Possession (Letters)

Expressions researched:
"possession" |"possessionless" |"possessions" |"possessive" |"possessiveness"

Notes from the compiler: VedaBase query: possession or possessionless or possessions or possessive or possessiveness not "material possessions" not "material possession" not "material possessiveness"

1947 to 1965 Correspondence

Letter to Brother -- Jhansi November 1958:

I can challenge you that you are not happy in the present set up of your affairs. You may have in your possession your so called accumulated material wealth, health or happiness but still you are always feeling some insufficiency and frustration and thus you are not happy as you ought to have been. If you do not feel like this, then you must be either an abnormal man or a liberated saint or in gross ignorance of lower consciousness.

Letter to Mathura Prasad -- Vrindaban 23 May, 1964:

By the law of nature nothing in the material world is permanent including our material body and therefore the great politician Pandit Canakya who was once the Honorary Prime Minister of India, advised it that the nature of everything material being destructible the best use of a bad bargain is to utilize the temporary possessions for the cause of the Permanent.

1966 Correspondence

Letter to Bon Maharaja -- New York 20 January, 1966:

I strongly wish that I may take possession of the house for the temple on the day of Srila Prabhupada's Abhirva Teethi and if your holiness will at once see Dr. Radhakrishnan and take the sanction, I think my desire to take possession of the house on the above mentioned date will be possible. As I am out of India it is not possible to see him personally and therefore I am requesting you to see him.

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 25 January, 1967:

It is understood that $5000.00 five thousands of dollars have already been credited in the account of INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS, INC. on January 23, 1967 and as advised by me in my previous letter the payment should be made to the seller of the House under strict instruction of the lawyer appointed in this connection. In India it is the custom that immediately after payment the buyer gets possession of the house immediately. I think the same procedure is followed in this country.

Letter to Brahmananda, Satsvarupa, Rayarama, Gargamuni, other Trustees -- San Francisco 4 March, 1967:

If the Financier pays to Mr. Taylor the purchase money it is then only the above $5000.00 should be money paid on behalf of the Financier and the Financier should enter into agreement with you acknowledging receipt of the amount with definite date or immediate possession of the house. In all circumstances the check may not be drawn in favor of the financier. The check should be signed by the President and the Secretary because Brahmananda and Satsvarupa are the main support for purchasing the house and Kirtanananda is supplement to this from his kitchen department.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- San Francisco 4 March, 1967:

In your previous letter you informed me that you are not going to pay a farthing unless you are in possession of the house. So you must follow the determination. You should not sign the check if you are not satisfied yourself.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 14 March, 1967:

I shall be glad to hear from you how things are taking place. In your last letter I was given to understand that while signing the agreement Mr. Taylor was not present. This was something like marriage performances without the bridegroom. In your last letter you informed me that you are going take possession of the house immediately. I hope you are going to do so and I may inform you that the possession must be taken on or before the 26th March 1967 because that is the day of Lord Caitanya's birthday. You shall observe Lord Caitanya's birth day as follows:

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 14 March, 1967:

It will help us a great deal because my Spiritual Master has given His approval to this book.* Please keep it carefully and when I return I shall see to it.

I shall be glad to hear from you when you are going to take possession of the house. Inform all friends there that I wish that we may enter the house on or before the 26th March 1967. You have done right by removing the pictures which deal in Gopis and Krishna. They are never for public show. They are very confidential and meant for advanced devotees who know Krishna fairly well. The neophytes will be misguided by such pictures. I hope you will understand me right.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- San Francisco 21 March, 1967:

We cannot forego this cheating conspiracy, if Mr. Hill has no money. He must either deliver the possession of the house immediately or must return the money immediately or file cheating case against all the combined group namely Mr. Payne, Mr. Hill and Mr. Palmer. I do not know what is actual case but from the telephonic conversation of Brahmananda it appears to be an organized cheating case and you have to face with courage without excusing any one of them. We are not revengeful but we cannot lose Krishna's money for nothing.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 28 March, 1967:

We are prepared to pay the balance $5000.00 and other fees at any cost. If you lag behind to pay the balance money certainly you are not eligible to get back the money. So we shall not lag behind. If we are actually getting possession of the house, then I take the responsibility to pay the balance money rest assured. But I do not know what is the agreement you have entered into.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 28 March, 1967:

My point of view is that provided we are getting possession of the house we shall not lag behind in the matter of all stipulated payments. If we lag behind we are not going to get back the money $5000.00. We want the house and we are ready to pay all with all hardship on our part but if it is a maneuver on the part of Mr. Payne and His accomplice Mr. Hill they must be brought to the criminal court for proper punishment. If however we get the money back without a farthing less, we are not going to take any step even though we can do so legally.

Letter to Brahmananda -- San Francisco 28 March, 1967:

In such critical points how you can leave New York. Suppose Mr. Payne secures the second mortgage money by the 31st March and you are absent who will look after the transaction. We must get into the possession of the house for Krishna's Temple or we must get back the money for Krishna's service. And we are prepared to fulfill the terms of the agreement.

Letter to Ballabhi -- New York 22 April, 1967:

I thank you for your letter of the 18th instant and I have noted the contents with so much pleasure. I know that you poor girl have been frustrated by the so called society and you deeply needed the shelter of Krishna Consciousness. Krishna kindly sent you to me and I have tried to give you whatever I had in my possession. Please go on chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna as you are doing now and this very chanting will give you all peace and prosperity both in this life and the next. Never expect any good from the so called society, friendship and love. Only Krishna is the genuine friend of all living beings and it is He only who can give us all benediction. The more you advance in Krishna Consciousness chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna the more you become spiritually advanced and happy in all respects.

Letter to Krsna Devi -- San Francisco 16 December, 1967:

I will give you many business ideas by which you can accumulate nice profits. For business four things are required. Namely place, labor, capital and organization. For incense we have already organization. Little capital you are gathering. The poverty place means you can get cheap labor and the place you have already in your possession. Guidance, I am present. So do it immediately and there will be no scarcity of money. I hope you understand me right.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 24 February, 1968:

That will be a great success. If Mr. Kallman purchases a big machine for printing our books, then it will be very much helpful. I cannot advise you to purchase a small printing press because that will not help us. The same energy can be transferred to India when we are in possession of a bigger house. There is every possibility of Sharma's help in our publishing power, but that is not yet settled. As soon as I hear from him favorably I shall ask you to make direct correspondence with him. I am just waiting his favorable next reply.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 24 February, 1968:

He has also advised me to take help of a professional photographer if your assistance is not available immediately because I am away from your place. Please let me know if you can send such glossy photo from many negatives which you have got in your possession. I understand also that Rayarama has taken some of the negatives from you in New York so if you like you can advise him to do the needful. Anyway the matter is urgent and I ask you to do the needful. I am expected to return to San Francisco by the 10th of March and I shall let you know the exact time and date later on.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Allston, Mass 5 May, 1968:

I thank you very much for your check of $50.00, and I am very glad to learn that you are already in possession of a nice storeroom for exhibiting your sellable goods. There are samples of pictures in the temple there, and whichever picture you like, to have in your store, I shall advise Jadurani to dispatch for selling purposes.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Montreal 7 June, 1968:

This dictation from within your heart from Krishna is quite in order. For serving the Lord, we require to sacrifice our life, our wealth, our intelligence, and our words. One can serve the Lord with these four possessions; if not, with three, if not, then with two or even one, and that is sufficient to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I wish that you can utilize your best talents in business organization and the result utilize for Krishna's satisfaction is on the absolute platform.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Montreal 3 July, 1968:

This means the charity of one's possessions is not full for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but when one's personal body and head is given to the service of the Lord, then one becomes perfect in offering everything to the Lord. This is called complete surrender of everything that a devotee may possess.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Montreal 24 August, 1968:

It does not mean that one has to acquire the energy of an elephant or one has to become very learned or intelligent man, simply one has to become sincere and employ whatever energy he has in his possession in the service of the Lord. That is the secret of success in Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Sri A.C. Misra -- Seattle 26 September, 1968:

I have received back the money order, but I cannot utilize it without getting my passport. I have been so long waiting for the passport and twice I phoned your office in Canada, asking you to send it back, as requested by your San Francisco office, but when I got your registered package, it is a different one. Please therefore immediately arrange to return my passport care of Mr. Sethi, and on return of my passport, I shall return the wrong passport which is in my possession.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Seattle 6 October, 1968:

I do not know what to do with this boy. And if they want to remain in India, they must do something tangible work for our society. If not, they may come back. There is vast work here. And recently I have received letter from Mukunda that from South America, Guyana, it was under the possession of British, one Mr. Dindayal is very much anxious to get us there. So we have to open so many branches all over the world. So why they are sitting idly in India? Please write to them also.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 24 December, 1968:

Regarding your analogy of sowing KC seeds, I may inform you that there is a Bengali proverb—Sa bure Meoya Phale. This means that fruits like chestnuts and pomegranates, or similar other valuable fruits and nuts take some time to be fructified. So any good thing comes in our possession after hard struggle and endeavor. So Krishna Consciousness is the greatest of all good fruits. We must therefore have necessary endurance and enthusiasm to get the result. We shall never be disappointed when things are presented in reversed order. Anyway, your honest labor is now coming to be fructified. Always depend upon Krishna and go on working with enthusiasm, patience and conviction.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Mrs. Levine -- Los Angeles 10 January, 1969:

The sooner it is engaged in the service of Krishna the better it is for the temporary owner. We come to this material world empty-handed and go away empty-handed. The things which we possess during our duration of life are first achieved and then let out along with all of our other temporary possessions. Therefore the best use of possessions during our lifetime is to dedicate it to the service of the Lord. The success of human life is considered when one fully surrenders his life, his wealth, his intelligence and his words for the benefit of the Lord.

Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 12 July, 1969:

Regarding transferring the property to the society's name, I do not know the legal implications, but so far as I do know for the time being you are not the proprietor of the land; you are the lease-holder. The lease-holder cannot transfer his possession without arrangement with the real owner. So I think legally you cannot now transfer the property to Iskcon because I know it definitely that a lease-holder or a tenant cannot make any such arrangement with a subtenant or sublease-holder. If someone does so, it is not valid.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 5 August, 1969:

I am in due receipt of both of your letters, one dated July 31, 1969 and the other August 2, 1969. The letter of August 2nd appears to be a practical proposal. The calculations for the house are nice. But everything should be done very carefully. If the landlord allows you to take possession of the house on payment of $12,000 on the terms and conditions as stated by you, then you must enter the house immediately, and we take it for granted it is Krishna's offer.

Letter to Satya Pal -- Hamburg 31 August, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter addressed to my New Vrindaban temple, and I am so glad to read it. I think this is the first letter I received from you since I met you sometimes in 1959. I am glad to learn that now you are a family man, and you have qualified yourself as post graduate student of economics and are in possession of a government service. But I am sorry to learn that you are pulling on with Rs. 250 per month. It is surely insufficient for a family man. This Rs. 250 means in American exchange as somewhere between 30 and 35 dollars, which is earned here even by ordinary workers in three days.

Letter to Pradyumna -- Tittenhurst 13 October, 1969:

Enclosed herewith is a schedule for my lectures and one good news is that our temple which was being checked by the planning commission for possession has now been released and we are now able to possess it. So our temple at 7, Bury Place is now fixed up. Where is Hayagriva and Syama Dasi? Please combinedly expedite the printing matter composed by the IBM machine and let me know of your progress.

Letter to Nandakisora -- London 13 December, 1969:

The translation is "My mind, my body, my home, or whatever I have got in my possession I surrender unto Your Lotus Feet, O my dear Lord, Son of Nanda Maharaja (Krishna). Now if you like, you can kill me, or if you like, you can give me protection. Whatever you like you can do. I am your eternal servitor. You have got every right to deal with me in any way as you please."

As I have informed Satsvarupa, I shall be arriving in Boston on December 21st at 3:40 pm. So I shall be very pleased to see you again at that time. Please offer my blessings to your good wife, Jahnava, and the others.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Hamsaduta, Himavati -- Amritsar 21 October, 1970:

He will make the necessary papers and you have to pay only Rs. 50 for the fee of registration. The London Memorandum of Association is already in his possession and he will make the necessary corrections to fit the Indian situation. The copy is with him. Simply see that the new registration under Society Acts Number-1860 is made and let me know the result.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Surat 17 December, 1970:

Any suitable place will do for our staying in Calcutta while completing the transaction. You can not only offer them one lakh but we can give them two lakhs immediately put down on the Hamilton House if they give us immediate possession of the place. They may continue to realize the rental from the present tenants and we shall occupy the first floor. So we shall offer them one third of the total six lakhs to take possession and the balance two thirds or four lakhs we shall hand over when the tenants vacate the other two stories. It is good that we secure the place now. Arrangement should be made like that.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Surat 20 December, 1970:

This morning I have received also your telegram and I have replied as follows; "Reduce the period as they like. Payment in full on vacant possession. Letter follows. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami." The idea is that we can arrange to pay them immediately 6.2 lakhs if we get full vacant possession. But I think it is not possible because the tenant cannot vacate within less than six months. We are not interested in realizing the rent from the house; we need the place for our own accommodation. Therefore vacant possession is essential. The best thing will be that let them give us possession of the ground floor and we are prepared to pay them proportionately immediately up to two lakhs of rupees or more.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bombay 22 April, 1971:

Replying your letter dated 13rd. Just received late as yesterday evening. I beg to reply as follows:—I agree to purchase Mr. Mohta's house. The condition mentioned by you appears to be little hazardous. I wish that we may get full vacant possession immediately and we pay the full amount all cash down. If they can not give us full vacant possession immediately then let them give us the full possession of the 1st & 2nd floor on monthly rental basis at Rs 1,500.00. Then we immediately vacate our present house and move in from May 1st, 1971. We live there as temporary tenant say up to 31st December 1971 and as soon as they are prepared to give us full possession of the house we pay the full price settled say Rs 650,000.00. This will be clear transaction for both of us. If not please do the needful.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 29 June, 1971:

The balance 5 lacs plus 50,000 would be paid as follows: Down payment of 1 lac, 60,000 or 70,000 and the balance money at Rs 10,000/- per month. The tenant on the upper story will be Mr. Vakils responsibility. The procedure should be like this: As soon as the sales agreement is done, we pay the down payment of 1 lac, 60 or 70,000 and he gives us possession of the ground floor. Immediately after taking possession of the ground floor, we pay a check of $25,000. for immediate encashment. Then he clears out the upper story tenant and we go on paying him Rs 10,000 per month, and dollars payment as arranged. So if possible, do the needful with the help of Mr. Chabria and try to secure that house and reply this letter to our London address.

Letter to Madan Mohan Goswami -- Bombay 30 December, 1971:

Replying you registered /A.D. letter dated 22 December, 1971, I beg to inform you that the two rooms and entrance verandah has been in my possession since 1959, but I never saw you in possession of the upper portion of the house. Neither have I had any objection from you since that time. So far as I know, you are three saivites of the Radha Damodara Temple, namely your good self, Sri Nivendranath Bannerjee, of Karnapura, as well as Sri Gauracandra Goswami who is actually in the Temple. Sri Gauracandra Goswami and Sri Nivendranath Bannerjee combinedly gave to me possession of those two rooms and the verandah. So I have taken possession of those two rooms and the verandah from Saivites, paying to them regular rents. I do not care to know whether that portion belongs to you or somebody else. I have got regular receipts of the Radha Damodara saivites. Therefore, I am legally in possession of the two rooms and the verandah.

Letter to Madan Mohan Goswami -- Bombay 30 December, 1971:

I do not care to know whether that portion belongs to you or somebody else. I have got regular receipts of the Radha Damodara saivites. Therefore, I am legally in possession of the two rooms and the verandah. Everyone in Vrindaban including the Chairman of the Municipal Board and most probably Sri Panchanan Goswami and all the others know that I am in possession of the two rooms and the verandah in Radha Damodara Temple.

Letter to Madan Mohan Goswami -- Bombay 30 December, 1971:

But this time when I came from abroad, I saw that you have forcibly taken possession of the entrance of my verandah and converted it into a room, thus obstructing my entrance door. So I was just going to the courts for your unauthorized usurping of the entrance of the verandah to my room.

So it is very good news that you are going to the courts in this connection, as everything will be discussed there including how you could take unlawful possession of the entrance to the verandah. If you do not go to the court, then I shall be obliged to go to court in this connection, at your expense.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Visvanatha Babu -- Bombay 3 January, 1972:

They want me to go away and are now picking up some quarrel with me to get me out of my possession. A copy of a registered letter from one of the Sevaits Madan Mohan Goswami is enclosed and he has already taken possession in my absence of the verandah of my entrance door. You know very well and all residents of Vrindaban know it that my residence is there at Radha Damodara Temple but they are now trying to get me out, although I am paying the rent regularly and there is some advance payment also.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Jaipur 19 January, 1972:

Gwalior Tank Bombay, Central Bank of India

P.S. One devotee Dharmavira is offering one apartment in his possession in Patel Nagar. Gurudasa is returning soon to occupy the place. I think you can live there and work cooperatively.

Letter to Gargamuni, Subala -- Bombay 8 February, 1972:

Regarding this letter from Gauracandra Goswami, the original position is that these two rooms and the entrance veranda were in very dilapidated condition. So with the agreement of the two sevaites, Gauracandra Goswami and N. Banerjee, I took formal possession of these rooms after installing electricity and making considerable repairs, spending more than Rs. 500/- since 1959, and I was paying at the rate of Rs. 5/- per month; then I went to U.S.A. in 1965, and from there I advised the bank to pay him at the rate of Rs. 5/- per month; and then when I came back in 1967, I took a receipt from him for the two years of payment or Rs. 120/-, and he gave me receipt signed as "sevaite."

Letter to Acyutananda -- Los Angeles 12 June, 1972:

Tell him to bring the Bengali typewriter with him and type everything on good paper. But best thing is, I have asked Yadubara to come there to Birnagar from Bombay for photographing all of the manuscripts in the possession of Lalita Prashad Thakura page by page very completely before it is too late. The pages are in very decrepit condition, so best thing is to request Lalita Prashad if we may take care of them by treating them against insects and storing them in a tight, dry storage place where they may be preserved for future generations of Vaisnavas to see the actual handwriting and words of such great saintly persons.

Letter to Unknown -- India Unknown Date:

The half-finished renovation work still to be done must be completed immediately by the Leasor Sri Madan Mohan Goswami:

(5) The Leasor will deliver immediate vacant possession of the whole building:

(6) As personal respect for the Leasor Sri Madan Mohan Goswami, the Leasee will always receive him or his son only as quest at any time he or his son may visit Vrindaban, and either of them will be offered one room for his comfortable stay as long as he likes and while staying as guest he would be supplied with boarding and lodging free of all charges:

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 29 September, 1972:

The other party, Mrs. A. B. Nair, has not, however, completed the business under some pretext. Under the circumstances, if someone attempts to purchase the land, he does so at his own risk as we are already in possession of the purchase agreement signed by Mrs. A. B. Nair."

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 4 October, 1972:

We want to keep that land, we do not want to break the agreement, therefore I have formed this committee. Actually we are in possession of the land, and we shall remain there. Now if we have to take Mr. Nair to criminal court, and supposing it will take years to settle, still, we can occupy and carry on as we are doing. But if you can prove to the municipal officers that we are legally in possession of the land according to sales agreement, why they shall not give permission to build?

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 4 October, 1972:

We must have that land, and on the terms of the purchase agreement. Otherwise we shall bring him to the criminal court. We are in possession of the land in legal terms, so even the government cannot take it. We can give Mr. Nair this much concession, the five lakhs worth, but it must be deducted from the purchase price. Otherwise, we shall not give any concession we shall go to the courts. You consult the lawyers. The committee is there, I want that the land should be purchased, that's all.

Letter to Tamala Krsna, Giriraja -- Manila 11 October, 1972:

Mr. Nair has purposefully delayed with a motive to cheat us as he had done with some others in this connection.

3. But this time he cannot cheat us because we are in possession of the land and our deity Radha-Krsna is installed there.

4. Therefore we must immediately go to the court for enforcing him to execute the conveyance immediately.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Bhavananda, Giriraja -- Vrindaban 19 October, 1972:

So there is only some delay, that's all. That will not be sufficient grounds for him to rescind the contract. Rather, our position is very strong so long we are in possession and we have paid him the earnest money and more. So best thing is to consult Mulla and Mulla and proceed accordingly. If there is need to pay off the twelve lakhs, we can do it by giving him four lakhs immediately and the balance eight lakhs we shall arrange with Mr. Jayan very soon. But Mulla and Mulla have said it is suicidal unless there is settlement of the Chhaganlal business first.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Bhavananda, Giriraja -- Vrindaban 20 October, 1972:

Our position is very strong. Now you purchase that house on the south border-line, repair it nicely and you can live there for years if we have to. I think he will take Rs. 15,000 cash if you can persuade him, or if he will not yield you can pay him Rs. 20,000 and finish the business. Possession is nine-tenths of the law. Why you should be afraid of him? We can satisfy any court of law. He has given us possession according to the terms of the agreement of sale, and we have paid him Rs. 50,000 to take possession, and he has acknowledged receipt, that means the transaction is finished.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Bhavananda, Giriraja -- Vrindaban 20 October, 1972:

If I have something and I sell you, and you give me money and I give you that thing, the transaction is finished, never mind there is no receipt. So with Nair our transaction is finished. We have paid him money, he has given us possession, and we have agreed to terms for paying the rest of the money, that's all. He is simply planning tricks because there is no receipt and he does not want to give us receipt.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Bhavananda, Giriraja -- Vrindaban 20 October, 1972:

Once when I was in business I took money from one man for an order of goods and I was bit late in delivering them, so he wanted to sue me in the court for misappropriation. It is the same thing. We have paid Nair, taken possession, and now he doesn't want to deliver the goods.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Bhavananda, Giriraja -- Vrindaban 20 October, 1972:

So make criminal case by consulting lawyer. It will not take much time. It is simple case of his cheating, that any reasonable man can see. So immediately you can file criminal case. He has taken money but he has not executed. So why you should be disappointed and afraid of him? Our position is very, very strong. We have paid money and we are in possession, so what remains for conveyance? As soon as you take money the transaction is finished, you may take receipt or not, otherwise it is simply cheating. So find out a first-class lawyer and apply in the court that the purchase agreement is already done and get it done, that's all. He is simply bluffing.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Giriraja, Bhavananda -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1972:

If you are thinking hopeless, then how I can make you hopeful? Our point is, he has accepted the money, that means he has agreed to terms of SALE. Take police precaution if he is threatening violence. We are in possession according to the terms of the agreement, simply he has delayed the conveyance. Therefore I say that you boys cannot deal very well in these matters, because you are too timid. Now whatever you like you may do. Immediately criminal case should be taken, that you are not doing because he is bluffing you. He says big words and makes threat and you believe him foolishly and do like he says.

Letter to Karandhara, Tamala Krsna, Giriraja, Bhavananda -- Vrindaban 24 October, 1972:

There is no question of damages. Either this plan, that he pays us back our money and we vacate immediately, or we go to court immediately. One way or the other. Otherwise we are already in possession legally, we have paid according to the terms of the agreement, and he accepted the money. So just to rid ourselves of this headache we will accept back the Rs. 2,70,000 and vacate immediately. Otherwise, immediately take him to court. Our position is very strong. Do not think think weak and timid, he is bluffing. You have not read the purchase agreement carefully.

Letter to Capt. Singhal -- Ahmedabad 15 December, 1972:

Your suggestion to hold a meeting of the Life members is very much welcomed. I wish that a meeting as suggested by you may take place on the Hare Krishna Land immediately. Please come and see me on Monday conveniently after 4:30 pm and we shall talk about it. The land is still in our possession and we are not going to leave this land so easily. More when we meet.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Calcutta 28 January, 1973:

The art of preaching is to engage that propensity in the service of Krsna. Whatever we have got, our mind, our intelligence, our possessions, our time, our energies, let them all be used in Krsna's service. So by training people in this way, this will be the success of your preaching work.

Letter to Giriraja -- Zurich 3 April, 1973:

So this is an opportunity given by Krishna and if possible we can construct both a city Temple as well as one at Juhu. If possible to construct in the city location then that should be given more priority. You may reply this letter to L.A. I hope you have taken possession of the new apartment at Juhu and are doing the needful. May this find you all well.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 27 April, 1973:

So you immediately go to London and help in organizing the great temple which we have already purchased. It is understood by telephone conversation that George has already paid the full amount for the new house and Syamasundara is going to take possession of the house by May 1. When it is actually in our possession, it can be made into a great attraction especially for the tourists. Practically Syamasundara, yourself, and Gurudasa started the London yatra together with your wives. Now Gurudasa is in charge of Vrindaban construction, so you and Syamasundara can take charge of the London affairs.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 27 April, 1973:

I shall be going to New Vrindaban by June 1 and if in the meantime the London temple is taken possession of then I can go there by that time. Anyway I am very pleased by your noble action. Now you do the needful and be happy in Krishna consciousness.

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 8 May, 1973:

I think by the grace of Krsna you are getting some glimpse of hope to keep in possession the Hare Krsna land for our missionary activities. The laurel of victory will be if we can get the whole land at a monthly rent of 1000rs, as you have stated. To pay 1000rs rent per month means to keep a fixed deposit in the bank about 1 lac 70,000 and the bank pays 7 1/2% interest per anum and if we keep some fixed deposit in a private fund like Mafatlal or Birla at 12% then we have to deposit say a little more than 1 lac of rs. If we can construct a temple and building without permission of the landlord that will be our greatest triumph. If such a law is inaugurated then it is to be supposed that it is Krsna's plan.

Letter to Giriraja -- Los Angeles 8 May, 1973:

If we become the owner or tenant of the land by dint of the new act then does this mean that the Chhaganlal case is finished? Where is his claim? Because actually we are in possession, he is not in possession.

Letter to Hariprasada Badruka -- Mayapur 13 June, 1973:

The difficulty is, unless we have legal possession of the land, how can we get municipal sanction for the construction. Under the circumstances, if Sriman Pulla Reddy donates the back portion of the land as promised and gives us legal right to construct the temple, we can then immediately get sanction from the municipality and begin construction. I am sure that within one year the construction will be complete and the Deity moved to the proper temple.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 27 July, 1973:

As we are in possession of the land we must fully utilize it for our purpose. We must therefore hold Sankirtana Festival immediately and arrangement must be done with the help of all Hindu leaders like __, __ etc.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 2 August, 1973:

Another thing is that my living quarters may be finished by this coming October, or at least habitable so it may be used if I go to Vrindaban by Kartika Vrata.

What about that front piece of land not yet in our possession?

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Juhu, Bombay October 23, 1973:

Regarding my coming to Japan, whenever is convenient is all right. I am prepared at any time.

Yes, I have received the $118,000 plus $25,000. Everything is received, cashed and spent. The land is in our full possession as proprietor. All bad elements have been eliminated. Now we must execute the building of the temple.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- New Delhi 2 November, 1973:

We have settled up the Bombay affairs and purchased the whole land at a cost of 17-18 lakhs, bribing so many claimants. It was a very hard knot. Now by the grace of Krsna the land is in our possession. We are the proprietors. Arrangements are being made to construct a gorgeous temple with the help of local patrons. The estimate of the Bombay temple is not less than 50 lakhs over and above the 18 lakhs we have already spent on this project.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Hayagriva -- Bombay 25 March, 1974:

Since a long time I did not hear from you, but I am very anxious to see you.

Here in Bombay we have a nice spot. We are now in possession. It is just like a garden house. I shall be glad if you come here and live with me for some time.

Letter to Sudama -- Bombay 10 April, 1974:

Your decision to peacefully and legally take over possession of the forty acres of land. So proceed as quickly as possible with the lawyer so that the land is legally ISKCON's with yourself as trustee, and then we can take it and use it for Krsna.

2) Yes, you must get the payments being made on the sale of the land donated to ISKCON by Siddhasvarupa transferred to our account and not to Gaurasundara.

Letter to Govinda -- Bombay 30 April, 1974:

I am in receipt of your very long letter and descriptive behavior of Gaurasundara. I have received also a telegram from Sudama das Goswami that the land is already in possession by Sudama on behalf of the Society.

On the whole, I see Gaurasundara as a victim of a woman. Anyone who becomes a victim of woman, his falldown is inevitable. In our society the girls and boys mix, intermingle together and this is practically impossible to stop because you western people are accustomed to the habit.

Letter to Acarya Prabhakar Mishra -- Bombay 1 May, 1974:

You are paying Rs 1,250 rent—that is not very much considering present circumstances. Please let me know the area of the place and under what terms you are in possession of the land. If possible, you can immediately go to my secretary at the following address: G 12 Ananda Niketan Extension, new Delhi 110023. My secretary's name is Tejyas das Adhikari.

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.

Letter to Indian Airlines Airport Manager -- Bombay 30 July, 1974:

With reference to your letter Ref. No. PAL:BAG: 2 3/4 RSM: 6657 with copy to Sri Balavanta das Adhikari, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., dated 25/7/74, I may inform you that I am prepared to take possession of the above mentioned baggage. Sriman Balavanta das is my disciple. You can deliver the baggage to me, and I shall take responsibility for having it returned to him.

Letter to Alfred Ford -- Mayapur 28 October, 1974:

Sudama Maharaja has brought me the news here in India that you have already purchased the house in Honolulu and have given the key to Sudama for taking possession. Thank you very much for your kindness. Krishna will bless you with more opulence and knowledge

Human life is meant for acquiring knowledge and detachment to the material world. Knowledge means to understand that everything belongs to Krishna. Krishna consciousness means that everything including myself are different energies of the Lord and as such should be utilized for the purpose of Krishna.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Bombay 8 November, 1974:

So from your letter the first and second points are corroborated by the Enquiry Commission. Regarding the fourth point about the negotiations for the building purchase, I have written one letter just now to Taittiriya whether according to her letter dated September 11, 1974 she has taken possession of the 5th Avenue house. If it is not taken and no proper reply is received, then surely it is all bogus; and if the transaction is bogus, then the third point, her identity, is also bogus.

Letter to Taittiriya -- Bombay 8 November, 1974:

With further reference to your letter dated September 11, 1974, I beg to inquire whether you have taken possession of the house at 5th Avenue, and if not please let me know why it is delayed. Please send Bali Mardan with detailed information and necessary documents.

Letter to Surati Morarji -- Bombay 23 November, 1974:

The present immediate problem is that we require the Police Commissioner's consent to construct a temple. The papers are already there in his possession, and it is understood that if some important Minister recommends immediately the matter will be solved.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Nitai -- Bombay 7 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 28, 1975 and have noted the contents. Regarding the matter with Purusottama dasa, you immediately go and take back whatever books of ours that he has in his possession. You may inform him that we do not require his editing, neither should he correspond with our men in Los Angeles. He is a very heinous man. He wants to become more important. Who sent him books from Los Angeles without asking me? Who has given him the books he now has? You take them back immediately. If this man comes to see me in Vrindaban, I do not wish to see him.

Letter to Karunasindhu, Kirtiraja -- India 7 November, 1975:

Please accept my blessings. you should immediately write one letter to Purusottam das in Vrindaban saying that you are not interested in his work nor do you require his help; and whatever books he has got of ours in his possession he may return to our Vrindaban center immediately.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 20 November, 1975:

Alone Sudama Maharaja is not safe. He should not leave Tamala Krsna's party. Regarding the Detroit house, even though you will move there after Christmas, some devotees may go there immediately to take possession, and make the necessary repairing. If you can take out a mortgage for only $70,000, then what is the use? Anyway, this you have to consult among yourselves.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Rucira -- Paris 31 July, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your gift and note dated.

This process of offering whatever one has in one's possession for the pleasure of the spiritual master or Krsna is recommended in the Bhagavad gita by the Lord Himself when he says, "yat karosi yad asnasi yat karosi dadasi yat... (BG 9.27)." and "tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya. . . (BG 4.34)". This process of offering everything in one's possession or ability is the recommended means for losing all attachment to material things and all attachment to material sense gratification. When one has become purified by this process of offering everything back to the Supreme he becomes simply attached to pleasing the Supreme Lord.

Letter to Giriraja -- Vrindaban 24 November, 1976:

So, there is good chance of their vacating when they are transferred. You should be very vigilant to see that they do not transfer occupancy to someone else and cause unnecessary harassment. Similarly, when someone purchases an apartment he is liable to vacate. So whenever possible we should take possession of the apartment so we may utilize them for our purposes.