Debt (Letters)

Expressions researched:
"debt" |"debted" |"debts"

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Janardana -- Los Angeles 6 March, 1968:

I would like to maintain a Krishna Consciousness boarding house there someday if it is at all possible. But as it is not very easy to maintain the big house at the present time, and you think it best to move to the cheaper one, then I have no objection. It is better not to be too much bothered with rent, and getting into debt that is not very good; so you take care of the matter in the way that there will be less difficulty.

Yes, if Mahapurusa is more needed in New York for his fine cooking service, then he may go there when necessary. Please convey my blessings for both Mahapurusa and Sivananda; they are very sincere souls working very hard to please Krishna and their Spiritual Master. You are all very good servitors of the Lord there, and I am very much anxious for your writings to begin, as they will be a great aid in our spreading of this Krishna Consciousness.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 20 February, 1969:

Is it possible to get your insurance money for clearing debts? Then why not show some debt & get the money.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 24 June, 1969:

So far as milk is concerned, I can arrange for financing in the matter of purchasing cows. The arrangement will be like this, that I shall ask all the centers to finance at least for one cow, and you will have to pay them back the price by supplying ghee. Suppose somebody advances $200 for purchasing a cow; you will have to repay the debt by supplying $200 worth of ghee. After that, the cow becomes your property. But to produce this ghee means there must be regular churning. The men should be engaged in producing vegetables, tilling the field, taking care of the animals, house construction, etc. and the women shall do the indoor activities. Of course, those who are engaged in typing, like Syama Dasi, they cannot do any other work. So you may arrange things in this way. Please request Satyabhama to send me back the Krishna Book immediately. Mail may be sent and forwarded to the LA temple, at the above address. Hope you are well.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 24 March, 1970:

So whatever progress we are making by the grace of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja, we must stick to them and make further progress. I am enclosing herewith two pictures of our new church buildings, which we are going to purchase at the cost of $225,000; down payment, $50,000. The whole debt has to be cleared off by twelve years. So the management here has taken a great burden upon themselves, and similarly I am awaiting the days when London Yatra party, headed by you, will have a similar achievement in London.

What happened to that application you submitted for the old Oxford church? I think these Christian people do not like our advancement in the preaching work. Never mind, we shall depend upon Krsna and march on progressively.

Letter to Murari -- 74, Marine Drive, Bombay 20 Nov. 17, 1970:

Rather I have suggested to Rupanuga and Bhagawan Das that one of them must go to Europe to see what is the situation and report to me, and then we shall see what is to be done.

Now that you are in London please try to eliminate this L4000 debt, the balance of which is unpaid Back to Godhead bills. The magazines and books are in great shortage of funds simply because the temples spend their income from literatures for temple maintenance and neglect the primary work of this Society, which is to print and distribute an increasing number of books. So please try to assist me in this way, by eliminating this debt. I have given you the hint that if you send me $10,000 you may keep the balance of profits from Krsna book to help pay this bill. Now this is my request, that you simply distribute these books immediately and deposit $10,000 in the Bhaktivedanta Book Fund Deposit with Dai Nippon in Japan.

Letter to Murari -- 74, Marine Drive, Bombay 20 Nov. 17, 1970:

So far your machinery to print cards, leaflets, and other color pictures. This is very nice if it is not too costly. Better to repay our debts than spend for costly machinery at this point. Also, we shall have only one magazine in our Society so I think that there is no need to print your monthly magazine in London.

One wealthy Indian industrialist has promised a large sum to construct a magnificent temple in or adjacent to Regents Park in London. So I am asking you to help me try for this by finding out some land in Regents Park. I have heard that one mosque has been built there on land given by the government. Please find out and report to me. As soon as you have secured something very nice send me details of the property and I shall come to London to finalize negotiations for it.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Surat 28 December, 1970:

On these conditions, he can render us service in the matter of Sanskrit composition, otherwise there is no need of him. Please take immediate steps in this connection and let me know what you have done in this matter.

The $28,000 plus $800 contributed by Sai may not be touched for any other purpose until you hear from me. Dai Nippon's debt regarding BTG should be liquidated by the Department of BTG. Why the debt should be cleared with a contribution which Krsna has sent for another purpose? I can understand that from London the payment is not regularly coming from the very beginning, so in order to counteract this anomaly I shall be sending someone out of the four important members to check out the condition of London. Most probably Hamsaduta will very soon go there.

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.

Letter to Mukunda -- Surat 31 December, 1970:

So with the assistance of your good wife Janaki, if the two of you take charge I will be satisfied that things are all right there.

Please also let me know how many books have been received from Dai Nippon and ISKCON Press; how many are sold and where the respective funds from sales are being kept; and what are the outstanding debts, especially KRSNA book. These books and money from sales are very important matters. So let me know all the above details.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Karandhara -- Surat 1 January, 1971:

The most important thing is that the money donated by Sai should be kept as I have directed you for some concrete project, specifically the construction of a large center here in India. So you please keep it intact and wait further instructions what to do with the $28,000. Otherwise, it is a bad policy to send good money after bad money as in the matter of paying some past debts. That is not good business proposal. I am sure those debts will be liquidated in due course by other means as I have suggested to you before and you have also indicated that in some time hence the BTG debt will be cleared.

I am very glad that you find the situation in Hawaii so congenial and I know that Gaurasundara is doing his best there. The newly acquired property I have named as Advaita Bhavan and it sounds very inviting place for me to do my translating work. I am glad that Sai is also improving. He and his former followers are all good souls, so all of you should try to help them become fixed up in the bona fide line of devotional service to Krsna.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 16 March, 1971:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 1st March, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. I understand that you have become a debtor to Dai Nippon for $52,000. This is not good. We must keep our credit. They have given us all facilities, and if you don't keep our credit with them, that is not good. So consider it a heavy debt. I have just sent them a check for $20,000. The forwarding copy of the letter is enclosed herein, which will speak for itself.

Now to make a solution to the problem the following formula should be followed: Print 200,000 BTGs without fail. The cost of this printing will be $14,000. Each center must collect at least 25 cents for each copy as donation, if not more. Any man will be able to pay 25 cents; it is not difficult. So by collecting 25 cents per copy is $50,000, expenditure is $14,000, and so there is a clear profit of $36,000. Out of that $5,000 per month may be paid towards the old debt. So still there is $31,000, so if this is divided proportionately for each temple, where is the question of poverty?

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 16 March, 1971:

Out of that $5,000 per month may be paid towards the old debt. So still there is $31,000, so if this is divided proportionately for each temple, where is the question of poverty? This means that the management has not been done properly. Henceforward this policy should be followed. Collect $50,000, pay $14,000, leaving $36,000 profit. Pay the old debt of $5,000 and divide the remaining $31,000 amongst the temples.

Now as I am forwarding $20,000, the first four months at the rate of $5,000 may be paid to me. After this is paid, regularly $5,000 may be paid to Dai Nippon for their old debts. Manage like this and everything will be all right. So far Indian money, I paid for Isopanisad, NOD, KRSNA book, and some of the chapter-wise Srimad-Bhagavatam. So there was about 10,000 NOD, worth about $40,000, Isopanisad—$5,000, TLC—$3,000 and KRSNA book at $80,000.

Letter to Mr. Yukio Ogata -- Bombay 16 March, 1971:

It is understood that the Back To Godhead department is in debt by $52,000.00. I am very sorry that this has increased so much. Therefore I am sending check no 16-320 for $20,000.00. So please continue to print Back To Godhead magazine without hesitation. Your money is always safe.

Letter to Candanacarya -- Bombay 23 March, 1971:

Of course it is improved since Mukunda has taken charge. The GBC should keep watch over London affairs. It is one of the most important centers of ISKCON. I have already paid $20,000 to Dai Nippon on "Back to Godhead" account on the 16th of March 1971, to save the crisis. Their debt was $52,000; now reduced to $32,000. The procedure should be that you get 200,000 copies and collect at least $0.25 a piece although the price marked is $0.50. This will yield $50,000. $13,000 will go the cost of printing (balance $36,000); $5,000 towards the old debt (balance $31,000). The remainder of $31,000 to be distributed proportionately to the centers or if possible contributed to the Book Fund. The GBC should immediately take up this management as suggested by me and then there will be no difficulty. The first four installments of $5,000 for paying debts shall go to my Book fund to pay off the loan and from the fifth installment shall be directed to Dai Nippon for paying the old debt.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 24 March, 1971:

So if you can introduce this program in factories, it will be a great achievement for our movement.

Regarding BTG, I have given a loan of $20,000 by check to Dai Nippon. I have given the information to Karandhara how to liquidate the Dai Nippon debt of $52,000. So follow this principle so that we shall not give chance for damaging our credit with them. I hope that the GBC members will see to this. I am thinking of returning to U.S.A. as soon as possible. Now everything depends on Krishna.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 9 April, 1971:

Also, I have received some time ago, the charger cable and earphones sent by you. It is all right how Sai's donation has been deposited. I have received the deposit slips, but one I am missing. But that doesn't matter because the money is already in the account. From Sai's money I have paid Dai Nippon on account of BTG debt, $20,000. This must be replaced by four monthly installments of $5,000.00 each as I have previously explained to you. Certain moneys should be held for emergency, but not that it should be taken and never given back. That is not good. So this $20,000. should be returned in four months, as I have already described in my previous letter.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your letters, one undated and one dated 24th March, 1971, respectively, and have noted the contents. It is very much encouraging to hear that the incense business is beginning to flourish and by that program you are paying off your debts. So continue it vigorously and recooperate your financial position.

Why Murari has left? What is the reason? Is it a fact that he has taken some money? I have received one letter from Lilavati dated 22nd February, 1971 and she seems to be doing very nicely. Offer her my blessings. I have heard her singing on the new record album also. It is very nice. So let her go on tending the Deities and trying for improvements in temple conditions and Krishna will surely bless her.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 21 April, 1971:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12th April, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. I have received your latest letter that Dai Nippon debt is now about $80,000. Formerly it was known to be $50,000. I have loaned $20,000 from the book fund. I think two more issues must have been supplied by them. Then the total amount due to them should be at about $80,000. This amount is too much. How do you expect that they will give us so much credit? So you must make a serious attempt how to liquidate this debt. Otherwise they will stop printing.

Another thing is that I wanted some cost quotation from U.S.A. for first class paper like that used in TLC, KRSNA, NOD, and BTG. We have gotten an import license from the government. So if from U.S.A. papers are supplied, we can get our books and magazines printed in India, perhaps at a cheaper rate.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 April, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 15.4.71, and noted the contents carefully. I am very glad that things are going on nicely in our World Headquarters. I have received from Calcutta the bank receipt for $35,000 and I thank you very much. I am expecting that you will continue your payments promptly to eradicate the debts to my book fund account from loan to the purchase of the L.A. Temple, the $8,000 and the $20,000 loans to BTG account. It is good news that you have received the third edition of KRSNA I. All our books should be sent by Dai Nippon to L.A. and from L.A. you should distribute them all to Europe and America and collect the returns.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 April, 1971:

So unless you hear from me, you do not send more than $3,986.56 to the BBFD with Dai Nippon, which is the balance due at this time. You can send the BTG payments to them as usual but not any money for my Book Fund. They thought that because I have given $20,000 on behalf of BTG, I should pay off the entire debt of BTG from my Book Fund. So don't send them money for Book Fund until I inform you otherwise. Also, the Gujarati Indian devotees in San Francisco wanted to pay $20,000 for the printing of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. I do not know what is their position now; please let me know about this.

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 Karandhara -- Bombay 26 April, 1971:

So far as sending money to my book fund for the Dai Nippon debt as advised in my previous letter, henceforward $3000.00 should be sent only. The next installment of paying my book fund should be paid to my Bank of America checking account #3081-61625 until further instruction to you. Your reply to Dai Nippon was very correct. I do not like their policy of intermingling Bhaktivedanta Book Fund deposit with BTG account. I am awaiting their further reply in this connection. Then I shall advise you to send directly to the book fund.

Letter to Karandhara -- Calcutta 17 May, 1971:

I am awaiting their confirmation. If they send $15,000, then another $5,000 will complete the printing.

The magazine should be published regularly, but if distribution is less, then the number of printing should decrease. Still if even distribution is smaller, we should follow the policy of 25 cents per copy. Artificially increasing distribution and having a big debt is not a very good policy.

No, maintenance expenditures cannot come from the book fund. I do not understand why the press has moved and a new location fixed up, all for the cost of $10,000. What is the benefit of it? The Bhagavad-gita As It Is, is being attempted to be printed in ISKCON Press, but it is taking time—years. Does it mean in this way that the book fund will have to pay $1,500 per month and await printing? ISKCON Press is simply meant for printing our books and there must be sufficient work for printing; otherwise what is the use for maintenance?

Letter to Tamala Krsna, Gurudasa -- London 23 August, 1971:

I have collected Rs. 70,000/- from the Maidan advertisers, but only Rs. 55,000/- has been recorded, and after being informed I was able to account for a possible Rs. 5,600/- of the difference, but still Rs 9,400/- is unaccounted for. Also a profit of Rs. 15,000/- was supposed to have been made due to the Maidan program, and that profit was to have paid off a previous Calcutta debt to the building fund, but now that Rs 15,000/- has been spent for maintenance, and an additional Rs 8,000/- of membership money collected since the program has also been spent, so the Calcutta debit is now Rs 23,000/- and is increasing."

Letter to Jayapataka -- London 24 August, 1971:

For example I have collected Rs 70,000/- from the Maidan advertisers, but only Rs. 55,000/- has been recorded, and after being informed I was able to account for a possible Rs 5600/- of the difference, but still Rs 9,400/- is unaccounted for. Also a profit of Rs. 15,000/- was supposed to have been made due to the maidan program, and that profit was to have paid off a previous Calcutta debt to the building fund, but now that Rs 15,000/- has been spent for maintenance, and an additional Rs 8000/- of membership money collected since the program has also been spent, so the Calcutta debit is now Rs. 23,000/- and is increasing".

Letter to Amogha, Hanuman -- London 25 August, 1971:

And introduce these classes wherever possible. The response is so good. I am also glad to note that you have received $1000.00 for magazines. If you want you can keep it for your touring program expenses but if possible you can send it to Karandhara in L.A. or to me for Dai Nippon. We just paid them $20,000. for back BTG debts and we still owe them $27,000. more. So if you can send it for that purpose it will be nice unless you require it for your travelling expenses.

Yes, even the Buddhists will come forward gradually and inquire into this Krishna Consciousness. Everyone is sophisticated by their so called religion but chanting Hare Krishna Mantra will attract everyone all over the world.

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

That is not a very good proposal. When the accounts will be audited, the auditors will want debit vouchers for each payment. Whether all expenditures have been made under such vouchers. Otherwise the auditor will not pass the account.

So far the debt of Rs 23,000 if you adjust it in that way then the same problem remains. The fact is that we require at least 25 lakhs for Mayapur. Before beginning our construction work there we must be confident that the amount will be easily collected. Better to realize the Rs 23,000/ by another source. The fact is not that how it should be realized but some plan how this extravagancy may be stopped. That is the real problem. Hence forward all expenditure, proper debit voucher must be maintained. If we do not place audited accounts to the Registrar of Societies they may cancel us. That is the law.

Letter to Karandhara -- Mombassa, Kenya 19 September, 1971:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12th September, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. Regarding the $33,000.00 loan, I expect you should pay at least $5,000 per month. On this understanding the loan was made. Anyway try and pay at this rate so that in seven months the whole debt will be closed. I have kept this money for such emergency payment so kindly return it as soon as possible.

Regarding the MacMillan agreement, Brahmananda says that he left everything with Rupanuga when he left N.Y. So kindly inquire from him. So far I know the agreement was made that my royalty would be paid directly to the society. In the beginning they paid me $1,000. and later on I think I got another $600. Besides this I have never received any money from them. If they paid anything it may have been paid directly to N.Y. ISKCON. So you can inquire and do the needful.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay 28 December, 1971:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of December 16, 1971, and I am very glad you are sincere to make an effort for managing our ISKCON Press. But what is that management? Simply taking money and no production. So I approve of Karandhara's plan not to give more money to the Press until all debts and books owed are cleared and settled up. If you think that by lowering the prices of our books that things will improve, I have no objection. But always work in consultation on these matters with Rupanuga, Karandhara, Bhagavan, Satsvarupa, and Jayadvaita. I think that you six men are a very favorable combination for successfully managing book business. Now do it very thoughtfully, with agreement among yourselves, and I'm sure there will no difficulty. Practically our Society means books, so if there are no books, how can we preach?

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Calcutta 5 March, 1972:

That will be your great achievement, and if you go on helping me in this way, you may know it for certain that very soon you will see Krishna face-to-face. In short words, I am very much fond of these booklets, now go on increasing.

I am also pleased to hear that you have eliminated all the book debts from ISKCON Press. I am very much pleased that you are working so nicely. Now you and Karandhara, along with Hayagriva, Jayadvaita and others, you conjointly think how to double and again double our books supply, there is no limit in this respect.

I have duly received, signed, and returned the MacMillan Co. contract to Rupanuga. Has he got it? Also you were to send me a copy of the contract for distributing our other books by MacMillan Co. also.

Letter to Giriraja -- Tokyo 23 April, 1972:

The temple foundation should be done first. There are many engineers in Calcutta who can give us free service, and if some of them can be brought at our expense to see to the supervision, that will be nice. Everything must be done very cautiously. For clearing the debt of Mr. Nair, he has to be paid three lakhs per year. That means if you make one member daily, that will be 360,000 per year. So you should make one member for clearing his debt, and one member for construction. This should be the calculation. Our latest edition of Krsna book is very handy and just like an ordinary story book. It can be distributed to every student and gentleman, and to all the English-speaking public. Our men can be engaged for this purpose. You can make one advertisement that can read like this:

Letter to Rupanuga -- Honolulu 9 May, 1972:

There seem to be vast discrepancies between your figures and those of Karandhara. For instance, he reports that since first of January, 1972, New York has remitted only $1243 to BTG Fund and $1538.20 to Book Fund, leaving balances due to BTG and Book Funds of $4571.05 and $5235.90 respectively. But you say your BTG debt is only $1,620 and BKF debt is only $3,897. If you are selling daily average of 2,000 literatures, why so little money is being paid by you on these debts? 60,000 pieces of literature per month means you should send the entire amount collected until this debt is completely eliminated. It is not good if such big temples who are setting the example for the whole Society do not pay their bills. This is most irregular. I am trying to retire from the administrative affairs, but if the presidents and GBC men make such disturbances then how I can be peaceful? Things should be maintained automatically, then it will be peaceful for me.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Los Angeles 1 June, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 23, 1972 and I have noted the contents with great encouragement. I am glad to see that everything is going very nicely there in Calcutta and Mayapur, and that you are gradually paying back the book fund debt more and more. Regarding Mayapur building work, try to finish as quickly as possible and our living accommodations problem will be solved and I shall be very happy to stay there if it is completed when I return there in the autumn. I have received the drawing of the completed building, and it is very nice. So if you all think, Jayapataka, Tamala Krishna, and the others, my approval is there. Whatever you all decide in future in these matters, that's all right, but the structure appears to be nice. So you do not have to bother yourself by sending too many details of your progressive Mayapur construction work, simply give me simple report from time to time how the things are going on, and how ever you do it, that is to be decided among yourselves.

Letter to Damodara -- London 6 August, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 30, 1972 and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding your debt to the book fun and Back to Godhead fund and incense from 'Spiritual Sky', these debts must be paid, that is important business. Along with our preaching and propaganda work, we must also give attention to financial matters, otherwise the whole thing will collapse and it will be a farce. If there is good financial standing it is understood that Laksmi is favorable because her husband Narayana is being served nicely. If Laksmi is unfavorable, then we must increase our preaching efforts, and strive for pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Letter to Damodara -- London 6 August, 1972:

As I will be in that vicinity in September, if you arrange some meetings with some big government leaders there in Washington, I shall be happy to come down there from New Vrindaban.

So far your purchasing that building is concerned, if it is a great endeavor, how can you manage? If you have so many debts to the book fun and Spiritual Sky business, how can you take more debts to the book fund? We are not very much for owning buildings, our real business is to preach and propagate Krishna Consciousness widely. Washington D.C. is the capital of your country, and therefore it is a very strategic location for preaching amongst the nations leaders. Concentrate on this work, and the sankirtana and book distribution activities, and if you wait until there is solid financial basis before purchasing, what is the harm? But if we spend our whole time simply to earn money to pay for big, big buildings and decorations, what is the value? I am more interested in preachers than builders and decorators.

1973 Correspondence

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.

I am glad to hear that you have various plans for publications, but first finish this affair and then you can attempt to publish many books.

I have read your report on Hyderabad and the present state of affairs there, and it is all right. Regarding Delhi, Madhavananda has also gone there and I have written to him how he can be engaged collecting with Tejyas at the government offices.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 15 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 1, 1973 and I have noted the contents carefully.

The book fund debts should always be cleared very quickly, otherwise how books will come out, so always pay regularly as you collect.

To install Deities in a moving vehicle is not very good. There is always danger of falling and breaking. Sudama already has experience of this. Why is Deity worship being introduced? It should not be introduced because it is very difficult to maintain the standard under such circumstances. If you have picture of Guru Gauranga that is sufficient. You are wondering if you did the right thing by giving the Deities to Sudama, so the answer is no. The deities may be brought back and worshiped in the temple as before.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 12 October, 1973:

So you are doing excellent preaching, while I am here fighting with Mrs. Nair. I want that when this business is finished to return for Europe or America, perhaps via Africa. You will be pleased to know that the London devotees that you have trained in Sankirtana and book distribution are doing very nicely. This past month they have sent dollars 10,000 to Los Angeles against their debts. Mukunda is there in charge, and Syamasundara is here in India.

The German devotees I have seen both in Paris and Stockholm have impressed me by their enthusiasm. . It is very encouraging, so train them nicely. The Germans are very intelligent, and they will be the future preachers. So give them nice translations of my books and you will have tremendous success in Germany. Our success is our enthusiasm. So everything we do should be done with enthusiasm, the chanting, reading, and following the rules and regulations.

Letter to Balabhadra -- Los Angeles 13 December, 1973:

I understand from Sudama Goswami that Gaurasundara has handed over to you some portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Temple there. I do not know why he has sold the Temple without my permission. He had no right to do such a thing. I request that you kindly send whatever money he has given you directly to me in Los Angeles by registered post. The old Temple BBT and Spiritual Sky debts may be cleared with it first and the rest should be sent directly to myself. We require huge sums of money for our Temple projects in Vrindaban and Mayapur so we have good use for it.

Gaurasundara and Siddha-svarupa have almost fallen down. Do not join them. Stay in the association of our Temple and work according to established programs as I have already directed.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:

There are some complaints in this department. So make Bombay the center for distributing BTG to life members.

Yes I know very well that Gargamuni Maharaja is an expert collector and preacher. He is so expert in collecting therefore I call him Gargamoney. Regarding the BBT debt of Calcutta, you can wait for that. Not that the payment can be washed off, but we can wait. It is very good news that Gargamuni Maharaja is supporting both Calcutta and Mayapur. Now you cooperate and you yourself develop Bombay. In the meantime, Jayapataka and Bhavananda Maharajas want money for land. Karandhara has sent $4,000 so I have allowed them to purchase more land. I will pay and have arranged for that. You can advise Jayapataka and Bhavananda to purchase land whenever there is an opportunity and we shall arrange to pay. But it should not exceed Rs 5,000 per month. Within that limit they can purchase every month some piece of land.

Letter to Puranjana -- Bombay 7 April, 1974:

For the time being work with Hamsaduta and stop the bickering and conflicting camps. You must work hard to absolve the debts you have massed so we will not lose our standing there. If everyone is strictly chanting at least 16 rounds daily and reading the books and observing the regulative principles then management will be at our finger's end, and there will be no difficulty in maintaining Krsna Consciousness.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Hyderabad 21 April, 1974:

By now I hope you have received my telegram and letter sent to Hamburg advising you to go to Bhaktivedanta Manor for managing affairs there. There were so many letters and reports coming from Mukunda, Puranjana, Bhaja Hari, Prabhu Visnu and then contrary reports from Madhavananda and with Shayamasundar away affairs seem perilous. I hope you are able to settle things up in regard to the debt of the Bury St. temple and temple organization at the Manor. Now Shayamasundar has wired me that he will send tickets for myself and three secretaries for coming to London. I have asked him to send me tickets and I can leave India for London about May 1st. As I have already informed you I am going to Paris the second week of May and Bhagavan das is arranging for a tour of Geneva, Rome and Sweden. I may also visit cities in Germany if you will arrange for that. So when I arrive in London if Syamasundara sends tickets, or when I arrive in Paris, I shall discuss these matters further with you.

Letter to Bhavatarini -- Bombay 4 May, 1974:

You will find a Savings Deposit slip enclosed. You can just fill in the exact amount and deposit it with the main branch of the Liberty Bank in Honolulu account 35785, in the name of Mayapur Vrindaban Trust Fund. As for the $150 you will be receiving each month for the next five years, I think that will be sufficient tuition for your two children at Gurukula, and that will oblige your debt to Gurukula. As for Sudama Maharaja, it is better that he write to me separately; I will send him money from here for his projects.

If you like to come to India you will be most welcome. The sites at Mayapur and Vrindaban are just for my American and European students who can come and get the benefit of these holy places. You seemed to have taken a new grasp on Krsna Consciousness when you say, "As for where to live, my only concern now is to live where I can best serve you."

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 5 May, 1974:

I have received your recent letters of April 16 and April 25 and have noted the contents.

You have also written in a letter to Satsvarupa that temple donations are being put toward the Indian BBT debt. Please, let me know in this connection what is the amount taken from donations and transferred to the BBT account for the book debt by India? Also I will request you that as much book debt amount as you receive from donations you should again dispatch that amount in new books to India. There is not sufficient stock of books here. Whatever variety of books are in stock send according to the amount paid against the debt.

Letter to Sudama -- Bombay 8 May, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated April 25, 1974 and have noted the contents.

It is good news that you have so sufficiently taken possession of the 40 acres of land there in our society name, under control of Gaurasundara. Now you require $5000.00 to cover expansion for cows, farming and unpaid debts of Gaurasundara. As for the devotee, Bhavatarini Devi, who is there, she has asked me what to do with her large inheritance of $41,000.00. I have asked her to deposit it in our Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund which we have at the Liberty Bank in Honolulu. Now you can withdrawal $5000.00 required by you from this balance by the Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust at the Liberty Bank. The account number is 35785.* I am enclosing one withdrawal slip authorizing you to make the above withdrawal.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 15 May, 1974:

Copy of the telegram sent to Syamasundara. c/o ISKCON N.Y.:

"Tamala has gone to N.Y. to speak to you. When I was in Hyderabad Bal Krishna showed me many checks which were not cleared. If you have money why did you refer to George when asked by London temple? Hamsaduta is liquidating Londons debts so how can I ask him to leave? Discuss the matter with Tamala and do the needful."

Letter to Madhavananda -- Mayapur 6 October, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 2, 1974 with enclosed pictures. Regarding Hamsaduta, you cannot criticize him. Hamsaduta is liquidating the debts. You were there but you could not liquidate, but Hamsaduta has come and he is liquidating. Canakya Pandit says that a happy man is he who lives at home and who has no debts. London was so much in debt that it was something shameless. I have not said anything until now, but I was very sorry to see in the temple that the chandelier was taken down. The temple was almost dark without the chandelier. I had told to Syamasundara that I wanted it, and he borrowed, but then he could not pay, so it was taken.

Letter to Sri Govinda -- Mayapur 11 October, 1974:

Any discrepancy, that can be corrected. A change of management that is not good. All faults shall be corrected. You are already trained up man. Do not worry. Jaya-tirtha Prabhu is here, and I have advised him in this connection that the three of you: him, Jagadisa, and yourself, chalk out a program. So do not worry. You three men change the discrepancies. Why Jagadisa's wife should interfere? We must run the Society on cooperation. Whatever is done, is done. You are all experienced men, and I have confidence that everything can be corrected.

Debt is not good. It is said that a happy man is he who lives at home and has no debts. That is a happy man. Please try to correct this situation.

Letter to Giriraja -- Mayapur 22 October, 1974:

If you have to lay only one brick, then do that. I may be coming there next week, so you can prepare for that.

Regarding distributing the books to all centers, they must pay for whatever they order, even if they order less. If they do not pay cash, then do not fill the order. Regarding their old debts, let them pay whatever they can. But, for what they order, they must pay for. You can ship them whatever way, transporter or whatnot, but it must be COD.

Letter to Sri Govinda -- Bombay 12 November, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 17, 1974 and have noted the contents. I am glad to know that you are cooperating with Jagadisa Prabhu for rectifying the difficulties there. I have received report that you have repaid debts of Dollars 35,000.00, so this is very nice. So continue in this way. I want that all our centers be nicely managed so I can be freed for translation work without any anxiety. Therefore I have created the GBC to take this responsibility.

Simply by maintaining the Krsna conscious standards, everything else will follow. So I have faith in you. I know you are a good worker. Krsna has given you very nice place there in Chicago. So utilize it nicely, and I will be very much pleased.

Letter to Jayatirtha & Karandhar -- Bombay 16 November, 1974:

Regarding the corporate status of ISKCON in relation to Spiritual sky, it is desirable that Spiritual Sky separate itself from ISKCON so that ISKCON will not be subject to any debts incurred by Spiritual Sky.

It is expected that in the near future the tax shelter that was offered to Spiritual Sky by ISKCON will not be available when the U.S. tax laws are changed. It is also understood that the Spiritual Sky management intends to separate itself from ISKCON in the near future.

Further, in a memo dated October 16, 1974 written by Ramesvara it is stated: "For a number of reasons the temples around the Society in general have been completely dropping Spiritual Sky over the past three months as a permanent business function."

Letter to Nrhari -- Bombay 22 November, 1974:

I am forwarding your letter to Hrdayananda Swami. The contents of your letter are very complicated and I hope that he can settle this matter peacefully. It appears that you do not have to pay back these debts, anyway you should all work this out amongst yourselves.

Although there may be some difficulties within our Society, these things are not very important. What is important is that we should simply fix our mind on Krishna's Lotus Feet. This is His instruction in the Bhagavad-gita. So we associate with one-another so that we can assist each other in hearing and chanting about Krishna. That is the purpose of our Society. This you will not find in the materialistic society where all hearing and chanting is simply concerned with sense gratification. So our desire is Krishna and we want to go back home—Back to Godhead where Krishna lives eternally. So you simply follow my instructions as I have given to you and surely your life will be a success.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 8 December, 1974:

Continually it is not possible for BBT to finance. So let them sell and finance and make films.

Regarding Spiritual sky becoming independent from ISKCON, that's all right. I have no objection. But whatever the owe to BBT must be repaid. We have already suggested that Spiritual Sky be separate, but all debts must be repaid to BBT.

Regarding the bindery, yes, if it is losing concern, then it must be sold. Who has financed the money to purchase the bindery? And who has financed the purchase of the farm for New York?

Yes, someone is definitely required for BBT in New York. We shall decide in our next GBC meeting.

Regarding the new lawyer Mr. Whitehorn, what he has informed about the other lawyer Mr. Sherman, just see. But who knows if this present man is a competent lawyer?

Letter to Revatinandana -- Bombay 15 December, 1974:

Yes, I also maintain a hope for Syamasundara. Everyone is hoping that Syamasundara will be able to reestablish himself in Krsna Consciousness again. I do not understand why he is engaged in this business of his if there is not any tangible profit. He says that there is big, big money but still he has not yet paid ISKCON the debt that he has. Therefore what is this business.

I request you to continue following all of the regulative principles staunchly and encourage all other of my disciples in your preaching area to do the same. This is the most important thing. As soon as one discontinues his staunch following of the regulative principles such as no meat eating, no illicit sex, no intoxication, no gambling, rising early before 4:00, coming to mangala arati, chanting at least 16 rounds, etc., then his spiritual life is hampered and there is a chance that at any time he may become a victim of maya. Continue with great enthusiasm this preaching work and inform me from time to time of your current activities. I hope this meets you in good health.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Honolulu 4 June, 1975:

Why the guest house in Vrndavana is not yet organized? You have not even mentioned it in your report. That will pay for the maintenance budget if you simply organize it. You must do it immediately. Pranava and Dhananjaya together can organize it, or anyone else who may be able to do it, but it must be done. Why is there delay? Stop construction for the time being, and clear all of the debts.

Regarding Hong Kong, Bhurijana is in Melbourne and he is again ready to help there if he is needed. Yes, try to start a center in Malaysia. That Malaysian boy can help in this connection.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Ahmedabad 29 September, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 19, 1975 and have noted the contents carefully. What is the street address of the new building in New York? The consent letter has been sent from Vrindaban. You should minimize the expenditure and increase the income, otherwise how will you liquidate the debts? I understand that you are saving on the milk bill by supplying your own milk from the farm. This is wanted. If these farm projects are successful, then all this industry will be closed. We do not have to make propaganda, but automatically people will not want. The people are innocent. The rascal leaders say it is primitive to remain on the farm, but to do business in the city and become rogue and rascal, that is advanced. They have dog race, horse race, gambling, coca cola, pepsi cola—all unnecessary. There is no use for it but the business is going on. They take to cigarette and T.V. because they have no good engagement. They are chewing the already chewed. That is nice that the parents are donating. They will donate more and more, because they see here is something good.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:

Regarding your questions, the first question, when a soul reincarnates, does he associate with the souls he associated within his lives, that is not necessarily so. Even if he associates, how can he recognize them because everyone changes his body. Regarding your question about karmic debt, yes, it is generally that the debtor is obliged to take birth and also the creditor. Sometimes the creditor takes birth as the son of the debtor and after being a very affectionate son for a few days, he dies and thus the debtor becomes aggrieved very much. This is the punishment. In this way in every transaction the participants are becoming involved in their resultant action of karma. This is karma-bandhana, in Bhagavad-gita, or the bondage of different fruitive activity. It is advised that one should act only for Krsna, otherwise he will be involved in karma-bandhana.

Letter to Bhagavan -- Bombay 14 November, 1975:

Also the Parisian people are very intelligent. So you are selling 100 French Bhagavad-gita's per day at $12 per book. That's $1,200 per day. This is no joke. That means there is very good reception. When are you going to print the next edition? Yes, try to place the books in stores and libraries. Are you liquidating your debts for the farm? You borrowed money on the farm. Are you repaying the loan? It is very good that the farm will be providing foodstuffs for both the farm and the temple in Paris. That is wanted. The farm program should be: grow your own food, produce your own milk, cloth and everything and chant Hare Krsna. It is good that you are repairing the buildings. They are dilapidated, but they can be repaired very nicely.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 20 November, 1975:

We have got so many nice machines there. I think it will be better if we do it on our own machines and save money.

Regarding Berkeley temple, I note that permission for living in the building is not yet finalized. Please keep me informed. Portland is a very nice city. I am glad that we have our temple there. That is very good that Seattle does not have any debts. This is proper management. This is very much wanted. It is also very good that Jayadvaita is in Laguna Beach and is preaching there. This is our process of preaching, that one shows by his personal example, not that we preach something and then do something else. That is called cheating and that is going on in the religion, especially. We are not that kind of cheaters. And we are not that kind of so-called religionists. Yes, so you keep an eye on things there in Laguna Beach, and see that whoever takes over as temple president is trained up.

Letter to Cyavana -- Bombay 23 November, 1975:

Please follow my order in this regard. Africa is huge field, so you have plenty of opportunities for traveling and preaching. This will keep you enthusiastic. So do not neglect it. Of course if the young people there are interested, then you should stay there to instruct them. Then if you can collect and send money to Nairobi, that is very good. In this way their debts can be paid. I am also glad to see that you are taking seriously the Life Member program. So many Life Members they are complaining they are not receiving books or they are not being treated nicely. So if you can rectify this situation, that would be very good.

So far your becoming GBC is concerned, yes, I had wanted that, but there are so many complaints. This is not good. GBC must mean that by his managing, there is not any complaints so that I can be relieved in order to do my translation work.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Rupanuga -- Bombay 11 January, 1976:

The bombastic distribution of Krsna Trilogies in New York is wonderful. I have read the report given in the Sankirtana Newsletter. But one thing is whether they have collected enough to cover all the costs. I have heard that despite all this distribution, now there is a big debt to the Book Fund. The GBC has to manage so expertly that there will not be debts. This debt to the Book Fund must be cleared immediately, if possible by the Mayapur meeting. Now we require so much money for the Temple projects in India, but if the Temples do not pay their book bills from where will I get the money?

Svarupa Damodara has written me about the Bhaktivedanta Summer Institute. It is a very good idea. If possible try to accommodate it on one of the farms we already have. To buy another farm simply for this purpose is not very practical. The Institute should not only stress book study but there must be equal time given to kirtana, arati, prasadam, etc. There must be spiritual life, then book study will have meaning.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mayapur 22 January, 1976:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated December 12th, 1975 reporting on your Zone for November, which arrived late due to having been redirected a number of times.

Your Zone's book distribution is most commendable. It is to your credit as a good manager that there are now no longer any debts to the Book Fund from the Western USA Temples. Now you will have to meet a very stubborn competitor, Madhudvisa Swami, who I have sent to New York to organize the new building and preaching activities.

All of the leaders should study my books books very carefully, since now everyone will have to appear for the examination. But I don't get any time to go into seclusion. My Guru Maharaja also did not approve of seclusion. He used to say: "Dusta mana, tumi kisera Vaisnava? Pratisthara tare, nirjanera ghare, tava hari-nama kevala kaitava."

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

I beg to thank you for your letter dated 15th January, 1976.

I am very glad to know that you have already purchased the Mercedes. For such a long time this car has been required and now you are fulfilling that desire. Thank you. But you must pay your entire debt to the Book Fund in the future, otherwise you will become that disciple who spends the money of his Spiritual Master.

Since you are paying, there is no need for Radha Damodara Party to pay. Their money is already being utilized for construction in Mayapur.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Mayapur 23 January, 1976:

Also in the ratings it should be shown for book distribution, not as a Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund donation. They are sending the money as usual, simply I have asked them to send it directly to India.

I have received a letter from Pusta Krishna Swami. He has already paid for the Mercedes from his own money and he intends paying his debt to the Book Fund entirely in the future. Considering this, there is no need for Radha Damodara Party to pay for the car. Their money is already engaged for construction.

Another point is that BBT cannot give loan to Dallas for Gurukula construction. That is not possible. Jagadisa Prabhu is expecting a loan of $150,000 from the BBT. So I have told him that the money is already needed for construction here in India, in Bombay, Kuruksetra, and Mayapur. The best thing is that Gurukula should be moved to India.

Letter to Sukadeva -- Mayapur 4 February, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter undated.

I am very glad to know that you have worked so diligently that the BBT debt has become almost nothing. It is very good that you have gone to Hawaii. It is a very good preaching field and our house there is one of the nicest in ISKCON. It simply requires very enthusiastic preaching and side by side very careful management. So I am confident that you can do both.

As you say that the mango season is fast approaching, then I will come and visit by April or May. Everyone knows that I am very fond of mangos. Actually amongst all fruits I like them most. They are considered the king of fruits. And Hawaii has very excellent mangos.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Mayapur 9 February, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 18, 1976.

It is good that you are paying your debt to the BBT. Please continue to do that.

As far as entering crematorium is concerned, no, we cannot go. That is social system, but we are sannyasis. A sannyasi is in spiritual life, not in social life at all.

We cannot pay for Shakti Mati to see her children. Concerning her scheme, who will pay the rent and who will manage? We cannot. It must be solidly discussed. We can consider at the GBC meeting. Things cannot be whimsically proposed and adopted.

That was a foolish letter sent by Cyavana. He was crazy. These things should not be done without first asking.

Letter to Giriraja -- Honolulu 5 May, 1976:

However, I gave you Rs. 5,000/- when I (by transfer also) was in Bombay, so the remainder is Rs. 30,345/68. Now, this check for U.S. $2,871.45 is approximately Rs. 25,411/06 at the rate given here of U.S. 11.3 cents equals one rupee. So this leaves the balance at Rs. 4,934/62. This amount will be paid by Yasodanandana Swami. He will give Rs. 5,000/- towards the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust account 16066, and the remainder of the loan, Rs. 10,000/- will be paid into my personal account at the Punjab National Bank, Krishna Balarama Mandir branch, savings fund account number 1. In this way he can repay the loan of Rs. 15,000/- and my debt to the BBT will thus be cleared.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Honolulu 26 May, 1976:

The management should not be difficult as Tamala Krsna Goswami is going to make his office in New York and he will have a staff to assist him. Then we could avoid having to locate a new place in Los Angeles for the time being.

I noticed that there is outstanding loan debts of almost $1 million, and also that there is similarly nearly $1 million outstanding owed for books by the temples. What is being done to collect these funds?

Now concerning the London loan, I know that Madhavananda who is presently in Detroit, and Hamsaduta Maharaja both were collecting funds to construct a temple at the Bhaktivedanta Manor. What was done with these funds? And what is done with the money collected from Book sales in Germany and France?

Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 6 June, 1976:

Concerning the request for another vehicle for preaching, you mentioned the cost of $9,500, Ramesvara Maharaja has informed me that Gargamuni Swami still owes $13,000 or so from when he was in America to the BBT. Ramesvara Maharaja has proposed that Gargamuni Swami purchase the vehicle and then Ramesvara could deduct this amount from Gargamuni's debt with BBT.

I have noted how the Block Development Officer was favorable inclined. So the officials are in favor.

Concerning Prabhu Svarupa das of Haridasa-pur, he is a good man so utilize him.

Concerning the deposit slips which you are holding for me, where were these deposits made? And how many deposits were made? What is the amounts? You can hold these deposit slips for me until I ask for them.

Letter to Ramesvara -- New Vrindaban 24 June, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated June 19, 1976 and I have noted the contents with care.

Concerning the $12,000 given to me by Jagat Guru Maharaja, that has nothing to do with Nairobi debts. It was an individual contribution to the book fund. Contributions and debt clearing are two different things.

On your recommendation, I am accepting the following devotees for brahminical initiation:

Letter to Yasodanandana -- New Vrindaban 24 June, 1976:

I had sent to him c/o Hyderabad temple. Also, the BBT Bombay says that you owe Rs. 83,000 to them. So why haven't you paid yet? You are such a big preacher, why you shall remain in debt?

Letter to Gargamuni -- New York 11 July, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your telegram and I have informed Gopala Krishna to supply you with the needed books. However, he has complained that you have a large debt to the BBT and you are not paying it off. So I request you to gradually reimburse the BBT in Bombay.

Letter to Mantrini -- Paris 29 July, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your offering of July 27, 1976 of 108 pounds and I thank you very much for it. Actually you are correct, it is not possible for the disciple to repay the debt to the spiritual master. Therefore the disciple remains eternally indebted to the spiritual master and continually works in such a way that the spiritual master may become pleased upon him for such sincere services rendered. Always follow the four principles, take prasadam, and above all chant your sixteen rounds a day, and thus you will make steady advancement in devotional service. Continue to preach this movement all over the world and thus you will become happy and you will make others happy also.

Letter to Catur Murti -- Tehran 9 August, 1976:

Your desire to please me is very pleasing and your preaching program in Spain sounds very nice. Please push on this movement in the Spanish and Portuguese languages with great enthusiasm and certainly Krsna will bless you for taking so much trouble to preach His glories. A Vaisnava always feels himself incapable to repay his debt to his spiritual master therefore he works very hard in order to try and repay that debt. He knows that without the mercy of the spiritual master one cannot preach this Krsna consciousness and therefore he always tries to act in such a way that he may please his guru. Please continue in this way and keep very strictly the regulative principles and chanting the prescribed number of rounds on the beads and you will clear the way for success in your preaching work.

Letter to Sons and Daughters -- Bombay 14 August, 1976:

If you feel at all indebted to me then you should preach vigorously like me. That is the proper way to repay me. Of course, no one can repay the debt to the spiritual master, but the spiritual master is very much pleased by such an attitude by the disciple. In the Bhagavad-gita it is said, vyavasayatmika buddhir ekeha kuru nandana (BG 2.41), "Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one." Our only business is to be fixed up in devotional service by pleasing the spiritual master. Those who are not fixed up they have various lines of action (eka means 'one' and bahu means 'many').