of course, I do not mean to impose upon you such strictures, but the purport is that a *brahmacari* should not do anything without being directed by the spiritual master. I know that you are a sincere devotee and a faithful *brahmacari* but still you should not do anything without consenting me. If Vamanadeva gave such unauthorized council he did not do right. Anyway, I have carefully read the contents of your letter and I can understand your mental situation. Your scheme is all right, your mother has some financial strength and you want to be in her confidence to get the money engaged in Krsna consciousness movement. ==That's a good scheme, but unfortunately we do not get financial help by our schemes, but should always depend upon the causeless mercy of Lord Krsna.”== ([[letters/1968/681231_sivananda|Sivananda, 31 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 ** ==“But one thing is that the brahmacaris who are there must help in supporting the temple so you will have adequate time for this added responsibility upon you. So those who are able to earn money for supporting the temple must assist you in this connection.”== ([[letters/1969/690123_cidananda|Cidananda, 23 January, 1969]]) *** 69-02 “You have written to say that 8 people will be working under Rayarama and another 8 people will also be there in the printing department, including the baby, Nandini. So even if we are able to get accommodations for all of these people, what is the program for maintenance? ==These people will require at least $200.00 per month for food, so tell me immediately if we have got any scheme how to get this money for maintenance.== ** So far as accommodations are concerned, Hayagriva has given me information that there is a nice two story house where both the press and the workers can be accommodated. The rent is only $260.00 per year. I think this house should immediately be occupied so we can gradually begin our work and also construct other structures with the help of Nara Narayana and others. So Hayagriva is prepared to invest money for the press, accommodations are there, provisionally. Now if you have any definite program for meeting your maintenance expenditures we can begin the press work immediately. If the house is there and our workers are ready, then what is the difficulty of starting the press immediately? If this house turns out to be not suitable we will have to construct another, but in either case the problem is still there of maintenance. Everything must be practically thought out, and please tell me what yourself and Advaita are planning with this.” ([[letters/1969/690201_uddhava|Uddhava, 1 February, 1969]]) *** 69-02 “Regarding the departments not contributing to the temple, this is not very satisfactory situation. ==The method of contributing should be those who are not married should contribute all their income to the temple. Those who are married should contribute 50%.== **That should be the principle of contribution of the members and followers of the Krsna consciousness movement. So if there are problems in this matter discuss it in the board meetings. If such things are not settled there, then what is the meaning of this board of trustees? The local management of affairs must be decided by the board, and that decision should be final.” ([[letters/1969/690217_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 17 February, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “Regarding your idea of supporting the temple by *sankirtana* collection, it is nice. In Los Angeles, New York and other centers they are chanting on the streets every day and they are getting good remunerations, better than any job. New York once collected $500 in one weekend and Los Angeles sometimes collects $250 in one day. Uddhava and Vaikunthanatha are collecting at least $20-40 daily, so if it is possible to collect it is very good. ==Simply we have to work and people will give contribution for this good cause. It is better to get money by collections than to work.”== ([[letters/1969/690504_sivananda|Sivananda, 4 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I think if you go and chant in the park, you can sufficiently collect for meeting your expenditures, and the balance money you can engage for producing *Back to Godhead* and other German literature. Actually, ==if you can pull on with the center without having to work outside, it is the best. If it is not possible, then the question of working outside arises. But if you can profitably start a jewellery shop and earn something, that is also very nice and will help give us income.”== ([[letters/1969/690508_upendra|Krsna dasa, 8 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “The most important point is whether you shall give up your present job, which is bringing at least $125 per week. You cannot give up your job on Murari’s request. You have to think yourself. You are more sober than Murari. Simply for whipping into shape some new young boys I do not find any substantial reason to give up your job. You can give instruction to Murari so that being experienced among the group, he can conduct the job in your absence. You say that in the severe cold there will be no possibility of going out. If others can work at that time, why should you give up your work at this time? My only point is that if you can manage all the affairs through the assistance of Murari and others, you may not give up your job. But if your presence improves the situation, I have no objection for your quitting your present job. Nothing should be done impelled by any sentiment. ==Everything should be judged from the practical point of view. My decisive advice is that if you can manage without giving up your present job, that is very nice.== I am so glad to learn that you have opened a separate savings account for your daily collections. I have received the transcription of tape #16. You are doing very nicely and improving your editorial capability. Krsna consciousness is so nice, the more we execute it, the more we become advanced. Yes, I have not as yet received Giriraja's contribution to my book fund, and as you have said, the money can be deposited to my account. The Krsna paintings Jadurani is doing now may be very nicely done very colorfully, and kept in your custody. She may pick up the ideas for pictures from the transcriptions of the tapes. In this way, when the book and pictures are ready we shall arrange for publication. As soon as 500 pages are ready by your typewriting we shall print the first part immediately. So both of you and your wife have got very good opportunity for serving Krsna. Make both of your lives sublime, and teach others also how to live by your exemplary life. I have received one long letter from Lilavati, and I shall reply as soon as possible. The last point is that I am not very much in favor of your giving up this service, but if you think it is proper, that it will beneficial for propagating our *sankirtana* movement, then you can do it. The idea in *The Nectar of Devotion* is explained that we should accept everything which is favorable in propagating our Krsna consciousness. If something is unfavourable, then we shall give it up immediately. That should be our motto of life.” ([[letters/1969/690529_upendra|Satsvarupa, 29 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “I am very encouraged to learn of your very nice *sankirtana* success in Boston. One thing though you are thinking of quitting your job, that means you are already in the job, so if in spite of your working, your *sankirtana* movement is going on nicely, why should you give up your job? ==But if you think by giving up your job the sankirtana party will be organized more nicely, then you can do that.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, 31st May,* 1969) 69-06 “Regarding your father's suspicion, you should not keep him in suspicion. As you are working in apprenticeship for jewellery work, you should continue that occupation and even if your father comes and sees that you are engaged in your occupation as well as looking after the management of the temple, he will not be displeased. I can understand from your attitude that your father must be a good gentleman, otherwise how could he have such a nice son? So there is no need of playing hide and seek. ==If you continue learning the jeweller’s trade he will not be displeased. Besides that, some of our men must work, otherwise it is difficult to maintain all the expenses in the European countries.”== ([[letters/1969/690613_mukunda|Krsna dasa, 13 June, 1969]]) *** 69-08 ** ==“Yes, as suggested by you the householders should take charge of the maintenance of the temple. Jaya Gopala is a very enthusiastic boy. He should be given all sorts of encouragement. Then he alone can manage the whole thing.”== ([[letters/1969/690816_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 16 August, 1969]]) *** 69-09 * * ==“Regarding your anxieties how to pay the rent, etc. in the winter season, I think Krsna will provide with sufficient press work and some of the boys may work also. In this way we have to manage.== * * Your remark that Advaita may have to do a lot of commercial work to help the temple during the winter is right. Whenever there is spare time we can earn money by outside work. We shall fully utilize the press facilities in various ways.” ([[letters/1969/690909_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 9 September, 1969]]) *** 69-09 “Now one thing is that there you have got our magazines, and simply by selling our magazines you can maintain yourself. There will be no difficulty. ==In all our centers this magazine has given a new impetus for solving the economic question. You will be surprised to know that in Boston they are collecting on the average of $120 each day== *.* ==So depend on Krsna and try your best== *.* Use your intelligence properly and chant Hare Krsna. Then everything will come smoothly and easily.” ([[letters/1969/690919_sudama|Sudama, 19 September, 1969]]) *** 69-10 “So far as sales are concerned, if you don't sell, then how you will be able to maintain your establishment? If you want to maintain a nice place simply by all working hardin the beginning that is all right-but if you cannot maintain it by selling literature and making collections then that is not a good idea. How to sell our magazines and literatures you have to find out means and ways. ==On the whole everywhere we are arranging to sell our Back to Godhead and maintaining our centers on this sale. So what is the defect that you cannot sell? It is printed in the German language, and it is presenting new and sublime ideas.== **If you wish, you can cut down on the production costs as you have described, but the sales must be there.” ([[letters/1969/691008_jayagovinda|Jaya Govinda, 8 October, 1969]]) *** 69-12 “Kindly keep up the standard of your temple activities by mutual cooperation, and everything will come out successful and smooth. Krsna is giving you all help, and the more you serve Him, the more help will come automatically. You were in India, so you have seen our Godbrothers have hundreds of temples and Maths, and others also in India; everyone is nicely maintaining, depending on Krsna. Actually, ==they have no fixed income, but as they serve the Lord, the Lord arranges everything. Therefore, our principle should be to serve nicely, and everything will be arranged by the Lord.”== ([[letters/1969/691208_jayagovinda|Jaya Govinda, 8 December, 1969]]) *** 69-12 ** ==“I am very glad that your feasts are becoming very successful. Yesterday I received a letter from Hawaii that they are now receiving about 100 guests and they are charging $1.00 each. So now they have a good income.”== ([[letters/1969/691215_cidananda|Cidananda, 15 December, 1969]]) *** 70-01 ** ==“It is so satisfactory to understand that you are preaching from house to house recruiting members for our London center. This was the procedure of Lord Caitanya and Nityananda when they began preaching. I think the charity box system will be a very nice success especially from the Indian store owners.”== ([[letters/1970/700127_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 27 January, 1970]]) *** 70-01 ** ==“The Krsna Consciousness Society will never experience any poverty stricken life because the members are so rich being constantly in association with Krsna; that while others may feel the pinching scarcity enforced by maya, Krsna conscious persons will feel the whole world full of enjoyment.”== ([[letters/1970/700127_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 27 January, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “You said that your job is *maya* but you must know that *maya* is illusion. As soon as there is absence of Krsna consciousness that is *maya.* But ==you are working just to help and push Krsna’s interest, therefore, it is not maya.== * * In the * Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu,* Rupa Goswami Prabhu has recommended anything dovetailed in Krsna consciousness is real renouncement. The Mayavadis renouncement with an ambition of becoming one with the Supreme is called false renunciation. They renounce the world for a greater sense gratification. To maintain an ambition of becoming one with the Supreme is top rank sense gratification; whereas a person in all kinds of apparently material works, but ultimately the beneficiary is Krsna, is in a greater position of renunciation than the Mayavadis. So do not forget Krsna in any circumstance of life and Krsna will save you from all pitfalls of material existence.” ([[letters/1970/700203_jayagovinda|Jaya Govinda, 3 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 * * ==“The management of our different centers is made by three officers, namely a president, treasurer and a secretary. They have got separate banking accounts in each center. The checks are signed by two officers out of three.== * * Although in each banking account my name is there as *acarya* and when I am in a center sometimes I sign the checks, still, usually I do not. I try to keep myself aloof from business transactions; but as far as publications is concerned, I manage the book fund personally. So our centers are managed financially by selling the books and magazines and by accepting some voluntary contributions from the public. Sometimes we manufacture incense and the visitors gladly purchase it. In this way we manage the financial affairs of our society. In London, however we get some income by sales of ’Hare Krsna Mantra’ record and similarly, in the USA we get some income by selling ’Govinda’ records and other similar records. From London the ’Hare Krsna Mantra’ record has world wide sales. This is managed by Mr. George Harrison, the famous English musician who is my uninitiated devotee. This boy has paid me recently $19,000 for publishing my *Krsna* book. The whole amount will be required for publishing the book in Japan.” ([[letters/1970/700205_hanuman_prasad_poddar|Hanuman Prasad Poddar, 5 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 ** ==“How can we expect the government to give us any financial help while our Indian government does not allow any money to be brought from India for this purpose? How can we expect financial help from another government? Our financial budget is managed by Krsna's grace only. Undoubtedly we have huge expenditures—for example in our Los Angeles temple we spend near about Rs. 20,000/- in our Indian exchange per month. But the devotees, boys and girls, somehow or other collect this huge amount, and by the grace of Krsna we have no difficulty.”== ([[letters/1970/700205_hanuman_prasad_poddar|Hanuman Prasad Poddar, 5 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “I have heard about Vamanadeva in his last news bulletin and both of them are doing nicely there on account of being sincere to the spiritual master and Krsna. From the beginning I encouraged young boys and girls married and united together to preach Krsna consciousness, and this process has proved practical. So when you also get married with a good devotee, you can do the same work and open a center in some place convenient to you. That will spread our Krsna consciousness movement. ==I always advise married couples that the male should be engaged in some work; but if somebody is busily engaged in our activities and therefore cannot work outside, that is also nice.== **We do not press people to contribute, and even though we do so, it is for the good of the contributor because everything is employed for advancing this Krsna consciousness movement. The initiated householders are supposed to be *brahmanas* and according to scriptural injunction a *brahmana* can accept charity for employing the income in the service of the Lord. The boys and girls who chant in the street are also giving in charity the highest benefit to the people in general. So far such *brahmanas* or *brahmacaris* or *sannyasis* asking contributions is not against the law, actually that is the way of livelihood for persons who are not *karmis.* Sometimes such persons in India go door to door for collecting alms. The whole idea is that one should not be a professional beggar for livelihood, but for Krsna's service this asking___ [PAGE MISSING]” ([[letters/1970/700210_ekayani|Ekayani, 10 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, the *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, of 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 our London temple, 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 whom 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 “In that way, I wanted you to live with me and be engaged in writing such things, getting ideas from me. But we will have to wait for a few days more, and then I shall ask you to leave completely from your present occupation in the university. At present, you patiently work there and get as much money as possible for developing New Vrndavana. As ==I recommend to every householder if you spend 50% of your income for Krsna's business in developing New Vrndavana, and a similar amount is collected by Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, I think there will be no need of financial help from other centers.== **I have inquired yesterday of Gargamuni whether he has any response to his appeal for money to other centers and he said there was none. So I don’t think other centers will be able to help another center for developing. Each center has to manage its own affairs independently.” ([[letters/1970/700319_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 19 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “Our next attempt would be to present the brochure with all different pictures of our centers to the foundations and attract their attention. Our program is sublime. Our philosophy is practical and authorized; our character, the purest; our program, the simplest; but our ultimate goal is the highest. Similarly, we have to convince people of your country. They are intelligent, well-to-do, and receptive. Why not try this program combinedly, yourself, Kirtanananda Maharaja, and Brahmananda. I think in New York there are so many foundations offices. If you all three or four together, you can add also Subala, it will be nice combination. ==If the foundations understand that actually you are doing something nice, then the financial difficulties for developing our various centers will be over.”== ([[letters/1970/700319_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 19 March, 1970]]) *** 70-05 “The copies of the police commissioner's letter are very much encouraging so this will be documentary evidence for executing our missionary activities. If you quote the actual wordings of the specific laws mentioned in the letter, then it will be helpful to other centers also. Actually, we do not want to disturb the law and order of the state, that is not our business, but the Vedic principle to receive contribution from the devotees has to be allowed. ==Properly speaking, we preachers are not supposed to work, therefore we have got the right to take contributions for executing our activities.”== ([[letters/1970/700528_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 28 May, 1970]]) *** 70-07 ==“So far as collection is concerned, if somebody offers money there is no reason to refuse it. Certainly there are many pseudo-Vaisnavas collecting money for sense gratification, but that does not mean that pure Vaisnavas will not collect.”== ([[letters/1970/700710_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 10 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “I have also read the newspaper cuttings in which I understand that people accept our Society as genuine and religious. So it is Krsna's grace that they are giving you permission to chant on the streets. ==I am sure if we work very sincerely all facilities will come from Krsna. It is stated in Bhagavad-Gita that Krsna personally carries the necessities of life of His devotee and gives protection to his status quo.== **So let us all believe in the words of Krsna and serve Him to our best capacity and thus we will come out victorious in every field of action. By the grace of Krsna you are a beautiful young man with nice intelligence, devotion and spirit, so employ all of them in the service of the Lord along with your good wife and be successful in Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1970/700714_manager_of_security_pacific_bank|Sridhama, 14 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “I am very glad that Haladhara has gone to join you in the Baltimore center. Now you are three men strong so carry on our program nicely and gradually more sincere souls will come. Do not be disappointed but be always engaged in pushing on *sankirtana,* distribution of our literatures, *prasada,* and preaching and classes and sincere souls will come. ==It is only required that we work very sincerely and Krsna will provide all facilities according to our endeavor.”== ([[letters/1970/700719_hayagriva|Vrndavana Candra, 19 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 ** ==“I am very glad that you have made nice arrangements for carrying on our preaching work and maintaining everyone including the householders without necessity of outside job. You are all very advanced and experienced, so do it nicely. That will give me pleasure.”== ([[letters/1970/700719_umapati|Umapati, 19 July, 1970]]) *** 70-09 “I am glad that you are enthusiastic about prospects in Delhi, and if you like to work there, do it. We have initiated a system for making life members, that daily three members must be made in Bombay, daily two in Calcutta, and daily one in Delhi. In this way of six Life members daily, we shall very quickly expand our Society in India. ==This life membership is the support of our movement here, so you must stress this program especially. That will be our success.”== (SPL to Gurudasa, November 18th, 1970) 70-11 “If it is not possible for you to collect large money for me, then don't strain your brain; just go on preaching as you are doing. Yes, you are right, ==the supply of money will come by your preaching efforts. You can approach rich men and preach to them about our movement and its aims.== **You have got much money in your country so there should be no difficulty in doing this. I think you and Visnujana Swami should remain and open as many temples as you can, especially in Florida. I have asked Brahmananda Swami to join me because I think he is feeling in too much despair, so as soon as he is able, He can join me. In writing this letter to you, I think I have answered Visnujana Swami's points that he has written in his letter.” ([[letters/1970/701104_karandhara|Gargamuni Maharaja, 4 November, 1970]]) *** 70-11 ==“I have written Brahmananda how they are to manage their own establishment program. Every temple must work independently so far as maintenance is concerned.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, November 25th, 1970) 70-12 “You have suggested in your letter dated December 16th that a gentle lawyer has prepared to give us free service in the above transaction—it is welcome. As you have suggested you can immediately form a committee with five or six men comprising Mr. Mohta, Mrs. Birla, Mr. Poddar and Mr. Buwalka and any two of you, preferably yourself and Madhudvisa Maharaja. ==You can immediately form this fund raising committee and do the needful.”== ([[letters/1970/701220_jayapataka|Jayapataka Maharaja, 20 December, 1970]]) *** 71-03 ==“So far as leaving your karmi job, I have no objection provided there is no scarcity of money for running the temple. Then you can devote yourself full time to pushing on this movement and developing St. Louis center. So you have my permission provided there is no financial difficulty.”== (SPL to Vamanadeva, March 5th, 1971) 71-04 “Our incense trademark should be registered now. I understand that there is one man in Bombay who has plagiarized our Spiritual Sky label, so we are serving him the proper notice to stop this plagiarizing business. So income is increasing there. That is very good. ==But in the winter season the collections are not so good so you should make some compensation for those months. The point is that there must not be any financial difficulty. If there is not sufficient engagement in the temple, the devotees should work outside, although if we can manage without our men working outside that is best.”== ([[letters/1971/710424_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 24 April, 1971]]) *** 71-08 “For the time being this measure of taking outside work may be taken up but the principle is that everyone should engage full time for various propaganda work of the Krsna consciousness movement and ==maintain themselves by the little profit made by book selling and literature distribution.== * * Now we have got * Isopanisad* in German language. The devotees can better be engaged in distributing these books.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, August 14th, 1971) 71-09 ==“So far maintenance, we should make some monthly subscribers of cash or goods. Just like Goenka is giving foodstuffs, so many others can do the same. A little pocket expenditure can be collected by holding meetings. All the Gaudiya Math people collect rice from house to house. Actually the temple should be provided for by the local contribution of cash and kind.”== (SPL to Tamala Krsna, September 1st, 1971) 71-09 * * ==“Our policy should be for maintenance to take from many persons.== * * Big donations should go to the building and book funds. Our policy is *’madhukari’* or the profession of the bumble-bee. The bumblebee does not eat all the honey in one flower. It goes from flower to flower and takes little. The purpose is that saintly persons, Vaisnavas, if they take something from many men, everyone is benefited. We should not follow the policy that one man gives us everything and we become idle. This is a material policy. Whatever Mr. Jain is contributing should go directly to the building fund and for maintenance we should collect from many persons as monthly subscription and big donations should go to the book and building funds.” (SPL to Tamala Krsna, September 16th, 1971) 72-02 “I am very much encouraged that you want to remain in Austin city because the people there are in desperate need of Krsna consciousness. Actually, that is the mood of the devotee, that he is always concerned for the general mass of people, that they should stop their sinful activities and become delivered from the most dangerous conditions of life by taking to this Krsna consciousness or devotional service. So I am very much pleased that you do not want to leave. Actually, that is our policy, once we enter a place, to sit down, then gradually to lay down and occupy everything! So because there is such good possibility there for preaching, especially in the university then I am recommending that some men must remain there and work very hard to get a permanent center. ==If the preaching work is sincere, then there will be no lack either of temple or of devotees to fill it== *.* Now you have sat down, and although you are squeezed a little tightly, if you push a bit harder there will be enough space, and very soon you will find yourselves laying down and occupying the big space.” (SPL to Sankarsana, February 4th, 1972) 72-04 “From now on, the ==temples will operate independently and try to improve their spiritual life more carefully, so there is no more need for such financial arrangement of centralization, as you have proposed== *.* Better you concentrate your time on improving *gurukula* school, that is a huge task. You are responsible to train so many children in the highest knowledge of life, so that cannot be neglected in any way. You are also doing editing work, so I think that in these two ways you can remain yourself always busy in devotional service, without more work of management of many other temples required. So far your statement, ’Our final success will be when you actually sit tight and translate books and let us manage successfully,’ yes, that is my desire, but if you can do it or not, that has again disturbed me very much. Now I have given you everything, but I do not see that even the basic principles of advancement in spiritual life are always there, and sometimes there is tendency to neglect what is our real purpose of life, namely, to become mad after Krsna, and instead we become carried away by big, big talk. So I am still thinking how things will go on.” (SPL to Satsvarupa, 10th, April, 1972) *** 72-04 * * ==“If we have regular plan of selling books, then there will be no scarcity of money, and it will be easier to get books from Japan and sell them and utilize them than to receive money from America. So I do not think there is need for any transactions for five Krsna books.”== (SPL to Giriraja, April 12th,* 1972) 72-08 “So far the repayment of loan, we are not very much for big, big houses, especially if they become burdensome. Our first program is for preaching, and ==if we have to simply work for paying money for a house, that is not very much desirable.== **So you pay the loan at your convenience, better to concentrate on preaching and not so much for making money for repaying the loan quickly. Even if it takes some years to pay, at least you will not be always in anxiety where to get money in that way. But if you can repay the loan in two or three years time, and save so much interest money, that is a very good plan, provided it is easily done.” ([[letters/1972/720816_nityananda|Nityananda dasa, 16 August, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “I have also received report that there is some difficulty for maintaining the devotees peacefully, so that they may not fall sick and lose hope. So if there is shortage of money for maintenance, I have no objection if you divert some of the money from advertisements collection to improve the sanitary and health conditions. ==But most essential thing is, if you improve the preaching program, automatically everything else will improve, Krsna== ** ==will give you all facilities.”== ([[letters/1972/721111_yadubara|Yadubara, 11 November, 1972]]) ==73-01 “Your description of struggling is to be understood as the mercy of Krsna, and when He is satisfied by your giving energy in this way just to please Him despite all conditions of difficulty, then you need not worry for money, there will be sufficient and more.”== ([[letters/1973/730102_tejiyas|Tejas, 2 January, 1973]]) ==73-01 “So far the concert of Indian musicians and dancers for raising funds for the new temple, yes you may do that, I have no objection.== But the concert should be their own concert, not that we are holding our program and they are appearing on the same program, either as our guests or as our co-performers. No, we shall not appear to the public like performers, we are not performers or musicians or dancers. But if the concert is held as a benefit concert, just like in Bombay we have held one benefit concert, of the Zaveri Sisters, Manipuri dancing Group and nearly Rs. 100,000/- * * was raised for our Juhu scheme. That will be the proper arrangement. So if you hold the concert in the auditorium and advertise these singers and dancers, that it will be * their * program, and also that it will be a ’Hare Krsna Benefit Show’ or something like that, that will be best. Of course, we may also appear and perform * kirtana * at the opening of the concert, and we will sell our books there, and if there is some opportunity to give also short lecture, that will be nice. But if you do all these other performances of * arati,* a drama, like that, perhaps it will appear like it is our program and not the program of the musicians. If there is confusion, if the public is thinking that we are something show or commercial performers, that will not be proper idea. But if the musicians and dancers want to give one concert and donate the proceeds to us, we shall gladly thank them.” ([[letters/1973/730105_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 5 January, 1973]]) *** 73-06 “Regarding our involvement with the property in Bombay: by chance we have been entangled but now *a* ==strong committee should be formed of our life members.== Let them take it up, otherwise what can be done? ==Our men should be engaged for preaching—== why * * should the preaching be stopped? I was very much encouraged when you and Gargamuni Swami purchased jeeps and formed a travelling * sankirtana* party. So why have you stopped it? Let the matter of the property in Bombay be dependent on the life members. They have paid us for membership and we have paid them, so they are also concerned.” ([[letters/1973/730617_hansadutta|Tamala Krsna, 17 June, 1973]]) *** 73-10 ** ==“I am very encouraged by the report of how nicely our books are being distributed. This is our main business all over the world. If you give full attention to this, there will never be any shortage of funds. I am very glad to note that in London now this program is becoming well established.”== ([[letters/1973/731006_mukunda|Mukunda, 6 October, 1973]]) *** 73-11 “You have taken the right view of the importance of my books. Books will always remain. That was the view of my Guru Maharaja, and I also have taken it. Therefore, ==I started my movement with my books. And we shall be able to maintain everything with the sales of the books.== **The temples will be maintained by the book sales, and if there are no more temples, then the books shall remain.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, November 8th, 1973) 73-12 ** ==“Yes, if you are able to acquire some farm land and produce grains that will be nice. Especially we want to export grains to India. Do not, however, change or disrupt the existing temple program. The economic situation is always precarious but we are dependent on Krsna only.”== ([[letters/1973/731211_makhanlal|Makhanlal, 11 December, 1973]]) *** 74-03 ==“But if by starting an incense business economically you become solvent to run on your center then it is good, and for this purpose I will advise Bali Mardan to give you the necessary capital on your approval.== **But I don't think it is practical to run a factory in Tokyo. If something is to be done seriously then let me know if you have a branch of the Chinese bank known as the Liberty Bank. This bank has a branch in Honolulu and we have kept some money there. So please let me know if a branch of the Liberty Bank is there. If you establish a strong center in Taiwan as it is described in Sri Vallabha dasa’s letter, it will be a great idea. We have one branch in Moscow, if we get a branch in China, on the mainland, it will be a great achievement.” ([[letters/1974/740329_dr._ghosh|Trivikrama Maharaja, 29 March, 1974]]) *** 74-04 ==“If our temples cannot even be maintained then it is a great defect in our management of the Society.”== ([[letters/1974/740407_tejiyas|Hamsaduta, 7 April, 1974]]) *** 74-11 ** ==“Simply by maintaining the Krsna conscious standards, everything else will follow. So I have faith in you. I know you are a good worker. Krsna has given you a very nice place there in Chicago. So utilize it nicely, and I will be very much pleased.”== ([[letters/1974/741112_tripurari|Sri Govinda dasa, 12 November, 1974]]) *** 74-12 ** ==“Your idea about Gopala Krsna going to LA to see how things are going, for a week, is a good idea. He can do that. But I do not want him to give up his job. If he could manage Spiritual Sky without giving up his job, that would be one thing, but I don't want him to lose that job.”== ([[letters/1974/741218_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 18 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “Regarding your farm, that will be very nice. But be sure to maintain your temple there in Denver. It is a very beautiful temple. Do not lose it. Also ==your idea of forming a trust between ISKCON and the leading men in the Indian community is approved by me. That is very nice. Let the Indians take part in our movement and help us to push on this mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.== * * In that trust you must be very careful to make sure that my name is registered there as the founder * -acarya* and that I am to be the ultimate authority. In other words, in any case of necessity of vetoing or canceling any decision made by the other trustees, I should be able to do like that. My decision should overrule all the other trustees combined.” ([[letters/1974/741228_kurusrestha|Kurusrestha, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 “You have now got your identity card, so you can go if you like to any of our centers and live there for some time. If you like the atmosphere, then we have no objection to accept you into our institution. You should remain with us for some time, otherwise how will we know what work you are fit to do? You should understand of course, that we do not pay anyone in our Society. After you have stayed with us for some time, then we shall discuss initiation, name and *mantra.* These things are not awarded immediately. When you take *sannyasa,* you can use the word Swami—not before. ==We are not interested in these things like hatha yoga and swimming. We do not encourage such useless activities. We would never take to such activities for earning money. We get money enough. We don't require to adopt any unauthorized means.== **At present we spend 8 lakhs of rupees every month and Krsna sends all money. Our process is to chant Hare Krsna. That is sufficient.” (SPL to Mr. Bagai, Bombay 6th January, 1975) 75-01 ** ==“Regarding food-stamps and welfare, if we have to fabricate some lie, that is not good. It can be done only if it is completely honest.”== ([[letters/1975/750112_mr._lepesqueux|Kirtiraja dasa, 12 January, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“Yes, you should develop better relations with the Indians in Chicago. 30,000; that is no joke. In the London temple the Indian devotees are doing everything for the maintenance of the temple. So as soon as the Indians in Chicago come to know, then they will help you. Here in India the temples are maintained by the grhastha bhaktas.”== ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Jagadisa dasa, 20 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 ** ==“In the six day book distribution, Eastern zone was first. This is our most important work. All the leaders should tax their brains for increasing the sales of our books. I have always said that if we simply rely on book distribution all our needs will be met.”== ([[letters/1976/760111_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 11 January, 1976]]) *** 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: Let this be the guiding principle. So let all the *grhasthas* who wish to, execute business full-fledgedly 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 50% 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 temple's 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 5 to 10% 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]]) *** 76-10 * * ==“Regarding this co-operative point, who will manage all the expenditure? We will spend so much money, why should it be managed by a co-operative? The co-operative society proposal is absurd== * .* The poor members cannot pay adequately, neither are they interested. It is not tenable from all angles of vision. In the beginning the report was given to the DM. Now again DM, DM. Why again DM, be first given proposal?” ([[letters/1976/761023_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 23 October, 1976]]) *** 76-12 ==“Do not depend on outside help. Also, for financial support depend on Krsna. That is preaching success.== **People's appreciation will be practical when they help you financially also. Also, book distribution. We are maintaining our huge establishment by selling books. That is wanted. In foreign countries they are distributing huge quantities of books. Money is needed, that you have to collect. You can't expect money from outside. That is not successful preaching.” ([[letters/1976/761214_lokanatha|Lokanatha, 14 December, 1976]]) *** 76-12 ** ==“I’m pleased to know the restaurant is again doing nicely. If palatable dishes are available people will certainly come. Srutakirti is a good boy. You can trust him. Cooperation must be there. It is a nice idea to sell prasadam at the beaches from a vehicle.”== ([[letters/1976/761214_gurukrpa|Gurukrpa, 14 December, 1976]]) *** 77-02 * * ==“The tendency you report of the householders living at the expense of others in our society, is not good. One way to earn money is by selling books, they can be given a salary or commission.== * * But if you say that they do not want to do that, yes, they should do some honest work. As an overall problem, this can be discussed by the entire GBC at Mayapur.” ([[letters/1977/770201_harikesa|Harikesa Swami, 1 February, 1977]]) ## How to Utilize Money 67-02 “You are all innocent boys without any experience of the world. The cunning world can befool you at any time. So please be careful of the world in Krsna consciousness. When Krsna will desire, the house will come to us automatically. But we should not ask Krsna to give us a house. Let Krsna give us when He likes. If Mr. Payne is able to give us this house it is so far so good. But from circumstances it appears that Mr. Payne cannot get financial assistance from any businessman. If somebody gives us donation for the right cause that is a different thing. So ==we should only wait for Krsna’s mercy and should not jeopardize the hard-earned money for service of Krsna== *.* I hope you will not misunderstand me. Both you and Gargamuni must be careful about the accounts and see that checks above $50.00 are not issued indiscriminately.” ([[letters/1967/670215_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 15 February, 1967]]) *** 67-03 “This morning I have sent you one note of the tape regarding Pradyumna’s hospital bill. I think I shall be able to send you $500 from this center. I understand that hospital bills are also paid by small installments. ==We have to make an arrangement for future emergency and I wish to organize a central board for such management. For me it is not possible to look after the administrative affairs. Some of you should form a committee for this kind of management.== * * In India the * brahmacaris * collect alms and subscription. But here it is not possible to do like that; therefore all * brahmacaris* may work at least part time so that our financial difficulty may be minimized.” (Satsvarupa, 26 March, 1967) *** 67-10 ** ==“If you want to transfer the trust to the International Society for Krsna consciousness the society will do everything for the improvement of the temple and also engage you as paid whole time manager on behalf of the Society. You ask Rs. 300/- per month and this is agreed herewith.”== ([[letters/1967/671009_sri_krishna_panditji|Sri Krsna Panditji, 9 October, 1967]]) *** 68-03 * * ==“Now, when we live together somebody may fall ill. Now, find some future main source of income for our institution and main source is publications.== So if we can organize a good sales organization that is our main hope. Besides that, if the * sankirtana * party is nicely organized, we can have demonstration for public. I do not know how far we shall be successful, but we must find out a source of our income. At the present moment, some of the boys are working and practically it is going on under their working strength. Anyway, please think over what is to be done with Pradyumna. I have written also to Hamsaduta about the * sankirtana * party and I think our books, paintings, and the * sankirtana* party can give us enormous help if we can organize it very nicely.” ([[letters/1968/680323_rayarama|Brahmananda, 23 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “This morning I have sent you one note of the tape regarding Pradyumna's hospital bill. I think I shall be able to send you $500.00 from this center. I understand that hospital bills are also paid by small installments. ==We have to make arrangement for future emergency and I wish to organize a central board for such management== *.* For me it is not possible to look after the administrative affairs. Some of you should form a committee for this kind of management. In India the *brahmacaris* collect alms and subscription, but here it is not possible to do like that: therefore all *brahmacaris* may work at least part time so that our financial difficulty may be minimized.” (SPL to Satsvarupa, March 26th, 1968) 68-07 ** ==“Regarding the kirtana collection, I have talked with Hamsaduta who has arrived here last evening, and as proposed by you that the contribution should be divided 50% for the temple, and 50% for the sankirtana fund, it is quite all right.”== ([[letters/1968/680710_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 10 July, 1968]]) *** 69-04 ==“I am pleased that you are working for our activities in Japan, and in 3 months you should be able to gather at least $1,500.00 together. Don't spend money needlessly. Try to save as much as possible, because you have very important work to do for the service of Lord Caitanya.”== (SPL to Sudama and Kartikeya, 19th April,* 1969) 69-07 ** ==“Regarding your nice sankirtana collections, this should be kept in a separate account so that it may help in some great emergency. You should become a little spendthrift. I know that you do this, but still I am reminding you.”== ([[letters/1969/690717_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 17 July, 1969]]) *** 69-11 ==“It is very happy news that you are getting a bus, but purchase it new. Second-hand machine is not always reliable. It may give so much trouble. A similar attempt was made previously by Rupanuga. He spent $600 and was practically cheated. So be careful about all these unfair business dealers.”== ([[letters/1969/691109_bhagavan|Bhagavan dasa, 9 November, 1969]]) *** 69-12 “I am so sorry to learn about your wisdom teeth affair. These wisdom teeth are a good example of *maya's* tribulations to us. In my younger days, by Krsna's grace I had no such trouble, but I saw in my eldest sister this suffering from the wisdom teeth problem and her gum was also operated upon. That I saw, and I saw how much she was suffering also. This is the way of material existence. So Lord Krsna has advised in this connection that we have to learn tolerance. Your example of dedicated life is very noble. You are handling thousands of dollars for Krsna, but ==you ask your mother for helping your personal needs. I very much appreciate this example, but it is my order that whenever you are in such trouble you should not minimize any expenditure.== **You must have the best kind of treatment available and you can spend from the money you are collecting on behalf of Krsna. Your mother’s assistance is welcome and as a child you can very affectionately ask her for such assistance. But in case of denial or inability, you should not hesitate to spend from Krsna’s money. You can take it from me. By this contribution of your mother out of her affection your mother has benefited undoubtedly. She is already benefited to have two such nice sons and she will be more and more benefited. Not only your mother, but also your father and all family members will be benefited by your dedication of life for Krsna's sake. Rest assured. Krsna consciousness is so nice.” (SPL to Gargamuni, 15th December,* 1969) 70-01 ** ==“Regarding antiques: we do not require of them in our temple. For the time being don't spend money on antiques, better to try to expand our cult as far as possible with strenuous effort.”== ([[letters/1970/700124_umapati|Umapati, 24 January, 1970]]) *** 70-11 ==“So far the distribution of funds, temple management, etc. which you have mentioned, if one is sincere, the dictation how to do it rightly will come from within.== **It is stated that those who are engaged in the service of the Lord in pure love and devotion, to them dictation is given from within their hearts. But still you should check with me. If one is very cautious, then Krsna will give him protection. ==One should not become callous; he should be cautious.”== (SPL to Karandhara, November 13th, 1970) 71-01 “The most important thing is that the money donated by Sai should be kept as I have directed you for some concrete project, specifically the construction of a large center here in India. So you please keep it intact and wait further instructions what to do with the $28,000. Otherwise, ==it is a bad policy to send good money after bad money as in the matter of paying some past debts. That is not a good business proposal.== * * I am sure those debts will be liquidated in due course by other means as I have suggested to you before and you have also indicated that in some time hence the * Back to Godhead * debt will be cleared.” ([[letters/1971/710101_sudama|* SPL to Karandhara, 1 January, 1971]]) *** 71-05 ==“So far our investing, where is our money to invest? We have no money to invest. Our process is to collect and spend, from left hand to right hand, or from right hand to left hand.”== ([[letters/1972/720515_giriraja|Giriraja, 15 May, 1972]]) *** 71-07 “The book distribution policy should be like this: Cash only. All books are to be sold cash on delivery (C.O.D.). Books can be returned for exchange of other books only for a period of up to one year. ==Householders can sell books and get 15% commission on the net income.== **The retail discount schedule will be as follows: 1-2 books, 33%; 3-24 books, 42%; and 100 books and over, 50% (wholesale rate).” (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, July 7th, 1971) 71-08 ** ==“All big donations, like B. M. Birla's should be immediately deposited in the building fund. Not a farthing should be expended from such donations. That should be the policy.”== (SPL to Giriraja, August 21st, 1971) 71-09 “Dear Sir: You are requested herewith to proceed to Delhi as soon as possible and be appointed there as treasurer of the Delhi branch of our society registered in Bombay under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, Maharashtra State, Registration no. Bom. 225/70/70 * * GBBSD. ==As treasurer of the branch, you will sign the checks of our banking account there jointly along with the president or secretary.== * * Besides your post as treasurer you shall be in charge of the Hindi publication department. As such you are authorized to sign relative papers and documents in this connection on behalf of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness, jointly or severally as it is needed. Your signature is herewith attested duly. (Ksirodakasayi dasa Adhikari) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, *Founder-Acarya* Syamasundara dasa Adhikari, Secretary” (SPL to Ksirodakasayi dasa, September 6th, 1971) 71-09 “So far your traveling expenses, if you spent Rs. 13,000/- in four months that means over Rs. 3,000/- in a month or more than Rs. 100/- in a day; that is certainly extravagancy. That means if you have collected one member in a day then 10% is immediately spent for taxi fare. That is not a very good proposal. When the accounts will be audited, the auditors will want debit vouchers for each payment. Whether all expenditures have been made under such vouchers. Otherwise the auditor will not pass the account. So far the debt of Rs. 23,000/- if you adjust it in that way then the same problem remains. The fact is that we require at least 25 lakhs for Mayapur. Before beginning our construction work there we must be confident that the amount will be easily collected. Better to realize the Rs. 23,000/- by another source. The fact is not that how it should be realized but some plan how ==this extravagancy may be stopped. That is the real problem.== Henceforward all expenditure, proper debit vouchers must be maintained. If we do not place audited accounts to the Registrar of Societies, they may cancel us. That is the law.” (SPL to Tamala Krsna, September 16th, 1971) 71-11 “If you simply push on this one activity of distributing my books, your all success will be there. I have hatched this ’transcendental plot’ for getting money by selling my books, and if we stick only to this plan, and use our brain for selling books, there will easily be sufficient money. ==I have recently informed the GBC to allow each temple to keep 25% of the money they collect from direct book and magazine sales for temple maintenance, 75% to be sent to the book fund.== **Supposing you sell 800 dollars a week worth of literature (retail price). Will not 200 dollars weekly be sufficient for food and rent? If not, increase book sales, or, until things are adjusted in this way, supplement in other ways, but try to avoid too much business as this distracts us from our real mission. If Krsna sees that we are very active to spread information about Him, He is Master of the goddess of fortune, He will give everything.” (SPL to Lalita Kumara, November 15th, 1971) 72-03 '”Your suggestion to have a *brahmacari asrama* is all right, and you should train all these boys to become good preachers. So far installing new Deities, I think it is best if you concentrate your energy on *sankirtana* and book distribution for now, and ==as your temple grows and facilities are there for very opulent Deity worship, then this can be considered.== * * I have made it a policy that there must be at least ten initiated * brahmanas* in a temple before Deities are installed.” (SPL to Patita Uddharana, March 25th, 1972) 72-04 “So far your thinking about things and making so many plans, that is all right, but our first business is Krsna’s plan. That is the only plan, and no matter how many schemes we employ to adjust things in this material world, if they have no solid basis in Krsna’s plan, they remain merely dreams of phantasmagoria. So in this Krsna consciousness movement, I am training boys and girls all over the world how to act nicely by practically serving Krsna in their everyday lives. That is more important than trying for something which I may like to do but which will never happen. Just like Sudama Vipra, he did not want to offer something very small, but his wife insisted so he offered Krsna only a small bowl of flaked rice, and Krsna took it with great pleasure, and when Sudama Vipra returned home to his poor hut, he found a huge palace made of jewels. ==So the point is to make use of what we already have. That is most important, and if Krsna sees that we are using it properly for pleasing Him in loving attitude of devotional service, then Krsna gives every facility in reciprocation of love.”== ([[letters/1972/720410_mahatma|Mahatma, 10 April, 1972]]) *** 72-05 “Karandhara says that New York is an ’outstanding exception’ to the regular payments of literature bills, and Bali Mardan has told me that you have ’no inclination to supervise or check regularly on these financial matters, and thus it is left to a treasurer who is also not very competent.’ He has suggested that you make weekly inventories and pay weekly for the books sold. That is a good idea. You can take his help, how to do it. You must organize these things in such a way that things will go on automatically and increase more and more. Now I do not know what is the real situation, they are saying one thing and you are saying another thing, but I want that this situation be immediately finished, and from now on ==all literature bills must be paid immediately== **by you.” (SPL to Rupanuga, May 9th, 1972) 72-05 ** ==“Life Member money cannot be spent for eating and sleeping.”== (SPL to Bhavananda, May 16th, 1972) 72-08 ==“So far financial matters are concerned, these are also important, and we should not neglect them.”== ([[letters/1972/720802_danavir|Danavir, 2 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 “Regarding your questions, *seva-puja* means only for daily worship of Deities. ==The building fund will construct, the book fund will maintain, and this fund is for daily expenditure of seva-puja or worship of the Deities only.== * * So far your administrative duties as secretary of Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund are concerned, that will be informed by you. For the time being, rents should be collected by Karandhara and sent to India. How it will be done I shall think over and let you know. As for the responsibility for proper spending, the man in charge or the president will be responsible in Mayapur and Vrndavana. The Secretary may secure food grains and powder milk from USA government for distribution to the poor people in India for expanding * seva-puja * department in the matter of * prasada* distribution.” ([[letters/1972/720913_upendra|Atreya Rsi, 13 September, 1972]]) *** 72-10 ** ==“Concerning your request for money for Hindi and Gujarati Back to Godhead’s where is the money collected from the first editions? For any magazine published money should be collected and then republished. Accounts should be kept—money invested, money collected. What is this that every time money is invested, then for a reprinting, more money has to be invested?”== ([[letters/1972/721013_yadubara|Yadubara, 13 October, 1972]]) *** 74-04 “I have received a letter from Tejyas on the same day as yours. I am sending him the checks he has requested for construction, but he has requested one check for ’Lalita Prasada,’ for rupees 3,000 which you say is a down payment for four sets of clothes for the Deity. But we cannot pay for these dresses. It was already agreed that you and Yamuna would collect separately for the Deities, not that it would come out of the construction fund, but now you and Tejyas are requesting it come out of construction. Besides that, why go to the tailor? Lalita Prasada charges extraordinarily. We don't want to go to them. Whatever our devotees can make, that is all right. Have you already contracted from them? This check cannot be issued neither is it our plan to pay from construction for the Deities. ==Where is the money you collected for this purpose?”== ([[letters/1974/740424_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 24 April, 1974]]) *** 74-05 “You write that ==you are very careful utilizing funds that are sent for that particular purpose. In all matters of management this careful attitude must be taken.== * * I have been requesting my disciples for some time to release me from the management aspects of ISKCON so I can be free to translate. And you two are managing one of our biggest centers. I cannot close my eyes when there are big management difficulties, so when I see things going wrong, money misspent, things not used properly, then I have to take part. But if you can relieve me of worry * * of management in Mayapur it will be a great relief for me. Krsna will give you more and more intelligence on how to do this if you sincerely endeavor.” ([[letters/1974/740509_manager_of_liberty_bank|Jayapataka and Bhavananda, 9 May, 1974]]) *** 74-09 “I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 12, 1974 copy of which to all GBC secretaries. ==My only request is we must spend money very cautiously and not to waste.== **For improvement we can spend. I am simply afraid that money may not be wasted. So when I saw that the sanctuary was not being finished it gave me some agitation in my mind. So if people say it will be better than Birla Mandira, then your labor and expenditure is a success. I am confident that you are a good manager. So do the needful, so by your management I will get good satisfaction. You are a good manager and a devotee also. That is a good qualification.” ([[letters/1974/740920_syamasundara|Jayatirtha dasa, 20 September, 1974]]) *** 75-01 ** ==“Any householder devotee who is working full-time (with his wife) as a sankirtana book distributor, or temple managerial duties, artist, cook, etc., shall be provided food, shelter, and other bare minimum necessities by the temple itself.”== ([[letters/1975/750112_mr._lepesqueux|Kirtiraja dasa, 12 January, 1975]]) *** 75-01 “Any householder devotee who is working full-time (with his wife) as a *sankirtana* book distributor, or temple managerial duties, artist, cook, etc., shall be provided food, shelter, and other bare minimum necessities by the temple itself. They should not cook their own meals separate from the temple meals. If they have children, then some minimal allowance may be given according to the number of children. If they want anything extra or over and above what the temple president sees as absolute necessity, then they should work outsidethe temple cannot pay for anything beyond the bare necessities. And ==definitely, the BBT cannot pay any salary to anybody. Our philosophy is ’simple living and high thinking’—not sense gratification. The temple presidents and leaders (elder students) must show this by example.== * * Temple or * asrama* means for renunciation and renounced persons. If one is engaged in self-realization process, then his material necessities become almost nil. Persons who do not like this can work outside.” ([[letters/1975/750112_mr._lepesqueux|Kirtiraja dasa, 12 January, 1975]]) *** 75-07 “So it is all right that Aksayananda Swami travels and collects provided that the management of Vrndavana does not suffer. This collecting is also preaching. But ==not only collection, but expenditure must also be stabilized and scrutinized. Nothing should be spent extravagantly. That you have to see.== **Do not bother my brain how to do it. I have put you in charge how to do it.” ([[letters/1975/750717_brijratan_s._mohatta|Gopala Krsna dasa, 17 July, 1975]]) *** 75-08 “You are GBC so you must stop all this from going on. ==The best procedure is that the treasurer takes all money collected and immediately writes it in the book and then daily deposits everything in the bank. None of the collection should be used for spending== *.* All expenditures should be done by check as far as possible. Check means two signatures, so in this way this nonsense will be stopped. Please see that all temples are following this system. These reports are very much disturbing to me. How can I translate?” ([[letters/1975/750826_ramesvara|Gurukrpa Swami, 26 August, 1975]]) *** 75-09 “Regarding Manasvi, ==you should immediately prosecute. The charge should be breach of trust and misappropriation of funds.== * * I have received today the * Oath of Allegiance* duly signed by him and notarized. When required it will be supplied to you. Therefore I wanted this declaration. Immediately prosecute.” ([[letters/1975/750904_gatravan|Paramahamsa Swami, 4 September, 1975]]) *** 75-09 ==“So I want that all centers follow the following procedure for handling the money.== **Whatever income is there, every cent must be given to the treasurer. Immediately he records it in the book. Then daily he deposits everything in the bank. For the expenditures, he withdraws from the bank the petty cash by check signed by himself and the president. Then the expenditures are checked by the president to see how the money is being spent. The important thing is that all monies must be given to the treasurer and he records it and every day deposits everything in the bank. And whatever is spent, that also is withdrawn from the bank. This will stop the embezzling that is going on. Please arrange for this and inform me.” (SPL Satsvarupa Goswami, September 9th, 1975) 75-11 ** ==“Why are you always calling on the telephone? Are you such important men that you have to call all over the world? We are poor men sons, what can I do? But, why are you always calling on the telephone?”== ([[letters/1975/751107_madhudvisa|Ramesvara dasa, 7 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“That is very good that Seattle does not have any debts. This is proper management. This is very much wanted.”== ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Jayatirtha dasa, 20 November, 1975]]) *** 76-07 “So kindly help the management as Krsna Balarama is your worshipable Deity. Kindly guide our foreign disciples to manage nicely and increasingly you will be able to please Their Lordships Krsna and Balarama. Although I've established Their temple, Their Lordships want me to keep outside the temple for touring. So in my absence you kindly manage nicely. Aksayananda Maharaja and yourself are tested devotees and I fully depend on you. I always think of how you are selflessly working for the temple. ==Please see that the accounts are kept and that no money is wasted.== **That's my only request. After all, money is collected with great hardship. Not a single paisa should be wasted.” ([[letters/1976/760711_bishambhar|Visvambhara, 11 July, 1976]]) *** 76-11 “This incident with the president of our Washington temple is not good. He can't even maintain one wife. Just see how lusty he is. Now he'll dare to take another. Anyway he cannot live in the temple. If he wants two wives it must be done outside. He should maintain his family by working and give 50% to the temple. ==He may not live off temple funds. Temple president is generally meant for sannyasi, but a grhastha may be if he is restrained. It is not good if he remains as president.”== ([[letters/1976/761108_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 8 November, 1976]]) *** 76-12 ** ==“Yes, the management must be very first-class. If required we can keep some paid men. Amateur management is not always efficient. I approve of your ideas for management. We shall get it passed by resolution meeting. I like the ideas.”== ([[letters/1976/761223_jayasacinandana|Surabhi, 23 December, 1976]]) ==77-02 “The tendency you report of the householders living at the expense of others in our society, is not good. One way to earn money is by selling books, they can be given a salary or commission. But if you say that they do not want to do that, yes, they should do some honest work. As an overall problem, this can be discussed by the entire GBC at Mayapur.”== ([[letters/1977/770201_harikesa|Harikesa Swami, 1 February, 1977]]) *** 77-04 ** ==“Yes, try to reduce the expenditures more and more. It is only with great difficulty upon all our book distributors that BBT gets its funds. So those who are responsible should be very frugal to see that not one penny is unnecessarily spent.”== ([[letters/1977/770406_gurukrpa|Radhaballabha dasa, 6 April, 1977]]) ## How to Keep Accounts ==67-04 “Krsna is dictating to you from within for nice management and I am very glad to have detailed statement of accounts.”== (SPL to Kīrtanānanda, April, 1967) *** 67-06 ==“I am in due receipt of your letter dated June, 12th, 1967 and I am glad that you are being assisted by an accountant friend. I quite appreciate your endeavor== **and I think the process suggested by your friend in keeping account will save much of your time. I'm glad that you are figuring trial balance every day. This is very nice. I shall be glad to see one of such trial balance-how you are doing.” ([[letters/1967/670614_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 14 June, 1967]]) *** 69-02 ** ==“It is very nice that you have already filled an application to be a company, and the office bearers mentioned there is all right. So I shall be glad to know when you open a bank account. You can register three signatures, and out of the three, two have to sign.”== ([[letters/1969/690217_mukunda|Mukunda, 17 February, 1969]]) *** 69-02 “Regarding your fraternal quarrel, these departmental management sometimes create such trouble. When I was in New York in the beginning of our activities there was no departmental management. The account was very clearly kept by Gargamuni, corroborated by regular vouchers. That is the true system of keeping accounts. Now whatever is done is done. I am glad to know that Subala is making good show of business and responsibility, and ==he is supposed to keep quite accurate accounts of book keeping. So you can advise him to follow the system of vouchers. That is the perfect system of account.”== ([[letters/1969/690220_rayarama|Rayarama, 20 February, 1969]]) *** 69-05 * * ==“Regarding your question about keeping daily income and expenditure records I am enclosing a brief lesson in how to do this.== * * There are 2 things in accounting: one thing is I am receiving some amount and the other thing is I am paying some amount. The paying or receiving will come under certain account. Whatever I receive is put under debtor column. Debtor means receiver and the particular begins with the word, ’To.’ Whatever I am paying is entered into the creditor column. Creditor means payer. In this way, after the whole day's transactions you make a total of the debtor column and creditor column and if there is any balance, it is adjusted by the words, ’Balance Carried Forward.’ This balance is entered in the creditor column. So we have to see that the amount in the debtor column and the amount in the creditor column is equal. This is called a correct account. Next day you begin with, ’To Balance BF.’ That means whatever balance you had the day before you put in the debtor column with particulars, ’To Balance BF.’ Then begin your transactions as in the previous day. This is the system of keeping an account in general. For the time being, keep your account in that way, and later on, as you inquire, I will let you know more about how to keep books.” ([[letters/1969/690508_upendra|Krsna dasa, 8 May, 1969]]) *** 70-01 ==“I am glad that you are also looking after the accounts department.” ([[letters/1970/700129_ksirodakasayi|Ksirodakasayi, 29 January, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “I am very glad to know that your sales of literature and our books are very good and improving more. It is natural that such distribution of literatures should increase as the people hear more about Krsna consciousness movement, so distribution of our books and literature is our major propaganda program. ==But Gargamuni informs me that the payments for Back to Godheads and book sales are not being sent. So the best thing will be to keep daily count of your stock and how many magazines and books sold.== * * Then, regularly, on Sunday of each week, the sales proceeds may be totaled for issuing a check to the amount owed to my * book fund * and to the * Back to Godhead* accounts. Then on each Monday the check may be sent to Los Angeles. So you do this regularly and it will be very nice.” (SPL to Rupanuga, Sridhama, Citsukhananda, Jagadisa, Tulasi dasa, 29th June, 1970) 70-07 ==“I am very glad to know that you are keeping your accounts up to date with Back to Godhead and the book fund. This is good and proper management. So you continue to keep these accounts weekly.”== ([[letters/1970/700715_upendra|Bali Mardan, 15 July, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “But Gargamuni informs me that the payments from *Back to Godheads* and book sales are not being sent. So the best thing will be to keep a daily count of your stock and how many magazines and books sold. Then, ==regularly, on Sunday of each week the sales proceeds may be totaled for issuing a check to the amount owed to my book fund and to the Back to Godhead accounts.== **Then on each Monday the check may be sent to Los Angeles. So you do this regularly and it will be very nice.” (SPL to Damodara, July 1st, 1970) 70-09 “RESOLVED A meeting of the president, secretary, treasurer and Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness, Calcutta Branch, at 37/1 Hindusthan Road was held, and it is passed by resolution that a local account be opened with the Central Bank of India, Ballygunge Branch. In the meeting the following gentlemen were present: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Founder-acarya Tamala Krsna dasa Adhikari-President Acyutananda Swami-Secretary Jayapataka Swami-Treasurer Out of the four, checks will be signed by any two. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Founder-Acarya” (SPL to The Central Bank of India, Calcutta, 29th September, 1970) 71-01 “I have studied your method for care of funds, etc. So far as filling out forms is concerned, that is too much botheration. No one should require money but simply you should see to it that the goods required are supplied. In materialistic calculation they think all these things are necessary, but in spiritual life it is not required. Things should be done as simply as possible. Presently Karandhara is seeing to ==keeping our books so that they meet with government standards.== **You can correspond with him in that regard.” (SPL to Sri Govinda, January 21st, 1971) 71-02 * * ==“I’m so glad to learn that a scientific book keeping system is being introduced in our different centers. If possible, some instruction may be sent here in Bombay for this scientific book keeping system.== * * Here in India, although they are trying their best, still it is not satisfactory. Perfect accounts means every information regarding financial and stock situation must be ready for immediate reference and not a single farthing should be wasted.” (SPL to Rupanuga, February 19th, 1971) 71-03 ** ==“Book-keeping is the most important item. As you are growing in stature, our accounting system should become very perfect. We have to publish now a short statement of accounts. As we increase our life membership number, we must submit our audited accounts and that will convince the public of our stability.”== (SPL to Karandhara, March 18th, 1971) 71-05 * * ==“Temple accounts operated jointly.”== * * “At a meeting of the executive officers of the International Society for Krsna consciousness, held yesterday the 25th May, 1971 at their office at 3a, Albert Road, Calcutta-17, the following was agreed. An account would be opened under the name INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS BUILDING FUND and that it would be operated jointly by the *Founder-Acarya* A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami and the Zonal Secretary for India Tamala Krsna dasa Adhikari. Cheques will be signed by both jointly. The account would be a current account, with the Central Bank of India, Camac Street Branch. Those present at the meeting were: A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami - *Founder-Acarya.* Tamala Krsna dasa Adhikari - *Zonal Secretary for India* Jayapataka Swami Hamsaduta dasa Adhikari Bali Mardan dasa Adhikari Gurudasa Adhikari Yours faithfully, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya” (SPL to Central Bank of India, May 26th, 1971) 71-07 “So far account keeping is concerned, are you taking assistance of a professional accountant? At the end of one year you will have to make a balance sheet and trial balance. That takes good experience. Tamala is going to audit the accounts by somebody else, but how can they be audited in the absence of a trial balance? So if you have actually made a trial balance and balance sheet please send me a copy before it is audited. On the whole our ==account should be kept very nicely because we are dealing with the public's money.”== (SPL to Jayapataka Maharaja, July 28th, 1971) 71-08 “There will be many discrepancies in the trial balance if books are not kept properly. ==Trial balance means to test how the accounts are kept scientifically.== **So if the accounts are not kept properly but haphazardly there will never be a correct trial balance. To present a correct trial balance means to correct the whole past accounting system.... And who has been appointed treasurer and secretary? The president, secretary and treasurer elected by the members of the center cannot be changed at least for one year; better to continue it for three years. All combined together should be responsible for keeping correct accounts. Giriraja is responsible and he should be made the treasurer. You should remain as president and Acyutananda Swami as secretary. So make arrangements in that way.” (SPL to Jayapataka Maharaja, August 24th, 1971) 71-09 “Both in Calcutta and in Bombay there is discrepancy in accounts. You wanted to check them by auditors but so far I know the auditors will not pass any account not supported by regular vouchers. ==For all expenditures there must be regular vouchers.== Here last night I was talking with one Mr. Patel at whose house we are staying now. He said that even for traveling expenses, the auditor requires vouchers in which the taxi cab number is also required to be mentioned. The auditor does not accept any expenditure without proper voucher. If the expenditure is not supported by proper voucher, the amount is debited to the personal account.” (SPL to Tamala Krsna, September 26th, 1971) 71-10 ** ==“I am in due receipt of your statement of account and similarly every branch of our society should make a periodical trial balance and balance sheet. You can advise to all the branches that such accounts should be kept very nicely so that the public may know that we are very clear in our dealings.”== (SPL to Karandhara, October 9th, 1971) 71-10 ==“So far the accounts are concerned, it is a very important item. I am so glad to learn that you are taking assistance from a chartered accountant. We are a registered limited establishment. Accounts must be submitted yearly to the companies registrar.”== (SPL to Dayananda and Nandarani, October 13th, 1971) 71-10 “You have written to say that the accounts are being kept by our men in India not in a very proper way. That I admit because most of them were not accountants previously, neither they were very much responsible to their family or country. Somehow or other on account of their previous pious activities, they have come to Krsna consciousness. So we should very sympathetically treat amongst ourselves so that our missionary activities may go on without being hampered. You are experienced in business dealings as well as accounting, so I am confident that by your introduction of system of accounting and business sight dealings will be very much helpful, and in all our branches in India they will follow the system and the whole mess that is already done will be cleared up. My only point is that ==we are dealing with the public. They are paying us money and we should handle them so carefully so that they may think of us as spotless.”== (SPL to Ksirodakasayi, October 16th, 1971) 72-01 ** ==“For petty expenses, not exceeding Rs. 200/- may be kept with you always and everything should be accounted for with vouchers. No such items should be mentioned as ’miscellaneous’. Anyone who takes money personally for miscellaneous expenditures must sign a voucher—this is accounting.”== (SPL to Ksirodakasayi, January 19th, 1972) 72-03 ** ==“I am very much encouraged by your increase in literature distribution for Canada zone, and I can understand that you are very methodical and careful to keep proper accounts. That is a very good qualification for manager.”== (SPL to Jagadisa, May 14th, 1972) 72-08 “Regarding your debt to the book fund and *Back to Godhead* fund and incense from ’Spiritual Sky,’ these debts must be paid, that is important business. ==Along with our preaching and propaganda work, we must also give attention to financial matters, otherwise the whole thing will collapse and it will be a farce.== **If there is good financial standing it is understood that Laksmi is favorable because her husband Narayana is being served nicely. If Laksmi is unfavorable, then we must increase our preaching efforts, and strive for pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (SPL to Damodara, August 6th, 1972) 72-10 ** ==“Concerning your request for money for Hindi and Gujarati Back to Godhead's where is the money collected from the first editions? For any magazine published money should be collected and then republished. Accounts should be kept—money invested, money collected. What is this that every time money is invested, then for a reprinting, more money has to be invested?”== ([[letters/1972/721013_yadubara|Yadubara, 13 October, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I have heard from Syamasundara that there may be some difficulty with tax. That must be corrected. We are a world-wide organization, and we must have the cooperation of the government authorities, so we shall not create any unnecessary misunderstandings by avoiding government requirements. That will not be good for our movement. Of course, Lord Caitanya led civil disobedience movement against the government because they used show of force to stop Him performing *sankirtana* movement. So if there is forcing us to stop this *sankirtana* movement, that much we must protest. But the government of your country is very nice, I think the best in the world at the present moment, and they have not made any objection, even they are allowing our boys as ministers to be given relief from this drafting system. ==So we shall give them all cooperation. Now that requires proper accounts in all our temples.”== (SPL to Karandhara, 3rd December,* 1972) 74-01 ** ==“It is very important that the accounts be kept very clear so that we retain our income tax exemption. So continue to engage Manasvi and competent men so that everything is recorded very clearly.”== ([[letters/1974/740111_nadia|Tamala Krsna Maharaja, 11 January, 1974]]) *** 74-02 ** ==“Please see that accounts are kept carefully, not that money is taken for whimsical expenditure. Be vigilant. Syamasundara has made a scandal by taking money of the society's and investing it in business. This kind of thing should be carefully watched. I am still awaiting repayment from Syamasundara.”== ([[letters/1974/740201_madhavananda|Madhavananda, 1 February, 1974]]) *** 75-01 ==“I think your idea about having professional men do our accounting in order to assure good accounting, is a good proposal. Regarding your other points, you must discuss these things with Hamsaduta.”== ([[letters/1975/750116_m.v._sita_ramalai|Puranjana dasa, 16 January, 1975]]) *** 75-06 ** ==“Yes, the accounts must be kept very carefully. The book inventory must be recorded, and what is collected and what is spent must be there.”== ([[letters/1975/750621_gurukrpa|Gopala Krsna, 21 June, 1975]]) *** 75-10 ==“Do the accounts under Mr. Vyas’ instruction. They must not remain loose. Accounting is simple, receipts and expenditures. Why complicated? From all centers receipts and expenditures should be taken and everything properly adjusted in the Bombay center. Do it nicely.”== ([[letters/1975/751022_tulsi|Giriraja dasa, 22 October, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ==“I have received the weekly cash reports. It is very good that you have the same treasury system and reporting system in all your temples. This is wanted. Please keep the accounts very correctly so that we may remain always above suspicion.”== ([[letters/1975/751114_sri_v._s._murthy|Bhagavan dasa, 14 November, 1975]]) *** 76-03 * * ==“The daily collections from the temple should be counted before three persons together. The accountant has nothing to do with these things. He simply notes down the figure in the books. This is how it should be done.== * * Yes, the collections will increase as people come more and more. The temple should become self-sufficient, that is wanted. However, see that stealing is stopped. I am doubtful that things are being stolen, otherwise how is the expenditure so high.” (SPL to Haihaya dasa, Vrndavana, 29th May, 1976) 76-12 ** ==“Yes, the accounts must be kept very clearly. Then everyone will be pleased with us. Not a single farthing should be wasted. That will be our credit.”== ([[letters/1976/761210_vicitravirya|Vicitravirya dasa, 10 December, 1976]]) ## How to Manage a Temple 68-03 “With reference to Gaurasundara’s letter, ’I am being overloaded with mail lately,’ it is not meant for you. I must have sufficient correspondence with the main pillars of the Society. You are one of them so you are at liberty to write me as many letters as it is required. ==Sometimes I receive many letters from devotees with questions which could be solved in Istagosthi meetings.”== ([[letters/1968/680303_rayarama|Rayarama, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ==“I am always so pleased to see how nicely the Istagosthi meetings are being carried on, so I am always anticipating your letters along with Istagosthi reports. Thank you very much.”== ([[letters/1968/680322_balai|Balai, 22 March, 1968]]) *** 68-04 ==“I am so glad to learn that he is taking part in Istagosthi. His answers are very much intelligent. I have fixed up date for going to New York on the 17th.”== ([[letters/1968/680402_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 2 April, 1968]]) *** 68-09 “Now my plan is that personally I shall try to retire from active participation, but I want a place where I can live with at least 15 devotees engaged in editorial work, photographic work, recording work, painting work, etc., so that I may prepare materials for the preaching party who will go with all these paraphernalia and preach Krsna consciousness all over the world. If you think that you can help me in this respect then it may be I can make Hollywood as my headquarters. In the meantime, I have received letter from Hawaii, and it appears a good center can be opened there. ==So let us organize all the centers which are already opened. And until we are fully organized, all these places are fully organized, we shall not make any more attempts.”== ([[letters/1968/680927_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 27 September, 1968]]) *** 68-12 ** ==“Both you and Aniruddha are sincere devotees with good talents, so anything you do by combined consultation has my 100% approval.”== (SPL to Cidananda, December 24th, 1968) 69-02 ** ==“I think you should make the board of management for your center as follows: President-Sivananda dasa Brahmacari, Treasurer and Secretary-Krsna dasa Brahmacari, Editor of German Back to Godhead-Uttama Sloka, Superintendent of press-Jaya Govinda dasa Brahmacari.”== ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Sivananda, 13 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 ==“So far the living arrangement is concerned, the grhasthas should be given chance to live together as husband and wife. If not, then all the girls can stay in a place and all the boys can stay in a place, if there is not sufficient space. 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]]) *** 69-04 “I am glad to learn that you are trying to work out things with Hayagriva. I have advised him that he may come also as co-editor. In your previous letter you wanted that the final words in the management of *Back to Godhead* will rest on one person, either on you or Hayagriva. ==I think that for management it is better to have two heads than one.== **But even there will be two heads, I still wish that you shall continue as the managing editor as you are doing now. Naturally, the final decisions will rest upon you. And if there is actually any controversy, I think there will not be, then I am always at your service.” ([[letters/1969/690402_rayarama|Rayarama, 2 April, 1969]]) *** 69-05 “If all problems come to me, even personal problems, then it becomes a heavy task for me. I received your letter, full of problems; Rayarama’s, full of problems; Gargamuni’s, full of problems and similarly, ISKCON media’s full of problems. ==If everyone’s problems are sent to me then who will solve my problems?== **I have divided these departments to solve the problems but if in the end they are all sent to me and I have to tackle, then just imagine what is my position. The best thing would be to stop all activities and simply chant Hare Krsna.” ([[letters/1969/690515_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 15 May, 1969]]) *** 69-07 ** ==“I understand from a letter from Gurudasa that you have elections for officers for your temple, and the men filling the posts are all very well suited for their positions. Now all of you please make quickly the march towards the goal of Krsna consciousness movement being very successful.”== ([[letters/1969/690728_mukunda|Mukunda, 28 July, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “I was very much anxious to receive your letter, but I did not know that you stopped writing me on account of the memo issued a few days ago. The memo was circulated just to minimize correspondence in minor affairs. ==I think in ordinary administration the presidents of the different centers may consult amongst themselves and make certain general procedures by mutual agreement.== * * But when there is some more important factor, that must be referred to me. I did not mean by the memo that you shall stop correspondence. If you understood like that, then I say that you can send me every day one letter, and it will be welcome. We are now growing in size, therefore, for general administration if you will act conjointly amongst the presidents that will be a great relief for me. Besides that, you are doing editorial work of my books so you have to correspond directly with me. I never meant that about editorial work also being referred to Brahmananda.” (SPL to Satsvarupa, 19th August,* 1969) 69-08 ** ==“Tell Brahmananda that press at New Vrndavana is most impractical at the present moment, because there is transport difficulty. For the time being first of all organize the Boston center very nicely and then we shall divert our attention elsewhere. We cannot diffuse our attention in many things all at a time.”== ([[letters/1969/690819_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 19 August, 1969]]) *** 69-10 “Similarly, you should decide about what is to be done with the North Carolina center. I have no objection if they move to some other place. Perhaps they will require some other nicely trained *brahmacari* to give them assistance either in North Carolina or some other place. So decide amongst yourselves what is to be done and do the needful. This is management. ==You have asked about the management of our society, and the position is that management should be done in such a way that people may not break away. That is the first business of management.== **I have already explained the matter to you and Tamala, so you do it consulting amongst yourselves, gradually coming to the general governing body for managing the whole affairs. At the present moment whatever you are doing is all right.” ([[letters/1969/691027_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 27 October, 1969]]) *** 70-02 * * ==“The management of our different centers is made by three officers, namely a president, treasurer and a secretary. They have got separate banking accounts in each centers. The checks are signed by two officers out of three.== Although in each banking account my name is there as * acarya* and when I am in a center sometimes I sign the checks, still, usually I do not. I try to keep myself aloof from business transactions; but as far as publication is concerned, I manage the book fund personally. So our centers are managed financially by selling the books and magazines and by accepting some voluntary contributions from the public. Sometimes we manufacture incense and the visitors gladly purchase it. In this way we manage the financial affairs of our society. In London, however we get some income by sales of ’Hare Krsna Mantra’ record and similarly, in the USA we get some income by selling ’Govinda’ records and other similar records. From London the ’Hare Krsna Mantra’ record has world wide sales. This is managed by Mr. George Harrison, the famous English musician who is my uninitiated devotee. This boy has paid me recently $19,000 for publishing my *Krsna* book. The whole amount will be required for publishing the book in Japan.” ([[letters/1970/700205_hanuman_prasad_poddar|Hanuman Prasad Poddar, 5 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 * * ==“When Brahmananda came here, I discussed with him that we have now opened so many branches and they should be properly maintained.== * * As I am personally here in Los Angeles, and because Krsna has now given us a very nice church, it will be possible for me to look after the business here to be the ideal for other centers. The church building is very excellent. I am sending herewith two pictures. We have already paid the advance money, $50,000, out of $225,000. Your contribution is very much welcome.” ([[letters/1970/700329_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 29 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 ** ==“My students who are so kindly cooperating with me, if they rigidly stick to the routine work chalked out by me, namely chanting the prescribed rounds, observing the regulative principles, attending temple lectures and going out with sankirtana party, then without fail our movement will go ahead.”== ([[letters/1970/700414_madhudvisa|Madhudvisa, 14 April, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “I hope your arrangements for Ratha-yatra festival are going on and Yamuna devi is taking nice care of the Deities. I can understand from the record album that your devotional feelings have improved. So keep this standard intact. In India the *Kalyana* magazine has published a nice description of our movement and they have very much appreciated about my regulative principles. ==So keep this standard rigidly intact so the== Indians may not be able to criticize in the matter of managing our temples.== **I am sure if you simply follow the instructions I have already given there will be no difficulty.” ([[letters/1970/700604_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 4 June, 1970]]) *** 70-07 ** ==“If you and Tamala both are present at the opening of a new center that will be nice. Or you may follow your other plan, but however you do it, do it jointly by combined consultation. If you do it jointly in this way you will get strength to decide the right thing. Another thing is that before opening a branch we must have able men also to conduct, otherwise how we can open branches?”== (SPL to Hamsaduta, July 11th, 1970) 70-07 ** ==“Up to date, actually I am the only superior controller, but as the boys are getting experienced I shall very soon transfer the administration to them, simply keeping myself as an overseer guide.”== (SPL to Nevatiaji, July 16th, 1970) 70-07 ** ==“I understand that the new boy, Hari Vilasa, is very experienced, so if he is going to be president that is nice. We want a good administration—that is one side of our propaganda work.”== (SPL to Umapati, July 19th, 1970) 71-03 ** ==“So far as him taking over the management of Boston temple, that is all right. All department heads should train an assistant so that in their absence, work may not suffer but go on continuously.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, March 13th, 1971) ==71-07 “I am also glad to note that a meeting of all the presidents was held just recently in order to unify the temples. That is the process. Unless we work cooperatively, how this movement will go on? So my request to you all is that you maintain that spirit of cooperation always and help me to deliver Lord Caitanya’s message all over the globe.”== (SPL to Tribhuvanatha, July 17th, 1971) 71-07 “So far the chief guest is concerned, I have written Tamala that if Indira Gandhi or some nice donor is not available, then forget this function. I was in Calcutta when there was an attempt to post one literature in which it was falsely declared that Indira Gandhi was to perform the corner stone ceremony, and I objected. Everything should be done very carefully. ==We are increasing in volume and we have got some prestige. Nothing should be done irresponsibly.”== (SPL to Gurudasa, July 28th, 1971) 71-11 **==“Yes, preaching is more important than managing. Just because you are preaching nicely and distributing so much prasadam, the management will follow like a shadow and Krsna will send you no end of help.” (SPL to Satsvarupa, November 21st, 1971) 71-12 “Preaching is our real business, preaching and distributing books. ==If your preaching work is strong, then your management of temple affairs will also become automatically very strong== *.* Just like if the head wills it, the hand will move. Preaching is like the head of our Krsna consciousness Societyif the head is removed, the whole body dies. Managing is the hands, which work nicely if the head is healthy. If the hands are removed, the body will not die, but it will be crippled. So preaching is more important than management, but both must be there if the whole body is to operate nicely.” (SPL to Patita Uddharana, December 8th, 1971) 71-12 “I am very glad to hear that a new devotee has given $6,500 to your temple. A similar report has just come from Hamsaduta in Hamburg, Germany. So it is a very good sign that people are coming and of their own accord giving everything, that is the proof of your powerful preaching work. If we simply remain pure and become very convinced of this Krsna philosophy, and sane man will agree with us when we speak. ==And if we are determined to please Krsna with our routine work despite all kinds of economic handicaps, He will provide all relief. Just see. If preaching is strong, management will be strong. That is the rule.”== (SPL to Damodara, December 3rd, 1971) 72-02 “My only point is that simultaneously we must increase our literature production and build Mayapur temple. But it is not that we have to stop everything else for one thing. ==The art of managing is to do all things at once in a nice manner== *,* and the guiding principle is to do whatever is practical for preaching Krsna consciousness and at the same time maintaining our high standards of routine Krsna conscious practices for making ourselves progress on the spiritual path.” (SPL to Rudra dasa and Radhika devi dasa, February 20th, 1972) 72-05 * * ==“Simply become more concerned with increasing the spiritual content of our lives, and in this way all other problems like management will be easily solved,== * * not that they can be solved by making some legal formula and having big, big meeting and talks. The politicians have been holding such meetings and talks for some time now and the world is no better place for it, and they have only made things worse. We should not follow their example.” (SPL to Jagadisa, May 2nd, 1972) ==72-05 “So far your concern about management, the solution is to be always thinking of Krsna and the spiritual master, then maya cannot touch you. If you very strictly follow the regulative principles and chant sixteen rounds minimum, there is no question of ever falling down. Krsna has given you very nice facility there, so you continue to serve Him with great faith and enthusiasm, and He will give you all blessings.”== (SPL to Nityananda, May 5th, 1972) 72-05 “I have no objection to any of the points mentioned therein by you. Only thing is, ==we must try to avoid becoming too much overly organized like material businessmen.== **Our business is to ourselves become Krsna conscious, advance in spiritual life, and to preach to others how they can also take advantage and come to the perfectional stage of life. Too much business or paperwork, vouchers, plans, these things become too much cumbersome for our spiritual growth, they take us away from our real emphasis of work, namely, to go back to Home, back to Godhead. But I think your plan is not like that, so far I can see. It is practical and to the point. But now you must do it very nicely and complete it. Not that we make some plan, change things, then do not complete it, again change, this way, that way—no. There was some plan by Kesava to purchase a new San Francisco temple in a better part of the city. What happened to that plan?” (SPL to Jayananda, Trai, and Rsabhadeva, May 14th, 1972) 72-05 ** ==“I am very much encouraged by your increase in literature distribution for Canada zone, and I can understand that you are very methodical and careful to keep proper accounts. That is very good qualification for manager.”== (SPL to Jagadisa, May 14th, 1972) 72-06 “ ==Now I understand that Ksirodakasayi is going to London soon so in his absence you shall be the president. And I think if Tejyas is there, that he can be treasurer, or I have heard that Vaikuntanatha is there, so if it is better arrangement, then he can be treasurer and your wife Yamuna devi, may act as secretary.”== (SPL to Gurudasa, June 12th, 1972) ==72-11 “Your question about travelling SKP parties in other zones== I **have answered several times before, so you may see the letters to Dhananjaya in London and others. The thing is, our main business is to distribute books, either here or there it doesn’t matter. So if there is transcendental competition for increasing sale of books, that is good. If he buys one book his life may be turned, that is best preaching work. But everything must be done in the spirit of cooperation, without any irritation. ==If one party wants to travel into another zone, that’s all right, but there must be prior agreement between the GBC men and mutual consent.== If by going there the book sales will be increased, what is the alarm? But supposing if there is any harm, that is to be judged by the local president, and if he has good reason to think that another party will be unfavorable to his temple’s operations, then he may order them to leave, that’s all. So local temple officers should be the final judge to allow or disallow anyone from outside to sell books there. And if some outside party comes, they must sell books only, no collecting without selling books. They must live in the local temple and not separately, and they must follow faithfully the instructions and directions of the local president. They can purchase books from the temple at regular wholesale price and sell, and whatever profit there is above wholesale price they must give at least 50% to the local temple out of good will. That will be nice. So we shall not think that this is my zone, that is his zone, just like the Indian and Pakistan nation are thinking, and then there is war, no. Lord Caitanya has given us the task to spread His message all over the world, and any process which may be useful for facilitating this business, that we shall gladly adopt, never mind his zone or my zone, that is material designation. But we shall always do everything in cooperative spirit and avoid any fighting amongst us, that is Vaisnava attitude because Lord Caitanya has advised us to always offer all respects to others, especially to the devotees of the Lord.” ([[letters/1972/721118_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 18 November, 1972]]) *** 73-01 “I am so glad to hear that you are re-opening the Baltimore temple and that you are prepared to stay there your life long for developing it to the highest standard. Yes, I was little disturbed to hear that we had closed down the Baltimore temple before. Baltimore is a very important city of your country and we must maintain our center there at all costs. I can understand by your letter that you are both very serious and sincere devotees of Krsna, husband and wife, so I think that you will have no difficulty in performing your duties there. First business will be to preach widely throughout the city and distribute our books and Krsna consciousness propaganda. In this way, try to recruit some local men to help you. You are only two persons, therefore big temple with Deity worship and so many other things will be impossible to maintain. Therefore if you get a place, simply hold our standard program of *Kirtana* morning and evening, with class, inviting friends and other people that you meet. In this way develop the thing gradually, we are not in very much hurry to get big, big house and very comfortable position, no. Our first and foremost business is to spread Krsna consciousness. ==So== utilize every opportunity that Krsna gives you for preaching His message, that is real meaning of temple management.”== ([[letters/1973/730104_sama_sammita|Sama and Samita dasi, 4 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 “I am very pleased that you have acquired some more cows. In Mayapur also we have some cows now. So you are the manager there, and in cooperation with the GBC men it is up to you to ==see that everything is developed very, very nicely and that all the land is utilized properly,== **not that it is sitting going to waste. So once you are utilizing everything very nice, then you may increase more and more as you like. So consult with the GBC and you may decide whether it is worthwhile to purchase more land at this time.” ([[letters/1973/730128_palika|Kīrtanānanda, 28 January, 1973]]) *** 73-02 “If anyone strictly follows the regulative principles of Krsna consciousness then he will always remain enthusiastic and dynamic. ==So== if there are any defects within our Society it is only the symptom that the instructions of the spiritual master are being neglected.== **Follow my instructions strictly and always think for giving this gift of Krsna consciousness wherever you go and to whomever you meet, this is the advice of Lord Caitanya.” ([[letters/1973/730210_karandhara|Karandhara, 10 February, 1973]]) *** 73-07 “Regarding incorporation of our ISKCON centers, we want to run all our centers as non-profit religious organizations; that is the main point. Keeping this point in view ==too much official control is not good in spiritual life.== The centers should remain spiritually fit and independent. Some control must be there as is now. Too much control means so many vouchers. Gradually it will become a mundane institution. All our managers should be spiritually advanced Simply and honest in carrying out the orders of the spiritual master and Krsna. That will be a nice standard. Democracy in spiritual affairs is not at all good but breeds power politics. We should be careful about power politics. Our only aim should be that each and every devotee is full dedicated to Krsna, then things will go nicely.” ([[letters/1973/730719_karandhara|Karandhara, 19 July, 1973]]) *** 73-11 “As far as your *grhastha* community committee, I have no objection as it has the approval of Karandhara Prabhu and he is there for you all to take advice from. ==One== thing is though that we should not take such meetings and committees too seriously, as in the ultimate capacity our chanting is the only thing that will save us.== However, if sometimes devotees should like to come together and chant Hare Krsna and discuss, just as we instituted our *Istagosthi* program, then this of course I have no objection to.” ([[letters/1973/731126_umapati|Umapati, 26 November, 1973]]) *** 74-04 ==“You must work hard to absolve the debts you have massed so we will not lose our standing there. If everyone is strictly chanting at least sixteen rounds daily and reading the books and observing the regulative principles then management will be at our finger’s end, and there will be no difficulty in maintaining Krsna consciousness.”== ([[letters/1974/740407_puranjana|Puranjana, 7 April, 1974]]) *** 74-05 “I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude for the kind treatment given me and my disciples, members of the Hare Krsna movement on our recent two day visit in Tirumala. The special access we were given for *darsana* before Balaji is something we will always remember favorably, and for my American and European followers it was a rarely given privilege for which they are fully appreciative. ==We== all left Tirupati feeling very much inspired by the darsana and by your excellent management, and we hope to return when we are able again.== If there is any land available, either for purchase or donation, we would be interested in constructing a cottage for the exclusive use of members of our Society when they make pilgrimage to Tirupati. Please advise us on the availability of such land. Again thanking you for your excellent hospitality.” (SPL to The Management, Tirupati-Tirumala-Devasthanam, 4th May, 1974) 74-08 ** ==“Regarding the art of management, constant changing is not good. Even if there is some fault in management it should be corrected not changed. Besides that, Vaisnava philosophy is that everyone is addressed as Prabhu, or master. Everyone should consider himself the servant of the other, that will make management very nice.”== (SPL to Batu Gopala dasa, August 16th, 1974) 74-09 ** ==“So by Krsna’s grace you are becoming a good manager. So stick to Krsna’s service and He will give you more and more intelligence and more and more managing power. Krsna will be happy and you will also be happy.”== ([[letters/1974/740914_jayatirtha|Ramesvara dasa, 14 September, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “This whole institution was started single-handedly without any capital. I went to your country with only Rs. 40/- and 200 sets of books. So if we take the capital of the whole business, it was the books and the Rs. 40/-. The Rs. 40/- was not even touched because Indian rupees currency could not be spent in your country. In 1967 when I came back to India the Rs. 40/- was paid for the taxi cab. The 200 sets of books was sold, and I was maintaining myself with great difficulty. Now by the grace of Krsna, book sales have increased tremendously, and whatever money we are spending it is from the book sales; or whatever money is also being squandered that is also from the book sales. Now by the grace of Krsna we have got sufficient properties all over the world, so there cannot be any diplomacy or conspiracy by any sane man. All these properties and opulences, whatever we have got, this will not go with me when I go away from this world. It will remain here. I am training some of my experienced disciples how to manage after my departure. So if instead of taking the training, if in my lifetime you people say I am the Lord of all I survey, that is dangerous conspiracy. As alleged by you I have received complaints against Bali Mardan and his wife, so seriously, and so much so, that the girl has declared that Bali Mardan is an incarnation of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on my name. In India some of the important members they have collected huge amounts in the name of the Society and spent it luxuriously. I wanted you ==all my experienced disciples should manage the whole institution very cleverly without any personal ambition== **like ordinary materialistic men. The Gaudiya Matha institution has become smashed, at least stopped its program of preaching work on account of personal ambitions. So whatever is done is done. I shall request you all not to be personally ambitious. I shall do everything in my power to fulfill your personal ambitions, but that will be done in due course of time when you are fully trained up and following the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds.” ([[letters/1974/741007_gargamuni_swami|Karandhara dasa, 7 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 * * ==“Any discrepancy, that can be corrected. A change of management that is not good. All faults shall be corrected.== * * You are already trained up man. Do not worry. Jayatirtha Prabhu is here, and I have advised him in this connection that the three of you: him, Jagadisa, and yourself, chalk out a program. So do not worry. You three men change the discrepancies. Why Jagadisa’s wife should interfere? We must run the Society on cooperation. Whatever is done, is done. You are all experienced men, and I have confidence that everything can be corrected.” ([[letters/1974/741011_tejiyas|Sri Govinda dasa, 11 October, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “There have been many letters coming from different quarters regarding the election; therefore I have called for a re-election in the presence of all members and two GBC men. You can have a written ballot, and whoever receives the majority vote, he shall be the president. ==You are right that politics should be avoided. In my personal life I did not participate in the political diplomacy of my godbrothers.== ** ==I was simply thinking how to fulfill the order of my Guru Maharaja.== He gave me his blessings, and I was saved from any implication. Now I am trying to carry out his instructions strictly, and it has come out successful.” ([[letters/1974/741018_giriraja|Gangamayi devi dasi, 18 October, 1974]]) *** 74-11 ** ==“All my disciples they are good boys, intelligent, and hard working. I pray to Krsna that you all may use your intelligence for Krsna’s service and not for any personal ambition. We have worked very hard and established a great institution, but if we think for our personal benefit then it will become ruined. This is my only concern.”== ([[letters/1974/741101_cyavana|Cyavana Swami, 1 November, 1974]]) *** 74-11 “Regarding the charitable dispensary, I am not very much enthusiastic for this enterprise because nowadays to keep a proper dispensary pushing on requires much attention and money also. I have heard from the authorities of the Ramakrishna Mission that their charitable dispensaries of hospitals are mostly run by paid men, as formally no intelligent medical practitioner was joining them to run it on. Therefore I may suggest that if you are really inclined to retire, you are welcome to live with us. We have got three very nice places in India—Bombay, Vrndavana, and Mayapur. We have spent many lakhs of rupees for constructing these centers, and if you live with us in anyone of them, you are welcome. You can live with your good wife as *vanaprastha* and when you decide to do so, we may maintain a small dispensary for taking care of our own men. But for the general public ==opening a charitable dispensary is not in our program at least for the time being.”== ([[letters/1974/741117_agent_central_bank_of_india|Dr. Ghosh, 17 November, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “So you are all intelligent boys, so you should judge the desire of my Guru Maharaja and help me in that way. ==Regarding the temple management, one man can be left behind, while the others go out, to take care of the Deity. And, you can come home at night and take prasadam sumptuously.== * * Once eating sumptuously is enough to maintain body and soul together. In the day-time you make not take, and at night you can take. As a matter of fact, a devotee may take only once in a day either in the day or night, and whenever you eat, you must first offer. But I do not mean you should neglect temple life. Do not misunderstand this. But, one man can remain, and so far the other devotees are concerned, they can eat once in the day or night, after having * kirtana,* then six hours of sound sleep, and this will maintain their health properly.” ([[letters/1974/741206_sri_govinda|Sri Govinda dasa, 6 December, 1974]]) ==75-05 “I have already decided to make a trust board for Hare Krsna Land in which there will be twelve trustees. Out of them seven will be Indians and five will be foreigners.== Foreigners means, not only Americans, but members of the Commonwealth like England, New Zealand, Australia, etc. I have selected you also one of the trustees out of the Indians. I am reaching Bombay on the morning of the 5th instant, so kindly see me so that before leaving for Australia on the 6th I want to immediately make a document of trustees and get it signed by all concerned.” ([[letters/1975/750502_kartikeya_mahadevia|Kartikeya, 2 May, 1975]]) *** 75-06 “The Miami situation is a great discredit for us because we have made such a bad impression on the neighbors that they have had us kicked out. This is because of nasty management. Rupanuga was the GBC, and now you are, why it cannot be made clean? Abhirama has proved his poor management, so he must be replaced. If you sell the old buildings and buy some land as proposed, it may be very nice. One thing is though, ==if the management continues to be so nasty, then that place will also be ruined. Management must be done very nicely otherwise it is useless.”== ([[letters/1975/750604_pranava|Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, 4 June, 1975]]) *** 75-08 “The article on Marxism is very much appreciated. We can say all these big so-called philosophers are all simply *mudhas.* Perhaps I am the first to do it. Our philosophy is perfect, and we cannot be defeated by anyone. So it is up to you to learn it and be able to present it nicely. Now you have everything, respect, philosophy, money, temples, books, all these things I have given, but I am an old man and my notice is already there. Now it is up to you all how to manage it. ==If you cannot increase it, you should at least maintain what I have given you. You cannot accuse me that I have not given you anything. So it is a great responsibility you now have.”== ([[letters/1975/750826_ramesvara|Jagannatha Suta dasa, 26 August, 1975]]) *** 75-09 “I am in due receipt of your letter addressed to Rupanuga dasa dated September 16, 1975 and have noted the contents. Why is there this politics? This is not good. ==If politics come, then the preaching will be stopped. That is the difficulty. As soon as politics come, everything is spoiled.== **In the Gaudiya Matha the politics is still going on. My Guru Maharaja left in 1936, and now it is 1976, so after 40 years the litigation is still going on. Do not come to this.” ([[letters/1975/750930_arvind_shah|Gurukrpa Swami, 30 September, 1975]]) *** 75-10 ** ==“So far Kirtiraja is concerned, preaching is our first business and ordering is routine work. Anyone can learn and manage the ordering department, but preaching requires special qualification. So Kirtiraja if he is qualified for preaching he can be replaced for routine work of order execution.”== ([[letters/1975/751016_svarupa|Ramesvara dasa, 16 October, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“Regarding the topics of the Krsna book, this is Istagosthi. Istagosthi means discussion between ourselves but that should not be taken as a competition. It is not the subject matter for competition. It can be discussed in a small group of devotees. That is Istagosthi. This is better than competition.”== ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|Kīrtanānanda Swami, 10 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“If you produce milk, you should not drink milk very much. Rather you should save it and convert it into ghee and then sell it to the householders and centers and thus maintain your asrama. The excess quantity of ghee may be exchanged by trade. Kirtana is our first duty. The Deity worship should be simple and the eating should be as meager as possible.”== ([[letters/1975/751113_gargamuni|Palika devi dasi, 13 November, 1975]]) *** 76-05 “To whom it may concern, I have been informed by Upendra dasa in Fiji Island that ==he wrote one letter similar to the enclosed letter herein and that one month has passed without any reply. What kind of management is this? So these things should be rectified immediately.== **There is good scope for distributing Gujarati and Hindi books in Fiji, but if there is mismanagement then what can be done. Please reply this letter to Upendra dasa and other such inquiries at once upon receipt.” (SPL to Whom It May Concern, Bombay, 4th May, 1976) 76-10 “Your description of how you are managing is nice. This is management. The British government was conducting the management of 600 million people with just 200 Britishers. We cannot expect all foreigners to come and manage Mayapur affairs. ==The best management is to turn the local men into devotees. Make the management perfect in this way. Things should be developed in such a way, based on devotional service, that there may not be any racial feelings.== **This is Kaliyuga. Very easily racial feelings are awakened on the material platform, but on the spiritual platform there is no such thing.” ([[letters/1976/761023_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 23 October, 1976]]) *** 76-12 ** ==“Yes, the management must be very first-class. If required we can keep some paid men. Amateur management is not always efficient. I approve of your ideas for management. We shall get it passed by resolution meeting. I like the ideas.”== ([[letters/1976/761223_jayasacinandana|Surabhi, 23 December, 1976]]) ## Rules and Policies 67-05 ** ==“Any sitar player or tabla player or any other musician invited in the temple cannot play anything except Hare Krsna. Neither anyone can use the temple for musical demonstration. Such things are items for sense gratification. If someone comes in the temple to chant Hare Krsna by his musical talents, he is welcome otherwise not. Please follow this principle.”== (Mukunda, 13 May, 1976) *** 67-10 “The *brahmacarini asrama* is not yet started. You should not bother about it at the present moment. When the *brahmacarini asrama* is established then you should consider going. Most probably I will go to San Francisco directly from India. When I am there I shall see **if your presence is actually required there. In the meantime you can continue with your painting as usual and enjoy the spiritual life. In the scriptures it is said that the woman is just like fire and the man is like a butter pot. The butter melts in the pot while in contact with the fire. In your country association of man and woman is very common without restriction; thus the result is known to you better than I am able to explain. In spiritual life attraction of man and woman in the understanding of material body hampers very much, therefore some sort of restrictions are necessary to check this hampering problem. ==In spiritual life there is no allowance of association of man and woman without being married.”== ([[letters/1967/671026_jadurani|Jadurani, 26 October, 1967]]) *** 67-11 ** ==“Killing proposal is not good. We have to kill them with our argument and reasons not with sticks and weapons. Jadurani, I am very glad that you want to kill the non-devotees. You should however leave the matter to your good Godbrothers who will take care of it. I am pleased to learn of your spirit of protest but sometimes we have to tolerate.”== (SPL to Pradyumna, Satsvarupa, Jadurani, 21st Novembe, 1967) 68-04 ** ==“For dishes, best thing is everyone who is eating prasada should wash his plate. otherwise, one man has to do so many dishes. So even the guests should also wash their dishes, that is the system in the temple; not leave one man to do it.”== ([[letters/1968/680409_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 9 April, 1968]]) *** 68-06 * * ==“Brahmacaris and brahmacarinis can live in the temple provided there is separate arrangement. The restriction is there because if they live together there might be sex impulses agitated.== * * The whole principle is * * especially for the * brahmacaris * to avoid causes which may give impetus * * to the sex desire. But in your country it is difficult to make aloof the boys and girls because they are accustomed to mix together. So it is not possible for me to introduce this new system very strictly, because they are trained differently. Some way or other, if you are intelligent boy, you should make arrangement for the boys and girls to live separately; *brahmacaris* all at once place together, and the *brahmacarinis* all together at another place. We should always remember that sex life in spiritual advancement is great impediment. So keeping this point of view in front, we should intelligently manage things with great care. So that our aim of life may not be missed.” ([[letters/1968/680616_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 16 June, 1968]]) *** 69-03 ==“So far the living arrangement is concerned, the grhasthas should be given chance to live together as husband and wife. If not, then all the girls can stay in a place and all the boys can stay in a place, if there is not sufficient space. 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]]) *** 69-08 * * ==“Our policy should be to keep members as much as possible. We should not flatly say== * ,* ’You must leave.’ That is not our policy. If he comes to Los Angeles to see me, I shall speak with him to find out what is his difficulty.” ([[letters/1969/690812_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 12 August, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “Regarding the persons who have been ’throwing the I Ching,’ this cannot go on in our temples of Krsna consciousness. This is to be considered as gambling, and it must be strictly prohibited. So if these boys will come to Los Angeles to follow the discipline as it is practiced here, that will be the best thing. Otherwise, they may not cause this disturbance in our temples. So both of these boys, whoever they are, should come immediately to Los Angeles to be trained up nicely in Krsna consciousness. ==Unless one agrees to follow all of our principles, he may not be allowed to live in the temple. This must be our policy.”== ([[letters/1969/690816_upendra|Upendra, 16 August, 1969]]) *** 69-09 “I am very much concerned why___is not complying to the principles of the temple. ==The first thing is that nobody should enter my room for any other purpose except cleansing. Nobody can stay there or sleep there or anything.== **If she wants to worship Krsna in her own way, she must find an apartment outside the temple. She does not belong to the Vaisnava principles, therefore we cannot approve her Deity worship within the temple. Her example may be followed by others, therefore it must be stopped immediately.” ([[letters/1969/690908_gargamuni|Tamala Krsna, 8 September, 1969]]) *** 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, without being attracted by the result-should be followed by us.” ([[letters/1970/700307_trivikrama|Trivikrama, 7 March, 1970]]) *** 70-09 * * ==“I think Krsna is giving you good intelligence to manage everything in Paris. Everyone should be kept fully engaged one hundred per cent of the time in Krsna’s service without a vacant moment so that maya will never have a chance to act.== * * It does not matter what one’s engagement in Krsna’s service may be; Krsna accepts equally the service given to Him by a little calf and that given by Srimati Radharani So we should all be very much appreciative of our Godbrothers’ and Godsisters’ service.” (SPL to Hari Vilasa, September 21st, 1970) 71-04 “Now there are so many devotees there in Philadelphia. Please take care of them. ==Teach them how to remain neat and clean. They should be engaged always in cleansing the temple. Cleansing is urgently required.== **As far as possible, non-initiated devotees may not enter the kitchen or Deity area. They can help from outside. Just take care of them so that they may become pure devotees. That is your duty. We are respected everywhere on our purity platform. This should be maintained.” ([[letters/1971/710404_nayanabhirama|Nayanabhirama, 4 April, 1971]]) *** 71-04 “So far as the ’rehabilitation center’ is concerned, such work can be taken up, but to have any separate institution apart from the temple is not possible. I have written Rupanuga in this regard as follows: *’* ==Youth work can be taken up, but our process must be followed strictly. Anyone may come but our process must remain the same.== The men are expected to shave their heads and wear robes; they must attend classes, read our books, chant sixteen rounds, attend *arati,* go for street *sankirtana,* take *prasadam* only, etc.’ To have any institution apart from the temple, that we cannot do. Everything must be in the scope of our activities, then this, ’Youth problem,’ can be solved. Our process is proven as the only effective means. If the government or any other organization gives us a place, then we can train up such youth in our own way and surely they will come out sane. That place given will be a temple. So the process remains the same, except on a larger scale. Not that there is a separate division of ISKCON to handle youth problems, but that we have a bigger temple to accommodate them, is all. And then the people will see practically how we are doing the highest welfare work.” ([[letters/1971/710411_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 11 April, 1971]]) *** 71-07 “ ==I am so glad to hear how nicely Tulasi is growing. That is the sign of substantial devotional service. Every center should be encouraged to grow Tulasi. If there is any impediment in growing Tulasi, that means that devotional service is defective.”== (SPL to Gaura Hari, July 9th, 1971) 71-08 “I am very glad that at least one cottage is set up in Mayapur in our own land so that when I go back again I shall be able to stay there at your care. ==Mayapur construction will be of grand scale and Tamala wishes that the matter be given to a big contractor, but I think we should do the construction ourselves. Just like my Godbrothers have also constructed big, big temples but did not appoint big contractors so far I know== *.* If required I can send somebody expert in construction work to supervise the work there nicely. You are now acquainted with the local market. So I think that if we supervise the building construction work that will save great amount of money. You consider on these points and let me know your views by return mail.” ([[letters/1971/710807_hansadutta|Acyutananda Maharaja, 7 August, 1971]]) *** 71-08 “I have noted the contents with great interest and especially the very encouraging photographs of your Tulasi devi garden. You are doing one of the best of services by cultivating Srimati Tulasi devi so nicely. And she is growing so profusely. That is a sign that you are a great devotee because Tulasi devi thrives on devotion. Thank you very much. From Hawaii we cannot bring in Tulasi devi but from St. Louis, she can be sent everywhere. That is very nice. So when you make a big profit what you will do with the money? So you should induce other centers to cultivate Tulasi. One circular should be sent to every center that they should import Tulasi devi from either St. Louis or Hawaii and at every offering of *bhoga* to the Deities there must be one Tulasi leaf on the plate. The leaves may be ordered from St. Louis or Hawaii and as soon as possible ==each center should arrange to care for Tulasi devi nicely according to the instruction of you or Govinda dasi who have both become expert.”== (SPL to Indira, August 9th, 1971) 71-11 ==“So far the prints you have sent photos of, they are bona fide but for the ordinary man they appear sensual. So better not to display such prints or paintings, not even in our temples.”== (SPL to Jadurani, November 4th, 1971) 71-11 ** ==“Regarding keeping our temples clean, this is essential. Unless we can maintain the temples we presently have, superexcellently clean, we should not open new centers.”== (SPL to Visnujana dasa Maharaja, November 4th, 1971) 71-11 ** ==“It will be a good idea in the future if our devotees take lesson from this unfortunate incident and take precaution not to drive late at night for any reason—no gain can come from such driving at night which will ever compensate for such great losses. Please advise your GBC zonal secretary that in future great precaution must be taken.”== (SPL to Patita Uddharana, November 15th, 1971) 71-11 ** ==“You may name your daughter Mitra dasi, I have no objection. You may call your children as you like, but you should always inform my secretary to make sure the name is entered on our list to avoid repetition. Later, the children may be given another name upon initiation, as it is seen fit.”== ([[letters/1971/711127_abhirama|Lalita Kumara and Jambavati dasa, 27 November, 1971]]) *** 71-12 “I am very glad to hear that a new devotee has given $6,500 to your temple. A similar report has just come from Hamsaduta in Hamburg, Germany. So it is a very good sign that people are coming and of their own accord giving everything, that is the proof of your powerful preaching work. If we simply remain pure and become very convinced of this Krsna philosophy, any sane man will agree with us when we speak. ==And if we are determined to please Krsna with our routine work despite all kinds of economic handicaps, He will provide all relief. Just see. If preaching is strong, management will be strong. That is the rule.”== (SPL to Damodara, December 3rd, 1971) 71-12 ** ==“I am encouraged that you are improving your temple quarters by decorating them nicely. This will help to attract guests and interested people. I want that a high standard should be maintained, but unnecessarily changing and re-decorating is also not good. So once you have established a very nice standard, avoid too much changing it again and again. That is wasting Krsna’s money unnecessarily.”== (SPL to Patita Uddharana, December 8th, 1971) 71-12 ** ==“It is a fact that householders should not live in the temple together. Whether with child or without child, householders should not live together in the temple. Otherwise, what will the brahmacaris and sannyasis think? So this should be discouraged. Bali Mardan is correct in this point.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, December 30th, 1971) 72-01 “Regarding householders living in the temple; In ==India no woman is allowed to stay in the temple at night. But for our preaching work I have permitted women to stay in the temple. But, in the temple, husband and wife should live separately.== * * There are many young * brahmacaris * and * sannyasis * in the temple and men and women living together is simply a source of agitation. So therefore this is my order: Ideally the husband and wife can live separately in the temple. If this is not possible they should live together close to the temple and attend temple * arati* etc. and if this is not possible the last alternative is to live away from the temple and conduct your own Deity worship etc. It is best to do the most ideal thing but whatever mode of living you choose, the most important thing is to always remain one hundred percent in service of Radha-Krsna.” (SPL to Ravindra Svarupa, January 25th, 1972) 72-02 “Regarding your question whether husband and wife should live together in the temple, ==according to temple rules they should not live together in the temple. It does not give a good impression for brahmacaris and sannyasis. It is better if the grhasthas have a separate asrama,== * * just like in Los Angeles the married disciples rent rooms together in one apartment house near the temple and live there separately, and in this way no one is disturbed, neither the * brahmacaris * are disturbed by householder life, nor the * grhasthas * are disturbed by * brahmacaris.* This is the best system, and if you and your good husband require to live together to advance nicely in Krsna consciousness, that is very good proposal, but you should try to model the arrangement after the Los Angeles temple, and you should live separately, men and women, if you live in the temple itself.” (SPL to Kirtika dasa, February 16th, 1972) 72-02 “I am so much disgusted by this troublesome business of marriage, because nearly every day I receive some complaint from husband or wife, and practically this is not my business as *sannyasi* to be marriage counsellor, so henceforward I am not sanctioning any more marriages, and those who want to marry must know in advance and be prepared to make outside income to support wife and home separately from the temple, and in ==the temple husband and wife shall live separately, that must be or what is the meaning of spiritual society like ours?== **I made a concession, but how can I encourage something which has proven to be so much trouble?” (SPL to Kirtiraja, February 28th, 1972) 72-09 “I am glad to note that you are by good diplomacy maintaining our good relationships with all the men who have helped us there in Nairobi. We don’t want any disruption. Rsi Kumara is not there now so you do everything nicely and diplomatically. Brahmananda Swami is there, GBC man, so you consult with him and do everything diplomatically. On ==the whole, they should not be given any power unless they are my initiated disciples, but try to keep them as consultants.== **It is not that we should stop our relationship and not remain on speaking terms any more but try to keep everyone as our friend and engage them in Krsna consciousness somehow or other. Enclosed please find the copy of Mr. Shah’s letter, and I have accepted his resignation.” ([[letters/1972/720915_cyavana|Cyavana, 15 September, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I do not know why these things inventions are going on. That is our only business, to invent something new program? We have already got our Vaisnava standard. That is sufficient for Madhvacarya, Ramanujacarya, it was sufficient for Lord Caitanya, six Goswamis, for Bhaktivinoda Thakura, for my Guru Maharaja Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, for me, for all big, big saints and *acaryas* in our line—why it shall be inadequate for my disciples so they must manufacture something? That is not possible. Who has introduced these things, that women cannot have chanting japa in the temple, they cannot perform the *arati* and so many things? If they become agitated, then let the *brahmacaris* go to the forest, I have never introduced these things. ==If the brahmacaris cannot remain in the presence of women in the temple, then they may go to the forest, not remaining in New York City, because in New York there are so many women, so how they can avoid seeing?== **Best thing is to go to the forest for not seeing any women, if they become so easily agitated, but then no one will either see them and how our preaching work will go on?” ([[letters/1972/721203_ekayani|Ekayani, 3 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Yes, if anyone agrees to live with us in the temple he must without any exception follow the four rules and regulations, plus the other regulative principles, otherwise he may be asked kindly to leave the temple and live outside. Or he may not be invited to live in the temple until he has agreed and has proven his ability to obey the regulative idea. The point is that we should not be over anxious just to recruit men if they will not be of the best quality. If someone wants to become devotee but he is little weak, never mind he is living outside, he may come regularly to the temple, chant at home and at his work, and offer his foodstuffs always to Krsna, like that, and gradually he will develop the surrendering attitude and accept voluntarily the life of austerity or tapasyā which must be practiced in the temple living. ==Without such voluntary understanding of the principles and agreement to obey them, no one is qualified to live in our temples.== * * Of course if there are one or two instances of falling down, that may be excused, we are not so overly critical, otherwise who would be qualified of any of us to become devotee? So that tolerant attitude must be there to a certain extent, but we must remain also always firm on this point, that the * brahmacaris* living in the temple shall not disobey the orders of the spiritual master.” ([[letters/1972/721229_cyavana|Cyavana, 29 December, 1972]]) *** 73-02 “First let us understand that ==polygamy cannot be permitted in our society== *.* Legally it is impossible and neither are there many of our devotees who are prepared to assume the responsibility for many wives. Therefore as I have suggested previously as they do in Christian religion they have so many convent where the women stay and they receive protection. The point is that the women must be protected and it the duties of the leaders of our society to see that this is carried out.” ([[letters/1973/730210_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 10 February, 1973]]) *** 73-09 ** ==“Yes, it is proper etiquette that the sannyasis consult with the local president for anything they need such as men.”== ([[letters/1973/730916_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa Maharaja, 16 September, 1973]]) *** 73-10 ** ==“You should keep everything very clean. That is the first business. Every room should be as clean as a mirror. The prasadam room should be immediately cleaned after taking prasadam, otherwise you are inviting rats. Be careful.”== ([[letters/1973/731020_indira|Mukunda dasa, 20 October, 1973]]) *** 74-01 ==“It will be nice if Saktimata can take care of the girls in the temple. She is a very able woman. One thing, though, women should live separately. I know you can do it there because you have ample space.”== ([[letters/1974/740104_madhavananda|Brahmananda Maharaja, 4 January, 1974]]) *** 74-01 ** ==“Yes, I fully agree that what is the use of a temple if there is no prasadam distribution? Prasadam distribution on a large scale must be resumed. Such a temple where there is no such distribution has no value, I agree.”== ([[letters/1974/740111_nadia|Tamala Krsna Maharaja, 11 January, 1974]]) *** 74-03 ==“As far as separation of men and women in Bhaktivedanta Manor, that should be strictly observed in the main temple building; between single men and women there must be strict division and strict observance of no illicit sex.== * * The householders may continue stay as they are in the cottage house, living peacefully as * grhasthas. * Whether * grhasthas, sannyasa * or * brahmacari* everyone has to be completely engaged all the time in devotional service. That is the meaning of good management, to see that everyone is engaged 24 hours a day, and not sleeping unnecessarily or talking idly.” ([[letters/1974/740327_mukunda|Mukunda, 27 March, 1974]]) *** 74-05 “Another thing, is that we have received a serious criticism that one of our very important Indian life members, Mr. Brij Mohon, M.P. visited Bhaktivedanta Manor, and was refused entry. He even had a letter from Tejyas dasa introducing him. This has caused much concern and Gargamuni Swami is postponing his scheme to take life members on a tour of many of our centers, thinking the centers are not ready to receive guests. ==Please investigate this report of the turning away of a life member at the Manor and let me know. There should always be one or two rooms available for a life member.== **In your report you say 450 Indians visited on Sunday, so how could one Indian be turned away? Who turned him away?” ([[letters/1974/740515_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 15 May, 1974]]) ==74-11 “No, without removing shoes nobody can visit the temple. Where are the arrangements for a ramp? Neither you should make it.”== ([[letters/1974/741123_kirtanananda|Mukunda dasa, 23 November, 1974]]) *** 74-12 ** ==“Concerning your marriage ceremony that is to be sanctioned by the temple president or GBC.”== ([[letters/1974/741219_bahudak|Vipini dasa, 19 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “In regards to your question about how the relationship between a *sannyasi* and the temple president should be, my hope is that you will all be able to cooperate together. ==The temple president is in charge and the sannyasi should not contradict the instructions. Although if he does see something wrong or if he sees a fault or defect he should bring it out directly to the temple president. And then work it out in a Krsna conscious way.== * * Not that he will try to over-ride the temple president’s authority. I want that you all work together cooperatively. Please continue your programs there with great enthusiasm and try to strictly follow all of my regulations without any deviation. Keep yourself always fixed in Krsna’s service. Don’t let even a split moment go by being engaged in the service of * maya.” ([[letters/1974/741228_sukadeva|Sukadeva, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 “The thing is, we should have a little common sense in all activities. The example can be given that women by nature do not forget to dress very nicely although always engaged in household affairs. ==Deity worship or lecturing in the colleges is just as important as book distribution. So, these things must be done very nicely and at the same time, book distribution should be done. Not that we should do one thing at the sacrifice of another.== **That requires a little common sense. Factually, we should be engaged 24 hours in Krsna’s service and everything should be done very nicely and perfectly.” ([[letters/1975/750102_adi-kesava|Adi Kesava dasa, 2 January, 1975]]) *** 75-01 ** ==“Impure atmosphere can be counteracted by having kirtanas twice and thrice daily with dancing. So, keep the atmosphere very peaceful. Go on chanting and hold classes in Bhagavatam, etc. Don’t allow anyone to engage in eating and sleeping alone or the devil’s workshop will develop.”== ([[letters/1975/750110_mr._ram_patel|Patita Uddharana dasa, 10 January, 1975]]) *** 75-06 * * ==“Regarding the sannyasis convincing men within the temple that they should leave and go with them on their parties, that is not at all good. I have never approved of this action. You can tell them== * .* Everyone is concocting something of their own. It must be checked. The * sannyasis * should work with what men they have got and they cannot * se* cretly convince men in the temples to leave their duties. Those duties also must be done and they are just as important as any other service.” (SPL to Bhakta, Jayananda, and Bahulasva, 17th June, 1975) 76-03 ** ==“The devotees should attend mangala-arati at the temple otherwise it will become a household affair. So according to the situation see that if at all possible the devotees staying at the Taparia house can come to the temple for mangala-arati. If not do not insist.”== ([[letters/1976/760520_manager_of_bank_of_america|Gopala Krsna, 20 May, 1976]]) *** 76-11 “‘This incident with the president of our Washington temple is not good. ==He can’t even maintain one wife. Just see how lusty he is. Now he’ll dare to take another. Anyway he cannot live in the temple. If he wants two wives it must be done outside. He should maintain his family by working and give 50% to the temple.== * * He may not live off temple funds. Temple president is generally meant for * sannyasi, * but a * grhastha* may be if he is restrained. It is not good if he remains as president.” ([[letters/1976/761108_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 8 November, 1976]]) ## Every Center Should be Independent 67-08 ==“I am a little disturbed to learn about your financial position as serious. I think you don’t have to pay anything to Boston, as every center should be independent.”== (SPL to Brahamananda, August 15th, 1967) 68-08 “I understand that you are sending $100 per month to Santa Fe, and I shall be glad to know for how many months or how many installments you have sent there. Because I wanted you to send $100 say for three months. ==I do not want that a branch be continually maintained by other branches. Every branch should be self-dependent.== **Anyway, I shall be glad to know how many installments you have already sent there, then I shall instruct you further. It may be that I may ask you to send me some help because my next attempt will be to start a press of our own, in New York, or in Montreal, which will cost about $5,000. I am so pleased to note that you are always ready to serve my cause and you are prepared to follow my instructions in the service of Lord Krsna.” ([[letters/1968/680821_subala|Krsna devi, 21 August, 1968]]) *** 68-08 “I am very glad to know that you are pulling on. But one thing is that you must be self-dependent, because for the time being, the students from other centers are sending you money and Krsna devi has also written me letter that she is sending through Dinesh $100 a month. But how much you are spending and how much money you have received, please let me know. Because my next attempt will be to start a press. And I think in that press, your assistance will also be required. The press starting is very urgently needed, and in that case I shall be requiring at least $5,000. So your center must be independent, self-dependent. I might ask the students to pay me something out of their income for my press starting. So I shall be glad to hear from you what is the position and how you shall be maintaining your center. ==The idea is that local devotees must manage the local temple. In case of emergency, the other temples may help, but that should not be continued for all the time.== I think you will understand me right.” ([[letters/1968/680821_subala|Subala, 21 August, 1968]]) ==68-12 “It== ** ==would be better if you and my other dear disciples try to manage all centers as far as possible independently.== For me, in my old age, moving constantly does not suit my health. The Los Angeles climate is not unsuitable for me so I am thinking of making my headquarters here because it is a very important city also. But as soon as there is need of my presence some place I must go where I am required. On this principle please prepare to work.” ([[letters/1968/681217_gaurasundara|Gaurasundara, 17 December, 1968]]) *** 69-08 “I do not know what you mean by cooperation with Kīrtanānanda Maharaja. In our society everyone, either a *brahmacari* or *sannyasi* or *grhastha* who has dedicated his life and soul for this movement, they are all on the same level of *sannyasi.* For the present moment, nobody can claim an extra honor from his Godbrothers. Everyone should treat his Godbrothers as Prabhu. But nobody should try to claim any extra honor on account of an official position. I do not know why Kīrtanānanda Maharaja says that his authority over rides yours. At the present moment everyone is working under my authority. Similarly, Kīrtanānanda also should work under my authority. So the condition imposed by Kīrtanānanda as stated by you does not look well. A *sannyasi* has got four stages of elevation: *kuticak, bahudaka, parivrajaka* and *paramahamsa.* The *sannyasi* in the *paramahamsa* stage is the spiritual master of everyone. I have asked Kīrtanānanda Maharaja to work on the *bahudaka* stage for the present. I discussed this point with him when I was in New Vrndavana. This stage means he should move amongst people to draw their attention to the New Vrndavana scheme and try to attract their attention for its development. So he should immediately begin this *bahudaka* program and collect money from outsiders, not from insiders. And as he is in charge of New Vrndavana, he may invest all such collection for the development of New Vrndavana, and before this Hayagriva must transfer the property to the society’s name. So far as investment of the society’s money for New Vrndavana is concerned, certainly it will be done in New Vrndavana, and not only the money which Kīrtanānanda Maharaja collects, but also, if need be, any center will invest money. But that investment should be in proportion to food and salt. To make it more tasteful, one adds salt to his food and similarly, ==every center should be independently developed by supplying the food, and the society, if required, will supply the salt.== **For the present, all energy should be diverted to start a nice press for our publication work. So there is no extra money for the society to invest in New Vrndavana. Neither you can spare any money to anyone without my permission. Whatever you possess now in funds, that is not your personal money, so how can you execute the request of Kīrtanānanda at the present moment? I think you will understand the matter rightly and do the needful.” (SPL to Bramananda, August 30th, 1969) 69-10 “I have seen the agenda of your president’s meeting. This is nice. One thing should be followed, however, as your countrymen are more or less independent spirited and lovers of democracy. So everything should be done very carefully so that their sentiments may not be hurt. According to Sanskrit moral principles, everything has to be acted, taking consideration of the place, audience and time. ==As far as possible the centers should act freely, but conjointly. They must look forward to the common development. That should be the principle.== * * You are all intelligent boys, and you should be engaged in Krsna’s service. Then He will give you all intelligence. So in every action we should always pray to Krsna for His help so that we may act it nicely. Lord Krsna advised Arju * na * — * yudhyasva mam anusmara.* That should be our principle. We should use all our intellect as well as possible, and at the same time we should remember Krsna always.” (SPL to Tamala Krsna, October 13th, 1969) 72-12 “Regarding your points about taxation, corporate status, etc., I have heard from Jayatirtha you want to make a big plan for centralization of management, taxes, monies, corporate status, bookkeeping, credit, like that. I do not at all approve of such plan. ==Do not centralize anything.== * * Each temple must remain independent and self-sufficient. That was my plan from the very beginning, why you are thinking otherwise? Once before you wanted to do something centralizing with your GBC meeting, and if I did not interfere the whole thing would have been killed. Do not think in this way big corporation, big credits, centralizationthese are all nonsense proposals. ==Only thing I wanted was that book printing and distribution should be centralized,== * * therefore I appointed you and Bali Mardan to do it. Otherwise, management, everything, should be done locally by local men. Accounts must be kept, things must be in order and lawfully done, but that should be each temple’s concern, not yours. The Krsna consciousness movement is for training men to be independently thoughtful and competent in all types of departments of knowledge and action, not for making bureaucracy. Once there is bureaucracy the whole thing will be spoiled. There must be always individual striving and work and responsibility, competitive spirit, not that one shall dominate and distribute benefits to the others and they do nothing but beg from you and you provide. No. Never mind there may be botheration to register each center, take tax certificate each, become separate corporations in each state. That will train men how to do these things, and they shall develop reliability and responsibility, that is the point... So you big managers now try to train up more and more some competent preachers and managers like yourselves. Forget this centralizing and bureaucracy.” ([[letters/1972/721222_karandhara|Karandhara, 22 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 “Regarding the several smaller temples being dependent upon the central temple of Washington D.C., that is up to you to decide, but so far I am concerned, I have not got much stock in such centralized management or organization. ==I never wanted that any of my temples shall be dependent upon the other temples. Rather, our main business is to train up men to be self sufficient and competent in many ways to carry on the preaching work,== **not to make them into specialists or to minimize their responsibility by centralizing everything. If each center must rely upon its own strength to stand, that will be better training ground for the devotees. We must learn how to do all kinds of varieties of engagements on Krsna’s service, not that we shall expect anyone else to act for us and thus avoid something ourselves. But for reasons of spreading the Krsna consciousness movement, we may sometimes centralize, just like the books and money for BBT are managed by Karandhara in Los Angeles. In that case, for more than one man to be dealing with Dai Nippon, overseeing the general production and financial condition of the books, if that were left for each temple to manage, there would be great difficulty and the books would get neither printed nor paid for nor distributed widely. So in that case, centralized management is preferable. But in the case of new temples, it is better if they must have to struggle a little while to establish themselves in their cities, become familiar with the local city officials and leading citizens, elicit support from all quarters of the city, like that, otherwise these things will be neglected and there will be false dependency upon the outside supplies. This will deteriorate everything. Our purpose of Krsna consciousness movement is to create first-class servants of Krsna, that means they know how to do everything.” (SPL to Damodara, January 9th, 1973) 73-07 “Regarding incorporation of our ISKCON centers, we want to run all our centers as non-profit religious organizations; that is the main point. Keeping this point in view, too much official control is not good in spiritual life. ==The centers should remain spiritually fit and independent.== **Some control must be there as is now. Too much control means so many vouchers. Gradually it will become a mundane institution. All our managers should be spiritually advanced, simple and honest in carrying out the orders of the spiritual master and Krsna. That will be a nice standard. Democracy in spiritual affairs is not at all good but breeds power politics. We should be careful about power politics. Our only aim should be that each and every devotee is full dedicated to Krsna, then things will go on nicely.” ([[letters/1973/730719_karandhara|Karandhara, 19 July, 1973]]) ## Adjustments for Time, Place and Circumstance 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 whole attention for Krsna’s service it is quite possible to remain single even for the whole life. So you have now got a good engagement so remain engaged in that work and train the *brahmacarinis* also, chant Hare Krsna and pull on your sewing machine. There is no need of separation. Live together and train up your mind, that is all. Artificial separation is never recommended. And when you see, living together, you have no desire for sense gratification, then that is the highest stage of perfection. Voluntary restraint is *tapasyā,* austerity, and this is possible with advancement of Krsna consciousness. Artificial separation is foolishness. We recommend voluntary restraint, not artificial separation. So you should understand that there is no objection to live together as husband and wife. The tendency is there; it is natural. But if one can check it, that is very good. But it is not compulsory. And not to be checked artificially, but with advancement of strength in Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1968/680614_himavati|Himavati, 14 June, 1968]]) *** 69-01 ** ==“It is important that we preach the message of Krsna consciousness exactly as we have heard it from our spiritual master…but there are changes due to time, circumstances, and the trainees. The spirit of the disciplic succession may not be changed, but there may be adjustments to suit the special circumstances.”== ([[letters/1969/690123_sivananda|Sivananda, 23 January, 1969]]) *** 69-03 “I understand that you have sent passage money to Jaya Govinda. Let him come first. He is a very sensible boy, and I hope on his arrival there will be no dissension. Last night one German boy was initiated by me, and he will be entrusted for rendering all my books in German language. There will be no difficulty to publish the German edition of *Back to Godhead* therefore, in your newly purchased press. You should take the indication given by Lord Krsna. The press is already there, the press worker, Jaya Govinda, is coming, and the German scholar has joined our institution. ==Don’t you see the indication by Krsna that we must make propaganda in the German language in that part of the world? So you have to adjust things to the indication of Lord Krsna. Don’t do anything whimsically.== * * The direction comes through the spiritual master, and anyone who abides by the order of the spiritual master to give shape to the wish of the Lord, is a perfectly surrendered soul. Don’t be childish; stay there. Let Jaya Govinda come and begin printing the * Back to Godhead.” (Krsna dasa, 5 March, 1969) *** 69-08 “The students are taught by the spiritual master, or the teacher, and the students themselves go from door to door for begging alms, and because everyone’s son is in the *asrama,* nobody declines to give alms. So there is no financial difficulty at all; but ==I do not know what to do in your country. There are so many laws. We have to adjust things to the circumstances.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, August 8th, 1969) 70-04 ** ==“My Guru Maharaja created some brahmacaris and sannyasis for preaching work, and I am creating all grhasthas. This means that we have to adjust things in favor of circumstances in the matter of pushing Krsna consciousness movement forward.”== ([[letters/1970/700401_mukunda|Hamsaduta, 1 April, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “We must stick to our Krsna consciousness business in all circumstances. This determination will make us successful. Although ==according to the 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 little careful about it and Krsna will help us.” (SPL to Upendra, June 24th, 1970) 70-11 ** ==“Regarding marriage, generally the man should be older than the woman. We have not had good experiences with marriages when the woman is older. But everything must be done with reference to time, place and circumstance and in your country such a marriage is not uncommon. So if you think the match is good then you may marry them.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, November 4th, 1970) 70-11 “The new procedures you are instituting on *sankirtana* party are very encouraging to me. ==The opportunities for expanding the sankirtana movement are unlimited. We should tax our brains as to what is the best way to present Krsna consciousness to particular people at a particular time and place.== * * I have always thought that in L.A. there should be at least ten * sankirtana* parties going out simultaneously and as you have indicated, such places as Long Beach and other areas can each have their own Krsna consciousness center.” (SPL to Karandhara, November 13th, 1970) 71-05 ** ==“I am very much encouraged by the results of your re-organizing of temples, so go forward in this way, never mind we may sometimes have to concentrate in order to make further progress.”== ([[letters/1972/720512_bhagavan|Bhagavan dasa, 12 May, 1972]]) *** 71-06 ==“So we have to adjust things. Everything is important. Not that we have to do something at the expense of something else. I cannot say from here what is to be given preference. That depends on your management capacity.”== (SPL to Yogesvara, June 12th, 1971) 71-08 ==“So far the milk fast, if possible you can observe it. But these things are not so important. For preaching work we have to make so many adjustments.”== (SPL to Himavati, August 27th, 1971) 72-01 “Regarding householders living in the temple; in ==India no woman is allowed to stay in the temple at night. But for our preaching work I have permitted women to stay in the temple. But in the temple, husband and wife should live separately.== * * There are many young * brahmacaris * and * sannyasis * in the temple and men and women living together is simply a source of agitation, so therefore this is my order. Ideally the husband and wife can live separately in the temple. If this is not possible they should live together close to the temple and attend temple * arati* etc... and if this is not possible the last alternative is to live away from the temple and conduct your own Deity worship etc ... It is best to do the most ideal thing but whatever mode of living you choose the most important thing is to always remain one hundred percent in service of Radha-Krsna.” (SPL to Ravindra Svarupa, January 25th, 1972) 73-02 ==“I have received your letter of 1/24/73 concerning polygamy and feel that this policy must be strictly prohibited within our society. If it is not it shall only cause chaos, as what was possible under the system of pure Vedic culture is impossible at the present time.”== ([[letters/1973/730210_karandhara|Karandhara, 10 February, 1973]]) *** 73-02 ==“So please try and do this but if this is not possible you may break down the rear wall and add that one room and my sitting room to the temple and my vyasana may be placed against the side wall with my left side facing the Deities and my back facing the kitchen.”== ([[letters/1973/730221_karandhara|Karandhara, 21 February, 1973]]) *** 75-11 ==“I am glad to note that you are taking out the travelling party. I hope that you have good success. Just do everything very soberly. Regarding the instruments, stringed instruments are Vedic, but the real Vedic instrument is mrdanga and karatala. Anyway, you have to do according to the time and circumstances if you use these other instruments. So you have got my approval and you can go on.”== ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|Bahudaka dasa, 10 November, 1975]]) ## Decorating the Skyscraper Framework 71-12 * * ==“Yes, actually there is now a skyscraper framework. Now you have to decorate and cover it nicely. To construct the form is the difficult portion of the adventure, but when it is there, it is not difficult to finish it—simply it requires a little taste.== * * I am always thankful to Krsna that I have somehow got so many wonderful boys like yourself to assist me in this way. Now it is practically in your hands to finish and push on what I have started. I am now getting all respect and honor, so now you must preserve that standard and not dishonor me. Thank you very much for helping me.” (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, December 10th, 1971) 71-12 “ ==Now I have built the skyscraper framework, you fill it in nicely.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, December 10th, 1971) 71-12 “I am so much encouraged by reports everywhere that our movement is getting good results, especially that MacMillan Co. has agreed to print our *Bhagavad-Gita As It Is,* so I think my work is now finished, let me write. ==I have built the skyscraper skeleton, now you all intelligent American and European boys and girls fill in the spaces nicely in good taste. Do not deviate from our high standard.== **That will mean great dishonor to me. Push on in your preaching work as I have shown you, remain pure, enthusiastic, and optimistic, and Krsna will favor you with all good results and benedictions.” (SPL to Sridhama, December 22nd, 1971) 73-01 “So we are preachers on behalf of Lord Krsna, that is our occupational duty, we haven’t got to search any further some new challenge or change our engagement. No, that has been already settled up. ==Now best thing will be to develop more and more what we have begun. I have built the skeleton of the building, but there is so much more work remaining before us.”== ([[letters/1973/730102_tejiyas|Hamsaduta, 2 January, 1973]]) *** 76-05 “My dear GBC disciples, Please accept my blessings. ==Over the past ten years I have given the framework and now we have become more than the British Empire.== * * Even the British Empire was not as expansive as we. They had only a portion of the world, and ==we have not completed expanding. We must expand more and more unlimitedly.== * * But I must now remind you that I have to complete the translation of the *Srimad-Bhagavatam.” ([[letters/1976/760519_jayapataka|All Governing Board Commissioners, 19 May, 1976]]) *** 76-08 “If you relieve me of the burden of management, that will be a very great service to Krsna and the movement. ==See that everything is going on nicely. With great endeavor we have made the framework, now we have to see that things are going on nicely.== * * Yes, this preaching work is our mission. It is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission, my Guru Maharaja’s mission, and my mission. It is through the * parampara.* As I am trying to discharge my Guru Maharaja’s mission, you also try and things will go on nicely.” ([[letters/1976/760814_ramesvara_radhavallabha|Pusta Krsna, 14 August, 1976]]) ## Temple Programs 49-02 “The second item is to take up the temple entry or temple worship movement. This is, in the real sense, a theistic cultural movement and the facility or opportunity shall be open to everyone whatsoever he may be. All the past *acaryas* accepted everyone who desired to offer his respect to God inspired by transcendental love and devotion. We can support this movement of Gandhiji on the authority of *sastras.* There are thousands and lakhs of temples all over India but they are not always properly managed. Some of them have become the positive dens for undesirable activities and most of the owners or trustees of such temples do not know how to utilize these sacred buildings. Neither modernized gentleman have any interest for these neglected theistic institutions. Originally the aim of these temples was to diffuse spiritual culture in every quarter. ==These temples or theistic institutions should therefore be reorganized as the center of spiritual culture according to authentic principles as laid down in the scriptures like Bhagavad-Gita.”== (Dr. Vallabhaiji Patel, 28 February, 1949) *** 57-02 “Sri K.M. Munshi Governor of Uttar Pradesh Raja Bhavan, Lucknow Dear Sri Munshiji, Please accept my respectful *namaskaras.* I hope you have duly received my letter of the 18th instant in the meantime. By the by while reading some of the literatures of your great institution, it has come to my notice that you have in your mind about the various temples and their respective *pujaris* also. In this connection, I wish to draw your attention to my paper *Back to* Godhead * issue No. VI dated 20/5/56 in which an idea of a Gita Nagari (PP2) and how to preach the teachings of * Bhagavad-Gita* are suggested. In that article I have also touched the question of these various temples (PP3) of India and how to utilize them for public welfare work. ==A thorough reformation of the management of these temples is required for spreading theistic knowledge through these centers.== * * No intelligent person is now attracted in such temples because the purpose of these temples has been lost sight of due to negligence on the parts of both the public and the * pujaris.* As a matter of fact, therefore, no new temples or places of spiritual enlightenment are constructed nw in the newly constructed colonies of different cities. These are some of the signs of the materialistic trend. If I remember rightly, you have been criticising in the meeting of the 16th instant about the culture of Hollywood cinemas. The Mayavada philosophy having killed the spiritual variegatedness of the Supreme Being the people are generally attracted in the variegatedness of material existence. In the *Vedanta-sutras* we have direct information of how a spiritual entity is joyful—full of spiritual bliss. This idea of enjoyment is focused through a material___ and as such the spiritual focus is reflected in a perverted manner. The attention of the people in general is attracted by the cinemas in place of temples, because the Mayavada philosophy—impersonality of Godhead has created a void in the spiritual realm. But in fact the spiritual realm is not at all void. It is full of variegatedness of spiritual mellows. If you create a void in the spirit unnecessarily, you have to create necessarily a fill-up in the material existence and that is the cause why temples are being replaced by vulgar cinemas. So simple criticism of cinema houses will not fulfill the purpose. We have to create tangible interest in the temples for spiritual advancement of knowledge. With that purpose in view, it is necessary that the priests and *pujaris* must be enlightened men both in theism and Sanskrit language also. They shall be primary teachers of *Bhagavad-Gita* in different temples. Both these temples and their management have to be reformed in the present context. We shall have to accommodate the process of temple entry by all classes of people but they may be so admitted for proper qualification and not for the purpose of a mere show. Yours truly, A. C. Bhaktivedanta” (K. * M. * Munshi, 21 February, 1957) *** 60-09 ** ==“In my opinion temples are centers for educating the public in spiritual values and I have a mission to organize all temples for that spiritual education. Temples are not meant for ordinary householders== engaged simply in the matters of animal propensities. Those who are actually engaged in the service of the Lord Deity, the predominator of the temple; can only be allowed to remain in the temple, otherwise not.” (SPL in visitors book, 18th September, 1960) 67-10 ** ==“Regarding the teachings in the temple, every one of my disciples may become a teacher strictly following my instructions. I am a bona fide teacher as long as I follow the instructions of my spiritual master.== That is the only one qualification for becoming a teacher. As soon as one deviates from this principle one is no longer a teacher. I do not know how Subala dasa speaks but if there is any deviation you can point it out and adjust things between yourselves. Personally I know both yourself and your husband, Dayananda, are very sincere souls and I am much obliged to you because you have opened a nice center in L.A. Similarly, Subala dasa also opened a center at Santa Fe. All this activity is very encouraging to my mission and I believe sincerely that you are doing the best to serve the cause of ISKCON.” ([[letters/1967/671029_nandarani|Nandarani, 29 October, 1967]]) *** 68-01 ** ==“The proper form of address to Bhaktivinoda Thakura is Om Visnupada Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. After my Guru Maharaja, all acaryas should be addressed as Om Visnupada Srila.”== ([[letters/1968/680122_satsvarupa|Bramananda, 22 January, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “Regarding lecturing by women devotees, I have informed you that in the service of the Lord there is no distinction of caste or creed, color or sex. In the *Bhagavad-Gita,* the Lord especially mentions that even a woman who has taken seriously is also destined to reach Him. We require a person who is in knowledge of Krsna that is the only qualification of the person speaking. It doesn’t matter what he is. Materially a woman may be less intelligent than a man, but spiritually there is no such distinction. Because spiritually everyone is pure soul. In the absolute plane there is no such gradation of higher and lower. ==If a woman can lecture nicely and to the point, we should hear her carefully. That is our philosophy. But if a man can speak better than a woman, the man should be given first preference.== * * But even though a woman is less intelligent, a sincere soul should be given proper chance to speak, because we want so many preachers, both men and women.” (SPL to Jaya Govinda, 8th February,* 1968) 68-03 “I have come here to San Francisco on the 8th morning of March and here the *kirtana’s* performances are going very nicely. There is good attendance in the meeting and dancing in ecstasy is often exhibited to the transcendental pleasure of everyone present. ==I think San Francisco center has been very much sanctified by the unalloyed devotional service of the members here. As soon as there are sincere devotees, immediately the situation changes very favorably.”== ([[letters/1968/680312_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 12 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “So here the temple has spiritually improved. ==Whenever there is kirtana either in the morning or evening, immediately there is a different atmosphere by the grace of Lord Krsna. And all people, both devotees and outsiders, begin to dance in ecstasy.== **I am very much encouraged by seeing the atmosphere of the San Francisco temple and when you come here you shall see personally how they are nicely executing Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1968/680317_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 17 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ==“So far the singing of prayers to the spiritual master is concerned, there is no limitation on how many times it is sung. But it should be done three times daily, and in the morning it is required. Yes, you may say this prayer at noon prasada if it is possible and sing it again in the evening. And you may sing other prayers as you learn them also.”== ([[letters/1968/680322_balai|Balai, 22 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ** ==“Jadurani has now become a nice preacher. I have a report from Satsvarupa that she gives lectures very nicely. If we open a pavilion I shall take Jadurani also at that time, so she will deliver nice lectures.”== ([[letters/1968/680328_mahapurusa|Mahapurusa, 28 March, 1968]]) *** 68-06 ** ==“Yes, please decorate the temple with as many pictures as possible. And Jadurani is very kind and liberal to supply us pictures. She is never tired of painting, and that makes her increased in Krsna consciousness.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, June, 1968) *** 68-08 “Regarding the child problem: I may inform you that all our children born of the Krsna conscious parents, they are welcome and I want hundreds of children like that. Because in future we expect to change the face of the whole world, because the child is the father of man. Anyway, I have seen Malati is nursing her child so nicely that she attended my meeting every day and the child was playing and she never cried. Similarly, Lilavati’s child also never cries or disturbs the meeting. Lilavati was always present with her child, so it depends on the mother. How to keep the child comfortable, so that it will not cry. The child cries only when it feels uncomfortable. The child’s comfort and discomfort depends on the mother’s attention. ==So the best solution is that we should train all our first-day small babies in such a way that they are always satisfied and there will be no disturbance in the meeting, and there will be no complaint== *.* But there cannot be any hard and fast rules that only children who are grown up, 7 or 8 years old, can be admitted and no other children can be admitted. That is not possible, and I am not going to sanction any such rule. Rather I shall welcome a baby from the very beginning, so that the transcendental vibration may enter into its ear, and from the very beginning of its life, it becomes purified. But of course, the children cannot be allowed to disturb in the meeting by crying; and that is the mother’s responsibility to keep them comfortable, and not to disturb the meeting.” (SPL to Krsna devi, August 21st, 1968) 68-10 “Regarding the Sikh gentleman’s request to use our temple for performing some Sikh religious ceremony: You know that we have refused even the Hindu people to hold demigod worship in our temple, and what to speak of the Sikhs, who are not to the standard of Vedic principles. As a matter of fact, we should not allow anyone to hold any function in our temple, otherwise than Vaisnava principle. ==In your temple, if your financial condition is going on nicely, then there is no need for allowing anyone to hold ceremonies against Vaisnava principle.== * * If anyone wants to hold some function, they should pay to the temple at least $50 and we shall prepare Krsna * prasada, * offer to the Deity as we do generally, and the same * prasada * may be distributed to anyone, may he be Hindu, Sikh, Christian, etc. So if Mr. Singh agrees to this principle then he may pay you the required money to prepare * prasada, * which after offering to the Deity, you can hand over to him, and he can offer to Guru Nanak or anyone else, and then you can distribute to the devotees. There cannot be any separate distribution of foodstuff save and except Krsna * prasada* according to our own principles.” ([[letters/1968/681010_sivananda|Hamsaduta, 10 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “Next point, ==in order to understand the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, there should be centers where people can assemble daily, morning and evening== *,* and try to understand this Krsna consciousness or God consciousness movement. So we are trying to open branches all over the world in every city, in every town, in every village, and people should take advantage of it. There is no question of monetary transaction to enter into these centers and institutions, but because we have to maintain such institutions, the public should voluntarily contribute and that is very gladly accepted. Next point, when people are accustomed to associate with these different centers of the Krsna consciousness movement, they will one day come out of the material concept of life. Just like one becomes awakened from sleep. While sleeping, one sees so many nonsense dreams, but as soon as one is awakened, he becomes conscious that oh! I was seeing so many nonsense dreams, actually it has no existence. Similarly, when a person becomes Krsna conscious, he can understand the falsity representation of this material civilization.” (SPL to Rayarama, October 17th, 1968) 68-10 “Regarding your third question, morning lecture is also allowed. Lecture is also *kirtana,* and so as morning *kirtana* is there, similarly morning lecture can also be delivered. In New York, or even in San Francisco, when I was present I was giving lectures in the morning also. ==So far as girls or boys lecturing in the morning, that doesn’t make any difference. Either girl or boy devotees may deliver lecture if they choose to do. We have no such distinction of bodily designations, male or female.== * * Krsna consciousness is on the spiritual platform. As such, anyone who is a devotee of the Lord, following in this line of disciplic succession, can deliver lecture; on the teachings of * Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam,* etc.” ([[letters/1968/681021_syama|Syama dasi, 21 October, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “The idea of distribution of *prasadam* is long standing, and I suggested this from the very beginning of my missionary activities, both in New York, and in San Francisco. But it has never come to any practical shape till now. Therefore, if you can actually start a *prasadam* distribution program, it will be very, very nice. But to start a separate restaurant for this purpose does not appeal to me. If we have *prasadam* distribution program it is to be done in the temple premises, not separately. Separate attempt will require separate energy diverted from the temple management. ==Therefore if you do at all start prasadam distribution, try to do it in the temple itself.== * * In the temple also if you keep some Indian goods for sale, that is also very nice. But don’t attempt two at a time. First of all start the * prasadam* distribution and make it successful, then try to do business in Indian goods.” (SPL to Cidananda, December 24th, 1968) 68-12 “In distributing the ’perfection in yoga’ leaflet, ==when people come to your temple you may explain to them the principles of yoga as they are described in the Bhagavad-Gita. Such instructions by you may be preceded and followed by Krsna kirtana== *.* If they are interested, you may show them how to sit, concentrating the eyesight on the tip of the nose. The concentration should be on Lord Krsna or Lord Visnu, as it is explained in *Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.* So if they come to know about *hatha-yoga* you can show them in the authoritative scriptures how it cannot be successfully practiced in this present Age of Kali.” ([[letters/1968/681229_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 29 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 “I can understand from your letter that there is very good prospect of spreading our movement in London. ==I approve of your scheme not to charge money for the love feast. Whatever voluntary contribution you receive that is all right.== * * So far items of foodstuff (bhoga) and distribution of * prasada * are concerned, there is no need of increasing the number, better reduce it to five just like rice, * dal, capati * or * puri,* little sweet rice and a nice vegetable, that is all. And on Sunday you can increase the items up to ten, but make everything very nicely.” ([[letters/1969/690112_kirtanananda|Tamala, 12 January, 1969]]) ==69-01 “Regarding== * * ==the Radha-Syama chanting which you have heard it is not very good. In our temple, strictly Hare Krsna chanting should be given more importance. This is no harm in this mantra you have heard, but it is not very important.== There are many such common songs composed by common devotees out of sentiment. But our principle is to stick to the authorities, and always remember that Hare Krsna is the prime authorized * mantra.... * Regarding * * this Syama Mataji dasi from Vrndavana, does she sing Hare Krsna *mantra* or not? If she chants Hare Krsna it is all right, and if she does not chant the Hare Krsna *mantra,* you should ask her why she does not do so *.* I am not familiar with her spiritual master, Gauranga dasi, but if he has taught her to sing this Radha-Syama song, then he also is not authorized.” ([[letters/1969/690128_malati|Malati, 28 January, 1969]]) ==69-02 “Regarding== ** ==your question about the closing the temple for a few hours during the day, the best thing is if this can be avoided, but since you are all working in the afternoon then what else can be done? Close 12 to 5 p.m.”== ([[letters/1969/690212_hayagriva|Charles McCollough, 12 February, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “The boys and girls from the neighborhood are coming to help the temple activities is the good result of our attempts. ==The temple center is started just to present example to the neighboring residents how they can make a small temple in each and every home. It is not necessary that hundreds and thousands of people will live in our temple,== but if we can make effective propaganda then the neighboring residents, householders, will be inclined to be initiated and follow the modes of temple life. So you encourage the visitors, boys and girls, as well as married couples, to understand the value of life and how they can peacefully and happily live if they follow the routine worship method in the temple and establish this in their home to be happy in all respects. Krsna consciousness movement is actually an attempt to make all people happy generally, and becoming liberated in this life from material contamination, they’ll thus be eligible to enter into the kingdom of God after quitting this body.” ([[letters/1969/690601_dayananda|Tamala Krsna, 1 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “I am pleased to note that everything is going on very harmoniously in your temple, and this is a symptom that you are all executing your Krsna conscious duties nicely. You mention that you are fixing up your temple for nice love feast program and this is cent per cent approved by me. ==Try to have very nice love feasts, because here in Los Angeles they are constantly attracting more and more members to join them, and the love feast program is one of the very strong attracting influences.== This program of offering grand scale quantities of *prasadam* amongst the general people was encouraged by Lord Caitanya, because if someone partakes of the remnants of offerings to Lord Krsna then he is sure to come back to Krsna consciousness again at one time or another. So propagate our processes of *sankirtana,* sumptuous love feasts and reading literatures of Krsna consciousness, and surely many persons will be attracted to join this sublime movement.” ([[letters/1969/690715_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 15 July, 1969]]) ==69-08 “I hope that you are attending the kirtanas which are held at the temple on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. The chanting of Hare Krsna mantra will clear away all of the difficulties that you have mentioned.”== ([[letters/1969/690802_ann_clifford|Ann Clifford, 2 August, 1969]]) *** 69-11 “I am so glad to learn that you and your husband, Michael, are finding your lives very happy and satisfying due to the influence of Lord Krsna. This is the position of Krsna consciousness that if anyone will take to it seriously, he will find instant improvement in his life’s condition. By nature every living entity is joyful and in Krsna consciousness, but due to association with material contamination certain souls have gotten their joyful spiritual nature covered up by the cloud of *maya* ==. The purpose of our centers for Krsna consciousness is to give everyone the opportunity to remove this cloud of maya from their consciousness and resume their natural, blissful life of rendering devotional service to Lord Krsna.== ** The process is very simple: chanting, dancing, eating Krsna *prasadam* and associating with Krsna’s nice devotees. And these four items will make one advance very quickly. We are offering to everyone everything that is nice: nice food, nice family life, nice music, nice philosophy, nice association. Only a rascal will not accept this gift of Krsna consciousness. So please continue to follow the procedures as you have been doing under the guidance of Bhagavan dasa, Jagadisa, and their wives. When I return to Boston sometimes in December, perhaps you and your husband will be able to meet me there.” (SPL to Linda Ryon, November 13th, 1969) 69-12 ** ==“I am very glad that your feasts are becoming very successful. Yesterday I received a letter from Hawaii that they are now receiving about 100 guests and they are charging $1 each. So now they have a good income.”== ([[letters/1969/691215_cidananda|Chidananda, 15 December, 1969]]) *** 70-01 ** ==“If prasadam is to be honored in the temple room, the curtains may be drawn before the Deities, while the devotees are taking prasadam. The best arrangement is to honor prasadam in a separate room for the purpose if possible.”== (SPL to Yamuna, January 16th, 1970) 70-01 “Preaching in Hindi may be accepted by mutual consultation, but the point is that our Radha-Krsna temple in London is specifically meant for English knowing persons and I think the Indians know sufficient English. ==If you speak in Hindi and sing in Hindi, the English speaking Europeans and Americans may not derive the benefit out of it because none of them understand Hindi. But if you speak in English, every one will derive benefit from it. Therefore, I think English speaking should be encouraged.== Everyone comes to the temple for some spiritual enlightenment, so why should a section of the audience be denied the benediction? The same thing applies for Hindi songs also. Hare Krsna *mantra* is understood both by Hindi knowing and English knowing persons. Other Hindi songs may not be understood by the Europeans. I have no objection for Mīrābāi’s songs, but I think Hare Krsna is the greatest common factor understandable by all people all over the world. The chanting is transcendental and quickly effective.... Now you have got a very good chance, Sri Sri Radha-Krsna is very pleased upon you. You have been for the last fifteen years in London, and you were sincerely working for advancement of your spiritual life. Now Krsna has given you a good chance, a good opportunity for preaching Krsna consciousness to all classes of men without any discrimination. In our temple all Europeans, Indians, Mohammedans, Christians, everyone is welcome. And our presentation is so nice that everyone will be attracted to accept it because we are preaching love of God. Love of God is the prime function of all living entities, without any sectarian understanding.” ([[letters/1970/700129_ksirodakasayi|Ksirodakasayi, 29 January, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “So far we are concerned, every one of us must chant the beads according to the vow and follow the regulative principles in all departments of our activities, and this will give us spiritual strength to convince the audience about our aims and object. ==Someone of us in each and every center must be well versed in the sastras so that he can meet scholars and philosophers, and if need be he can convince them about our movement and philosophy with great strength.”== ([[letters/1970/700220_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 20 February, 1970]]) ==70-02 “I== * * ==am very pleased to learn how things are going on very well in Washington center and that you are nicely celebrating the various advent days of our great Acaryas.== But I am especially glad to know of your very successful work amongst the students. This is very encouraging to me. I know that the young people of your country are all eager to take up this Krsna consciousness movement, simply we must sincerely present our program to them in such a nice way by chanting Hare Krsna, dancing, speaking something about our philosophy, advertising and selling our literatures, and distributing * prasadam.” (SPL to Damodara, February 22nd, 1970) ==70-02 “== I am also glad to learn that already you have got a temple and enthusiastic and eager devotees there. This is very encouraging. Please push our *sankirtana* movement and improve the program of Deity worship as the centers of your activities, and see that all the devotees remain steady in their execution of daily chanting of sixteen rounds of beads and strict adherence to the 4 principles of spiritual life and all other regulative principles, this will keep them strong in spiritual power. And you may note that when these regulative duties are performed, and the devotee becomes fully absorbed in Krsna activities, Krsna as Supersoul will dictate from within the answers to all questions and will give the needed intelligence to progress more and more in Krsna consciousness. Please see that the program for studying our literatures is also undertaken by all the devotees there. Every one of us must become thoroughly acquainted with our philosophy, so that our preaching work may be carried out nicely. ==There is no harm if the devotees chant in the temple during the time when the Deities are resting. You may have heard that here at L.A. temple they are holding kirtana and chanting twenty-four hours in the temple,== and the program is very encouraging to all the devotees. Of course, that is only possible in a very large center such as LA.” ([[letters/1970/700227_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 27 February, 1970]]) ==70-03 “So== far as taking away shoes are concerned, you can make the following arrangement:== just after the entrance door, arrange for a moveable railing so that anyone willing to enter the temple room, but who does not like to take off his shoes, may be allowed to enter the door but stand near the railing and see the Deity from that place. Anyone willing to go inside the railing boundary must have to get out of his shoes. And exactly by the side of the altar another railing may be fixed up. This railing should stand between the *vyasasana* and the altar.” ([[letters/1970/700308_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 8 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 * * ==“These classes of Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam as you are now holding must be continued very rigidly. About holding Sanskrit classes, the special stress should be given to chanting the mantras in our books.== * * I have given specific instructions in this connection to your husband and if Sanskrit class is to be held, it should be mainly for this purpose. We should simply expend our time for development of Krsna consciousness. To become a scholar of Sanskrit is not our business. You say that 15 to 40 students are attending. Are they outsiders? My point is anyone who will attend the Sanskrit class must be interested for chanting the *mantras (in our books * Isopanisad, Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam) and not for any other purpose. And before and after the class there must be *maha-mantra* chanting.” ([[letters/1970/700416_satsvarupa|Yamuna and Gurudasa, 16 April, 1970]]) *** 70-05 “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]]) *** 70-05 “With reference to your letter dated 14th May, I am surprised to learn how you let Mr. Parikh sit on the *vyasasana.* You know the *vyasasana* is meant for the representative of Vyasadeva, the spiritual master, but Mr. Parikh does not come in the *parampara* to become the representative of Vyasa, neither has he any sound knowledge of Vaisnavava principles. ==I understand from your letter that sometimes discussions on Aurobindo philosophy are done by Mr. Parikh from the vyasasana, so I am a little surprised how did you allow like this.== **I think you should rectify immediately all of these mistakes as stated by you in the last two lines of your letter. ’I think the best thing to do is to stop his class. Nonsense ought not to be tolerated.” ([[letters/1970/700516_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 16 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 ==“I am so glad to learn that you are regularly observing the listed holidays in our Caitanya almanac. The roaring kirtana, offering feast to the Deities with special preparations is our simple mode of celebration, and there is no special other program; this is standard and that is our festival.”== ([[letters/1970/700517_yamuna|Yamuna, 17 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 “Regarding the Sanskrit class, I think it was only a plea, but he wanted to teach us something of another philosophy. ==Our temple is meant for our men, and we may have our own discussions amongst ourselves, no outsider needed. It is definitely concluded that we have not got to learn anything from any outsider beyond the jurisdiction of Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy.== * * Our philosophy is established on sound ground of the conclusion arrived at by Vyasadeva down to Jiva Goswami, Visvanatha Cakravarti, Bhaktivinoda Thakura, etc. The other day one Indian boy came here to take permission for chanting some * bhajana* so I indirectly refused. Try to understand our own philosophy described in so many books, but I cannot allow you to hear from the mental speculators without any solid knowledge.” ([[letters/1970/700527_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 27 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 ==“I am so pleased to learn that you are satisfied to see the Los Angeles temple situation. Actually, it is very, very nice for our purpose, and if we can maintain the standard of the temple atmosphere certainly anyone who will come here will be influenced by the spiritual effect.”== ([[letters/1970/700528_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 28 May, 1970]]) *** 70-06 ** ==“Regarding your schedule of temple activities, it is approved by me. So please continue this program of classes, sankirtana, Deity worship, offering and distributing of prasada, and working in Krsna’s service. This simple full 24 hour schedule will make your life perfect.”== ([[letters/1970/700626_dinesh|Dinesh, 26 June, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “I am very glad that you are all devotees working hard to improve the temple in both appearance and program. I understand that you are doing very nicely on *sankirtana* party and now you have been able to purchase a *sankirtana* van for travelling. So you do this work of pushing on Krsna consciousness movement very enthusiastically and Krsna will help you to overcome all impediments in the matter of discharging your sincere devotional service to the Lord. I am especially happy whenever I learn that my books and literature are being widely distributed, so it is very good news to learn that you are also selling so many of our literatures. In this connection, however, you should see **that the daily sales are recorded duly and at the end of the week the amount owed for these sold literatures should be sent by check to L.A. I have already advised these things to you in my letter sent last week. Anyway, the idea is that now we are increasing in size of our organization and also our expenditures for literatures are increasing so we must do everything very carefully so that there will not be any difficulty. You have written that your temple is like an oasis in the desert. Yes, it is a fact that our temples are providing shelter from the burning forest fires of material existence. It does not matter poor quarter or richer quarter, our temples are nothing to do with any material situation. They are situated in the spiritual sky and as such they are the only alternative offering relief from the miseries of all kinds of material conditions of life. ==So encourage people to come and spend time with us in the temple and become purified from all contaminations and anxieties. Everyone is suffering from thirst for spiritual life or Krsna== * * ==consciousness and it is the temple which can offer them Krsna== * * ==consciousness to satisfy their thirsting.== Regarding your temple schedule of study, it is all right, so continue your classes regularly and try to understand the philosophy as it is that is required.” ([[letters/1970/700709_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 9 July, 1970]]) ==70-11 “Please maintain the program of temple worship,== * * ==distribution of prasadam,== * * ==sankirtana party,== * * ==distribution of literatures== * ,* ==study and Krsna work all in order and make everything as nice as possible.”== (SPL to Tirthapada dasa, November 13th, 1970) ==71-09 “Your== * * ==proposal for a grhastha travelling sankirtana party is a very good one but the temple work should not be neglected. Both things should go on simultaneously.== Our process is to work on * bhagavata * and * pancaratriki-vidhi * systems simultaneously. Deity worship is * pancaratriki-vidhi * system and preaching is * bhagavata* system. If we keep both systems in a regular way that will help us solidly in our advancement in Krsna consciousness.” (SPL to Makhanlal and Tilaka devi, September 24th, 1971) 72-01 “So stick very strictly to these principles and chant regularly daily sixteen rounds and you will always remain the topmost position. ==Have nice Deity program, always have lots of kirtana, serve ample prasadam very sumptuously and speak something from my books.== **If this is done in every center our movement will very soon become the world religion as has now been predicted by one prominent Japanese philosopher in a newspaper here.” (SPL to Vamanadeva and Indira dasi, January 4th, 1972) 72-07 “I am so glad to hear that the things in Austin center are going on very nicely, never mind there are not many devotees there. Our program is to enlist the men with quality for serving Krsna, not for attracting the masses for simply watching and going away. ==As long as the classes are going on well, the rules and regulations are being observed sincerely, the sankirtana party is going out with enthusiastic mood-if these things are going on, then everything is first-class.== * * You are engaged in Krsna’s preaching work, therefore you are being specially favored by Krsna, just like the fighting soldier is receiving all special care by the government so that he will not be lacking anything, even the citizens at home my be deprived of all comforts. So you may know it for certain that Krsna will give you all facility to improve in every way, according to the sincerity of your attempt to spread Krsna consciousness in the battlefield of preaching work.” (SPL to Prahladananda, 25th July,* 1972) 73-01 “Your letter December 30th, 1972, is in hand. I have only just now got it, so tomorrow is your *sraddha* ceremony of your father, so I do not know if this letter will reach you in time to be of any help in the matter. ==But for conducting sraddha ceremony, that should be done in our temple, and feasting should be arranged in the temple. Afterwards, the prasada should be distributed to friends and relatives. Perform kirtana, give lecture and readings, just like our ordinary program.== The idea is that in addition we are offering sumptuous *prasada* of Visnu to the soul of father and mother. Therefore Visnu’s *prasada* should be distributed in sufficient quantities, not otherwise.” ([[letters/1973/730104_sama_sammita|Krsna Gopala, 4 January, 1973]]) *** 73-08 ** ==“Observe many festivals, that will keep both public and devotees alive. Temple means festivals and festivals means chanting and distribution of prasadam.”== ([[letters/1973/730808_satsvarupa|Tamala Krsna, 8 August, 1973]]) ==73-10 “Regarding the morning kirtana songs, what you have given is all right. If time permits there are other songs that can be sung, such as jiva jago, udilo aruna, ’There is now sunrise on the Eastern horizon and Lord Caitanya accompanied by His devotees have started the morning sankirtana party ...’ ”== ([[letters/1973/731014_bali_mardan|Dhrstaketu dasa, 14 October, 1973]]) *** 74-01 ** ==“Yes, I fully agree that ’What is the use of a temple if there is no prasadam distribution?’ Prasadam distribution on a large scale must be resumed. Such a temple where there is no such distribution has no value, I agree.”== ([[letters/1974/740111_nadia|Tamala Krsna Maharaja, 11 January, 1974]]) *** 74-01 ** ==“Here in L.A. they have elaborate Sunday festivals and erect a tent on the front lawn. There are hours of kirtana, a philosophical lecture and lots of sumptuous prasadam distribution. Another thing is, here they have a twenty-four hour security guard, with pistol and holster who is in the temple at all times. So you should do this like this.”== ([[letters/1974/740112_mukunda|Mukunda, 12 January, 1974]]) *** 74-04 “I am asking Pradyumna to send you a list of Vaisnava functions which you can give to the Indians who are inquiring about it at the New York temple. ==Other than the bona fide Vaisnava functions we cannot divert our devotees’ attention to such participation in so-called religious functions. This has spoiled the Hindu religion into a hodge podge pseudoreligion.== **For advancement in Krsna consciousness we should simply concentrate on Krsna; therefore we can help them but the function has to be in connection with Krsna.” ([[letters/1974/740427_pusta_krsna|Gopala Krsna, 27 April, 1974]]) *** 74-08 ** ==“Regarding your Janmastami program expectation of 10,000 people, it is very good. Thank you very much. I am very much pleased what you are doing. Give the people nice prasada. This is what is temple life. Chanting, dancing, prasadam, this is what I want.”== ([[letters/1974/740808_dayananda|Giriraja dasa, 8 August, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “We are making our temples very nice and gorgeous so that people will come and take Krsna consciousness. Just like here at Mayapur, because we have this very nice house, people are coming to visit and stay. They attend the *aratis* and listen to my lectures, and take *prasadam.* If we did not have this house, then they would not come. So this is the meaning of a temple. There must always be activity. Not that we have a nice house for comfortable living. ==We simply want to bring people back home, back to Godhead. That is the purpose of our temples, of our books, and our festivals, and preaching.”== ([[letters/1974/741024_jayatirtha_sudama|Uttama Sloka dasa, 24 October, 1974]]) ==74-11 “I thank you very much for your sentiments, and I know that you are all working hard to make Bhaktivedanta Manor a very nice place. You should know it that our temples they are not in this material world.== The temple is Vaikuntha, where Krsna is remembered and served 24 hours daily without stopping. So we already are in Vaikuntha by participating in the temple activities. So it must be done very nicely.” (SPL to Sarvamangala devi dasi *, * 6th November, 1974) ==74-11 “I have understood from Hamsaduta Prabhu that you are giving lectures in the temple.== I have seen the column from the Gujarati newspaper and I am very pleased. ==Somebody must speak, and you have taken the task. I offer you my thanks.== You are an elder disciple and you have heard what I am speaking, so you should just speak what you have heard and it will have potent effect. This is the power of the *parampara,* disciplic succession. So you must be prepared to meet all opposition because practically everyone is Mayavadi. They do not have faith in Krsna’s words in *Bhagavad-Gita.* Therefore we have a great responsibility to present Krsna’s words without any change. Please do the needful. Your speaking should be continued.” ([[letters/1974/741114_patita_uddharana|Patita Uddharana dasa, 14 November, 1974]]) *** 74-11 “I can understand that you are managing a very nice temple there. The temple is meant to invite everyone to come and take shelter of the Lord. ==The temple is the opportunity for all conditioned souls to render some service to Krsna== * * either in the matter of hearing, chanting, offering, cleansing, reading, or taking * prasada.* Therefore, by managing the temple as a president, you are doing a very great service to humanity. So please continue in this way and make it nicer and nicer. I am also glad to note that you are distributing the books in increasing numbers. We want that our book distribution should be increased more and more in the coming year.” ([[letters/1974/741121_nrsimha_caitanya|Nrsimha Caitanya dasa, 21 November, 1974]]) ==75-01 “Because I am stressing one thing (book distribution) especially, does that mean that everything else is not important? No. Everything must go on.”== ([[letters/1975/750116_m.v._sita_ramalai|Jyotiganesvara dasa, 16 January, 1975]]) *** 75-12 “In Australia we have got our temples, consult the *Back to Godhead* magazine for the temple nearest you. ==Please visit the temple and take advantage of the pure Spiritual atmosphere, this will immediately extinguish the burning fire of material suffering in your heart.== Meanwhile I humbly request you to chant Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This chanting will bring you all perfection of life, please try it.” ([[letters/1975/751204_mark_phillips|Mark Phillips, 4 December, 1975]]) *** 76-01 “The photos of my *murti* are very nice. ==The murti of the spiritual master should be treated as good as the Deity== — *saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair, uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih, kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya.* The guru should be treated as good as God. This is stated in all the *sastras.* The difference is that God is master-God and guru is servant-God. ==So the installation ceremony for such a murti should be similar to that done for other Deities. All temples can have this Deity if they like.== * * But temples which have only * Panca-tattva * painting worship should not be given this Deity. You should make a * murti* of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and then they may be worshipped together as is now being done in our Krsna-Balarama temple. They should be placed with Gaura-Nitai-Guru-Gauranga.” ([[letters/1976/760129_karandhara|Karandhara, 29 January, 1976]]) *** 76-03 ** ==“Any sitar player or tabla player or any other musician invited in the temple cannot play anything except Hare Krsna. Neither anyone can use the temple for musical demonstration. Such things are items for sense gratification. If someone comes in the temple to chant Hare Krsna by his musical talents, he is welcome otherwise not. Please follow this principle.”== (Mukunda, 13 May, 1976) *** 77-01 * * ==“Now you must arrange in each temple there must be sufficient stock of prasadam for distribution. You can keep first-class cooks, two or three, and they should be always engaged.== * * Whenever any guest comes he must get *prasada.* This arrangement must made, that the cooks prepare 10-12 servings at a time, of *puris* and *sabji,* and you can add *halava* and *pakoras,* and the visitors must be supplied immediately. Whenever a gentleman comes, he must be served. As the 20 servings are being distributed, immediately the cooks prepare another 20 servings and store it. At the end of the day, if no one comes, our own men will take, so there’s no loss. You cannot say, ’It is finished,’ ’It is not cooked yet,’ ’There is no supply for cooking,’ etc. This must be enforced rigidly. The temple is managed by Srimati Radharani, Laksmiji; so why should there be want? Our philosophy is, if anyone comes, let him take *prasada,* chant Hare Krsna and be happy. Everything is being supplied by Krsna, Krsna is not poor, so why we should deny them? This should be done at any cost. There is no difficulty, it simply requires nice management. At the end of the day you may sell or give away. If we believe that Krsna is providing and maintaining everyone, then why should we be misers? This means losing faith in Krsna, and thinking that we are the doers and suppliers. We are confident that Krsna will supply! Let the whole world come, we can feed them. So please do this nicely, begin at once.” (SPL All temple presidents, January 18th, 1977) 77-09 “By your example teach all of the citizens to become ideal Vaisnavas, faithfully following the regulative principles and chanting regularly the Hare Krsna *mantra.* Worship the Deity very gorgeously with full attention to regularity and cleanliness. Distribute ample quantities of sumptuous *prasadam* to everyone who visits Kaliya-Krsna. This program will make us successful. ==And in the morning and evening hold regular Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-Gita discourses, but do not allow any rascal professional reciters to discourse in our temple. Only initiated disciples should be allowed to speak== **on the subject matter of Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1977/770906_vasudeva|Vasudeva dasa, 6 September, 1977]]) ## Marriage Ceremonies 68-10 Regarding the Sikh gentleman’s request to use our temple for performing some Sikh religious ceremony: You know that we have refused even the Hindu people to hold demigod worship in our temple, and what to speak of the Sikhs, who are not to the standard of Vedic principle. As a matter of fact, ==we should not allow anyone to hold any function in our temple, otherwise than Vaisnava principle.== * * In your temple, if your finances condition is going on nicely then there is no need for allowing anyone to hold ceremonies against Vaisnava principle. If anyone wants to hold some function, they should pay to the temple at least $50.00 and we shall prepare Krsna * prasada, * offer to the Deity, and as we do generally, and the same * prasada * may be distributed to anyone, may he be Hindu, Christian, Sikh, etc. So if Mr. Singh agrees to this principle, then he may pay you the required money to prepare * prasada, * which after offering to the Deity, you can hand over to him, and he can offer to Guru Nanak or anyone else, and then you can distribute to the devotees. There cannot be any separate distribution of foodstuff save and except Krsna * prasadam* according to our own principles.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, October 10th, 1968) ==69-07 “If you are planning to perform the marriage ceremony for Jagadisa and Laksmimoni, then you must know the prayers to be said.== I think you have a copy of a tape recorded at our initiation ceremony in Buffalo, so the prayers are there. Purusottama tried to transcribe these prayers from a tape we have here, but it was not done at all. So if you are planning to perform this ceremony, then I shall send you further instructions along with a tape and written prayers, as you require.” ([[letters/1969/690724_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 24 July, 1969]]) *** 70-01 “Regarding Volcer marrying, for the time being they can be married by the civil court without any delay. Both the husband and wife may be allowed to associate with you and after a few days, if you recommend for initiation, then you can send their beads and they will be initiated by post. At that time you can perform our regular wedding ceremony as usual. That will be nice. ==Uninitiated couples cannot be married by us. We shall not take the responsibility of an ordinary marriage maker. Our practice is to help devotees for advancing in Krsna consciousness.== In such activities, when there is necessity, we get them married also.” ([[letters/1970/700111_kulasekhara|Jaya Gopala, 11 January, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “Regarding the proposed marriage of Man Mohini and Sri Dhama, yes, I have already sent Sri Dhama sanctioning this marriage and offering my blessings. Subala has already got practical experience, he has performed 2 marriage ceremonies and has sent me a xeroxed copy of the procedure which I have approved. I am enclosing herewith one copy and you can perform the wedding in your temple. ==Everyone, at least all the presidents, should be experienced in performing marriage ceremonies.”== ([[letters/1970/700411_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 11 April, 1970]]) ==70-05 “Regarding using our temple for marriage ceremonies for the Hindu community, if they contribute something to the temple they can use the temple and perform the marriage with their own priest, but we cannot take responsibility for marrying others who are not initiated by us.”== ([[letters/1970/700525_upendra|Upendra, 25 May, 1970]]) ==75-02 “You can allow the sacrifice in the Manor for Mrs. Mehta, but as with the weddings, they must pay for the room. (Don’t have it in the temple room.) She can bring her own brahmanas.”== ([[letters/1975/750203_radhey_syam_kripalu|Patita Uddharana dasa, 3 February, 1975]]) *** 76-03 ** ==“Concerning marriages in the Bombay center as a means of income, if it does not disturb the daily routine, then it can be done. However, the marriages cannot take place before the Deity in the temple. Where in the tower would you plan to have the marriages take place? What rooms would be utilized for this purpose?”== ([[letters/1976/760520_manager_of_bank_of_america|Surabhi, 20 May, 1976]]) ## Doll Exhibits 73-05 ** ==“We want to display doll exhibitions in every center of our society depicting some narration from Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, Caitanya-caritamrta, Bhagavad-Gita like that. Just like the picture that Arjuna’s chariot is placed by Krsna between the two groups of soldiers. The pictures are already there in our books and they are to be demonstrated by doll exhibition.”== ([[letters/1973/730509_jayapataka_bhavananda|Jayapataka and Bhavananda, 9 May, 1973]]) *** 74-09 “So you act as GBC and see things are going nicely. Now Baradraja and his wife have become expert doll makers. So give him all facilities. Let all those with artistic talent assist him. ==I want very extensive doll exhibits in every center.== * * My Guru Maharaja used to spend lots of money on doll exhibitions on * Srimad-Bhagavatam.* So I am sure that if we make doll exhibitions very prominent many tourists and visitors will throng in our temples. Baradraja and his wife have made here some dolls super-excellent successful. So utilize their talent and get others to assist them.” ([[letters/1974/740914_jayatirtha|Jayatirtha dasa, 14 September, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “You mention that in our Buffalo project that Saptaratha Prabhu is there making nice doll display for the temple. You should tell him that others should also learn from him how to make these dolls. ==We have to make these doll displays for all of our temples all over the world,== **on all different subject matters, from the scriptures. It is a very nice way of attracting all people especially in the West.” ([[letters/1974/741218_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 18 December, 1974]]) *** 75-08 ** ==“I have seen a photo of the dolls you have made of Krsna lifting Govardhana Hill and also Balarama. Your son has sent the photo. So you have done it very nicely. Go on with this work.”== ([[letters/1975/750804_gopala_krsna|Saptaratha dasa, 4 August, 1975]]) *** 75-11 “I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 1st, 1975 with enclosures and thank you very much. From the photographs I see **that the work you have done is super-excellent. It is very, very nice. I very much appreciate it. The dolls of Lord Damodara are very nicely done. The face is so nice. Your plans for including restaurant and bookshop in the museum is very good. ==So far your future plans are concerned, you should understand that at every center there should be such doll exhibitions.== So wherever it is suitable, you should take up in that place first. We want that at every center there should be this doll exhibition. In the new New York building, one flat should be for this exhibition. The name of your exhibition is approved by me and it is a very good idea that you want to get federal funding. So far the Garuda Stamba is concerned, from the photograph, yes, it is approved what you have done. It can be placed in the Los Angeles temple in front of the Deity underneath the balcony. It must be underneath the balcony, otherwise how can it be done? It is better if it is not underneath, but if there is no other space for it, then you will have to do it like that. Regarding the Nrsimhadeva Deity, yes, that can be done, however to worship Nrsimhadeva requires a separate temple structure, not that Lord Nrsimhadeva can be worshipped in the same temple as Radha-Krsna. Regarding your question about offering *arati* to the form of Damodara, no, the Deity worship that you are now doing is sufficient during the *Damodara-vrata.* Regarding my head for the statue, that will appear in the museum, all of them, they are perfectly done. Locana has done very, very well. Yes, it is good if you prepare a mold so that these life-sized *murtis* can be available. I am sending these photographs with Surabhi to Jaipur for their making the *murtis* here for the Bombay temple. Regarding the fruit decorations, it is not proper for them to be on the head of the throne. This should not be done. Regarding *mrdanga* making, this is very, very important item. It will open a great scope of our activities, so it should be done very carefully. I want to see **large production. I note the signatures of all your assistants and I very much appreciate their activities. Make them all experts. All of them require to be experts because they will have to go to all the centers because we want to have this transcendental exhibition in all our centers around the world.” ([[letters/1975/751118_mr._mohan_majundar|Baradraja dasa, 18 November, 1975]]) *** 75-12 “Upon seeing the pictures of the doll exhibit I thought it was some of our devotees play acting. ==This boy Saptaratha dasa has done the dolls very, very nicely now make a museum for the public. This doll making was one of the programs of my Guru Maharaja, and the exhibit used to tour India.== **That same exhibit, although falling apart, is still touring India today and people are appreciating it. So develop this program, I am very pleased with this boy’s work, encourage him.” ([[letters/1975/751207_sivarama|Rupanuga dasa, 7 December, 1975]]) ## Security 69-09 “Regarding the outlaws, why police protection is not there? Does it mean that in the United States if somebody is threatened he will have no state protection and must submit to the atrocities of the outlaws? Our point should be that ==we shall take all necessary steps for self-protection, depending for the result on Krsna. We should not sit down idly simply depending on Krsna. Arjuna had to fight in the battlefield, but at the same time he heard Bhagavad-Gita.== Our motto shall be like that. Neither shall we fight alone, without Krsna consciousness, nor shall we give up all possible facilities in Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1969/690909_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 9 September, 1969]]) *** 72-09 “I have read your account of the incidents of fighting with the hoodlums with great concern. After all, this world is full of darkness and controlled by the demons, so difficulties are there certainly. But if we stick to the lotus feet of Krsna, these difficulties will be over, just like a child jumps over the pit caused by the hoof of a calf. Krsna fought with so many demons so fighting is not prohibited if it is for the good cause. But one thing is, these are young boys, so actually if you approach them humbly and you yourself go to their leaders and speak to them nicely about Krsna consciousness they will agree to leave us alone, that I think. But if you make big armed confrontation and show of strength there will be continuous fighting more and more. Better to resolve the whole situation by approaching their leaders at once and reconciling everything with them by bringing them *prasadam* and other nice gifts and giving them our philosophy, and if they are willing to hear it, also teach them how to chant Hare Krsna *mantra.* ==These are innocent young boys, they are simply misled, so you go to them and give them the right information and then you will have nothing more to fear from them. But if you think buying a shotgun is necessary, that is all right, we have to defend Krsna’s temple if it comes to it.”== ([[letters/1972/720914_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 14 September, 1972]]) *** 73-06 “After the shooting affair what precaution have you taken? Baradraja is here and he gave report that the devotees were very frightened. I further understand that the attack was for the second time. Here in Mayapur there are reports of dacoity at least once, twice in a month surrounding our place. So we have now taken two guns under regular license from the government. ==So when New Vrndavana has been attacked twice, thrice, why are you not keeping guns?== **We are not advocates of non-violence when there is aggression we must kill them. So I think you shall immediately arrange for guns and at least 10, 12 men should be trained up so when there is again attack you can properly reply the aggressor. So far as my health is concerned it is improving a little but at the same time another new symptom is developing. Yesterday all of a sudden I have developed eye trouble. They said it is conjunctivitis or something like that. The left eye is swollen and always weeping and I cannot see properly. Syamasundara came here and he also wants me to come to London for talking with some important men. I am thinking of going there by the first week of July but wondering what shall I do if some new symptom of my bad health threatens me in so many ways. But on the whole, if I go to London I think it will not be difficult for me to go to New Vrndavana. Sometime by the 20th of August I could arrive because Janmastami will take place on the 21st. Just now I cannot promise taking consideration of my bad health. But if I at all go to London there is 90% chance of my going to New Vrndavana. In the meantime I shall be glad to hear from you what defense measures you have taken to protect the life and property of New Vrndavana. This is very important and you must take all steps. Actually the government should have arrested all the gang and punished them properly for their atrocious behavior on unarmed people. Is there an attempt to have the government punish the gang who are well known to your country? We just take measure against occasional attacks by criminals.” ([[letters/1973/730622_batu_gopala|Kīrtanānanda Maharaja, 22 June, 1973]]) *** 73-06 * * ==“You have asked about whether nuclear devastation on this planet would effect the== * * ==sankirtana movement. No, there is nothing that can stop the== * * ==sankirtana movement because it is the will of God Himself, Lord Caitanya, that His holy name be heard in every town and village.== * * Neither can the demons devastate this planet independent of the will of Krsna. Nothing happens without His sanction. If Krsna wants to kill someone no one can save Him, and if Krsna wants to save someone no one can kill him. For our parts we should just be determined to carry out our mission against all opposition, demons, nuclear war, whatever. The whole universe is finally subject to certain annihilation by the will of Krsna, but devotional service is eternal and is the only certain way one can save himself from devastation. We can preach all over the world that the only way to be saved from collective and individual devastation is to take to the chanting of Hare Krsna. In short, this material world is a very precarious place therefore we should always chant Hare Krsna and seek Krsna’s protection.” ([[letters/1973/730622_makhanlal|Makhanlal, 22 June, 1973]]) *** 73-06 “You have asked what is the mentality of the demons who attacked New Vrndavana and why did this happen? You should know this already, that there are two classes of men, devotees and demons. The whole history is that the peaceful devotees are disturbed by the demons but that the devotees are always victorious by the grace of Krsna. In the *Bhagavad-Gita* Krsna ordered Arjuna to declare to the whole world that His devotees would never be vanquished. And in the last verse of the *Gita,* Sanjaya says: ’Wherever there is Krsna and Krsna’s pure devotee Arjuna, there will always be opulence, victory, extraordinary power and morality,’ *tatra srir vijayo bhutir, dhruva nitir matir mama.* But because we are engaged in warfare with the forces of *maya,* there will be casualties. Even Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu a 16-year-old boy was killed at the battle of Kuruksetra. ==We should be prepared to protect the Deities and always expect Krsna’s mercy, because we are always dependent on Him and we cannot do anything on our own without Him.”== ([[letters/1973/730622_makhanlal|Makhanlal, 22 June, 1973]]) *** 74-01 “I have received one letter from Madhavananda in which he mentions that the Deities at the Bhaktivedanta Manor are not protected. ==So you are the president of the temple and therefore you are responsible for all areas. “Who is in charge of the Deity room? It must be secured at night, every window and door must be locked and you must personally see to this.== **You have had sufficient experience at Bury Place that the Deity was attacked. You have already experienced that so you should not be negligent in this matter. Please see that adequate security is given to the temple, especially to the Deities, so that They will not be exposed to any attack. I have answered Madhavananda on various points so you may see his letter. The main thing is that if the matter is to go ahead there must be a cooperative spirit between yourself, Madhavananda, Syamasundara and the others. I understand from Madhavananda’s letter that there is great opportunity for spreading Krsna consciousness among the Indians and expanding all our programs there in England so I shall be glad to hear from you on these matters how you are pushing forward to make our mission successful in England.” ([[letters/1974/740101_mukunda|Mukunda, 1 January, 1974]]) *** 74-01 ** ==“Here they have a twenty-four hour security guard, with pistol and holster who is in the temple at all times. So you should do this like this.”== ([[letters/1974/740112_mukunda|Mukunda, 12 January, 1974]]) ## Stationary, Letterheads and Signs ==68-06 “Please accept my blessings. I thank your for your letter dated June 3rd, 1968. The ISKCON RADHA KRSNA TEMPLE will perpetually continue as such. But in spite of that, San Francisco shall be gradually transformed into New Jagannatha Puri. That is my plan, and try to help in that way. The sign on the temple should read: ISKCON SRI SRI RADHA KRSNA TEMPLE.”== (SPL to Yamuna, June, 1968) *** 68-12 ==“You have requested my suggestion for the neon sign-board outside of our new temple and I think that the bigger sign may say International Society for Krsna Consciousness and the other may say the Hare Krsna mantra if it is not too much expensive.”== ([[letters/1968/681219_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 19 December, 1968]]) ==69-01 “I have seen the lotus sign with the word ISKCON on it, and I think that it is not acceptable. This is because one does not know where to start reading the letters. If you like to make a lotus flower for this, I have enclosed one picture which I have drawn and which you may consider. But Radha-Krsna must also appear on this letterhead.”== ([[letters/1969/690118_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 18 January, 1969]]) *** 69-03 ** ==“The letter heading is very nicely set up but the color black is not so attractive. It should have been two colors as you suggested, namely violet and black. I am pleased that you are going to have two color set up next printing.”== ([[letters/1969/690310_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 10 March, 1969]]) *** 70-04 * * ==“One thing, all other centers print the acarya’s name on the letterhead of their stationery—you should also do that== * .* And every center contributes $15 monthly towards my maintenance fund, so you also try to contribute this monthly. Besides that, in your book list I don’t find the name of * Srimad-Bhagavatam. * You should have all books in stock always. If you have not got any * Srimad-Bhagavatams* in stock, just order them from Brahmananda. Also, I have not heard anything from Ksirodakasayi in some time. So let me know how he is doing.” ([[letters/1970/700401_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 1 April, 1970]]) *** 71-03 ** ==“One thing I don’t see is your letter heading. Formerly there was a letter heading. You should always use stationery letter heading. That is required.”== (SPL to Abhirama, May 5th, 1971) 74-11 “It is very good that you have already opened the center and registered the Society. This is good beginning. One thing, regarding registering, is that our system is to ==keep the name of the Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda on all registration documents,== * * as well as all stationery, books, and publications. So I see * * the name there on the letterhead in Subala dasa Swami’s letter, so it is all right. In this way do it.” ([[letters/1974/741113_deoji_punja|Deoji Punja, 13 November, 1974]]) *** 76-10 ** ==“Yes, you must rectify this mistake. All society stationery must bear my name as Founder-Acarya. Please do it immediately.”== ([[letters/1976/761028_caitya-guru|Makhanlal dasa, 28 October, 1976]]) ## Legal, Registration, Immigration (see GBC) Legal, Registration, Immigration ==Click here to see also GBC== 67-05 ==“I have learnt that in the temple there are sometimes men with no work. This should not be allowed. Everyone must be busy with some work in Krsna consciousness. Idleness is not Krsna consciousness. Please take care of this omission. I shall be glad to hear from you about this.”== ([[letters/1967/670505_mukunda|Mukunda, 5 May, 1967]]) *** 67-08 “I am glad to know that you are comfortable in Boston and that you are engaging your energy there in making nice Krsna *prasada.* I am also pleased to know that Himavati is definitely going to have a baby. It is a very wonderful thing and surely Krsna will bless your home with His presence as both you and your wife are His sincere servants. The best preparation for the coming of the baby is just for the parents to remain perfectly Krsna conscious and of course the best means for that is by chanting the holy name and listening to the *Bhagavad-Gita* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* I very much appreciate that you enjoy helping to open various centers, and that is certainly laudable on your part. You must fully consider however, your wife and child; your first duty now as a householder is to provide nicely for your wife and child. [TEXT MISSING] Lord to give up fighting; rather he was encouraged in his occupation but at the same time, he was to do it for Krsna. That is the secret of Krsna consciousnessnot ==that we have to all become preachers but that we all dedicate our lives or our consciousness (no matter in what capacity) to Lord Krsna.== If things can be worked out nicely within the temple that’s all right. But family life requires a certain amount of privacy and convenience, which may not always be available. I am simply concerned that you be happy and contented, so you can prosecute the most important thing, Krsna consciousness, without being disturbed. Rupanuga and Damodara are both doing nicely in this regard and I wish the same for you.” (SPL to Hamsaduta, August 29th, 1967) 68-01 ** ==“I am very sorry that Satyavrata has left us on some petty sentimental thing. Please ask him to come back and excuse me if I have struck his sentiment.== I think he should be permanently on the editorial board and you can give him any serious engagement as you please. He may be replaced in the place of Hayagriva if he is not going to join us. Recently I have received one letter from Hayagriva and I replied it promptly. The thing is, everyone of us should think himself as servant of Krsna. In the service of Krsna there may be sometimes transcendental competition, but there cannot be any disruption. Please call Satyavrata and give him serious engagement as he likes to take. He is a good soul and he must be satisfied.” ([[letters/1968/680111_rayarama|Rayarama, 11 January, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “You can arrange to supply *prasadam* only to our devotees. We are not in a position financially to distribute foodstuff for the poor class of men. Such men may take shelter of some charitable institution. At the present moment, we are not in a position to make charities but for the devotees we can sacrifice anything. ==So you can stop preparing prasadam for persons who are not willing to work neither to pay.== **Regarding your going to India, that is already in my program. Please save some money, not only for your passage but also for my passage. I am coming back to San Francisco by the 10th of March. When we meet we shall talk more of our Indian program. I think it is Krsna’s desire that you should come to India with me and help in establishing a nice Indian center there.” (SPL to Cidananda, February 24th, 1968) 68-03 ** ==“If you are not satisfied with your cooking engagement, tell Bramananda to give you some other engagement. But it doesn’t look well if you change from one center to another for some convenience. Everywhere service to Krsna is the same, but if you are feeling some inconvenience, then you may inform Bramananda, and get some relaxation by change of duty.”== ([[letters/1968/680318_devananda|Devananda, 18 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ==“You should take Back to Godhead as your life and soul. Your work for Back to Godhead is first and foremost above all. If you do not find any time for other things, there is no objection, but I want to see that you make Back to Godhead a successful magazine like Life magazine== or *Illustrated Weekly of India.* I am very much ambitious of the progress of the paper, and you can use your discretion how to do it. You are at liberty to do it with full power of attorney. So far discussions of political affairs in *Back to Godhead,* it is not a very good suggestion. But if you can present political affairs in spiritual light, as I wrote some articles in the original *Back to Godhead* in the matter of political divisions of India, and catastrophes thereof. That requires a very thorough understanding of the whole situation, and if you can do this, it will be a great service. I wanted therefore a combined editorial board. Unfortunately, you have to do everything yourself. For this work I think you will have to invite cooperation from others who may help you. Anyway, *Back to Godhead* must be improved to the fullest extent, because it is the backbone of our Society. Think it over and do it nicely as far as possible and if necessary you can stop any other activities. But people like your lectures also, and I hope you are delivering your nice lectures in the classes. For the time being, you stop thinking of *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* and we will make plans when I meet you in New York. It is very nice that you are preparing a book on the life of Lord Caitanya. Also, if you can get the *Isopanisad* printed that is very nice. Part of it is in the original *Back to Godhead,* and part is manuscript there. As for the *Brahma-saḥhitā,* I am not working on it at the present moment, but I have thought of it. But I will see to it later on.” ([[letters/1968/680323_rayarama|Rayarama, 23 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ** ==“Please continue your very good service and do not feel any feeling of uselessness. It is true that Krsna has given some the opportunity to serve Him by nice writing, some by good business ability, some by nice cooking, and so on, but these various services are all accepted equally by Krsna.== On the transcendental plane, one service is as good as another. There is no question of higher or lower. We are very tiny and so we cannot really do very much. Simply we can engage our time and energy and that is all Krsna sees. He sees this boy or girl is spending his time in My service and He is pleased. I hope you are both well.” ([[letters/1968/680303_hansadutta_himavati|Hamsaduta and Himavati, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-06 “Your judgement that because you think that you cannot take part in the translation work, therefore, you have decided to contribute for its publication. This dictation from within your heart from Krsna is quite in order. For serving the Lord we require to sacrifice our life, our wealth, our intelligence and our words. One can serve the Lord with these four possessions; if not, with three, if not then with two or even one, and that is sufficient to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I wish that you can utilize your best talents in business organization and the result utilize for Krsna’s satisfaction is on the absolute platform. To make the idea more clear, ==if I am translating Srimad-Bhagavatam, and if you are contributing for its publication and helping for its distribution, this means there is no difference between your service and my service. In the absolute platform there is no such distinction.== **And service is always on the absolute platform. One has to make the best use of his talent for the service of Krsna. That is wanted. Best example is Arjuna, that he utilized his talents, military science, in the service of Krsna.” ([[letters/1968/680607_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 7 June, 1968]]) *** 68-07 “I understand that you are trying to organize a *brahmacarini asrama.* A *brahmacarini asrama* is certainly a great necessity because they are so many girl devotees who are attached to our Krsna consciousness movement. Those who are married couples, there is nothing to be saidsimply live together as husband and wife. But those who are not married, certainly such *brahmacaris* and *brahmacarinis* should not live together. That is a special restricted term of our cult. But because in your country there is no distinction between boys and girls, or man and woman, they can freely mix without any restriction. I did not give too much stricture on this point because by such stricture they might be annoyed, and whatever Krsna consciousness they are trying to develop might have been checked. But factually if you can organize a *brahmacarini asrama* it will be very nice idea. And I think that our Jadurani or similar other girl students who are a little advanced, can manage such *asrama.* But there is another difficulty, that when girls live together they will pick up quarrels. Anyway, that sort of quarrelling will continue whenever there is a little bit of individuality. That is the nature. Even such quarrelling is visible in the spiritual world also. But the main thing is that in Boston, you are the only earning member. How you will maintain such a *brahmacarini asrama* separately unless there is some source of income. I expected that the pictures painted by the *brahmacirinis* would be a source of income to the Society. If some arrangement for such sales organization can be made, then it will be a very excellent idea. ==The brahmacarinis cannot go, of course, for begging, but if some of them agree to go out and sell our books and literature, that will also be helpful. Some source of income by honest endeavor must be there,== otherwise, how a nice *brahmacarini asrama* can be maintained? In the *asrama* we must supply all inmates necessary nutritious food. Especially in your country, because they were accustomed to take meat and some protein food, just like regular supply of *dal, capatis,* rice, fruits and milk, must be properly administered. There is no need of eating more than necessary but the minimum demands must be supplied. But if you can organize such a nice *brahmacarini asrama* it will be a great success of our Society. There is a great need for this. And I wish sincerely that except for husband and wife, everyone should live separately, man separate from woman, and woman separate from man. I shall be glad to hear from your about further developments. But one thing can be very nicely utilized, if the *brahmacarinis* learn typographic machine. That will be a great help because printing is one of our most important line of activities. And if the *brahmacarinis* help us in the making of letter printing sheets for photo offset printing, that will be a great help.” ([[letters/1968/680712_satsvarupa|Satsvarapa, 12 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 ’The more we struggle for advancing our Krsna consciousness movement, the more we become advanced on the path. Really, devotional service means that we have to employ our energies for the purpose of Krsna consciousness, and ==it does not matter what is the volume of such energy, because different persons have got different type of energies,== **but the best means is that one has to apply his energy as far as possible, that is the secret of success in Krsna consciousness. It does not mean that one has to acquire the energy of an elephant or one has to become very learned or intelligent man, simply one has to become sincere and employ whatever energy he has in his possession in the service of the Lord. That is the secret of success in Krsna consciousness.” (SPL to Aniruddha, August 24th, 1968) 68-09 “Regarding yourself and Jadurani You are both very sincere servitors to the cause of Krsna, and Krsna will give you the necessary intelligence how to behave with one another. I am glad to learn that the girls under the guidance of Jadurani are doing nice painting work and I am very much inclined to have many many *samkirtana* pictures painted like the one which was in your Boston temple on the wall while I was there. I have one photograph of this picture and it is so nice that I feel my joys unlimited. (See enclosed sketch for identifying the exact painting I am speaking of). Our Madhavilata is also a good artist. She is painting a very nice picture of Radha-Krsna seated on a swing. ==But she is a little independent spirited and wants to wander with me. Anyway, she is a sincere good soul, and let her do the work in her own way. But it is a good asset for her that she has attraction to hear me.== That will make her all right in the due course of time, and it may be that she will also come out a great painting assistant in our Society.” ([[letters/1968/680927_mukunda|Satsvarapa, 27 September, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “So far service to Krsna is concerned, it is variegated. Krsna has got multi-energies, therefore, He can receive service from us in multi-forms. ==So anyone can render loving service to== * * ==Krsna by his talents, that is the technique of== * * ==Krsna consciousness. So by the grace of== * * ==Krsna, you have got the talent and you have got the opportunity also to serve Him,== * * and I wish that Krsna may give you more and more such opportunity to make your progress in Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1968/681006_advaita|Advaita, 6 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “I have given instruction to Tamala how to keep the branches going on simply on the strength of chanting the *mantra* and following the rules and regulations. We shall always pray to Krsna that we are weak and *maya* is very strong. So seek for His protection on every step so *maya* may not inflict upon us her trident injuries. Perhaps you have seen the picture of Durga carrying the trident in her hand, which is a symbol of the 3-fold miseries of material existence. *Maya’s* most attractive feature is women and money. ==We Krsna conscious men have to deal with women and money in course of preaching work, and the only prophylactic measure to save us is not to accept them for our sense gratification.== **Then we shall remain strong enough. Materialistic people take everything for sense gratification and Krsna conscious people take everything for Krsna’s satisfaction. There is no fault in the thing as it is; namely women and money, but it becomes faulty by improper use. The improper use is to accept them for sense gratification. As it is stated in *Bhagavad-gita,* we can remain very strong from this by taking a firm shelter under the lotus feet of Krsna, by chanting His holy name incessantly, and praying always for being engaged in His service. In this way He will protect us from our weakness.” (SPL to Gargamuni, October 18th, 1969) 68-11 * * ==“We must always remember that the leader in charge of a temple must learn to successfully deal with the other persons there. No one is working as a paid servant, so if the dealings are not friendly everyone will decide to leave.== * * The leader of the temple must try always to be sober and tolerant and at the same time manage everything nicely. Please continue to try and cultivate this talent and I know you will be given all intelligence to do this.” ([[letters/1968/681126_upendra|Upendra, 26 November, 1968]]) *** 68-12 “You have got some poetic sense also, and all these talents, the artistic sense and poetic sense, can be engaged in the service of Krsna. All devotees are more or less poets. ==Out of 26 qualifications of a perfect devotee, one is poetic sense. So we can write so many poetries in praise of the Lord, or about His pastimes.== **Similarly we can draw so many nice pictures about His different activities, and such engagements will give us chance to elevate ourself to the perfectional platform of spiritual understanding.” ([[letters/1968/681121_joy_fulcher|Joy Fulcher, 21 November, 1968]]) *** 68-12 ** ==“Regarding my apartment, if it is possible to keep it with no strain on your financial condition it is all right. Otherwise, I am not very serious about retaining the apartment. Everything should be performed with no strain because too much financial strain will hamper our progress in Krsna consciousness.”== ([[letters/1968/681219_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 19 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 ** ==“From this letter I can see that you are taking serious interest in the welfare of Girish and this is very nice. You are quite right in your estimation that engagement in Krsna’s service will help him to progress more and more. And keeping him engaged will similarly keep you engaged so I can see that there is all round benefit for you both.”== ([[letters/1968/681219_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 19 December, 1968]]) *** 68-12 * * ==“Our policy of Krsna consciousness is very nice.== * * We are offering people good family life with faithful wives in Krsna consciousness. Similarly, able husbands in Krsna consciousness so that the younger generation will be happy to have nice home, nice wife, nice food, nice dress, nice philosophy of life, nice culture and ultimately, nice Krsna. So this movement is the nicest of all other movements. Simply the ministers should be ready, intelligent, honest, and sincere. Then surely the Krsna consciousness movement will be accepted by all considerate men and women.” (SPL to Gurudasa, December 24th, 1968) 68-12 “You are a very good worker I am fully aware, and I am always encouraged by your nice enthusiasm. ==You have written at length apologizing for your difficulty in English language but we are not concerned with language but with the heart.== * * But at the same time, our language must be elegant to deal with the public. Anyway, you are entrusted with the French edition of * Back to Godhead* and this has nothing to do with the English language. Your sincere devotional service will surely help you more and more in improving your fluency with English; you need have no doubt about this. But even if our language is broken we must speak of Krsna consciousness without caring for literary or grammatical style. English is a foreign language to me also, but I try to speak it, not to be a big scholar, but to be a servant of Krsna. So do not be disturbed if you feel that your language ability is not yet very expert. I very much appreciate your proposal to bind the yearly editions of your magazine into a permanent book. This will be very nice so that in the future these magazines will be preserved for people to take advantage of the valuable articles.” ([[letters/1968/681229_satsvarupa|Dayala Nitai, 29 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 “Sivananda is also a very good soul like you and he is sure to help you. I have already written one letter forbidding him to quit Hamburg for New Vrndavana because there is no work for him presently in New Vrndavana due to the winter season. So he surely can work in Hamburg for three months more, and I am glad that he is engaged in temple construction work. Let him do this without any interference. ==You do not interfere in any of his work. Let him do what he likes and at his own discretion, and you simply respect him as your older brother. I am sure that he will be peaceful there shortly.== **It may be due to so much bodily trouble that he was becoming distressed but this has subsided and he will continue to work as usual.” ([[letters/1969/690101_krsna_dasa|Krsna dasa, 1 January, 1969]]) *** 69-06 ** ==“Please take nice care of Oliver and help him in whatever way you can. In Krsna consciousness every man is so important because all of the activities of a devotee of Lord Krsna are beneficial to all living entities. So if there are any questions that he would like me to help him with, I am always at your service to help in any way I can.”== ([[letters/1969/690615_sivananda|Sivananda, 15 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 * * ==“Regarding the usefulness or uselessness of the inmates, it all depends on proper management.== * * You can’t expect that all men and women who will be going there will be very useful. You have to make them useful by your arrangement. I am very glad to inform you that Tamala Krsna and Madhudvisa are managing so nicely in Los Angeles that they are making all men useful for *sankirtana* party purposes.” ([[letters/1969/690712_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 12 July, 1969]]) *** 69-10 “I have seen the agenda of your presidents’ meeting. This is nice. One thing should be followed, however, ==as your countrymen are more or less independent spirited and lovers of democracy. So everything should be done very carefully so that their sentiments may not be hurt.== * * According to Sanskrit moral principles, everything has to be acted, taking consideration of the place, audience and time. As far as possible the centers should act freely, but conjointly. They must look forward to the common development. That should be the principle. You are all intelligent boys and you should be engaged in Krsna’s service. Then He will give you all intelligence. So in every action we should always pray to Krsna for His help so that we may act it nicely. Lord Krsna advised Arjuna * yudhyasva mam anusmara.* That should be our principle. We should use all our intellect as well as possible, and at the same time we should remember Krsna always.” ([[letters/1969/691013_pradyumna|Tamala Krsna, 13 October, 1969]]) *** 69-10 ==“I have heard from Bramananda that he plans to spend 3 days per week at Boston, but I have also heard that during his absence 3 devotees have left the temple. So things should be managed so nicely that our devotees may not leave us. We get a devotee after great endeavor and we must train such devotee in a nice way so that he may not go back and be at large in the clutches of maya.”== ([[letters/1969/691015_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 15 October, 1969]]) *** 69-10 ** ==“Regarding movement of the members from one temple to another, I think the local president’s permission is sufficient.”== (SPL to Tamala Krsna, October 18th, 1969) 69-10 “Gradually this meeting should develop into a committee of the West Coast presidents, and similarly there should be one for the East Coast, so in the future we can form a central governing body for the whole institution. Therefore the management should be done very cautiously so that everyone is satisfied in their autonomous managing capacity. Of course, the central point is the order of the spiritual master, and I am very glad that you are trying to give importance to this aspect of management. The difficulty is sometimes things are interpreted in a manner dovetailing one’s own sense gratification. I have got this personal experience in my Guru Maharaja’s institution. Different Godbrothers took the words of Guru Maharaja in different interpretations for sense gratification and the whole mission disrupted. This is still going on for the last forty years without any proper settlement. I am always afraid of this crack, but I am sure if our aim is to serve Krsna sincerely and the spiritual master simultaneously, that will be our success. That means serve Krsna and the spiritual master simultaneously with equal faith and serious vow, and then success is sure. Yourself, Gargamuni, Brahmananda and the others are intelligent. ==You should always deal with things so tactfully that people may not fall away.== **Every living being is important in Krsna conscious service, and we must take all precautions that one may not fall away.” (SPL to Tamala Krsna, October 18th, 1969) 69-10 “Similarly, you should decide about what is to be done with the North Carolina center. I * * have no objection if they move to some other place. Perhaps they will require some other nicely trained * brahmacari* to give them assistance either in North Carolina or some other place. So decide amongst yourselves what is to be done and do the needful. This is management. ==You have asked about the management of our society, and the position is that management should be done in such a way that people may not break away. That is the first business of management.== I have already explained the matter to you and Tamala, so you do it consulting amongst yourselves, gradually coming to the general governing body for managing the whole affairs. At the present moment whatever you are doing is all right.” ([[letters/1969/691027_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 27 October, 1969]]) *** 69-12 “I am so glad that Dayananda is doing everything so nicely. He is an intelligent, responsible boy, and whatever you do conjointly, it has my approval. You may note it. But always remember that Nandarani is also a very nice devotee girl, and their whole family is coming out nice; so you should see always that they are not in inconvenience in any way. Because he is a family man, he should have some special consideration. ==A brahmacari can tolerate any inconvenience, but women and children cannot. They will have difficulty.”== (SPL to Gargamuni, December 15th, 1969) 70-01 “I am very glad to learn that the small children are also increasing their dispositions and service attitude. Please get it recognized and increase the activities of the school more and more. All the devotees who desire to know may ask their questions to the elderly members but still they are open to write to me for all their questions and there should not be any hesitation. I reply each and every letter that I receive, but sometimes it may be a little late due to the pressure of work. But they should write; there is no checking. ==But it is better if simple questions are solved amongst yourselves in the Istagosthi class.== Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice, in the morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered.” ([[letters/1970/700124_ranadhira|Ranadhira, 24 January, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “I have heard about Vamanadeva in his last news bulletin and both of them are doing nicely there on account of being sincere to the spiritual master and Krsna. From the beginning I encouraged young boys and girls married and united together to preach Krsna consciousness, and this process has proved practical. So when you also get married with a good devotee, you can do the same work and open a center in some place convenient to you. That will spread our Krsna consciousness movement. ==I== * * ==always advise married couples that the male should be engaged in some work; but if somebody is busily engaged in our activities and therefore cannot work outside, that is also nice.== We do not press people to contribute, and even though we do so, it is for the good of the contributor because everything is employed for advancing this Krsna consciousness movement. The initiated householders are supposed to be * brahmanas * and according to scriptural injunction a * brahmana * can accept charity for employing the income in the service of the Lord. The boys and girls who chant in the street are also giving in charity the highest benefit to the people in general. So far such * brahmanas * or * brahmacaris * or * sannyasis * asking contributions is not against the law, actually that is the way of livelihood for persons who are not * karmis.* Sometimes such persons in India go door-to-door for collecting alms. The whole idea is that one should not be a professional beggar for livelihood, but for Krsna’s service this asking ... [PAGE MISSING]” ([[letters/1970/700210_ekayani|Ekayani, 10 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 ** ==“Now I see that in our Society the girls are more intelligent than the boys.”== ([[letters/1970/700217_sudama|Krsna devi, 17 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, without being attracted by the resultshould be followed by us.” ([[letters/1970/700307_trivikrama|Trivikrama, 7 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 *“* ==My Guru Maharaja created some brahmacaris and sannyasis for preaching work, and I am creating all grhasthas. This means that we have to adjust things in favor of circumstances in the matter of pushing Krsna consciousness movement forward.”== ([[letters/1970/700401_mukunda|Hamsaduta, 1 April, 1970]]) *** 70-05 “So it is very nice. Lord Caitanya has introduced a very nice system of self-realization through songs and arts. Both of you are expert in singing and musical science as well as painting work. Now by the grace of Krsna your talents are being utilized in His service. That is what we require in Krsna consciousness. ==We do not require to qualify very extraordinarily to serve Krsna. Krsna is self-sufficient. He does not require anyone’s service, but still the more we render service unto Him the more we become happy.== * * The example is given in the * Srimad-Bhagavatam * that the decoration on the face of a certain person is not seen by him, but when he sees his face on the mirror he enjoys. In other words, whatever we offer to the Lord, it is actually enjoyed by us. Just like we prepare so many delicious foodstuffs for Krsna, but we eat the * prasada* remnants of those foodstuffs offered to Krsna. The whole idea that everything should be offered to Krsna, and afterwards we shall enjoy the effects. You have painted so many pictures of Krsna, and when you see to the pictures you enjoy and at the same time Krsna is pleased. Similarly, the foodstuff prepared for Krsna actually we partake for it, but at the same time Krsna is pleased. Those who are cooking for themselves and eating them without offering to Krsna cannot enjoy such blissful life like the devotees. By serving Krsna we are not the least loser, but we are simply gaining more and more transcendentally. Keep this point always in front and work for Krsna and be happy. I have received some *laddus* from Boston without any note, but I think it is sent by Rukmini devi, so please offer her my thanks and blessings.” ([[letters/1970/700509_patita_uddharana|Candanacarya and Baradraja, 9 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 ** ==“As he is giving service, gradually he will come to Krsna consciousness. His giving service is his qualification. As we accept valuable metal like gold from a filthy place, similarly we should allow any karmi to work for Krsna.”== ([[letters/1970/700517_yamuna|Yamuna, 17 May, 1970]]) *** 70-05 ** ==“Continue to see that these two nice boys and all the other devotees there are following rigidly the scheduled program of regulated activities in devotional service, chanting the rounds, attending classes and studying our philosophy as well as going on sankirtana, etc.”== ([[letters/1970/700526_jadurani|Bhagavan dasa, 26 May, 1970]]) *** 70-06 “Your observations of the *karmis* is very accurate. The *karmis* are stated in the *Bhagavad-Gita* as *muddha* or fools. They are always full of anxieties on account of accepting temporary things which are not auspicious for their advancement. These *karmis* can smile very nicely when they take to Krsna consciousness—so our mission is to see everyone bright-faced. Lord Caitanya wanted to distribute this holy name in every city and town of the world and in pursuance of His lotus feet we are trying to advance this Krsna consciousness chanting movement. ==Try to help us by your life, money, words, and intelligence. These four things are possessed by everyone, the degrees may be various, but Krsna is not concerned with the degrees. He wants to see the quality.== **If you love Krsna and offer something in devotion, never mind it is a little water, a small fruit, a small flower, Krsna accepts that. If anything is accepted by Krsna that goes to our credit malting our path of liberation open. So please try to help our movement to your best capacity, and it will be very good for you and the persons who hear you.” ([[letters/1970/700603_madhavananda|Srimati Connie, 3 June, 1970]]) *** 70-08 ** ==“Kindly observe the regulative principles, chanting sixteen rounds regularly and see that all your other assistants are doing the same. If someone is lacking, try to induce him peacefully. The schedule of your activities appears to be very encouraging.”== (SPL to Upendra, August 18th, 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.”== (SPL to Yamuna, September 16th, 1970) 70-09 * * ==“I think Krsna is giving you good intelligence to manage everything in Paris. Everyone should be kept fully engaged one hundred per cent of the time in Krsna’s service without a vacant moment so that maya will never have a chance to act.== * * It does not matter what one’s engagement in Krsna’s service may be; Krsna accepts equally the service given to Him by a little calf and that given by Srimati Radharani. So we should all be very much appreciative of our Godbrothers’ and Godsisters’ service.” (SPL to Hari Vilasa, September 21st, 1970) 71-04 ** ==“I am also glad to note that Ksirodakasayi has made nice living accommodations. That is first consideration, otherwise it is difficult to do our work. So it appears that everything is very favorable in Delhi and if we can get the land, then we must make serious program in Delhi.”== (SPL to Gurudasa, April 27th, 1971) 71-07 “The book distribution policy should be like this: Cash only. All books are to be sold cash on deliver (COD). Books can be returned for exchange of other books only for a period of up to one year. ==Householders can sell books and get 15% commission on the net income.== **The retail discount schedule will be as follows: 1-2 books, 33%; 3-24 books, 40%; 25-99 books, 42%; and 100 books and over, 50% (wholesale rate).” (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, July 7th, 1971) 71-11 “Regarding your question about incense, Karandhara has just informed me that our Spiritual Sky incense business is making now $1,000,000 a year to spend for Krsna. How can that be *maya?* My Guru Maharaja used to say, ’Anything material, if it is used for the service of Krsna, it is a mistake to give it up.’ Because I have understood this principle, he used to appreciate me in front of my godbrothers. I have given this idea all alongwhy you big leaders do not understand it? You should take it to heart as a guiding principle that somehow or other we always please Krsna by doing what is practical and necessary, according to time and place. Not that we should be whimsical. But one test is that all the devotees should be satisfied. They have given their lives to Krsna, so we should see they are always happy. Their service is voluntary. ==It is not that we can force anyone to do anything. If we do they will go away and that is a great loss. Everyone must be encouraged to do what he likes to do for Krsna, so if someone likes to do business for Krsna, let them make $1,000,000 for Krsna.”== (SPL to Hamsaduta, November 20th, 1971) 71-11 “I am very encouraged to hear how San Diego center is flourishing under your supervision. The test is that so many new devotees are coming. That is a very good sign. Now you must take care to train them very nicely. They are voluntarily giving their lives to Krsna, ==so as president you must see that they are always happy and satisfied in Krsna consciousness. Then they will not go away.”== (SPL to Bhakta dasa, November 20th, 1971) 71-12 ** ==“Do not be too much pushy with Mrs. Dossa. She is an elderly lady, and she will resent too much forceful approach. Keep in touch with her regularly, and be very sincere to help and be kind in every way, but if you are overly insistent she will go away. Deal with her very tactfully, and she will come to you.”== (SPL to Danavir, 12th, December, 1971) *** 71-12 ** ==“So long as a devotee is not initiated he should have Bhakta before his name, if he is male, Bhaktin if she is a girl.”== (SPL to Nityananda, December 17th, 1971) 71-12 “Our process is to show Krsna consciousness as it is, not as others want to see it. By showing Krsna consciousness in this way, you are making the thing less important. It is not that we should change to accommodate the public, but that we should change the public to accommodate us *.* ==Better you devote your full time to one thing only, not many things.== **That way your enthusiasm and talents will have big effect by being concentrated.” (SPL to Yogesvara, December 28th, 1971) 71-12 “As for your questions about householder life, first of all, who is looking after Oklahoma City temple? If you are president then what is the use of opening center if you cannot attend all temple functions? Who is looking after temple management? If you are in charge, either you should live there or there is no need for such temple. Of course, it is not that anyone is excluded from being my disciple if they do not cent per cent attend all of temple programs, but they should be encouraged to attend as far as possible. Living outside and working are not prohibited, and it is not recommended that such strict rule as no outside living should be enforced, but living in the association of devotees is better. From our side there is never any objection if it is inconvenient for temple living, but if you are in charge of organizing your new center, I think you should live in the company of the other devotees there, to train them and work with them for distributing our books and magazines and pushing on this Krsna consciousness movement full-time. But if there is some difficulty to do this or some problem with getting money, then you should consult further with your GBC * * man to make adjustment. Preaching is our first-class engagement, including * sankirtana* party, selling books, speaking, like that. But if for some reason a devotee is unable to do these things, then I say that they are allowed to live outside and work as a concession. ==Our service for Krsna is voluntary and can never be forced. And whatever position in life one holds he can serve Krsna in that way.== **But yourselves being such qualified and experienced preachers, what is the benefit of engaging in the second class activity when there is so much preaching work to be done? Practically speaking, our Krsna philosophy will save the whole world from the most dangerous condition, that is a fact. So now you just become convinced yourselves of this fact and help me spread this movement for saving the world with all conviction and attention, and in this way you will be performing the highest type of activity and very soon you will go back home, back to Godhead, know it for certain. I have no objection if you keep home Deities.” (SPL to Vamanadeva and Indira dasi, December 8th, 1971) 72-01 “Upon your recommendation, I am gladly accepting them as my duly initiated disciples and their letter follows. Now you must take the full responsibility to give them all guidance and facility for perfecting their lives in Krsna consciousness. ==The trick is to keep everyone always engaged happily in Krsna’s service, then they will advance rapidly.== **Just you become very serious and thoughtful and learn this art how to engage everyone very nicely.” (SPL to Bhakta dasa, January 16th, 1972) ==72-02 “In this and other matters you have to manage. You have to instruct others so they will not resent—if they resent, how things can be managed== *?” (SPL to Himavati dasi, February 15th, 1972) 72-05 ** ==“Good manager means he is able to satisfy everyone and live in co-operative manner with all the devotees, so if you manage things nicely he can do tremendous work.”== (SPL to Giriraja, May 2nd, 1972) 72-05 “So far your management of different centers in Eastern Zone, I have already advised Rupanuga to do the needful; if there is waste then you can merge various centers. You can thin milk by adding water and you can make it thick by boiling. Now is the time for us to begin the boiling process. Now you know everything, how to be a Vaisanava *brahmana,* now you must practice these things or the whole thing will be a show only. ==Better to develop the small number of devotees we have, make them truly== ** ==Krsna conscious boys and girls than to go on getting many followers who do not understand and practice the real principles. Better one moon than many stars.”== (SPL to Damodara, May 9th, 1972) 72-05 ** ==“As you requested me, I have sent many men from USA to help you, now you engage them properly, utilize them, that is leadership, how to engage everyone in their respective duties and properly utilize their energy.”== (SPL to Tamala Krsna, May 11th, 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) 72-05 ==“I am glad to hear your explanation how the men are being engaged there in Bombay. That will be the test of your management, how well the men are satisfied by their engagements.”== (SPL to Giriraja, May 28th, 1972) 72-06 ** ==“Of course, it is very much favorable to our advancement in spiritual life if we are engaged in some service for Krsna which is also pleasing to us to perform. So if you have got some special talent or experience you may discuss with Jagadisa how to engage yourself in that way. That is his duty as leader, to give you good engagement.”== (SPL Saucarya devi, October 23rd, 1972) 72-07 * * ==“Anyone who cannot collect money, they should go to Mayapur and live there and simply eat and sleep, like women and widows.== * * I shall arrange for their eating and sleeping. But in cities, those should live who can collect and earn. The widows are not earning in Hindu society, they eat and sleep at others’ expense. So if you are not able to earn in Calcutta, better all go to Mayapur and eat and sleep and I shall accommodate all widows, women and others at Mayapur and Vrndavana. Otherwise why should we maintain such large establishment in Calcutta simply for eating and sleeping and spending. These two places will be reserved for those who cannot collect. For them I am making provision. Only the active members who can collect, they shall live in the city. Eating, sleeping members, they shall live in Mayapur, that’s all.” ([[letters/1972/720714_bhavananda|Bhavananda, 14 July, 1972]]) *** 72-07 * * ==“Yes, that is the right idea, to strengthen whatever devotees we have got in spiritual life, fix them beyond any doubts. Then our potency will increase and we may recruit dozens of new devotees easily. Main thing is to make sure everyone is chanting minimum sixteen rounds daily of Hare Krsna mantra. Otherwise they will not be able to perform the other practices of brahminical life, such as early rising, cleanliness, etc.” ([[letters/1972/720722_acyutananda|== * SPL to Jagadisa, 22 July, 1972]]) *** 72-08 “Your program for preaching in Delhi is very much approved by me, preaching Krsna is the same as remembering Krsna. ==I can understand if one of my students is making spiritual advancement if he is also making many life members and devotees.== **So you have not to minimize the preaching program in order to study independently, no, continue as you are doing, preach as much as possible, collect, make life members, and whenever you have time read and study and never neglect to chant your sixteen rounds daily, and this will be the perfect program.” ([[letters/1972/720809_cyavana|Tejyas, 9 August, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “So far the Road Show and this Yoga Village are concerned, these things should be stopped. Simply perform our *kirtana.* If we divert our attention in this way, the whole thing will gradually deteriorate. He is going far away. All these things are nonsense inventions. Such inventing spirit will ruin our this movement. People may come to see *,* some will become devotees, but such devotees will not stay because they are attracted by some show and not by the real thing or spiritual life according to the standard of Lord Caitanya. ==Our standard is to have kirtana and start temples. What is this ’Road Show’ and ’Yoga Village?’== * * It will be another hippy edition. Gradually the Krsna consciousness idea will evaporate: another change, another change, every day another change. Stop all this. Simply have * kirtana,* nothing else. Don’t manufacture ideas.” ([[letters/1972/721105_sudama|Sudama, 5 November, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “Yes, if there are African girls also who want to join us, and if they get the consent of their elder family members to live with us, they may live in the temple provided there is separate place for them so that boys and girls will not mix freely, just as we are doing everywhere. If that boy wants to marry your African girl, ==I have no objection as long as she obtains the permission of her parents and elders, and provided they live separately in the temple,== **or if they live together, they must live outside.” ([[letters/1972/721111_cyavana|Cyavana, 11 November, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “Now you are the leader of so many men, so you have got the blessings of Krsna’s favouring you, because now He is forcing you to be responsible for becoming yourself perfectly example of Krsna conscious devotee and making yourself perfectly example of Krsna conscious devotee and making others Krsna consciousness. ==Now become always attentive to all the aspects of your temple’s activities, especially to the regulative spiritual life and preaching work. If this standard of devotional practices is maintained at the highest level, everything else you do will become automatically successful. And that will please me very much.”== ([[letters/1972/721123_kurusrestha|Kurusrestha, 23 November, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Now find out that new place in Paris and expand yourself in a solid way, keeping always the propagation of Krsna consciousness as the goal, Simply by engaging all men in Krsna’s service. Everyone has got some way he can contribute himself for serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead, everyone. Now conduct your preaching in such a way that when anyone becomes attracted to get something from us ==he may be induced or allured into serving Krsna in his own way as he likes to do it, not being forced to do something else he may not like to do,== that will discourage him and no intelligent men will come. But I think you have mastered this art perfectly well, and because I have not got any complaints from anyone since you have come to Paris templealthough before I was getting many complaining lettersI think the devotees there are feeling satisfied by your engaging them happily in Krsna consciousness life. Thank you very much for assisting me in this way.” ([[letters/1972/721213_upendra_3|Bhagavan dasa, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I am so glad to receive your report after such a long time, and it appears that everything is improving more and more, by Krsna’s grace. I like this idea of distributing books and preaching, that is Lord Caitanya’s plan, and because you are doing it so nicely you are already making the greatest contribution, so what need there is for some special instruction from me? But if you want, I must give, because you are serving Krsna so nicely, so in that case my request to you is that you enter into the universities and colleges wherever possible and preach there with a view to recruiting some first-class devotees for helping me manage and push on this movement all over the world. Overall there is shortage of first-class, experienced men to manage things just to the highest standard, as you are doing. Therefore I am calling upon you the big leaders to push this idea forward, namely, to attract some educated men to join us. The idea is that ==they will only agree to join us if we ourselves conduct ourselves intelligently by the preaching approach. The secret will be to engage them as they like to be engaged,== * * that is, supposing I have got some education, I am business student, or I have got some skill or talent, I am typist or musician or something like that, so I will like to utilize these things for Krsna only if I am encouraged in a certain way, very tactfully, and I must not be discouraged by too much forcing me at first to accept everything of shaving the head, rising very early, going for street * sankirtana, * like that. No, let me come gradually, let me study also Krsna consciousness and see how it is practical and sublime. Gradually I may get some taste for these other things and agree to do them voluntarily and intelligently. We are not dogma or like army camp, no. We are servants of Krsna, that means because we understand that Krsna is our protector under all circumstances, we have no more any anxiety, so we become very liberal and tolerant of all kinds of seeing others’ sinful activities, and we see them innocent victims of * maya,* and we try to help them understand what is the real position of life. So you know this art, how to attract and engage men, so aim yourself at the top-class of men and give them every opportunity and facility to become convinced of our philosophy and engage themselves to their satisfaction. That will be the best contribution. Now spread this idea also to the other leaders. So now I do not think there will be any difficulty for you to fill your Seattle center with the best devotees in our movement, and then I shall be very glad to come there at next opportunity to give them all my personal instruction. In this way, appeal yourself to the high class of men, not the mass. Mass, too, we do not eliminate anyone, but if best men are there to run on things, mass will follow later.” ([[letters/1972/721213_sukadeva|Sukadeva, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I am very much disturbed to hear from you that you have become disturbed in your mind. Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety. You are doing your best to serve Krsna, that is very much appreciated, so do not lose enthusiasm out of frustration, that will spoil everything. ==Krsna consciousness means we should always be satisfied and happy, not that we must work something impossible,== **becoming overburdened, and then because we are unhappy by so much trouble we lose enthusiasm altogether and give up all hope. No, if too much endeavor is there, that is to be avoided. By all means we must preserve our spiritual status, that is the point, not that we are mad after big buildings, many devotees, life members, this, that—no, these are only ways to engage the devotees so that they may apply the principles of devotional living to some kind of work for practical realization of these principles. It is not the result of the work we want. If only one person daily, if we sincerely preach to such one person in a day, that is sufficient, never mind big, big programs. So my request to you is that you do not be bothered by these things, and I have instructed Tamala Krsna and Syamasundara to send you men, so they will do it, rest assured. Krsna does not like to see His sincere devotee suffer or become frustrated or depressed. He will not stand idly by in any such case, so do not fear on that account. Krsna has got some plan for you, always think in that way, and very soon He will provide everything to your heart’s desire.” ([[letters/1972/721219_jayapataka|Tejyas, 19 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 * * ==“Our leaders shall be careful not to kill the spirit of enthusiastic service, which is individual and spontaneous and voluntary.== * * They should try always to generate some atmosphere of fresh challenge to the devotees, so that they will agree enthusiastically to rise and meet it. ==That is the art of management: to draw out spontaneous loving spirit of sacrificing some energy for Krsna. But where are so many expert managers? All of us should become expert managers and preachers.== * * We should not be very much after comforts and become complacent or self-contented. There must be always some * tapasyā,* strictly following the regulative principles. Krsna consciousness movement must always be a challenge, a great achievement to be gained by voluntary desire to do it, and that will keep it healthy. So you big managers now try to train up more and more some competent managers and preachers like yourselves. Forget this centralizing and bureaucracy.” ([[letters/1972/721222_karandhara|Karandhara, 22 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 ’’Yes, if anyone agrees to live with us in the temple he must without any exception follow the four rules and regulations, plus the other regulative principles, otherwise he may be asked kindly to leave the temple and live outside. Or he may not be invited to live in the temple until he has agreed and has proven his ability to obey the regulative idea. The point is that we should not be over anxious just to recruit men if they will not be of the best quality. If someone wants to become devotee but he is little weak, never mind he is living outside, he may come regularly to the temple, chant at home and at his work, and offer his foodstuffs always to Krsna, like that, and gradually he will develop the surrendering attitude and accept voluntarily the life of austerity or *tapasyā* which must be practiced in the temple living. ==Without such voluntary understanding of the principles and agreement to obey them, no one is qualified to live in our temples.== * * Of course if there are one or two instances of falling down, that may be excused, we are not so overly critical, otherwise who would be qualified of any of us to become devotee? So that tolerant attitude must be there to a certain extent, but we must remain also always firm on this point, that the * brahmacaris* living in the temple shall not disobey the orders of the spiritual master.” ([[letters/1972/721229_cyavana|Cyavana, 29 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Of course we work very, very hard just to get someone to come to the platform of devotee of Krsna, so we shall not be too much hasty to drive anyone out. Therefore ==we may forgive once, twice, but more than that we must take other steps.== * * So if any new candidate for devotee comes forward you may test him very thoroughly to understand from him if he is ready to fully accept our strict standard of temple living. Let him understand that it is not an arbitrary or whimsical decision on our parts to become like military camp, rather we are strictly adhering to our devotional principles only so that we may make advancement in Krsna consciousness and be protected from the attack of * maya * consciousness. They may be thinking that these people are slaves of their strict principles, but we are thinking that the strict principles are slaves to us. Of course, the devotee is always very liberal-minded and tolerant towards everyone, seeing everyone as the part and parcel of Krsna and the pure devotee of Krsna, only seeing that due to * maya* they have temporarily forgotten their real position. So a devotee is always very understanding if there is some discrepancy behavior on the part of non-devotees, and even some devotees misbehave, he is always very tolerant and understanding. The point is that no one is actually qualified in this material world to approach Krsna, but if he makes the attempt through our inducing him gradually to give his energy to Krsna, by that attempt Krsna will extend his mercy and deliver the fallen soul despite his so many disqualifications. And such person or aspiring devotee, he is to be considered the most exalted of men because he has given his life to Krsna: ’After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders to Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.” ([[letters/1972/721231_dhananjaya|Dhananjaya, 31 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 “Nevertheless, I do not know how serious is the actual situation at Boston temple or at other temples, but I am sending copies of your letter to all ISKCON centers and I am requesting the officers in charge in those places to do the needful as you are suggesting. Yes, if there is anything cold weather, the students should be sufficiently dressed and they should not work under such conditions that they will fall ill. ==Everything should be managed in a nice way, so that no one is dissatisfied and everyone keeps their health and energy fit for serving Krsna 24 hours.”== ([[letters/1973/730109_hayagriva|Mr. Robert Keene, 9 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 ** ==“Everyone has got some propensity. The art of preaching is to engage that propensity in the service of Krsna. Whatever we have got, our mind, our intelligence, our possessions, our time, our energies, let them all be used in Krsna’s service. So training people in this way, this will be the success of your preaching work.”== ([[letters/1973/730128_palika|Kīrtanānanda, 28 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 “There is no difference between *brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha,* and *sannyasi.* ==Simply grhastha means that he lives outside the temple with wife, that is the only difference. Otherwise, grhastha must follow the same regulative principles and remain fully engaged in the temple activities.== There in London we have such big field for pushing on the preaching work, so I want that you should assist the other devotees there as much as possible and cooperate very closely for helping me in this way. These temples, they are just like oases in the desert for the conditioned souls to quench the thirst of their desire for real happiness. So they must be organized as nicely as possible, and I know you have many talents which can be put to good use. So in cooperation with Dhananajaya and Syamasundara Prabhu, let us work together. You may assist me in this way and I shall be very much pleased upon you. Krsna says in the *Bhagavad-Gita* that anyone who surrenders unto Me, whether a woman, *sudra, vaisya,* etc., they all attain the highest perfection of *bhakti-yoga,* not that now I am *grhastha,* I am doing *karma-yoga,* or now I am *vanaprastha,* I am doing *sankhya-yoga,* this is all nonsense. So if you read my books, this is explained in so many places that by taking to the path of pure *bhakti* all the other yogas are achieved automatically because *bhakti* is the culmination of yoga and the highest perfection of life. Yet at the same time it is very simple and sublime. So I do not see what is the difficulty. So as I am your spiritual master, it is my obligation to answer any questions that you may have. So please send the tape and I shall reply.” (SPL to Ksirodakasayi, January 29th, 1973) 73-02 “First let us understand that polygamy cannot be permitted in our society. Legally it is impossible and neither are there many of our devotees who are prepared to assume the responsibility for many wives. ==Therefore as I have suggested previously, as they do in Christian religion, they have so many convents where the women stay and they receive protection.== The point is that the women must be protected and it is the duty of the leaders of our society to *see* that this is carried out.” ([[letters/1973/730219_kirtika|Satsvarupa, 19 February, 1973]]) *** 73-02 “After conferring with my various GBC representatives I have concluded that polygamy must be strictly prohibited in our society. Although it is a Vedic institution still there are so many legal implications. Neither are many of our men fixed up enough to tend for more than one wife. Polygamy will simply increase the sex life and our philosophy is to gradually decreased the sex life till eventually there is no sex life. The policy should be that all the women are given the utmost protection. ==Women are looking for husbands because they feel unprotected so it is up to the senior members to give all protection to the women.”== ([[letters/1973/730214_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 14 February, 1973]]) *** 73-06 “It is very good to hear that you are being assisted by Vaikunthanatha and Puranjana. ==Encourage them and keep good relations with them so things may go on nicely. This is management.== **Also Madhavananda and his wife are both very good workers and they will be very expert in dealing with the Indians. What about Jaya Hari? He was a very good book distributor. Try to engage him.” (Mukunda dasa, 11 June, 1973) *** 73-08 ** ==“The temple is a place not for eating and sleeping, but as a base from which we send out our soldiers to fight with maya. Fight with maya means to drop thousands and millions of books into the lap of the conditioned souls. Just like during war time the bombs are raining from the sky like anything. So you are the expert in this field.”== (SPL to Ramesvara, August 3rd, 1973) 73-08 “I have received one complaint from an Indian devotee at Mayapur, Prabharupa dasa Brahmacari, that he is maltreated by our American devotees. Kindly inquire into this matter and do the needful. Either Indian or foreign, whoever joins us they are not under any obligation, our only tie is love of Godhead. ==It should be our definite policy that nobody is ill treated that he may go away.== **We recruit a person to join us after spending gallons of blood. Everyone comes for reformation, you cannot expect everyone to be perfect, rather it is our duty to make everyone perfect as far as possible. So we shall be very much cautious and careful in this connection.” ([[letters/1973/730823_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 23 August, 1973]]) *** 73-10 “Regarding the management of the Ottawa and Regina centers, try to train them. We have to train sometimes. Whenever there is something extraordinarily wrong, you can remain there for sometime. ==You should rectify, but not reject.== **Members are coming to join us to be rectified, not to be rejected. So, try to rectify the incorrigible, and if not possible, then change. What can we do?” ([[letters/1973/731018_jagadisa|Jagadisa dasa, 18 October, 1973]]) *** 73-11 **“It is very good to hear that you are being assisted by Vaikunthanatha and Puranjana. ==Encourage them and keep good relations with them so things may go on nicely. This is management.”== ([[letters/1973/731106_mukunda|Mukunda dasa, 6 November, 1973]]) *** 73-12 ==“We have to manage our men in such a way that they may bend to our will but not break. After all, our work is purely voluntary. If they become angry and leave then our work is defeated.”== ([[letters/1973/731231_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna Goswami, 31 December, 1973]]) *** 74-04 “You write that our society should provide some medical facility, insurance or personnel to handle devotees who become chronically ill and thus ostracized from our society. Of course this kind of management of affairs is better handled by the GBC **which I have created for this purpose, I cannot be expected to handle problems of this sort while at the same time writing my books. First of all, there is no question of a devotee becoming ostracized because he has become ill, nor do I think this is being widely practiced. Who has been ostracized? One of the symptoms of a devotee is that he is kind, so ==if our Godbrother becomes ill it is our duty to help him get the proper medicine and treatment so that he can recover.== * * Recently our Giriraja became chronically ill in India and had to return to the US for proper medical treatment. There, in our Los Angeles center, he was given his own room, and was able to recuperate comfortably, and now he has returned to his full duties in Bombay. Now Tamala Krsna Goswami has just had successful hernia operation which was arranged free of charge at one of the most modern hospitals, and there is also a girl devotee undergoing operation there also. Tamala Krsna is now living in a room at our temple; the devotees see that he gets all facility, a hospital bed, proper * prasadam* and personal care and visiting. So there is no question of ill treating of our own Godbrothers simply because they are sick, nor should you allow such neglect to go on. So long we have this material body there will be sickness, but we have to remain on the transcendental platform nevertheless. As far as a centralized medical plan for the whole society, no such plan or facility or insurance has seemed practical as yet. The best thing is to work it out locally, try **to find the services of a free medical facility in Seattle, or some way that sick devotees can be cared for; that is your responsibility. I think further questions of this sort can be handled by the GBC.” ([[letters/1974/740405_sukadeva|Sukadeva, 5 April, 1974]]) *** 74-08 ** ==“Regarding the art of management, constant changing is not good. Even if there is some fault in management it should be corrected, not changed. Besides that, Vaisnava philosophy is that everyone is addressed as Prabhu, or master. Everyone should consider himself the servant of the other. That will make management very nice.”== ([[letters/1974/740816_batu_gopala|Batu Gopala dasa, 16 August, 1974]]) ==74-08 “Regarding engaging the men, it is required that nobody should sit idle.”== ([[letters/1974/740816_batu_gopala|Giriraja dasa, 16 August, 1974]]) ==74-09 “Regarding having your wife do the management, if there are no men available then what can be done?”== ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Batu Gopala, 7 September, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “Regarding the election at Bhaktivedanta Manor, as you have suggested an election of all members present should be held to make a final selection. I have already suggested this to Mukunda. Another meeting should be held, and I have already asked Bhagavan dasa to be present, so there will be two GBC’s and all members present. ==Out of the two candidates whoever is elected by the majority vote, may be the president.”== ([[letters/1974/741001_rupanuga|Hamsaduta dasa, 1 October, 1974]]) ==74-10 “Regarding the election I have already suggested that you hold another election in the presence of Hamsaduta and Bhagavan dasa with all members present, and to take that decision as final. There are so many contradictory statements in this matter.”== ([[letters/1974/741001_rupanuga|Madhavananda dasa, 1 October, 1974]]) *** 74-11 “I thank you very much for your sentiments, and ** ==I know that you are all working hard to make Bhaktivedanta Manor a very nice place. You should know it that our temples they are not in this material world. The temple is Vaikuntha,== where Krsna is remembered and served twenty-four hours daily without stopping. So we already are in Vaikuntha by participating in the temple activities. So it must be done very nicely.” ([[letters/1974/741106_sarvamangala|Sarvamangala devi dasi, 6 November, 1974]]) ==74-12 “Regarding the interest of Miss Thakura, very good, that’s nice. Keep friendship with her and introduce our books. Give her prasadam, and after all, she is woman, flatter her. Then she will remain pleased, so keep her as friend.”== ([[letters/1974/741201_hansadutta|Hamsaduta dasa, 1 December, 1974]]) ==74-12 “Concerning your marriage ceremony, that is to be sanctioned by the temple president or GBC.”== ([[letters/1974/741219_bahudak|Vipini dasa, 19 December, 1974]]) ==74-12 “I am also glad to hear that in your temple no one misses mangala-arati and that everyone is becoming steady and peaceful in their service. It sounds as if you are taking care of your men very nicely. This is first-class management. Please continue in this kind of management.” ([[letters/1974/741228_kurusrestha|Kurusrestha, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 “Regarding the new building, if it is suitable, never mind if it is a little more or less, you should get it. We can rent the unused space, and the householders can live in the building as long as they have separate floors. One thing is that they must be fully engaged. Don’t make a hotel for free boarding and lodging. Everyone must be full-time engaged and the best engagement for them is to sell books. That will be very nice. Don’t allow anyone to simply eat and sleep. All should attend classes two or three times daily, chant sixteen rounds, and go out for street *sankirtana.* Eating should be minimized. Too much eating leads to too much sleeping, and then sex desire. So, ==management should be done very carefully to see that there is not easy-going, lazy attitude, which will only end in fall down.”== ([[letters/1975/750109_rupanuga|Rupanuga dasa, 9 January, 1975]]) *** 75-02 * * ==“The problem that you are experiencing may have something to do with the drugs you were taking previous to joining our movement.== * * Anyway, you should try very sincerely to become a pure devotee of Krsna by following all of the four regulative principles and chanting at least sixteen rounds daily, as well as rising early, attending *mangala-arati,* attending classes, etc. By this simple method, you will be very strongly fixed in spiritual life and whatever problems you may have will seem insignificant. However, if you need medical attention, your temple president should make the necessary arrangement for your seeing a doctor.” ([[letters/1975/750215_svarupa_damodara|Pancananda dasa, 15 February, 1975]]) ==75-06 “Be sure that all of the devotees there are very carefully following all of the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds daily and let them study the books deeply.”== ([[letters/1975/750605_bon_maharaja|Nityananda dasa, 5 June, 1975]]) *** 75-06 ** ==“Make sure that they continue to follow the principles, chant sixteen rounds and read studiously and their spiritual advancement will be guaranteed.”== ([[letters/1975/750608_revatinandana|Revatinandana Swami, 8 June, 1975]]) *** 75-06 ** ==“Please train our boys and girls to follow the principles very strictly. They must chant sixteen rounds daily, follow the four principles, read our books very carefully, and always be engaged in the transcendental loving service of Lord Krsna. These things will give them real spiritual strength and their lives will be perfected.”== ([[letters/1975/750619_dr._w.d._currier|Gopijanavallabha dasa, 19 June, 1975]]) *** 75-07 “I have been very much disturbed to learn of the difficulties in Africa. As the leader there you should not have allowed this dissension to take place. Saktimati is an elderly woman and can do important work with the cultured Indian society, and she also speaks Swahili. She must be given an important position as a manager. She can work under Brahmananda Swami. They may have had some disagreement with you, ==but expert management means to engage all of the devotees and not allow them to split into different parties.== Your action of sending a letter to the pleader has disturbed me. Why have you taken this rash action without consulting me or Brahmananda Maharaja? You should immediately withdraw that letter. I want that you approach Navayogendra with all humility and ask his forgiveness for the beating. In this way you can rectify things. You must bring them back. Otherwise if you cannot do it, then you should come here to me and we shall discuss it personally.” ([[letters/1975/750729_hansadutta|Cyavana Swami, 29 July, 1975]]) ==75-10 “The idea of a woman’s asrama is good. Those not married, if there is not provision for separate living quarters for them in the temples, they can go there. It is very risky having single women living in the temples, especially where there is no suitable living quarters.”== ([[letters/1975/751022_tulsi|Yamuna devi dasi, 22 October, 1975]]) ==75-11 “The mrdanga-making is very important. The new bhaktas, they can be engaged in the mrdanga-making and also help Baradraja with the doll making.”== ([[letters/1975/751120_ghanasyama|Jayatirtha dasa, 20 November, 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-bhaktivaidhi* 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]]) *** 76-05 ** ==“The devotees should attend mangala-arati at the temple otherwise it will become a household affair. So according to the situation see that if at all possible the devotees staying at the Taparia house can come to the temple for mangala-arati. If not, do not insist.”== ([[letters/1976/760520_manager_of_bank_of_america|Gopala Krsna, 20 May, 1976]]) *** 76-05 “This business of sleeping devotees should stop. ==What is the use of such sleeping devotees, simply increasing the expenditures? All of them must be engaged.== * * Women and child should all move to the new Taparia house, and the * mukhut * business should remain in the Guesthouse for now. * Gurukula * can also be held daily at the Taparia house, and when the * gurukula * is completed, * grhasthas * may occupy some of the third floor facilities of the * gurukula.* But everyone must be actively engaged.” ([[letters/1976/760529_haihaya|Haihaya dasa, 29 May, 1976]]) ## How to Manage and Engage Devotees 67-03 ** ==“The devotees of the temple must keep themselves engaged; otherwise they cannot make progress in Krsna consciousness. The maya is very strong, and as soon as there is opportunity the maya will come and attack. Therefore, everyone should be very careful against the attack of maya. And the only effective defense is to remain in Krsna consciousness always.”== ([[letters/1967/670513_mukunda|Mukunda, 13 May, 1967]]) *** 67-07 “You have asked me how many hours you should work. Our life is dedicated to Krsna, and you should work for Him twenty-four hours. We have different varieties of service. For you, ==you should work on your painting as long as you think yourself fit; don’t overwork. The balance time should be spent for chanting and reading Srimad-Bhagavatam== *.* So far remembering me and Krsna, it should be simultaneous. I am your spiritual father and Krsna is your spiritual husband. A girl can never forget either her father or husband. In the *sastras* it is said that spiritual advancement of life is achieved through the combined mercy of the spiritual master and Krsna. Those who are sincere souls, Krsna helps them to have a bona fide spiritual master, and the bona fide spiritual master helps the disciple to approach Krsna. This is the process. I know you are a sincere devotee of Krsna and He will give you proper intelligence how to prosecute your present activities. I can simply pray to Krsna that He may bless you all with energy for serving Him. I am very much appreciative of your work which you are doing for the Society, and I wish you may continue to do like that.” (SPL to Jadurani, July 1967) *** 67-08 “I can see you are a little disturbed in mind. Don’t be. Everything will be all right by Krsna’s grace; we are Krsna’s property, but now we are seated in these bodies of *maya,* so it is sure that ==from time to time there will be disturbances—just like I am experiencing now. So don’t worry about it, just go on chanting Hare Krsna and engage your energy for Krsna in the best way open to you.”== ([[letters/1967/670815_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 15 August, 1967]]) ==67-08 “== I am glad to know that you are comfortable in Boston and that you are engaging your energy there in making nice Krsna *prasada.* I am also pleased to know that Himavati is definitely going to have a baby. It is a very wonderful thing and surely Krsna will bless your home with His presence as both you and your wife are His sincere servants. The best preparation for the coming of the baby is just for the parents to remain perfectly Krsna conscious and of course the best means for that is by chanting the holy name and listening to the *Bhagavad-Gita* and *Srimad-Bhagavatam.* I very much appreciate that you enjoy helping to open various centers, and that is certainly laudable on your part. You must fully consider however, your wife and child; your first duty now as a householder is to provide nicely for your wife and child. [TEXT MISSING] Lord to give up fighting; rather he was encouraged in his occupation but at the same time, he was to do it for Krsna. That is the secret of Krsna consciousness— ==not that we have to all become preachers but that we all dedicate our lives or our consciousness (no matter in what capacity) to Lord Krsna.== If things can be worked out nicely within the temple that’s all right. But family life requires a certain amount of privacy and convenience, which may not always be available. I am simply concerned that you be happy and contented, so you can prosecute the most important thing, Krsna consciousness, without being disturbed. Rupanuga and Damodara are both doing nicely in this regard and I wish the same for you.” ([[letters/1967/670829_satsvarupa_and_hansadutta|Hamsaduta, 29 August, 1967]]) *** 67-08 “Regarding your speculation as to whether or not you should accept a position, Krsna wants that everyone should utilize his talent as far as possible. Arjuna was a great fighter and Krsna encouraged him to fight. He never said that he should sit down and I shall do it for you, although He was able to. ==The principle should be that we utilize our talents for the service of the Lord. That is real sannyasa== *.* Formal acceptance of *sannyasa,* as required for all old men, means that one should retire from materialistic life and devote his time and energy for the service of the Lord. As you are devoted already to the service of the Lord, without any personal consideration, you are always *sannyasis* at heart. Now if you can get some money for our cause of Krsna consciousness I think it will be a great service. Furthermore, so far as *kirtana* is concerned, there is no possibility of stopping it in any circumstance. Wherever you accept service you can also organize a center very nicely. A teacher’s position is always influential; so your sincere effort for *kirtana* may be followed by some of your students and co-workers. This means that your sincere service will be utilized more fruitfully among educated people. At the same time your good editorial work will also continue, so I think you may accept a position like that.” ([[letters/1967/670829_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 29 August, 1967]]) *** 67-09 “Encouragement to the dead souls in the Western countries is to inform them that God is not dead. He is not only alive but we can go to live with Him face to face. The *Bhagavad-Gita* gives us this specific information, and one who goes there in the kingdom of God would never come back to this miserable material world. ==There is no need of artificial talents. One has to serve Krsna sincerely with whatsoever talent one may have.== **Guidance of the spiritual master and sincere service to the Lord will give us all strength in the science of Krsna.” (SPL to Dayananda, Nandarani and Uddhava, 20th September, 1967) 67-12 “I am very concerned that due to your sincerity and service mood you have improved in Krsna consciousness excellently. ==Whatever allocation of duty there may be, if we try to execute such specific duty sincerely, that alone can make us much more advanced in Krsna consciousness.== * * In the * Bhagavad-Gita * it is stated that for the fixed-up devotee there is one duty. The duty is understood through the transparent via media of the spiritual master. It is better service to Krsna and the spiritual master in a feeling of separation; sometimes there is risk in the matter of direct service. For example, Kīrtanānanda was giving me direct service by massaging, cooking for me and so many other things; but later on by dictation of * maya* he became puffed up, so much so that he thought his spiritual master a common man, and was existing only on account of his service. This mentality at once pushed him down. Of course, those who are sincere devotees take direct service as an opportunity, but the illusory energy is so strong that it acts on this doctrine of familiarity breeds contempt. Kīrtanānanda was thinking I was existing on his service, instead of realizing I was giving him the opportunity to do me some service.” (SPL to Madhusudana, December 1967) *** 67-12 * * ==“I understand that there are only three persons at Boston, but each of you can work for three hundred persons, so it is not the numerical strength that works, but it is the Krsna consciousness that works.== * * A Krsna conscious person never tires of working, and the symptoms I can see in you as you want to be overloaded with work. This is the test of how one is advancing in Krsna consciousness. Nobody becomes more tired but wants to work more and more. Your Godbrother Satsvarupa told me the same thing that he may be overloaded with typewriting work. Similarly, Govinda dasi and Gaurasundara also want to be overloaded with work. So your examples are great encouragement for an old man like me. I have got the same spirit of being overloaded with Krsna conscious work, but physically I am not as strong as you are all young boys and girls. You can pray to Krsna that I may get your strength to serve the cause of Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1967/671216_jadurani|Jadurani, 16 December, 1967]]) *** 68-01 ** ==“Jayananda is a very serious and intelligent boy and I think his decision should be accepted as final in the matter. Not only in this case, but in every other complicated case, the selected authorities in the management of the temple should be the final authority in the matters.”== (SPL Gargamuni dasa, January 11th, 1968) 68-01 * * ==“I understand that some of our students are in Boston and they are not attending the temple or cooperating with you. This means they are under the clutches of maya more or less.== * * After all, Krsna consciousness is difficult job for less intelligent persons. But one who understands Krsna consciousness and acts accordingly, he should be accepted as spiritually the strongest man. In the *Caitanya-caritamrta* it is said that persons who take to Krsna consciousness are supposed to be the most intelligent men.” ([[letters/1968/680130_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 30 January, 1968]]) *** 68-02 “Regarding Krsna’s being very kind upon us should be on the principle as Arjuna followed: the principle is that Krsna was Arjuna’s most intimate friend. He could have brought victory to Arjuna, without any endeavor by Arjuna; neither was that principle advised by Krsna, neither Arjuna followed it. As a military man, ==Arjuna fought to his best, but the victory was brought to him by Krsna. Similarly, we should try our best to our best capacity, and victory will come from Krsna. We should never sit idly and ask Krsna to do everything.== * * That is the teaching of the * Bhagavad-Gita. * It is clearly said in the * Gita: yudhyasva vigata-jvarah.* So ordinarily, we have to try our best to our best capacity to achieve something, and by Krsna’s Grace, all of a sudden we shall see everything is there. This sort of help from Krsna is transcendental happiness. Our principle should be, therefore, that we should work for the mission with great enthusiasm, with certainty for its success, and patiently follow the regulative principles and associate ourselves with pure devotees, and work being completely in Krsna consciousness, that will make us happy and successful.” (SPL to Brahmananda, February 20th, 1968) 68-02 “As long we are engaged in the service of the Lord, He has assured us all protection. But if we are attacked, of course we must defend ourselves as best as we can. Nobody can compare with the merciful Nityananda. He can defend Himself quite well; He could have killed the sinners in an instant, but He had decided that He wanted to save these sinners. He was setting an example that ==we have to preach Krsna consciousness even at the risk of personal violence.== **Just like the children sometimes become violent, but the father knows he can defend himself at any time and so he tries to teach them correctly by reprimanding them.” ([[letters/1968/680225_karunamayi|Karunamayi, 25 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “Please continue your very good service and ==do not feel any feeling of uselessness. It is true that Krsna has given some the opportunity to serve Him by nice writing, some by good business ability, some by nice cooking, and so on, but these various services are all accepted equally by Krsna.== On the transcendental plane, one service is as good as another. There is no question of higher or lower. We are very tiny and so we cannot really do very much. Simply we can engage our time and energy, and that is all Krsna sees. He sees **’This boy or girl is spending his time in My service’ and He is pleased. I hope you are both well.” ([[letters/1968/680303_hansadutta_himavati|Hamsaduta and Himavati, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 ** ==“If you are not satisfied with your cooking engagement, tell Brahmananda to give you some other engagement. But it doesn’t look well if you change from one center to another for some convenience. Everywhere service to Krsna is the same, but if you are feeling some inconvenience, then you may get some relaxation by change of duty.”== ([[letters/1968/680318_devananda|Devananda, 18 March, 1968]]) *** 68-04 “Please do all your nice proposals; do it economically and save everything for Krsna. Yes, it is very good idea to build a nice temple for Krsna, apply all energy for Krsna. ==How one is successful in his work is tested by whether or not Krsna is satisfied. The impersonalists cannot enjoy this bliss of how to satisfy Krsna.== They make Krsna dead, so they will remain dead, never to understand Krsna. They cannot understand.” ([[letters/1968/680409_mukunda|Mukunda, 9 April, 1968]]) *** 68-04 “I am very glad that you are taking responsibility for Krsna’s sake; this is advancement of Krsna consciousness. Krsna is full in Himself. He can exert His energy to do anything wonderful, but still He presents Himself unable to do so. Just like on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, He said ’All these men are already dead by My arrangement, none of them are going back home to live, the plan is already settled.’ And Arjuna was supposed to take responsibility and the credit of being victorious. Krsna is so kind. He does everything, but He gives the credit to His sincere devotee. ==So the more you take responsibility, Krsna is pleased with you. I am very glad you are feeling such responsibility, and Krsna will bless you.== Please work combinedly with respect to develop a very nice temple, and Mukunda has the transcendental ambition to construct our own temple there, and try to cooperate with him.” ([[letters/1968/680409_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 9 April, 1968]]) *** 68-05 ==“I am very glad that Janaki is busy decorating the temple; this is what I want, that every disciple should always remain busy in some work for Krsna. We shall not allow our mind to remain vacant,== * * and if the mind is always filled up with Krsna consciousness activities there is no chance of * maya* to sit on the mind and force us to act under her spell. Maharaja Ambarisha did like that, and in spite of his becoming a responsible emperor of the world, he was a great devotee of Lord Krsna, and he successfully won the challenge of a great yogi, Durvasa.” ([[letters/1968/680506_mukunda|Mukunda, 6 May, 1968]]) *** 68-06 “Your judgment that because you think that you cannot take part in the translation work, therefore you have decided to contribute for its publication. ==This dictation from within your heart from Krsna is quite in order. For serving the Lord we require to sacrifice our life, our wealth, our intelligence and our words.== * * One can serve * * the Lord with these four possessions; if not, with three, if not then with two or even one, and that is sufficient to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I wish that you can utilize your best talents in business organization and the result utilize for Krsna’s satisfaction is on the absolute platform. To make the idea more clear, if I am translating *Srimad-Bhagavatam,* and if you are contributing for its publication and helping for its distribution, this means there is no different between your service and my service. In the absolute platform there is no such distinction. And service is always on the absolute platform. One has to make the best use of his talent for the service of Krsna. That is wanted. Best example is Arjuna, that he utilized his talents, military science, in the service of Krsna.” (SPL to Gargamuni, 7th June,* 1968) 68-07 “In your letter of the 8th instant you write to say, ’But it would be difficult to spread the *maha-mantra* to the inhabitants here.’ Our principal aim is to preach the importance of the chanting of the holy name of God. And if there is no such opportunity, then the place will be specifically meant for persons who want to retire from activities. ==To retire from activities is not a very good idea for a conditioned soul.== I have got very good experience, not only in our country, but also in your country, that ==the tendency of retiring from activities pushes one down to the platform of laziness,== * * and gradually to the ideas of the hippies. One should always remain active in Krsna’s service, otherwise the strong * maya* will catch him and engage him in her service. Our constitutional position being rendering service, we cannot stop activity. So the New Vrndavana may not be turned into a place of retirement, but some sort of activities must go on there. If there is good prospective land, we should produce some grains, flours, and fruits, and keep cows, so that the inmates may have sufficient work and facility for advancing in Krsna consciousness. In India actually the Vrndavana has now become a place of the unemployed and beggars. Kīrtanānanda has already seen it; and so there is always a tendency of such degradation if there is no sufficient work for the service of Krsna. Another suggestion is that if you can attract some retired men to live there peacefully and at the same time make oneself advanced in Krsna consciousness, that will be very nice. But I am afraid that retired men from this country cannot give up their old habits, generally intoxication, keeping a dog, smoking, etc., and it will be difficult for them to give up such habits even if they are invited to live with us in Vrndavana.” ([[letters/1968/680714_hayagriva|Hayagriva, 14 July, 1968]]) *** 68-08 “The principle to be followed by devotees is clear and nice. It is stated in the *Bhagavatam* that one should be chanting the Hare Krsna *mantra* in such a nice way that he shall become completely disassociated with any other contamination. That should be our point of view. Of course, that stage of reaching requires much time, still we should try to do it. So if you decide to stay in some place, with determination, without looking to the circumstances, and concentrating your energy in the service of Lord Krsna, that will make you steadfast. Anyway, as you have returned from Los Angeles and you are asking my advice to go somewhere else, I may inform you, of course, Rupanuga’s association is very good and you want to go to Buffalo, but instead of going to Buffalo, if you can go to Boston and help Satsvarupa because he requires the assistance of a man like you, as he suggested in his previous letter. So if you have not any previous objection, then instead of going to Buffalo, you can go to Boston. That is my advice. But I have no objection if you go to Buffalo. But wherever you may go, the point should be that ==our main business is service to Krsna, and awkward circumstances may happen anywhere and we should be able to hold up in all such circumstances. Steadfastly we will go on with our business of service to Lord.”== ([[letters/1968/680819_sacisuta|Sacisuta, 19 August, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “The next point is what about Acyutananda and Jaya Govinda? I have not heard from them since a very long time. You should immediately write to them why they have become silent all of a sudden. It is not good for them to remain in India as guests of this person or that person without doing something tangible for our Society. Acyutananda wanted to come back, so it was very welcome suggestion. But I think he might have changed his decision again. I do not know what to do with this boy. ==And if they want to remain in India, they must do something tangible work for our Society. If not, they may come back. There is vast work here.== **And recently I have received letter from Mukunda that from South America, Guyana, it was under the possession of the British, one Mr. Dinadayala is very much anxious to get us there. So we have to open so many branches all over the world. So why they are sitting idly in India? Please write to them also.” ([[letters/1968/681006_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 6 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “Regarding Acyutananda and Jaya Govinda: ==I have already written them again, that do not be lethargic, be enthusiastic, and do something for the Society.== So you can also write to them that they have gone there on a mission to work for the Society so they should try their best to remain in India and work for the Society. Simply if they approach big business firms in Bombay, I think they can collect not less than Rs.100-200/- daily. But they must be enthusiastic. If they become dead bodies, then it is not possible. I do not know why American boys should be so much lethargic. And I don’t think Acyutananda can be engaged as leader in any group. He can only work as assistant. So you write them as far as possible. Otherwise, let them come back-what can be done? I have already written to them.” ([[letters/1968/681016_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 16 October, 1968]]) ==68-11 “Yes, it is your good fortune that you can serve Krsna in so many ways—to work, to write, to speak, to paint, to build. All of these talents must be employed in Krsna’s service. That will make you perfect.== * * We are so fortunate to be in this human form of life and to have the opportunity to serve Krsna and as there is very little time, we must do as much as we possibly can to serve Krsna, and to become always engaged in thoughts and activities of Krsna. * Maya* may try to pull us from Krsna’s service, but we must simply persevere, and try to do as much as possible for Krsna each day, and gradually it will be easier and easier to keep engaged in Krsna consciousness activities. And pray to Krsna to please keep us always engaged in the service of His lotus feet. Krsna is very kind and He is never ungrateful, and will give you more and more opportunity to serve Him. That is His mercy.” ([[letters/1968/681112_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 12 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “I can understand that you are planning to go on world tour, but I think there is no need for wasting your time on such world tour. Better you chant Hare Krsna sitting in one place, that is far better. What for you want to go on world tour? People everywhere are doing the same thing, eating, sleeping, mating, and defending—each in some slightly different way, but the same substance is there. There are the same streets, same people, same cars, same trees, etc. everywhere, somewhere on a hill, somewhere sandy, somewhere some water—but what is the profit of seeing so much scenery? ==It is better if you want to travel, you can travel to preach and spread this Krsna consciousness to the suffering humanity at large. You can travel with our sankirtana party if you like.== **They are presently here in Los Angeles, and they are making propaganda to go to London, then over Europe, then eventually on to India, etc. So if you want to travel I recommend you travel with them and chant Hare Krsna with them wherever you go. And you will profit by this sort of travel, whereas the other is a waste of time practically. So that is my opinion, that you would do far better not to waste your time in this way.” ([[letters/1968/681113_kris|Kris, 13 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “I am in due receipt of your letter of November 18th, and I have noted the contents with great satisfaction. It is very encouraging to me. I can understand from your letter that you are working nicely for the spreading of Lord Caitanya’s mission. ==Just keep this your attitude of sincere service and without a doubt Krsna will give you all intelligence to serve Him nicely. Krsna is not ungrateful, but rather He sees all our efforts and appreciates our sincere service.== Krsna is interested in how we engage our energies in His service. We are very small, very insignificant, so what can we do? Simply He wants to see **that we are engaging our time and energy in His service. And you always remember to abide by the laws of Krsna as described by His bona fide representative, and the passage of going back to Godhead is assured. This is Krsna’s mercy. But pure devotees do not even want to go to Krsna’s abode. Simply our prayer should be, ’My dear Krsna, please remind me to always chant Your holy name, please do not put me into forgetfulness. You are sitting within me as Supersoul, so You can put me into forgetfulness or into remembering You. So please do not put me into forgetfulness. Please always remind me to chant, even You send me to hell, it doesn’t matter, just so long as I can always chant Hare Krsna.’ Lord Caitanya and Nityananda are singing one very nice song in which They are requesting everyone to please chant Hare Krsna and come along with Them. So that is our request to everyone.” ([[letters/1968/681123_devananda|Devananda, 23 November, 1968]]) *** 69-01 ** ==“You have tried to explain the reasons for your recent traveling excursions, but there is no need to explain; the reason is that you are restless.== I wanted you to concentrate your mind on painting and utilizing your talents for Krsna’s service, but you do not hear me. Any place that you want to live, that is all right, but why don’t you use your talents? That you cannot do, and it is your misfortune. Here are listed some suggestions for you to begin making beautiful paintings with. If you can prosecute all five of these suggestions without wasting your valuable time it will be very satisfactory. So when I return to New York, probably some time in April, I will be pleased to see these pictures nicely painted. When you have finished with this assignment, please inform me so that I may assign you further. Hope that this finds you in good health.” ([[letters/1969/690113_mrs._hochner|Madhavi Lata, 13 January, 1969]]) *** 69-01 “I can understand from your letter that there have been some disagreements or misunderstandings in the temple, but I think that you should know that all such disturbances must be solved peacefully and with consideration of the entire situation. ==Chidananda is the president there, and I think you understand rightly that everyone must cooperate with him in keeping the temple nicely and without any unnecessary tensions.== Anyway, if you are feeling too much inconvenience staying in San Francisco, then you are welcome to come to Los Angeles and stay here with me. But if you can help to smooth over the difficulties there that will be the best thing. You are a sincere and intelligent boy, so if you along with all of the members combine to cooperate with one another in our mission of spreading Krsna consciousness that will be very nice.” ([[letters/1969/690123_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 23 January, 1969]]) *** 69-02 “I beg to thank you very much for your letter pointing out some of the discrepancies of many of the devotees in New York. You are correct regarding the items which you have stated, such as sleeping in front of the Deities, taking unoffered foodstuffs, drinking water from the bathroom, and no chanting of rounds. But the thing is, ==discipline cannot be observed unless there is obedience. As you are obedient to me, you should also be similarly obedient to my representative.== **Your statement about Brahmananda that he is a wonderful devotee is one hundred percent agreed by me. He is in charge of the New York center, and, therefore, if proper obedience is not given to him it will be impossible for him to manage the affairs of the temple. Under the circumstances, the discrepancies you have observed in the temple may be referred to him and he is quite reasonable, and will handle the matter with the respective devotees. Please don’t take any direct actions because it will cause disruption. You are a very talented boy, so I hope you will do this and oblige.” ([[letters/1969/690207_nara-narayana|Nara Narayana, 7 February, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “I understand that he would like to remain in Boston, but previously he was indexing *Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.* If he is able to work there on this project, I have no objection. Otherwise he may come back to New York. ==Sometimes, out of their own accord, devotees decide to leave a center, but this is not a good practice.== * * If he can continue his indexing work there, then he may remain in Boston.” (SPL to Satsvarupa, 20th June,* 1969) 69-07 “I have duly chanted on your beads, and your initiated name is Laksmimoni dasi Laksmimoni is the goddess of fortune, and she is always to be found serving Krsna’s lotus feet. Although the goddess of fortune is very restless and does not like to stay in one place for very long time, she is always finding new wonderful things in serving Krsna’s lotus feet, so that she never thinks of leaving Him. ==This is actually the position of Krsna consciousness, that when we get some taste of rendering sublime loving service to the Lord, no more do we have any taste for any other engagements.”== ([[letters/1969/690710_laksmimoni|Laksmimoni, 10 July, 1969]]) ==69-09 “== Regarding your question, we must utilize our intelligence fully for serving Krsna. ==Serving Krsna does not mean that we sit idly and say that Krsna will take care of all our business. That is not depending on the Lord; rather it is laziness.== Depending on Krsna means to act always in Krsna consciousness, realizing that Krsna is the ultimate controller of all results. I hope you understand this properly.” ([[letters/1969/690922_sethji|Bhagavan dasa, 22 September, 1969]]) ==69-10 “Regarding movement of the members from one temple to another, I think the local president’s permission is sufficient. Don’t take too much load of individual administration. That will be unmanageable in the near future. I have also instructed Brahmananda to ask for monthly reports, and similarly you may ask for monthly reports. That will be easier.”== (SPL to Tamala Krsna, October 18th, 1969) ==70-01 “For a servant of Krsna, there is no distinction of hell and heaven. Our only ambition should be to serve the Lord. It does not matter where the service is demanded.== It is exactly like the soldiers are asked to come forward to fight and there is no question of selecting the place. There are many sincere souls like you in the Western world and my Guru Maharaja wanted me to come here and to pick up as many of you as is possible. And I am trying my best. By Grace of Krsna, you have joined me to help in this Krsna consciousness propaganda and Krsna will surely be pleased upon you very much. Please try to continue this activity of cooperation and we are sure to come out successful.” ([[letters/1970/700111_kulasekhara|Jaya Gopala, 11 January, 1970]]) ==70-01 “== I asked you to work four hours just to give you not very much strain because I found you weaker than I saw you before. ==On the whole, you can work conscientiously so that you may not feel tired due to your weakness.== So sometimes if you go with *sankirtana* party that will be a nice relaxation. So for each and every time you do not write to me, but use your best discretion and do everything easily and without strain. That is my advice.” (SPL to Jadurani, January 14th, 1970) ==70-01 “I am so glad to learn that you are feeling in the temple that Radha-Krsna is dancing and you are being inspired by His Lordship to preach this Krsna consciousness movement to everyone.”== ([[letters/1970/700129_ksirodakasayi|Ksirodakasayi, 29 January, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “So far responsibility is concerned, there is an action in *Bhaktirasamrta-sindhu* to be executed by the devotee which is called: *krsna arthe akhila cesta,* which means to take all kinds of responsibilities for Krsna’s sake. Sometimes I also think that let me go back to Vrndavana, in that peaceful situation, to live without any responsibilities; still, in this old age, I take the responsibility of managing our quite a big institution now, and I have to reply so many letters from different centers to give them instruction. ==As an old man I can take relief from this work immediately, but for Krsna’s sake I am pushing on even though there is sometimes personal inconveniences. So let us act in that way all together for Krsna sake”== ([[letters/1970/700525_upendra|Upendra, 25 May, 1970]]) *** 70-03 ==“So the program which you have listed for the students and your daily schedule are very nice, and your schedule is fully approved. Just see that everything—arati, bhoga, offering, etc.—is done strictly on time. “When every moment one is engaged, it is called: avyartha kalatvam, which means not to spoil even a single moment of life without Krsna consciousness.”== ([[letters/1970/700517_yamuna|Yamuna, 17 May, 1970]]) *** 70-06 ** ==“Regarding your consideration of management, no, we should take all risks for Krsna. This mentality to chant in a solitary place without any responsibility of preaching work is not approved by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja. One of our Godbrothers was doing like that, and my spiritual master was not very satisfied with Him”== (SPL to Hamsaduta, June 22nd, 1970) 70-11 “I am very glad that you and all the others are finding that your Krsna consciousness is increased by following our new schedule of regular activities in the temple. I am getting such happy reports from all our centers, and actually that is the way of advancing in spiritual life. ==Without being jolly, one cannot make any tangible progress in Krsna consciousness,== **and without strictly following the regulative principles and chanting the prescribed number of rounds on the beads, nobody can become free from the unhappiness of this material world. So it is imperative that all our students be exemplary in their execution of devotional service, and naturally Krsna will bless you all more and more.” ([[letters/1970/701116_jadurani|Jadurani, 16 November, 1970]]) *** 70-11 “I am especially happy when you write how each devotee is executing his particular task with enthusiasm and they are chanting at least the required sixteen rounds daily. ==Everyone should think that he has been assigned this particular task to do by Krsna, and he should be satisfied with that and do his best to accomplish the work as nicely as possible for the pleasure of Krsna only.== **By this cultivation of service attitude one swiftly advances in devotional service.” (SPL to Rsabhadeva, November 16th, 1970) 70-11 “I am always glad to learn that our *sankirtana* is going on so much joyfully now in our every branch. ==We== shall not misrepresent ourselves by making simply a show of devotional service and simply fill our bellies. It is our only intention to spread this sublime philosophy to all the persons of the world== * * for the complete welfare benefit, both spiritual and material, of every one of them. The new program of preaching on * sankirtana * using one basic verse from the * Bhagavad-Gita As It Is* is an excellent idea. We should always be eager to find out such nice ways to spread this movement. This will automatically bring joy to the devotees as well as to the nondevotees.” ([[letters/1970/701117_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 17 November, 1970]]) *** 71-03 * * ==“So that is perfection in Krsna consciousness, to be so much engaged in Krsna’s loving service that you cannot bear separation from that service, not even for a moment.== * * So somehow or other always be engaged. And if there is nothing else, you can always sit down and chant Hare Krsna *mantra.* Sixteen rounds daily is the minimal requirement, but you should chant Hare Krsna as much as possible. And follow all the regulative principles strictly. Read all our books, attend classes and go for street *sankirtana.* In this way be engaged in Krsna’s business twenty-four hours and you will be happy, and in the end you will go back home, back to Godhead.” (SPL to Kirtika, May 21st, 1971) 71-12 “Our process is to show Krsna consciousness as it is, not as others want to see it. By showing Krsna consciousness in this way, you are making the thing less important. It is not that we should change to accommodate the public, but that we should change the public to accommodate us. ==Better you devote your full time to one thing only, not many things== *.* That way your enthusiasm and talents will have big effect by being concentrated.” (SPL to Yogesvara, December 28th, 1971) 72-01 “To your next question was about free will, whether we have it or not? ==If one is not intelligent enough for making decisions, then all decision shall be sanctioned by the spiritual master== *.* Neophyte means no independent decisions, no free will; that means surrender. But when he is trained up, then automatically he gets his freedom. Just like a small child can only eat such things which are sanctioned by his parents, not by his own discretion. Free will is that when the controller says do this, you can use your free will to do it or not to do it. You have got the power to not do: *iti te jnanam akhyatam guhyad guhyataram maya, vimrsyaited asesena yathecchasi tatha kuru,* ’Thus I have explained to you the most confidential of all knowledge. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.’ (B.G. 18.65) Krsna asks, ’Have you decided to fight?’ ’Yes, I have decided to follow Your order.’ This is free will.” (SPL to Yajnesvara, January 2nd, 1972) 72-02 “Especially I am very much pleased to hear that the University of Buffalo has given to you more than $1,200 in grant. I can understand by your enthusiastic preparations for Ratha-yatra in Buffalo that you are very sincere boy and capable devotee. ==This is very much wanted throughout the society of men, that some few of you will come to the understanding that by servicing the Lord with my full energy that this will be my happy position of life and that no other occupation will give me any, not even an ounce of pleasure.== **Such persons like yourself who are thinking in this way are getting all intelligence and facility how to do the things properly, and Krsna is helping you with intelligence and ability, now you take the right course and utilize the opportunity given to you by Krsna to actually inject the human society with that same determination to serve the Lord. Only a handful of you are there who are convinced beyond any doubt about this Krsna consciousness movement, but this is sufficient to change the entire course of history.” ([[letters/1972/720703_gunagrahi|Gunagrahi, 3 July, 1972]]) *** 72-06 “Our advancement in Krsna consciousness is made possible in two ways, by knowledge and renunciation, *jnana* and *tyaga* or *tapasyā.* The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krsna consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform *tapasyā* if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krsna consciousness, then the *tapasyā* or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of *Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-Gita,* and other books, then very easily you will make your advancement in Krsna consciousness. It is not a matter of changing our engagement, adjusting this or that material condition, in order to find our real happiness. Krsna consciousness is not like that. It is able to be performed under any variety of material conditions or with any type of engagement. Therefore if your duty as a photographer is very much helpful to our propaganda work and for improving our *Back to Godhead,* then there is very much need for your remaining in that occupation and doing it to your best capacity. It is a fallacy to say my present engagement with the Press is not the best for my spiritual advancement, and ==if we think in this way we may go on trying out one engagement after another and always say the same excuse. This restlessness or agitation of the mind cannot be rectified by altering the material circumstances.== * * If we are Krsna conscious, any type of occupation will suit me, and we shall always be satisfied. Therefore, I recommend you to read books more and more and try to understand the subject matter from different angles of vision and be always discussing it with your Godbrothers even while you are working at the Press, and when you are working and you cannot read, then listen to the tapes of my lectures and hear in that way. And never neglect to chant your sixteen rounds of beads daily, rise early without fail, attend * mangala-arati* take bath, and follow the other regulative principles, and everything will come out very successfully, and you can rest assured of that.” (SPL to Bhargava, June 13th, 1972) 72-06 “My dear boys, kindly accept my blessings, and I hope by Krsna’s grace you are doing all well. This morning I received one telephone message that there is some misunderstanding between yourselves and Giriraja, who is in charge of Bombay center. I may inform you in this connection that what I am doing to push on this great movement in the world is all with your cooperation. It is not possible for me alone to execute this great responsibility. ==Kindly, therefore, abide by the direction of the man in charge of the center. If there is lack of obedience then there cannot be discipline, and without discipline we cannot manage a huge world organization.== **I shall be returning by September next. Kindly therefore do not make any fracture during this period at least, and when I return, if you all don’t like the man in charge surely I shall replace him out of you. But for the time being, please do not make any rupture, and please obey the direction of Giriraja Brahmacari.... So in conclusion, it is my request even you do not agree on some points, Giriraja is in charge so please follow his direction and that will please me. I am very much anxious to see the progress at Bombay center, and I want it shall become the first-class preaching center in the world. Please help me in this ambition. If we can manage successfully, we will be attractive for the whole of India. Our task is very heavy, do not neglect by paltry disagreement. I hope Krsna will bless you to understand my heart and oblige.” (SPL to Gargamuni, Mahamsa, Naranarayana, and Giriraja, 19th June, 1972) 72-06 “Yes, Giriraja is to be regarded as the absolute authority in all matters. Why do you disobey? Of course, ==everything should be departmentally managed, but unless there is discipline, how will anything get done? If you are in disagreement at every point, how it will be possible to finish this important work?== Anyway, please cooperate with Giriraja and the others, and if this is impossible then I will have to take other steps. If you want to go to Jaipur and Vrndavana for a little while, I have no objection, do it immediately.” ([[letters/1972/720628_cyavana|Cyavana, 28 June, 1972]]) *** 72-07 “One thing is, our process of Krsna consciousness, if it is followed with determination and enthusiasm, automatically it has the effect of fixing us, body, mind and soul, to the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, so that all sorts of fluctuations of the material nature, all sorts of difficulties and discrepancies of life are easily withstood. But first you have to agree to understand the process and follow it scrupulously. That is wanting. If I only think I know something, that is mental platform of accept and reject, and any knowledge gathered from the mental platform is like that, tottering and precarious, and it can be immediately rejected at any time. Krsna consciousness has great potency to deliver us to the highest platform of perfection, but only if it is understood by the intelligence. Something understood by the intelligence is fixed forever and cannot waver, and that is almost spiritual. From your letter, I can understand you are confused in your mind, because you do not want this, you do not want that, you might like another, like that. That position of confusion is not very much desireable, so you are a Vaisnava, now rid yourself of such misunderstanding of things. Vaisnava means one who is able to sit down anywhere, under any conditions, and be happy. He wants only a place to lay down, a little *prasadam,* and if there’s a little service he can do, gladly let me do it for Krsna, that’s all. ==As long as we are thinking I want this, that is not to my liking, or if I adjust things a certain way everything will be better, these thoughts are material. Devotional service is not conditional. So stop this dreaming state.== **Try to understand things with the light of your intelligence, and if you are sincere in this way, without a doubt Krsna will give you full facility to understand Him and become freed of the bondage of ignorance. Nowadays it seems many of the older disciples like yourself are having difficulty. If you do not set the example for the younger students and take the responsibility for instructing them in the right line, how will things go on? Try to always study our books and see our philosophy from different lights of directions, become convinced yourself of this knowledge and without a doubt all of your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and you will see Krsna face-to-face.” ([[letters/1972/720708_bhagavatananda|Bhagavatananda, 8 July, 1972]]) *** 72-07 * * ==“It is very good that you want to become very learned in Krsna consciousness, but what good is so much knowledge without practice? Obedience must be there, so by being submissive in this way and following the direction of the temple leaders is practicing the knowledge of Krsna consciousness.== * * Disciple means discipline. Without discipline there cannot be any spiritual progress. Therefore our system is to follow the authority of our superiors, not that we can independently question, ’No, this is right and this is wrong.’ That is not the way. So my best advice to you is that without questioning you follow the instructions given to you by Visnujana and other leaders, and do exactly as they say, then everything will be all right. If you want to study, there is much time in the day for studying, but you must go also on *sankirtana* party, that is the result or practice of your studying. Simply studying is dry and useless without chanting.” ([[letters/1972/720723_sankarsana|Sankarsana, 23 July, 1972]]) *** 72-08 “Your program for preaching in Delhi is very much approved by me. Preaching for Krsna is the same as remembering Krsna. ==I can understand if one of my students is making spiritual advancement if he is also making many life members and devotees.== **So you have not to minimize the preaching program in order to study independently. No, continue as you are doing, preach as much as possible, collect, make life members, and whenever you have time read and study, and never neglect to chant your sixteen rounds daily, and this will be the perfect program.” ([[letters/1972/720809_cyavana|Tejyas, 9 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 “ ==Sriman Kīrtanānanda Maharaja has arranged very nicely. Everything is very satisfactory. Similarly, every one of us in charge of some activity may execute his responsibility in good Krsna consciousness, and certainly things will come.”== ([[letters/1972/720907_tamala_krsna|Tamala Krsna, 7 September, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I am very much disturbed to hear from you that you have become disturbed in your mind. Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety. You are doing your best to serve Krsna, that is very much appreciated. So do not lose enthusiasm out of frustration, that will spoil everything. ==Krsna consciousness means we should always be satisfied and happy, not that we must work something impossible,== **becoming overburdened, and then because we are unhappy by so much trouble we lose enthusiasm altogether and give up all hope. No, if too much endeavor is there, that is to be avoided. By all means we must preserve our spiritual status, that is the point, not that we are mad after big buildings, many devotees, life members, this, that—no, these are only ways to engage the devotees so that they may apply the principles of devotional living to some kind of work for practical realization of these principles. It is not the result of the work we want. If only one person daily, if we sincerely preach to such one person in a day, that is sufficient, never mind big, big programs. So my request to you is that you do not be bothered by these things, and I have instructed Tamala Krsna and Syamasundara to send you men, so they will do it, rest assured. Krsna does not like to see His sincere devotee suffer or become frustrated or depressed. He will not stand idly by in any such case, so do not fear on that account. Krsna has got some plan for you, always think in that way, and very **soon He will provide everything to your heart’s desire.” ([[letters/1972/721219_jayapataka|Tejyas, 19 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I am so much happy to hear from you all the good news of our Mayapur center. No, ==your liking of engagement there is not at all an inappropriate attachment; rather it is your qualification for pleasing your spiritual master.== * * Attachment must be there, for Krsna or for * maya. * So you have become attached to developing the Mayapur center, that is Krsna’s work, so Krsna appreciates very much when His devotee becomes attached to Him in this way.” (SPL to Jayapataka, 19th December,* 1972) 72-12 “I am most pleased to learn from you that the work in Vrndavana is going on very * * nicely, and that you are both happy in Krsna consciousness. That is the main thing. Of course I know that you are not trained-up for being construction manager, neither that job must be very much tasteful to you, but because you are sincere devotees of Krsna He is giving you all strength and intelligence how to do it. That is wanted, that is advancement in Krsna consciousness. ==Not that I must have a very nice place, I must serve like this or like that, otherwise I shall go away. No, Vaisnava devotee means give me simply a place to lay down, little prasadam, whatever little service you have got please give me, that’s all.== * * Thank you very much for taking up this difficult work to help me in this way.” ([[letters/1972/721219_jayapataka|Gurudasa and Yamuna, 19 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Yes, the cooperative spirit of working together without any argument is especially prominent in Mayapur, more than other places in India. Therefore you are successful, and the work is going on quickly to completion. That is because all of you working there have become very much attached to the dust from Lord Caitanya’s lotus feet, and because you have got such deep personal interest with that engagement of work, you want to see that it is done nicely without any hindrance of selfish motivation, never mind all kinds of conditions of the material nature. That idea has become prominent for all of you, it is bigger than *maya’s* idea, therefore *maya* cannot interfere to make you quarrel or other things. But you especially are to take the credit. From the very beginning you wanted that place, and you got the land, got money from me, and now you have built the place by your concentration of energy. That is wanted. If there is some discrepancy anywhere, some non-cooperation, fighting, or if the work is slow or not to the standard, it is to be supposed that the person or persons in charge are not very much attached to Krsna. That means they will discriminate: my engagement is not good, other’s engagement is good, like that. They do not know the secret of surrendering to Krsna. ==Such surrendered devotee sees that everything is part of Krsna’s plan, that whatever is meant to be, I am doing that, so let me do it with my full attention to every detail, let me become absorbed in such service, never mind what it is,== **but let all other considerations be forgotten and only my desire to do the thing best for Krsna’s pleasure alone be my motive. That is advanced stage of understanding devotional service or Krsna consciousness. Thank you very much for your kindly coming to the point.” ([[letters/1972/721219_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 19 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Regarding your other question, should we become detached from the results of our activities, or should we become simply attached to the lotus feet of Krsna, the answer is that both of these philosophies are right. One should not be attached to his personal achievement. But, if one is attached in order to please his spiritual master, then it is all right. Unattached to my benefit, attached to Krsna’s benefit. Krsna consciousness means attachment for Krsna and detachment for personal benefit, that’s all. ==But in any case, if there is fight amongst yourselves over these things, book distribution, competition, you should not develop ill-feeling. That depends on the persons. If ill-feeling is there, then stop it and all together chant Hare Krsna.== * * Those who are behind should eulogize those who are advanced. If you become envious, that is material. Attachment, detachment—these things are natural. If you become attached to something you become detached from other. So we can estimate our advancement in this way. This is the test. In the Krsna consciousness movement there is no question of enviousness, hatred, things like that. Material life means hatred for Krsna and desire for matter. So we have to convert ourselves. When one becomes Krsna conscious actually, he does not even hate material things because he becomes expert how to utilize everything for Krsna. Krsna consciousness is so nice. We do not hate anything material because we have learned from our disciplic succession how to utilize material things for Krsna’s service. Actually, * bhakti* means realization of the Supreme, and this means increasing attachment for Him and reforming of detachment or hating of material name and fame.” ([[letters/1972/721225_sri_govinda|Sri Govinda, 25 December, 1972]]) ==73-01 “== Now you appear little restless, I know that is your nature, you like to do big things and you are very capable and intelligent young man for executing tremendous tasks on behalf of Krsna. But I think that you have got a huge field of endeavor in the German speaking countries and other countries of Scandinavia, Communist countries and other places like that. Now work very vigorously to develop these places, that is your great task at hand. You needn’t look further to find some big challenge. The challenge is very near at hand. That means developing and expanding along the lines as you have begun. Of course we are not ever very much anxious to repeat the same activity many times, that is the nature of the living entity, that he seeks to enjoy varieties of flavors. But mature understanding of activity means to take it as our occupational duty. That is to say, suppose I am established as good carpenter, then it will be foolish if after some time I am thinking, ’Oh, I have done this cutting of woods so many times, now it is becoming boring and uninteresting, therefore let me become a doctor,’ no. That is not recommended by Krsna, neither is it commonsense. Occupational duty means to stick with one type of occupation which is just suitable for me, considering that it is my duty, therefore I am throughout my life obligated to perform it to the best of my ability. This is mature understanding of occupation. That means I must not leave it even for so-called good cause, just like Arjuna wanted to stop his fighting activity just to avoid killing so many of his kinsmen, cousin brothers, and other friends. ==So== we are preachers on behalf of Lord Krsna, that is our occupational duty, we haven’t got to search any further some new challenge or change our engagement.== * * No, that has been already settled up. Now best thing will be to develop more and more what we have begun. I have built the skeleton of the building, but there is so much more work remaining before us. The GBC * * men are there, the world is divided into 12 zones for gradual development by these, my chosen right hand men.” ([[letters/1973/730102_tejiyas|Hamsaduta, 2 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 “So if you can help now to raise hundreds and thousands of children in Krsna consciousness, that will be the greatest service to Krsna and certainly you shall both go back to home, back to Godhead, by doing this. But ==before any new service, be certain that your absence shall not cause any harm== to our Los Angeles temple. After all it is you who first worked so hard in the beginning and should see in the future how it would expand. So first speak with Karandhara and take his approval.” ([[letters/1973/730127_marie_priterel|Dayananda and Nandarani, 27 January, 1973]]) *** 73-02 “Now you must agree to very rigidly follow the rules and regulations, i.e. chanting sixteen rounds of beads daily, rising early and attending *mangala-arati,* observing the four principles, attending the classes, eating only *bhagavata prasadam* as well as ==working under the instruction of my representatives, such as your GBC representative and temple president. And if you follow this procedure very strictly then your life will be glorious and you will go back to home, back to Godhead, this I can guarantee.== I hope this meets you in good health.” ([[letters/1973/730216_ghanasyama|Ghanasyama [My dear son], 16 February, 1973]]) *** 73-03 ** ==“Devotees there or visiting must follow our regulated principles under your direction or they need not stay. Devotees should not be in India on their own business or on a whim; they should have our GBC approval. Everyone must be favorably engaged.”== ([[letters/1973/730315_jayatirtha|Tejyas, 15 March, 1973]]) *** 73-11 ==“I do not know why you have parted from the Deities. Who has told you to do this? If you are at all interested, you can return. Your service was there. Why did you leave? And now you are whimsically asking for service. You never asked me before leaving. How can I guide you? If you act whimsically, nobody can make you happy.”== ([[letters/1973/731111_govinda|Govinda devi dasi, 11 November, 1973]]) *** 74-01 “In your last letter I was informed that Cyavana Swami has left your protection and gone to South America. I don’t know why he has done so. As a *sannyasi* he is free to travel all over the world, but ==when he was working under your supervision he should have taken your permission. This kind of independence is not very good.== **I’m quite confident of his sincerity, and I shall be glad to be further enlightened on this matter.” ([[letters/1974/740126_bhakta_dasa|Brahmananda Maharaja, 26 January, 1974]]) *** 74-03 “Yes, it is all right that you devote your time to painting instead of street *sankirtana.* The main thing is that you be engaged in some worthwhile work for Krsna without wasting even a moment. ==Unless we are constantly engaged, then there will be sickness and illicit sex automatically.== * * So there is a good need for pictures in our preaching work, * es* pecially in illustrating our books, and if you are seriously painting I have no objection to your proposal.” ([[letters/1974/740316_dhrstaketu|Dhrstaketu, 16 March, 1974]]) *** 74-08 ==“Regarding engaging the men, it is required that nobody should sit idle.”== ([[letters/1974/740816_batu_gopala|Giriraja dasa, 16 August, 1974]]) *** 74-09 “Regarding the allurements of money and women, Krsna will protect you. Caitanya Mahaprabhu at a young age took *sannyasa* and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was also thinking like you are thinking. So as a friend Sarvabhauma wanted to teach Caitanya Mahaprabhu *Vedanta.* The result was that Bhattacarya had to learn *Vedanta* from Caitanya Mahaprabhu and became His disciple. So Krsna is always strong. ==If you are fully engaged in Krsna’s service attraction of women will be a myth only. It is only Krsna’s grace. Of course we are old men now, but even old men they are attracted still by women.== **So even old man or young man, if one’s mind is fixed up in Krsna’s lotus feet, there will be no such mundane attraction. Even a woman in the dead of night with all attractive features could not affect even slightly Haridasa Thakura. So it is a very pleasant job transcendentally, so much so that women and money is no attraction to a devotee. A devotee knows how to engage himself and others in the service of Krsna completely, as well as all the wealth of the world in the matter of propagating Krsna consciousness. Rest assured.” ([[letters/1974/740901_gurukrpa|Gurukrpa Maharaja, 1 September, 1974]]) *** 74-11 “I thank you very much for your sincere efforts to be Krsna conscious and surely you will be blessed by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. ==Rupa Goswami said a person somehow or other should become attached to Krsna, therefore if you are happily engaged in serving in Honolulu then you should continue your service there.== **If the foundation is strong in chanting and hearing, then your Krsna consciousness is assured. All these activities are pleasing to me that you are chanting, worshiping the Deity and writing. So please continue and increase your enthusiasm, and then surely you will become successful in your Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1974/741121_nrsimha_caitanya|Tamopaha dasa, 21 November, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “In regards to your question about how the relationship between a *sannyasi* and the temple president should be, my hope is that you will all be able to cooperate together. ==The temple president is in charge and the sannyasi should not contradict the instructions. Although if he does see something wrong or if he sees a fault or defect he should bring it out directly to the temple president.== And then work it out in a Krsna conscious way. Not that he will try to over-ride the temple president’s authority. I want that you all work together cooperatively. Please continue your programs there with great enthusiasm and try to strictly follow all of my regulations without any deviation. Keep yourself always fixed in Krsna’s service. Don’t let even a split moment go by being engaged in the service of *maya.” ([[letters/1974/741228_sukadeva|Sukadeva, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “I am always praying to Krsna that my disciples will not fall away from the path of Krsna consciousness. In the *Bhagavad-Gita* it says: *bahunam janmanam ante.* After many, many births one finally comes unto Me. *Sa mahatma sudurlabha”* such a great soul is very rare. My simple request is that you very strictly follow all of our regulative principles without any deviation whatsoever. And thus by example show others how to do the same. ==Engage in devotional service according to your propensity and the direction of my appointed authorities. Always pray to Krsna so that He may keep you engaged in His transcendental service. Avoid the service of maya like poison.”== ([[letters/1974/741228_uddhvareta|Uddhvareta, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 * * ==“My request to you is that you try to follow the authorities therethe temple president, the GBC, etc.—cooperate nicely with them.== * * Our movement is based on love and trust, so if we do not cooperate, then how is that love and trust? Follow all of the rules and regulations very strictly without deviation, chant sixteen rounds, attend class and *mangala-arati* and then everything will be all right.” ([[letters/1975/750116_m.v._sita_ramalai|Krsnavesa dasi, 16 January, 1975]]) *** 75-02 * * ==“From your letter, it appears that you need a change of activities.== * * I think it will be best if you come to the festival at Mayapur and from there we can decide what project will be best for you to become involved in. For the time being, keep yourself fixed in Krsna’s service twenty-four hours and follow staunchly all of the regulated principles, such as chanting sixteen rounds, rising early, attending *arati* and class, etc.” ([[letters/1975/750206_brahmananda|Caru dasa, 6 February, 1975]]) *** 76-09 “I am in due receipt of your letter undated and have noted the contents. So, why did you leave Mayapur if you are so expert in chanting? Read my books and do some menial service, but why you have left Mayapur? You are restless, so what can be done? You were chanting in Mayapur. ==Wherever you may live, you have to abide by the order of the authority.== **Because you are restless, you are not fit for chanting absolutely.” ([[letters/1976/760927_sharma|Sharma, 27 September, 1976]]) *** 76-10 * * ==“In the last year you have changed your engagement so many times, it is not good. Better to stick to something and complete it than constantly changing.== * * If you can carry out your original plan of collecting from Indians in different parts of the world and sending to India, that would be good. Why not stick with Nitai Gaura TWSKP and make this successful?” ([[letters/1976/761016_jagat_guru|Jagat Guru, 16 October, 1976]]) *** 76-11 “Devotional service does not depend on material assessment. It is said in *Srimad-Bhagavatam, ahaituky apratihata yayatma suprasidati.* Devotional service must be without any material ambition, and there is no material impediment which can check advancement in devotional service. Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji was unable to sign his name, and yet he became the spiritual master of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja, the most erudite learned scholar of his time. ==We should begin our devotional service in whichever position we are. It isn’t that we have to learn something extra for advancing in devotional service:== *sa vai pumsam para dharmo, yato bhaktir adhoksaje, ahaituky apratihata yayatmta suprasidati. (S.B. 1.2.6) If one is materially well equipped it is welcome, but devotional service does not depend on material qualifications.” ([[letters/1976/761120_jitadusana|Jitadusana dasa, 20 November, 1976]]) *** 67-09 “Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your letter undated. I congratulate you on your being elected as president of ISKCON San Francisco branch. ==Your election as president is recognition by Krsna, and therefore I have got full support for you.== **Mukunda and the other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krsna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krsna consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state. I’ve been very glad that you are appreciating yourself the effects of sincere Krsna consciousness. I’ve nothing new to instruct you; the same old instruction, namely constant chanting and attentively hearing the transcendental vibration Hare Krsna, is the only process for self-realization in this age. In San Francisco while you were driving your car and I was sitting by you hearing your transcendental vibration, this very sincere attempt has enriched your consciousness, and my only instruction is that you may constantly do this habit without fail.” ([[letters/1967/670929_jayananda|Jayananda, 29 September, 1967]]) *** 68-02 “Regarding the purchase of a press, I do not know what is the condition of the press but I want a full complete press where all kinds of books can be printed. If our men can take charge of a nice press either in New York or in India, that will be an ideal proposition, but the press which you propose to purchase is not equipped for printing our books. If Mr. Kalman can equip the press for printing our books, *Bhagavatam* especially, and other books also, and if our boys and girls can efficiently take up the printing work, that will be very nice. If we have got a press in our control with full equipment it will be a great boon. If such manipulation is not possible then I wish to start a nice press in our Indian branch and get all our books and printing work done there. ==For a nice arrangement of our Indian branch I am already in negotiation with Indian friends and I have proposed a big industrialist to become the president of the Indian branch.== In India labor is very cheap in comparison with your country, and especially if we have our Indian branch in Vrndavana we can have labor there as our inmates of our institution. There are many Vaisnavas who will be ready to work without any remuneration, simply in exchange for their food and lodging. If we take American machines there and some of our American students to see the management we can get there labor practically without any charges, but this idea can be done as said when we get a nice house to accommodate everything.” ([[letters/1968/680224_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 24 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 “I am enclosing a letter herewith from Krsna devi which speaks for itself. Please reply her that she cannot take charge of one of our centers because she has violated the regulations of our Society. In spite of having her duly married husband, she indulged in illicit sex life, so this is a willful violation of our rules and regulations. So far her Krsna consciousness activities are concerned, she can execute nicely wherever she lives, and I have all blessings for her, because ==the door of Krsna consciousness is open for everyone. But when one has to take charge of a center, he has to become completely above suspicion.”== ([[letters/1968/680312_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 12 March, 1968]]) *** 68-11 “We must always remember that ==the leader in charge of a temple must learn to successfully deal with the other persons== **there. No one is working as a paid servant so if the dealings are not friendly everyone will decide to leave. The leader of the temple must try always to be sober and tolerant and at the same time manage everything nicely. Please continue to try and cultivate this talent and I know you will be given all intelligence to do this.” (SPL to Upendra, November 26th, 1968) 69-03 “So far LA temple is concerned, both you and your good wife, Nandarani, desired to see the temple affairs improve, which I understood from your past letters. And you took the risk of $400 or $500 by renting the storefront in Hollywood Blvd. It was certainly very nice, and you were paying $350, but because you very sincerely desired to have a very, very nice place, Krsna arranged in a different way. In the beginning we thought that we are losing a nice place, when the landlord wanted to kick us out, but now I can understand Krsna’s desire was to give us a still better place, and so now we have got it. So it is not the place alone which is responsible for beautifying the temple; it is the devotees who are actually beautifying the temple. And ==as president you are in charge of the whole branch, so kindly try to maintain the present atmosphere, and try to improve it more and more; that is my request.”== ([[letters/1969/690326_dayananda|Dayananda, 26 March, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “I have seen your letter to Dinesh, dated 26th June, 1969, and I am a little bit disturbed in my mind. This recording business is not our line, so you should not divert your attention for the time being for such things. After a great struggle, you have got now a nice place for the London temple, and if you leave now, your co-workers, Godbrothers and God-sisters, will be discouraged. So I request you not to leave London at the present moment at any cost. I have already sent you a note for the Archbishop of Canterbury as per your letter of June 19th, and you have so many things to do now. So I request you not to divert your attention to this musical side. I know you are a musician, and naturally you have got a tendency for musical entertainment, but at the present moment our main business is to push the *sankirtana* movement. So, as you are doing, take the *sankirtana* party to various places, and this will be most appreciated. ==If you adulterate our sankirtana movement with some business motive, then it will be spoiled immediately. Be careful in that way.”== ([[letters/1969/690701_mukunda|Mukunda, 1 July, 1969]]) *** 70-02 “I am glad to learn that after deliberation between Jayapataka and Raktaka, you have been asked to become the president of Toronto temple. The idea is that ==whoever is competent to manage affairs will accept the post of president by mutual consent. Our main business is to be fixed up in Krsna consciousness by keeping steady in the prescribed duties of devotional service.== **So I have got all approval for your being elected president; that is nice.” ([[letters/1970/700227_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 27 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “I beg to acknowledge receipt of your two letters dated 20 and 26 February, respectively, and I am so glad to learn that you have been elected president for this year. In India, when there was a congress election among the executive members, ==each year a person was elected president.== * * ==I think this system may be followed in our institutions also.== * * Of course it will depend on the local situation, but in a round if each person is given the chance of managing the whole affairs, ==that means everyone becomes responsible officer.”== ([[letters/1970/700302_gurudasa|Gurudasa, 2 March, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “Another thing is that so long I have been receiving different questions from the students, now ==I think all these questions should be answered by the presidents locally. So you study all our books very nicely, and all the doubts and questions may be answered by you locally.== In case of difficult questions, it may be referred to me. That will give all the presidents the chance of being skillful in solving the doubts and problems of the local students. I hope you will like this idea.” ([[letters/1970/700302_gurudasa|Guru dasa, 2 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “Regarding the proposed marriage of Manmohini and Sridhama, yes, I have already sent Sridhama sanctioning this marriage and offering my blessings. Subala has already got practical experience. He has performed two marriage ceremonies and has sent me a xeroxed copy of the procedure which I have approved. I am enclosing herewith one copy and you can perform the wedding in your temple. ==Everyone, at least all the presidents, should be experienced in performing marriage ceremonies.”== ([[letters/1970/700411_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 11 April, 1970]]) *** 70-07 ==“I understand that the new boy, Hari Vilasa, is very experienced, so if he is going to be president that is nice. We want a good administration—that is one side of our propaganda work.”== (SPL to Umapati, July 19th, 1970) 70-08 ==“I am proposing that our temples now be managed by the householder couples, so this is very nice for you now.== **Please take this opportunity offered you all by Krsna very seriously and do not misuse your life for sense gratification. You are a very intelligent boy I know, and a very sincere devotee of Lord Krsna. Now you have got a good wife who is also intelligent girl and devotee, so live peacefully working together for pushing on this Krsna consciousness movement for the ultimate benefit of all concerned. So you both husband and wife please take my blessings and blessings of Lord Krsna and be happy in Krsna’s transcendental loving service.” (SPL to Krsnakanti, August 1st, 1970) 70-09 ==“I am so much pleased to receive your letter dated Hrsikesa 22, 484 Caitanya Era and I am so glad to learn that our London temple is very, very well managed under your supervision. Kindly continue this standard of temple management—that will make me very happy.”== ([[letters/1970/700916_yamuna|Yamuna, 16 September, 1970]]) *** 70-11 “The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated schedule of chanting sixteen rounds, reading, *sankirtana,* and temple worship. Any breakage in the performance of one’s duties will surely be a hindrance in one’s advancement. So, ==as president, you should see that everyone stays engaged twenty-four hours a day in== ** ==Krsna’s service.”== (SPL to Vrndavana Candra, November 9th, 1970) 71-04 “ ==I have received their very kind== ** ==letters of appreciation and I am very much grateful. Take care of them and see to it that they all become pure devotees. That is your duty. They should follow the regulative principles strictly, regularly chant sixteen rounds daily without fail, read all our literatures and attend class, etc. and be happy in Krsna consciousness.”== (SPL to Mukunda, April 13th, 1971) 71-07 ** ==“There are many grhasthas who are earning and spending for a particular center. Similarly you can also open a center, live separately as president and maintain the temple nicely. But if you don’t do anything and simply remain grhastha, then what is the use of criticizing others? The whole movement is meant for rendering service.”== (SPL to Umapati, July 9th, 1971) ==71-07 “I am also glad to note that a meeting of all the presidents was held just recently in order to unify the temples. That is the process. Unless we work cooperatively, how this movement will go on? So my request to you all is that you maintain that spirit of cooperation always and help me to deliver Lord Caitanya’s message all over the globe.”== (SPL to Tribhuvanatha, July 17th, 1971) 71-08 “There will be many discrepancies in the trial balance if books are not kept properly. Trial balance means to test how the accounts are kept scientifically. So if the accounts are not kept properly but haphazardly there will never be a correct trial balance. To present a correct trial balance means to correct the whole past accounting system. And who has been appointed treasurer and secretary? ==The president, secretary and treasurer elected by the members of the center cannot be changed at least for one year; better to continue it for three years.== **All combined together should be responsible for keeping correct accounts. Giriraja is responsible and he should be made the treasurer. You should remain as president and Acyutananda Swami as secretary. So make arrangements in that way.” (SPL to Jayapataka Maharaja, August 24th, 1971) 71-11 “I am pleased to note the birth of your second son. Now kindly deliver him to Krsna and your life will be perfect. Actually, you are an ideal householder couple. I want that such ==grhastha couples should manage things as they have a tendency to organize and manage,== **and so I am confident that you will help me deliver these children back to Home, back to Godhead. Yes, you may call your son Madhavendra dasa.” (SPL to Paramananda, November 18th, 1971) 71-11 “Regarding your second point, ==I am pleased to hear that you are concerned for the development of your neophyte Godbrothers and Godsisters. So just try to help them by giving them Krsna consciousness== and the best way to do this is to set the example by being very enthusiastic to do anything and everything to please Krsna, even we may have to make sacrifice. Follow the regulative principles very strictly, and be ready to tolerate all kinds of set-backs and disappointments. The difference between a devotee and a nondevotee is this, just like the bee and the fly: the bee always is attracted by the honey and flies go to open sores. So the devotee is only attracted by the good qualities in other people and does not see their faults. He is friend to everyone and in this way he finds his life sublime. Of course we are not ourselves perfect, so sometimes there may be something, and we may lose our enthusiasm to do something. But these things come and go, and you should not bother very much with them. Just be attached to Krsna and try always to think how to please Him, and He will personally rescue His devotee from all kinds of unfavorable situations. Even we may not like to do the work, if we work very hard for Krsna soon we lose our attachment and become satisfied just to be serving Krsna, and as long as at least sixteen offenseless rounds daily are being chanted, know it for certain that our anxieties will disappear very soon.” (SPL to Badrnarnarana dasa, November 18th, 1971) 71-11 “I am very encouraged to hear how San Diego center is flourishing under your supervision. The test is that so many new devotees are coming. That is a very good sign. Now you must take care to train them very nicely. They are voluntarily giving their lives to Krsna, ==so as president you must see that they are always happy and satisfied in Krsna consciousness. Then they will not go away.”== (SPL to Bhakta dasa, November 20th, 1971) 71-12 “As for your questions about householder life, first of all, who is looking after Oklahoma City temple? ==If you are president then what is the use of opening center if you cannot attend all temple functions?== * * Who is looking after temple management? If you are in charge, either you should live there or there is no need for such temple. Of course, it is not that anyone is excluded from being my disciple if they do not cent per cent attend all of temple programs, but they should be encouraged to attend as far as possible. Living outside and working are not prohibited, and it is not recommended that such strict rule as no outside living should be enforced, but living in the association of devotees is better. From our side there is never any objection if it is inconvenient for temple living, but if you are in charge of organizing your new center, I think you should live in the company of the other devotees there, to train them and work with them for distributing our books and magazines and pushing on this Krsna consciousness movement full-time. But if there is some difficulty to do this or some problem with getting money, then you should consult further with your GBC * * man to make adjustment. Preaching is our first-class engagement, including *sankirtana* party, selling books, speaking, like that. But if for some reason a devotee is unable so do these things, then I say that they are allowed to live outside and work as a concession. Our service for Krsna is voluntary and can never be forced. And whatever position in life one holds he can serve Krsna in that way. But yourselves being such qualified and experienced preachers, what is the benefit of engaging in the second-class activity when there is so much preaching work to be done? Practically speaking, our Krsna philosophy will save the whole world from the most dangerous condition, that is a fact. So now you just become convinced yourselves of this fact and help me spread this movement for saving the world with all conviction and attention, and in this way you will be performing the highest type of activity and very soon you will go back home, back to Godhead, know it for certain. I have no objection if you keep home Deities.” (SPL to Vamanadeva and Indira dasi, December 8th, 1971) 72-01 “Practically the leadership of this Krsna consciousness Society is now in the hands of you my older disciples and I am very pleased that you are taking such huge responsibility very seriously. In this way remain very sober and cool-headed and always think of Krsna somehow or other, and there is no doubt this movement will one day conquer all over the world. One thing is, that I want the highest standards of devotional service be maintained. Our routine work-rising early, cleansing, chanting, temple worship, *sankirtana,* study—these things must go on very nicely, and if they become improved more and more, and are not neglected or in anyway decreased, then our all other activities will be successful. ==As president, you must now become very convinced of our Krsna philosophy and very enthusiastically and soberly maintain temple routine standards,== increase book distribution, satisfy the devotees, and in every way become the perfect Krsna conscious example of angel.” (SPL Makhanlal, January 10th, 1972) 72-01 “Since you are now leader, therefore Krsna is forcing you to become very responsible and advanced devotee. This is Krsna’s special favor upon you. So now you must see that all boys and girls who come to the temple are given all facility to perfect their lives in Krsna consciousness and you must give them good advice and instruction. ==You must be the perfect example of== * * ==Krsna conscious devotee.== * * How is that? Follow the regulative principles very diligently, maintain the highest level of standard in routine work such as rising early, cleansing, chanting, temple worship, street *sankirtana,* etc., always keep the devotees satisfied, like that. If your preaching work is strong, automatically management will be easy. And preaching work is strong if our routine work is strong. Never neglect our regular program and that will be your success.” (SPL to Sucandra, January 11th, 1972) 72-02 ==“So as president, now you will be forced to advance in== Krsna consciousness because you must always set the highest example yourself,== **and I think that this is Krsna’s special favoring you. Try to always see the highest purity is maintained in all respects, become yourself very convinced of this Krsna philosophy, be always preaching and trying to understand some basic points from different angle of vision, keep the devotees in your temple always satisfied and jolly, and that will be your success.” (SPL to Hrdayananda, February 4th, 1972) 72-02 ==“I am very pleased that you have been appointed as president for Phoenix Arizona, center. Now you are being forced by== * * ==Krsna to advance in Krsna consciousness, because you must set the perfect example for all others to follow== * * and be always very responsible and sober. I think you will have no difficulty, as long as our routine work is attended to nicely and the highest standards are maintained. Routine work means rising early, cleansing, chanting minimum sixteen rounds, having *kirtana,* reading scriptures, Deity worship, like that. Simply always keep yourselves engaged in these matters of regular activity as sincerely as possible, and do not neglect them for a moment, then your all activities will come out successful, and you can be very certain that very soon you will find yourselves situated on the highest platform of perfectional stage.” (SPL to Madhukara, February 4th, 1972) 72-02 ** ==“Actually, most of my best managers are grhasthas, because they have a natural propensity to manage.”== (SPL to Amogha, February 15th, 1972) 72-02 “I think that if you go on in this way and spend your whole time preaching and engaging others to hear you and become themselves engaged in Krsna’s service, that will cure you of all misgivings and miserable conditions. ==Follow this simple formula of chanting regularly with full attention, reading at least one hour, and balance time preaching, and speaking and managing== **one center, and then everything will be all right.” (SPL to Krsna dasa, February 24th, 1972) 72-03 * * ==“All the presidents of our centers should see that all members are strictly observing the brahminical standards,== * * such as rising early, cleansing at least twice daily, reading profusely, attending *arati,* like that. You begin immediately this process. That is the main work of GBC. Sometimes we see that even they do not wash hands after eating. Even after drinking water we should wash hands. This is *suci.* Suci means purest. Everyone should join the *mangala-arati.* Gradually, we should become more regulated and strict for following the rules and regulations. Otherwise we shall fall down.” (SPL to Rupanuga, May 3rd, 1972) 72-03 “Upon your recommendation, I have agreed to accept Axel and John as my duly initiated disciples, and also to give a second initiation to Suvrata. I am sending a separate letter for them. So far going to Dallas for the fire *yajna,* better you should learn how to perform it and do it there. ==Every temple president must be very expert in all these things,== so you can consult our *Krsna Consciousness Handbook* for the procedure and if there are any further questions, you can consult with Satsvarupa and he will give you instruction.” (SPL to Nityananda, May 10th, 1972) 72-03 * * ==“As you requested me,== * * ==I have sent many men from USA to help you, now you engage them properly, utilize them. That is leadership, how to engage everyone in their respective duties and properly utilize their energy.”== (SPL to Tamala Krsna, May 11th, 1972) 72-03 “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 there 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) 72-04 “In the meantime you do your duty as president of Hamburg temple, and try to improve spiritually. Our spiritual way should strictly observe the following points especially; 1) Neatness and cleanliness of all personal body. (I still see those who are initiated as *brahmanas,* they do not wash their hands after eating even; of course, there may be so many defects due to your birth in *non-brahmana* families, but how long it shall go on? It is a very easy thing) 2) Chanting sixteen rounds daily. (I don’t think everybody is following these principles) 3) Temple worship, which should be performed rigidly between 4 and 10 a.m. I find that devotees are still sleeping up to 6, 7 o’clock. So on the GBC agenda I do not find any such program for reforming our past bad habits. ==So kindly, as president of Hamburg center you try to observe yourself all the regulative principles and see all the members are following.== * * Recently I have received from one * sannyasi * complaint about another * sannyasi* who is not chanting regularly. So our view is that we shall be strictly following the rules and regulations.” (SPL Hamsaduta, April 11, 1972) 72-05 “Your idea to recruit many *brahmanas* is nice. We need a class of men purely *brahmanas.* The whole world is full of *sudras.* The Krsna consciousness movement is meant for re-establishing the system of four *varnas* and *asramas,* then there will be progress of civilization. We have got such a nice process that even from the base *sudras* we can create *brahmanas* of highest caliber. ==All the presidents of our centers should see that all the members are strictly observing the brahminical standards, such as rising early, cleansing at least twice daily, reading profusely, attending arati, like that.== * * You begin immediately this process. That is the main work of GBC. Sometimes we see that even they do not wash hands after eating. Even after drinking water we should wash hands. That is * suci. * Suci means purest. Everyone should join the * mangala-arathi.* Gradually, we should become more regulated and strict for following the rules and regulations. Otherwise we shall fall down.” (SPL to Rupanuga, May 3rd, 1972) 72-05 “Always there will be obstacles placed in our path by the demons and atheists, but if we can remain pure, nothing will be able to stop this great transcendental movement from spreading God consciousness all over the world. ==So as president, you must make sure that all the students are regularly chanting sixteen rounds, taking bath, attending mangala-arati, reading our books,== **and following the regulative principles. If everyone keeps strictly these principles then success is assured.” (SPL to Sridhama, May 5th, 1972) 72-10 * * ==“Now that you are president of the Detroit temple, you have very great responsibility to take proper care of all the devotees== * * who are engaged there and are spreading Krsna consciousness at one of our most important centers. Formerly Bhagavan dasa was developing this area very nicely, so now that the responsibility is in your hands please continue with enthusiasm more and more. As much as you are sincere to simply serve the mission of the Supreme Lord, then Krsna will give you the intelligence from the heart, have no doubt. I have received the enclosed *daksina* offering in the amount of $332 and I thank you very, very much. Also enclosed is a letter for Srimati Vilasini devi dasi and Sitarani devi dasi for *Gayatri* initiation.” ([[letters/1972/721008_giriraja|Kaliya Krsna, 8 October, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “I have noted that you have returned to *gurukula* to take over the managing because Stoka Krsna has left to go to Los Angeles at his whim. This is not good, this unsteady position. I have never been in favor of this practice of many times changing the responsible officers, three times in one week changing presidents. This will ruin the whole thing. ==From now on if someone takes the leading post, he must agree to stick and not go away just because it is difficult from time to time.== **That is ideal leader. He is responsible and he knows his duty. Just like I did that. My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my Godbrothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it. But this always changing means no sense. If he is leader, he must be fixed-up. Otherwise, if he has no real interest, why he takes that post? He must be responsible. He must stick and develop the highest standard of Krsna consciousness practice in that area of management. But if he is sometimes thinking, ’Oh, I do not like to do this, let me go away at first opportunity: then how will things go on? That is just like democratic system in your government: every four, five years changing all the leaders. In this way, each man is thinking he shall not try to do very much. No one is interested in the real welfare of the citizens, simply because the post is temporary. That is not our process. Real meaning of duty is just like Arjuna; he did not like to be responsible, he wanted to leave the scene, but Krsna convinced him ’This is your duty, to fight: so he did it for Krsna, and he fought until the last man was killed from the opposing side. That is leadership. He is determined to stick to his position because he has understood Krsna. But 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. Advancement in Krsna consciousness is not the result of material conditions. I shall not expect to find some perfect circumstances of occupational duty which will cause me to be automatically Krsna conscious, no. So why shall I think that by changing this, going here or there, doing something else—why shall I expect that I will become happy by adjusting material conditions in this way? They have not understood. Real attitude of devotional service is, whether I am here or there, whether I am doing this or that, it doesn’t matter, just give me little *prasada,* little service, or if you make me big leader, that’s all right—that is devotee, satisfied to serve Krsna in any circumstances of life. So try to impress this fact. We should kill this restless spirit. Enthusiasm and patience, these things are required. If under changing conditions I lose my enthusiasm, if I cannot endure the difficulties of my duty, therefore I go away-then how I can be leader? These things must be understood. Otherwise the whole thing will fall.” ([[letters/1972/721105_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 5 November, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “This constantly changing managers is not good. We shall develop more progressively by sticking in one place and working, not that one week we have three presidents, that is not good. ==Our managers should be very responsible for developing their center to the topmost standard. Why this restlessness?== **It is just like one man is holding government post by getting votes, so today or tomorrow or next day, but he will have to go out, then another man comes, then another, another-in this way, democratic system, no one becomes responsible for the welfare of the citizens, only they want to take for themselves as much as they can before they have to get out, so they do not take real interest in their duty. It is a little like that. My idea is that the leaders must agree to stick at one place, even they may have to remain their life-long, that is the ideal leader, one who is conscious of his duty.” ([[letters/1972/721105_hrdayananda|Hrdayananda, 5 November, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 12, 1972, and I have noted the contents with care. I am forwarding the copy of your letter, along with my reply, to Satsvarupa in Dallas. I think he is the GEC man in that zone, and he is the best man to come there immediately and see what is the situation and do the needful. Of course I do not know what are the facts, but I have seen that you have done very * * nicely there, so far I know. And no one has made complaints to me. So maybe there is a little fighting amongst yourselves, that is natural, but you are advanced disciple, don’t be disturbed by these things. ==Actually I want that householders shall manage in the temples, because they have got propensity to manage things== * * and they want to take responsibility and they will not go away. *Brahmacari,* householder, it doesn’t matter, but householders are doing nicely all over the world. Why the others shall resent householders in your temple? That is not a reason. This attitude of changing this, changing that, if there is some small thing to make it something very * * great, changing the leaders three every * * week—these things are going on, I know. This is not at all good attitude, that if by adjustment, this and that, changing everything, I may create the perfect combination and everything will be all right. I am more impressed if someone has opened one center and that he has stayed there tightly and developed nicely, not going away whimsically. So you have been leader at New Orleans temple for long time, you are the pioneer there, so why you should be whimsically discharged? Only the GBC man shall be able to make these changes, not any so-called secret meeting of devotees. Why they have misunderstood these things? If they have objection they must lodge it with their GBC, and differences must be discussed openly amongst ourselves, not secret meetings. We are Vaisnava devotees, not politicians. So these things must be stopped, plotting. Your merit stands far above theirs, you have done some tangible work to please me by spreading this Krsna consciousness message in New Orleans, that is the test. Let them do something first, then we shall see what is their criticism. Simply criticizing and no work, that is the business of inferior men. So do not be disturbed by them, go on with your work, increasing more and more. Never mind the jackals howl.” ([[letters/1972/721125_nityananda|Nityananda, 25 November, 1972]]) *** 72-12 ==“So the future of this== * * ==Krsna consciousness movement is very bright, so long the managers remain vigilant that sixteen rounds are being chanted by everyone without fail, that they are all rising before four in the morning and attending mangala-arati== * .* ==”== ([[letters/1972/721222_karandhara|Karandhara, 22 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Therefore Rupa Goswami has introduced this system of regulative principles which I have taught to you also. These regulative principles, such as rising before 4 a.m. for *mangala-arati,* chanting sixteen rounds minimum on beads daily, reading books, going for the street *sankirtana,* preaching to anyone and everyone, offering the *prasada,* like that, these principles of devotional service are there to safeguard us from *maya’s* attack by keeping us always enthusiastic. If we strictly observe these principles, we shall remain always enthusiastic. These are the sources and the maintainers of our enthusiasm to serve Krsna. As soon as someone is not following them regularly, it may be certain that his enthusiasm will gradually disappear. Therefore, ==my request to you is that under any and all circumstances, you yourself shall without fail stick to these principles and make certain that all of the devotees in your charge are also following them strictly.”== ([[letters/1972/721231_dhananjaya|Dhananjaya, 31 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 “Regarding your other points, if there is need for stronger president in Montreal, I have no objection if Sripati leaves that place. Main thing is to ==have always one strong leader at each temple who can maintain the preaching standard to the highest degree.== **In this way, if our standard program is maintained just to the standard, automatically there will be enthusiasm and increase of preaching results.” ([[letters/1973/730105_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 5 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 “Your plan for rotating the chief man at Nairobi center is nice, provided the sense of authority and continuity is not weakened by so much switching of head men. As long as you are recognized to be the leader of Nairobi center with full authority in all matters, that is the point. ==This constantly changing the head man and whimsically dividing the attention is not good. Someone must be there who will stick tightly to the temple and develop it gradually to the highest standard.”== ([[letters/1973/730109_cyavana|Cyavana, 9 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 * * ==“As you are temple president, that is a great responsibility. So you must try to execute it with great care.== * * The main thing is that you must set nice example for the others by following very rigidly the regulative principles, such as chanting sixteen rounds on the beads, reading the books, getting up to attend *mangala-arati,* etc. In this way everyone shall be encouraged. We must be so careful to train the devotees nicely. Now they have come from the realm of *maya* to Krsna’s place, so it is our duty to keep them there, not that they shall again fall victim of *maya.” ([[letters/1973/730131_rajiblocan|Rajiblocan dasa, 31 January, 1973]]) *** 73-07 ** ==“You are setting a very good example in that you yourself are going with the travelling party. The Vedic concept of the commander is that he must be in front in the fight, not that he sits back behind the lines.”== ([[letters/1973/730723_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 23 July, 1973]]) *** 74-01 “I have received one letter from Madhavananda in which he mentions that the Deities at the Bhaktivedanta Manor are not protected. ==So you are the president of the temple and therefore you are responsible for all areas. Who is in charge of the Deity room? It must be secured at night. Every window and door must be locked and you must personally see to this.== **You have had sufficient experience at Bury Place that the Deity was attacked. You have already experienced that so you should not be negligent in this matter. Please see that adequate security is given to the temple, especially to the Deities, so that They will not be exposed to any attack. I have answered Madhavananda on various points so you may see his letter. The main thing is that if the matter is to go ahead there must be a cooperative spirit between yourself, Madhavananda, Syamasundara and the others. I understand from Madhavananda’s letter that there is great opportunity for spreading Krsna consciousness among the Indians and expanding all our programs there in England so I shall be glad to hear from you on these matters how you are pushing forward to make our mission successful in England.” ([[letters/1974/740101_mukunda|Mukunda, 1 January, 1974]]) *** 74-01 ** ==“Try to read our books. You are the president there so you must be very conversant with our philosophy.”== ([[letters/1974/740112_mukunda|Mukunda, 12 January, 1974]]) *** 74-02 “In his latest GBC report, Rupanuga Maharaja wrote that you are delinquent in sending him regular reports. ==The system of temple presidents sending twice monthly reports to the== * * ==GBC was devised by me to facilitate my receiving news of all the centers through the== * * ==GBC. You are free to write me directly when the occasion arises, but do not neglect to send regular reports== **to Rupanuga Maharaja.” ([[letters/1974/740201_bhagavan|Abhirama dasa, 1 February, 1974]]) *** 74-03 “His beads may be chanted on by Rupanuga Maharaja. Please hold a fire *yajna* and speak to him on the ten offenses against chanting. ==Personally see that he is chanting at least sixteen rounds daily, without fail. By your own example you have to keep all the devotees enthusiastic and that is done by strict adherence to the regulative principles.== * * Hope this finds you in good health, and I will be glad to hear of your progress in political * sankirtana. * Your political * sankirtana* Godbrothers, Balavanta and Amarendra are here in Bombay helping us for some time, but I have informed them that their real work is in the USA. So you are in the nation’s capital and if you can get support it will be grand preaching for our movement. Anyway, we are simply presenting the truth, which is that outside of Krsna consciousness there is no hope for the betterment of the troubled conditions of modern affairs, rather they are going to hell without check.” (SPL to Damodara, March 23rd, 1974) 74-04 * * ==“The GBC must be vigilant by following the regulative principles and teach by ideal character the presidents of the centers, and the presidents by their ideal character must teach the others== * * then automatically all members of the whole institution will be ideal to the human society. Then we can dictate to administrators or sometimes take hold of the administration. In the absence of competent leaders we may take the post. But we must be very careful in the flow of the political movement we may not forget our ideal life. For example, Parasurama was a *brahmana* but when he found the *ksatriyas* were mismanaging he killed them twenty-one times and some of them fled to European countries. This is the history. So far we are concerned we shall keep ourselves in ideal brahminical position, and if need be, if no *ksatriya* or *vaisya* is here, we can take up their work as emergency. Our business is to create ideal *ksatriyas* and *vaisyas,* but beyond that our real business is to keep ourselves as ideal *brahmanas.* If we are not ideal we cannot create others as ideal. Training is required for the first, second, and third classes of social constitution. Persons who are not fit for being advanced by training are *sudras* or less than that. At the present moment in the world state, there are *sudras* and less than that. There are no ideal *brahmanas* or *ksatriyas.* But these four divisions are imperative. So our business is to keep fit as *brahmanas* and to train others to be ideal *ksatriyas* and *vaisyas* for advancing the whole society, as Krsna says in the *Srimad-Bhagavatam.” ([[letters/1974/740428_balavanta|Rupanuga Maharaja, 28 April, 1974]]) *** 74-08 ** ==“Chanting offenselessly is the remedy for all of these diseases. Therefore I have established that the duty of the president of each temple and also the GBC is to see that each devotee is following the rules and regulations, chanting sixteen rounds so that they may be spiritually fit.”== ([[letters/1974/740819_sridhara|Vidarbha Kanya dasi, 19 August, 1974]]) *** 74-09 “So far as being leader is concerned, ==leader means spiritually, not materially. This you should understand very clearly.== If spiritual potency and strength is there, then material intelligence will automatically follow. We must have a solid foundation of chanting and following the regulative principles. Then one is fit to lead others. I hope you will understand this point.” ([[letters/1974/740906_swami_satpremananda_sarasvati|Jagajivana dasa, 6 September, 1974]]) *** 74-09 ** ==“Regarding having your wife do the management, if there are no men available then what can be done?”== ([[letters/1974/740907_batu_gopala|Batu Gopala, 7 September, 1974]]) *** 74-09 * * ==“Regarding the election there for president of the temple,== * * ==I understand that you received the vote. So you should be the president.== * * ==I am putting my casting vote for you.== * * ==I have informed Hamsaduta this by post.”== ([[letters/1974/740916_manager_of_liberty_bank|Madhavananda dasa, 16 September, 1974]]) *** 74-09 * * ==“Your resignation will be placed before the GBC meeting at Mayapur and a decision will be taken at that time.== * * I hope in the meantime you will come to your real condition of mind. Your duty is to carry out my orders. ==There cannot be any question of resignation.== **If anyone surrenders to Krsna whole heartedly and engages in His service he cannot say later on ’I resign.’ It is not something like material service. Once surrendered, it cannot be withdrawn.” ([[letters/1974/740919_ramesvar_prabhu|Ramesvara dasa, 19 September, 1974]]) ==74-09 “Regarding the election of president, a president can only be changed by vote. If no vote was taken, then the president cannot be changed.== Neither Hamsaduta can change the president whimsically or can anybody else change the president. According the ’Direction of Management’ the GBC cannot change the president but only by vote can it be done. The GBC’s business is to see that the president and the members are doing nicely, following the regulative principles, and chanting sixteen rounds and that other things are going on nicely. If it was decided by vote that Hamsaduta would select the president then Hamsaduta is right. Without authority Hamsaduta cannot change the election. If the vote was in favor of Madhavananda, then Hamsaduta cannot whimsically change the vote. But, if by vote he was authorized to select the president, then whomever he selects is right. I was not informed by my secretary that Hamsaduta was authorized by vote to make the selection. But, why was Hamsaduta authorized if the vote was already taken? This I do not know. On the whole I understand there are so many contradictions, so in the presence of all members you may take the vote again and decide finally.” ([[letters/1974/740929_jagadisa|Mukunda dasa, 29 September, 1974]]) ==74-11 “Regarding replacing Abhirama and Damodara, I refer to the ’Direction of Management’ as follows: ’Removal of the temple president requires support by the local temple members.’ Therefore you should take a vote of the temple members and do the needful.”== (SPL Rupanuga, November 7th, 1974) ==74-11 “== I can understand that you are managing a very nice temple there. The temple is meant to invite everyone to come and take shelter of the Lord. The temple is the opportunity for all conditioned souls to render some service to Krsna either in the matter of hearing, chanting, offering, cleansing, reading, or taking *prasada.* ==Therefore you are by managing the temple as a president you are doing a very great service to humanity.== So please continue in this way and make it nicer and nicer. I am also glad to note that you are distributing the books in increasing numbers. We want that our book distribution should be increased more and more in the coming year.” ([[letters/1974/741121_nrsimha_caitanya|Nrsimha Caitanya dasa, 21 November, 1974]]) ==74-12 “== In regards to your question about how the relationship between a *sannyasi* and the temple president should be, my hope is that you will all be able to cooperate together. ==The temple president is in charge and the sannyasi should not contradict the instructions. Although if he does see something wrong or if he sees a fault or defect he should bring it out directly to the temple president.== * * And then work it out in a Krsna conscious way. Not that he will try to over-ride the temple president’s authority. I want that you all work together cooperatively. Please continue your programs there with great enthusiasm and try to strictly follow all of my regulations without any deviation. Keep yourself always fixed in Krsna’s service. Don’t let even a split moment go by being engaged in the service of * maya.” ([[letters/1974/741228_sukadeva|Sukadeva, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 “Any householder devotee who is working full-time (with his wife) as a *sankirtana* book distributor, or temple managerial duties, artist, cook, etc., shall be provided food, shelter, and other bare minimum necessities by the temple itself. They should not cook their own meals separate from the temple meals. If they have children, then some minimal allowance may be given according to the number of children. If they want anything extra or over and above what the temple president sees as absolute necessity, then they should work outside-the temple cannot pay for anything beyond the bare necessities. And ==definitely, the BBT cannot pay any salary to anybody. Our philosophy is ’Simple living and high thinking’—not sense gratification. The temple presidents and leaders (elder students) must show this by example.== * * Temple or * asrama* means for renunciation and renounced persons. If one is engaged in self-realization process, then his material necessities become almost nil. Persons who do not like this can work outside.” ([[letters/1975/750112_mr._lepesqueux|Kirtiraja dasa, 12 January, 1975]]) *** 75-01 “You must make sure that all of these devotees are following the regulative principles very nicely. Everyone must rise early, take bath and attend *mangala-arati,* chant at least sixteen good rounds, attend class, and follow the four regulative principles strictly. If these things are lax, then there is no question of spiritual life. Anyone who does not accept these things staunchly will have to fall down. ==You must teach them by your own personal example, otherwise how will they learn? If you are loose in your habits, then everyone in your temple will also be loose in their habits.== **So, as one of my elder disciples, be strong. Do not deviate and you will be blessed.” ([[letters/1975/750116_m.v._sita_ramalai|Abhirama dasa, 16 January, 1975]]) *** 75-02 “Thank you for distributing my books there very nicely. Try to increase it more and more. You mentioned in your letter that you are doing a lot of Deity worship and cooking due to lack of sufficient *brahmanas.* So why don’t you ask your GBC man for some *brahmanas (at least one) to come and relieve you of this service so that you can spend more of your time preaching and distributing books? ==A temple president should have more time for preaching. That is important.”== ([[letters/1975/750202_sahadeva|Ravindra Svarapa dasa, 2 February, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“It is your responsibility as the president of the temple to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations such as chanting sixteen rounds minimum on the beads. Sixteen is the minimum; one can chant more. There is no harm, but one at least must chant the fixed number of rounds.”== ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|Alanatha dasa, 10 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 ** ==“It is your responsibility to see that these devotees that you have recommended strictly follow the rules and regulations, chanting sixteen rounds, attending the classes and the mangala-arati and refraining from the four prohibitions. You should lecture on these points at the initiation ceremony so that everyone understands fully. And by your own example you should teach.”== ([[letters/1975/751113_gargamuni|Prabhavisnu dasa, 13 November, 1975]]) *** 75-11 * * ==“Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following two brahmacaris as my initiated disciples.== * * And their names are Malcolm Perey is Yamunapata dasa and Monte Flynn is Kalatita dasa. ==It is your responsibility since you are recommending them that they follow strictly rules and regulations and remain strong in Krsna consciousness== *.* They must attend the *mangala-arati* and the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* class and *Bhagavad-Gita* class and chant sixteen rounds minimum daily and also follow the four rules and regulations.” ([[letters/1975/751121_dr._w.h._wolf-rottkay|Nalinikanta dasa, 21 November, 1975]]) *** 75-12 “I have accepted the following list of boys and girls as my duly initiated disciples. ==So you are the president there at Schloss Rettershof, it is your duty to see that the standards of Krsna consciousness are always maintained, especially chanting sixteen rounds daily,== * * observing the four regulative principles, no meat, fish, eggs, no intoxication, no gambling, and no illicit sex life. The students must all attend morning and evening * arati * and classes. If we follow this simple program along with regular * sankirtana, * distributing the books and preaching, then there will be no fall down. Just like if one keeps himself clean and properly nourished by eating regularly, he will not infect disease, but if there is neglect, then there is room for infection, he becomes weak and falls prey to disease. So Krsna consciousness is the medicine for the material disease, and chanting Hare Krsna * mantra* sincerely is the basic ingredient of that medicine.” ([[letters/1975/751202_cakravarti|Cakravarti, 2 December, 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 fullfledgedly 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 50% 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 temple’s 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 5 to 10% 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]]) *** 76-02 ** ==“First initiated devotees must vow to always chant minimum sixteen rounds daily and strictly observe the regulative principles. The brahmanas must practice cleanliness internally by chanting the Lord’s glories and externally by bathing regularly. You personally should set a high standard for the new devotees to follow.”== ([[letters/1976/760205_sukadeva|Sukadeva dasa, 5 February, 1976]]) *** 76-07 ==“So do everything conscientiously and my blessings are always with you. However, don’t create any awkward situation that may be criticized. Caesar’s wife must be above criticism. Up to now as I have got respectable situation,== ** ==I wish that all my disciples will have similar respectable position in society. That will keep my name good. Like father, like son.”== ([[letters/1976/760711_bishambhar|Caitya Guru dasa, 11 July, 1976]]) *** 76-11 “This incident with the president of our Washington temple is not good. He can’t even maintain one wife. Just see how lusty he is. Now he’ll dare to take another. Anyway he cannot live in the temple. If he wants two wives it must be done outside. He should maintain his family by working and give 50% to the temple. ==He may not live off temple funds. Temple president is generally meant for sannyasi, but a grhastha may be if he is restrained. It is not good if he remains as president.”== ([[letters/1976/761108_rupanuga|Rupanuga, 8 November, 1976]]) *** 76-12 ** ==“That the devotees refuse to follow those who do not keep strictly to the regulative principles is very nice. These practices are our spiritual strength. I’m glad to hear that you are feeling spiritually strong. Krsna will give you all intelligence and protection. You are a sincere servant.”== ([[letters/1976/761217_jayatirtha|Jayatirtha, 17 December, 1976]]) ## Temple President and the GBC (see GBC) Temple President and the GBC Click here to see also GBC 67-04 “After all, Krsna is the ultimate person. We are just trying to serve Him. Your conviction that we have to supply the demands of Krsna and not to demand anything from Him is pure devotional philosophy. The followers of Lord Caitanya never make Krsna the order supplier but the devotees become the order supplier of Krsna. Krsna wants that all His bewildered sons may be turned towards Him and therefore the more we are able to turn devotees of Krsna the more our service is recognized. We have to work practically how this mission can be well organized. Residential quarters for students and others on terms of our rigidity is very good project. ==We should increase this project like YMCA organization without any profit. We shall supply nice prasada at cheap rate and we shall give shelter to persons who will abide by our rules.== * * That will help in increasing the numbers of devotees because they will attend our lectures and take our * prasada * and will have opportunity to hear * Srimad-Bhagavatam * etc. I think we should make an experiment of this project during the World Exposition.” (SPL to Kīrtanānanda, 13th April,* 1967) 68-01 “I am in due receipt of your statement regarding Jivanuga, and it is clear that he is crazy. ==I have already advised Jayananda in this connection that we cannot make the Society an asylum for crazy people. It is not our business.== **Jayananda is a very sincere and intelligent boy and I think his decision should be accepted as final in the matter. Not only in this case, but in every other complicated case, the elected authorities in the management of the temple should be the final authority in these matters. Otherwise, the Society cannot be managed. Our main principle should be to advance the cause of Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1968/680111_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 11 January, 1968]]) *** 68-02 * * ==“So if you find a nondevotee eager to listen submissively you can show your mercy to elevate him to Krsna consciousness,== * * but a nondevotee who is already poisoned by the serpent of the demon class swami or yogi is very difficult to be dealt with, so the best thing is to reject them and not waste time for their elevation; but a person who is willing to hear us submissively must be given chance to understand the philosophy of Krsna consciousness.” (SPL to Guru dasa, February 24th 1968) 68-06 “In the meantime I have received one letter from James. I am enclosing his letter. I do not know what does he want to know from me. This boy is a new boy, and he might have so many ideas within his brain and if you can train him for your purpose he will be a great service. ==We may always expect that we get always untamed boys and girls and we have to train them up. So if you can tackle this boy he may also be a good assistant.== **Nobody is in Krsna consciousness and we are trying our best to bring people in that platform.” ([[letters/1968/680613_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 13 June, 1968]]) *** 68-09 * * ==“Regarding minor boys who want to be trained by us as brahmacaris, it is a very nice opportunity to train such young boys, but there are legal implications.== * * Now, our Society is a registered, recognized religious Society. So we can consult some lawyer whether such religious institution where we are teaching specifically how to become moral in character. We are teaching them prohibition of four principal sinful activities, and we are teaching them God consciousness. Whether we can teach such minor boys as *brahmacaris* and training them. I am very sorry that these people do not want to see their sons develop high character and knowledge in God consciousness, but they want to push them in the stereotyped way of materialistic life. But even we are prepared to help them, if the legal implications are there, what can we do? You can however encourage the boy as he is making progress, but he may have to wait for initiation because he is not still habituated to give up meat-eating. Any person trying to serve Krsna sincerely, certainly Krsna will give him all opportunity to overcome the difficulties.” ([[letters/1968/680909_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 9 September, 1968]]) *** 68-09 “Regarding Randy; ==I understand that he is addicted to heroin intoxication, and he is taking some medicine to give it up, but== * * ==I am sure the best medicine is chanting the Hare Krsna mantra.== * * For the time being, let him take the substitute medicine as he is taking, and at the same time let him seriously chant Hare Krsna. And I hope he will be able to give up that substitute medicine also. I have got experience—one of my Godbrothers, he related about his past life that he was addicted to all kinds of intoxication, and he was distilling wine in his village without any license—he was such a great intoxicant. But later on, we found him completely free from all intoxication—even he was not even smoking and was quite fit to work for Krsna consciousness. So everything is possible provided one is serious. In the *Srimad-Bhagavatam* it is stated that if somebody is not too much addicted, neither he is completely powerful to give up some bad habits, this via media stage is favorable. Immediately if he cannot give up the medicine as he is taking, that doesn’t matter. Let him chant Hare Krsna very seriously and he will gradually be able to give up everything.” ([[letters/1968/680922_kirtanananda|Kīrtanānanda, 22 September, 1968]]) *** 68-10 ** ==“I have very much appreciated your discussion in the Istagosthi and so also Rayarama’s. We have to collect men for Krsna consciousness and therefore we may not be harsh to them.”== ([[letters/1968/681006_purusottama|Purusottama, 6 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “Please inform Balai dasi with my blessings that I have received the report of the *Istagosthi* and it is very nice. Especially the portion in which Rayarama and Purosotta’s presentation to deal with newcomers is very nice. ==We should not disturb the newcomers immediately with opposite proposals, but tactfully we shall try to teach him in our ways, and gradually he will come to understand.== **This policy is very nice, and approved by me.” ([[letters/1968/681006_advaita|Advaita, 6 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 “So we are trying to open branches all over the world in every city, in every town, in every village, and people should take advantage of it *.* ==There is no question of monetary transaction to enter into these centers== **and institutions, but because we have to maintain such institutions public should voluntarily contribute and that is very gladly accepted.” (SPL to Rayarama, October 17th, 1968) 68-11 “I understand that Dinesh’s present job is very tedious and hampering, but because you are now a family man, you must have some steady income. So unless you find out a better job, how can you give up the present one? We step forward when we understand that the forward step is on a sound basis, than we get on the rear step. Your record and film business is not yet started so there is no certain income. The scheme which you have submitted is very nice and appears to be very practical and sound, and you are also very intelligent. Your idea is also very glorious. You want to serve Krsna with all your energies and intelligence, so I have got all support and approval of this scheme, but until you have got some income, ==how can I advise you to give up your present job, especially when you are a family man?== **Of course, if you find it too much tedious, then there is no other alternative but to give up the job and depend on Krsna, and He will do the needful.” (SPL to Dinesh and Krsna devi, November 19th, 1968) 69-02 “I have sent back the beads for Girish by separate mail, and after duly chanting upon them. I am very glad to learn that he is completing daily his rounds at any cost. It is an example even for the elderly students. Please encourage this nice boy. He is given under your protection so take care of him very nicely. ==Just produce one nice Krsna conscious youth. It will be a great service to Krsna and recognition of your nice service.”== ([[letters/1969/690213_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 13 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 * * ==“Yes, a new man may commit blunders in the beginning, but that does not mean we may be too impatient with him. After all, training means the man does not know, so you should train him nicely.== * * A Vaisnava is expected to be humbler than the blade of grass, so when you train some new man you should not get agitated with him. After all, we are preachers and we do not expect our audience or candidates completely respondent to our call. If everyone is trained then what is the use of our preaching? I receive daily so many odd letters, still we have to reply them properly. So you are in charge of the Seattle branch. You should try to develop and manage this temple as your life interest. Don’t be flickering thinking of going here and there. Whatever charge given from Krsna through the medium of the spiritual master you should be carrying out very faithfully. I have come to your country in this old age with this interest. We should not mind where we are kept or where we have to discharge our duties. But we should accept them and do them nicely. I wish that the Seattle temple be maintained as the most important thing, and there is no second man besides you to take charge of it. Actually the center was opened by you and Gargamuni. Gargamuni is now engaged in different work, so do not divert your attention. Please try to occupy the church contemplated and try to improve it like L.A. temple. If you try your best Krsna will give you all facilities.” ([[letters/1969/690311_upendra|Upendra, 11 March, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “Regarding *brahmacaris,* two may go there immediately, but how will transportation be arranged? They may also be required to arrange for money deposited in the bank to show the immigration department. That is one impediment, and also you yourselves are all scattered, so how shall you accommodate them? Your work is already hampered by no suitable living places, so if two more join you, what is the benefit? Another point is that what is the difficulty of the newcomers getting trained by you who are all elderly members. From other centers, practically every day someone sends his beads, along with letter of appreciation and some money for initial expenses. I chant on his beads and return them to him as initiated student. Why don’t you follow this same principle? If these boys are serious, let them be initiated, and follow the rules, and whatever guidance you can give them they should accept. It is not good idea to invite *brahmacaris* for training some other *brahmacaris* in London when there are six already present there. If you cannot train them, how can you take it for granted that someone from here can? ==Training is not imposition. It is voluntary accept by the trainee.== * * Anyway, when you secure a larger place to accommodate everyone, you will have as many * brahmacaris* as you want, and I shall arrange for that. I can send even Purusottama, who is personally assisting me, provided it helps your propaganda there. Similarly I can ask Subala or someone else, so that is not a problem.” ([[letters/1969/690603_syamasundara|Syamasundara, 3 June, 1969]]) *** 69-06 “I am so much encouraged to learn that one very nice German boy has come to live in your temple. This is clear evidence that you are all working sincerely to serve Krsna and now one sincere soul has been so attracted by this that he is also coming to join you. Actually, ==if one true Vaisnava goes to any place in the world then the spiritual instincts of the more advanced souls he comes into contact with will be awakened and they will automatically be attracted.== * * In the * Bhagavad-Gita * Krsna informs Arjuna that if in previous lifetimes one has begun the path of spiritual perfection but was unable to complete it for one reason or another then in future lifetimes he will automatically become attracted again to spiritual life, and he will begin his progress from the point where he had previously left off. So through the material universes there are many such spiritually inclined souls, and our mission is to present everyone right knowledge of spiritual life. In this way, those who are already interested may finish up their Krsna consciousness business in this life and similarly those who are not so interested may advance themselves and make perfection of their life, simply by hearing our * sankirtana * party, attending our temple activities with association of devotees and eating Krsna * prasadam* ==.”== ([[letters/1969/690615_sivananda|Sivananda, 15 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “Now Tamala Krsna will be the supplying agent of devotees to many temples, because he is attracting many new devotees to the Los Angeles temple. So the program is after being trained up here, some of them may go either to open new branches or whether they are required. But ==I wish that you should also attract new devotees from your quarter. Instead of importing devotees, it is better to attract devotees from your own area. And the basic principle for doing this is sankirtana party.”== ([[letters/1969/690705_upendra|Upendra, 5 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 * * ==“I have no objection to sending you some men from Los Angeles, but you also should try to recruit some men from amongst the residents of Columbus. That is the best plan.== * * Simply let them hear our chanting, invite them to our temple Love Feasts and automatically some intelligent boys and girls will becomes interested to associate with our movement. You are a very sincere worker, so go on increasing your enthusiasm, and you will see how Krsna provides everything nicely for your center.” ([[letters/1969/690712_carl_lange|Jaya Gopala, 12 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “I am pleased to note that everything is going on very harmoniously in your temple, and this is a symptom that you are all executing your Krsna consciousness duties nicely. You mention that you are fixing up your temple for nice love feast program and this is cent per cent approved by me. ==Try to have very nice love feasts, because here in Los Angeles they are constantly attracting more and more members to join them, and the love feast program is one of the very strong attracting influences.== * * This program of offering grand scale quantities of * prasadam * amongst the general people was encouraged by Lord Caitanya, because if someone partakes of the remnants of offering to Lord Krsna then he is sure to come back to Krsna consciousness again at one time or another. So propagate our processes of * sankirtana,* sumptuous love feasts and reading literatures of Krsna consciousness, and many persons will be attracted to join this sublime movement.” ([[letters/1969/690715_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 15 July, 1969]]) *** 69-07 “I am very pleased to learn that you have been nicely assisting Rupanuga and now the Buffalo center is gradually becoming very successful. It is very encouraging. ==It is a fact that wherever we go, if we simply let the people hear our chanting and if we repeat what we have heard from the bona fide spiritual master, then surely many, many sincere souls will become attracted to our movement.== * * This is because Krsna consciousness is lying dormant in every living entity, just like fire is dormant without a match. If we simply strike then the fire will come in blazing light. Our method of striking the match is Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. This vibration is sufficient to awaken the sleeping spirit soul to the fact that Krsna is there, and if we try to remember Him always and spread His message of * Bhagavad-Gita,* then our life becomes perfect and we are perfectly executing our position as part and parcel of the Lord. So if you let all the residents of Buffalo hear the sound of Hare Krsna and read our literatures, then there will be the greatest all-around benefit.” ([[letters/1969/690729_prahladananda|Prahladananda, 29 July, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “Your question about not chanting while attending class is also welcome. ==I don’t mind if you do not chant Hare Krsna mantra, but if you kindly sit down while chanting is going on, and if you simply hear with attention, that will also act.== **Wanting to become Krsna conscious is also as good as being in a state of Krsna consciousness. There is no actual difference, but the difference is only just like the difference between green mangoes and fully ripened mangoes. The ripened mango is not a separate mango, but it is another condition of the green mango. So if the green mango is properly taken care of, it will surely come to the stage of the ripened mango. Therefore, as a mango, there is no difference between the two stages.” ([[letters/1969/690803_robert_hendry|Robert Hendry, 3 August, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “Regarding the persons who have been, ’throwing the I Ching,’ this cannot go on in our temples of Krsna consciousness. This is to be considered a gambling, and it must be strictly prohibited. So if these boys will come to Los Angeles to follow the discipline as it is practiced here, that will be the best thing. Otherwise, they may not cause this disturbance in our temples. So both of these boys, whoever they are, should come immediately to Los Angeles to be trained up nicely in Krsna consciousness. ==Unless one agrees to follow all of our principles, he may not be allowed to live in the temple. This must be our policy.”== ([[letters/1969/690816_upendra|Upendra, 16 August, 1969]]) *** 69-08 “You have got some good souls assisting you, and that is a good sign. Please take care of these boys and keep them fixed up in Krsna consciousness. ==In our lifetime, if we can fix up at least one soul in Krsna consciousness, Krsna immediately recognizes the service.== The spell of *maya* ====is very strong, and to save a living entity from such clutches is the greatest service to the humanity. Please go on with your work with enthusiasm and faith in Krsna. He will give you all assistance.” ([[letters/1969/690819_subala|Subala, 19 August, 1969]]) *** 69-09 “You write to say that already two new boys, Frank and Ed, have joined our Krsna consciousness movement, and that is very good news. Please take very nice care of them and help them to understand our principles as far as possible. ==In every town and city there are many, many devotees of Krsna; now it is our business to go around the world wherever people are congregating and pick up these sincere souls.== * * The world is suffering for want of this knowledge of Krsna consciousness, and we experience practically that many people will take to this spiritual line simply if we make this information available to them. So continue to develop your * sankirtana * party activities and if you are given permission to accept donations, that will increase the strength of your activities there. You may consult with Tamala Krsna in Los Angeles for advice as to how to approach the authorities for obtaining such permission. That fifty people are coming to your love feasts and 15-20 people are coming to the * kirtanas * in the temple is good news also. As you are a sincere servant of Krsna, Krsna is recognizing your efforts to serve Him nicely, and thus He is crowning your labors for Him with success. As more and more you increase in sincerity, similarly, Krsna will more and more reciprocate by giving you the intelligence to serve Him nicely.” (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, 22nd September,* 1969) ==69-10 “I have also heard that during his absence three devotees have left the temple. So things should be managed so nicely that our devotees may not leave us. We get a devotee after great endeavor and we must train such a devotee in a nice way so that he may not go back and be at large in the clutches of maya.”== ([[letters/1969/691015_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 15 October, 1969]]) ==69-11 “Any new brahmacaris who come with good faith should be helped. We are living in the kingdom of maya, so maya’s influence is very great in the material world. It is just like an epidemic. So one has to become immune very carefully by Krsna consciousness. So you are experienced now in association with devotees, and you are very sincere also. Try to help any newcomers as far as possible.”== ([[letters/1969/691111_srimati|Srimati, 11 November, 1969]]) *** 69-12 “Regarding Japan, for the time being let only one man go. If they require more men later on, we shall consider. To send a man is a very expensive job. The principle is that they should recruit men locally. Forty years ago when Bon Maharaja, my Godbrother, came here, he complained of getting some manpower from India. ==That is not a good policy that for preaching work one has to get men from another country. One has to create manpower from the local environment. That is the success of preaching.”== ([[letters/1969/691202_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 2 December, 1969]]) ==70-02 “Krsna has sent one nice German scholar,___. Please give her satisfactory care, especially in the beginning because she is new and not accustomed to our temple habits.”== ([[letters/1970/700203_jayagovinda|Jaya Govinda, 3 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 “The potency of spreading Krsna consciousness is everywhere the same. That was experimented by me in your country, where I came alone without any support; and Krsna is so kind that He has sent me so many boys and girls like you. Lord Caitanya said that every village and town on the surface of the world will know the message of the *sankirtana* movement. ==This very statement affirms that in every village and town all over the world there are many candidates who are awaiting this message.”== ([[letters/1970/700217_sudama|Summit, 17 February, 1970]]) ==70-02 “Anyone who is a newcomer should be allowed some concession. And after some time when he is accustomed to our principle, then we can make the screw tight. I think this point will be sufficient hint to deal with him.”== ([[letters/1970/700220_tamala_krsna|Tamala, 20 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 “Lord Nityananda is guru. He can instruct us, but ultimately it depends on the disciple. A doctor may say, ’Do this,’ ’Do not do this,’ but if the patient does not follow the prescription, what is the result? Similarly, Nityananda Prabhu will hear the prayer of an insincere rascal, if that rascal actually wants to change his condition. One must agree not to be a rascal any more, then his rascaldom can be reformed. Jagai and Madhai begged the Lord for His mercy and they were prototype rascals, drunkards and debauchees. Lord Caitanya told them ’First you stop your nonsense activities, then I will accept you. *’* ==So a rascal may be accepted provided he agrees to stop his nonsenses. Otherwise, how can one expect to be reformed if he does not agree or like to be reformed? To be reformed, he must agree to the reforming process.”== ([[letters/1970/700309_rudra|Rudra, 9 March, 1970]]) *** 70-04 “That is nice if you get that land in Miami and open a center there. You are intelligent and eager devotee, ready to spread Lord Krsna’s teachings, so do it. That will be very good; it is an excellent proposal. So as you say, the deep southern part of this country is virtually untouched, but I think Kīrtanānanda Maharaja has gone to several places there, and he has been very successful. ==So try to attract the students. They are our great future hope and they will take up this matter very quickly because the students are not very contaminated.”== ([[letters/1970/700503_ekayani|Ekayani, 3 May, 1970]]) ==70-06 “Yes, I am very glad that temple arrangement in Boston is nicely being carried out and new devotees are joining—this is the success of preaching work. Preaching work means increasing the number of our family members.”== (SPL to Muralidhara, June 4th, 1970) 70-06 “I am so glad to hear that many new boys are coming to London temple and they are of good calibre intelligence and seriousness. Yes, this is a nice sign. If some intelligent persons join us, then our movement may advance swiftly. This is encouraging. ==But intelligence or no intelligence, if some way or other somebody comes and sticks to the principles automatically he becomes intelligent.”== (SPL to Gurudasa, June 22nd, 1970) 70-06 “I hope everything is going well with your family and with the temple and perhaps you are already in touch with the Ratha-yatra festival arrangement. Regarding disposing of your business in order to join our business fully, I am simply thinking of your wife and children. Do you think that without conducting your business there will be sufficient provision for upkeep of the family? ==We require personalities like you to join this movement wholeheartedly, but because you have got wife and children I am hesitating to ask you to close your business.== As a responsible head of a family you should consider this point seriously.” ([[letters/1970/700629_ksirodakasayi|Ksirodakasayi, 29 June, 1970]]) *** 70-07 “I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters (2) dated 8th July, 1970, and noted the contents. Janne is still staying here and she is enjoying the company of the devotees. I know that Tirthapada is a very nice and good boy. He is ready for all kinds of service. Now you are three strong male devotees and many girls are also helping you, and I hope you have now full strength for preaching work. ==In future if it is so required you may have one or two more from London, but the best thing will be to recruit devotees locally—that is the success of preaching work.”== ([[letters/1970/700715_upendra|Upendra, 15 July, 1970]]) *** 70-09 ** ==“Take care of the new devotees so that they may read our literatures carefully and come to the real standard of understanding. Our strength is not material strength, but spiritual strength. So if spiritual strength is not strong now, try to make Sripati and the others stronger by spiritual means by following the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds.”== (SPL to Jagadisa, September 29th, 1970) 71-01 * * ==“I have just received a letter from Bhavananda from New York and it appears that there are many persons regularly attending our classes and following the regulative== * * ==principles as well as chanting Hare Krsna mantra. That is the success of our preaching work when there is this result of more persons joining, so I am confident that things are going on.”== (SPL to Rupanuga, January 11th, 1971) 71-01 ==“So far as recruiting men is concerned, we have to create men. Preaching means to recruit more and more men. This process is called gosthananda which means pleasure by seeing increase of followers. So far as I know, not a single Japanese has been initiated. What is the cause of it?”== (SPL to Sudama, January 22nd, 1971) 71-03 ==“So far as helping youth cases, they should live with us. We cannot devote separate time for them. That is not possible. If anyone desires to be treated, he must live with us. Before admitting him, we must see that he is not a mad man and will not create a disturbance.”== (SPL to Satsvarupa, March 13th, 1971) 71-03 ==“I wish that the number of devotees in every temple be more and more increased.== **I know that there are many young men in your country who are very frustrated but they have got one good quality. That is, renunciation of this worldly attachment. From this platform they can very easily take to Krsna consciousness. So our Krsna consciousness movement should be especially directed towards these frustrated persons. Make all our temples full with many devotees and after being trained up they should be sent to every town and village in your country so that they will be benefited as well as all others.” (SPL to Bhavananda, March 17th, 1971) 71-04 ==“Yes, if the prisoners can give up their sinful activities, we can allow them to live with us.== Otherwise, how it is possible? Our policy is to have shaven head, wear robes, chant sixteen rounds of beads, follow the regulative principles, take *prasadam* only, etc. If they can follow all these principles then only it is all right. If a doctor prescribes a medicine and a diet and if the patient follows both, he will get well. If he just follows in part, then he may not. So all these principles must be followed in order to derive spiritual benefit. That is our method.” (SPL to Nayanabhirama, April 4th, 1971) 71-04 ** ==“That the graduate student and family has also joined our movement is very good news. Take care of him also. Let him read and study all our books.”== (SPL to Nayanabhirama, April 4th, 1971) 71-04 “So far as ’youth work’ is concerned, it can be taken up, but our process must be followed strictly. ==Anyone may come but our process must remain the same.== * * The men are expected to shave their heads and wear robes; they must attend classes, read our books, chant sixteen rounds, attend * arati, * go for street * sankirtana, * take * prasadam * only, etc. To have any separate institution apart from the temple, that we cannot do. Everything must be within the scope of our activities, then this ’youth problem’ can be solved. Our process is proven as the only effective means. If the government or any other organization gives up a place, then we can train up such youth in our own way and surely they will come out sane. That place given will be a temple. So the process remains the same, except on a larger scale. Not that there is a separate division of ISKCON to handle youth problem, but that we have a bigger temple to accommodate them is all, and then the people will see * * practically how we are doing the highest welfare work.” (SPL to Rupanuga, April 9th, 1971) 71-04 ==“Now more devotees are coming also. That is the sign of our progress. In each and every center we must get new devotees more and more and train them up. As soon as they are nicely trained up, they should open a branch—in every village and town all over the world.”== (SPL to Bhagavan dasa, April 21st, 1971) 71-07 “And it is very encouraging to hear that so many new devotees are coming. That is an indication of your sincerity. The more sincere you are in pushing this movement forward, so Krsna will reciprocate and send you many new devotees. Thank you very much. So give them protection and instruct them so that they may not go away. ==We recruit devotees with great difficulty, so they must be well-treated.== **New men may not always behave so nicely but we must be tolerant. To train a new man is like training a wild animal to be a pet. Just like the tiger is trained in the circus and later on they are dancing to the tune of the master. So the point being stressed is training. A preacher should always be tolerant.” (SPL to Gaura Hari, July 9th, 1971) 71-10 ==“I am so glad to hear that there are many new devotees there and they are doing so nicely. All newcomers should be welcomed and well treated. In the beginning they may be treated leniently and gradually they will learn. So out of many thousands of people one comes to become Krsna conscious. So it is our duty to help them as far as possible. That is one of our activities.” (== *SPL to Damodara, October 3rd, 1971) 71-12 ==“So long as a devotee is not initiated he should have Bhakta before his name if he is male, and Bhaktin if she is a girl.”== (SPL to Nityananda, December 17th, 1971) 72-03 ==“I have suggested in previous letters that we want persons to live in our house who will observe our devotional regulations. We want to pick up some devotees who will be satisfied with regulated life, daily having darsana of the Deity, chanting-we want some selected men to live with us, either as co-operative housing society or however.”== (SPL to Giriraja, May 15th, 1972) 72-05 “I am also very much pleased to hear from you that you have sold 100 sets of paperback *Krsna* book in one day, and that you have re-ordered from Dai Nippon. Gradually, we shall replace the literatures which are currently popular with our own style of transcendental literature. I have tried it: any page you open, that is wonderful reading matter. My ambition is to spread these books far and wide all over the world so that everyone shall read at least one of our books and that will change his life. ==If only 1 % become devotees, that will change the world.== * * I think that eventually we can print * Teachings of Lord Caitanya* in paperback also. In the skyscraper building, that can be a guest house for receiving tourists, so they can see how practical spiritual life is developing. If just 1 % of these tourists become devotees, if they adopt this process, then our effort is successful.” ([[letters/1972/720502_karandhara|Karandhara, 2 May, 1972]]) *** 72-06 “Your first job should be to make sure that every one of the devotees in your zone of management is reading regularly our literature and discussing the subject matter seriously from different angles of seeing, and that they are somehow or other absorbing the knowledge of Krsna consciousness philosophy. If they are fully educated in our philosophy and if they can get all the knowledge and study it from every viewpoint, then very easily they will perform *tapasyā (renunciation), and that will be their advancement in Krsna consciousness. So first thing is to instruct all of your temple presidents and the other devotees to read daily, just as we have done in our morning class in Los Angeles * ...* ==Don’t be too much concerned for the time being with nondevotees. Now we must fix up what devotees we have got in the knowledge of Krsna consciousness, then we will succeed. What good are many, many devotees if none of them are knowledgeable?”== (SPL Satsvarupa dasa, June 16th, 1972) 72-07 ** ==“Yes, that is the right idea, to strengthen whatever devotees we have got in spiritual life, fix them beyond any doubts. Then our potency will increase and we may recruit dozens of new devotees easily. Main thing is to make sure everyone is chanting minimum sixteen rounds daily of Hare Krsna mantra. Otherwise they will not be able to perform the other practices of brahminical life, such as early rising, cleanliness, etc.”== ([[letters/1972/720722_jagadisa|Jagadisa, 22 July, 1972]]) *** 72-07 “I am so glad to hear that the things in Austin center are going on very nicely, never mind there are not many devotees there. ==Our program is to enlist the men with quality for serving Krsna, not for attracting the masses for simply watching and going away.== * * As long as the classes are going on well, the rules and regulation are being observed sincerely, the * sankirtana* party is going out with enthusiastic moodif these things are going on, then everything is first-class. You are engaged in Krsna’s preaching work, therefore you are being specially favored by Krsna, just like the fighting soldier is receiving all special care by the government so that he will not be lacking anything, even the citizens at home may be deprived of all comforts. So you may know it for certain that Krsna will give you all facility to improve in every way, according to the sincerity of your attempt to spread Krsna consciousness in the battlefield of preaching work.” ([[letters/1972/720725_prahladananda|Prahladananda, 25 July, 1972]]) *** 72-08 “Your program for preaching in Delhi is very much approved by me. Preaching for Krsna is the same as remembering Krsna. * * ==I can understand if one of my students is making spiritual advancement if he is also making many life members and devotees.== * * So you have not to minimize the preaching program in order to study independently. No, continue as you are doing, preach as much as possible, collect, make life members, and whenever you have time read and study and never neglect to chant your sixteen rounds daily, and this will be the perfect program.” ([[letters/1972/720809_cyavana|Tejyas, 9 August, 1972]]) *** 72-09 “By your own work you can recruit men locally, that is the best process. So immediately resume the preaching work amongst the Africans and show yourselves as always meek and humble and refrain from a tough attitude and in this way gain their confidence. Gradually you will recruit men locally and they will be able to share the responsibilities. Our process is slow but sure, not that we must do everything immediately and then later on regret it. ==Many of our big centers started with only a handful of men and because they were determined to expand by recruiting the local men, that has been their success.”== ([[letters/1972/720915_cyavana|Cyavana, 15 September, 1972]]) *** 72-11 “Yes, if there are African girls also who want to join us *,* and if they get the consent of their elder family members to live with *us,* they may live in the temple provided there is separate place for them so that boys and girls will not mix freely, just as we are doing everywhere. If that boy wants to marry your African girl, ==I have no objection as long as she obtains the permission of her parents and elders, and provided they live separately in the temple,== **or if they live together, they must live outside.” ([[letters/1972/721111_cyavana|Cyavana, 11 November, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “I am so glad to receive your report after such a long time, and it appears that everything is improving more and more, by Krsna’s grace. I like this idea of distributing books and preaching. That is Lord Caitanya’s plan, and because you are doing it so nicely you are already making the greatest contribution, so what need there is for some special instruction from me? But if you want, I must give, because you are serving Krsna so nicely, so in that case my request to you is that you enter into the universities and colleges wherever possible and preach there with a view to recruiting some first-class devotees for helping me manage and push on this movement all over the world. Overall there is shortage of first-class, experienced men to manage things just to the highest standard, as you are doing. Therefore I am calling upon you, the big leaders, to push this idea forward, namely, to attract some educated men to join us. The idea is that ==they will only agree to join us if we ourselves conduct ourselves intelligently by the preaching approach. The secret will be to engage them as they like to be engaged,== * * that is, supposing I have got some education, I am business student, or I have got some skill or talent, I am typist or musician or something like that, so I will like to utilize these things for Krsna only if I am encouraged in a certain way, very tactfully, and I must not be discouraged by too much forcing me at first to accept everything of shaving the head, rising very early, going for street * sankirtana, * like that. No, let me come gradually, let me study also Krsna consciousness and see how it is practical and sublime. Gradually I may get some taste for these other things and agree to do them voluntarily and intelligently. We are not dogma or like army camp, no. We are servants of Krsna, that means because we understand that Krsna is our protector under all circumstances, we have no more any anxiety, so we become very liberal and tolerant of all kinds of seeing others’ sinful activities, and we see them innocent victims of * maya,* and we try to help them understand what is the real position of life. So you know this art, how to attract and engage men, so aim yourself at the top-class of men and give them every opportunity and facility to become convinced of our philosophy and engage themselves to their satisfaction. That will be the best contribution. Now spread this idea also to the other leaders. So now I do not think there will be any difficulty for you to fill your Seattle center with the best devotees in our movement, and then I shall be very glad to come there at next opportunity to give them all my personal instruction. In this way, appeal yourself to the high class of men, not the mass. Mass, too, we do not eliminate anyone, but if best men are there to run on things, mass will follow later.” ([[letters/1972/721213_sukadeva|Sukadeva, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “One thing is, I have received report that Tejas is having difficulty in Delhi because no men are there to assist him. Delhi is the cultural capital of India, but we have not yet done very much to develop in Delhi. Tejas is very sincere and hard-working boy, so we must encourage him. So I have asked Tamala Krsna and Syamasundara to find some men to go there, and they will do the needful. There are so many intelligent boys and girls in Delhi, that I have marked, and I think there is more potential there than other places in India, so if you and Yamuna go to Delhi from time to time to help Tejas with the preaching work, especially preaching to the student class of young persons, that will be nice. ==If there is shortage of men, we must recruit some men, first-class men, to help us do the work.== **If that is attempted sincerely, this preaching work, Krsna will provide men to help us. Krsna does not like to see His men suffer or become frustrated and depressed on His behalf, no. If we remain always faithful to Him, working very hard despite all difficulties, very quickly you will meet Krsna face-to-face, you may know it for certain.” ([[letters/1972/721219_jayapataka|Gurudasa and Yamuna, 19 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Therefore we should not be so anxious to induce them to live in the temple. Anyone who lives in the temple must agree to follow the rules and regulations without fail. So if some new man moves in with us he may become discouraged if he is forced in this way. Therefore let them live outside and become gradually convinced in the class why they should accept some austerity, then they will live with us out of their own accord and follow nicely everything. It is very difficult to give up quickly so many bad habits as you have got in your country. So educate them gradually, first with chanting, and ==do not be so much anxious to count up so many numbers of new devotees, if such devotees go away later being too early forced.== **I want to see a few sincere devotees, not many false devotees or pretenders.” ([[letters/1972/721222_karandhara|Karandhara, 22 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “Yes, if anyone agrees to live with us in the temple he must without any exception follow the four rules and regulations, plus the other regulative principles, otherwise he may be asked kindly to leave the temple and live outside. Or he may not be invited to live in the temple until he has agreed and has proven his ability to obey the regulative idea. The point is that we should not be over anxious just to recruit men if they will not be of the best quality. If someone wants to become devotee but he is little weak, never mind he is living outside, he may come regularly to the temple, chant at home and at his work, and offer his foodstuffs always to Krsna, like that, and gradually he will develop the surrendering attitude and accept voluntarily the life of austerity or *tapasyā* which must be practiced in the temple living. ==Without such voluntary understanding of the principles and agreement to obey them,== * * ==no one is qualified to live in our temples.== Of course if there are one or two instances of falling down, that may be excused, we are not so overly critical, otherwise who would be qualified of any of us to become devotee? So that tolerant attitude must be there to certain extent, but we must remain also always firm on this point, that the * brahmacaris* living in the temple shall not disobey the orders of the spiritual master.” ([[letters/1972/721229_cyavana|Cyavana, 29 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 “of course we work very, very hard just to get someone to come to the platform of devotee of Krsna, so we shall not be too much hasty to drive anyone out. Therefore we may forgive once, twice, but more than that we must take other steps. ==So if any new candidate for devotee comes forward you may test him very thoroughly to understand from him if he is ready to fully accept our strict standard of temple living.== * * Let him understand that it is not an arbitrary or whimsical decision on our parts to become like military camp, rather we are strictly adhering to our devotional principles only so that we may make advancement in Krsna consciousness and be protected from the attack of * maya * consciousness. They may be thinking that these people are slaves of their strict principles, but we are thinking that the strict principles are slaves to us. Of course, the devotee is always very liberal-minded and tolerant towards everyone, seeing everyone as the part and parcel of Krsna and the pure devotee of Krsna, only seeing that due to * maya* they have temporarily forgotten their real position. So a devotee is always very understanding if there is some discrepancy behavior on the part of nondevotees, and even some devotees misbehave, he is always very tolerant and understanding. The point is that no one is actually qualified in this material world to approach Krsna, but if he makes the attempt through our inducing him gradually to give his energy to Krsna, by that attempt Krsna will extend His mercy and deliver the fallen soul despite his so many disqualifications. And such person or aspiring devotee, he is to be considered the most exalted of men because he has given his life to Krsna: *bahunam janmanam ante, jnanavan mam prapadyate vasudevah sarvam iti, sa mahatma su-durlabhah. ’* After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders to Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.’ (BG. 7.19)” ([[letters/1972/721231_dhananjaya|Dhananjaya, 31 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 * * ==“If new students are coming and they want to live with us in the temple, they must agree before living with us to follow these principles without any exception.== * * Otherwise, it is better for them to live outside and attend the class, *aratis, prasadam,* like that, and gradually as they become convinced by their intelligence, they will voluntarily agree to perform the austerity or *tapasyā* of living in the temple. But anyone who lives in the temple must follow all these principles without exception, otherwise they may be asked to live outside.” ([[letters/1972/721231_dhananjaya|Dhananjaya, 31 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 “So preach in this way, whatever is palatable to the student class, and give them factual Krsna consciousness. ==In this way, try to recruit some men from the student class of men for joining us as future leaders of our Society. If we simply go on expanding and there are no qualified men to lead, then everything will be spoiled eventually.== * * So you have got the best opportunity for this great service to Krsna, and I think that Krsna will send you some very qualified men to take instruction from you. But one thing is, do not spend much time for topics that are not concerned with Krsna consciousness, neither try to speculate about history and other things. But the way you have described it, your program is nice. So if any students are serious to learn Krsna consciousness from you, give them all help and facility, let them accept gradually by their intelligence. Do not force, but if gradually they understand, they will voluntarily accept the life of * tapasyā* or austerity of Krsna consciousness movement. In this way, by their voluntary agreement to join and follow strictly, they will assist me in the leading posts to spread on Lord Caitanya’s message all over the world.” ([[letters/1973/730105_kirtanananda|Ravindra Svarupa, 5 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 “I very much appreciated your publicity material for the *Bhagavata-dharma* program. Now go on developing it more and more to perfection. I am very much satisfied by this activity; that is your real work for Krsna. In this way, ==try to recruit some of the intelligent class of student class to take up this Krsna consciousness philosophy and study it carefully. Try to recruit some of such men to become our devotees.== **There is need for intelligent young men to train them up as future leaders and preachers to go all over the world for the spreading the message of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. If we simply go to the colleges on one night and leave immediately for another place, it will be difficult to make very much impression upon these students. I think it is better to stay at one place for some time, at least one week, or as long as the students are interested, and try to sell as many books as possible. After your lecture in the college you may request if there are any interested students, that they may make further programs for you in their homes, or in some club or hall, like that, so that you may remain some time longer and concentrate on recruiting two or three good men, whoever appears to be the most interested, and by your diligent preaching to them you may be able to persuade some of them to become our devotees. of course we shall not expect them immediately to come into the temple, like that, but if at least the seed is planted and they begin chanting rounds and following the principles while continuing their studies at school, that is our great victory. And if they like, they may go and live in one of our centers, wherever they like, and learn further. But we shall not present Krsna consciousness as anything dry or like set of rules and regulations only, no. Krsna consciousness is the topmost philosophy also, the highest knowledge of educational experience, so try to impress this aspect of offering the perfect scientific understanding of everything as it is, not the temporary and unsatisfactory and incomplete understanding of things. Try to present everything very logically and always quoting our Sanskrit authorities in connection with the main points, and that will impress them greatly.” ([[letters/1973/730109_hayagriva|Satsvarupa and Hrdayananda, 9 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 “I am so glad to understand from you your concern about the managing of our Krsna consciousness movement. Yes, you are my elder disciple, you are one of the leaders of our Society; therefore, it is your duty to feel always this responsibility for seeing that the things go on properly. So I am very glad to hear that you are taking so many steps for improving things and spreading Krsna consciousness more and more to the citizens at large. ==The main thing is to somehow or other create first quality preachers on Krsna’s behalf. So many boys and girls are simply wasting their time in so many frivolous ways,== but if we are sincere and serious to attract them to Krsna’s fold, very easily we shall be able to persuade them to join us. That means simply let them get a taste of something higher than their present-day sense pleasure. Of course, that will not be so easily done, and that will be your credit for doing it. You have got now good experience, and you are mature, cool-headed and sincere devotee, therefore, I shall expect a very good result from your activity in this way.” (SPL to Damodara, January 9th, 1973) 73-02 “Regarding your preaching to individuals, you must use your discretion in this regard. But one thing, ==those who come to learn must admit that they do not know who they are, or do they know who is God, and they must be prepared to take to this process.== **If I go to the physician and ask him ’Will you please tell me all about medicine and I will write it down’, is that possible? No. You must take to the process. You must enter the medical school, take internship and do so many things. Like this, if you want spiritual knowledge you must take to the process and follow the principles. So therefore if you are spending so much time with individuals, they must first admit that they do not know who they are and they do not know who is God. These two things are completely lacking in modern educations systems. And then after admitting these things they must be willing to take to the process. Then they can obtain spiritual knowledge.” ([[letters/1973/730210_satsvarupa|Satsvarupa, 10 February, 1973]]) *** 73-02 * * ==“To create a devotee takes much labor and to reject him in a minute is not to our credit so please try to do the needful in this regard. Consult the other== * * ==GBC men there, then make a proposal to Hayagriva and if still he is incorrigible then you take the necessary steps.”== ([[letters/1973/730221_karandhara|Karandhara, 21 February, 1973]]) *** 73-03 ** ==“It will please me very much if you all can work together nicely and recruit many more young people to join our movement, it is their only future hope.”== ([[letters/1973/730321_rsabhadeva|Rsabhadeva, 21 March, 1973]]) *** 73-03 “Yes, I am sorry that I could not see you this year at the Mayapur celebration, it was very successful. But anyway because you are in college please take this opportunity to convince some of your fellow students about this Krsna consciousness. All over the world there are college students who are joining our movement, why not in India? ==Actually there is no need to give up studies to be a devotee...== **In America, a number of our students joined with us before they graduated but still they went on to graduate with honors, namely Bhagavan dasa, Trivikrama Maharaja, and others. So just try to convince them in some way.” ([[letters/1973/730323_niranjana|Niranjana, 23 March, 1973]]) *** 73-08 “I have received one complaint from an Indian devotee at Mayapur, Prabharupa dasa *brahmacari,* that he is maltreated by our American devotees. Kindly inquire into this matter and do the needful. Either Indian or foreign, whoever joins us they are not under any obligation, our only tie is love of Godhead. It should be our definite policy that nobody is ill treated that he may go away. ==We recruit a person to join us after spending gallons of blood.== **Everyone comes for reformation, you cannot expect everyone to be perfect, rather it is our duty to make everyone perfect as far as possible. So we shall be very much cautious and careful in this connection.” (SPL to Tamala Krsna, 23rdAugust, 1973) 74-01 “Our activities are *arati, kirtana,* classes, just as we do here in Los Angeles. Everything is done in conformity to a regular standard. For example, all the temple members, without exception must rise by 4:00 AM and attend *mangala-arati.* Everyone living in the temple must agree to the standard by proper understanding of the philosophy of *tapasyā.* We cannot expect our guests to follow all our principles, but whoever lives in the temple must follow: That means all must sit down together and hear the *Bhagavatam* class just as I held it day after day when I was at the Manor. There should be a regular daily schedule of events and it should be followed closely. After the class and breakfast everyone should go to their respective duties, Deity worship, *sankirtana,* clean-up and so throughout the day this atmosphere of constant engagement will produce the truly happy result of transcendental life. So you should set the example and also see that the others are following. ==Our buildings are not for our sleeping in and eating like hotels, but whoever wants to join us should understand the philosophy of regulated devotional service.”== ([[letters/1974/740112_mukunda|Mukunda, 12 January, 1974]]) *** 74-04 ==“I am also enclosing the names of 13 new disciples recommended by you. This is the result of our preaching propaganda, when our family members increase. Now be very careful to see to the growth and protection of the devotional creeper of these new devotees in your charge.”== ([[letters/1974/740421_whom_it_may_concern|Hamsaduta, 21 April, 1974]]) *** 74-08 ** ==“That ten men have just joined us is our real success.”== ([[letters/1974/740830_bali-mardana|Madhudvisa Swami, 30 August, 1974]]) *** 74-10 “Keep Yasomatinandana engaged in college programs. When I come to Bombay at the end of this month or the beginning of next month, if he can arrange my lecture on the *Bhagavad-Gita* in all colleges and universities, I shall speak to the students very gladly. It is good that boys are joining us and shaving up. ==Yes, whoever may live with us must shave and take kunti beads, otherwise they may come and go.”== ([[letters/1974/741019_hansadutta|Giriraja dasa, 19 October, 1974]]) *** 74-12 “So regarding the situation that if you leave your wife and your son, she will be broken hearted, therefore I asked you to stay. ==It is better for you to remain with your wife and son and chant Hare== * * ==Krsna== * * ==as much as possible,== **and Krsna will personally give you direction. It may be that Krsna will make your wife agreeable to your line of action. And if your wife agrees, and your son he is already doing, that will make your life very happy in Krsna consciousness. The best policy is to chant Hare Krsna all together husband, wife, and son at least a half hour daily. If your wife joins with you in chanting, then the whole problem will be solved.” ([[letters/1974/741206_dennis|Dennis, 6 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 ** ==“It is very nice that you are also making so many new devotees. This is the fruit of our activities. So continue your program in the same way with added enthusiasm and your life will be perfect.”== ([[letters/1974/741217_mr._quinn|Badrinarayana, 17 December, 1974]]) *** 75-01 “As far as sending more men to Bangkok is concerned, we shall see if any of our men are forced to leave India on account of visa difficulties. They can go there. But ==my policy, as you know, is not to import devotees, but to create devotees out of the local men.== * * ==That will be better.== * * ==I did not import any Indian devotees when== * * ==I first came to your country.== * * Print as much as you can into the Thai language. That will be a great asset.” ([[letters/1975/750106_pancadravida|Pancadravida, 6 January, 1975]]) *** 75-03 “We are very eager to give everyone a chance to become Krsna conscious, but if someone repeatedly causes a disturbance then he may be asked to leave. That is not our business to ask people to leave our association but if they are actually causing too much disturbance by not cooperating with authorities or by not following the rules properly (especially the four regulative principles), then we are forced to do the necessary. ==If someone who has been asked to leave sincerely wants to be given another chance, following the rules strictly and cooperating with authority, then he may be admitted again. That is the== ** ==Krsna conscious system.”== ([[letters/1975/750318_supriya|Gandharva dasa, 18 March, 1975]]) *** 75-06 “Please keep yourself saved by chanting sixteen rounds daily and following the regulative principles, and reading books. ==For the time being, stay with your parents until you are of proper age to be independent. Raghunatha dasa Goswami was also restricted by his parents,== * * but ultimately he joined Sri * C* aitanya Mahaprabhu’s movement and became one of the six Goswamis of Vrndavana. So, do not be discouraged, rather feel fortunate that at such a young age you are able to practice Krsna consciousness.” ([[letters/1975/750618_durgesh_patel|Durgesh, 18 June, 1975]]) *** 75-08 “Regarding the Malaysian trip being called off, everything must be done very cautiously because our Indian people they are very poor and are prone to steal. We collect money with so much hard labor. But, one thing is that the money is not important. If the man goes away taking our money that is our discredit. The man is more important than the money. ==We admit everyone to our society, including the cheater, the drug addicted, all qualified. We should take the responsibility to train them. Why has he left? It is our responsibility to train and rectify them.”== (SPL to Mahamsa Swami, 3rdAugust, 1975) 75-11 ** ==“Amsterdam temple has also grown to 55 devotees. This is a credit, not that the temple should be a place simply for good residence. It should be a place where there is constant activity in Krsna’s service.”== ([[letters/1975/751114_sri_v._s._murthy|Bhagavan dasa, 14 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 ==“I am very glad to know that you want to recruit devotees. Unless we get local devotees it is very difficult to maintain. So try to maintain the center with local devotees, that is my urgent desire.”== ([[letters/1976/760103_ramesvara_prabhu|Trivikrama Maharaja, 3 January, 1976]]) *** 76-02 “Your sincere endeavor to engage new devotees is very much appreciated. ==It is especially encouraging that these new devotees are taking on responsible service within our communities. They should follow our regulative principles, chant Hare Krsna and engage all day in the service of Lord Krsna.== That is the only way that they will become satisfied. Please continue with your service. Encourage everyone to take up this Krsna conscious life and set a high standard by your own good example.” ([[letters/1976/760204_danavir|Danavir dasa, 4 February, 1976]]) *** 76-06 ** ==“Concerning the new bhakta program, unless one is educated, we should not admit anyone and everyone without discrimination. One who has got culture and education, he can be accepted.”== ([[letters/1976/760624_aksayananda|Gopala Krsna, 24 June, 1976]]) *** 76-09 “West Bengal people may come and join us without any distinction of caste and creed. The occupation will be according to one’s capacity. They will be employed in cottage industry backed by spiritual advancement of life, to understand the mission of human life or relationship with God and act accordingly. The idea is that we are prepared to give all facility for maintenance of the body without sinful activities like illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. Everyone should live peacefully in healthy condition of life with the purpose of advancing in spiritual consciousness. ==In this concept we can accept anyone from any part of the world, what to speak of West Bengal, and give them shelter, food, occupation and enlightenment.”== ([[letters/1976/760928_jayapataka|Jayapataka, 28 September, 1976]]) *** 76-10 * * ==“Regarding your situation, the only alternative is to move into the temple and take complete shelter of the devotees and Krsna.== * * Prahlada Maharaja was only 5 years old and because of his becoming a devotee of the Lord his father tried to kill him in so many ways. So that your husband is against Krsna is nothing astonishing, it is quite normal. So if you like you can leave him, and move into the temple of your choice.” ([[letters/1976/761015_dr._r.m._dave|Mrs. Tania Perera, 15 October, 1976]]) *** 76-11 “Local men must understand our philosophy, then it will be very successful. We cannot import men from outside. ==We sincerely want that local men, either from Vasudeva’s family or any family which will take on the work. We have to work on that line. Just like some of my Godbrothers wanted to take men from India to London but the attempt was a failure; but when I== trained up local men then it was successful.== **I have no objection if Vasudeva’s whole family is trained up to take charge of the temple. Local men should not simply become a visitor but they should be trained up to take charge of the temple. That is what I want. As soon as one is a devotee of Krsna, there is no personal ambition. Life is dedicated for Him.” ([[letters/1976/761103_vasudeva|Vasudeva, 3 November, 1976]]) *** 76-11 “I think this matter is serious. Previously I sent one newsletter asking that this boy be returned to his father or at least that his father be notified of his whereabouts. My directions were not followed and now this is becoming a very burdensome situation unnecessarily. Why should we sacrifice the reputation of our movement for one boy? If Krsna wants, how can his father force the boy not to become Krsna’s devotee? We should do everything legally. Just show in the court that the boy wants to remain with his mother and that the mother wants to keep the boy very nicely. You can say that his father may force the boy to eat meat, etc. and in this way convince them not to take the boy away from his mother. I understand that due to this incident we are now voted out of our Evanston temple by the city council, and that in San Diego we have been stopped for purchasing one building. Now, this Mr. Yanoff is creating a very bad impression of our movement. What is our gain? ==These things should be done legally== * * ==not whimsically. If the father is victorious in the courts then what can we do? Our business is not to kidnap. People must come voluntarily.== * * ==It is always voluntary.== **Krsna is offering the chance to go back home, back to Godhead, but He leaves the choice up to the living entity. The example of Prahlada Maharaja is there. Despite all efforts on the part of his atheistic father to change him, he remained a staunch devotee of the Lord. It is undoubtedly unfortunate circumstances, but why should we jeopardize the reputation of our movement? You have been handling the affair. Please now rectify the situation. Do everything legally. Do not cause unnecessary troublesome situations. Our main business is to distribute my books and people will come gradually. Everything should be done for that purpose. People will criticize and oppose us, there is no doubt, so why should we create more trouble unnecessarily?” ([[letters/1976/761107_ramesvara|Ramesvara, 7 November, 1976]]) *** 76-12 * * ==“The preaching work you are doing is very good. Continue this program enthusiastically and increase your number of company. You have to create devotees by your preaching work and train them according to your needs.== * * Krsna has given you and your companions a very nice responsibility. If you like you can go all over India and make it more and more in that way. Try to distribute Hindi and other vernacular literature. Do not depend on outside help. Also, for financial support depend on Krsna. That is preaching success. People’s appreciation will be practical when they help you financially also. Also, book distribution. We are maintaining our huge establishment by selling books. That is wanted. In foreign countries they are distributing huge quantities of books. Money is needed, that you have to collect. You can’t expect money from outside. That is not successful preaching.” ([[letters/1976/761214_lokanatha|Lokanatha, 14 December, 1976]]) *** 77-01 “I have received your letter of January, 11th along with enclosures regarding the Bhakta Program and it is very nice. ==It is good to hold more classes with the bhaktas, but they should== * * ==all be on the basis of our books. You should not go beyond the jurisdiction of our teaching.== * * The idea of theater, based on *Bhagavatam* topics is also a very good way to introduce the philosophy to the people in general. Go on preaching with vigorous enthusiasm and increase your program for bringing new men to live in Krsna consciousness. You yourself must be ideal in following the rules and regulations, rising early, and restricting eating and sleeping. The less a person is concerned with material enjoyment such as eating, sex and sleeping, the more he is spiritually advanced. If the ’devotee’ himself lives like a hog or dog how can he preach?” ([[letters/1977/770126_danavir|Danavir dasa, 26 January, 1977]]) *** 77-01 “We are planning to construct a temple here in Puri and I was instructing the GBC that we can invite anyone to come and stay with us for three days and we shall supply room and board. In that time, however, he should rise early and attend our programs. After three days if he likes he can stay with us permanently, become shaven headed, engage as we request him, and we shall take care of all his necessities. Yes, ==your plan to have== ** ==all temple presidents report the scores on new men recruited is approved by me.== You can keep count which temple is recruiting the most men, just as they keep count of the book distribution.”== ([[letters/1977/770126_danavir|Danavir dasa, 26 January, 1977]])