Prabhupada and Lilavati devi dasi

Expressions researched:
"Lilavati"

Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures

Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972:

Pradyumna: (leads chanting, etc.:)

taravaḥ kiṁ na jīvanti

bhastrāḥ kiṁ na śvasanty uta

na khādanti na mehanti

kiṁ grāme paśavo 'pare

(SB 2.3.18)

(When Līlāvatī chants, Śrīla Prabhupāda says, "That's nice. Go on. Anyone else?")

Philosophy Discussions

Philosophy Discussion on Charles Darwin:

Prabhupāda: Let them create first, then say. Where is the man they are creating? It is simply theory.

Līlāvatī: That living entity would still have the same desire, that previous desire for that previous body, won't he? If some scientist can change the genes so that the jīva can have a different kind of body, he still would have the previous desires?

Prabhupāda: No, no. That is not possible. If his body... The word is daiva netreṇa: by superior arrangement. So how these rascals can be superior? They are not.

Philosophy Discussion on Henri Bergson:

Śyāmasundara: So if he says that the physical world...

Līlāvatī: Does that mean that the spiritual body changes, Prabhupāda?

Prabhupāda: Not spiritual body, material body. Spiritual body cannot be changed.

Philosophy Discussion on Henri Bergson:

Prabhupāda: No. That is the general law. But if he likes, he can come back. Because otherwise, what is the meaning of independence? Just like one should become fit in the prison house, naturally he should not go again. But (indistinct) running again kicking, that's all.

Līlāvatī: So those eternally liberated souls in the spiritual sky will never come here because they choose not to. It's not that... (indistinct) they never choose to come here.

Prabhupāda: Yes, yes. They never choose. They are very experienced. (laughter)

1974 Conversations and Morning Walks

Morning Walk -- March 31, 1974, Bombay:

Prabhupāda: This sleep means temporary. Again the subtle mind, intelligence, come back. So death means no more coming back. It goes elsewhere. That is death. Is it clear? Eh?

Lilavati: How is it possible to forget?

Prabhupāda: Eh?

Lilavati: The subtle body...

Prabhupāda: Yes, you forget. (aside:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. Jayo. You forget. When you dream, you forget that you have got this gross body and you are the father of such and such or mother of such and such.

Morning Walk -- April 12, 1974, Bombay:

Prabhupāda: He is praying, "My dear Vaiṣṇava Ṭhākura, you kindly accept me as your dog. But you accept me." You see? "And I shall do this, I shall do this. I shall sit down on your door. I shall not allow any nondevotee to disturb you." He has sung like...

vaiṣṇava ṭhākura, tomāra kukkura,

bhuliyā janaha mora

"And I shall not ask you for any food. Whatever you like, you can give me a little eaten food. I will be satisfied. But keep me as your dog." That is the prayer, that Vaiṣṇava is prepared to become a dog even at the house of a Vaiṣṇava. That is Vaiṣṇava. He doesn't want anything more. He wants simply to be associated with Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is Vaiṣṇava. (break)

Lilavati: What is that prayer in Bengali?

Prabhupāda: That is in Bengali. (break) ...tomara kukkura, bhuliya janaha more. (break)

Morning Walk -- April 17, 1974, Bombay:

Prabhupāda: That's all. My things were stolen from my apartment in the beginning, so I went to the police. They simply noted down. That's all. (break) ...you can narrate the incidents when the negro at San Francisco...

Lilavati: Yes, we were...

Prabhupāda: Yes. (break) Kṣatriya, this is all finished. Now only śūdras and, little vaiśyas there are.

1975 Conversations and Morning Walks

Morning Walk -- October 28, 1975, Nairobi:

Prabhupāda: They are better. It doesn't matter ladies or lord. Anyone who is Kṛṣṇa conscious is good. Striyo śūdras tathā vaiśyas te 'pi yānti param. It doesn't matter whether woman, śūdra or vaiśya. If he is... If she is or he is Kṛṣṇa conscious, he can go back to home, back to Godhead. Kṛṣṇa is open to everyone.

Lilāvatī: Śrīla Prabhupāda? We were thinking that unless the African people can see an example of a devotee, they won't continuously chant. They will chant while we are there and then they will forget.

Prabhupāda: Why don't you become an example yourself?

Lilāvatī: So to live amongst them, we were thinking, is very important.

Prabhupāda: You become an example by your behavior. Example is better than precept.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

Morning Walk -- March 22, 1976, Mayapura:

Prabhupāda: Yei bhaje sei boro. Here is woman (indistinct) engaged in worshiping (indistinct), she is great. Yei bhaje sei boro. So why should we hurt woman? Anyone who is engaged in service, he is big. The dress is not important. The advancement of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is important. We have to see from that formula. Just like we sometimes have to dress like ordinary gentleman and sell books. Does it mean he is deviating? No. He's serving Kṛṣṇa, dress or no dress. It doesn't matter. If you stick to the dress, "Oh, I have taken sannyāsī, I cannot..." He cannot sell the books. Where is your service influence? You must give service first. Hare Kṛṣṇa. Is that Līlāvatī? No. It is Līlāvatī? No. I was thinking that she is Līlāvatī dressed like a widow, because she never likes to be widow. (laughter)

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: That's Hridayānanda's old wife.

Prabhupāda: Huh?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: That's Hridayānanda's old wife.

Prabhupāda: Oh, Dayānanda's?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Hridayānanda Swami.

Prabhupāda: Oh.

Pañcadraviḍa: She is widow.

Prabhupāda: Nobody is widow, because Kṛṣṇa is ultimate husband. Hare Kṛṣṇa.

Devotee: Jaya Prabhupāda!

Prabhupāda: Jaya!

Children: Jaya Śrīla Prabhupāda! Jaya Prabhupāda! Jaya Prabhupāda!

Prabhupāda: Jaya!

1967 Correspondence

Letter to Krsna Devi, Subala, Lilavati, Yamuna, Jayananda, Upendra, Malati, Gurudasa, Syamasundara, Haridasa, Mukunda, Janaki, Aunt Edna Howell -- New York 5 June, 1967:

My dear boys and girls I am so much obliged to you for your prayers to Krishna to save my life. Due to your sincere and ardent prayer, Krishna has saved my life. I was to die on Tuesday certainly but because you prayed sincerely I am saved. Now I am improving gradually and coming to original condition. Now I can hope to meet you again and chant with you, Hare Krishna. I am so glad to receive the report of your progressive march and I hope there will be no difficulty in your understanding Krishna Consciousness. My blessings are always with you and with confidence you go on with your chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Letter to Murari -- Vrindaban 3 August, 1967:

Our life is short but any type of education is great and long; so the best part of valor is to utilize properly whatever qualifications we have got for the service of the Lord. If you think still that you want a sitar, I will request you to make correspondence with Messrs Dwarkin and Sons, Esplanade Calcutta.

Please convey my blessing to Lilavati, who is so sincere in the service of the Lord. Hare Krishna!

Letter to Lilavati -- Calcutta 23 October, 1967:

I'm just in receipt of your letter. Your child should be named Subhadra, the name that you have already chosen, this is nice. Regarding the horoscope, it is a nice idea and if I meet a good astrologer I shall try to get one for your little child. I'm glad that you have sent me the exact time and date of birth, this will help.

N.B. I have purchased one Tambura for you costing Rs 106/- from Dwarkin & Sons. They have allowed me 20% discount (special) on the price. This Tambura is going to be booked by air cargo tomorrow by Ramanuja. The charges will be too much. But hence forward you can order directly to M/S Dwarkin & son, 8/2 Esplanade East, Calcutta-1. The price is Rs 125/- Less 20% and there will be no sale tax charges if you send the amount by Bank draft in dollar direct to the firm. The will pack & ship the instruments by surface which will be very cheap. Always order in the ISKCON Stationery which are printed with my name.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Saradia -- Montreal 19 June, 1968:

I have received one letter from Lilavati also, and I have replied her. I am very glad to know also that the injury in your hand is now cured.

Letter to Krsna Devi -- Montreal 21 August, 1968:

Regarding the child problem: I may inform you that all our children born of the Krishna conscious parents, they are welcome and I want hundreds of children like that. Because in future we expect to change the face of the whole world, because child is the father of man. Anyway, I have seen Malati is nursing her child so nicely that she attended my meeting every day and the child was playing and she never cried. Similarly, Lilavati's child also never cries or disturbs the meeting. Lilavati was always present with her child, so it depends on the mother. How to keep the child comfortable, so that it will not cry. The child cries only when it feels uncomfortable. The child's comfort and discomfort depends on the mother's attention. So the best solution is that we should train our all first-day small babies in such a way that they are always satisfied and there will be no disturbance in the meeting, and there will be no complaint.

Letter to Murari -- Seattle 8 October, 1968:

Mahapurusa is going today to Florida, and will reach there by tomorrow. But anywhere, one man show is not very prospective. So if you go to Hawaii and try to open a center, please let me know what is your program.

Please offer my blessings to Lilavati and your daughter. Hope this finds you in good health,

Letter to Dayananda -- Seattle 9 October, 1968:

I am trying to entrust the Hawaii center to Gaurasundara and his wife Govinda dasi, assisted by brahmacaris and other householders also, most probably Murari and Lilavati will go there. So we are trying to organize a nice center in Hawaii.

Letter to Gaurasundara -- Los Angeles 10 December, 1968:

So I am pleased that you are all working very hard to help us in this great mission. Please convey my blessings to Mahapurusa, Murari, Lilavati and to their child Subhadra. Hope you are all well.

Letter to Gaurasundara -- Los Angeles 28 December, 1968:

I have seen the Istagosthi notes of your meetings which were sent by Lilavati, and you are doing very nice in speaking on the principles of Krishna Consciousness. So with your speaking talents there is so much valuable preaching work that you will have opportunity to do to relieve the burden of the suffering humanity. So more and more try to develop this skill, such able speakers as yourself are a great boon to spreading this movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Murari -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

Please convey my blessings to your excellent wife, Lilavati, and also to your little daughter, Subhadra. I hope this will meet all of you in the best of health.

Letter to Swami Bhaktivedanta -- Hawaii 14 March, 1969:

Q. 11. Faculty and degrees and academic or religious accomplishments: (list all names of members who have such, as Brahmananda, Hayagriva, Satyabhama, Kirtanananda, Lilavati, etc. who have academic background qualifications).

Letter to Lilavati -- Allston, Mass 25 April, 1969:

Please accept my blessings to yourself as well as to your good husband and nice daughter, Subhadra. I beg to thank you for your letter dated April 18, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding your question about the relationship between the living entities and Krishna, the answer is that qualitatively we are one with Krishna: There is no qualitative difference, although the living entity has a different function than Krishna. Prakrti means nature. Just like fire; its nature is heat, and the heat is not a different quality although the function is different. In one sense, fire and heat are nondifferent. Therefore, Lord Caitanya's philosophy of inconceivably simultaneously one and different is the perfect philosophy of our relationship with the Absolute Truth. Everything is manifestation of the prakrti of the Lord, exactly like the heat and light of the fire. Heat and light are not different from the fire, but at the same time, heat and light are not the fire. In this way we have to understand the purusa and prakrti. The Lord is the purusa, or Enjoyer, and prakrti is the enjoyed.

Regarding your question about our relationship with Srimati Radharani, She is the internal energy, we are marginal energy. Marginal means sometimes internal, sometimes external. When we are under the internal energy, that is our normal life, and when we are under the external energy, that is our abnormal life. Therefore, we are called marginal energy; we can be either this way or that way. But being qualitatively one with the purusa, our tendency is to remain in the internal energy. Being in the external energy is our artificial attempt.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- New Vrindaban 26 May, 1969:

Regarding your idea of purchasing a house, if it is possible, do it immediately. When you pay big rent anyway, purchasing a house is nice. Now Murari and his good wife, Lilavati, are there, so this will be a great boon to your Sankirtana activities.

Letter to Murari -- Los Angeles 11 July, 1969:

I have not heard anything from Lilavati for some time. How is your daughter, Subhadra? I received one check from Jadurani for $30 for my maintenance fund, and thank her very much for this. I have sent two tapes to Satsvarupa with a note to Jadurani. Please ask them to take care of them and do the needful.

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

I have received one long letter from Lilavati, and I shall reply as soon as possible.

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

. Regarding someone to go there to take charge of the children in Satyabhama's absence, I will write to Lilavati in Boston to see if she is able to fill this position for that time.

Letter to Lilavati -- Los Angeles 31 July, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated July 23, 1969 and the photographs of your little daughter. These photographs were so nice, and I was very much engladdened to see how jolly Subhadra is. You write that she is already very enthusiastic about Sankirtana Party, so train her up very nicely. If such a pious child is trained properly as you and Murari are doing, then surely she will play a very worthy role in our society and in helping to improve the world condition by the propagation of Krishna Consciousness. It is not unusual that a little child is often very jolly, but in the material situation this jolliness passes very quickly. But in Krishna Consciousness, because the spirit soul is by nature very jolly and blissful, this jolliness only increases more and more as the bliss of serving Krishna increases more and more. So now your daughter has a very good opportunity to make final solution to her births in the material world, so keep her very nicely. Krishna will be kind upon you for this.

I can understand that you are feeling for a playmate for your child. In New Vrindaban we were thinking of having such place for many children, but at the present it appears to be difficult because there is no sufficient accommodations there. I did not exactly follow what you meant about inadequacies in the editing of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. We are planning to print an enlarged edition of this book, with purports to each and every verse. The book was abridged due to the request of the MacMillan Company, but I am not satisfied with this, so we will print the complete work in an unabridged edition. I am pleased to note that you are thinking of opening new centers and you consider South Indiana to be a good place. For starting new centers and for suggestions in this connection you should write to Tamala Krishna because this department will be entrusted to him in the matter of supplying men, etc. I have also very much appreciated your poem at the end of your letter. It is very nice, and I will have it submitted to Hayagriva for consideration of publication in BTG.

Please offer my blessings to the others. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. The S.F. Rathayatra was a grand success & I am awaiting the report of Boston Rathayatra.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Lilavati -- Los Angeles 1 April, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23rd March, 1970. So I am glad to learn that your daughter and Syamasundara.'s daughter are learning Krsna Consciousness very nicely. The program was that you would go to New Vrindaban for training children—never mind, you can do it there also.

So far George's house is concerned, it was formerly learned through Syamasundara. that he also wants to have a Krsna Consciousness center there. If he gives us a place there, just like Lennon gave a place in his garden, then you can start a similar temple there under your supervision. But unless there is some tangible program there, I think you should not divert attention in starting a new center there.

We have to organize this London center very solidly, so at least on Sundays all of you should come there and manage things. Anyway, conjointly you shall manage the London center and Sankirtana—that should not be neglected.

Regarding George's center, if he opens it very nicely according to his position, then on hearing from Syamasundara. I shall give direction how to do it. I have already written Syamasundara. about this, and I am awaiting his reply. The conclusion is that you are so many advanced disciples now in Europe, including Hamburg, London and Paris. Now you should organize the Sankirtana Movement in Europe by opening as many centers as possible from town to town at least. So do it conjointly and that will give me very much satisfaction.

Hope this meets you in good health.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970:

Regarding your staying in George's place, the first consideration is that in our temple there is no ample accommodation for all the Grhasthas. In that sense your staying in George's place with family is welcome, but your separation from the Society's activities is not very favorable. Either you should create another center in George's place or you should find out some place from where you can regularly join with the activities of our temple.

I think Lilavati and Murari are feeling little perturbed on account of this. They are very much fond of temple activities. I understand that George has got a nice chapel in his house and he is also anxious to develop his Krishna Consciousness, so it is not necessary that he has to become my formal disciple, but in order to develop his Krishna Consciousness, he should give us some opportunities to develop a duplicate temple in Oxon. Our staying in John's Tittenhurst garden was a failure because John wanted to utilize the labor of our men without giving us proper facilities for developing the temple.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970:

So for the time being you remain as you are and you also do the same thing, and if possible as suggested by you, Murari and Lilavati can open a center in Oxford. Oxford is a good place for our Krishna Consciousness movement. Formerly when I was there, we saw an old church for the purpose of purchasing it. I think Mukunda had some correspondence about it.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 14 April, 1970:

Another point is that three couples from our London temple are living in George Harrison's place, but is far away from our temple. If they cannot join regularly with the temple activities, then there might be some disturbance within. I learn that Murari and Lilavati are feeling like that. Have you any correspondence recently with London? Or you may have correspondence with Gurudasa to adjust these things. As far as possible all the devotees should live together. To live in the association of devotees is a great strength. So you try to adjust things in that way as far as possible so the devotees may live together.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 1 May, 1970:

Your suggestion for Murari's opening a center at Amsterdam is very much welcome. His wife, Lilavati is very intelligent and both of them can do the preaching work very diligently in that place, so try to give effect to this proposal.

Letter to Lilavati -- Los Angeles 3 May, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 28th April, 1970, and the report of our Sankirtana Movement in London is very much encouraging.

I think each couple of our students may try to open a branch in England. Our first branch of London Yatra was opened by Mukunda, Gurudasa, and Syamasundara. and their wives. They tried very hard, and now our London Temple is nicely situated. Similarly many other Temples can be opened in places like Amsterdam, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, etc. I have received report from Tamala that preaching in Paris is going nicely. In one day they recruited about 14 devotees simply by requesting who will join this Krsna Consciousness movement. So you all also recruit members, English boys and girls, in that way. Our Movement is a declaration of war against Maya, that you can understand very well, so we have to recruit many fighting soldiers—so do it vigorously.

I am glad to learn that the children are feeling very well in open atmosphere, so let them enjoy life for some time.

George has rendered some valuable service, so Syamasundara. is trying to do some good to him. This is our duty, anyone who has rendered a little service to Krsna should be given all facilities to take it up seriously.

Regarding your question, Yes, Krsna is always increasing in so many ways, so there is no question of decrease. The verse in question stating that Krsna is devoid of increase and decrease is from Srimad-Bhagavatam and it is given with specific reference to the devotee. The purport is that if Krsna gives himself to any one of His devotees, although He is Purna or the Complete Whole, still there is no decrease in Him. Similarly we may give to Krsna everything, but still He is not increased.

Please offer my blessings to all the boys and girls there. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 19 July, 1970:

Please offer my blessings to Murari. I do not know if his wife, Lilavati, and daughter are already there.

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

Please convey my blessings to your good wife, Lilavati, and to your daughter, Subhadra

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Murari -- Allahabad 4 February, 1971:

Please offer my blessings to your good wife, Lilavati. Try to increase the sales of our literatures and particularly KRSNA book and that will be a great service.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 13 April, 1971:

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 Tamala Krsna -- Nairobi 26 September, 1971:

Satyabhama in New Vrindaban has written a book for children. So you can immediately ask her. I think many of our girls can take up this business. Lilavati, Satyabhama and I don't know who else; there are many who may take up this work. Some of them may go to India. But factually, so far I have studied the situation, American boys and girls are a little restless. So it is subject matter to be decided by the GBC and I think you should consult with all other GBC members how to do it.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Lilavati -- Sydney 26 March, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated February 3, 1972 and I have noted the contents. I am very glad to hear that you are happy in your service in Los Angeles. Your letters show that you are very much talented in writing, so my proposal is that you engage yourself in editorial work. Or if you like, you can learn elementary Sanskrit, and when I come there we shall see how it can be put to use. Your book distribution program is very much encouraging to me. The more such literatures are read and distributed, the more auspicity will be there in the world. Please continue this program with ever-increasing enthusiasm.

I am leaving on the 31st of this month for Australia, and I plan to be in Los Angeles by the end of April.

Please offer my blessings to the others there. Hoping this will meet you in good health.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Lilavati -- Bombay 13 May, 1974:

As for your questions you have asked for clarification in the KRSNA Book when Maha Visnu says to Krsna and Arjuna that you are my incarnations in my appearance as Nara-Narayana. So you are asking how this can be so. The answer is when Krsna comes all the incarnations are within him. Actually this is a very intricate question. So not be so concerned about it now. When you become more advanced you will be able to realize these things.

You have asked if the Yadu dynasty has continued beyond Satasena. Yes, there are ksatriyas who claim to belong to the Yadu dynasty today especially in Mathura and nearby places.

How to acquire the quality of patience. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has already given us that answer: One can chant the Holy Name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking himself lower than the straw in the street, more tolerant than the tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and ready to offer all respects to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the Holy Name of the Lord constantly. So there will be, that in our preaching we will meet with many tribulations, that is patience.

So I understand you are recuperating from an operation. So spend this extra time reading all our books, chanting as many rounds as possible, and if you can go on doing my tapes.

Letter to Lilavati -- Vrindaban 6 August, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 14, 1974 and have noted the contents. I am very glad to learn that your illness is cured. You can take it that it is Krsna's mercy. So now I think you have got good engagement there, so continue it always thinking of Krsna at every moment.

At present Vaikunthanatha Prabhu is doing the typing of the tapes, so if you remain there and work in the pujari department nicely, then that will please me.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Lilavati -- Vrindaban 17 April, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated April 2, 1975 and have noted the contents. Bhagavan das and Brahmananda Swami have suggested that you go to London and collect the money for your ticket there and then immediately go to Africa to help there. I think that will be nice. Make sure that you follow all of the rules and regulations, and chant at least 16 rounds daily. That will make you out of the reach of Maya.

Letter to Jnana, Lilavati -- Denver 27 June, 1975:

So now that you are married you work together to spread Krsna consciousness. Marriage means that one's service becomes doubled, but at the same time we have to be very careful not to fall into sense gratification. That tendency is there, and we have to be always vigilant. Best thing is to chant carefully our 16 rounds on the beads and always think of Krsna.

Brahmananda Swami has given me a good report of the African program, so you two as man and wife make our movement solid there. This I want.

Letter to Jnana, Lilavati -- Vrindaban 12 September, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letters dated August 20, 1975 and have noted the contents. So I think that you are both very well suited for preaching in Africa. If you continue as you are now doing by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu you will be very successful. It is by His order that we are carrying this message all over the world. Do not neglect chanting Hare Krishna.

Cyavana Swami is submitting very good reports of your activities. Now I am coming there to Africa, and shall see you then.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Jnana, Lilavati -- Bombay 25 December, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 10/12/76 along with all the letters from the children. My blessings to Dinesh, Nitin, Kamlesh, Rekha, Minaxi, Raksha, Shila, Hitesh, Malti, Mradula, Sumir, Dipak, Sangeeta, Vijay, Ketan, Raj Kumar, Renu, Shilpa, Niraj, Samir, Rakesh, Sanjay, Dipak, Hiten and Prupdarsana.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Lilavati -- Bombay 31 March, 1977:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated December 3, 1976, along with the enclosed manuscript. Your letter has taken a very long time to reach me.

Our literature is not sentimental stories. It is meant to be understood by the intelligent class of men. Children and those with child-like mentalities will do better to chant "Hare Krishna" and take prasadam. We cannot water down the philosophy to make it more palatable. Our books must remain as they are. Do not waste your time anymore with such attempts. We are not going to publish it. Whatever books we have got, let them try to understand, and if they cannot then let them chant "Hare Krishna" and take prasadam.