Now my request to all of you is that you very seriously and sincerely stick to the principles of devotional service, and especially observe strictly the four prohibitions, and without fail always chant at least 16 rounds on your beads daily. In this way you will be always happy.
Chanting Sixteen Rounds (Letters 1973 - 1974)
Correspondence
1973 Correspondence
Letter to Hasyakari (Howard Bernd), Rathangapani (Randy Buchert), Varuthapa (Warren Havens), Laksmivan (Lawson Knight), Bhaktavatsala (Barry Butler), Bhaktilila (Linda Butler) -- Bombay, India 9 January, 1973:
My request to all of you is that you very seriously stick to the principles of devotional service as you have learned them, and especially observe strictly the four prohibitions and without fail always chant at least 16 rounds on your beads daily. In this way you will be always happy.
Letter to Palika -- ISKCON Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
It would be good service for all of them, especially Kalindi has suffered some difficulty since her husband has taken sannyasa. But I know that you are very strong in Krsna Consciousness. So very strictly now maintain our principles by chanting 16 rounds on the beads, reading our books, working in every second of your life for serving Krsna. this sincere attitude will make you more and more advance and one day Krsna will reveal Himself to you face to face.
Letter to Hillel Ben-Ami -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
Now try and understand our philosophy very carefully by reading all of our books, such as Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Nectar of Devotion, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and there are so many others. In addition, please follow the regulative principles very rigidly, such as chanting daily 16 rounds on the beads, attending classes, getting up for mangala aratrika. These regulative principles will make us very strong in Krsna Consciousness and very rapidly we can advance in this way.
Letter to Hladini -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
It is so nice to see how enthusiastic you are in executing this process of devotional service and how much you like your engagement there in New Vrindaban. So you continue in this way, always thinking of Krsna, chanting 16 rounds, reading the books, and doing your daily chores all on behalf of Krsna. As your devotional service becomes mature you shall see Krsna more and more, and more and more you shall realize the qualities of the holy land of Vraja.
Letter to Krsnanandini -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
So you are my initiated disciple, and I must instruct you to be sure to always follow the regulative principles like chanting 16 rounds on the beads daily, reading my books, eating only prasadam, and in every way trying to serve Krsna. This will keep you purified and help you to advance more and more in spiritual life.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
As you are one of the elder members of our Society and you are sannyasi, it is your duty to see that all the devotees are following strictly the regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds, attending the classes, reading our books, and always remaining enthusiastic for executing devotional service. Everyone has got some propensity.
Letter to Nayanabhirama -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
Regarding the activities of the Vaikuntha Players, it is very nice to hear that you are taking information from our Srimad-Bhagavatam and Krsna Book for presenting everything very authoritatively, without any deviation from the sastras. Yes, one or two of the girls may learn this Indian dance technique, but we cannot take too much endeavor for such things. If they can do it without too much trouble that is all right. Now you continue executing your Krsna Conscious activities, chanting 16 rounds, studying our books, going on sankirtana, worshiping the deity, etc., and in this way you will become advanced more and more.
Letter to Thakura Haridasa -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:
Now make sure you chant the 16 rounds every day on the beads, attend the classes, and follow all the regulative principles very rigidly. This will make you more and more advanced. In addition everything must be executed with great enthusiasm. You must be very enthusiastic to serve Krsna.
Letter to Sukadeva 2 -- Calcutta 29 January, 1973:
So if you simply execute with full faith the instructions that I have already given you, then you will see so many people will be sent by Krsna to become devotees because of your sincerity. So as you are my appointed leader, you must also see that the others are following very strictly the regulative principles like chanting 16 rounds, reading my books regularly, rising early for mangala aratrika, these things will keep us purified for advancing more and more in Krsna Consciousness.
Letter to Rajiblocan -- Calcutta 31 January, 1973:
The main thing is that you must set nice example for the others by following very rigidly the regulative principles, such as chanting 16 rounds on the beads, reading the books, getting up to attend mangala aratrika, etc. In this way everyone shall be encouraged. We must be so careful to train the devotees nicely. Now they have come from the realm of maya to Krsna's place, so it is our duty to keep them there, not that they shall again fall victim of maya.
Letter to Amarendra das -- Calcutta January 31, 1972:
Now you go on making more and more propaganda for informing people of this philosophy of Krsna Consciousness. If we push this propaganda very strongly and at the same time remain completely pure by following all of the regulative principles very strictly, by chanting sixteen rounds, reading the books, attending mangala aratrika, etc., then everything will be all right.
Letter to Kurusrestha -- Melbourne 10 February, 1973:
In all your real estate dealings you may please take all guidance from Karandhara and proceed very cautiously. Always chanting sixteen rounds daily and following the principles, and in this way maya will never touch you. I hope that this meets you in good health.
Letter to Tosana -- Melbourne 11 February, 1973:
You should also go out for street sankirtana and distribute my literature for the cripple minded masses, and whatever spare time you have you can carve some tulasi beads for me to sanctify. But whatever you do should be done with wholehearted enthusiasm and strict adherence to the principles of chanting 16 rounds, rising for mangala arati, following the four basic principles, always remaining clean etc. You may consult with Karandhara das and request him to approve your second initiation.
Letter to Ramesvara -- Sydney 14 February, 1973:
It has been brought to my attention that some of my students are not studying. I do not know if this applies to you or the devotees under your care, but I must stress again that we must have our classes one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening and the devotees must also chant regularly their sixteen rounds and follow the principles. The rest of the time they may go on distribution of my books. So I hope you will do the needful in this regard.
Letter to Rupanuga -- Sydney 14 February, 1973:
If someone has desired to distribute books all day he may do this, but he must always follow the principles of rising early, chanting 16 rounds, etc. Just as some rich men have no inclination for studying, but still he opens many schools for others to study at. Like this, all of my students may not be inclined to study but they are very much eager to give others the opportunity to read my books and this should not be discouraged.
Letter to Ghanasyama -- Sydney 16 February, 1973:
Now you must agree to very rigidly follow the rules and regulations, i.e. chanting sixteen rounds of beads daily, rising early and attending Mangala Arati, observing the four principles, attending the classes, eating only bhagavata prasadam as well as working under the instruction of my representatives, such as your GBC representative and Temple President, and if you follow this procedure very strictly then your life will be glorious and you will go back to Home, back to Godhead, this I can guarantee.
Letter to Sudama -- Sydney 16 February, 1973:
In your travelling from centre to centre, you must be very careful to see that the leaders are observing the principles of chanting 16 rounds, rising early for Mangala Arati, participating in the morning and evening classes, observing the four regulative principles etc., and if there is any deviation from this standard then it is the responsibility of you and the local GBC representative to rectify it immediately.
Letter to Sukadeva -- Calcutta 17 4 March, 1973:
To save time and money, kindly forward two sets of japa beads to Kirtanananda Swami in New Vrndavana for the proper chanting, and then you may perform the fire sacrifice. Now they must always follow the regulated principles, such as 16 rounds at least each day, attending Mangala Arati, etc. and gradually they will come to the stage of spontaneously loving Krsna.
Letter to Spiritual Sons -- New York April 10, 1973:
As you have been recommended by Chakravarty Das for initiation, I beg to accept you both as my disciples. Now I have named you Nikhilananda Das for Niko, and Vaidyanath Das for Erland. So you now chant Hare Krishna mantra on your beads at least 16 rounds daily and try to commit any offence against the holy name. In this way you will get spiritual strength for preaching the glories of the holy name to the people.
Letter to Sarva Suhrit -- Los Angeles 17 April, 1973:
I am expecting to go to London, and at that time I will personally initiate both of you. In the meantime you should both strictly follow the principles. This is our strength. It is not sufficient for us to just chant 16 rounds, but we must endeavor to chant offenselessly 16 rounds. Even we must be always chanting Hare Krsna, why only 16 rounds. So you are a good boy, but you just do everything carefully, never forgetting Krsna for a moment, and everything will come out for you successfully.
Letter to Doug Russell -- Los Angeles 18 April, 1973:
So you send a copy of this letter to Kirtanananda Swami and he will chant on your beads. . And you be sure to chant 16 rounds minimum as a daily practice, and this will keep you most fitted Sankirtana leader.
Letter to Mahajan 2 -- Los Angeles 25 April, 1973:
You must always keep very strongly to the principles of Krishna consciousness; rising early, taking bath, attending mongol aratrik, chanting at least 16 rounds on the beads daily, reading our books, going for sankirtan as much as possible. These things, if strictly followed, will keep you always in a purified condition and will give you spiritual strength to defeat maya, and when this body is finished, no more material bodies, but back to home, back to Godhead.
Letter to Sons and daughters -- Los Angeles 8 May, 1973:
Now you must all carefully follow these four regulative principles (1) No meat eating, (2) No illicit sex life, (3) No intoxication, (4) No gambling. Always be sure to chant minimum sixteen rounds daily. Study my books carefully, go for sankirtana and engage in Deity worship in the temple. You are all very sincere boys and girls and now I request you to make your life successful for going back to home, back to Godhead.
Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles 18 May, 1973:
Thank you very much for your complete report of the situation in London. We can understand from this incident that the most important point is that everyone, especially the leaders, must always stick to the basic regulative practices that I have given, especially 16 rounds each day.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 18 May, 1973:
Thank you very much for your report of the London situation. We can understand from this incident that the most important point is that everyone, especially the leaders, must always stick to the basic regulative practices that I have given, especially 16 rounds each day.
Letter to Arjuna -- Dallas 20 May, 1973:
So far as your engagement is concerned, I am most satisfied to see that my books are being distributed profusely. Please always follow the four regulative principles and chant minimum sixteen rounds per day. Study my books very carefully and prepare yourself fully for going back to home, back to Godhead.
Letter to Tusti -- Dallas 20 May, 1973:
The most important point is that one becomes satisfied by serving Krsna rather than by serving the senses. Now, please always follow the four regulative principles and chant sixteen rounds minimum every day without fail.
Letter to Makhanlal -- Mayapur 22 June, 1973:
Now you instruct them carefully that they must chant 16 rounds daily without fail and always follow the four regulative principles as well as engage in daily duties of temple attendance, classes and street sankirtana. The word initiation means "to begin" not that when he is initiated a disciple becomes slack; rather upon initiation he begins spiritual life in earnest.
Letter to Isvara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 17 July, 1973:
For the present go on with your decision to live as householders apart, but concentrate on chanting and reading our books and always offering foodstuff to Krsna by prayers. Live blissfully and peacefully as husband and wife, and if you go on chanting 16 rounds daily, Krishna Who is within our hearts, will direct your further as to best way to advance more and more in progressive Krsna Consciousness.
Letter to Govinda -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 28 July, 1973:
There should be no complaint, under all circumstances we must chant regularly 16 rounds and attend the morning and evening classes, for Krishna we can work like anything, but one lick done for maya it is useless, overendeavoring.
Letter to Hon Pei -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 30 August, 1973:
Krsna plainly says, "Whatever you do as work, whatever you eat, or give away in charity, do it for Me." This is real Krsna consciousness, to work for the satisfaction of Krsna. So you have good opportunity to serve Krsna by your nice education, go on finish up in the university and simultaneously follow the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds, and associate with the devotees as much as possible. Your talents can be utilized for Krsna and in due course of time how this is so Krsna will reveal to you more and more. So do not be worried, be jolly in the service of the Lord.
Letter to Sukadeva 5 -- Seattle September, 1973:
I am accepting Rasala Das (Walter Mason Woods) as my initiated disciple. Please see that he chants Hare Krishna minimum 16 rounds daily on the beads and follows our regulative principles without fail.
Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Bombay 27 September, 1973:
Regarding the initiations I am accepting the following devotees as my initiated disciples: Bhayahari das (Glen,) Visvamitra das (Vern,) Sanka Das (Jim,) Sarvani dasi (Sharon,) and Nirupadi Dasi (Judy). Please see that they all strictly follow our rules and regulations and that they chant 16 rounds minimum on the beads Hare Krishna mantra.
Letter to Hanuman -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:
Now just as all my other disciples are doing, you take care that they follow very faithfully chanting of 16 rounds daily, and following all of the rules and principles of Krishna conscious very strictly. You should immediately send their beads for chanting on to Karandhara das Adhikari in Los Angeles who is one of the senior disciples I have authorized to chant on beads. Then, after receiving the beads back from Karandhara you can hold a fire ceremony and perform the sacrifice as you have seen me doing so many times.
Letter to Bali-mardana -- Juhu, Bombay October 23, 1973:
I have received the nice letter from your wife and the reply is enclosed herewith. Please deliver it to her. I would like to initiate your wife especially personally. So already she is chanting 16 rounds and that is nice. Still I shall hold a regular ceremony and initiate her along with you.
Letter to Purusottama -- Bombay 23 October, 1973:
(text missing) ...s, it is required that 16 rounds be chanted as an (text missing) ...te necessity. Because we have got many duties, (text missing) ...ve minimized the amount to 16 rounds, otherwise (text missing) ...minimum is 64 rounds, but Western people cannot (text missing) ...this. So 16 rounds must be executed.
Letter to Hamsaduta -- New Delhi 8 November, 1973:
It is very encouraging that the boy without any association is maintaining the standard. This is due to his chanting 16 rounds and following the regulative principles. Now he should be in your charge, so you kindly guide him and keep him in our atmosphere and utilize him properly, but steadily and cautiously. Yes, you arrange for their marriage. I am writing both Bhagavan Das and Mandakini, the copies herewith enclosed.
1974 Correspondence
Letter to Citsukhananda -- Los Angeles 5 January, 1974:
Play the tape of gayatri mantra in their right ear and instruct them regarding Brahminical principles. For those receiving first initiation impress on them the importance of chanting at least sixteen rounds daily without fail and always observe the regulative principles. You may hold fire yajna for the initiates and instruct them on the ten offenses to chanting.
Letter to Dayananda -- Los Angeles 7 January, 1974:
You may send their beads to Kirtanananda Maharaja to be chanted on. Please impress upon these students that they must now chant at least 16 rounds daily without fail, and strictly observe the regulative principles. If they follow these things their spiritual advancement will be very swift. You may hold a fire yajna for the initiates.
Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 7 January, 1974:
You may chant on their beads and instruct them seriously to always chant at least 16 rounds daily and obey the regulative principles. Only in this way is spiritual advancement possible.
Letter to Nadia -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:
I am very pleased that you are working together on travelling sankirtana to collect funds for Mayapur and Vrindaban. Please distribute as many of our books as possible and Krsna will be very pleased. And always be vigilant that you do not grow lax in following the regulative principles and always chanting 16 rounds at least, every day without fail.
Letter to Damodara -- Honolulu 16 January, 1974:
Now instruct them very seriously about their responsibilities. To promise to follow the four prohibitive rules and to daily chant sixteen rounds means they cannot deviate. You can hold a fire yajna and inform them that in promising before the Deity and before the spiritual master, one cannot later break the rules without being punished, just as in the law court one is held for perjury.
Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Honolulu 26 January, 1974:
The criteria is that they must be initiated for one year, and during that time they have to be following the prescribed chanting of at least 16 rounds, and all the regulative principles. I am also asking that they write a statement before you in all seriousness stating that they have not broken any of the promises of the first initiation, and that they will go on steadfastly chanting the prescribed rounds. In this way I am hoping to stop whimsical recommendations for second initiation. So please follow this rule.
Letter to Ravendra Gupta -- Vrindaban 12 February, 1974:
I am very glad to hear you are following my instructions by chanting 16 rounds daily. In order to chant offenselessly, so that the chanting will have the greatest effect, one must avoid the four sinful activities. You have asked "How serious would it be for me if I should miss the golden opportunity to become your initiated disciple?" You should know that the value of accepting a bona fide spiritual master is more than we can calculate. It is not a mere formality.
Letter to Kurusrestha -- New Delhi 14 February, 1974:
Instruct them in the chanting process and the seriousness of following the vow to chant at least 16 rounds daily and avoid the four sinful activities.
Letter to Uttamasloka -- Vrindaban 18 March, 1974:
Be sure to instruct them on the ten offenses and their obligation to chant at least 16 rounds daily, without fail. You may send their beads to Rupanuga Maharaja for chanting, and you may hold a fire yajna in the temple.
Letter to Balavanta -- Bombay 21 March, 1974:
You may send their beads to Rupanuga Maharaja for chanting. Instruct them carefully in avoiding the ten offenses, and make sure that they and everyone in the temple is chanting at least 16 rounds daily, without fail.
Letter to Hasyakari -- Bombay 21 March, 1974:
You may send their beads to Rupanuga Maharaja for chanting. Hold a fire yajna in the temple and impress on all these new devotees that they must chant at least 16 rounds daily, without fail and refrain from the four sinful activities. If one observes just these principles he will be rapid progress in spiritual life.
Letter to Damodara -- Bombay, India 23 March, 1974:
Please hold a fire yajna and speak to him on the ten offenses against chanting. Personally see that he is chanting at least 16 rounds daily, without fail. By your own example you have to keep all the devotees enthusiastic and that is done by strict adherence to the regulative principles.
Letter to Batu Gopala -- Bombay 23 March, 1974:
Their beads may be chanted on by Jagadisa Prabhu. Please impress upon them that their chant must avoid the ten offenses, and that they must chant the minimum 16 rounds without fail, and be very careful to keep themselves free of the four sinful activities. They are in your charge so you must set the example.
Letter to Govinda -- Bombay 23 March, 1974:
Have their beads chanted on by Jagadisa Prabhu. Our whole Krsna Consciousness rests on following the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds at least, daily and without fail, and avoiding the four sinful activities. Without following the regulative principles, so called devotional service is simply a disturbance. So be sure to always take care of the devotees in your charge in this respect.
Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 24 March, 1974:
You may chant on their beads and hold a fire yajna in the temple. As GBC you must see that they and all the devotees in the temples are first of all chanting at least 16 rounds on beads. Be sure they are aware of the ten offenses to chanting, and that they remain enthusiastic about improving their devotional service in that way.
Letter to Dayananda -- Bombay 24 March, 1974:
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.
Letter to Bhavatarini -- Bombay 3 April, 1974:
You can come to Mayapur where you can have a separate room, also Bombay this facility is there and it is very comfortable, or Vrindaban, or L.A. or wherever you choose. My only desire for my disciples is that they chant Hare Krishna Mantra at least 16 rounds, follow the rules and live in association of devotees then you will be happy and peaceful and not disturbed.
Letter to Puranjana -- Bombay 7 April, 1974:
For the time being work with Hamsaduta and stop the bickering and conflicting camps. You must work hard to absolve the debts you have massed so we will not lose our standing there. If everyone is strictly chanting at least 16 rounds daily and reading the books and observing the regulative principles then management will be at our finger's end, and there will be no difficulty in maintaining Krsna Consciousness.
Letter to Niranjana -- Hyderabad 23 April, 1974:
Even though you are mixing with all kinds of the student class at the university, you must strictly refrain from the four prohibitive sinful activities, and as an initiated student you must not let a day pass when you do not chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krsna Mantra. If you can follow just these things nicely that in itself will be strong preaching by behavior. You should also always wear Kunti beads around the neck and wear the marking of tilak.
Letter to Ajita -- Bombay 29 April, 1974:
Be sure to instruct them on chanting at least 16 rounds daily and avoiding the four offenses—as that is the life of Krishna Consciousness. We get devotees after much difficulty, now you have to keep them nicely and see they are always engaged in serving Krsna.
Letter to Gangamayi -- Bombay 9 May, 1974:
Your comment is well taken that you have little or no knowledge of the politics. So you remain uninvolved and just continue to simply follow the authorities and concentrate on improving the Deity worship. If you chant at least 16 rounds daily and read our books, no contamination can touch us. I hope to see you in the near future at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Letter to Sri Ballavh -- Geneva 4 June, 1974:
In any case do not abandon the regulative principles and be certain to always chant sixteen rounds daily. That will save you from maya. I know you are a sincere disciple, because you are always returning to our camp even though you go away. Krsna will not let you withdraw. But I am hoping that you will soon become sober enough to join with us and stick with determination. working together on behalf of Krsna and completely forgetting the material condition of life.
Letter to Hrdayananda -- Geneva 4 June, 1974:
As GBC your first responsibility is to keep yourself spiritually fit and see that all the devotees in your zone of management are chanting 16 rounds, rising early and strictly avoiding the sinful activities. If they are doing this, then management will be at your finger's end. Of course I am encouraged to hear that in each center you have stressed the distribution of my books and you are seeing that devotees daily go out for sankirtana as a primary devotional item.
Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Paris 9 June, 1974:
Jayatirtha prabhu may chant on their beads and you may hold a fire yajna. Initiation means to begin so now these devotees, under your supervision must take the vow with utmost seriousness to chant everyday at least 16 rounds on beads and to refrain from the four sinful activities.
Letter to Jayatirtha -- Frankfurt 18 June, 1974:
You may hold a fire yajna and chant on their beads and impress on them they are taking vows before Radha-Krsna, the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas. They must always chant at least 16 rounds daily and avoid the four sinful activities.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Melbourne 25 June, 1974:
As of your writing, Govardhana Prabhu, the Detroit president had left his post and was living in the Chicago temple, because he was not chanting his sixteen rounds. I hope by now he has taken your advice and has returned to his post and is following the chanting with full knowledge. In your previous letter you stated that the deity worship in Detroit was superexcellent and that all programs were being expertly managed by govardhana. Why should he leave therefore? You write he is chanting 14 rounds daily; so you are experienced and know what to do in this case, simply encourage him to chant 16 rounds. The injunction is kirtaniya sada hari, one should always be chanting all day. The 16 rounds is just a minimum 1 set for my disciples so they will chant at least that much. Actually chanting should always be going on.
Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1974:
Now be sure these devotees know and vow to follow the four rules and that they are chanting at least 16 rounds daily. Initiation does not mean they have completed all spiritual perfection and now they can relax but it means now they have begun spiritual life. If they are true to their vows they will _ all perfection in this life and be eligible to go back to home back to Godhead.
Letter to Dayananda -- Vrindaban 8 August, 1974:
So I am enclosing the sanctified sacred threads and mantra sheets for Niragadev das, Paratpara das, Rajarshi das, Nirnasa das, and also a sheet for Vrajaraja devi dasi. So hold a fire yajna and impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and Vaisnavas. Everyone must always chant 16 rounds and follow the four regulative principles.
Letter to Abhirama -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:
As you have suggested, you may hold a fire sacrifice and the beads may be chanted upon by Rupanuga Prabhu. You should impress upon the new disciples that they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and the Vaisnavas. They must always chant at least 16 rounds daily and avoid the four sinful activities.
Letter to Mahamsa -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:
You may hold a fire sacrifice and chant on their beads and impress upon them they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and the Vaisnavas. They must always chant 16 rounds daily and avoid the four sinful activities.
Letter to Hrdayananda -- Vrindaban 17 August, 1974:
So hold fire sacrifices and you may chant on the beads. Impress upon the students that they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and the Vaisnavas. Everyone must always chant 16 rounds.
Letter to Hiranyagarbha -- Vrindaban 19 August, 1974:
First of all you must teach by your personal example. This is the principle of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu (apani acari bhakti pracaram). So you yourself must chant 16 rounds and follow the regulative principles and automatically they will do as you are doing. Then they will become strong Vaisnavas.
Letter to Vidarbha Kanya -- Vrindaban 19 August, 1974:
The teachings of the param para are simply based on this principle of acarya. Sometimes the wife must bring the husband to Krishna Consciousness, so you yourself must chant 16 rounds and follow the devotional practices and reading my books. If it is difficult for you and you are falling down then it would be better for you to live in any one of our temples.
Letter to Vidarbha Kanya -- Vrindaban 19 August, 1974:
I have established that the duty of the president of each temple and also the GBC is to see that each devotee is following the rules and regulations, chanting 16 rounds so that they may be spiritually fit. So if you are having difficulty then it would be better for you not to live apart but to associate with other devotees.
Letter to Radha-Kanta -- Vrindaban 20 August, 1974:
If you are not chanting Hare Krishna offenselessly and regularly? Affection for the spiritual master and following the instructions of the Spiritual Master is the same. My instruction is that all of my disciples must attend the mangala arati and chant 16 rounds daily.
Letter to Dina Bandhu -- Vrindaban 3 September, 1974:
Also enclosed are sanctified threads for Mahi Barta das, Krta krta das, Sarva das, Sretha das, Now hold a fire sacrifice and impress upon the devotees that they are taking vows before Radha and Krsna, the spiritual master, and the Vaisnavas. Everyone should attend mangal arati and chant 16 rounds daily.
Letter to Rsabhadeva -- Vrindaban 3 September, 1974:
Please see that they strictly follow all the principles, chanting 16 rounds daily. This is also for the older disciples as well.
Yes, as you have suggested Dr. Wolf-Rotkay can write to me requesting initiation.
Letter to Nari -- Vrindaban 6 September, 1974:
To make advancement in Krsna consciousness one must decide whether he is going to be serious or not. If one is actually serious, then by chanting Hare Krsna 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, and reading my books, certainly you will make advancement, and these such problems will fall to the side. I therefore request you because you are an initiated devotee to take up Krsna consciousness seriously as you promise at the time of your initiation, and be happy in Krsna consciousness.
Letter to Swami Satpremananda Sarasvati -- Vrindaban 6 September, 1974:
So far as initiation is concerned, it is best if you live in one of our temples for some time and follow the rules and regulations and chant Hare Krsna on the beads 16 rounds. Then upon recommendation of the temple president, you can be initiated.
Letter to Taittiriya -- Vrindaban 15 September, 1974:
I can read your mind that you are developing devotional attributes very nicely. So do not fail to chant regularly 16 rounds and follow the devotional practices together with your husband. And, I have advise your husband to initiate you by tape record hearing for your second initiation. The mantra sheet is enclosed.
Letter to Mr. S. N. Sharma -- Vrindaban 18 September, 1974:
We do not allow anyone become a preacher unless he is strictly following the Vaisnava principles of no eating meat, fish, or eggs; no sex outside of marriage; no gambling; and no taking any kind of intoxication whatsoever. You must also chant 16 rounds Hare Krishna on the japa beads. So if you are interested, you can practice these things within our association for some time. Then we shall consider you for preaching work.
Letter to Ajita -- Vrindaban 19 September, 1974:
You have the intelligence how to execute this mission. That I see. Remain sincere and fixed up and enthusiastic by following the rules and regulations and chanting 16 rounds. Then you will remain spiritually strong. Then maya cannot disturb you.
Letter to Devotees -- Calcutta 24 September, 1974:
So let us go on with the spreading of this sublime cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world. My only request is that you all remain enthusiastic and pure by strictly following all the rules and regulations and the devotional practices of chanting 16 rounds.
Letter to Madhudvisa -- Calcutta 25 September, 1974:
Please see to it that they follow strictly the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum daily on the beads. I hope this meets you in good health. You may chant on their beads.
Letter to Mukunda -- Mayapur 29 September, 1974:
According the "Direction of Management" the GBC cannot change the President but only by vote can it be done. The GBC's business is to see that the President and the members are doing nicely, following the regulative principles, and chanting 16 rounds and that other things are going on nicely.
Letter to Bhurijana -- Mayapur 6 October, 1974:
So wherever you find a suitable place you can go, always keeping sure to follow the regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds. Whatever service you can render that is welcome. Do not deviate from the principles.
Letter to Vajresvari -- Mayapur 7 October, 1974:
How to think of Krishna that I have given, following the devotional practices and chanting 16 rounds minimum. We have also established worship of the Deity in our temple so that all day long one will automatically think of Krishna, He is so kind. So now Kirtanananda Maharaja has recommended you for twice born initiation.
Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 8 October, 1974:
So whatever is done is done. I shall request you all not to be personally ambitious. I shall do everything in my power to fulfill your personal ambitions, but that will be done in due course of time when you are fully trained up and following the regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds.
Letter to Karandhara -- Mayapur 8 October, 1974:
So kindly follow the regulative principles regularly chant 16 rounds and make up the deficit in Spiritual Sky, and gradually everything will come to its right position, and I hope Krishna will help us to adjust the present situation very peacefully.
Letter to Bahurupa -- Bombay 22 November, 1974:
I am pleased to hear that you are chanting 16 rounds daily and reading my books regularly and following the four rules. In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so if there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop.
Letter to Mr. Seibert -- Bombay 22 November, 1974:
I am glad to hear that you are determined to fight maya and take up this Krishna Consciousness philosophy. So go on reading my books and attending the temple regularly. By this process your spiritual life will develop. You should also be sure to chant 16 rounds on your beads if possible. This is the recommended way to become Krishna Conscious in this age of Kali.
Letter to Sacimata -- Bombay 8 December, 1974:
It is good that you are keeping under your parent's protection for the time being, but wherever you remain do not forget to follow the four regulative principles and chanting at least 16 rounds daily
Letter to Revatinandana -- Bombay 15 December, 1974:
As soon as one discontinues his staunch following of the regulative principles such as no meat eating, no illicit sex, no intoxication, no gambling, rising early before 4:00, coming to mangala arati, chanting at least 16 rounds, etc., then his spiritual life is hampered and there is a chance that at any time he may become a victim of maya. Continue with great enthusiasm this preaching work and inform me from time to time of your current activities.
Letter to Bhakta Lance -- Bombay 16 December, 1974:
My simple request is that you remain in association of devotees and continue to chant your 16 rounds daily and follow strictly the four regulative principles and read our books daily with great care. In this way your Krsna Conscious advancement will be assured success and at the end of this life you will go back to Godhead, back to home, and live with Krsna eternally.
Letter to Durgesh -- Bombay 16 December, 1974:
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.
Letter to Parvati -- Bombay 17 December, 1974:
Please continue advancing in Krsna Consciousness by this wonderful method; reading our books daily, chanting 16 rounds daily, following the regulative principles, rising early, etc.
Letter to Kisora -- Bombay 23 December, 1974:
Please follow all of our regulative principles, such as rising early, attending classes and without fail chant 16 rounds and follow our 4 regulative principles. Without these things your spiritual life will be hampered.
Letter to Patita Uddharana -- Bombay 23 December, 1974:
I am depending on you as one of my elder disciples to set a nice example for the others to follow. This is very much wanted. You must become ideal in all respects, following all of our principles; rising early, chanting 16 rounds, attending classes, eating only Krsna prasadam, etc. This simple formula will make everything perfect.
Letter to Malati -- Bombay 25 December, 1974:
Please try to advise him to return the money he owes as soon as possible. Chant 16 rounds, follow all of our regulative principles then everything will be alright in a very short time. I am hoping he will do like this. So you please continue your devotional service, cooking etc, and you can also keep giving Bhagavatam class if you like. Women in our movement can also preach very nicely.
Letter to Yadubara -- Bombay 25 December, 1974:
Please continue chanting 16 rounds daily, rising early, attending mangal arati and classes, and following the 4 regulative principles. By following this simple formula as I have given from the very beginning your life will be completely free from anxiety.
Letter to Pancadravida -- Bombay 27 December, 1974:
Please make sure that you and your assistances are keeping yourselves fit in Krsna Consciousness by chanting 16 rounds daily and following all the principles very strictly, holding classes, rising early etc. Then the program there will be sure to be successful.
Letter to Parvati -- Bombay 27 December, 1974:
Even if it is very difficult and there may be many problems or disagreements still simply by remaining in the association of devotees and follow our regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds, rising early etc., you will become purified. If you leave the association of devotees to follow these regulative principles will be very difficult. Therefore stay in the association of devotees and continue making nice milk preparations for the Deities. And when I come there this spring I will be glad to accept them three times a day.
Letter to Trivikrama -- Bombay 27 December, 1974:
I have also sent one letter to Pancadravida Swami in Bangkok that his party can come there sometimes for big programs if you can arrange. Keep in touch with them. Their address is; Pancadravida Swami, c/o D.H. Carturchand, 238 Samteng St. Bangkok, Thailand. Please keep yourself strong and fixed up in Krsna's service by following all of our regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds daily, rising early, attending mangala arati and attending classes.
Letter to Sons -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:
So all of you keep yourselves strong in Krsna Consciousness by following all of my basic principles. That is of the utmost importance. Do not fail to chant 16 rounds daily, rise early, come to mangala arati, come to classes and follow the 4 regulative principles. In this way your life will become free from all anxieties. Please try to distribute my books in huge quantities more and more. This is very much satisfying to me.
Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:
By simply following this process without deviation, chanting 16 rounds, following the four regulative principles, attending classes and mangala arati, rising early, these things will gradually bring you to the platform of pure love of Krsna.
Letter to Jagadisa Pandita -- Bombay 28 December, 1974:
Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Krsna Consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending mangala arati and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.
Letter to Mr. Punja -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:
I think also that Vijayadhvaja das must not be very responsible if he has sold this van in his own name and appropriated that money to his own use. Therefore he should not be in charge there. Because you are eager to distribute my books and magazines and because you are chanting 16 rounds daily I think that you are trustworthy and qualified to be in charge there. So you can go ahead and register our Society there with taking all proper and necessary steps.
Letter to Vijayadvaja -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:
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.
| Page Title: | Chanting Sixteen Rounds (Letters 1973 - 1974) |
| Compiler: | MadhuGopaldas, Serene |
| Created: | 31 of Dec, 2010 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=110 |
| No. of Quotes: | 110 |