Expressions researched:
"brahmacari"
|"brahmacari's"
|"brahmacaries"
|"brahmacaris"
|"brahmacarya"
One of my disciples, Niranjana das Brahmacari, has won a scholarship to study in Glasgow, Scotland. Allow him to stay in our Temple and take prasadam there.
Hope this finds you well.
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS:SDG
cc: Niranjana das Brahmacari
I am also accepting Kritagama and Pundarika das Brahmacaris for the second, Brahminical initiation. Your sacred threads chanted on by me are enclosed, as well as gayati mantra. Please secure the tape of me chanting gayatri mantra from the temple president there and hear it through the right ear, under his supervision. Receive further instructions on brahminical life from Gurukrpa Maharaja.
Regarding installing larger deities at the New Vrindaban farm temple, which is now exclusively for brahmacaris, yes, why not? Brahmin brahmacaris are very nice for deity worship. You have asked about Balarama Krsna deities. No, Balarama and Krsna are already there as Caitanya and Nitai: Vrajendranandana yei, saci suta hailas sei . . . The best thing is to establish Gaura Nitai deities. In Vrindaban we are establishing Balarama Krsna deities because most of the temples there have Radha Krsna and there is not Balarama-Krsna. That has a different purpose. We should not imitate that. Better to have Gaura-Nitai, Radha-Krsna, and Lord Jagannatha—that system must continue.
As far as your plan to convince Prince Charles, heir to the throne, about Krsna Consciousness, this is another utopian idea. Do not work at it. I request you to live with your Godbrothers as a regular brahmacari and prosecute our standard practices for spreading Krsna Consciousness by book distribution, distribution of prasadam and preaching to interested people.
4. Svarupa Damodara should look like a brahmacari. He should not have a beard.
5. In Panca-tattva everyone has an effulgence, but especially Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda
6. The Mayavadi sannyasis generally wear their dhotis up over their knees, and because Lord Caitanya took sannyasa from a Mayavadi sannyasi He is shown like that. So He is seen like this as a sannyasi.
7. Lord Nityananda never took sannyasa. He was independent, like a brahmacari, and later he became married.
I have also accepted one devotee, Prabhupada dasa Adhikari, for second initiation, upon your recommendation. Please impress on him that this second initiation is not awarded cheaply or automatically, and that he must be very strict in following the regulative principles of bhakti yoga. I am enclosing a sacred thread and gayatri mantra. Have him hear the tape of me chanting in the right ear. I have also accepted Riddha das Brahmacari for second initiation.
I am also accepting the following devotees for second initiation: Krpamaya das Brahmacari and Gopinatha devi dasi. I am enclosing one sacred thread and gayatri mantra. Get the tape of me chanting the gayatri and have them hear it in the right ear. This initiation should be taken very seriously, and those who accept it have to prove exemplary or it will become a farce.
N.B. I am also enclosing sacred thread and gayatri initiation for the following second initiate recommendations. Girijadhava das Brahmacari, Kasi ram das Brahmacari, Taraknath das Brahmacari, and Sukra das Brahmacari. Have them hear the tape of the mantra in the right ear. I think you are aware that this second initiation should be taken very gravely and not childishly, so please impress upon them their new obligations.
I am also sending gayatri and sacred thread for Rasikhananda das Brahmacari for his second initiation, and also Gauranga devi dasi.
Please accept my blessings. I have received from you the name of one devotee recommended for second initiation, namely Anadih das Brahmacari. So I am enclosing sacred thread and gayatri mantra. Have him hear the tape of me chanting the mantra through his right ear. Give him all good instruction and incorporate him into the New Vrindaban scheme according to his best service propensities. I will be glad to be receiving your regular report on New Vrindaban which you can mail to me at the Bombay address.
It is very pleasing to me to accept also some of our older Gurukula students who you have recommended as ready for initiation. Ekendra das Brahmacari and Dvarakadhisa dasa Brahmacari have already been given their spiritual names by me. Catton—Katyayana das Brahmacari, and Lisa—Manisa devi, are also now initiated devotees. All initiated devotees must chant at least 16 rounds daily, without fail. Now that they are initiated there is no question of not doing their rounds. You may hold a fire yajna and Jagadisa Prabhu may chant on their beads. In court when a person swears to tell the truth he can be punished by perjury if he does not take it seriously and tells a lie, so those who will promise before the deity to follow the rules and regulations of initiated disciples will be punished if they fail to do so. I am certain, however, that under your able guidance all the boys and girls are enthusiastic in their duties for Krsna.
I have received your recommendation for second initiation for Ram Gopala and Baladeva. das Brahmacaris. I am enclosing sacred thread for them as well as gayatri. Have them hear the tape of me chanting gayatri through the right ear. I will be pleased to hear your latest reports from Gurukula.
That the standard of Krsna Consciousness deteriorated while you were away two weeks, and three brahmacaris have left Bhaktivedanta Manor is not good. But neither do I think your proposals are very good for organizing a strong center by stopping Revatinandana Swami's travelling party and having the president of the London temple Prabhu Visnu and others stay with you at the center. It seems you are always asking others to come for some time to work with you and organize, then after they leave you turn to some one else to come and help. Madhavananda is here with me in Bombay and I think he is the right man to work with you permanently at the Manor. I sent him there for that purpose, to organize things as he has experience of the management and organization of a temple life. So between you and he, if you will mutually cooperate, there should be sufficient power to run things nicely.
Revatinandana Swami should not stay there but his travelling party should go on for preaching and distribute many books at the colleges and schools. Also Prabhu Visnu is supposed to stay in London as he is the president there.
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. I think Madhavananda has good ideas and is a good organizer. So he is returning to you in a few days; you two please work together so that devotees will be enthusiastic to remain and work at the Manor. We have such a nice variety of engagement there, sankirtana, deity worship, gardening—there is no scarcity of important work. I shall be eager to hear from you further how things are going in all departments, at our European Headquarters.
I have read in your letter how the brahmacaris find it very difficult to plough. It will be very difficult if we do not work the land ourselves. The difficulty can be overcome provided we are sincere. I think we can use modern machines, to drive a tractor, for example, is as easy as driving a car. Suppose we hire a tractor for the time being. I heard they are available from Krishnanagar. In America they take to agriculture; they are farmers although they are not Indians. So why can't the Americans work and farm in India? We just have to adjust in order to raise as much crops as possible for the animals and men. I have seen many farmers near New Vrindaban working nicely with tractors and growing food. One day Kirtanananda Swami hired one and within two hours he tilled many acres of land very nicely, although it was not even land. So in Mayapur it is even land; in a few hours we can till all the land we possess. My point is if somehow we cannot utilize the land then why purchase it at such expenditure? Self help doesn't mean Rs 10,000 spent monthly.
Mukunda wrote that three brahmacaris recently left the Manor and in order to strengthen the sanmkirtana party he has asked Revatinandana Maharaja and his party to stay at Bhaktivedanta Manor, and also Prabhu Visnu. Madhavananda who is presently here in Bombay said that such keeping of the extra men at Bhaktivedanta Manor was not necessary, that things simply had to be better managed, and he felt Mukunda could not do it. Now I have received yet another report, from Puranjhan das Adhikari of Spiritual Sky England, and he reports that all help is needed and that a bill of 4,900 pounds on rent for Bury Place temple has just been presented, and he intimates that both London and Hertfordshire temples are in jeopardy spiritually and financially.
Dear Syamasundara Brahmacari,
Please accept my greetings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 3/4/74.
I have not visited Jagannatha Puri because my men are not allowed to see the deity. When you arrange that we can visit the temple with my disciples then I can come immediately. Now I am in India up until May 15 then I am going to Europe to visit in France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany etc., and then I will come back and remain until the end of August, and then go again to England, and the U.S. This is my program. I am still here until the 15th of May. I am going to Hyderabad on the 18th of April and then going to Tirupati. So from there I can go to Jagannatha Puri if arrangements can be made.
Concerning how to induce grhasthas to take part in Krsna Consciousness activities rather than in activities of Maya it is very simple: they should attend the temple program rigidly. Morning arati, classes, sankirtana. We have given houses with the purpose to execute devotional service exactly like the Brahmacaris and sannyasis. Otherwise, why purchase houses near the temple? The whole idea is to live near the temple and take advantage of the temple program.
Regarding the grhasthas houses, we have given these houses with the purpose that they should execute devotional service exactly like the Brahmacaris and sannyasis. Otherwise, why purchase houses near the temple? The whole idea is to live near the temple and take advantage of the temple program, which means morning arati, classes, sankirtana and all services connected with the temple. They are also members of the temple.
The report of the BBT traveling library party is something new for us and this is also only the beginning. Please give my heartful thanks to the boys, Sriman Maha Buddhi dasa Brahmacari and Sriman Ghanasyama dasa Brahmacari. These books are specifically meant for the intellectual class of people in your country and I have great hope in the results of this preaching at the Universities.
Please accept my blessings. Since the Mayapur and Vrindaban festivals in March I have been mostly staying here in our Hare Krishna Land. It is a large estate and requires much management. Today I was talking with Caitya Guru das Brahmacari who is the ground manager here and he suggested that your good self come here to take charge of general management here as the younger devotees are having so much difficulty. Actually the idea of a more mature Indian for management here is very suitable to me. The karmis who the boys deal with here are always cheating them, and only because I am here I catch so many things. As I am leaving on the 23rd May for a tour starting in Rome, I am fearful what will happen here in my absence? I take this suggestion of yourself as manager of Hare Krishna Land as a very sound idea. If you are agreeable to help by service in this way then come immediately to Bombay and help the situation. Giriraja das Brahmacari is the president here, Manasvi and Yasomatinandana and Caitya guru and the important managers, but they are all very young men with not much experience of the world. I understand you are now prepared to take on full time service of this nature, so I think this is the best place for you. I have invested about 20 lacs in this property and already the routine devotional service, deity worship and sankirtana is going on, but at present the police commissioner has denied us sanction to build our big temple according to our plans, and also the status quo is threatened as I do not think the boys can manage the buildings and land which we own here. Potentially things can be very wonderful here but it requires strong management which I think you can do. So consider my proposal seriously and I hope you will be able to come and lead management of Hare Krsna Land.
You mention that in the picture where Lord Caitanya is discussing with the Kazi about cow killing, Lord Nityananda is there with a drum. No, there is no mention of Him being with a mrdanga. He should not have a shaved head as a brahmacari but in the same feature as we always see the two, Gaura Nitai. Nityananda was brahmacari and became grhastha but you should always paint them in the Gaura Nitai style and feature you are already accustomed to doing.
Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letters which were sent to me by Paramesvari Das Brahmacari on the 15th of April. All of the sentiments expressed in all of your letters are just according to the Vaisnava parampara. This means that you are understanding the Krishna Consciousness philosophy rightly and I am very pleased. It is a fact that by serving the spiritual master one becomes free from material life and makes spiritual advancement. I have not done anything personally, very wonderful. I am simply serving my spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja and all the acaryas in the disciplic succession. If I have done anything of credit it is that I have not changed their teachings. I have not added anything of my own interpretation. So I am very happy that you are finding Krishna Consciousness very blissful in the Nairobi temple and this will be the key to your success. That you also follow exactly as I have instructed in my books to my disciples such as Brahmananda Swami. That means to rise early, clean the body and clean the clothes. I have seen films of the Deity worship in Nairobi and it is very gorgeous. Proper Deity worship means to be clean, punctually and nice offerings of foodstuffs. Brahmananda Swami can teach you these things.
His Holiness Mahamsa Swami, Iskcon Hyderabad
Giriraja das Brahmacari, ISKCON BOMBAY
His Holiness Gargamuni Swami, ISKCON Calcutta
His Holiness Bhavananda Goswami, Mayapur Candrodaya
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, Mayapur Candrodaya
Tejyas das Adhikari, ISKCON Delhi
Gurudasa das Adhikari, Krishna Balarama Temple, Vrindaban
TO PRESIDENTS OF ISKCON CENTERS IN INDIA,
My dear ___,
Please accept my blessings. After meeting here in Geneva with Karandhara das Adhikari and several other GBC members, I have decided to send Karandhara to India to replace Tamala Krsna Goswami as the new Governing Body Commissioner for India. I know from experience that Karandhara is a highly qualified devotee and I feel confident in placing him in such an important position for our society as head of affairs in India. It is a great relief for me. Karandhara is very enthusiastic to begin his new assignment and will be leaving for India in a few days. Please give him all cooperation and work together for advancement of our mission to make the people of India Krishna Conscious.
You have written to recommend Tripurari for sannyasi. Tripurari is however already a brahmacari so in essence there is no difference between brahmacari. I have asked Tripurari to dedicate his life to distributing my books and he has turned out the most expert of all our sellers. It is certainly miraculous how he is distributing so many big books even to people who are not interested in Vedic literature. If he takes sannyasa he may not be able to constantly assume so many disguise in public and employ so many tricks for selling books to persons, as it is not in accord with some of the etiquette for sannyasa. Also, I have decided for the time being not to award sannyasa order. Your write the this recommendation is your own idea and that he himself is perfectly happy heading up a traveling party of book distributers. So let him go on as he is doing; Krsna is giving him all facility and without question he is doing more than any sannyasi by his personally distributing hundreds of books day after day and inspiring others to follow.
You send both good and bad news. It is very good that Taiwan is proving a good place for Krsna Consciousness, in that you report many Chinese boys are coming and that you have been given a nice place to operate a center. Unfortunately three men have left you and now there is only you and Dvija hari. I can understand the boys who left you were not very steady. I have written to Yasodananda Swami who was thinking of travelling from Tokyo to come and join you there and also Gurukrpa Swami can come and go from Tokyo and try to help. I will soon be going to Australia (by June 25th) and when I see Madhudvisa Swami I shall ask him to consider if he can investigate your situation and send you brahmacaris as needed. We will also discuss Hong Kong, which as you mention, is also short of men. In the meantime, although you are only two you should carry on all your programs as far as possible. In the beginning I was only one and I started everything, so you have twice as many men. Trust in Krsna and simply dedicate your life to introducing the chanting of Hare Krsna and Krsna Consciousness philosophy to whomever you meet. Surely Lord Caitanya will be pleased by your effort there, and thus you will be eligible for his benediction which is to award love of Krsna.
The brahmanas threads and gayatri are enclosed for brahmacaris Hasyapriya, Bopadeva, Dharmaksetra and Anila and the girls Meena Arcana, Pancali, Mulaprakrti, and Mahati devi.
Please be informed that it has hereby been resolved by myself, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the Settlor, and the Trustees of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, that the following persons shall henceforth be empowered to act as signatories and executors of the above mentioned account at your bank:
1) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
2) Giriraja das Brahmacari
3) Karandhara das Adhikari
I, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the Settlor of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, shall have full power and authority to act alone on all matters pertaining to the above mentioned account; whereas Giriraja das Brahmacari and Karandhara das Adhikari, Trustees of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, shall have the same powers by acting conjointly on all account matters.
This is to certify that I as the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, appoint the following persons as the authorized officers of our Nairobi branch, and only they can represent the Society and conduct the affairs in their respective capacities.
1. Brahmananda Swami—GBC Zonal Secretary
2. Bhagavata Das Brahmacari—President
3. Paramesvari Das Brahmacari—Vice President
4. Prabhanu das Brahmacari—Treasurer
For INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya
Brahmananda Swami, GBC Zonal Secretary, Africa
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your five letters. I am glad to know that you are in good health and practicing Krishna consciousness nicely. So far the question of marriage, this is generally not the concern of a sannyasi. Therefore I have asked the temple presidents to take care of this matter in a mature and responsible way. I therefore request you to approach the temple president there and the GBC and ask for their advise.
I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/bs/hdb
P.S. If you can remain a Brahmacari that is the best way of life.
Regarding your letter of August 20, Narada can have yellow dhoti. Brahmacaris can be shown in both yellow or saffron, both are correct. Yes, you can make the flower ships as you have described. Why have you discontinued writing the mantras on the bottom of the portrait paintings?
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 12, 1974 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I am accepting David Kiish as my disciple. His spiritual name is Damaghosa dasa. I am also accepting Abhinanda dasa Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed is his sanctified sacred thread and mantra sheet. Hold a fire sacrifice amongst the devotees and he can hear the mantra from my tape record through the right ear. For chanting on the beads, a sannyasi or GBC man can do it.
I accept the following for second initiation, and the sanctified threads are enclosed: 1. Hamsavatara. das Adhikari, 2. Sangita devi dasi, 3. Loka Saranga das Brahmacari, 4. Omkara dasi, 5. Manindra devi dasi, 6. Divya devi dasi.
1. Regarding Krsna das Kaviraja, there is no such information, but as far as possible, he was brahmacari.
I am pleased to accept the following as my initiated disciples and their names are as follows:
Per Jaderstrand—Prapujaka dasa, and Margaretta Jaderstrand—Mahamedha devi dasi. Upon your recommendation I accept for second initiation Aristahe das Brahmacari, and enclosed is his sanctified brahminical thread and the mantra sheet. When you hold the fire sacrifice, impress upon the devotees that they are taking vows before Radha and Krishna, the spiritual master, and the Vaisnavas, so it is a serious thing. The gayatri mantra should be heard from my tape recording through the right ear.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your Sankirtana newsletters No. 23 & 24. These statistics are very nice. I like very much to receive the report of my book sales. I think it also gives encouragement to the devotees who distribute the books. Here at Mayapur my guru maharaj was printing one paper. It was selling for only a few paise. Sometimes whenever one brahmacari would go to Navadvipa and sell even a few copies, I would see my guru maharaj become very much pleased. Even if the brahmacari was not a very important member, my guru maharaj would become very, very pleased with him. He personally instructed me that books are more important than big temples. At Radha Kunda he told me that since constructing the big marble temple at Bhag Bazar, there have been so many difficulties. Our men our envious over who will live in which room. I think it would be better to take off all the marbles and sell them and print books. He told me this personally. So I am always emphasizing book distribution. It is the better kirtana. It is better than chanting. Of course chanting should not stop, but book distribution is the best kirtana.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due reciept of your letter dated October 12th, 1974, with enclosed letter from Saunaka Dasa Brahmacari. I am very glad to read of all the wonderful activities in Krishna Consciousness that you are engaging in in San Diego. 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 t Krishna either in the matter of Hearing, Chanting, Offering, Cleansing, Reading or taking prasadam. 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.
Regarding the devotees whom you have recommended for initiation I am pleased to accept them as my disciples. Their spiritual names are as follows: Mike—Mahahasaumya Dasa. Ken—Ksamaula Dasa. Karen—Kriyasakti Devi Dasi. Dilana—Duravanya Devi Dasi. I am also please to accept Saunaka Dasa Brahmacari as twice born initiated Brahman. Enclosed is the sacred thread sanctified by me as well as the mantra sheet. Please hold a sacrifice and the Gayatri mantra can be heard by him through the right ear of my recorded type.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 13, 1974 and have noted the contents. Regarding your registration, it should be clearly stated that no property can be sold or mortgaged without my express sanction. I am glad to note that you have got three brahmacaris there. Train them up nicely.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 16/11/74 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I accept Dvarakesa das Brahmacari for second initiation as twice born brahmana. Enclosed is the sacred thread duly sanctified by me, and the mantra sheet. Now hold a fire sacrifice and he may hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from my tape recording. The mantra must be recited three times daily.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 10/12/74, and upon your recommendation I am accepting for twice born brahminical initiation Sriman Muktananda das Brahmacari. Enclosed is his sacred thread duly sanctified and his mantra sheet. Now hold a fire sacrifice, and let him hear the mantra through the right ear, and impress upon him that he is taking vows before Radha and Krishna, the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas.
Thank you very much for your sentiments. It appears that you have understood our philosophy very nicely, and that is a great boon for someone who is as young as yourself. The perfection of human existence is to somehow or another develop Krsna Consciousness and the sooner that one can develop his Krsna Consciousness the better. Not that I will wait until I become old man, then I will become spiritually advanced. No, it is better if one starts immediately. So there is no question of your discontinuing your efforts in Krsna Consciousness. By all means you should continue practicing Krsna Consciousness everyday. But that does not necessarily mean that you have to move into the Temple immediately. It is also important to get some education. So for some years you should remain studying in school. But on the weekends with your parents permission you can go to the Temple and stay there but do not fall behind in your school work. And everyday you should follow the Krsna Conscious principles that our devotees in our temples follow which means rising early, chanting 16 rounds, eating only Krsna prasadam, no meat, fish or eggs, no illicit sex life, no gambling and no intoxication. This is the process. So follow it strictly and at the same time learn some practical knowledge from your school studies. And then later it may be more appropriate for you to join our temple as a full time brahmacari. But in all circumstances always chant Hare Krsna. That is a must. In the Bhagavad-gita it says; tesam satata-yuktanam, bhajatam priti-purvakam, dadami buddhi-yogam tam, yena mam upayanti te, (BG 10.10). To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me. So do not be in distress. Simply try to engaged yourself constantly in devotional service and develop your love for Krsna. And in this way Krsna will give you all facilities for coming to Him.
It has been recommended to me by the leaders in London that you should move into our temple as a permanent brahmacari and that your father will allow it if I also recommend. After studying your letter carefully and seeing the devotion and sincerity that you possess I am also very much in favor of your staying at our temple as a brahmacari. In my previous letter I had said that you could go to school during the week and live in the temple on the weekends. But I did not know how serious and determined you were to become Krsna Conscious. Someone as determined as you should be given facilities to spend cent percent of his time in Krsna Consciousness. Therefore I would be very happy to see you living in the temple, following all of our principles of pure life and becoming an expert scholar in Vedic knowledge, through studying my books diligently. This is real education. The so-called education that they are teaching in the schools and universities today is simply useless knowledge which is all based on atheistic and speculative theories. The teachers themselves are following no real authorities in wisdom neither do they set any good examples for their students. By going to school today there is always the danger through bad association of becoming entangled in so many unwanted things such as illicit sex, intoxication etc. Therefore definitely the best thing for you is to live in our temple in London. Please request your father on my behalf to let you do this. If there is any hesitation on his part please request him to write me and I will try to clarify things. If you go to live at our temple, because of your age, you should have a written statement from your father showing that he has given permission. Then authorities will not think that you are a run away.
I have accepted the following devotees for first initiation; Martin Babor—Madhvacarya dasa, Bruce Roberts—Bahulavan dasa, Jenny Roberts—Jalasayi devi dasi, Steve Schecter—Siddhanta dasa, Joe Asheraft—Jitadusana dasa, Tove Olson—Trpti devi dasi and Richard Santoro—Rangaji dasa. Their beads can be chanted on by Kirtanananda Swami. I have accepted the following devotees for second initiation; Svavasa dasa Adhikari, Tadit devi dasi, Dhanavir das Brahmacari, Arthada dasa Brahmacari. Their threads and mantra sheets are enclosed herein. Make sure that they hear the gayatri mantra from the tape of myself. They should hear through the right ear.
I was extremely pleased to hear your report from your travelling buses. It sounds as if your program is very very wonderful and I am very encouraged to hear that such a program is coming along so nicely. I am glad that you have understood the importance of my books, therefore I am stressing it so much. Let everyone take these books. If he simply reads one page then he is getting something substantial, a real eternal benefit. Or if he hands it over to his friend and he reads one page the same result is there. So continue these festivals constantly and make them all Krsna Conscious. Overflood the whole country by this preaching work. Let the whole United States become Vaisnavas, then everyone else in the whole world will follow. That is my real ambition. Therefore your program is very glorious. This is really preaching. Your intelligence is being properly utilized. In the beginning you took up the distribution of BTG's and you sold the most. Now you have taken up this van program and you will also be successful in the same way. This preaching spirit will make you recognized by Krsna. There is so much wonderful potential in USA for this type of program. So organize hundreds of such parties. This is fulfilling the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I am very glad to hear that not only you are maintaining such program but that you want to expand it. Yes, this is our philosophy; anandambuddhi vardhanam. It means to expand or to increase. Therefore I strongly encourage you to double your program by getting three more buses if you can do it. There is no difficulty. BBT will help. I have written Hamsaduta one letter to give you the loan of $30,000. BBT means fifty percent is for printing books and fifty percent for construction of temples. So your buses are all moving temples. Don't worry. There will be no scarcity of money. Go on with your program and increase and increase more and more. In the end of your letter you mention that people are not very much eager to go to Temples but with your program you are bringing the temples to the people. Yes, this is a very important point. You have picked up this idea very nicely, of bringing the temples to the people. In this way you will give everyone the opportunity to step in the direction of back to Godhead, back to home. So you and Visnujana Maharaja and all of your nice brahmacaris continue strongly with great enthusiasm and determination to spread this Krsna Consciousness movement all over your country and Lord Caitanya will certainly be pleased with you.
Please accept my blessings. Upon Acyutananda Swamis recommendation I have accepted the following as my duly initiated disciples: Rangacari—Radhasaran dasa, Amarnath—Aradhana dasa, Chalapati—Chandrodaya dasa, Asoka—AmiyaVilasa dasa. There beads have been chanted on by me and have been sent by __ das brahmacari to Hyderabad. Please make sure that these boys follow the 4 regulative principles very carefully and chant 16 nice rounds daily. They must rise early, attend mangala arati and all classes.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated nil and have noted the contents carefully. My feeling is that Mr. Punja should be encouraged as much as possible. He can help our movement there a great deal in Fiji. I have written him one letter asking him to take charge of management, handling of money and the registration of the society. I request you to also remain there, work nicely with Mr. Punja and take charge of the preaching, kirtanas, prasadam and book distribution programs. This is actually the work for a brahmacari. If you absorb yourself in this work you will feel very blissful. Keep that center that Subala Maharaja has opened and try to invite as many guests as possible. Make sure to keep yourself and the boys with you in full Krsna Consciousness by following our regulative principles very strictly without fail; chanting 16 rounds, rising early, attending mangala arati, attending classes, eating only Krsna prasadam, etc. In this way the whole atmosphere will become Vaikuntha, no anxiety. Please try to do like this with all sincerity and Krsna will give you all facilities. Please keep me informed of the progress there.
Please accept my blessings. I am writing this letter to inform you that I am now sending Bhagavata dasa brahmacari there to Fiji to be co-manager with your good self. This man is very experienced in the Gujarati communities. He has preached in Africa to the Gujaratis there in Kenya, Tansania, Zambia, etc. for over 3 years, as well as London and Gujarat. He is I think capable of working with you very nicely there. If you would be so kind as to send him a ticket from Bombay to Fiji, he can leave Bombay immediately upon arrival of the ticket. He is very eager to make Fiji an established Krishna Conscious center and to work with you co-operatively. Please send the ticket to his Christian name, Joseph M. Selvester, passport number Z1964356. He is waiting here in Bombay at our Hare Krishna Land. I think you can send the ticket by wire through one of the airlines there that has their branch office in Bombay.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated Dec. 25th, 1974 and have noted the contents. Those young boys are living as true brahmacaris. Brahmacari's business is to study and then go to make some collection on behalf of the guru. This is very good engagement for them.
ata sri-krsna-namadi na bhaved grahyam indriyaih
sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty adah
(Padma Purāṇa) (Brs. 1.2.234)
No one can understand Krishna as He is by the blunt material senses but He reveals Himself to the devotees, being pleased with them for their transcendental loving service unto Him. So, keep everyone engaged 24 hours and everything will be all right.
I have accepted Gauracanda dasa brahmacari and Sriharini devi dasi as duly twice-born brahmanas and their threads are enclosed along with mantra sheet. You can hold a fire sacrifice and let them hear the mantra through the right ear from the tape of myself saying it.
Please accept my blessings. This letter is to inform you that Hari das Brahmacari has received permission to go to all of our centers in the west for visiting and gaining the experience of preaching there. He is from Bengal and he can cook nicely, go out on sankirtana, lead kirtanas, classes, as well as teach Bengali bhajans. Please give him all facility to engage in these ways while he is staying at your temple. He will be returning to India for the Mayapur festival in March, 1975.
Please accept my blessings. The bearer of this letter, Jagannatha das brahmacari is coming to Mayapur to work on the Caitanya Caritamrta manuscript. Hopefully, he will finish editing work on the Antya-lila by the Festival at the end of March. Please give him all facilities in this connection. He will need a quiet spot for working. Try to see that he is full-time engaged in this editing work.
Please accept the blessings of Lord Caitanya. I thank you for your kind letter dated March 24th, 1975 and I have noted the contents carefully. I am sending my disciple Gaura Govinda dasa brahmacari as my representative. Please give him all facilities and help him to do as is necessary. He will in form you of any other details you may need to know.
Indupati Brahmacari
Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Math
Mathura Rd.
Vrndavana—281 121
My dear Sripada Brahmacariji,
Please accept my humble obeisances. I am in due receipt of your letter (in Bengali) dated 29-3-75. I am advising my men in Vrndavana to begin the function from the 16th of April as desired by you. Thanking you for your suggestion.
Also upon your recommendation, I am accepting the following as twice-born initiated brahmanas:
Indriyadamana dasa Brahmacari
Mahabala dasa Brahmacari
Brajisma dasa Brahmacari
Vrsaktri dasa Brahmacari
Avyaya dasa Adhikari
Jyestha devi dasi
Navalanga devi dasi
Their sanctified threads and mantra sheets are enclosed. Please hold the fire sacrifice and impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha Krsna, the Spiritual Master, and the assembled Vaisnavas. Please see that they are chanting 16 rounds and following the four regulative principles. This is your responsibiity.
I therefore suggested in my last letter that now you are in ripe old age, so you can accept vanaprastha life which is your duty as you are born in a brahmana family. According to our Vedic principle a brahmana is supposed to accept the four asramas, namely brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa. Others are not do not accept sannyasa, but a person who is a brahmana must accept sannyasa at the end of his life.
I also accept the following disciples as twice born brahmanas. Devamrta dasa brahmacari and Gopiparanadhana das brahmacari. Their threads duly sanctified by me are enclosed. Please have the beads chanted upon by a GBC sannyasi and hold a fire sacrifice. The brahmanas should hear the gayatri mantra with the right ear from my recorded tape.
Please accept my blessings. I have received one letter from Alanatha das Brahmacari, President of ISKCON Stockholm, in which he reports that there is much interest in Krishna consciousness in Eastern European countries. He is recommending two boys for initiation from Czechoslovakia. I do not know the language otherwise I would have gone there. So I am requesting you to make vigorous propaganda in Eastern Europe. In the latest English BTG there is my discussion about Marx philosophy which will appeal to any sane gentleman. This should be read and translated. Lenin killed the Czar that's all, but any gunda can do that.
Upon your recommendation I accept the children of Rasa-lila as my disciples. There spiritual names are Radhika devi dasi and Sanatana das Brahmacari. You can chant on their beads. I know the devotees there are working hard, especially as you have mentioned Prabhanu, Sharma, Dinanath, Jnana das, Caitya-guru, Jalakara das, and Pusta Krishna Swami. Because you are all cooperating with me, so much has been done. When I was alone I was taking so much trouble, but now there are so many assistants. But now you have to manage things very carefully and relieve me from the management so I can translate my books. But I do not want to see that everything deteriorates by your management. If you cannot increase then you should at least maintain what I have established.
Regarding the restaurant, that is the defect, that if we divert our attention more on business. Therefore it is very difficult. Things should be adjusted so that temple programs are not hampered. The brahmacaris and sannyasis must stick to the temple activities. Only the grhasthas can take part in the restaurant. Our aim should not be to work for profit. You American boys and girls can make very large profit, but why you have taken to Krishna consciousness? You are not meant for profit making but for advancing in spiritual life. So we should not take to the restaurant for profit making at the cost of slackening of spiritual life. This is dangerous.
Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as twice-born initiated brahmanas and their sanctified threads and mantra sheets are enclosed: Ballabadra Bhattacarya das Brahmacari and Mahejya das Brahmacari. I also accept as my initiated disciples the following and their spiritual names are: Dr. Richard Thompson, Ph.D.—Sadaputa das; Mike Dunn—Vedaguhya das; Chuck and Diana Sanders—Munjakesa das and Madamohini dasi; and Cindy Barber—Janmasunya dasi. Please see that they are chanting 16 rounds without fail. You should hold a fire sacrifice and let the second initiates hear the mantra from my recorded tape through their right ear. I hope this meets you in good health.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 25/8/75 and have noted the contents. Regarding the disturbance made by the women devotees, they are also living beings. They also come to Krishna. So consciously I cannot deny them. If our male members, the brahmacaris and the sannyasis, if they become steady in Krishna consciousness, there is no problem. It is the duty of the male members to be very steady and cautious. This can be done by regular chanting like Haridasa Thakura did. Whenever there is a young woman, we should remember Haridasa Thakura and beg his mercy to protect us, and we should think that these beautiful gopis are meant for the enjoyment of Krishna.
Upon your recommendation I am accepting both boys for my disciples. Their names are Girijarata dasa—Marty, and Amoghavirya dasa—Michael. Also, I am accepting Edhaniyasvabhava das brahmacari and Lila devi dasi as twice born brahmanas. You will find enclosed one brahmana thread duly chanted on. Now everyone must strictly follow the principles of chanting sixteen rounds japa daily, and refraining from illicit sex-life, intoxication, gambling, and animal slaughter and then they will not be blown away by the material energy. You may perform fire-yajna and brahmanas should hear a tape of me chanting Gayatri mantra through the right ear. I thank all of you for assisting me in spreading Lord Caitanya's Movement throughout the world. People are simply being cheated by so many rascals who pose themselves as big, big leader so you must all strictly follow the principles that I have established and for the general mass of people give them chanting, prasadam, and have them take some of our literature. That will benefit them and gradually they will come to the standard.
Please accept my blessings. Herewith please find the copy of one letter received from Karunasindhu in the matter of asking my permission to allow Purusottama das Brahmacari to scrutinize final printing. The letter has come from Karunasindhu suggested by Kirtiraja. Did you suggest this proposal to Kirtiraja? If not, then please enquire who suggested this proposal to Kirtiraja. I do not like that anyone should scrutinize our publications without my sanction. Kindly enquire into the matter and let me know the report to Bombay address. Also, send me a general report of Vrindaban affairs.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:
1st. initiation: Robert Tarjan (Dronacaryaguru), Keith Consbruck (Manusrestha dasa)
2nd. initiation: Bhusaya das Brahmacari, Jagannatha Tirtha das Brahmacari, Ekadasi das Brahmacari, Mahaprabhu das Adhikari, and Jalangi devi dasi.
You will find enclosed 4 brahmana threads and you should perform fire-sacrifice for all of the new initiates stressing the responsibility involved. Everyone must follow the four regulative principles and chant minimum of 16 rounds japa daily. There is no question of falldown if one seriously follows these principles.
So in the Western countries they are selling their churches and farms which we require. That is also Krsna's plan. In U.S.A. there is enough land and if we organize we can become very big party—Hare Krsna party. We can occupy America and make them all become Krsna conscious. Regarding the St. Louis farm, yes, we can work and build some small cottages with thatched roofs provided we get men. It is very encouraging; you should get this farm. Ten at least are sufficient to run a farm. Regarding Denver, it is very good that they are regularly having kirtana in the colleges and that three new brahmacaries have joined. Just see the result. And also one new householder couple. Regarding the devotee taking a second wife, it is all right from Vedic culture, but is not right from American law view point. That you have to adjust.
Regarding your request for initiation. I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples and their names are as follows: Steve Frederick Ricciardi—Puranarsi; Eric Duncan Botts—Santiparayana; Michael Stanely Misiak—Dharmajivana; David John Smith—Ādi Karta; Ronald McClelland—Sarvasatya; Michael Delare Bodhaine—Munisvara; Carissa Annette Crammer—Mahavisnupriya. And for second initiation I accept the following as twice-born brahmanas: Godruma das Brahmacari, Bharata das Brahmacari and Daksa das Brahmacari. Enclosed are their sanctified threads and mantra sheets. You should hold a fire sacrifice and it is your responsibility to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations such as minimum chanting of 16 rounds daily and following the four regulative principles as well as attending the aroti and the classes. You should lecture to these devotees on the importance of this for their progress in spiritual life, otherwise they will again be carried away by maya.
Upon your recommendation I am accepting Rodney Mort as my disciple and his name is Jitakandarpa. I also accept Nakadi das Brahmacari for brahminical initiation. Enclosed is his thread and mantra sheet. So you should hold a fire sacrifice and lecture on the importance of following the rules and regulations, chanting 16 rounds and all the devotional principles. This is your responsibility as the president of the temple. You must do it yourself and see that they also do it. This is the perfect way of teaching.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your two letters dated 26th and 27th September 1975 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples. Their names are as follows: Johnnie—Jamadagni das; Maggie—Vedatita devi dasi and Christine—Samhartri devi dasi. I also accept for second initiation Vrsnivallabha das Brahmacari. Enclosed is the sanctified mantra thread and mantra sheet. It is your responsibility as the president of the temple to see that these devotees strictly follow the rules and regulations such as chanting 16 rounds minimum on the beads. 16 is the minimum; one can chant more. There is no harm, but one at least must chant the fixed number of rounds. You should hold a fire sacrifice and they may hear the mantra from my recorded tape through the right year. The beads may be chanted on by Hamsaduta.
Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following two brahmacaris as my initiated disciples. And their names are Malcolm Perey is Yamunapata das and Monte Flynn is Kalatita das. It is your responsibility since you are recommending them that they follow strictly the rules and regulations and remain strong in Krsna consciousness. They must attend the mangala aroti and the Srimad-Bhagavatam class and Bhagavad-gita class and chant 16 rounds minimum daily and also follow the four rules and regulations.
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter with the recommendations for first and second initiation, their names are as follows;
Steve—Visvahetu Das
Dave—Dustamohana Das
Grant—Jitagarisa Das
Rodney—Usapati Das
Peter—Adhipurusa Das
Samjata Das Brahmacari
Lugudi Das Brahmacari
Veno Gopala Das Brahmacari
Krpa Kara Das Brahmacari
Jagatvira Das Brahmacari
Asta Siddhi Das Brahmacari
I have chanted on the sacred threads and they are enclosed herewith, now hold a fire ceremony and have the students hear the Gayatri mantra chanted by me and the tape recording through the right ear. Instruct the newly initiated Brahmins about cleanliness, taking bath three time daily, taking bath each time after passing stool. Cleanliness within and without, that is very important for brahminical life. The qualifications of the Brahmanans are described in the 18th Chapter 42nd verse of the Bhagavad gita. You may chant on the beads of the first initiates, and they must chant at least 16 rounds daily, that will keep them strong.
I am accepting the student you have recommended for Brahmin initiation, their names as follows; Dharmaprana das Brahmacari, Natha Das Brahmacari, Misrami Devi Dasi, and Lalita Devi Dasi. Hold a fire ceremony, and let the students hear the mantra from the tape recording through the right rear. Brahminical life means to be very very clean, inside and out. Inside by chanting and hearing, and outside by bathing three times daily, if not possible at least two times, but never less than once. Bathing after passing stool. The qualifications of the Brahmanas are described in the 18th Chapter of Bhagavad gita verse 42 "Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge and religiousness—these are the qualities by which the brahmanas work." So see that these instructions are being followed nicely.
Regarding your getting married, I have no objection. However as a brahmacari you are not obligated to marry, what is the advantage to your getting married? That should be considered. If one can remain brahmacari that is best. Finish this life and go back to Godhead, that is the basic idea of Krishna consciousness movement. So you decide.
I accept Sriman Raghava Caitanya das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed please find his sacred thread duly chanted on. Now you must hold a fire ceremony. He should hear the mantra through a tape recording in the right ear. Brahmin initiation means to be very clean, inside and outside. Inside by chanting the Lord's name, and outside by bathing regularly, washing hands and mouth after eating. Instruct him on all these things and do it also yourself—example is better than precept.
I accept Govinda das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed is his sacred thread duly chanted on by me. Now you have to hold a fire ceremony and let him hear the gayatri mantra from the tape recording in his right ear. If he is going to engage in the Deity's service, he must be taught to be very clean. Brahmin means to be clean—internally by chanting the Lord's glories and externally by regular bathing.
I accept John Weber as my initiated disciple. His new name is Ramasena das Brahmacari. See that he chants daily sixteen rounds and follows strictly the rules and regulations. Similarly, I accept Krsna Gopala das, Vardhanya das, Puspuvan das, Gabhira das, Ambujaksa das, and Megha devi dasi for second initiation. Now you must hold a fire ceremony. Enclosed are the sacred threads for the brahmanas. They should be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape recording. Brahmin means to be very clean—inside by chanting the Lord's glories and outside by regular bathing. Teach everyone by your personal example. Also you must see that the brahmanas are given sufficient time to read the books. Soon we shall be introducing the Bhakti-sastri examination which all brahmanas will be expected to pass. It will be based on Bhagavad-gita, N. O. D., Nectar of Instruction, Isopanisad, and the small paperback books like Easy Journey. A brahmana should be pandita.
Therefore our young men must be trained at the earliest age to not be attached to so many things like the home, family, friendship, society, and nation. To train the innocent boy to be a sense gratifier at the early age when the child is actually happy in any circumstance is the greatest violence. Therefore; brahmacari gurukulae vasan danto guror hitam (SB 7.12.1). The brahmacari lives at the place of the spiritual master and works for the benefit of the spiritual master by begging for his maintenance, by cleaning, learning the principles of Krsna consciousness, and engaging in the process of bhagavata dharma, whereby his life will have a firm, sane foundation with which he can overcome the forces of maya by strong training in the beginning.
Therefore the school should be moved to India, specifically to our new gurukula project in Vrindaban, where the facility will be just to our needs and the needs of the brahmacari to develop spiritually because it is based on authentic scripture. To live in Vrindaban is the highest perfection and to grow up in Vrindaban the greatest fortune. Who can compare Vrindaban to the nasty western culture? Even to live in Mathura-mandala for a fortnight guarantees one liberation. In Vrindaban no one will place restrictions on the school and it will be encouraged by the government. The people will see such a school and the example will encourage thousands to send their children there to be trained as human beings and devotees. The cost for maintaining such a place is minimal and when compared with the exchange rate in dollars, a very substantial savings. Some have objected to the cost of transport to India for the child, but children ride at a very reduced rate and require no visa. The one way fare can be arranged at a very small cost which will be made up in no time. For the child it costs $100 per month in the USA, but in India the cost will be a fraction of that amount. The average Indian makes about Rs. 400 per month ($50) and supports an entire family nicely. The savings will more than compensate for the ticket and maintenance, and once in a year, during the hot season of April, May and June, the child may return to the parents. Certainly the government will give cheap rates on a return ticket once they find out about the program. This is much cheaper than altering the present building or building a new one to meet the so-called codes.
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 kurusvamad arpanam (BG 9.27). 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 Vrindaban, 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.
I also accept Kanva das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed you will find his sacred thread which I have chanted on. Now hold a sacrifice, a fire ceremony, and afterwards the brahmana initiate may be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra from the tape recording through the right ear. First initiate devotees must vow to always chant minimum 16 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.
Regarding your question about the brahmacaris, you may consult the GBC regarding this matter. Tamala Krishna Maharaja especially is qualified to give you good answer.
On your recommendation I agree to the second initiation of Jagaman das Brahmacari. Impress upon him the seriousness to follow the regulative principles strictly, keeping clean outside and inside by constantly chanting Hare Krishna. You can hold fire yajna and play a tape of the chanting of Gayatri Mantra into the right ear.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:
Lee Sutton—Kuruksetra das
Ernie Courey—Vidyapati das
Barbara Sutton—Parijata dasi
Padavja das Brahmacari (second initiation)
Hold a yajna and instruct the initiates that they must follow the 4 regulative principles: no intoxication, no meat-eating, no gambling, and no illicit sex-life, and chanting minimum 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. The brahmanas must cultivate the brahminical qualities as mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita and in the other literatures. They must keep clean externally by bathing regularly each day, and internally clean by always chanting Hare Krishna. The beads of the first initiates can be chanted on by one of the sannyasis and the thread for brahmana initiation is herein enclosed. After the fire yajna you can play a recording of the gayatri mantra played into the right ear of the brahmana initiate.
On your recommendation, I am accepting Larry Tucker for first initiation, and Bhavanath das Brahmacari for second initiation. The first initiates' spiritual name is Lokaguru das. Have his beads chanted on by one of the sannyasis, and see that the devotees are strictly following the 4 regulative principles: no illicit sex life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating. Everyone must chant a minimum of 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily, and in this way be protected from the frailties of material existence. You will find a gayatri mantra sheet enclosed. After holding a fire sacrifice for both initiates, play the gayatri mantra into the right ear of the initiate. Brahmin thread is also enclosed for Bhavanath das.
The difficulty is, I have come out of India with a program scheduled to continue up to August 14th, 1976, the expected date of return to Bombay. Now, if I suddenly return to India, I will have to cancel all other programs, or if I go to India by the time, June 28th, I would have to return again to complete the scheduled program, which means very heavy expenditures. Two secretaries travel with me inevitably, so I am in this dilemma; whether I shall return and again come back spending heavily. So, I shall be glad to hear from you what you advise. In this connection, you can contact my secretary, Giriraja das Brahmacari, at our Bombay center.
I am writing a letter to Caitya Guru das to issue one letter of explanation and apology to Mr. Amarshi B. Shretta, P.O. Box 53, Kisumu, Kenya, explaining what the reason was for not bringing his car at the time appointed. Also, please find enclosed one letter from Sarva Vit das Brahmacari in the Mombassa Temple. Please advise him in this matter as you best can judge the situation being there.
Now concerning Vrindaban, there is no need to move the mukhuts business to the new house given by Mr. Taparia. It is not safe there, and you will have to employ 3 guards at expense of 500-600 Rupees so what is the use. Let the mukhuts business remain in the guesthouse, however, we must free the other space in the guesthouse. Let all the women and children live in the Taparia house. The daily Gurukula can also be held at the Taparia house. When the Gurukula construction is completed, then the grhasthas can live on the third floor of the new building, but for now they can utilize the Taparia house for women and children, and the brahmacaris can remain in the guesthouse. The mukhut business should be given one room for working in the guesthouse. Do not move all the valuable stock to Taparia house, as it is risky. For protection of the Taparia house, why use barbed wire. Better to build a wall around it of bricks. Barbed wire can be destroyed very easily. Also, send me a plan of the Taparia house, and do not construct any more rooms there at present. When the Gurukula is completed the third floor will be available. So it is not necessary to spend the proposed Rs. 25,000, and neither the Rs. 10,000 for the extra room there.
In your letter to me of May 4, 1976 from Vrindaban you said: concerning the Taparia house, "Dhananjaya and his wife and other grhasthas will live on that land (house). . . . Three or four brahmacarinis who are working on the mukhuts can also live there." You suggested like this, so if some women can live there, why not all? Somehow or other, the guesthouse must be freed from all encumbrances. It will be absolutely used by guests. I have received reliable reports that on account of the devotees staying there, guests were sometimes refused places because all the rooms were taken up by the devotees there. Also, the fact that the mukat business takes up 8-10 rooms is very bad. The guest house cannot be occupied by anything. It is already spoiled, and they must move. Why there are so many women in Vrindaban? Vrindaban is meant for retirement, elderly persons in Krishna Consciousness can devote all their time to devotional service. Such men are wanted to live in Vrindaban, not women and children. That is a fact, the holy dhamas are meant for the sannyasis and brahmacaris especially. If necessary, the management must be done by sannyasis and brahmacaris, not grhasthas.
I am very glad to see that you are enthusiastically pushing forward with this preaching work and the young Indians are coming forward to join our sankirtana party. It is very encouraging to me. Anyone who has life he can preach, so go on very enthusiastically and there will be all facility given by Lord Krishna.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:
1st initiation: Bhakta Adhira whose spiritual name is Abhayasraya-dasa
2nd initiation: Dharanidhara das Brahmacari, Vrajesvara das Brahmacari,
Enclosed please find a copy of gayatri initiation and two brahmana threads. After the yajna, the brahmana initiates should hear the gayatri mantra in the right ear. The devotees must all bear in mind that they are promising to follow the four regulative principles, i.e., no illicit sex-life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating, and also chanting a minimum of 16 rounds of japa daily. This promise is made before the spiritual master, before the Deity, the devotees, Vaisnavas, the Supersoul, and the fire. Everyone should take very seriously this vow and make steady and sure progress in Krishna Consciousness and go back to home, back to Godhead in this lifetime.
On your recommendation, I am accepting the following devotees for brahminical initiation:
Vamanajana das Adhikari,
Dayalanitai das Adhikari,
Gopavrndesa das brahmacari,
Bahulavana das Adhikari,
Brahmakarika dasi,
Jaganmayi dasi,
Rukmavati dasi,
Viharini dasi,
Jalasayi dasi,
Khandita dasi,
Darmada dasi,
Anavijnani dasi,
Srila dasi,
Hold a fire sacrifice and for the male initiates you can give them sacred thread. The gayatri mantra should be played for them into the right ear and the brahmanas should practice the principles of cleanliness both outside and internally. Outside by bathing regularly, and inside by always chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
On your recommendation I am accepting Jvarajit das Brahmacari for second initiation. Hold a fire sacrifice and after the fire sacrifice a tape recording of the gayatri mantra should be played into his right ear. Enclosed is one brahmana thread and gayatri mantra sheet. Brahmin must practice cleanliness both externally and internally. Externally he must bathe regularly, and internally he must chant Hare Krishna.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following for first and second initiation:
First Initiation:
Bhakta Carlos—Karunamaya dasa
Bhakta Lalo—Lalitagovinda dasa
Bhakta Jonathan—Jyotsna dasa
Bhakta Willo—Visvadeva dasa
Second Initiation:
Minaksi dasa Brahmacari
Hold a fire sacrifice and the initiates should refrain from the four pillars of sinful life: no illicit sex, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating. This is very easy when one chants daily their prescribed rounds seriously, at least 16 rounds daily. Enclosed you will also find one brahmana thread and gayatri mantra. After the sacrifice the tape of gayatri should be played in the right ear of the brahmana initiate. To become brahmana one must be clean outside and inside. Outside by regularly bathing and inside by always chanting Hare Krishna. The beads for first initiates can be chanted upon by Hrdayananda Maharaja and they should be given these beads and names at the time of initiation.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples for first and second initiation:
First Initiation:
Bhakta Anders—Atma-nivedana dasa
Bhakta John—Yogindra dasa
Karen Johnstone—Kama-gayatri devi dasi
Second Initiation:
Turiya das brahmacari
Jamadagni das brahmacari
Radhanatha das brahmacari
Paragati das brahmacari
Hold a fire sacrifice and the initiates should refrain from the four pillars of sinful life: no illicit sex no meat, fish or egg eating (only Krsna prasadam), no gambling, and no intoxication. All devotees must also chant the prescribed 16 rounds daily on the beads. Enclosed you will also find four brahmana threads and gayatri mantra. After the fire sacrifice the tape of the gayatri mantra should be played in the right ear of the brahmana initiate. To become brahmana one must be clean inside and outside; outside by regularly taking bath, and inside by always chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. the beads for the first initiates may be chanted on by Sriman Jayatirtha das and they should be given these beads and names at the time of the fire sacrifice.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 8 September 1976 and have noted the contents. On your recommendation I am accepting David Davidson as my first initiated disciple. His name shall be Visnudutta das. Also on your recommendation I am accepting Parajnana das brahmacari as my second initiated disciple and the thread is found enclosed. He may see me for the mantra and both may have fire sacrifice as you may find convenient.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 13 August 1976 and have noted the contents with care. On your recommendation I am accepting Simhesvara das brahmacari as brahmana and his thread is enclosed within. The name of Tyaga dasa may be given to Terry Gardner and the name Sarana devi dasa may be given to Sandra Joaquim.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following devotees for initiation:
First Initiation
William Jerald Leonard—Vidyagati dasa
Steven Edward Kulakowski—Svatantra dasa
Laura Ellan—Krsnalaulya dasi
Second Initiation
Piyuskanti das brahmacari
Sarva Satya das brahmacari
Please hold a fire sacrifice and present the names at that time. The newly initiated brahmanas may hear the mantra by tape in the right ear. The local GBC man may chant on the beads. All initiates must practice chanting 16 rounds daily and strictly follow the four regulative principles which must be stressed with great care so that they are very familiar with them. The brahmana must be clean inside and out by bathing with water and mantra. They must become fixed up in the sastra so that they may overcome the bondage of maya with the sword of knowledge.
So far our Gurukula is concerned, we require some practical assistant who can teach the boys how to be controlled in the mind and senses, how to rise early in the morning, chant the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, go to the Yamuna for bathing, then study some Vedic literatures like the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, remain always for the benefit of the guru, and work for him as a menial servant. These things are recommended for the brahmacari. You will find the statement in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto Seven, Chapter Twelve as follows, brahmacari gurukulae vasandanto gururohitam (SB 7.12.1). I want my gurukula should be in that way, we don't want big big scholars, for doing research work; what research work they will do? Everything is in perfect order in the Vedic scriptures summarised so beautifully in the Srimad-Bhagavatam and the Bhagavad-gita is the primal study.
On your recommendation I am accepting the following disciples for first and second initiation.
First Initiation
Bhakta Ivan—Indrasena dasa
Bhaktin Dora—Dharma-patni dasi
Bhakta Manuel—Madhupati dasa
Bhakta Mozart—Madhava-priya dasa
Bhakta Ramacandra—Rangapuri dasa
Bhakta Luchie—Lilasuka dasa
Bhakta Paulo—Ananta-padmanabha dasa
Second Initiation
Paravyoma das brahmacari
Durasada dasa brahmacari
Mahayogisvara devi dasi
Madhusvara devi dasi
Please hold a fire sacrifice and the first initiated disciples may receive their names at that time while the brahmana initiates may hear the mantra through the right ear and receive the threads. Hrdayananda Maharaja may chant on the beads and give them to the devotees. All initiates must chant minimum 16 rounds on the beads daily and very strictly follow the four regulative principles to insure success on the path of spiritual progress of life. A brahmana must be clean by bathing and chanting daily. I hope this meets you in good health.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 3, September, 1976 and have noted the contents with care. On your recommendation I am accepting the following as my duly initiated disciples.
First Initiation
Bhakta Gustavo—Gunesvara dasa
Bhakta Damian—Deva-srestha dasa
Bhakta Marceline—Mathura-mandala dasa
Bhakta Javier—Japananda dasa
Bhakta Kique—Kasi Misra dasa
Bhakta Osvaldo—Agnipati dasa
Bhakta Juan—Sacisuta dasa
Second Initiation
Caitanya Svarupa das brahmacari
Nitya Tripta das brahmacari
Hold a fire sacrifice and Hrdayananda Maharaja may chant on the beads. Give the bead, threads, and names at this time and the gayatri mantra may be heard by tape through the right ear. All initiated disciples must chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Maha-mantra daily on the beads and the brahmanas must remain clean outside by regularly bathing and clean inside by chanting the maha-mantra.
Please accept my blessings. With reference to your letter to Harikesa Swami dated 15th inst., Sriman Srineketan das Brahmacari may take second initiation at the next Mayapur festival.
Jita Garisa Das Brahmacari is duly accepted by me as a second initiated disciple. Hold a fire ceremony and let him hear the tape of the Gayatri mantra chanted by me through the right ear. See to it that he is properly trained up in brahminical habits, cleanliness, truthfulness, tolerance, self control, etc.
According to your recommendation I am accepting for second initiation Amala-harinama das Brahmacari and Viraja dasi. Now hold a fire ceremony for attendance of devotees only. You must be sure that these devotees are very strictly following the regulative principles and chanting a minimum of sixteen rounds daily. They must be fully engaged in devotional service, 24 hours per day. Please find enclosed two gayatri mantra sheets and one sacred thread. After the fire sacrifice, play the tape of me reciting the gayatri mantra into the right ear of these initiates and show them how to count on their fingers.
Dear Ramesvara Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The following is an extract from a morning class on S.B. 5/6/3, delivered on 25/11/76. Srila Prabhupada has requested that it be sent to all temples and G.B.C.
"If you pat your subordinates it will increase their faulty habits and if you chastise them, they will improve. Therefore it is advised that either your son or disciple, you should always chastise them, never give them leniency. So a little leniency, immediately so many faults will grow. Now for our practical life we are known all over the world as shaven headed, is it not? Now we are becoming hair-headed, we are forgetting shaving. Because there is a little leniency, immediately faulty things are creeping in. So we should be known as shaven-headed, not hair-headed. This is discrepancy. At least once in a month you must be clearly shaven-headed. On the bright fortnight, on the day of purnima, four days after ekadasi. Once in a month, in the bright fortnight we must be shaven-headed. It is not desirable that in grown up age also, you be chastised. that is not desirable-that is also difficult because when the disciple or son is grown up, if he is chastised, then he breaks. So before being chastised we should be conscious that this is our rules and regulations, we must observe. Therefore it is advised by Canakya Pandit (Sanskrit) After the 16th year of the disciple or son, he should be treated as friend because if you chastise when he is grown up then he will break up- that is also another risk. So our request is that instead of chastising, with folded hands I request you, don't you become hippies again by growing hair. Keep your head cleansed at least once in a month. That is my request. Neither I can chastise you, I am an old man and you are young men."
And in the room after the lecture:
S.P.: "At least once in a month you must be shaven-headed."
Dev.: "Actually we usually shave more than once a month-every two weeks because even after two weeks it looks a little dirty.
Dev.: "You can get good wigs."
S.P.: "No. There is no need. That is also mental concoction. Nowadays you can go with coat, pant and shaven head, no one will criticize. It has become fashion. Russians, they use, Krushchev, I have seen, shaven head.
Dev.: "They don't have a sikha. That's all."
S.P.: "It is practice only"
And also there was some discussion regarding the new G.A.P. record: "A Change of Heart". In your recent BBT newsletter you quoted Srila Prabhupada as saying: "Why not in the temple." When he was asked whether it could be played in the temple. However, I was under the impression that he had said "Not in the temple." Therefore, to clarify matters Jagadisa prabhu again inquired from His Divine Grace. Please bear in mind that Srila Prabhupada has heard one full side of the album. His Divine Grace's comments were as follows:
HSd.: Srila Prabhupada, when you were in L.A., you heard that new record by Krsna Kanti...
HSd.: ...this pop music, you know, the tape you just got. The western style music
HSd.: In the new BBT newsletter which just came yesterday, there is a statement by Ramesvara that you were asked whether this record could be played in the temples and you replied: "Why not in the temples" Hari Sauri thought you said, "not in the temples," but Ramesvara,..
S.P.: No, not in the temple. If the wordings are alright, if there is no mistake in the set up of the wording, the change of musical tune, that is not harmful. Hare Krsna, this vibration you can make in different tune, we are already doing that.
HSd: But we are talking about these songs they are writing, philosophy songs, like this "caterpillar had a change of heart"
S.P.: Therefore we see the wording.
D: If the words are alright, can they be played in the temple?
GKd: Because no one can hear the words, it's the pop music that people hear.
Ak Sw: The words are just like modern pop songs, you can't really tell what it means. I suggested to these people: "Why don't you put music to Prabhupada's books. Take the words straight from prabhupada's books...
HSd: No, Prabhupada has approved this method for attracting karmis, but the thing is, when you become a devotee,..
S.P.: Yes.
Ak Sw: That kind of music reminds us of past bad sinful activities,..
HSd: The question is whether it should be played in the temple or not?
S.P.: Temple it may not be played. What is the use of playing in the temple?
GKd: I know from practical experience Srila Prabhupada, I just played the record, it is all current pop music with English philosophy wording and the brahmacaris were so agitated. They came to listen to it and they were taking fun of it like the pop songs.
Ak Sw: Because that style of music reminds us of the night club.
S.P.: Therefore I said it is better not to make these records.
GKd: Just your records and parampara records should be played I think. There are so many tapes of your records.
HSd: Yes, but this style they are doing now they explain that they wanted it because then that way they will be able to get them played on the radio; otherwise, they won't play bhajans or anything on the radio. But there's a distinction between that kind of music and pure Krishna Consciousness music. Even though the words indicate Krishna Consciousness, most of the songs are written in such a way that it's like, indirect. It's not directly Krsna. It's indirect.
S.P.: Yes, indirect.
HSd: Like they give this thing: "A caterpillar changed his mind," like that. It provokes some speculation.
S.P.: No. Indirect (it's) for gross outsiders. not for us. Therefore it should not be played in the temple. Gross outsiders only.
Kindly send a copy to each of our centers as soon as is conveniently possible. His Divine Grace specially requests that the system of shaving on the fourth day (the head) after Ekadasi, on Purnima, be introduced immediately in all centers.
Hoping this meets you in good health and Krsna Consciousness.
Your eternally worthless servant,
Hari Sauri Das, personal servant
Approved: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
It appears that you are an unmarried brahmacari. So, if you continue this status of life for the matter of executing devotional service, that will be a great advantage. Many great personalities remain brahmacari throughout their whole lives and get freedom from material bondage very easily. Of course marriage is not prohibited in devotional service, but if one can remain brahmacari, in unmarried life, it is a great facility.
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your telegram as follows, "Dearest Srila Prabhupada please accept my fallen obeisances I am requesting permission for second initiation for following boys RasaVilasa das brahmacari Janananatha das brahmacari they have both been chanting 16 rds daily without fail for 10 months and have taken their service very seriously your fallen servant Vrikodara das adhikary".
It gives me great pleasure to hear that the Bhagavad-gita As It Is will soon be published in the Swedish language.
On your recommendation, I have accepted the two devotees for first initiation, and their spiritual names are as follows:
Ryno Svensson———Raivata Dasa
Helga Svensson——-Hiranyangi Dasi
I have also accepted Yogendra Das Brahmacari for second initiation. Enclosed find one sanctified thread and the gayatri mantra. Have him hear the recording of me in the right ear. You may hold a fire yajna for the first initiations.
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. Their sacred threads duly chanted on are enclosed along with the Gayatri Mantra sheet. After performing the fire ceremony they may be allowed to hear the gayatri mantra from the tape in the right ear. You must teach them the principles of brahminical living, especially cleanliness is very important. Internally one should keep clean by chanting Hare Krsna and externally by bathing regularly. Teach them by your own personal example.
From the photographs of the new construction I can see that in L.A. things are improving. Lord Dvarakadhisa is sitting there overseeing everything. He will give you all facility, simply you must cooperatively work together, faithfully following in the footsteps of the acaryas. You have written that the rent will pay back the loan and mortgages on the new building, but who will pay the rent if there are all brahmacaris living there?
The following are letters from His Divine Grace to particular devotees, these are to be considered the last of such letters, from now on all the letters will be answered by the GBC, thus leaving His Divine Grace to translate. Unless there happens to be any specific questions that cannot be answered by the GBC, then only will Prabhupada be disturbed, it is hoped that all devotees will read these very carefully. All Presidents should distribute these letters to all devotees, instead of hiding them in the files, which usually happens in most cases, thus very few devotees are actually aware of what is really going on in our Society.
Thank you very much.
Your servant,
Jai Hari dasa Brahmacari.
| Page Title: | Brahmacari (Letters 1974 - 1977) |
| Compiler: | Visnu Murti, MadhuGopaldas |
| Created: | 21 of Feb, 2012 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=108 |
| No. of Quotes: | 108 |