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Collection (Letters)

Correspondence

1966 Correspondence

Letter to Mangalaniloy Brahmacari -- New York 16 May, 1966:

My staying will now depend on your good cooperation in India for the present. In the meantime I am trying also here what can be done. The idea of preaching here and in India is completely different. Here you cannot make any collection whatsoever. At the same time the expenditure too heavy. I am paying here rent 100 dollars per month which means 500 rupees in our Indian exchange. Besides that my expenditure is daily four dollars two persons. Mr. Paul is whole devoted to my work. But we are getting some contribution by our meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays when we perform Sankirtana discourses on Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam as is our usual programme. If you come it will be great help for me provided you agree to work under me. More in my next. Hope you are well and awaiting your early reply.

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Rupanuga -- San Francisco 11 February, 1967:

This evening we had very successful performances of Kirtana and discourses for two hours (7-9 P.M.) at the Himalayan Academy the Christian Yoga Church and there were about 100 respectable gatherings. All the ladies and gentlemen were cultured and decent and all of them appreciated our Kirtana and lectures. They profusely garlanded me and exposed me for photo snaps. Ranchor played the Harmonium and they were pleased with his playing and garlanded him. They handed over to me some collection about $12.00 and most probably they will invite us again for such performances. The students of this Himalayan Academy have built a very nice temple and I wish the students in New York also finish the proposed building as nicely as they have done at San Francisco.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 18 February, 1967:

Now next proposal is that why don't you arrange for Kirtana and lectures by me in every school, college, clubs, association, etc in New York. Now we have "Mrdangas" and cymbals. Let us organize a Kirtana party both at New York and at San Francisco and on our off days at least twice in a week let us have our Kirtana outside. Here the students are arranging another dance meeting like the one they did on the 29th January and they are expecting good collection. Even there is no good collection, by outdoor Kirtana and lectures we shall at least be popular to everyone and automatically we shall be successful in raising fund. The other day we had a very nice meeting in the California State College it was grand successful. They are going to arrange again like that in Berkeley college where they are expecting three thousand audience. I am enclosing herewith a copy of the letter received from Himalayan Academy. See how they are appreciating our method of peace movement. So in this way we have to forward our cause. No business man will come forward to help us on utopian schemes as contemplated by Mr. Payne. We have to try for ourselves. So the summary is to obtain a hire purchase sale-contract from Mr. Taylor and popularize our movement by outdoor engagements as many as possible.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Rayarama -- Allston, Mass 14 May, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 13, 1968, and I noted thereof that you are a little bit disappointed. There is no question of disappointment in Krishna Consciousness. We shall try our best—success or no success, we shall depend on Krishna. Now, I do not know what is the position of securing advertisements. If advertisements are also not available, then I think we should go back to our mimeograph machine and put Back to Godhead out regularly. There is no scarcity of material, so we may distribute the message regularly, never mind it is not so highly printed. So far collections is concerned of the sales proceeds of Back To Godhead, I think you can entrust the matter to Gargamuni and Mukunda, and they will be able to distribute and send you back the money.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 21 June, 1968:

Just now I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 18, 1968, and thank you very much. I am replying separately to Hamsaduta along with this letter. To the UNITED SHIPPING CORPORATION you can reply as follows: "Dear Sir, Replying your letter dated June 13, 1968, please be informed that the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, Vrindaban, are sending us the consignment of sales account. That is, the price of the book will be paid after sale. So there is no question of sending it through the bank for collection. We do not know why you have advised them to return back the items. In every transaction we are feeling some difficulties. You should clear up the things beforehand. Otherwise, you and we are put into so many difficulties. Regarding the former consignment of 15 cases, Swamiji has already written you that you make prima face invoice and send it and we will return to you. Otherwise, he has sent you several times the invoice and each time there was some defect pointed out by the bank or by you. So, we are fed up in this business. We are quite unaware of the Indian government export business; you should have let us know beforehand. But we do not feel such difficulty with other shippers. We are very much perplexed in these transactions."

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 10 July, 1968:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 5, 1968, and regarding the Kirtana collection, I have talked with Hamsaduta who has arrived here last evening, and as proposed by you, that the contribution should be divided 50% for the temple, and 50% for the Sankirtana fund, is quite all right.

Letter to Umapati -- Montreal 13 July, 1968:

I understand that you have now gone to Santa Fe and trying to get a job there. And I hope Krishna will arrange for this. Do not be worried. Another boy, Christopher Fynn, may be going there very soon. So three together try to live peacefully and always discuss on the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, chant Hare Krishna in regular classes, and whenever the opportunity is there, go to the park as they are doing in Boston and New York, and getting good collection.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Montreal 15 July, 1968:

Now, I do not know how to make this program fruitful. Here I have gotten some encouragement by recent Kirtana performances in the Expo. For two days they have paid us $300.00, and maybe they will be required to perform Kirtana for a few days more. Similarly I have got one encouraging letter from San Francisco written by Tamala Krishna, that there is good collection in the Kirtana performances led by Mukunda. I have asked Hamsaduta to open correspondence with you to make plans how to go to London. I understand that he has got already 15 to 16 hundred dollars in this account. The thing is that 12 to 15 heads will have to go there. First of all we have to accommodate ourselves in a nice place. And I am so glad you have already written to Anapurna's father, and as soon as some plan is fixed up, we start immediately. It may be that we may not wait even up to the end of August.

Letter to Harivilasa -- Montreal 25 July, 1968:

Even though you get some money by such begging, the government will not allow you to return to USA with Indian money. You have to take money from your country for coming back, or you have to take help from your ambassador in India for coming back. The Indian government cannot pay anything from the Indian exchange to outside countries. So do not try to make collection for coming back to the USA. For your coming back, either your family members or your government or somebody here must send you money or a ticket for coming back. Last time when I was coming back the same difficulty arose, and I had to pay my ticket fare as well as Kirtanananda's ticket fare, amounting to Rs. 11,000, from my book-fund, which I dispatched to USA. I dispatched 13,000 Rs. worth books from India, out of which I have paid that 11,000 Rs. So this is the exchange condition. I think therefore, that when you have gone to India, for the time being you should forget your mother country, USA.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Montreal 8 August, 1968:

Regarding collection from the public: I think you should take special license or permission from the authority because as a religious society, we can collect in such a way. Simply the authorities have to be informed that we are a serious institute for spreading God consciousness, and that we are not professional beggars. This method of chanting in the park, distributing Prasadam, and selling our literature and making some collection, is just the way by which we can make both propaganda and maintain our institution. So this process must be continued with necessary sanction from the authority. I think there will be no difficulty in getting such sanction.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

Regarding collection from the park: Please try to get the permit. This will help us getting such permit in all other centers. This responsive contribution of our kirtana is very nice program for our propaganda. If you are successful in this matter, then there will be no difficulty about our financial position. If we can sell our books and literature and have some collection from the public, then our economic problem is solved. So try to get this permit with your great endeavor. Another thing, you will be pleased to know that I have advised Sacisuta to go to you and join you. He is now in San Francisco, and you can also write to him as I have advised to join you, you can also send him an invitation letter. That boy is searching out a nice place of peace so that he can execute Krsna Consciousness; I think he was not satisfied in Los Angeles, so he proposes to go to Buffalo, but I have advised him to go to you, and if you invite him, it will be nice.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

The other day there was nice Janmastami festival, and many Indians participated in the ceremony and they had very good collection. The meeting was very successful. The next day also they held Nandotsav and Vyasa Puja ceremony. That was also very nice. Last night, on Sunday, there was marriage ceremony of Satyabhama and Paramananda. Their parents also came, and it was very nice ceremony.

By the by, I beg to inform you that I have applied for immigrant visa for USA also, and in that connection, I have submitted one letter of appointment signed by Purusottama and by you with my permission here. Similarly, you can send me a letter reading as follows: The letter should be addressed to the Consulate General of the United States of America, 800 Place Victoria, Montreal 3, Quebec, Canada, and the reading matter should be as follows: "Sir, I the undersigned president of the Inter. Soc. for KC beg to state that Swami AC Bhaktivedanta is the appointed Acarya (chief minister of religion) of this institution. This institution is incorporated in NY under the Religious Act number such and such and it has got the following branches all over the country.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 24 August, 1968:

Chanting in the park and on the street is our new movement and it is successful. It has become successful in San Francisco, in New York, as well as in Montreal. So if we adopt this means in Los Angeles, I am sure it will also become successful. In San Francisco, I understand the Kirtana party collects sometimes up to $40.00 daily, and Montreal, the other day, Hamsaduta collected $24.00, similarly I hear from Boston, they are also making good collection. So if you can organize this Sankirtana party chanting in the parks and in the street, with permit from the authorities, there will be no scarcity of money, and people will be very glad to contribute.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Seattle 28 September, 1968:

By Krishna's Grace, everything is gradually coming to the fulfillment of my dream. The Sankirtana party is walking in the streets and is getting good response, from the public. They are selling Back To Godhead nicely, and getting good sympathy from the public by considerable collections. We are not after collecting money, but when people offer something out of love and sympathy for our mission, it becomes a great asset. I am sure if you all my beloved disciples combined together try to preach Krishna Consciousness in this spirit, Krishna will give the necessary strength. By the Grace of Krishna and the Spiritual Master, the dumb man can speak like a great orator, and a lame man can cross over a great mountain. So we must have the necessary unflinching faith in Krishna and Spiritual Master, and the strength will be supplied by Krishna. After all, anything which we experience is but a fraction of the unlimited energy of Krishna. And even by fragmental touch of such spiritual energy of the Lord, we can make our life successful.

Letter to Hansadutta -- Seattle, Wash. 98105 1 October, 1968:

So I am anxious to know all these informations as well as general information of the temple affairs. Offer my blessings to Himavati and all other devotees. Here the Kirtan party is doing very well. They are selling Back To Godhead nicely and making collection of $30 to $50 daily. Awaiting your early reply, and thanking you.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Seattle 10 October, 1968:

Here the Kirtana party headed by Tamala Krishna and others are doing very nicely. They are selling Back To Godhead, sometimes more than a 100 copies, minimum 50 copies, and collecting donations, 30 to 50 dollars everyday. So are you getting some collection by holding Kirtana in different places of London? There must be some source of income, otherwise, how you can maintain yourself there.

I am also trying to get one secretarial office in the Church Center of the United Nations, with a view to confer with the heads of the United Nations, both political and ecclesiastical, to propagate our Krishna Consciousness. Please let me know replies for all the points raised herein, and offer my blessings to Mukunda, Janaki, Malati, Yamuna and Gurudasa.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Seattle 10 October, 1968:

His younger step-brother Bharata, took charge of the Kingdom and the day on which Lord Ramacandra took back the charge again from His brother, and seated on the throne, this is observed as Diwali function. This is the original idea of Diwali, and Dipabali. Dipabali means the same thing—Dipa means candles, and bali means numerous. When numerous candles are lighted it is called Dipabali. In India, this Dipabali function is celebrated in a special auspicious occasion. This Dipabali function can be observed on 21st October, and Prasad can be distributed on the 22nd October, during daytime, which is known as Govardhana Puja and Annakuta Ceremony. In India, in all Vaisnava temples, this ceremony is observed and 100's of people are given Prasad according to the capacity of the temple. So I understand that last year the Dipabali Ceremony was held in the temple, and there was collection of $130.00. So you can do the needful.

Letter to Rayarama -- Seattle 17 October, 1968:

Regarding your present edition of Back To Godhead: I have already informed you in my previous letter that it has become very nice, and try to continue the effort improving the quality and I think you are getting good advertisement also. And if the advertisement income is increased, you can increase the pages and reading matter along with it. You should simply accept advertisement collection for publication costs—namely, the paper and printing costs. So at present if you try to get more advertisement I think there will be no difficulty. Similarly, induce Jaya Govinda and Acyutananda in India to get advertisement. If they try, people will be very glad to give advertisement in our paper, even they will be glad to mention their name only, that this space is donated by such and such. They will pay. They are prepared to pay like that. Many people are publishing nonsense magazines as they are collecting money in that way.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Sivananda -- Allston, Mass 4 May, 1969:

I thank you for your letter dated "Friday," and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding your idea of supporting the temple by Sankirtana collections, it is nice. In Los Angeles, New York, and other centers they are chanting on the streets every day and they are getting good remunerations, better than any job. New York once collected $500.00 in one weekend, and Los Angeles sometimes collects $250.00 in one day. Uddhava and Vaikunthanatha are collecting at least $20-$40.00 daily, so if it is possible to collect it is very good. Simply we have to work and people will give contribution for this good cause. It is better to get money by collections than to work.

Letter to Gaurasundara -- Columbus, Ohio 12 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 6, 1969, and I have noted the contents. I think you should send United Shipping Corporation the price in advance of the sitar, and for the balance they can make their invoice. The balance may be deposited in the Hawaii bank, and ask the United Shipping Corporation to send the documents to the Hawaii bank; and the invoice may be made in your name because you have got account there. So you may accept the proforma invoice and send them back the copy. You advise them to collect through the Hawaii bank, (branch #—wherever you have got your account), and advise the United Shipping Corporation where your documents should be sent for collection. So please sign one proforma invoice and send it with the branch number where they are to collect the money from.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- New Vrindaban 17 June, 1969:

Regarding opening branches in Laguna Beach, you know I am always very much enthusiastic to open branches, so if another branch can be opened for propagating Krishna Consciousness, it is always welcome. If we have got opportunity to open such branch, we must take advantage. So far as the money is concerned, it is not meant for banking, but it is meant for spending. Our policy should be to collect millions of dollars or more than that daily, and spend it daily. That should be our policy. Every morning we shall be empty-handed, get collection of a million dollars during the daytime, and by evening it should be all spent. That should be our motto. But because we are pushing on our activities regularly, therefore some money should be saved to meet emergencies. So if you have got chance of opening a branch in Laguna Beach, do it. When we get a big temple in Los Angeles, Krishna will supply the necessary funds.

Letter to Jayapataka -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:

I am so glad to learn that Kirtana is going on, and by Krishna's Grace you are getting some collections. This is very good news. If during Rathayatra, you cannot keep on the seaside, then you take the car in procession to the riverside, and come back the same day. For the eight days, as far as possible distribute prasadam, especially kitcherie. Then on the 8th day you also hold the ceremony in the same way. Please arrange to take nice photographs of your Festival activities as well as of your other kirtana activities. We wish to print many such photographs in our Back To Godhead, so take many pictures, and send them to Brahmananda in New York.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 29 June, 1969:

So my advice to you is that either you become a regular householder, giving 50% of your earnings to Krishna, 25% for family, and 25% for savings, or else you strictly follow the principles of brahmacari life. A brahmacari has nothing to do except serve his Spiritual Master. That is the injunction of the Bhagavata. A brahmacari is supposed to work as a menial servant of the Spiritual Master, and whatever collection he gets, it becomes the Spiritual Master's property, not the brahmacari's. That is real brahmacari life. If a brahmacari earns money for his sense gratification, that is not brahmacari life. Better one should become householder and live peacefully. So far as work is concerned, you have got more than sufficient work with me. You have got a good qualification for editing literary works, and we have sufficient engagement for that purpose. Formerly, you were very much eager to transfer yourself from New York to Los Angeles because of considerations for your health. Now when I say that you may come here, there is a nice room for you, and work here day and night, I do not know what is the cause that you do not come. But still I request you that give up all other engagements, come here, and fully engage yourself in editorial work.

Letter to Sacisuta -- Los Angeles 5 July, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated June 23, 1969, and I have carefully gone over the contents. I am so pleased to learn that you are feeling very nicely in Buffalo temple and you are working hard and sincerely to push on this sublime movement of Krishna Consciousness. Regarding your question about marriage, the thing is that as I am a sannyasi, I am not concerned with family life, but because I want to see my disciples very happy in Krishna Consciousness, therefore, those who are feeling some sexual disturbance are requested by me to get themselves married. Another principle is that those who are brahmacaris, they should sacrifice all of their income and collection for the Krishna Consciousness Movement, whereas those who are married should work, earning money as much as possible, and at least 50% should be spent for the Krishna Consciousness Movement. So we have no objection for allowing you to get married, but it is up to you to consider if you will work hard and earn money both for Krishna and for your family. You cannot get married, and at the same time do not earn money. Of course, by preaching Sankirtana Movement, if you are satisfied with a small income, that is also nice. I think that your God-brother, Rupanuga is an ideal householder, and you should try to follow him.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 2, 1969, and I thank you very much for it. Regarding your proposal for soliciting members, this is not a good proposal. We tried for membership in the beginning, and it was not successful. Collection by Sankirtana Party is the best process, along with selling our books and magazines by organized sale. But you can advertise for membership, and when somebody inquires, you can give him your chart for membership. But do not advertise it. You can simply invite people that we invite all sincere souls to become our serious members. I am enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Kair, which may be published so people may know what is the practical advantage of becoming a member of this society.

You are correct that Tamala Krishna's endeavor is very successful, and we should cooperate with him fully, and other centers should follow the same principles to make it successful. Recently, Tamala Krishna has sent Madhudvisa to San Francisco to organize the temple there, and as soon as he had gone there, the Sankirtana collection has become raised from $17 to $70. So in this way we should help all the centers, and in the future both you and Tamala Krishna, assisted by the others, should be the main guiding stars of the society. You have written that you have given $350 to India, but I do not know why. Do not send any money to the United Shipping Corporation, because last time we advanced $500, and it has become a pinprick to realize it. I think you have sent a letter of credit, but no direct payment should be sent to them.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 17 July, 1969:

I thank you very much for the Krishna Tape #13 along with your letter of July 12, 1969, and I am enclosing herewith Tape #16. Now I shall expedite work on the Krishna book, as I have completed The Nectar of Devotion. Please let me know exactly how far you have finished the Bhagavatam thus far. I am glad that Giriraja is doing very nicely. Krishna has sent a good soul for pushing on this Krishna Consciousness Movement. Please keep him nicely. As of yet I have not received the money which you have mentioned in your letter. Regarding your nice Sankirtana collections, this should be kept in a separate account so that it may help in some great emergency. You should become a little spendthrift. I know that you do this, but still I am reminding you. I am so pleased that you will be holding a grand scale Rathayatra Ceremony, and in London also they are planning a very glorious function with at least 5,000 guests participating.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 22 July, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 18, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. I am pleased to note that under your direction Bali Mardan, Jayadvaita, Rsi Kumar, Candanacarya, Nayana Bhirama and Joel Chalson are all working very nicely. It is a good combination, so make this combination stronger and improve it. You write to say that the Printing Department has $3,000. Does this mean $3,000 including the collection from selling TLC? In my idea the softcover edition should be printed by realizing money from the hardcover edition in which you have already invested $6,000. That should be our business policy. I wish to know how much you have collected thus far by selling TLC hardcover. That amount may be invested in printing softcover edition. Or if you think that the softcover edition will have immediate good sales, then we can invest the extra amount. I do not think that putting the advertisement on the cover as you have mentioned it will be very good. Everything should be exactly like it is, with the addition of the index. But the cover, the printing and the paper should be exactly as they are in the present edition. The price for the softcover copy should not be less than $2.95. Another thing is that if MacMillan Co. has decided to not print our Bhagavatam, then this also will have to be printed by ourselves immediately.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 28 July, 1969:

I have recently received news from New York that their last week Sankirtana collection was $1,000, and they have already sold out 3,000 copies of BTG in the past few weeks, so now they are ordering more copies from the West Coast. This is very, very encouraging, and I have asked my Guru Maharaja to just see how nicely these nice young boys and girls are taking to His Divine Mission. I have also received report that your BTG sales are not very encouraging. I am not very sorry for this at all because I know that you are now engaged for Rathayatra Festival and for fixing up the temple. But I hope that soon you will fulfill your quota of selling 5,000 copies in London. In the issues #25 and #26 you will find very, very nice articles. So execute your duties faithfully and sincerely. I am sure that you are doing this, but still it is my duty to remind you the same thing repeatedly as I am your Spiritual Master.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 29 July, 1969:

I am so glad to learn that you have opened a separate savings account for your daily collections. I have received the transcription of tape #16. You are doing very nicely and improving your editorial capability. Krishna Consciousness is so nice, the more we execute it, the more we become advanced. Yes, I have not as yet received Giriraja's contribution to my book fund, and as you have said, the money can be deposited to my account.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hamburg 30 August, 1969:

So he should immediately begin this bahudaka program and collect money from outsiders, not from insiders. And as he is in charge of New Vrindaban, he may invest all such collection for the development of New Vrindaban, and before this Hayagriva must transfer the property to the society's name. So far as investment of the society's money for New Vrindaban is concerned, certainly it will be done in New Vrindaban, and not only the money which Kirtanananda Maharaja collects, but also, if need be, any center will invest money. But that investment should be in proportion to food and salt. To make it more tasteful, one adds salt to his food, and similarly, every center should be independently developed by supplying the food, and the society, if required, will supply the salt. For the present, all energy should be diverted to start a nice press for our publication work. So there is no extra money for the society to invest in New Vrindaban. Neither you can spare any money to anyone without my permission. Whatever you possess now in funds, that is not your personal money, so how can you execute the request of Kirtanananda at the present moment? I think you will understand the matter rightly and do the needful.

Letter to Jayagovinda -- Tittenhurst 8 October, 1969:

So you can pick up the principal point of a purport and make then a heading for the article. Just like in the next issue Satsvarupa has published an article, "Lord Siva, the Greatest Devotee". This was picked up from my translation and purport of 3rd Canto Srimad-Bhagavatam. So far as sales are concerned, if you don't sell, then how you will be able to maintain your establishment? If you want to maintain a nice place simply by all working hard—in the beginning that is all right—but if you cannot maintain it by selling literature and making collections, then that is not a good idea. How to sell our magazines and literatures you have to find out means and ways. On the whole, everywhere we are arranging to sell our BTG and maintaining our centers on this sale. So what is the defect that you cannot sell? It is printed in the German language, and it is presenting new and sublime ideas. I you wish, you can cut down on the production costs as you have described, but the sales must be there. Another thing is that you should obtain this IBM machine as you have mentioned. Then you can make the size of ZZG suitable for being printed later on in our Boston presses in book size. If the composition is prepared by this time, we can immediately print in Boston on our own press which will be ready in December. In that case Bhagavad-gita As It Is may be translated and printed in ZZG in a book shape, so later on it can be reprinted in book form. That is a good idea, but it means you will have to reduce the size of the pages of the magazine. Regarding Kulasekhara, I have asked him to go and join you. Most probably he will join you very soon.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated October 10, 1969. I have already informed Tamala Krishna in my letter dated 13rd October that I have sent Brahmananda a check for $4,000, as he wanted $5,000 and you have sent $1,000 and Subala has sent him also $500. So the extra money that you have got now you can deposit to my savings account. The book fund collection may be deposited in my savings account, and a monthly statement may be submitted how much is deposited in that account. When need be, I shall personally issue a check. That will keep the account clear. I am so much pleased to learn that you are collecting $200 per week from the book selling table. Thank you very much. I am also pleased to learn that the Spiritual Sky is making appreciable profit for expanding Krishna Consciousness and opening branches. I have given instruction to Tamala how to keep the branches going on simply on the strength of chanting the Mantra and following the rules and regulations. We shall always pray to Krishna that we are weak and Maya is very strong.

Letter to Sridama -- London 5 November, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 29, 1969 from Philadelphia along with your check for $642, and I thank you very much for your kind contribution. I am surprised to know that the actual collection was $1,750 and the doctors and lawyers, etc. have taken more than $1,000. Anyway, something is better than nothing. Whatever we have got will be used for Krishna's service. Yes, I always remember you for your kind personal attention upon me, and most probably, if you are not engaged otherwise, I shall call you when I return back to the States.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 15 December, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter with enclosures of one check for $60 and one bank receipt for $500. From the Book Fund this month I have spent a very large amount: $5,400. I have given two checks to Brahmananda, and Brahmananda has also sent me one check for $6,000. So this kind of transaction, printing of books and BTG and collection by selling, is very encouraging to me. Although there may not be any balance left, when we see we have so many books published and so many copies of BTG, that is our pleasure. So I am so glad that you are endeavoring to collect from different centers. If we print all our manuscripts, even at the cost price of materials as estimated by Advaita, I shall require at least $100,000.00. So let us go on. Krishna will help us. Let us try our best combinedly. That is our business.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1970:

The next thing is if you are in a position to pay L1,000/- (one thousand) per month. So far I know your collection at present moment is at the rate of L40-50/- (forty to fifty) per day. Now if you occupy this house, whether it will be possible for you to collect more money by some device of Prasadam distribution or otherwise. The idea is to make the big establishment in the big house, you will have to collect at least L100/- (one hundred) per day by some means or other.

Letter to Dinesh -- Los Angeles 22 January, 1970:

Salt should be added to the vegetables after they are in masala, it should not be cooked directly in the ghee. Regarding recipes for a cookbook, I think Yamuna devi has made one collection of Prasadam recipies so you may contact her in this connection.

Letter to Balmukundji Parikh -- Los Angeles 11 February, 1970:

The inmates of the temple may not take any collections from the street, so that will be great relief for them. We have no idea to go against the law of England, where begging is prohibited, neither are we beggars. You know very well that the six married couples whom I sent from America are all respectable, educated, cultured American boys and girls, and how with great difficulty they maintained themselves in London and at the same time preached the sankirtana movement which was certainly very effective. At the present moment the London Temple has got some status and if you kindly induce especially the Indian community to give them some monthly subscriptions for the bare necessities of the temple management, the inmates of the temple will completely stop taking collections from the street sankirtana. So far in India the sankirtana party has still got the right to collect. In America also we are collecting but I do not know why English law should prohibit them. Anyway I shall request you to help Gurudasa, Mukunda, Syamasundara, etc. to adjust the problem so that they may not be hampered in their advancement of Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 13 May, 1970:

Formerly when it was in the hand of Rayarama he was managing separately, then it came to your hand and the management is going on, but you never asked me for any payment in the matter of BTG. So I have asked Gargamuni to send you back the check which I understand you sent to him on this account for $5000. So I am simply interested in the book distribution, and whatever collection is made in this department may be paid to me either by you or by Gargamuni; and when there is question of printing books certainly I shall pay as I have been doing—that will simplify the matter.

Letter to Dinesh -- Los Angeles 26 June, 1970:

I am very glad to know that you are maintaining a nice program of Sankirtana in the Washington area. Yes, this Sankirtana is our prime means for attracting sincere souls back to Krsna consciousness, so continue to improve your Sankirtana as far as possible. It is very encouraging that you have received written permission from the police to chant and take collections. This permission is very important. Please send a copy of the letter to me for reference.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 10 July, 1970:

I am very glad to learn from your letter dated 2nd July that both yourself and Acyutananda went to Babu Ghat for chanting Hare Krsna. I am very glad to learn it. The same process I adopted in your country when I started my Sankirtana in Tompkins Square, New York. Krsna was so kind to send to me all these boys and girls who are helping me now. Babu Ghat is a very nice place. Similarly, in front of Babu Ghat there is the Eden Garden that is also a very nice place. After all it is not the question of the place, but it is the person who chants which is important. A sincere soul like you, so much devoted to Spiritual Master and Krsna is sure to be successful anywhere. So you adopt the same principle as we are doing here.

So far collection is concerned, if somebody offers money there is no reason to refuse it. Certainly there are many pseudo-Vaisnavas collecting money for sense gratification, but that does not mean that a pure Vaisnava will not collect.

Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 29 July, 1970:

I, the undersigned, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, presently author of the following books: Krsna; Nectar of Devotion; Easy Journey to Other Planets; Isopanisad; Bhagavad-gita As It Is; Srimad-Bhagavatam; Teachings of Lord Caitanya; Krsna Consciousness: The Topmost Yoga System, do hereby appoint Rupanuga das Adhikari, Bhagavan das Adhikari, and Karandhara das Adhikari for the purpose of the publishing of manuscripts and literatures made by me, distribution and collection and all other necessary paraphernalia in this connection. This trust is called the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Out of the three trustees, the majority decision will be carried.

At the present moment, the Krsna books are coming from Japan and they should be taken care of immediately. The present procedure is that Sriman Karandhara das Adhikari is looking after the business and collecting the fund. The same procedure should be followed and whenever there is a collection, it should be deposited in my bank account entitled ISKCON, INC. - BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST, number __ with the Security Pacific National Bank. And whenever there will be a new printing, on submission of the estimate I shall immediately advise the bank to remit as I am now doing. In the future, things will be done as it is necessary. All withdrawals are to signed by me exclusively.

Letter to Karandhara -- Tokyo 15 August, 1970:

Under the circumstances I shall request you to send as much as possible every week to this Bhaktivedanta Book Fund Deposit so that I may not feel any difficulty to meet my obligation.

Now you have in stock about 10,000 copies of KRSNA, face value of which is about $75,000, so kindly try to collect as much as possible and send your weekly collections to this deposit fund. Immediately you can send Durlabha's $500 and whatever book fund collection you have made and let me know by your next letter.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Tokyo 17 August, 1970:

I have got many inquiries and friendly invitations from many different parts of India, simply we want our place at Mayapur immediately, then everything will be in order. We will require a huge amount of money for constructing a Temple in Mayapur especially. I am glad that you are getting good collections also and there is good prospect of getting more. So if we work sincerely keeping faith in Krsna and Spiritual Master there will be no difficulty at all in our preaching work.

Letter to Karandhara -- Tokyo 22 August, 1970:

I have invited some of the directors of Dai Nippon to take lunch with me today and I may inquire if they have received further money. The bill is already for $32,000 for the books which I have ordered to be printed and over and above this if the amount for KRSNA II and Hindi BTG is added the amount will come to somewhere about $53,000. So kindly go on sending weekly whatever collection you make for the Book Fund.

I am so glad to learn that the management of the Temple is going nicely and the devotees are feeling transcendental pleasure. I understand from Tamala that the number of weekly guests has almost doubled. This is very good news. Who is taking care of my apartments? It should be cleansed at least twice a week and on the Altar of the Deity at least one incense may be offered daily.

Letter to Karandhara -- Amritsar 23 October, 1970:

P.S. Also let me know if you are sending book collection fund to Dai Nippon regularly

ACBS:ds

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 24 November, 1970:

If there is inconvenience, you may all come to Bombay. Your friend Jariwala has invited us to go to Surat in full strength. You may all go there directly or come to Bombay and we shall go together.

We are seriously trying to purchase a nice house here, so if possible send all collections (including the promised 25,000/-)in favor of International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Before coming here please ship the deities to U.S.A as it was arranged and see Mr. Trivedi of Scindia Steam Navigation in this connection.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 25 November, 1970:

Please see that KRSNA books are sold and the sales proceeds directly sent to Dai Nippon for credit of "Bhaktivedanta Book Fund". I have to pay still $10,000 to Dai Nippon for the order I have placed with them. The total amount was $35,000, out of which by collection from U.S.A. and something from my bank, we have paid $26,000, so another $10,000 is required. Please see that the book funds are immediately sent to Dai Nippon.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 26 November, 1970:

N.B. It appears that the collection is about Rs 6000.00. But you have not sent all the money. ACB

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 27 November, 1970:

Please send a list of the Members you have already made and how the collection is dispersed. Are the funds divided into 50% for the Temple Construction and 50% for the Book Fund? And a separate contribution for the Hamilton House.

If you want to take four men to raise the funds for purchasing the Hamilton House, I have no objection. We agree with Mr. Poddar that four men raising Rs. 25,000 each will be very nice. Side by side, you can try for the Alipore house just in front of the Judge's Court. Either the Alipore or the Hamilton house may be taken for our Calcutta branch.

If you are unable to open an account in Calcutta, then the collection money may be transferred to our bank here and I will keep separate account for it.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 28 November, 1970:

As you are a member of the governing body, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that 10,000 KRSNA books and 5,000 NODs were recently published. So the price of these books alone come to the point of about $100,000. If 50% even were collected, then it would have been $50,000. The present arrangement is that all book collection goes to Dai Nippon firm in Japan but so far money transferred there is only $21,000. That is 1/4 of the gross value. I think $50,000. at least should have been deposited there by this time. If I'm not wrong in my calculation, you can talk this matter amongst yourselves, especially Karandhara, and do the needful. I'm sure KRSNA will be accepted all over the world. In India also we are getting good response. Practically men are becoming life members just by seeing this book. We have no other asset at the present moment.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 28 November, 1970:

The problem is that book money isn't being properly collected. Big books like KRSNA and NOD: NOD, 5,000 books printed @ $4.00 = $20,000.; KRSNA - 10,000 printed at $8.00 = $80,000. for a total of $100,000. $70,000. or $80,000. should have been collected, but Karandhara has only collected $24,000. So where is the rest of the money? This means that the money is not being collected properly. What can be done? Also there were so many small booklets printed. Where is the collection for them also? If collections are not being made properly, then there will be a shortage of money. So how to adjust things?

Arrangements should be made so that book collection can be made properly. Also how the books are collected, how accounts are kept, how books are distributed. Then there will be no scarcity of money. Even if you take $5,000. to $10,000., that's all right so long as Karandhara can send to Dai Nippon at least $50,000. So what will be the cost of printing and folding 5,000 NODs? If Karandhara can't pay, I will see how to get it from here. (You can print and fold there and send here for collating and binding.)

Letter to Vamanadeva -- Surat 28 December, 1970:

I thank you very much for your kind letter dated December 11th, 1970, and have noted the contents with great satisfaction. I am very much willing to see your center at St. Louis, but for the time being the installation ceremony of Radha Krsna may be postponed until my further advice.

I am so glad to learn that you have increased the distribution of BTG to the extent of 3,000 per month. The collections from BTG Department may be immediately sent because they are in debt.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Karandhara -- Allahabad 17 January, 1971:

Please go ahead and print Bhagavad-gita as soon as possible. I am very pleased that you are regularly sending Dai Nippon for my "Bhaktivedanta Book Fund Deposit." Thank you very much for this good work. According to our account based upon Dai Nippon Credit Notes the total deposit up to and including the latest (No. 26) is $35,995. This is $500 more than your figure. The same discrepancy was noted to you some time back perhaps by Devananda. I have asked Dai Nippon for a complete statement of account to clear the matter. The money from Sai's group and the maintenance fund collection should be deposited for some solid work. We have to maintain ourselves from other sources. You can deposit the amount in my Bank of America Checking Account No. 3082-80075. In the meantime I have ordered the third printing of KRSNA Volume I, so I am confident of our distribution program's success if you all work on diligently. I am so pleased with your humble and sincere efforts in all these matters.

Letter to Central Bank of India -- Gorakhpur 15 February, 1971:

I beg to inform you that I am travelling all over the country and whenever there is some collection I transfer the money by mail transfer. I had no difficulty anywhere, but here in Gorakhpur it is the first time that a branch has charged for the transfer. Previous to this they did not charge. Neither in Surat, Amritsar, Allahabad, Indore, etc. did they charge for my mail transfer.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 26 February, 1971:

So far as securing $50.00 for each initiation into Hare Krishna Mantra, that is not compulsory. The system is that after initiations, each devotee should collect some alms to the best of his capacity either cash or something else and make a presentation to the Spiritual Master. This is called daksina. Without daksina the initiation ceremony is not perfect. The collection of alms is not necessarily to be $50. It may be $500.00 or $5.00; it doesn't matter. It depends on the capacity of the initiated person. But he should try and collect to the best of his capacity and try to collect and give to the Spiritual Master.

Letter to Advaita -- Bombay 18 March, 1971:

Regarding Bhagavad-gita As It Is, this book is very urgently required. You had previously quoted a price of $17,000. So why print in Dai Nippon for $20,000 and lose $3,000? If it is possible to print on our press, that is better, but if not then Dai Nippon may do the printing. It is understood that BTG department has become debtor to Dai Nippon by $52,000 and they wanted to stop printing on BTG. I have therefore immediately paid them $20,000 out of my book fund so that BTG may not be stopped. I think that there is a lack of management in realizing the return on BTG. The idea is like this: If you print 200,000 BTG and collect at least 25 cents per copy, the collection is $50,000. Out of that, $14,000 is paid to Dai Nippon. So why there should be scarcity of money? It is simply mismanagement.

Letter to Krsnakanti -- Bombay 11 April, 1971:

Push on your program at schools and colleges, vigorously, as you have been doing, and try to teach classes there also. That affords the ideal opportunity for introducing our books. Try and get KRSNA book and Bhagavad-gita AS IT IS recommended by the professors. Door to door Sankirtana is very nice program also, and a very nice means for distributing the books, so increase it more and more. And incense business is also picking up. These are all different opportunities to render service to the Lord. From now on all BTG and book fund collections should be remitted to Karandhara in L.A.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 19 April, 1971:

I am advising the bank to change the name of my Book Fund from "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Book Fund" to "International Society for Krishna Consciousness Book Fund". Kindly, therefore, regularly transfer by mail all collection of membership fees 50% to the Building Fund and 50% to the Book Fund. Similarly advise Gorakhpur also to do the same.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 April, 1971:

Regarding the shipment of Deities to L.A. I am writing to Jayapataka Maharaja to find out the position. I am glad to see from the copy of Temple payment record that you are paying timely at the rate of $2,000 per month. We must always remember that we are debtor for this amount and debts should not be neglected. According to vedic instruction, fire, debt and disease should never be neglected. They must be extinguished by all means. Regarding proposal of $8,000 loan to BTG being repaid at the rate of $1,000 monthly, it was not being paid, so $1,000 per month is better than no payment. Yes you can send the building Fund monies spent to New Vrndavana for development of our community project there. This collection may be utilized in this way after consulting the GBC whether New Vrindaban has been transferred to the Society?

Letter to Rupanuga -- Bombay 24 April, 1971:

So if you can send them another $10,000. immediately, they will be satisfied for the time being. I do not know exactly what the account is, but they are hesitating. They should be satisfied as much as possible. Their dealing and craftsmanship has always been very good so we must keep good relationship with them. Whatever BTG collection made should be quickly sent to Dai Nippon so that they will be pacified.

Recently I have received one letter from Hayagriva in which he wanted to know in 24 hours whether I could pay $20,000, but I have already given $20,000 to BTG. Besides that, New Vrindaban has to be developed very nicely but whether Hayagriva has already transferred the property to the society's name? This is required now. We require seven temples in New Vrindaban and 50% of the membership collection (Building fund) may be invested for this purpose. But Hayagriva should transfer the property to the society's name.

Our incense trademark should be registered now. I understand that there is one man in Bombay who has plagiarized our Spiritual Sky label, so we are serving him the proper notice to stop this plagiarizing business. So income is increasing there. That is very good. But in the winter season the collections are not so good so you should make some compensation for those months. The point is that there must not be any financial difficulty. If there is not sufficient engagement in the temple, the devotees should work outside, although if we can manage without our men working outside that is best.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 25 April, 1971:

There is so little money in the building account. This means it has been spent for eating and sleeping. If there are no funds in the building account, how you can expect to purchase a building? I understand that there are so many members there. If there is no money in the building fund, where has the money gone? Whenever any money is there, transfer it to the building fund and henceforward all collections should be sent.

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 17 May, 1971:

The local GBC members and myself are considering a penguin size and style for KRSNA book, paper back edition in three parts completing the two whole volumes and selling at a cheap price of 75 cents per one part. Three parts will cost only $2.25. So what is your idea? According to their opinion, this cheap paper bound KRSNA book will have tremendous market in USA and Europe. Do you advise that such book shall be printed? On hearing from you I shall do the needful. But in my heart I want that KRSNA book in small or large form, should be distributed in every home who are English-speaking people.

Yes, I advised Rupanuga to pay $10,000, but not from the book fund. Anyway, the book fund and BTG should be kept separate. Book fund collections should go to Dai Nippon now because I am thinking of printing small KRSNA books.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 8 June, 1971:

For printing of course the priority is Bhagavad-gita. But the $20,000. given by the book fund for BTG should be replaced first of all. That is priority. You can go on depositing in the checking a/c no. 308161625, Bank of America, Pico-La Cienega Branch. All BTG collections and any book fund collections should be deposited so that you are able to repay at the rate of $5,000 per month. Any book distribution collections over and above that may be used for printing of the books, and as you see fit.

So far I know, the press is not competent to take outside work, as I know it by their past dealings. 10% per printing costs for maintenance needs, that was the arrangement, but if the maintenance costs have to be taken up by the book fund, that will be a white elephant problem.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Brooklyn 27 July, 1971:

Enclosed please find a copy of a letter sent to the Manager, Central Bank of India, Camac Street Branch. Henceforward, you can send all book fund a/c collections to Bombay for credit in International Society for Krishna Consciousness Book Fund Account no. 14876, Gowalia Tank Branch, Bombay-26.

Also I have received one letter from Gurudasa Prabhu dated 21st July, 1971 and have noted the contents. I have received report from Bombay that things are going on very nicely there, so there is no need for him to go there at the present time.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Brooklyn 28 July, 1971:

I have learned from Giriraja that it is not possible to get any big donation. We have to construct the temple at Mayapur by collecting membership fees. So far I understand, the collection rate is at one member per day. So even it is so, then keeping this standard, we may collect 25,000 to 30,000 Rs. per month. Four months means one lakh. One year means three lakhs. So if we want to spend 25 lakhs at Mayapur, it will take 8 to 10 years. Do you think that is a practical proposal? So we should not imagine some big project unless we have got insurance from our admirers. This life membership program has proved a little successful, so continue it and form 3 or 4 parties to collect membership fees. As Giriraja and Revatinandana have formed one party, so you and Tamala form a party to approach respectable gentlemen to become life members.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- London 17 August, 1971:

In further reference to my letter dated 14th August, 1971, I understand from Syamasundara that you have engaged all our Sankirtana members of Amsterdam to work in a cigarette factory. I do not know how you could dare to do this without asking me or any other GBC members. Amsterdam is doing nicely in Sankirtana Party collections; why they should go to work in a cigarette factory? In your last letter to me also you tried to impress me that everyone should go to work. That is not our principle. Our principle is not to work like the karmi or under a karmi. We are not sudras. Sudras are meant for working under somebody, not brahmanas. If you do not know this principle, you should know it now. All our men living in the temple are basically brahmanas. Otherwise, why they are offered sacred thread?

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 20 August, 1971:

So far the quality of paper, that depends on the Indian market. But so far our society is concerned, we are maintaining first class literature produced but if there is difficulty what can I say? But you can make a cheaper edition for the general people. That is all right.

I have seen your financial statement for July but the same thing is going on. The collection was Rs 21,000/ but the deposit Rs 15,000/. Therefore Rs 6,000/ was eaten up or otherwise. So how things can be managed? This is going on since the beginning. Some practical proposal must be there. If 25% of the collection is spent up in this way then I do not know how to manage things. Please give me your practical solution how things can be changed.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 1 September, 1971:

Regarding collections, all this collection must go to the building fund. Now we have got good beginning. R.D. Birla has given Rs 25,000/; B.M. Birla another Rs 25,000/ and Bajoria will contribute also. In this way if you simply catch 100 contributors each paying Rs 25,000/ then immediately our Mayapur scheme is successful. To find out such 100 men will not be at all difficult because it is headed by Birla and others will follow. So we have to pick them out throughout India—Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi and Madras. If we spend 25 to 30 lakhs Rupees then our Mayapur program will be a great success. So we have to do it. It will be a world center for teaching spiritual life. Students from all over the world will come and we shall revolutionize the atheistic and communistic tendency of rascal philosophers. So we must be responsible for this great task. Not for a single moment shall we be without ISKCON thought. That is my request to you all.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Mombassa, Kenya 16 September, 1971:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 7th September, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. So far taking collections of Rs. 25,000/ each from 100 men if you can make this program successful, then you will fulfill the desire of Krishna very brilliantly. We must have a nice center at Mayapur because we are expecting there students from all over the world. Plans of the temple have already been made and you should have received them by now. The buildings should be exactly in the same pattern. The size may be changed according to the engineering technology. I have shown in London the Westminster Abbey to Syamasundara, Bhavananda and Nara Narayana. Perhaps you have also seen it. I want the inside just like the Westminster Abbey. You will understand from the plans what is my desire in this connection.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Nairobi 5 October, 1971:

To follow this policy that the membership fees are not touched is very good. Other collections may be spent by you but don't spend extravagantly because we have got very heavy responsibility. Everything should be done very cautiously. And because we are a registered society, accounts must be submitted with proper regulative principles. Otherwise it may not be accepted. So far the books sent to Nepal, they should return the money for being deposited in the book and building fund or if they open an account there separately, then they should pay for the books, actual price, so that the accounts may be kept clearly.

Letter to Karandhara -- Nairobi 16 October, 1971:

Another point is that I have advised Nairobi center and so we have already registered the society in the companies act and we have got a post box number also, as given above and we have our bank account also. We are getting membership fees very encouragingly. If they work hard then at least they can get one member daily, and besides that they are collecting nicely on the street Sankirtana. So I have proposed that 50% of the membership fee may be sent directly to Dai Nippon and 75% of the direct sales collection may also be directly sent, and that they get the books on consignment, or without paying on delivery. The idea is that 50% of the membership collection as it is already settled up should go to the book fund, so they will directly remit, whereas direct sales of books, 75% to the book fund and 25% they keep for expenditure. So how do you like this idea? Besides that whether you would like them to send money directly to Dai Nippon or to you. I think if they send directly to Dai Nippon and send you a copy for your information, then you can keep accounts properly and the matter becomes simplified. So consider over these points and let me know your decision.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Jaipur 19 January, 1972:

Regarding distribution of magazines, you write each center and ask them how many copies they want. All collections from books and magazine sales should be sent to the Bombay Book Fund Account No. ISKCON Book Fund,* and if temples can pay for magazines in advance that is better, but they may also pay after receiving the magazines, within 30 days. All necessary expenditures will be paid by check from the Book Fund. For petty expenses, not exceeding Rs. 200/- may be kept with you always and everything should be accounted for with vouchers. No such items should be mentioned as "miscellaneous." Anyone who takes money personally for miscellaneous expenditures must sign a voucher—this is accounting. The plain business is that the press is to be submitted the manuscript, they will print and deliver, and then for distributing our office will take necessary action. The magazines should be sent according to the order of the different centers and they should be responsible for the payment of the bill, and when bills are collected, money should be directly deposited in Book Fund Account.

Letter to Giriraja -- Bombay 23 March, 1972:

Now Brahmananda is in charge here, and there is a huge land and we are occupying it in tents and small cottages like Mayapur cottage and the work is immense. So Gargamuni is collecting also not less than two Life Members daily, but his collection goes toward our Vrindaban construction work. So now things are not going very nicely in Nairobi because Brahmananda has left, so I shall have to send him back there tomorrow, therefore I wanted that you should come here to assist Madhudvisa and __ by collecting profusely, and I think there will be no difficulty here because there is such rich population. Madhavananda can go from Mayapur to Calcutta to help Bhavananda collect there, and you shall come here at the soonest.*

Letter to All Temple Presidents -- Tokyo 22 April, 1972:

The Book Trust shall see to the printing and distribution to Centers of books and magazines and it will be the serious responsibility of each Temple President to see that the billed amounts for these are paid to the BTG and Book Funds regularly. The billings and collections shall come from and to Los Angeles where Karandhara dasa will collect and keep accounts. We request that everyone will take these formulas to heart and execute them very conscientiously. In this way we shall certainly be successful in pushing on this movement.

Letter to Giriraja, Cyavana -- Tokyo 25 April, 1972:

You may take money from Mr. Jayan in Calcutta if you require. Either in books or in cash, you will be supplied. I have just heard from Karandhara that he has dispatched several thousand paperback editions of Krishna Book to Bombay, so you may make arrangement how to sell these immediately, and for CCP permission you correspond with Gurudasa in Vrindaban. If you get from Mr. Jayan, simply hold in safe deposit box, and, as required, withdraw in smaller amounts and enter in the books as "Chit Collection," or "Misc. Contributions," or like that. One thing, how much you have deposited since I left India? I want to see a copy of each months' Building Fund Account statement for my records also, so Mahamsa may send regularly. I think that you are both doing very nicely in all respects there, along with Mahamsa and Saurabha, and I am putting all trust and confidence in you all nice boys to perfect this Juhu scheme for Krishna's pleasure. Thank you all very very much.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Tokyo 25 April, 1972:

In Vrindaban we can begin this prasadam distribution program also. Of course, there are many chatras for distributing, but we shall give them also Krishna Consciousness, that will be unique. And very soon Tamala Krishna is going to Bangladesh, so he shall initiate a huge prasadam distribution program there, so I don't think your estimate has been too high—in fact, we may very soon have to increase it, as they are distributing in Bombay extensively, and if you begin that program in Vrindaban. Cloth also we shall get, enough cloth from Bombay and Ahmedabad mill owners, as soon as the public begins to appreciate this prasadam distribution. So kindly consider it very much important to begin this collection of foodstuffs from your government immediately for dividing among our India and Bangladesh centers.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Tokyo 26 April, 1972:

Ksirodakasayi is in charge of the building and other things in Vrindaban, along with Gurudasa and you are in charge of the financial aspect of Vrindaban project. I have asked that the fence be built, and they have got it done very cheaply. You can sometimes go to Vrindaban to see, but your job is to take the Sankirtana party out for collecting. They shall be able to manage very well there, of this I am sure. So far decorating my rooms, give this job to Yamuna. Collection of grains has been done very nicely by Gurudasa from the American government. Plans of the temple, detailed program—all these things are already taken care of, they are not your job. The real thing, money, is in your hands. Tamala Krishna has already taken his party to Bangladesh, so any assistance you can give him by way of advice or addresses will help. But you should concentrate on book sales and collecting with your SKP in various rich quarters in India. Now we have sent many books lately to India, Gurudasa has got a full description, and he is getting CCP clearance permission. Now you settle amongst yourselves on some programme for distributing these and many other books, I don't care at what price __ sell, because all you can collect will go for building for Vrindaban, and Mayapur only, no question of 50/50 division. The books are being sent to you free, so you raise money __ In the absence of Madhudvisa, you take charge of the school __ Sarasvati's arati will help. I have given her the name leader __ very happy when she's called leader. Our Purusottama das brahmacari was criticizing me for having little attachment with Sarasvati, and for that offense he had to leave the Society.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Honolulu 16 May, 1972:

Why you have not mentioned Mayapur in your letter? Now the Building Fund is fixed up in Bombay, and all the Life Member collections and Building Fund collections must go there. Giriraja has written you one letter but you have not replied it. Life Member money cannot be spent for eating and sleeping. The landlord K. Prasad Singharoy has written me one letter complaining that there was a fight between our men and some outsiders, servant class men, and he says that it is disturbing to the whole area. Perhaps he's designing to eject us on these grounds. I shall be glad to hear from you what is the actual position.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Honolulu 17 May, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 5, 1972, and I have noted the contents. Yes, we shall personally supervise everything there at Mayapur, instead of giving everything to contractor. The engineer may simply see that things are being done properly and we shall see that the labor is working properly. Purchase first-class building materials, then there will be first-class building. So far your recommendation for getting money, this arrangement is approved. Accounts and money should be in one place. You have already got Rs. 1,10,000 from me, so if you submit account of this expenditure, you will receive more. All collections and Life Membership money should go to Bombay for deposit in the Building Fund. It is understood that Giriraja has asked Bhavananda for the Life Membership collections, but Bhavananda has not replied. What is the reason? Please do the needful. This fund shall never be used for maintenance. If there is shortage of maintenance, that fund will be also supplied from Bombay.

Letter to Giriraja -- London 13 July, 1972:

Why you shall send Mayapur a monthly allowance? The plan was that Calcutta or Tamala Krishna was to maintain Mayapur. How is it Calcutta is not sending collections to Bombay? Unless they send their collections you cannot pay them anything. Bhavananda and yourself, you consult and do the needful. Why everything is referred to me? I instructed that Calcutta should support Mayapur. Otherwise what is the use of maintaining such big establishment in Calcutta?

Letter to Bhavananda -- London 14 July, 1972:

I have notified Karandhara to send you the ten Krsna Books as you have requested, but in future I want at least two signatures to be there. One thing is, I have heard that Jayapataka is requesting Giriraja that Bombay should send maintenance allowance to Mayapur monthly. But I instructed in the beginning that Calcutta should maintain Mayapur. Also, you are not sending your collections regularly to Bombay, so how they can support you? If Bombay is maintaining, what are others doing, eating and sleeping? Why does Jayapataka want allowance? Anyone who cannot collect money, they should go to Mayapur and live there and simply eat and sleep, like women and widows. I shall arrange for their eating and sleeping. But in cities, those should live who can collect and earn. The widows are not earning in Hindu society, they eat and sleep at others' expense. So if you are not able to earn in Calcutta, better all go to Mayapur and eat and sleep and I shall accommodate all widows, women, and others at Mayapur and Vrindaban. Otherwise why should we maintain such large establishment in Calcutta simply for eating and sleeping and spending. These two places will be reserved for those who cannot collect. For them I am making provision. Only the active members who can collect, they shall live in the city. Eating, sleeping members, they shall live in Mayapur, that's all.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Amsterdam 29 July, 1972:

Hamsaduta has promised to arrange for getting one German van for your party in India, and he will send some men there by driving it to India very soon. If so many men are coming forth to offer you all cooperation, why not take collection from them for new slide projector? That is not very big thing, so I think you can manage. In Bombay they have got very big work to collect for their Juhu building scheme, so they may not be bothered ___ small thing of slide-projector, but I have requested Giriraja ___ give you all cooperation and whatever you want you give __ and I am enclosing one copy of that letter to Giriraja.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Amsterdam 30 July, 1972:

Regarding funds, we are supplying for building purposes from here, but if there is emergency, then Giriraja can help. But for the present we are sending whenever you have requested. But your form of requesting has not been as we had arranged, therefore there has been delay. I told you at least two must sign, but in the last request from Bhavananda, even he did not sign, the letter was not even signed by one person! Try to be very careful in these matters at all times, we are doing very responsible work. And so far the maintenance, Calcutta is taking care, so there is no problem. Yes, you are correct, all membership and book collections shall be sent to Bombay, donations for maintenance may be kept there and spent locally, unless they are very sizeable, then they can go to Bombay.

Letter to Yadubara -- Vrindaban 11 November, 1972:

Thank you very much for your letter dated October 30, 1972, and I am very much pleased to hear that things are going nicely in Bombay, so far the printing of books is concerned. Now the problem is half solved. Now you are printing books, and you have got many books from America, but how shall we distribute them, that is the point? Harikesa has told me that no one is there who can distribute, and there is no scheme for distributing, so why we shall attempt printing and importing so many books if there is no distributing? What is your plan in this connection? I have also received report that there is some difficulty for maintaining the devotees peacefully, so that they may not fall sick and lose hope. So if there is shortage of money for maintenance, I have no objection if you divert some of the money from advertisements collection to improve the sanitary and health conditions. But most essential thing is, if you improve the preaching programme, automatically everything else will improve, Krishna will give you all facilities. So I think there is plan to have each night one outside engagement for preaching and holding kirtana. That is very good proposal. But do not neglect also our own programme at Juhu.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

Now you are requesting money for supplies, that's all right, but I have not seen the accounts for the money you have spent to date. That you should also supply. But I think Mr. Sarkar is inspired to cooperate with us, and he is very expert, so I do not worry on that account. But record of expenditures must be there, that is standrd procedure. I was informed that the party of Yasodanandana and Mahamsa will forward all collections to Vrindaban, but I do not know if they have done it. Mahamsa is coming to Bombay in a few days time and I shall request him to do immediately. We have completed our pandal programme of Hare Krishna Festival in Ahmedabad and it was very, very successful. On the last night the huge pandal was filled completely, at least 10,000 or 15,000 attendance. So far Yasodanandana's party, I have just got one letter from them and they shall remain at the following address for one month more:

(SECRETARY'S NOTE)

In Mayapur they are also requiring about Rs. 50,000 monthly for the work, and for that they are managing with travelling party and temple collection of Calcutta. So you collect from Delhi and spend, and for the rest these other parties will send. I have got report that Yasodanandana has collected more than Rs. 20,000 for Vrindaban, so you have not to worry about anything. But you must keep accurate accounts how it is spent and send me. So far Saurabha is concerned, I have left him at Hyderabad to design our temple there on the land donated for that purpose in the busiest marketplace of central Hyderabad city. But if you invite him to come there from time to time, I have no objection.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay 31 December, 1972:

Studying the figures I can see that beginning in the month of September, after we had discussed everything at New Vrndaban at end August, the net savings total has almost tripled each month over the previous highest month's total for August of $8,500. Now December is finished and I think in your country this month is the best month for spending, being the Christmas season, so I shall be anxious to see what was your collection for December and what was your net savings. I note also that your expenses have remained almost constant for so many months, except for the money paid to book fund, which is increasing more and more, so that is the best system: pay to the books fund larger and larger sums, keep other expenses constant as much as possible or reduce. But one thing is, you were spending $900 monthly for deity expenses, and still you are spending $900, so if total income is increasing more than double, why not increase also expense for the deity? We may spend anything and everything for the deity, as long as there is no scarcity, and by that lavish spending to glorify Radha and Krsna, they will become very much pleased upon you and bless you more and more.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay 31 December, 1972:

Of course by their collecting more money and giving to Krsna, He will relieve them of all anxiety of telling lies. But not everyone is able to catch the big fish without themselves becoming wet. I am convinced that if you simply glorify Krsna and our books in the best descriptive manner, that anyone and everyone, no matter even atheist or otherwise, they can be convinced to purchase. Of course that is a great art and not everyone can do it, but gradually by practice of preaching in this way, striving to so much present a wonderful picture of our books to the people, gradually you will master the trick how to do it. Being the senior devotee there, you may give the younger students all good instruction and advice how to do this, but not for any reason shall we decrease the book sales and collection monthly over some small lying about Bangladesh or other things.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Bhavananda -- Bombay 3 January, 1973:

Now diligently and tactfully handle this matter, it is a very very good sign that our Tarun Babu and Mr. Bajoria are working together and promising to raise Rs. 2 lacs for Mayapur. If this is actually collected, then at least 5 lacs more can be collected just by advertising their 2 lacs collection.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Sydney 18 February, 1973:

You may also discuss together the question of whether a pandal program in Delhi will detract from our collection of funds for the Vrindaban program. I do not think this will be the case, but it seems the collection field will increase with the pandal program. But you please discuss it with the senior men there in India, and then you may send me your joint decision for approval. I hope this meets you in good health.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Calcutta 28 June, 1973:

Please let me know how much you have deposited in the BBT account since you have taken a loan of 1 lac 50,000 on the Mayapur scheme. I have advised Gargamuni Maharaja to deposit part of his collection to the BBT account against the loan. The BBT is in the Gwalior Tank Road Branch, Central Bank of India, but Gargamuni Maharaja says you have opened another account in the Indian Overseas Marine Lines. Please let me know what is this idea? I never knew of it. Your early reply will be much appreciated.

Letter to Isvara -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 17 July, 1973:

Such sankirtana activity can be done with the devotees of our temple in Scotland, but cannot be done independently. If you wish to live separately you have to earn your livelihood by business, by taking some employment to maintain your home and family. But not by chanting in the street; this is not a good idea for householders. For example, here at Bhaktivedanta Manor the boys and girls go out every day, including householders who are living in householder quarters within the Manor, and they go door to door and take some collection in exchange for books, and in this way we maintain the establishment. All over the world we maintain our centers by such begging, or selling our books. But this is not allowed independent of our established ISKCON centers, so please do not do it; that is my request. As far as opening another center in Argyll, where devotees can come and live and where regular kirtanas may be held for guests, that prospect you can take up with Shayamasundar who is GBC for Great Britain.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 20 July, 1973:

Now you have taken a loan of Rs 1,50,000 from the BBT, so with these excellent collections you are now taking I request you to fill up that debt and then collect further, and the balance I shall arrange. I have read how you have dispersed your recent collections to repay BBT, and Vrindaban construction and it is all right. Please deal cautiously and do not spend unnecessarily.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 25 July, 1973:

Now Madhavananda and his wife have arrived. Kausalya is an expert Deity worshiper and an important hand in our movement, so she and Yamuna, two sisters can be very useful in Deity worship there. Keep Kausalya comfortable and she can be a great help. Madhavananda can be engaged in collections.

I think all respectable gentlemen will come and you can arrange for that. Our temple is the only Krsna Balarama temple in Vrindaban and it will be so attractive that people will automatically come and see. That quarter is aristocratic and our temple is unique. From Bombay and Delhi we can rent rooms in the temple. This is called bhetnama. Perhaps you may know. The room is used by the contributor for lifetime then it becomes again the property of the temple.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 8 August, 1973:

es! Hrsikesananda Maharaja may collect money for Vrindaban, that will be nice. But I notice that you are to collect one Lakh only, how is that? You are GBC so you should collect more than the others, you should collect the highest amount. One thing is that the Hyderabad scheme is hazy, so that collection may be spent for Vrindaban. See the correspondence with Mahamsa above. Yes! your idea to install Krishna Balarama first is all right. It would be nice if all the deities can be installed at the same time, but if it is not possible then installation of Krishna and Balarama is all right.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 8 August, 1973:
So pay immediately another 30,000 Rs/. and free the second 50,000 Rs/.

The collections from your part meant for Vrindaban may be sent later because the construction is going on there. First of all fill up if you are serious about negotiations. I have met Mr. Therany in Zurich and he is a nice gentleman, he will pay as promised, so keep him satisfied.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 3 December, 1973:

Since leaving India, I have not heard from you. Guru das has written that the work has stopped in Vrndaban for want of finances. What is the position of your collections in New Delhi? I am arranging to collect and send money from here for the Vrindaban project and I also want you to concentrate on collecting there. We want to finish this project as soon as possible so that we will have our Center firmly fixed up in Vrindaban. Kindly report to me the progress in this connection.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 9 January, 1974:

The money sent by Tamala Krsna Goswami is given by Bhogilal Patel, and Giriraja told me that was his contribution for the temple. Never mind, you can employ all collections in India for the asrama, but the money I shall take will be devoted to finishing the temple. For finishing my quarters I don't think it will require more than Rs 5,000. Do the needful and I am coming with the required money. But what you have heard from Giriraja, some utopian 22 lacs, is not correct. So begin work immediately.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Honolulu 19 January, 1974:
N.B. Henceforward all collections for Vrindaban Temple Construction should be deposited in this newly opened fund account, number 230, Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh, New Delhi.
Letter to All ISKCON Centers -- Vrindaban 14 March, 1974:

Now that our ISKCON is growing into a huge, world wide organization, it has come to my attention that sometimes centers are printing my literature, taking collection and spending all outside the jurisdiction of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This must not go on.

I specifically formed the BBT to invest in it exclusive rights for the printing of all literature containing my teachings, writings and lectures. In this way the collections are to be divided fifty percent for printing new books and fifty percent for construction of temples.

Letter to Ranchor -- Vrindaban 15 March, 1974:

As for supporting your preaching financially, if you are a preacher you can take a donation from the audience. When I was in the U.S.A. I was taking collection and the people were paying. Don't demand but you can ask and there is no harm.

Yes, I did not approve of your starting you own magazine. You can write articles for Back to Godhead magazine. Why attempt separately?

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay. 31 March, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 20, 1974. I have noted the contents and duly received receipts for money deposited in the Union Bank.

I understand three checks totalling $1,278.21 are sent for collection to various countries and you will notify me when these are credited to my account at the Union Bank.

In your letter you made no reference to my letter of March 15 to you, and I am therefore enclosing a copy of same. Please let me hear from you on this. I want arrangement that the money from my interest of the Certified Deposit arrive at the Punjab National Bank three days after remittance by the bank in the U.S. If the Union Bank cannot arrange this I want you to inquire to see if the Security Pacific Bank is able to do it, as stated in my letter of March 15.

Letter to Bhaktijana -- Bombay 10 April, 1974:

Now that the building there is complete, we are making it an ideal asrama. So if you go back there, you must find a suitable engagement. It is not a place simply for sleeping. If you think you can find suitable engagement there and stay always engaged either in chanting, reading, cleaning or some other work, then it will be nice. As far as funds for returning there, you will have to take collection there in New York. So I think this plan, as suggested by you, is best.

Letter to Paramesvari -- Bombay 17 May, 1974:

I understand that for over two months since Brahmananda Swami has been away from Africa, you have been in charge of the Nairobi center. This is a great responsibility. Brahmananda Swami has noted that you have not only maintained the center but in his absence on your own taken collection and done the necessary work so that now the temple building is owned by us. I have always wanted this for our Nairobi center. So it is a great credit for you. Therefore this work you are doing for maintaining the African devotees, teaching them the rules and regulations of Krishna Consciousness, is the most important work of the work and I thank you very much.

Letter to Aksayananda , Pancadravida -- Paris 14 June, 1974:

Do not be discouraged if so far the collections have not been very great in terms of money. More important than the results is the activity. Krsna wants to see that you are fully engaged with all sincerity in preaching His glories; that will please Him, not a certain amount of money. Moreover, if you remain determined in that activity, then automatically the results will come. It is like a woman who becomes married; if she immediately desires to have a child, that is not possible. But because she is associating with her husband, after due time, in 9 months she may have a child. We have to be enthusiastic, determined and patient in the execution of our duties.

Continue to send your collections to the BBT in Bombay. I shall be glad to hear the progressive reports of your preaching, and now you may report regularly to Karandhara Prabhu and take up management affairs with him, as he has gone today to India to take over GBC affairs. Hope this finds your sankirtana party members in good spirits by careful following of all regulative principles.

Letter to Pancadravida, Aksayananda -- Melbourne 28 June, 1974:

Your report that a Christian gentleman became a life member being attracted to our books is also our experience. Just today we spoke at a seminary in Melbourne, Australia, and the young Franciscan monks listened very respectfully. When speaking to Christians we never say our religious system is better than theirs but we speak on the principles of love of God, Sa vai pumsam paro dharmo (SB 1.2.6). They become convinced and pleased to hear our explanations of God consciousness based on the Vedic conclusion—if they are at all sincere. So whenever you come upon such gentlemen or institutions try to place our books there and make them life members also.

I shall be glad to hear from you again. Be sure to regularly send all collections to the BBT.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Vrindaban 16 August, 1974:

With regard to the collections of Gurukrpa Swami that he pays to DNP henceforth, the equivalent amount should be transferred to India as follows: 50% to Mayapur Project in care of American Express Calcutta ISKCON a/c # 090031; and 50% to Vrindaban Project direct.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Vrindaban 30 August, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 20, 1974 and have noted the contents. I note that Gurukrpa Swami will pay Dai Nippon $150,000 at the end of September and you will pay the Mayapur-Vrindaban account after October 8, 1974. It is good that he will be sending his collections thereafter directly to my account here in India.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Vrindaban 7 September, 1974:

Now you publish in German language all our books and distribute. Krsna will help you in every respect. The BBT collection should be spent 50% for publishing and 50% for construction of temples. At the present moment the Mayapur-Vrindaban projects are going on, so as soon as there is an excess of money it should be utilized here. Not a single farthing should be invested in any business enterprise. Formally it was so done without any sanction. So be careful. Regarding printing, you can print in U.S.A. or any other country. U.K. also has big presses, I have heard that Belgium is also good. Also Holland, and Germany is also good.

Letter to Madhavananda -- Vrindaban 16 September, 1974:

The Indians are there for so many years, but they had no place. There are so many Hindu centers but no life. Here is life, as I can see in these pictures. It is good that you are making a parking lot, and that you are splitting the collection for BBT and construction.

Krsna is giving you chance because you want to serve. It is all Krsna's grace. Krsna says "tesam satatam yuktanam . . ." Anyone who is sincerely engaged in My service I give him the intelligence. So if Krsna gives the intelligence who can compete with you? Krsna is the most intelligent.

Letter to Ramesvar Prabhu -- Vrindaban:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 11, 1974. In response to Srila Prabhupad has asked me to write you that what you have deducted from Guru Kripa's collection should also be transferred to Bombay account immediately. BBT must pay for these things, not that it should be deducted from the money being sent here for construction.

Letter to Giriraj Prabhu -- Vrindaban 19 September, 1974:

Ramesvar also informs that you have received there the equivalent of dollars 7,500 from Life Members, so this should also be sent by you here to Vrindaban is the some manner, He has deducted this amount from what he has transferred from Guru Kripa's collection.

I am also informed that you have received Rs. 50,000/- for a donation for Vrindaban project, so please arrange for this immediate transfer as well.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Vrindaban 20 September, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 9, 1974 with enclosed deposit slip. Regarding the collections of Gurukrpa Swami I have instructed to Ramesvara that the entire amount should be transferred to the Bombay American Express account. Ramesvara has written that he has sent only a portion of the collection.

Regarding the Dollars 40,000.00 in Hawaii, Dollars 5,000.00 has been lent to Sudama das Goswami, and I have called for Dollars 35,000.00 for purchasing land here in Vrindaban. I have advised Liberty Bank to transfer the amount to Bank of America Branch No. 600, and I have advised Bank of America to transfer the amount via telegraphic transfer to Punjab National Bank New Delhi with special instructions to transfer to their Vrindaban Branch account 668. So kindly see that this is properly done.

Letter to Giriraja -- Mayapur 20 October, 1974:

I have seen the BBT Memo to all centers dated October 16, 1974 together with the inventory of book stock prepared by Bhugarbha das. Now henceforward you make the following arrangement for getting payment from the temples for BBT. For all book orders the BBT will present the invoice and shipping documents to your bank a/c BBT for collection. The orders may be shipped by rail, so the temples will pay the invoice amount in order to receive the shipping documents from the Bank, and then collect the goods. Now that the inventory has been sent to all centers, there should be no complaint that there are no books being made available. Let them pay for what they order, and you fill the orders promptly, so there should be no difficulty.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 15 November, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 8, 1974 with enclosure of emigration application. I shall keep it aside and inform you. Regarding your question about collecting, whatever money sent it is all the hand of Krishna. When Krishna gives, you get. Don't be disappointed if you do not get any collection after working. Always depend on Krishna, and everything will be all right. Fight and depend on the results on Krishna. yudhyasva vigata-jvarah, fight without being lethargic, Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita.

Pushing on this movement, I had to face so many difficulties throughout since I left my home. I lived in Delhi at Sakur Basti because the rent was cheaper there, and I could not even take an apartment in Delhi. Then I was provided with a room at Chippi Walla, Radha Krishna temple, wherein I was able to keep my publication office.

But, by Krishna's grace we are situated on a standard footing. Let us maintain this position cooperatively, and always pray to Krishna that we may not spoil what Krishna has already given us. Try to make improvement more and more.

Regarding you question about keeping open the Deity doors in the early morning, yes you can do it. That is done in Vrindaban also. Regarding the collections, the books are increasing, so 50% should go to BBT and 50% to construction, but if needed, then that money can be spent in other ways.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Hiranyagarbha -- Bombay 4 January, 1975:

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.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Mexico City 15 February, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Feb. 8th, 1975 and have noted the contents. Thank you very much for sending the book reviews. Send more if you can. These are very very encouraging. I am keeping a collection of these reviews and I show them to big big scholars and professors when they come to see me. They are very impressed.

Letter to Mrs. Mohini H. Singh -- Brooklyn 6 March, 1975:

So, the spirit soul is within the body. Unless we catch up the spirit soul within the body, there is no question of spiritual life or culture. Still, we are trying to push this movement in the western countries and many of them are taking it very seriously. I hope Sriman Kirtanananda Maharaja will be able to convince you further in the meeting and I hope you will give him some time to speak on the subject matter on my behalf. Further in order to convince people more about this movement philosophically and scientifically, we have published up to date about 50 books. So, if you kindly give me a nice booth for demonstration of the books, it will be a great opportunity to introduce our literature amongst the intelligent class of men. Our books are already recognized by the academic section of universities. They are a standard, authorized collection and I hope you will give us proper facilities to utilize the opportunity.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 9 March, 1975:

I have received notice from Saurabha in Vrndavana that we owe 25,000 rs. to the Mukutwala and another 12,500 rs. to Lalita Prasada, and he says that still there are many other deity goods that only been ordered and not paid for. So, I request you to please send the equivalent of at least 30,000 rs. to Vrndavana because there are no collections coming in at this time for the deities and you have ordered this paraphernalia. You should send this money to the Bank of America in Bombay in favor of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Mayapur Vrndavana Fund) account number 16026. Address is Express Towers, Nariman Point, Bombay-1. Please send me a copy of the bank receipt after you send the money.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 21 June, 1975:

It is my habit to see that money is not being squandered. If money is spent unnecessarily, I feel very badly. You are collecting with great effort, and I do not like to see it spoiled. I am thinking that Guru-krpa's collections may be used for book publishing only. He can print books in Japan and send there to you for selling in India. From these sales, you can spend 50% on construction and 50% on Hindi publishing. And anyone who can manage such an organization, he can manage the BBT. But one must do it. It is simply a matter of organization. We can send you unlimited number of books. You simply have to apply your brain how to sell them. Then you will have plenty of money. This my mission you know started when I came alone to your country by selling my books, and still whatever money we are getting it is coming from the book selling. So it is already proven how important the book-selling is.

Letter to Giriraja -- Evanston, Illinois 4 July, 1975:

I have received your report via telephone and it is a very good news that you have received the NOC for the construction of the temple. So, you begin the work, and money will come to you by the grace of God. Don't worry, just finish the buildings as soon as possible and somehow or other money will come. In Bombay you collect as much as you can, and the balance money will be sent rest assured. I am instructing Ramesvara to send Gurukrpa's collection to Bombay. So you just finish all the buildings as soon as possible. You must also keep proper account. Not a single farthing should be wasted. I will see the accounts personally when I return to Bombay.

Letter to Gurukrpa -- Evanston, Illinois 4 July, 1975:

I may inform you that we have received the permission for constructing our Juhu temple. I want that your collection should be sent there so that the buildings may be completed as soon as possible.

Letter to Gurukrpa -- Evanston, Illinois 8 July, 1975:

Regarding your request to divert $5,000.00 from your collection to purchase a vehicle for the Hawaii farm costing $8,000.00 does the farm require this? Does it mean that without this truck they cannot develop? Actually I do not think it is a very good place. There is no water arrangement. The temple is not being maintained properly. They are keeping long hairs and not living responsibly. I do not think it is good to put good money after bad. So I have asked the GBC's that are here to discuss this, and the conclusion was that if you can make profit from selling the property, then it should be done. They said that the property was purchased for $60,000.00 and now is worth $100,000.00 So why not sell it and make profit.

Letter to Hasyakari -- Evanston, Illinois 8 July, 1975:

Now Gurukrpa Swami and his men are working very hard to raise money for construction of our important projects in India. He has raised objection why his collections should be used for other purposes such as plane fare, etc.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Philadelphia 14 July, 1975:

Regarding Narottamananda das, no he cannot marry a second wife. If he wants to do so, he can leave our temples. We will not support him and his wives. I have written to him separately in this matter.

Yes, you can use BBT payments from the temples for printing the books. I paid Giriraja three lakhs from the Book Fund and Gargamuni was also given money from the Book Fund. Besides this there are the regular collections, so use this money.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Berkeley 17 July, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 12, 1975 and have noted the contents. So it is all right that Aksayananda Swami travels and collects provided that the management of Vrindaban does not suffer. This collecting is also preaching. But not only collection, but expenditure must also be stabilized and srutinized. Nothing should be spent extravagantly. That you have to see. Do not bother my brain how to do it. I have put you in charge how to do it.

Regarding purchasing a car, why not purchase one Mercedes car, so when I am in India I can utilize it. I do not like very much the Ambassador car.

Letter to Gurukrpa -- Dallas 29 July, 1975:

From your telephone conversation with Brahmananda Swami I understand you have paid DNP another $28,000.00. You are keeping 10 men there in Japan, and even if the collection will not be so much as you were doing, that is all right, just as long as it goes on. Regarding setting up a jewelry business in Japan, that is all right. That the men started with $50 and now have $25,000 worth of stock is a good business. Are they our men?

Regarding investing in a new restaurant, it doesn't matter it may be $100,000. If there is profit there, then you can invest. I want that all of our householders be engaged in managing these restaurants.

Letter to Gurukrpa -- Vrindaban 26 August, 1975:

You are GBC so you must stop all this from going on. The best procedure is that the Treasurer takes all money collected and immediately writes it in the book and then daily deposits everything in the bank. None of the collection should be used for spending. All expenditures should be done by check as far as possible. Check means two signatures, so in this way this nonsense will be stopped. Please see that all temples are following this system. These report are very much disturbing to me. How can I translate?

Letter to Aksayananda -- Bombay 9 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 5, 1975 and have noted the contents. Regarding the Life Member collection, Rs. 20,000/- collected locally is not a joke. To collect so much from visitors is Krishna's grace. This is very good. If you simply please the visitors, you will get so many Life Members. Simply I want that by the local collection and the receipts of the Guest House you maintain everything. We are considering to get a temple in Kuruksetra, so the collection from Delhi may be employed there. So it is a good sign that the visitors are becoming Life Members. So follow this policy, and very soon your temple will become self-sufficient.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Bombay 14 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your October BBT report dated November 5, 1975 and have noted the contents. The report of the BBT Library Party is very encouraging to me that the main library of Harvard told us they would be honored to complete the collection of our books. Just see. This is wonderful. Still University of New Brunswick has ordered our books even though they do not order religious books. This is a success. This quote by the head of their religion department of Oberlin is very important: "I think the best feature of the Hare Krsna Movement is that it is providing scholars with authorized translations of the rarest books on Krsna-bhakti." This should be quoted and printed in a pamphlet. Also the fact that at Colorado Springs Library that 8 volumes of their Bhagavatams had been take out 7 times in the past year. This should be published. You print one poster, big type, and put the quotation of the Oberlin professor. You can title it: How Our Book Are Being Received and have the quotation of the professor, the professor's remarks. This will be a good advertisement for our books.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Mayapur 23 January, 1976:

You say my apartment will be ready by mid-March but without an elevator, how can I use it? Here in Mayapur we have begun construction on a 67 room Residential Quarters along the Northern boundary of the land to be ready for use by Gaura Purnima. I have asked Tamala Krishna to send his Radha Damodara party's collections to pay for it. Caitya-guru is engaged to help oversee the construction.

I have already sent by separate post the authorization for the Rs. 22,143/49p to be transferred to the B. of Hyderabad a/c.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Mayapur 26 January, 1976:

Regarding supplying the Radha Damodara TSKP books at discount, there is no harm. The BBT should charge them the printing cost only and the balance they will send to India. It is the same as before, but instead of the money being sent to the BBT and then to India, this is shortcut and the money will go directly to India. As their collections depend entirely on book distribution, whatever amount they transfer here plus the amount paid to BBT in Los Angeles may be combined for listing in your monthly ratings as book distribution. In this way they will be encouraged to go on increasing the book distribution more and more and at the same time they will be encouraged to send more and more for the construction. There is no question of discounting them ore money than is needed in India, because we require crores and crores of unlimited funds. America has the money, so this is co-operation between the blind men and lame men.

Letter to Sri Triloki Natha Acarya -- Mayapur 18 March, 1976:

However, I am so glad to receive your letter and I reply that I require your good help in my preaching work. We are preaching all over the world with great success and you'll be pleased to know that we are selling our books tremendously. The general estimate is collection of Rs. 1 lac to Rs. 5 lac daily. Our preachers are very much enthusiastic but in India they have got a language difficulty. If you cooperate with us along with other learned devotees, we can immediately take up preaching work in India with great enthusiasm. We have got 8 big and small buses and one very nice car for my personal use. If you will start sankirtana movement from town to town and village to village with the cooperation of other learned Indian men like yourself, I'm sure that in very short time our endeavour ill be successful.

Letter to Haihaya -- Honolulu 29 May, 1976:

The daily collections from the temple should be counted before 3 persons together. The accountant has nothing to do with these things. He simply notes down the figure in the books. This is how it should be done. Yes, the collections will increase as people come more and more. The temple should become self-sufficient, that is wanted. However, see that stealing is stopped. I am doubtful that things are being stolen, otherwise how is the expenditure so high.

Letter to GBC Secretaries -- Toronto 18 June, 1976:

I have received messages that Mahamsa Swami requires 2 more lacs to complete the Hyderabad construction by Janmastami, 1976. Already I have given about 5 lacs of Rupees, and I believe that Hamsaduta Maharaja hs also given a sum of money towards Hyderabad construction. So the total amount of the Hyderabad construction was estimated at about 10 lacs, and if I give this 2 lacs then I have given 7 lacs towards the construction so what is the collection in Hyderabad? It is not good that they are always asking me for money. The money is coming from the BBT in Bombay and it will have to be paid back in due course of time.

So I am sending advice to Bank of America to transfer 2 lacs of Rupees to the Bombay construction account at the State Bank of Hyderabad, Juhu Beach Branch, Bombay, and I want that the 3 GBC secretaries for India should discuss together whether or not to give this 2 lacs to Hyderabad centre for completing their construction. If you think that Mahamsa Maharaja will be able to repay the BBT this money then you can go ahead and give the money to Hyderabad. Otherwise, there is no rush to open the Hyderabad temple by Janmastami, 1976, it can be postponed until a later date when the Hyderabad temple can be completed by collections in South India. So if you are confident that he will pay back the BBT then it is alright, otherwise you can use the 2 lacs for Bombay construction and the Hyderabad temple can be finished with local collections.

Letter to Nandarani -- New York 8 July, 1976:

Try to publish Persian books as many as possible. That will be a big success. Iranians have very much respect especially for the Americans and your dealings with them will be very much appreciated. Also, if the collections are very good there you can send some money to Gargamuni Swami in Mayapur for the project.

Letter to Nitai -- New York 8 July, 1976:

So you stick to Vrindaban some how or another. Use the security rooms below the Deities and look after it nicely and I will give you silver plates for the Deities on hearing from you assurance that they will be properly cared for. Previously I haven't introduced because of insecurity. Yes, be attached to the Deity and your life will be successful. One thing, how is the Deity collection box checked and accounted for?

Letter to Vasudeva:

In case you do not like this arrangement then you may keep the temple as your private property and as my disciple I will give you guidance. But you may not use the ISKCON name to collect funds or to take loans. In this connection until this matter is resolved no loan may be taken from the bank or elsewhere and all collections in the name of ISKCON, must stop. If you desire to keep the temple as private property then Upendra das may return to Hawaii and ISKCON Fiji may be dissolved. If you want to consider this project as an ISKCON project then you must abide by the orders and direction of the GBC, which you do not like to do. Now whatever you like let me know.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Hyderabad 23 August, 1976:

Gurukrpa Maharaja has taken charge of the collecting for Mayapur now. You can simply send his food relief collection money to Mayapur. When the Bombay project is finished and Mayapur begins, the Mayapur project should be financed in the same way.

Letter to Gaura Govinda -- Bombay 24 December, 1976:

I am prepared to come to Bhuvaneśvara immediately to begin construction on the following conditions. The growth of the temple should be based on book distribution. I am prepared to print books. You can then sell them and 50% of the collections must then be returned to the BBT to pay for the books. The balance can be used for construction. Whatever you can raise by this method, I am prepared to give an equal amount toward the construction. In other words, the amount required for construction will come 50% from your side and 50% from me. In the beginning I can advance something if necessary so that we may begin immediately. I will print books for you to distribute. You distribute, and whatever you collect, 50% must go to the BBT to pay for the books.* The balance may be used toward the construction. Whatever you can raise in this way for construction, I will give an equal amount. And, in the beginning I may give some advance. Is that clear? So, let me know whether you like this proposal. If you agree, I am prepared to come there immediately to begin work.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Giriraja -- Bhuvanesvara 31 January, 1977:

Yes, train the others in responsibilities in Bombay, and go on as you are doing.

In five days at Kumbhamela we were able to distribute 30,000 pieces of literature. Therefore we can expect to receive 1 lakh collections per month from all the centers.

It is good news hearing good preachers like Jagat Guru and Sridhara Swami Maharajas, and Madhavananda are arriving to Bombay to push on the membership, other preaching and collecting.

Letter to Gurukrpa -- Vrndavana, 18 May, 1977:

For some reason temples are not sending in as much money as was expected to the BBT. Ramesvara says that he cannot afford to send any money for completing Bombay at this time. Therefore I am hoping it may be possible for you to continue to send $100,000 monthly for finishing the Bombay project, until such a time when the BBT can arrange instead to send the money. When the BBT can once again transfer funds regularly then I shall tell you what to do with further collections.

Page Title:Collection (Letters)
Compiler:Visnu Murti, Mayapur
Created:19 of Feb, 2012
Totals by Section:BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=141
No. of Quotes:141