# February 18 ## Spoken on February 18 *Lectures from this day: 15 recordings* --- **[1967: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.108](spoken/1967/670218cc.sf)** > So *viṣayaḥ khalu sarvataḥ syāt*. This *viṣaya,* this material enjoyment, is provided by the laws of nature everywhere. Don't think that it is in the human society there is love and there is male-female combination. No. Everywhere. That is nature's arrangement. *Viṣayaḥ khalu sarvataḥ syāt.* Therefore *Bhāgavata* asks everybody that "Don't be after *viṣaya. Viṣaya* is already arranged. Accept it as it is." But *tūrṇaṁ yateta na mṛtyuṁ pateta yāvat niḥśreyasāya:* "Your endeavor should be how to elevate yourself spiritually. Don't bother about *viṣaya.Viṣaya* is already arranged by nature's way." > So if one is intelligent enough, if he has got actually the bitter taste of this material world, he'll never agree. He'll never agree. But those who have not advanced to such knowledge, oh, they think, "Oh, this material enjoyment is very nice. Let me taste it and let me do business in my *sannyāsī* life, and stealthily and privately, let me enjoy." These things are going on. That means they have no taste. They come to hospital-making or this philanthropy. This come again. *Sthānād bhraṣṭād patanty adhaḥ. Ye 'nye aravindākṣa vimukta-māninaḥ.* "Those fools who are thinking that 'Simply by thinking myself, "I am God, I am Brahman, I have become liberated," ' " but *ye 'nye 'ravindākṣa vimukta-māninas tvayy asta-bhāvāt*. --- **[1969: Bhagavad-gītā 6.25–29 [Sāṅkhya Yoga System](spoken/1969/690218bg.la)** > So for this age, when people are so much fallen, no other process will be successful. This process is the only process. It is very easy and sublime and effective and practical, and one can realize oneself. *Pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyam*. In the *Bhagavad-gītā* it is said that you can practically experience. In other system, you do not practically experience how far you are making progress. But this system, if you follow for a few days, you realize, "Yes, I am making progress." Just like if you eat, you understand that your hunger is satisfied. Similarly, actually if you follow this principle of Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, you'll see yourself that you are advancing in the matter of self-realization. > Therefore the preacher devotee is the most dearest devotee of Lord. That is stated in the *Bhagavad-gītā.* They are going outside, they are preaching, they are meeting opposing elements. Sometimes they are defeated, sometimes disappointed, sometimes able to convince; there are different kinds of people. So, not that every devotee is very well equipped. There are three classes of devotees also. But that endeavor, that "I shall go and preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness," is the best service to the Lord, because they are trying in opposition to elevate people to the highest standard of self-realization. --- **[1970: Lord Varāha's Appearance Day Lecture Dasāvatāra-stotra Purport](spoken/1970/700218va.la)** > And the next incarnation is Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha, he decried the Vedic principles. Therefore he is calculated as atheist. Anyone who does not agree with the Vedic principles, he is considered as atheist. Just like one who does not believe in the Bible, they are called heathens, similarly, those who do not accept the Vedic principles, they are called atheist. So Lord Buddha, although incarnation of Kṛṣṇa, he said that "I do not believe in *Vedas.*" What was the reason? The reason was to save the poor animals. > So Lord became very much compassionate with these poor animals, and He appeared as Lord Buddha, and his philosophy was nonviolence. His philosophy was atheist because he said that "There is no God. This combination of matter is a manifestation, and you dismantle the material elements, there will be void and there will be no sense of pleasure and pain. That is the *nirvāṇa,* ultimate goal of life." That was his philosophy. But actually his mission was to stop animal killing, to stop the men from so much sinful activities. So Lord Buddha is also prayed herewith. --- **[1971: Lecture](spoken/1971/710218le.gor)** > And then, *janma-mṛtyu-jarā,* old age. Just like we have now come to the old age. There are so many troubles. Sometimes heart failure, sometimes there is... So many troubles. You know, everyone. So *janma-mṛtyu-jarā* and *vyādhi.* So long we have got this body, you'll have so many diseases. So how you can get rid of these *duḥkha*? Therefore it is *duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam*. How you consider that "We shall make it adjusted"? That is not possible. Therefore it is the duty. This human form of life is meant for realizing what is my position. > Therefore there are so many literatures*—vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ* —*just to draw your attention to come to Kṛṣṇa. Just to draw your attention, that "You are My part and parcel. You are My eternal son. Why you are rotting in this miserable condition of life, *janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi*?" *Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. Therefore Kṛṣṇa's advice is give up all nonsense engagement; simply surrender to Kṛṣṇa. *Ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu-śīlanam*. --- **[1971: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.3.25–26](spoken/1971/710218sb.gor)** > So these are special cases, not that because Kṛṣṇa promises to excuse... Because Kṛṣṇa says that "Even though he has committed such sinful activities, still, he's a *sādhu,*" and although Yamarāja says that "Those who are engaged in devotional service, they are out of my jurisdiction of punishment," so we should not take advantage of this concession. That is a great offense, greatest offense. *Nāmno balād yasya hi pāpa-buddhiḥ* [*Padma Purāṇa, Brahma-kaṇḍha* 25.16]. These concessions are there for the devotees, but not for intentional committing sinful activity. > So just like Kṛṣṇa said, *ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi*, "I shall protect you from all sinful reaction," because there is declaration by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, therefore His servant, the executor of the criminal department, Yamarāja, he also says that *te deva-siddha-parigīta-pavitra-gāthā ye sādhavaḥ samadṛśo bhagavat-prapannāḥ,* that "A devotee who has fully surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they are worshiped by *devaloka, siddhaloka.*" The demigods also, they worship. They show full respect. --- **[1972: Lecture](spoken/1972/720218le.vis)** > Therefore, Kṛṣṇa says at the end, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. That is real relationship. That is our real position. That is real *mukti*. And in *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam*, it is stated—*mukti* is defined—what is that? *Muktir hitvānyathā rūpaṁ svarūpena vyavasthitiḥ*. *Mukti* means give up your false designation. That is *mukti*. And Caitanya Mahāprabhu begins from this *mukta* stage. Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa gave us information what is *mukti*. *Mukti* is *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇam.* That is *mukti*. And Lord Caitanya, when he was instructing Sanatāna Gosvāmī, he began from this point: what is that real constitutional position of the living entity. And Caitanya Mahāprabhu, when He was asked by His disciple Sanatāna Gosvāmī that "Actually what I am?" The exact Bengali verse, he says that *grāmya-vyavahāre paṇḍita*. > It is not very difficult. Anyone can do, provided he does not make the mistake, adulterating the statements of *Bhagavad-gītā*. Those who are adulterating, interpreting in a different way this *Bhagavad-gītā*, they are very mischievous. Therefore, Kṛṣṇa has already declared, *na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ*. *Duṣkṛtinaḥ*. Those who are not surrendered to Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet, they have been described by Kṛṣṇa Himself as *duṣkṛtinaḥ*, mischievous; *narādhamā*, the lowest of the mankind; *mūḍhā*, asses, rascals. And if somebody says... We find so many learned scholars, they do not surrender to Kṛṣṇa, then what is their position? Kṛṣṇa says, "Yes, *māyaya apahṛta-jñānā*." They are learned, so-called learned, but their knowledge has been taken away by *māyā*. --- **[1974: Bhagavad-gītā 7.3](spoken/1974/740218bg.bom)** > So in the *Caitanya-caritāmṛta* it is said that *bhukti-mukti-siddhi-kāmī sakali aśānta.* So long one is on the platform of *bhukti, mukti* and *siddhi,* he is restless. He is working because he's desiring. *Siddhi* is specially meant for the *yogīs*. The *yogīs*, they want to play wonderful magic: *aṇimā, laghimā, prāpti-siddhi, īśitā, vaśitā.* There are eight kinds of *yoga siddhis.* That kind of *siddhi* is not recommended here. *Siddhi* means to understand one's spiritual identity and work for it. That is called *siddhi.* So *manuṣyāṇām...* Who knows it? There is no such education. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu ,* "Out of million, million person, one tries for this *siddhi,* perfection of life, to understand spiritual identity and to work for it." That is called *siddhi.* And *yatatām api siddhānām :* "One who has attained *siddhi* and trying for it further, further progress, out of them, millions of such person, one can understand what is Kṛṣṇa." > So you can understand Kṛṣṇa. Therefore Kṛṣṇa said in the beginning of this chapter that *jñānaṁ me. Jñānaṁ te 'haṁ sa-vijñānam*. It is a great science. It is not a speculative; it is not imagination. Just like sometimes they create imagined God. The impersonalists, they think there is no God. "God is not personal, but is impersonal. So you can imagine any form." That is rascaldom. That is not Kṛṣṇa; that is not God. How, with your limited senses, imperfect senses, you can imagine God? Whatever you imagine, that is rascaldom, that is not Kṛṣṇa. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu kaścid vetti māṁ tattvataḥ .* If you want to know Kṛṣṇa, then you must become Kṛṣṇa's devotee. *Bhaktyā mām abhijānāti*. --- **[1975: Departure Lecture [with Spanish translator](spoken/1975/750218dp.mex)** > We left our home and father, and we are in this fallen material world, and we are suffering too much. It is exactly like a very rich man's son leaves home for independence and wanders all over the world, unnecessarily taking trouble. A rich man's son has nothing to do. --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.11](spoken/1976/760218sb.may)** > So whatever Kṛṣṇa does, that is for our benefit. Kṛṣṇa incarnates, comes here... *Yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata, tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham*. So He has no benefit by coming here, neither He has any loss. He's so complete that there is no loss, no benefit. But His mission is *paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya...*. Just to keep balance of the demonic activities and to favor the devotees, both of them are benefited. *Paritrāṇāya sādhūnām,* those who are devotees, they are also benefited, and the demons who are killed by Kṛṣṇa, they are also benefited. That is Kṛṣṇa. That is all-good. "God is good" means when He's favoring somebody and when He's killing somebody, both of them are benefited. Therefore God is always good, both ways. *Nija-lābha.* He has no business to kill anybody as His enemy. Nobody can become His enemy. It is simply childish—just to knock one's head on the mountain to break the mountain. If one thinks that "I shall knock my head to the mountain, and the mountain will break," that is foolishness. Your head will be broken. That's all. Similarly, as friend, nobody can give any service to Kṛṣṇa, or as enemy, nobody can give any trouble to Kṛṣṇa. *Nija-lābha-pūrṇa.* This is *nija-lābha-pūrṇa.* He's always full with all satisfaction. So why Kṛṣṇa says, *patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati ? > So what you can collect? It is Kṛṣṇa's. Just like we are constructing this temple. We are feeling that "I am constructing. We are constructing," but actually it is Kṛṣṇa's. The bricks, the iron or the cement or anything that you are collecting, that is Kṛṣṇa's property. *Īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam.* The brick is not your property. The earth is not your property. You are taking Kṛṣṇa's earth, and you are making it a brick. Still, it is Kṛṣṇa's property. But the endeavor, the energy which you are giving to Kṛṣṇa, that is taken into account: "Oh, he is working for Me. He wants to give Me something." That Kṛṣṇa consciousness is important. Otherwise Kṛṣṇa can... By His will He can construct sixteen thousand palaces for His queen. What this teeny temple will satisfy Him? But still, He's satisfied: "Oh, you have done so much? Very good." Recognized. Kṛṣṇa has created the whole universe. *Yasyaika-niśvasita-kāla.* He doesn't require any endeavor. Simply by breathing, *yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ* [Bs. 5.48]. By His breathing, many millions of Brahmās are coming out, *jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ.* And each *jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ,* Brahmā, is creating a universe. *Yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya* [Bs. 5.48]. So to create a temple, He doesn't require our help. He can create millions of temples by His will. There are already. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770218r1.may)** > Bās.* And anyone who is a *mūḍha,* he does not know Kṛṣṇa. So, so long we do not know Kṛṣṇa, we shall remain *mūḍha—*ass. That's the fact. The whole system is to understand Kṛṣṇa. But one does not know Kṛṣṇa, so he remains *mūḍha,* and therefore all his attempt is baffled.* [Transl. Learn all these things then you will understand. One who is not a devotee of Kṛṣṇa...] >speaking that "Everyone who is not a *kṛṣṇa-bhakta,* he's a *gādhā*." Do you believe in this or not, first of all? Unless you are firmly convinced, you cannot say strongly.* [Transl. This is the thing. First you have to understand that a person who is not a devotee of Kṛṣṇa, he is an ass. I am not saying this. Kṛṣṇa is saying.] *Na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ*. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770218r2.may)** > That is God. Therefore everything is done by God's agent or His expansion. Otherwise God has nothing to do. *Na tasya kāryaṁ karaṇaṁ ca vidyate.* Simply indication. Here it is said that Īśvara, the Lord, is situated in everyone's heart. He can understand, "What this rascal wants." He's so kind, He's living as friend. "My dear son, please come back. Why you are desiring so many nonsense things?" But the child will not hear. He wants. Kṛṣṇa-*bhuliya jīva* bhoga vāñchā kare *[Prema-vivarta].* He wants sense gratification this way, that way, that way, that way. So He gives him facility: "All right." And all facility. He wants to become a tiger: "All fixed." Nails, jaws, fangs—"Become a tiger." *Yantra.* The body is *yantra,* perfect *yantra.* That is supplied by *māyā. Māyā. Daiva-netreṇa.* He wants this, to give up this body. This machine is dead. Now you simply think of a tiger, and you are carried to the womb of the tiger. And the mother gives the body of a tiger. He comes out, enjoys. This is transmigration. The art is so fine. > That is also not made by God. It is made by God's agent, *māyā.* Now see how God is intelligent. God's servant *māyā,* God says, "Give him a machine like that." Immediately she gives, supplies. Clearly says, *bhrāmayan sar...* "He wants to still travel in this material world, *bhrāmayan.* He wants to go there. Then all right, give him a machine." He's so kind. He's sitting within your heart. You want to do something. And He's so kind, because you are son, beloved, He says, "These are not required. Better come back. Live peacefully." You'll not hear: "No. I..." Just like naughty child. "All right, Māyā, give him. Give him." This is meaning. Hmm? What is that? Read it. --- **[1977: Room Conversation about BTG](spoken/1977/770218r3.may)** > You can see in that way, that because the soul is there the body is changing. As soon as soul is not there, stop. It is no more. That you have to... Nothing more. *Dhīras tatra na muhyati.* If you are *dhīra,* then there is no difficulty. But you are the rascal. This is the defect. *Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ.* Yes, we can practically experience also: When there is driver the motorcar is moving. No driver—no movement. Where is the difficulty? But because you are rascal you do not know how to take things practically. What is the difference between a motorcar and this machine? It is also machine. *Bhagavad-gītā* says it is a machine. So machine without a conductor, without the... A machine may be very useful, computer, but if there is no worker, what is the use of this machine? Simply alone machine can work? It may be very wonderful machine. > "Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is a superior energy of Mine, which are all living entities who are struggling with material nature and are sustaining the universe." --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770218r4.may)** > "As for behavior, there are many such rules and regulations guiding human behavior. [break] They take it for granted that all manifestation of diversity is a display of ignorance. Just as in a dream we may create so many things, which actually have no existence, so when we are awake we shall see that everything is simply a dream. But factually, although the demons say that life is a dream, they are very expert in enjoying this dream. And so, instead of acquiring knowledge... [break] > "They say that this world is unreal and that there is no foundation and that there is no God in control. It is produced of sex desire and has no cause other than lust." --- **[1977: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.4](spoken/1977/770218sb.may)** > So without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, whatever austerities, penances we perform, it is simply useless waste of time. We should know. Simply waste of time. Because you have to change your body. Everything will be changed. You have come naked; you have to go naked. You cannot gain. *Mṛtyuḥ sarva-haraś cāham*. Sarva-haraś ca.* Whatever you have acquired, everything will be taken away. *Mṛtyu...* Just like Hiraṇyakaśipu. Hiraṇyakaśipu, whatever he had acquired, Prahlāda Mahārāja said, "In a second, You took away. So, my Lord, why You are offering me this material benediction? What is the value of it? I have seen my father: simply by his eyebrows' twinkling the demigods would be afraid. Such position You have finished in a second. So what is the use of this material position?" So therefore those who are pure devotee, they do not aspire anything material. That is not their... > We should always remember that. Don't bring any material desire in executing devotional service. Then it is not pure. *Na sādhu manye yato ātmano 'yam asann api kleśada āsa deha.* As soon as you bring in material desires, then you have wasted your time. Because you'll have to get a body. Your desire will be fulfilled. Kṛṣṇa is so kind—*ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmi If you want to fulfill some desire by *bhakti,* Kṛṣṇa is very kind: "All right." But you have to take another body. And if you are pure, simply, *tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti mām eti*. This is wanted, pure devotee. Therefore we advise everyone to become a pure devotee. Pure devotee... This is the example, *mahā-bhāgavata.* This five-years-old boy, he had no business except to satisfy, to become a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa. --- ## Letters on February 18 *Letters from this day: 29* --- **[1957: Letter to Sri Munshiji](letters/1947-1965/570218_sri_munshiji)** > I heard it through reliable sources that you are a great admirer of the Bhagavad-gita and your Vidyalaya has a special department for preaching its philosophy. I came to Bombay from Vrndavana to co-operate with you, because there is no difference between the missions of both yourself and myself. --- **[1967: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1967/670218_brahmananda)** > With further reference to my letter of yesterday's date I may inform you that from the letter of Mr. --- **[1968: Letter to Mukunda](letters/1968/680218_mukunda)** > Most probably Rayarama is going to India by the middle of March so I would like that he may take with him the dictaphone suitable for Indian electricity. office of the firm with whom you are negotiating may deliver the dictaphone suitable for India to Rayarama, it will be very nice. --- **[1968: Letter to Upendra Krsna Dasa](letters/1968/680218_upendra_krsna_dasa)** > If our Berkeley centre is not going to be fruitful just now, I think you may prepare to go to India where Acyutananda has opened a centre at Kanpur. --- **[1970: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1970/700218_kirtanananda)** > Your touring in different places and preaching Krsna Consciousness is fulfilling my dream. May Krsna bless you on and on for being engaged in such exalted work. --- **[1970: Letter to Krsna Dasa](letters/1970/700218_krsna_dasa)** > I think Hansadutta and Himavati are already on their way to Germany. Most probably they will reach Germany directly; if not, they may go via London. Anyway, Hansadutta's presence in your center along with Himavati will certainly enhance your spiritual activities. --- **[1970: Letter to Sivananda](letters/1970/700218_sivananda)** > Since a long time I have not heard from you, but I am glad to learn that you are doing your duties nicely. --- **[1970: Letter to Umapati](letters/1970/700218_umapati)** > This is Krsna's grace; so work sincerely and seriously, and thus Krsna from within will reveal everything confidential. --- **[1972: Letter to Balavanta](letters/1972/720218_balavanta)** > The program sounds very transcendentally satisfactory, and if I am in USA by that time I shall certainly come to see it. --- **[1972: Letter to Jadurani](letters/1972/720218_jadurani)** > The earth planet is being rescued from Garbhodaka sea, and from the earthly planet many rocks are coming while being balanced on the tusks of Varaha. (2) Lord Brahma throwing off bodies is just like if there is some dirt on my body and I throw it off, a little disgustedly. --- **[1972: Letter to Jayadvaita](letters/1972/720218_jayadvaita)** > I think Pradyumna is feeling morose about his wife, that is not good so he will not be able to work. Therefore better let him come and live with me here in India and I shall train him properly in sanskrit language. --- **[1972: Letter to Ksirodakasayi](letters/1972/720218_ksirodakasayi)** > One thing is, I left on February 11th from Bombay and still there was neither intimation nor waybill for the 2000 BTG's, and you say "receipt no. --- **[1972: Letter to Locana Nalinikanta](letters/1972/720218_locana_nalinikanta)** > I am always thinking of that beautiful, quiet neighborhood in Berkeley, and of all my wonderful disciples there, so when I return to USA I shall certainly come there for some time. --- **[1973: Letter to Bhaktin Toni](letters/1973/730218_bhaktin_toni)** > with the nice pictures of the Sri Sri Radha-Kalacandji Deities in ISKCON Gurukula. --- **[1973: Letter to Gurudasa](letters/1973/730218_gurudasa)** > You may also discuss together the question of whether a pandal program in Delhi will detract from our collection of funds for the Vrindaban program. I do not think this will be the case, but it seems the collection field will increase with the pandal program. But you please discuss it with the senior men there in India, and then you may send me your joint decision for approval. --- **[1973: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1973/730218_kirtanananda)** > and February first along with your enclosed plans of the Radha Govindaji Temple in New Vrindaban. --- **[1973: Letter to Nityananda](letters/1973/730218_nityananda)** > Regarding your proposal for having Ratha Yatra in New Orleans I request that you consult with the GBC in your zone, Satsvarupa das Goswami and ask him to discuss this matter with the other GBC men there in America. If you decide to do it, then you must do it very opulently, as they are doing in San Francisco. --- **[1976: Letter to Amogha](letters/1976/760218_amogha)** > The guests must be pleased when they give a donation. That shows they are pleased. --- **[1976: Letter to Batu Gopala](letters/1976/760218_batu_gopala)** > I accept Sriman Dhananjaya Pandit das for brahman initiation. You may hold a fire sacrifice and he should listen to the Gayatri mantra in the right ear from the tape. He can be instructed that the duty of a brahman is to maintain cleanliness. --- **[1976: Letter to Bhagavan Das Karani](letters/1976/760218_bhagavan_das_karani)** > The checks will be deposited in our BBT account for printing books. I am instructing my disciple in charge of our BBT branch in Los Angeles to send one full set of our books complete for you and your brother. --- **[1976: Letter to Hari](letters/1976/760218_hari)** > Yes, you have better work there. You should stay in Bombay and continue the same work there. --- **[1976: Letter to Prabudha](letters/1976/760218_prabudha)** > Regarding the sales and distribution of your fruits, please kindly work out the details with Abhirama and Satsvarupa Maharaja. Satsvarupa Maharaja is GBC and senior man, he knows everything about prasadam distribution. --- **[1976: Letter to Sri Karani](letters/1976/760218_sri_karani)** > The monies will be deposited into our Bhaktivedanta Book Trust account for printing books. I am instructing our Los Angeles BBT headquarters to send half of all of the books printed to you and half to your brother. --- **[1976: Letter to Upendra](letters/1976/760218_upendra)** > It is nice to hear that your ministers visa is being processed. In the meantime you can just wait. You will be the right person to be in charge of the temple. --- **[1977: Letter to Bhagavat Ashraya](letters/1977/770218_bhagavat_ashraya)** > Give them gayatri mantra by hearing me speak it on the tape through the right ear. Instruct them in the standards of cleanliness and brahminical life. --- **[1977: Letter to Goursundar](letters/1977/770218_goursundar)** > Be sincere and pray to Krsna that you remain in standard Krsna Consciousness. And wherever you remain follow the principles and your success of life is assured. --- **[1977: Letter to Mangal Chandra Moulic](letters/1977/770218_mangal_chandra_moulic)** > Yes we are willing to help you to make your college a Krsna Conscious institution, but you must agree to follow. --- **[1977: Letter to Mike Gabbard](letters/1977/770218_mike_gabbard)** > Your idea for starting a Krsna Conscious center in American Samoa is very good, but first you must be well conversant with our philosophy and following all the principles. The best thing is to remain with us for some time and try to understand the philosophy. Just as one cannot teach others "do not smoke" if he himself is habituated to smoking, so we cannot teach the science of Bhagavad-gita, Krsna Consciousness unless we fully understand it, and practice it without any compromise toward any other philosophy. --- **[1977: Letter to Nityananda](letters/1977/770218_nityananda)** > Upon your recommendation, I have accepted Laureen Cogan for first initiation and her spiritual name is Lohanga-dasi. ---