# January 16 ## Spoken on January 16 *Lectures from this day: 11 recordings* --- **[1967: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 22.31–33](spoken/1967/670116cc.ny)** > This is a very nice thing. Why Kṛṣṇa consciousness does not advance? Because due to our lack of surrender. We have got doubts, that "Whether Kṛṣṇa consciousness can make me actually advance?" We have got doubts. So long we have got doubts, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not progressing. We should clear all doubts. That is, you have got, everyone has got right to clear doubts. Clear doubts. If we think Kṛṣṇa as ordinary man, then there is doubt. Ordinary. *Avajānanti māṁ mūḍha mānuṣīṁ tanum āśritam*. > Then Kṛṣṇa's associates, those who are devotees of Kṛṣṇa, if you speak about them, that is also a presence of Kṛṣṇa. If you talk about Nārada Muni, if you talk about Vyāsa Muni, if you talk of Lord Caitanya, if you talk Rūpa Gosvāmī—those who are, I mean to say, unalloyed devotees of Kṛṣṇa—if you discuss about them, then Kṛṣṇa is there. He is present by His name, He is present by His fame, He is present by His pastime, He is present by His associates. Anything in Kṛṣṇa connection, that makes Kṛṣṇa present in that spot. This is actual fact. One has to realize this, that's all. --- **[1969: Bhajan & Purport to Parama Koruṇa](spoken/1969/690116pu.la)** > The God is realized in proportion to one's freedom from the demoniac propensities. So in this age... Of course, the last incarnation, Kalki, will simply kill. Long, long after, He will come. But here Lord Caitanya, His mission is no killing, simply favoring. That is the specific characteristic of Lord Caitanya. Because in this age, of course, there is very much prominence of irreligiosity. But if Lord Caitanya wanted to kill them, then there was no question of their salvation. They would be... > Then he recommends, *bhajo bhajo bhāi, caitanya nitāi:* "My dear brother, just try to worship these two Lords, Caitanya and Nityānanda," *sudṛḍha viśvāsa kori',* "with faith and conviction." One should have faith in the words of Lord Caitanya. Lord Caitanya says that "Go on chanting. Simply by chanting, one will get all perfection of life." --- **[1971: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.2.11](spoken/1971/710116sb.all)** > The performance of ritualistic ceremonies, according to Vedic injunction, may—just like here they are doing—they may get promotion to the heavenly planet. That much. They are not devotees. They are not eligible for entering into the kingdom of God. Therefore Nārada says, "What is the benefit?" Suppose if one performs a ritualistic ceremony and is elevated to the heavenly planet, Satyaloka, Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka... There are so many higher planets, up to Brahmaloka. But Kṛṣṇa says, *ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokān punar āvartino*. He has to come back again. But once you understand Kṛṣṇa in fact—*janma karma me divyam* —once you remember Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, Kṛṣṇa's form, in pure devotion, he immediately becomes liberated. > One should know the offenseless chanting means remembering the form. Therefore Māyāvādīs, those who are impersonalists, they cannot think of the form of the Lord, neither of the pastimes. They do not believe in the pastimes of the Lord. They think these pastimes means it is *māyā.* Kṛṣṇa's transcendental pastimes, they think it is *māyā.* Kṛṣṇa's form, it is *māyā,* because they are impersonalists. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says that *janma karma me divyam:* the rascals, they cannot understand what are the activities, pastimes of Kṛṣṇa. They think it is *māyā.* But they are *divyam,* transcendental, not of this material nature. --- **[1974: Morning Walk](spoken/1974/740116mw.hon)** > Such a nice park. If we hold *saṅkīrtana,* people gather and enjoy distribution of *prasādam,* then it becomes very nice. And only to come here to find out sex facilities, then going to ruin. [aside:] Give me that. [*japa]* Very good park.... [break]...and for class of people, talking. This is required, philosophical talk, those who will understand. For mass of people *kīrtana* is sufficient. > > karma-kāṇḍa, jñāna-kāṇḍa, sakale viṣera bhāṇḍa, > > amṛta baliyā yebā khāya > > nānā yoni brahman kare, kadarya-bhakṣaṇa kare > > tara janma adhaḥ paṭe jāya > > [Śrī Prema Bhakti-candrikā] --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.16.20](spoken/1974/740116sb.hon)** > So these are to be practiced. *Etān vegān yo viṣaheta dhīraḥ* [Upadeśāmṛta 1]: "One who has become successful in controlling the urges of all these things," *pṛthivīṁ sa śiṣyāt,* "now he's free to make disciples all over the world." And they're not, that... I cannot control even my tongue and control my genital, and I become spiritual master? This is nonsense. This is nonsense. You learn first of all. Try to control. Become first-class controller, *dhīraḥ.* That is called *dhīraḥ:* not disturbed by any urges. *Etān vegān yo viṣaheta dhīraḥ. Dhīras tatra na muhyati.* This word is used, *dhīraḥ. Dhīraḥ* means very sober, fully controlled. That is called *dhīraḥ. Dhīras tatra na muhyati.* Unless you become *dhīraḥ,* you cannot understand what is spiritual life. That is not possible. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says in the *Bhagavad-gītā, tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muhyati*. Dhīras tatra na muhyati.* > Actually there is no goodness, because here people dress like in the platform of goodness, but thinking just like animals. That kind of goodness has no value. Actually goodness, that goodness is *sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate*, when one transcends the qualities of material nature, above the *brāhmaṇa* quality. *Brāhmaṇa* quality is... Suppose... Suppose actually, in comparison to other qualities, that is the first-class quality. *Satyaṁ śamo damas titikṣā ārjavam...,* eh? *Jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam*. --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.26.41](spoken/1975/750116sb.bom)** > Kṛṣṇa says in the *Bhagavad-gītā* that *bhaktyā mām abhijānāti*. If you want to understand Kṛṣṇa or if anyone wants to understand Kṛṣṇa perfectly, *tattvataḥ,* in truth, then he has to understand it through *bhakti,* not any other process, although there are many other processes, different ways. Some so-called philosophers, they say that "We can adopt any process. It leads to the same goal." That's all right, provided you make progress. Then you'll reach to the same goal. But if you become stuck up with the process only, you do not make progress, then it does not lead to the same goal. Just like one staircase going to the fourth floor. So you cross, say, twenty-five steps. You are in a certain position. If you cross fifty steps, you are in a certain position. If you cross sixty steps... In this way, the final may be hundred steps. So unless you go to the hundredth step, the final position is not attained, although it is leading to the same goal. Therefore we have to make progress. From *karma-kāṇḍa* we have to learn what is the actual position of *karma-kāṇḍa,* why you are engaged in *karma-kāṇḍa.* That is called *jñāna.* Then, coming to the *jñāna-kāṇḍa,* then you come to the *upāsanā-kāṇḍa.* Then *upāsanā-kāṇḍa,* when you reach the highest, topmost *upāsanā... Upāsanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param.* When you become Vaiṣṇava, when you worship Kṛṣṇa, Viṣṇu, that is the perfectional stage. > So *mama vartmānuvartante manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ *. Everyone is going to the same goal, but he has to make further progress. Don't think, "By *karma-kāṇḍa* we have come to the final stage," or "By *jñāna-kāṇḍa,* we can..., we have come to the final stage," or "By *upāsanā-kāṇḍa,* by worshiping demigods, we have come to the final stage." No. The final stage, you can come directly by *bhakti,* the topmost *upāsanā.* Therefore Kṛṣṇa says directly, *bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ*. So *bhakti* process is *śravaṇam* beginning. *Śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ*.* --- **[1976: Morning Walk Tour of Māyāpur Grounds](spoken/1976/760116mw.may)** > Immediately paint it right after plastering, and the paint doesn't stick. We thought that by doing this the wall would be so beautiful and impressive that the pictures will be more accented. > You are chanting, *śrī-vigrahārādhana-nitya-nana-śrṅgara-tan-man..., tan-mandira-mārjanādau.* This is all temple. This is not ordinary hotel, free hotel. If they cannot take care as temple, they must go away. --- **[1976: Room Conversation](spoken/1976/760116r1.may)** > [break] They have been taught like that. *Andhā yathāndhaiḥ*. They are passing as great leader for giving men wrong direction and spoil the life. He cannot save himself, and he can spoil himself very nicely. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770116r1.cal)** > Well, after all is a woman. [chuckles] She has no much intelligence. But here, to manage Kṛṣṇa's affairs is also Kṛṣṇa's work. --- **[1977: Room Conversation on 1976 Book Scores](spoken/1977/770116r2.cal)** > Prabhupāda:* [Transl. Apart from that] French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese. [Transl. In our India...This is India's treasury. If you can organize to give one book each to every Indian, I am prepared to give you anything you want. If outside India, who are neither Indians nor Hindus, can take so many literaures, then how much potency is there in India.] > News editor: [Transl. Actually we have to learn a few things like we have a reginal language here apart from English. So the demand for English language is rather less. It's sixty percent only.] --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770116r3.cal)** --- ## Letters on January 16 *Letters from this day: 50* --- **[1968: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1968/680116_brahmananda)** > The suggestion of Mr. Kallman of Krishna Consciousness Kit is very nice. Please try to fructify this idea as soon as possible. --- **[1968: Letter to Gargamuni](letters/1968/680116_gargamuni)** - [Letter to Gurudasa Yamuna, 1968](letters/1968/680116_gurudasa_yamuna) > I am keeping quite fit under the personal guidance of Gaurasundara and Govinda dasi. I think as soon as your new store is complete, I shall return to S.F. **[1968: Letter to Gurudasa Yamuna](letters/1968/680116_gurudasa_yamuna)** > Be good boy and girl and always chant the HARE KRISHNA mantra and you will be so pleased with the result. Yamuna you are little better than Janaki but don't get puffed up and be good to those a little less fortunate. --- **[1968: Letter to Pandit Hitsaran Sharma](letters/1968/680116_pandit_hitsaran_sharma)** > last year in the month of April and paid them $125 in advance. They have acknowledged the money and promised to execute the order but still they have not done it. --- **[1968: Letter to Uddhava Upendra](letters/1968/680116_uddhava_upendra)** > I am obliged to you for your sincere service in Krishna Consciousness. Please both of you join with Gargamuni in the new center and with greater enthusiasm. --- **[1969: Letter to Gaurasundara](letters/1969/690116_gaurasundara)** > It is very nice that Govinda Dasi is cooking for you and following my instructions. The husband's duty is to give the wife all protection, even from the material maya, and the wife's duty is to see to the personal comforts of the husband. --- **[1969: Letter to Govinda](letters/1969/690116_govinda)** > I am very glad to learn that you have now become a very good housewife with your very good husband. It is learned also that you are cooking very nice foodstuffs for him. --- **[1969: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1969/690116_hansadutta)** > I have gone through the description of the various rooms of the house but you have not mentioned if there is suitable space for a temple also. Our present temple in Montreal has very nice space so our first consideration is how to make the temple room nice. --- **[1969: Letter to Mahapurusa](letters/1969/690116_mahapurusa)** > I have received good report that you are selling *Back To Godhead* very nicely, and similarly you should try to sell our *Bhagavad-gita As It Is* and always request people to chant Hare Krishna. This will increase your advancement in Krishna Consciousness. --- **[1969: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1969/690116_rayarama)** > I have noted with pleasure that Jaya Govinda* has sent you a nice Govardhana Hill article for printing in *Back To Godhead.* I have already instructed Jaya Govinda to arrange for going to Hamburg and let us see what will happen with this boy. I have been requested by Janardana in Montreal temple to immediately send him the original manuscript of *Bhagavad-gita As It Is,* and I think that you are keeping this manuscript in New York so kindly send it to Montreal as soon as possible. --- **[1969: Letter to Upendra](letters/1969/690116_upendra)** > Regarding this boy, Charles McCollough, if he is able, I think he may come to see me at Los Angeles so I may discuss with him initiation. So far as your question about evolution, you should know that the aspects of this theory which are actually correct offer no contradiction to the Vedic version. --- **[1970: Letter to Janardana](letters/1970/700116_janardana)** > I am pleased to note that although you have not yet secured a Temple building you are moving our program forward on other fronts. The arrangement for the composing and printing of BTG in French and German languages is already settled, and if you all continue to translate my books and articles and write articles yourselves; that will make the work successful. --- **[1970: Letter to Madhusudana](letters/1970/700116_madhusudana)** > You have admitted that it is something like the tricks of the mind. May I ask you if you are regularly chanting 16 rounds of beads? --- **[1970: Letter to Yamuna](letters/1970/700116_yamuna)** > I am so happy to know that the activities in London center are progressing with such great success. It is our desire that we shall always be engaged fully 24 hours in the service of Lord Krishna; in this way our lives will become perfectly joyful simply by singing and dancing and taking Prasadam. --- **[1971: Letter to Bali-Mardana](letters/1971/710116_bali-mardana)** > I have already notified other centers to send immediately literatures to you, and I am now printing again third edition KRSNA book, so how many you will need (KRSNA Volume I)? It is easier to ship from Tokyo direct to Singapore. --- **[1971: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1971/710116_jagadisa)** > It is always so much encouraging to me to hear how nicely you are distributing our books, especially to the schools and universities. Please continue in this way and let your fine example be incentive for all the other centers to follow. --- **[1971: Letter to John H. Morgan](letters/1971/710116_john_h._morgan)** > I have received Sriman Jagadisa's recommendation for your initiation and I am glad to accept you as my disciple. You can send your beads here or if you would like tulasi wood beads then send $5.00 to cover cost and shipping charges and I shall send the beads to you after having duly chanted on them. --- **[1971: Letter to Nandarani](letters/1971/710116_nandarani)** > You write to say that it is your constant prayer that even in household life to always be engaged in Krishna's service. That will be the success of my mission when you do that. --- **[1972: Letter to Aksaya](letters/1972/720116_aksaya)** > One copy of Gayatri mantra and one sacred thread duly chanted by me have been sent under separate post. So the fire yajna can be held for all three devotees. --- **[1972: Letter to Bhakta Dasa](letters/1972/720116_bhakta_dasa)** > I am very pleased to hear from you that book sales are increasing very fast. I am hearing such good news from all over the Society, and this pleases me more than anything. --- **[1972: Letter to Georges Imbert Kritanga Gilles Minot Kriti](letters/1972/720116_georges_imbert_kritanga_gilles_minot_kriti)** > I am so glad to learn that both of you have been such a great help to Dhananjaya there in our Amsterdam center. I can understand that both of you are very sincere boys and are very eligible candidates for going back to Home, back to Godhead. --- **[1972: Letter to Pratyaya Duradharsa Saranam Aja Atmavana Ahah](letters/1972/720116_pratyaya_duradharsa_saranam_aja_atmavana_ahah)** > I am so glad to learn that all of you have been such a great help to Bhakta das there in our San Diego center. I can understand that all of you are very sincere boys and girls and are very eligible candidates for going back to Home, back to Godhead. --- **[1974: Letter to Damodara](letters/1974/740116_damodara)** > I have accepted as my disciples, those devotees recommended by you, and their spiritual names are as follows: Now instruct them very seriously about their responsibilities. --- **[1974: Letter to Devendranatha](letters/1974/740116_devendranatha)** > I have considered your proposal to go to California and start a farm if you can acquire some land. I have been giving instruction to Sudama Maharaja for development of Hawaii center, of which you are presently a member, and our plans include acquiring land here and farming flowers and vegetables. --- **[1974: Letter to Sukadeva](letters/1974/740116_sukadeva)** > [illegible] I [illegible] to acknowledge [illegible] letter of January 3, 1974. I have accepted as my disciples those devotees you [illegible] recommended for initiation, and there spiritual names are as follows: [illegible] Please hold a fire yajna for these devotees and speak at [illegible] importance of keeping the promise made before Krsna and the spiritual master. --- **[1975: Letter to Abhirama](letters/1975/750116_abhirama)** > You must make sure that all of these devotees are following the regulative principles very nicely. Everyone must rise early, take bath, attend mangala arati, chant at least 16 good rounds, attend class, and follow the four regulative principles strictly. --- **[1975: Letter to Adi-Kesava](letters/1975/750116_adi-kesava)** > I have accepted the four persons that you have recommended for second initiation and their threads and mantra sheet are enclosed herein. I have also accepted the six persons you have recommended for first initiation. --- **[1975: Letter to Aksayananda](letters/1975/750116_aksayananda)** > You have mentioned the idea of having a pandal in Madras between the Mayapur and Vrndavana festivals. If you can arrange it co-operatively with the other leaders, then I shall also come there at that time. --- **[1975: Letter to Bhrsakapi](letters/1975/750116_bhrsakapi)** > I have accepted the three devotees that you have recommended for 1st initiation and their names are as follows: Ben—Bhavanatha dasa, Jeff—Yadunatha dasa, Jim—Yajna dasa. Their beads may be chanted on by Kirtanananda Svami. --- **[1975: Letter to Jyotiganesvara](letters/1975/750116_jyotiganesvara)** > Because I am stressing one thing (book distribution) especially, does that mean that everything else is not important? --- **[1975: Letter to Krsnavesa](letters/1975/750116_krsnavesa)** > My request to you is that you try to follow the authorities there, the temple president, the GBC, etc.—co-operated nicely with them. Our movement is based on love and trust, so if we do not co-operate, then how is that love and trust? --- **[1975: Letter to Locanananda](letters/1975/750116_locanananda)** > Please keep yourself fixed up in Krishna Consciousness by strictly adhering to all the rule and regulations. Always be sure to chant 16 rounds and study my books daily. --- **[1975: Letter to M.V. Sita Ramalai](letters/1975/750116_m.v._sita_ramalai)** > If you happen to go to Hyderabad sometime, you are welcome to visit our Radha-Krishna Temple there. The address is: Hare Krishna Land, Nampally Station Road, AP. --- **[1975: Letter to Malati](letters/1975/750116_malati)** > Always fix yourself in Krishna's service and you will be far away from Maya's touch. Thank you very much for the honeycomb and the camphor that you sent. --- **[1975: Letter to Mandakini](letters/1975/750116_mandakini)** > By Krishna's grace you may be able to stay there and spread Lord Caitanya's movement. If your husband has a plan, that is very good. --- **[1975: Letter to Mr. Gold](letters/1975/750116_mr._gold)** > Brooklyn Please accept my greetings. I have written many books already which are full of the different aspects of this deep philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. Visit our temple there in Brooklyn as much as you can. --- **[1975: Letter to P.S. Garg](letters/1975/750116_p.s._garg)** > Advocate High Court Candralok "A" 97, Nepean Sea Road, Bombay-6 Please accept my greetings. --- **[1975: Letter to Partha](letters/1975/750116_partha)** > If you think it is practical and you can do it, then it could have very nice results. Work nicely with Hansadutta and see what can be arranged. --- **[1975: Letter to Puranjana](letters/1975/750116_puranjana)** > I think your idea about having professional men do our accounting in order to assure good accounting, is a good proposal. --- **[1975: Letter to Revatinandana](letters/1975/750116_revatinandana)** > Regarding your fasting, if you are sick, then fasting is the best medicine. For disease and unwanted guests, if you do not give them food, they will go away. --- **[1975: Letter to Srutadeva](letters/1975/750116_srutadeva)** > Thank you very much for your sincere endeavors to distribute my books widely. If you continue with such desire and determination, Krishna will give you all strength to increase more and more. --- **[1975: Letter to Tripurari](letters/1975/750116_tripurari)** > I have written letters to Ramesvara and Rupanuga in regards to the recent controversies about book distribution methods to be used by our men. Regarding the two boys you mentioned, they can receive initiation in Mayapur as long as they are recommended by the temple president or GBC. --- **[1975: Letter to Uttamasloka](letters/1975/750116_uttamasloka)** > It is very pleasing to me that you have sold so many books. I have accepted for 1st initiation the 6 persons you you have recommended. --- **[1976: Letter to Ajitananda](letters/1976/760116_ajitananda)** > Considering your problem I will advise you to chant on your lips since you become tired chanting out loud. --- **[1976: Letter to Atreya Rsi](letters/1976/760116_atreya_rsi)** > It has come to my attention that the GBC have not been able to fully participate in the Mayapur festivities due to the annual meeting. Therefore, I am asking all GBC members to come to Mayapur early and hold the meeting in my presence beginning the morning of March 6th. --- **[1976: Letter to Bhagavana](letters/1976/760116_bhagavana)** > It has come to my attention that the GBC have not been able to fully participate in the Mayapur festivities due to the annual meeting. Therefore, I am asking all GBC members to come to Mayapur early and hold the meeting in my presence beginning the morning of March 6th. --- **[1976: Letter to Bhagavanb](letters/1976/760116_bhagavanb)** > It has come to my attention that the GBC have not been able to fully participate in the Mayapur festivities due to the annual meeting. Therefore, I am asking all GBC members to come to Mayapur early and hold the meeting in my presence beginning the morning of March 6th. --- **[1976: Letter to Manager Central Bank Of India](letters/1976/760116_manager_central_bank_of_india)** > [Hand written] Please to Sulaxmana Dey Rupees Two thousand only and debit my S.B. --- **[1976: Letter to Ratnamala](letters/1976/760116_ratnamala)** > Thank you very much for the nice greeting card. May Krishna bless you. --- **[1976: Letter to Sri S. N. Nayar](letters/1976/760116_sri_s._n._nayar)** > I beg to thank you for your letter dated 21st December, 1975. I have gone through your translation, but it is not acceptable. --- **[1977: Letter to Attorney Generals Department](letters/1977/770116_attorney_generals_department)** > This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the world leader for all of its branches. I have appointed 18 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as Governing Body Commissioners. --- **[1977: Letter to Balarama](letters/1977/770116_balarama)** > Enclosed please find a letter as you requested announcing my appointing Bali Mardan as GBC. Now hold a fire yajna, and play the tape into the right ear of me chanting Gayatri. --- **[1977: Letter to Bali-Mardana](letters/1977/770116_bali-mardana)** > Yes, Krsna will give you strength, as you engage yourself in His service, Tesam satat-yuktanam, bhajatam priti-purvakam, dadami buddhi-yogam tam, yena man upayanti te. "To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me". --- **[1977: Letter to Dr. S.K. Mayavi](letters/1977/770116_dr._s.k._mayavi)** > Perhaps you can come to see me, as I will be in Vrindavan, at our Krsna-Balarama Mandir, Raman Reti, in March, and afterwards, through April, I will be at our Bombay Mandir, Hare Krsna Land, at Juhu Beach. --- **[1977: Letter to Hrdayananda](letters/1977/770116_hrdayananda)** > Upon your recommendation I am pleased to accept the devotees you have recommended for initiation. For the second initiate, Radha-Vinode dasa, hold a fire yajna. --- **[1977: Letter to Iskcon International Gurukula](letters/1977/770116_iskcon_international_gurukula)** > The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has decided to introduce the gurukula system of education for the proper training of young boys in the traditional gurukula way laid down in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. This gurukula system will be gradually upgraded to the rank of a world university according to the ideas and ideals of ISKCON. --- **[1977: Letter to Nayanabhirama](letters/1977/770116_nayanabhirama)** > Yes, you are welcome to come to India if you like, to work in Bombay. --- **[1977: Letter to Prapujaka Avinasa Candra](letters/1977/770116_prapujaka_avinasa_candra)** > I am in due receipt of your report dated Dec. Yes go on with your preaching work, Krsna will bless you. ---