Temple president (Letters, 1967 - 1972)

Expressions researched:
"book" |"books" |"branch" |"branches" |"center" |"centers" |"deities" |"deity" |"devotee" |"devotees" |"literature" |"literatures" |"president of the temple" |"president" |"presidents" |"sell" |"selling" |"temple president" |"temple presidents" |"temple" |"temples"

Notes from the compiler: All quotes relating to Temple President in ISKCON

1967 Correspondence

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

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. The money and society is yours. You can spend in any way but it is my duty to give you guidance as ever well wisher.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- San Francisco 7 April, 1967:

By Krishna's planning Brahmananda's presence at Montreal was so much helpful. I very much appreciate your selection of Janardana as the President and Paul and Helena as treasurer and secretary respectively. May Krishna bless them and let me congratulate them for execution of Krishna's service so nicely.

Letter to Jayananda -- Delhi 29 September, 1967:

I congratulate you on your being elected as president of ISKCON San Francisco branch. Your election as president is a recognition by Krishna and therefore I have got full support for you. Mukunda and other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krishna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krishna Consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state. I've been very glad that you are appreciating by your self the effects of sincere Krishna Consciousness. I've nothing new to instruct you, the same old instruction namely constant chanting and attentively hearing the transcendental vibration Hare Krishna is the only process for self realization in this age.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Calcutta 19 October, 1967:

I am in due receipt of your letter of Oct. 11. It was a great pleasure to note the contents, now you have nicely expressed your real mind, In your previous Letter in which I saw a little tendency of being turned by foolish Kirtanananda. but I was confident that Kirtanananda was not so strong as he would be able to defeat you. I was completely confident of your sincerity of service & my choice of your being president of the society is right. I may disclose herewith that I never took Kirtanananda into complete confidence but I was trying to improve his position because he has also rendered much personal service to me.

1968 Correspondence

Letter to Yamuna, Harsarani -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1968:

I am in due receipt of your letter, undated, and I can understand that in some points you disagree with Gargamuni but you have not clearly mentioned what is this point of disagreement. So far I know, Gargamuni's activities are approved by the president Jayananda, and so far I know Gargamuni, he has a business tactfulness, but his aim is to help the society financially. Whatever he does is not for his personal interest but for the interest of the society. If you have any specific grievance, please let me know, but don't be disturbed by any sort of disagreement with your God-brothers and sisters.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 1 March, 1968:

You will be glad to learn that Jayananda the President of San Francisco is purchasing a nice house there as we tried in New York. The price is $50,000.00 or near about and he has asked my approval. I think I shall send my approval with pleasure and as soon as the house's purchased we shall install Sri Sri Radha Krishna Vigraha there in a permanent place.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 3 March, 1968:

In the meantime there is a good news for us that Jayananda, the president of our San Francisco center, is attempting to have their own house in San Francisco. I am returning to San Francisco on the 8th March. I shall see how the matters have proceeded there. Now, if somewhere we get our own house and start our own press and we sit down together for publishing Back to Godhead and other books, how will you like the idea?

Letter to Mr. Mittra, United Shipping Corporation -- Montreal 12 June, 1968:

I cannot follow exactly what the account is; and a few days ago the president, Brahmananda, came to see me, and I understand that he is regularly corresponding with you about the statement of account and other things. So I am busy in my propaganda work and I cannot just divert my attention in this account business.

Letter to Vinode Patel -- Montreal 6 July, 1968:

I know also that you are a family man, and in India you have got your wife and 2 daughters. The first thing is that you may remain in the temple with the permission of Jayananda Brahmacari, the president of the temple, and as you are rendering some service to the temple, I think he will be very glad to accept you as one of the inmates. Your desire to do something tangible for the temple and it is a very welcome suggestion. There are many things to be done in the matter of the temple. Perhaps you will appreciate that this Radha Krishna temple is the one only in San Francisco.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Montreal 19 August, 1968:

So you send me the above letter signed by you as president along with the photostat copies of certificates which you may have in NY. I have got the original, so if you have not got photostat copies then I shall have to get them here. While signing, just stamp our society's seal which you have got with you.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Aniruddha -- Los Angeles 23 January, 1969:

I can understand from your letter that there has been some disagreements or misunderstandings in the temple, but I think that you should know that all such disturbances must be solved peacefully and with consideration of the entire situation. Cidananda is the president there, and I think you understand rightly that everyone must cooperate with him in keeping the temple nicely and without any unnecessary tensions.

Letter to Cidananda -- Los Angeles 23 January, 1969:

Since receiving this letter I have learned that you have decided that it is best that you do not leave your position in the San Francisco temple for the press department in New York. I think that this is the correct decision because your presence is very much needed in your temple. I am always glad to know that you are there to help manage the affairs of the San Francisco center so I am glad that you have decided to remain there as president. There are many places in San Francisco who will advertise in our Back To Godhead, so as much as possible you may try for this. But one thing is that the brahmacaris who are there must help in supporting the temple so you will have adequate time for this added responsibility upon you. So those who are able to earn money for supporting the temple must assist you in this connection.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1969:

At your earliest convenience, please submit to me a list of the names of the devotees who are filling the following offices: President, Secretary, and Treasurer in your center.

Letter to Tirtha Maharaja -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969:

You may please bring the following facts to the notice of the Patrons of the celebration when the session begins. I have already established the following centers:

1. New York INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS

61 Second Avenue

New York, NY

President: Brahmananda das Brahmacari (Bruce Scharf)

2. London ISKCON

22 Betterton Street

London WC 2

ENGLAND

President: Mukunda das Adhikari (Michael Grant)

3. Hamburg Internationale Gesellschaft fur Krishna Bewusstein

2 Hamburg 19

Eppendorfer Weg 11

WEST GERMANY

4. President: Sivananda das Brahmacari (Samuel Greer)

5. Hawaii ISKCON

4 Leilani Bldg. 1649 Kapialani Blvd.

Honolulu, Hawaii

President: Gaurasundara das Adhikari (G. McElroy)

6. Montreal ISKCON

3720 Park Avenue

Montreal 18, Quebec

President: Hamsaduta das Adhikari (Hans Kary)

7. San Francisco ISKCON

518 Frederick Street

San Francisco, Calif.

President: Cidananda das Brahmacari (Clay Harold)

8. New Vrindaban

RD 3

Moundsville, West Virginia

President: Kirtanananda Swami (Keith Ham)

9. Vancouver ISKCON

271 East Georgia Street

Vancouver 4, B.C. Canada

President: Ananda das Brahmacari (Eric Cassidy)

10. Seattle ISKCON

5516 Roosevelt Way N.E.

Seattle, Washington

President: Upendra das Brahmacari (Wayne Gunderson)

11. Santa Fe ISKCON

4113 West Water Street

Santa Fe, New Mexico

President: Harer Nama das Brahmacari (Harlon Jacobson)

12. North Carolina ISKCON

107 Laurel Avenue

Carrboro, N. Carolina

President: Bhurijana das Brahmacari (Wayne Connel)

13. Boston ISKCON

95 Glenville Avenue

Boston, Mass. (Allston)

President: Satsvarupa das Adhikari (Stephan Guarino)

14. Los Angeles ISKCON

1975 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, Calif.

President: Dayananda das Adhikari (Michael Wright)

15. Ohio ISKCON

1305 No. High Street

Columbus, Ohio

President: Hayagriva das Adhikari (Howard Wheeler)

Five thousand (5,000) copies of Back To Godhead Magazine are being published monthly now, and since the demand is increasing, we are arranging to print twenty thousand (20,000) copies starting from next April.

Letter to Sivananda -- Los Angeles 13 February, 1969:

I think you should make the board of management for your center as follows: President; Sivananda das Brahmacari, Treasurer and Secretary; Krishna das Brahmacari, Editor of German BTG; Uttama Sloka, Superintendent of press; Jaya Govinda das Brahmacari.

Letter to Dayananda -- Hawaii 26 March, 1969:

So far L.A. temple is concerned, both you and your good wife Nandarani, desired to see the temple affairs improve, which I understood from your past letters. And you took the risk of 400 or 500 dollars by renting the storefront in Hollywood Blvd. It was certainly very nice, and you were paying $350, but because you very sincerely desired to have a very very nice place, Krishna arranged in a different way. In the beginning we thought that we are losing a nice place, when the landlord wanted to kick out us, but now I can understand Krishna's desire was to give us a still better place, and so we have now got it. So it is not the place alone which is responsible for beautifying the temple; it is the devotees who are actually beautifying the temple. And as president you are in charge of the whole branch, so kindly try to maintain the present atmosphere, and try to improve it more and more, that is my request.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 1 July, 1969:

The circular you have sent to the presidents and members of ISKCON is very nicely drawn, and please follow the principles. All students should be encouraged to write some article after reading Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and Teachings of Lord Caitanya. They should realize the information, and they must present their assimilation in their own words. Otherwise, how they can become preachers? So far as Sankirtana Party is concerned, as many pictures as possible should be published each month. The pictures are very attractive to the customers also. Acyutananda should also be asked to send pictures, as many as possible, of the many Visnu temples in India for publication in BTG. BTG should be full with our own articles, and there is no need for articles by outsiders. So far as ads are concerned, only our own books should be advertised; nothing else.

Letter to Bhagavan, Krsna Bhamini -- Los Angeles 13 July, 1969:

As you have requested to be sent a nice householder couple to come and help you, I am going to arrange with Hamsaduta and Himavati that they may go there soon to join you in Detroit. They are both very exemplary devotees, and they are already trained in managing all areas of Sankirtana Party and temple affairs. So their presence will be a great help to you. I understand that Hamsaduta works best when he can be in charge of the situation, so when he arrives he may act as the temple president and you shall be his assistants. When I speak with Hamsaduta and Himavati in San Francisco during Rathayatra Festival we shall make definite arrangements as to when they shall arrive. In the meantime, I am very pleased with both of your nice attitudes and endeavors, and may Krishna bless you for this.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 13 July, 1969:

But one thing is that I have a very nice place in mind where yourself and Himavati may go to help start one temple. In Detroit there is one very nice household couple, Bhagavan das and Krishna Bhamini, and I am thinking that you would be ideal to go there and organize the temple as the president and propagate Sankirtana Party. So we shall discuss this at length in San Francisco.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Los Angeles 24 July, 1969:

Unfortunately I could not reply you earlier because I was waiting for the help of others. Anyway, I have signed the certificate and sent it to New York for counter signature of the president, entitling you as Bhakti-sastri. The certificate was finally made a little hastily, so the printing is not to my full satisfaction.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 19 August, 1969:

I was very much anxious to receive your letter, but I did not know that you stopped writing me on account of the memo issued a few days ago. The memo was circulated just to minimize correspondence in minor affairs. I think in ordinary administration the presidents of different centers may consult amongst themselves and make certain general procedures by mutual agreement. But when there is some more important factor, that must be referred to me. I did not mean by the memo that you shall stop correspondence. If you understood like that, then I say that you can send me every day one letter, and it will be welcome. We are now growing in size, therefore, for general administration if you will act conjointly amongst the presidents, that will be a great relief for me. Besides that, you are doing editorial work of my books so you have to correspond directly with me. I never meant that about editorial work also being referred to Brahmananda. I understand that you had some meeting amongst the East Coast presidents of the centers, and I shall be glad to know how you decided to work. I have not heard anything about your joint decision.

Letter to Gargamuni -- London 22 September, 1969:

In one of the letters of Brahmananda I understand that the book selling organization there is not very satisfactory. Therefore, I am very much glad to read the circular letter issued to the temple presidents, and I shall be glad to know how you are getting response. The methods you have adopted to approach reviewers and convince them to review our books, how much this attempt has been successful?

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 22 September, 1969:

So far as MacMillan is concerned, I have written to Gargamuni. Gargamuni is organizing book-selling, and perhaps you have received his memo to all temple presidents regarding selling our literature. So I am consulting with him before I finally decide about the MacMillan Company. But MacMillan's letter to you is not very encouraging. I have received the bank slips you have sent to me, and I hope by this time you have received the passbook.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Tittenhurst 3 October, 1969:

Another difficulty is that nobody is staying in New Vrindaban. Even the boy Hrsikesa has left, and recently I received on letter from Ranadhira that Hayagriva and Kirtanananda are also not there. New Vrindaban is now in charge of Ranadhira, so on the whole people are not being attracted. In your next president's meeting you can consider these points.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 13 October, 1969:

I have seen the agenda of your president's meeting. This is nice. One thing should be followed, however, as your countrymen are more or less independent spirited and lovers of democracy. So everything should be done very carefully so that their sentiments may not be hurt. According to Sanskrit moral principles, everything has to be acted, taking consideration of the place, audience and time. As far as possible the centers should act freely, but conjointly. They must look forward to the common development. That should be the principle. You are all intelligent boys, and you should be engaged in Krishna's service. Then He will give you all intelligence. So in every action we should always pray to Krishna for His help so that we may act it nicely. Lord Krishna advised Arjuna yudhyasva mam anusmara (BG 8.7). That should be our principle. We should use all our intellect as well as possible, and at the same time we should remember Krishna always.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 12, 1969 along with the copy of the West Coast president's report of the meeting held at Berkeley. Gradually this meeting should develop into a committee. of the West Coast presidents, and similarly there should be one for the East Coast, so in the future we can form a central governing body for the whole institution. Therefore the management should be done very cautiously so that everyone is satisfied in their autonomous managing capacity. Of course, the central point is the order of the Spiritual Master, and I am very glad that you are trying to give importance to this aspect of management.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969:

Regarding movement of the members from one temple to another, I think the local president's permission is sufficient. Don't take too much load of individual administration. That will be unmanageable in the near future. I have also instructed Brahmananda in this way. I have also advised Brahmananda to ask for monthly reports, and similarly you may ask for monthly reports. That will be easier.

Letter to Upendra -- Tittenhurst 27 October, 1969:

I have now made a policy that as soon as my books are printed in the press I shall distribute them in all the centers along with the respective bills. You will kindly send me the money for the Book Fund as soon as you sell them. The money may be sent to me or to the coastal president. But I shall overload you with books.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 4 November, 1969:

So far as corresponding with the other West Coast presidents, that can be done from here also. Here you can talk with Mukunda and others about the World Sankirtana Party. There is good possibility. Simply it requires some good organization. Therefore you are called.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Mr. Allen Klein -- Los Angeles 6 January, 1970:

I am informed by Sriman Syamasundara. das Adhikari that in connection with the contribution of Sriman George Harrison for publishing my book, Krishna, you were advised to contact me in my Boston Temple. But I have left Boston Temple on the 29th of December and now my present address is ISKCON Temple, 1975 La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90034. So you can contact me here in this connection. In the meantime, I am advising my representative Sriman Brahmananda Brahmacari, president of my New York Temple, and he is authorized to deal on my behalf in this connection. I am advising him (Brahmananda) also to see you in this connection.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 26 January, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25 January, 1970, along with two enclosures; namely the agenda for West coast presidential meeting and list of preparations offered to the Deities on the Disappearance Day of my Guru Maharaja.

I have read over the presidential agenda and have noted the pertinence of all the items. Now let us see the results of the conference and the practical outcomes of the subjects under discussion. The list of 108 feast preparations is also approved by me. Thank you very much.

Letter to Gajendra -- Los Angeles 27 January, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 24, 1970 and I am so glad to learn that at the present moment you are president of the center; it is a great satisfaction to me. When a Krishna Conscious person is elevated to a responsible position, he never becomes puffed up.

Letter to Hanuman Prasad Poddar -- Los Angeles 5 February, 1970:

The management of our different centers is made by three officers; namely a President, Treasurer, and a Secretary. They have got separate banking accounts in each center. The checks are signed by two officers out of three. Although in each banking account my name is there as Acarya, and when I am in a center sometimes I sign the checks, still, usually I do not. I try to keep myself aloof from business transactions; but as far publications is concerned, I manage the book fund personally.

Letter to Jayapataka - So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 February 13, 1970:

From your letter it appears that Toronto has more potential for Krsna Conscious engagements, so why not remain there and assist Raktak. Our main business is service. Management of the temple must be there, but being president is not our business. Our business is to preach Krsna Consciousness. So if your presence there is helpful you may remain for some time.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 18 February, 1970:

I think Hamsaduta and Himavati are already on their way to Germany. Most probably they will reach Germany directly; if not, they may go via London. Anyway, Hamsaduta's presence in your center along with Himavati will certainly enhance your spiritual activities. Both of them are sincere devotees and senior members. If he agrees, I think he can be made the president because he is the seniormost amongst you. In outside Sankirtana Party he will be a first class asset, and for Deity worship Himavati will be second to none. So try to utilize their service properly and increase the movement more and more in Germany.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 20 February, 1970:

Please see that the French and German issues of BTG are published as soon as possible. I hope Hamsaduta has met you by this time, and when you go to Germany along with him I think he may be situated as the president of the center being the seniormost member.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Los Angeles 27 February, 1970:

I am glad to learn that after deliberation between Jayapataka and Raktaka, you have been asked to become the president of Toronto temple. The idea is that whoever is competent to manage affairs will accept the post of president by mutual consent. Our main business is to be fixed up in Krsna Consciousness by keeping steady in the prescribed duties of devotional service. So I have got all approval for your being elected president; that is nice.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 2 March, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge reciept of your two letters dated 20 and 26 February, 1970, respectively, and I am so glad to learn that you have been elected president for this year. In India, when there was congress election among the executive members, each year a person was elected president. I think this system may be followed in our institutions also. Of course it will depend on the local situation, but in a round if each person is given the chance of managing the whole affairs, that means everyone becomes responsible officer.

Another thing is that so long I have been receiving different questions from the students, now I think all these questions should be answered by the presidents locally. So you study all our books very nicely, and all the doubts and questions may be answered by you locally. In case of difficult questions, it may be referred to me. That will give all the presidents the chance of being skillful in solving the doubts and problems of the local students. I hope you will like this idea.

Letter to Sri Dhruva -- Los Angeles 7 April, 1970:

Enclosed please find two pictures of this temple house, as well as I am enclosing some of the pictures of our Philadelphia activities where one American boy and girl, devotees, were married under the ministerial guidance of the local President. You will understand from the informations that this Krishna Consciousness movement is a major revolutionary renaissance specifically delineating social and religious conception of life based on authorized Vedic culture.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 11 April, 1970:

Regarding the proposed marriage of Manmohini and Sridama, Yes, I have already sent Sridama sanctioning this marriage and offering my blessings. Subala has already got practical experience, he has performed two marriage ceremonies and he has sent me a xeroxed copy of the procedure which I have approved. I am enclosing herewith one copy and you can perform the wedding in your temple. Everyone, at least all the presidents, should be experienced in performing marriage ceremonies.

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

Regarding the appointment of Suridas to the post of president, that is a very good proposal. He is intelligent, sincere devotee, and similarly his wife is also.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 14 May, 1970:

Regarding your invitation to visit you in England, in this connection you can read my circular letter recently sent to all the Presidents. But when there is absolute necessity, there will be no difficulty.

Letter to Gaurasundara -- Los Angeles 22 May, 1970:

Another point is that in this new Temple Presidents from other centers are coming almost daily, and up to the end of May there are already engagements. So all these combined together hold me for the time being not to leave station; but don't be disappointed, as soon as I get opportunity I will come to you.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 2 June, 1970:

Here presidents from other centers, like Hayagriva, Rupanuga, and Kirtanananda Maharaja, etc. are staying in this Temple. Kirtanananda Maharaja yesterday played the church organ very nicely. We are going to have another meeting this evening with organ playing. So everything is going nice in this center, and perhaps you remember the park which they have constructed, it is very, very nice.

Letter to Jadurani, Bharadraja, Muralidhara -- Los Angeles 4 June, 1970:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated nil, and I see that it is approved by the President. So anyone of my students can inquire from me in the matter of serving Krsna directly, and especially you are advanced and approved students. Sometimes somebody sends some irrelevant inquiries which students should not have asked from the Spiritual Master, and for them the restrictive circular was issued. So you are at liberty to send your letters directly, and I will reply them duly.

Letter to Nevatiaji -- Los Angeles 16 July, 1970:

All the devotees strictly follow our regulative principle of 1) no eating of meat, fish or eggs, 2) no illicit sex-life, 3) no taking of intoxicants including coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol, and 4) no gambling. In each center we have a president, secretary and treasurer who manage the local affairs.

Letter to Vrndavana Candra -- Los Angeles 18 July, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter informing me that you have lost your original set of beads and requesting me to chant upon the new set sent also enclosed by you. You are intelligent boy and now you are in very responsible position as president of our Baltimore branch, so you should be more careful. Anyway, I have chanted duly the beads and they are herewith returned to you.

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

I understand that the new boy, Harivilasa, is very experienced, so if he is going to be president that is nice. We want a good administration—that is one side of our propaganda work.

Letter to Upendra -- Los Angeles 4 August, 1970:

Regarding your questions, the sannyasis are now devoted fully to travelling and preaching work, management is left to the local Temple Presidents and the members of the Governing Body Commission.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Tokyo 20 August, 1970:

When I was in L.A. I heard that a good many visitors were coming there (N.Y.) It was very much encouraging. I think Bhavananda is president of the New York center so I shall be glad to hear from him.

Letter to Central Bank of India -- Calcutta 29 September, 1970:

RESOLVED

A meeting of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Calcutta Branch, at 37/1 Hindusthan Road was held, and it is passed by resolution that a local account be opened with the Central Bank of India, Ballygunje Branch.

In the meeting the following gentlemen were present:

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder-Acarya

Tamala Krishna Das Adhikari-President

Acyutananda Swami-Secretary

Jayapataka Swami-Treasurer

Out of the four, checks will be signed by any two.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Letter to Jagadisa -- Calcutta 29 September, 1970:

Take care of the new devotees so that they may read our literatures carefully and come to the real standard of understanding. Our strength is not material strength, but spiritual strength. So if spiritual strength is not strong now, try to make Sripati and the others stronger by spiritual means by following the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds. Formerly Jayapataka was president of Montreal center; now he is working here in India very intelligently although it is a foreign city.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Bombay 7 November, 1970:

Also I've received some other letters and things in London are not as they should be. It seems that Murari has now become president of London temple. This is all right for a while but you will have to go back to the London temple. London temple is one of the most important centers in our society and it should not suffer for lack of good management. Under you and your wife's good care, things have gone very nicely there. So I want you and Yamuna to both be prepared to go back to London in the near future. You have come all the way to India, so for the time being you should remain here and see what can be done in Delhi.

Letter to Vrindaban Candra -- Bombay 9 November, 1970:

The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading, Sankirtana, and temple worship. Any breakage in the performance of one's duties will surely be a hindrance in one's advancement. So, as President, you should see that everyone stays engaged 24 hours a day in Krishna's service.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 10 November, 1970:

Since you are the president in Calcutta and there are so many businesses still pending, you should remain in Calcutta. I have instructed Hamsaduta to hand over to you for your sole care all the things that are remaining in 37/1 Hindustan Rd. flat, including my books, table, etc. In addition three sets of Deities there should be taken by you and kept carefully

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 27 November, 1970:

So the account should be opened and checks should be drawn out by two signatures. One of the signatures must be mine and the other names should also be registered: Jayapataka Swami, Acyutananda Swami and Madhudvisa Swami (Founder and Acarya, President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively.) These four names should be registered.

Letter to Krsnakanti -- Bombay 29 November, 1970:

I know you are a very qualified and sincere devotee and now Krsna is offering you a nice opportunity to perform responsible devotional service as the president of our Seattle Temple. Please conduct the affairs there very nicely and with great care and Krsna will provide you all facilities for making the center even more attractive and successful.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 1 December, 1970:

Our Calcutta branch should be managed as follows: Jayapataka Maharaja - president; Acyutananda Maharaja - secretary and yourself as treasurer. So if the building fund is being nicely raised, that is all right and you may stay in Calcutta. If not, then when I go to Gorakhpur I shall call for you from there, but if fund raising business is going on nicely, you can stay.

Letter to Mukunda -- Surat 31 December, 1970:

I have already written to Murari that you will take charge of our London Branch as President and that he may take the office of vice-president and assist you. I want that you and your good wife Janaki will develop the London temple, as it is practically one of our most important centers. London is the most important city in the world and as you originally opened this branch, it is my desire to see it come to full blossom under your expert management. 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.

Letter to Murari -- Surat 31 December, 1970:

I am very glad to hear that you are working cooperatively with Mukunda in managing London temple affairs. Mukunda is a very intelligent boy and I am pleased to learn that he has again taken an active part in such affairs. It is my desire that Mukunda now act as president of London center and that your good self act as vice president. In this way go on working together and make our London center a grand success. It is a very important center and I am concerned to see that it develops nicely. You can send me reports periodically on the progress being made there.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Karandhara -- Surat 1 January, 1971:

Regarding your proposal that recommendations for initiations should be approved by the GBC members, that is not a good idea. Such recommendation is for the local President to make from first hand observation.

Letter to Murari -- Allahabad 4 February, 1971:

I am very glad that Mukunda will continue to work with you and he will be President of our London Yatra. Both he and Janaki and you and your good wife are our elder students and you try to cooperate with one another for keeping our London center as prominent. If you can expand that will be very nice. I am glad that the center in Birmingham is going on nicely.

Letter to Mukunda -- Allahabad 4 February, 1971:

In the meantime continue to work from your end as far as possible. I am so glad that you have decided to return as President of our London Temple. I consider London as our prime center for spreading Krsna Consciousness Movement, so it is very important center and I therefore wanted that you take charge of the affairs and see that things are always improving. Simply offer all your talents and energies in this service of the Lord and know that Krsna promises that for one who surrenders fully unto Him, He fully protects such devotee from all kinds of material distresses and sinful reactions.

Letter to Karandhara -- Gorakhpur 15 February, 1971:

I am expecting to return to the States sometime by the end of March, so I think you may inform all the Temple Presidents that prospective initiations may wait until that time.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Bombay 26 February, 1971:

So far as your being replaced as President of Boston temple, I have no objection. For better management of the whole institution, the governing body commission is responsible. So I shall be simply pleased to see that things are going on very nicely.

Letter to Damodara -- Bombay, India 5 March, 1971:

Yes, you may like to know that I shall be returning to the U.S.A. by the first week of April. There are so many devotees who have been recommended for initiations by the temple presidents. So when I return I shall initiate them all. At that time, Nolen Prabhu may also become initiated by me. He certainly sounds qualified. Please offer him my blessings and thank him very much for his very kind letter enclosed along with yours.

Letter to Kanya Kumari (Carol Bouchier) -- Bombay 1 April, 1971:

Your husband, Nityananda Das, is now president of our newly formed New Orleans center and as his wife, it is your duty to help him in every way possible. So work cooperatively, husband and wife, and make our New Orleans branch a grand success. And remain unflinching in Krishna's service by strictly following the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds of beads daily, without fail, and reading all our books. Then Krishna will surely help you.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Bombay 9 April, 1971:

What GBC man from India has written that GBC member should be "disentangled from local management"? I have no information who it is. I never advised GBC men to write like that. Why should the presidents give up their posts? GBC work should go on but the temples must be looked after simultaneously. Of course for better management you can go to N.Y.; yours is special case. But this was not my advice. This instruction should be given to all that I never advised that they give up the post of presidency. I asked Tamala if he had written any such direction, but he denied. I do not know which GBC member has advised like that. Jagadisa was also divorcing himself from temple management but found the devotees enthusiasm slackened and so he has returned to the temple schedule. The temples must be maintained.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Bombay 11 April, 1971:

You write to say how enthusiasm dropped because you were divorcing yourself from temple activities for GBC work. I never said like that. The presidents should not give up their posts, but GBC work must go on and temple activities be maintained simultaneously. So now you have experienced practically that your responsibility for temple upkeep must not be set aside for GBC business. The devotees enthusiasm must be maintained. As I reply everyone's letter and encourage them, so you should encourage the devotees more and more also. Maintain that spirit and give them direction so that this standard may not be deteriorated.

Letter to Acyutananda -- London 28 June, 1971:

So we Krishna Consciousness people have accepted a very important and responsible task in the whole world, therefore our principle work also must be very responsible.

Yesterday evening there was a meeting of all the different presidents of all the different temples and I have impressed them with this fact and they are doing so nicely and sincerely. So you have got a very responsible task in Mayapur also—to develop that temple. So send me weekly reports and may Krishna bless you more and more.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 28 June, 1971:

In yesterday's meeting of the temple presidents in Berkeley, I have asked them to send at least one man from each center and they are accepting. So very soon 60 men will come to India with some good leaders. We have to do some tangible work in India and so do everything cautiously and carefully.

Letter to Bhavananda -- Los Angeles 1 July, 1971:

Also, I am wanting many men to go to India. At a recent meeting of the temple presidents from the West coast, I asked that each of our nearly 60 centers send at least one man to India. So if you can make arrangements like that, it will be very nice. Many men are required there; they don't have to be very important members. We are arranging for a big temple in Mayapur, the birthsite of Lord Caitanya. So we shall discuss further on this matter when I go there.

Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971:

GBC members are simply to see that things are going on. Other centers have got president, secretary, etc. and they are managing separately. That is the formula. So how is it that the GBC are the final authority? They are simply to examine that things are going on nicely, that is all.

Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971:

There are many grhasthas who are earning and spending for a particular center. Similarly you also can open a center, live separately as president and maintain the temple nicely. But if you don't do anything and simply remain grhastha, then what is the use of criticizing others? The whole movement is meant for rendering service.

Letter to Tribhuvanatha -- Brooklyn 17 July, 1971:

I am also glad to note that a meeting of all the presidents was held just recently in order to unify the temples. That is the process. Unless we work cooperatively, how this movement will go on? So my request to you all is that you maintain that spirit of cooperation always and help me to deliver Lord Caitanya's message all over the globe.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Brooklyn 28 July, 1971:

I am very glad to learn that you are again president of our Calcutta center. In the beginning also I did not want the change. Anyway, let there be no change anymore.

Letter to Karandhara -- London 5 August, 1971:

Regarding your changing position with Bhavananda, I don't think L.A. can be managed at the present time without your presence. The original proposal was that if the presidents required the change then they could switch centers, but changing of your place will not be very favorable. So stay there and develop things nicely. I am so pleased to learn that you are opening a new branch in Fresno, California and are soon to open one in Long Beach also. So your presence is required there in the West. Your overseeing is most important position. What am I doing but overseeing. So continue there in L.A.

Letter to Giriraja -- London 12 August, 1971:

GBC does not mean to control a center. GBC means to see that the activities of a center go on nicely. I do not know why Tamala is exercising his absolute authority. That is not the business of GBC. The president, treasurer and secretary are responsible for managing the center. GBC is to see that things are going nicely but not to exert absolute authority. That is not in the power of GBC. Tamala should not do like that. The GBC men cannot impose anything on the men of a center without consulting all of the GBC members first. A GBC member cannot go beyond the jurisdiction of his power. We are in the experimental stage but in the next meeting of the GBC members they should form a constitution how the GBC members manage the whole affair. But it is a fact that the local president is not under the control of the GBC. Yes, for improvement of situations such as this I must be informed of everything.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 14 August, 1971:

I have no objection for Gurudasa becoming president. Our main business is to preach this Krishna Consciousness Movement. When American boys and girls push on this Krishna Consciousness movement, everyone is interested with this movement, not with what office he holds. So if Gurudasa becomes president, let him become so. Then the post of secretary and treasurer may be divided between Subala Swami and Ksirodakasayi.

Letter to Jayapataka -- London 24 August, 1971:

And who has been appointed treasurer and secretary? The president, secretary and treasurer elected by the members of the center cannot be changed at least for one year; better to continue it for three years. All combined together should be responsible for keeping correct accounts. Giriraja is reponsible and he should be made the treasurer. You should remain as president and Acyutananda Swami as secretary. So make arrangements in that way.

Letter to Gurudasa -- London 27 August, 1971:

So far London temple is concerned, things are going on here very nicely under the supervision of Dayananda Prabhu who is appointed treasurer and Tribhuvanatha as president. I may go to Africa and then come back to India. You are in India so do not think of coming back here. Also there will be no GBC meeting. It is not necessary. So stay there and develop things nicely. Tamala said that there is so much potential for preaching in India and that is a fact. Later on we can send more men there also. So you remain as president of Delhi and Ksirodakasayi when he goes there, can be the treasurer and Subala Maharaja as secretary. When Ksirodakasayi goes there I shall send one letter with him to you and you can do accordingly. So work combinedly to push on this movement.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi Adhikari -- London 6 September, 1971:

As treasurer of the branch, you will sign the checks of our banking account there jointly along with the president or secretary. Besides your post as treasurer you shall be in charge of the Hindi publication department. As such you are authorized to sign relative papers and documents in this connection on behalf of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, jointly or severally as it is needed.

Letter to Dr. Bali -- Kenya 9 September, 1971:

I have handed over your letter to Syamasundara for negotiating with the different presidents of the Indian centers. So you may fix up the Madras program by consulting the local presidents in the different places and Madhudvisa Maharaja may help you in this connection. Similarly I have advised Syamasundara. to correspond with them whether our program in Madras in the month of December will not collide with other programs. I have no objection to your proposal about changing the time from October to December but it has to be fixed up in consultation with the others.

Letter to Abhirama -- Mombassa, Kenya 9 September, 1971:

With further reference to my letter dated 31st August, 1971, I have already asked you to consult with the GBC members before purchasing the boat. So do not purchase this boat unless all the GBC members agree. I understand that some of the GBC members are not favorably disposed to this proposal of purchasing a boat. In one letter I have read "Otherwise there is so much chance of misuse. For example I have heard from Satsvarupa that the President of Baltimore Temple has $10,000.00 with which he wants to purchase a boat to go to South America. Obviously this is misappropriation and could be avoided if all these kinds of funds were immediately centralized". So in this regards do not purchase this boat without unanimous consent of the GBC members.

Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani -- Nairobi 13 October, 1971:

Our London center is very important and it is already known all over Europe and what to speak of England. So try to develop this center to the best of your capacity. I am sure that now London temple is in the right hands. Both of you, husband and wife, attempted to improve the L.A. temple and Dayananda took so much risk to maintain it. I remember all these things. Now our L.A. temple has come to a very prominent position. So far I know Karandhara is managing it nicely and you have got sufficient experience as president of L.A. temple. Now you are president of London Temple, so please just try to raise it to the L.A. standard.

Letter to Brhaspati -- Delhi 17 November, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your letter of November 3, 1971, and I am very much pleased that in the short time you have been president of ISKCON St. Louis so much work beneficial for spreading Krishna Consciousness has been done by you. Especially I am encouraged by your programs in the schools and colleges. Try to interest these students in our books. If you simply stick to the textbook teaching becomes very easy.

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Delhi 20 November, 1971:

I am very encouraged to hear how San Diego center is flourishing under your supervision. The test is that so many new devotees are coming. That is a very good sign. Now you must take care to train them very nicely. They are voluntarily giving their lives to Krishna, so as president you must see that they are always happy and satisfied in Krishna Consciousness. Then they will not go away. Your proposals for teaching them our philosophy are very good.

Letter to Vamanadeva, Indira -- Delhi 8 December, 1971:

As for your questions about householder life, first of all, who is looking after Oklahoma City temple? If you are the President, then what is the use of opening center if you cannot attend all temple functions? Who is looking after temple management? If you are in charge, either you should live there or there is no need for such temple. Of course, it is not that anyone is excluded from being my disciple if they do not cent per cent attend all of temple programs, but they should be encouraged to attend as far as possible. Living outside and working are not prohibited, and it is not recommended that such strict rule as no outside living should be enforced, but living in the association of devotees is better.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Aksaya -- Bombay 16 January, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter of 14th December, 1971, and I am happy to accept you for Gayatri mantra. One copy of Gayatri mantra and one sacred thread duly chanted by me have been sent under separate post. Hold a fire yajna and your president, Dhananjaya, can give you Gayatri mantra. Hamsaduta and Dayananda have copies of tapes of me reciting Gayatri mantra, so you can get it from one of them. One thing is that the tape should be heard through earphones into the right ear. So the fire yajna can be held for all three devotees.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Bombay 4 February, 1972:

So as President, now you will be forced to advance in Krishna Consciousness because you must always set the highest example yourself, and I think that this is Krishna's special favoring you. Try to always see the highest purity is maintained in all respects, become yourself very convinced of this Krishna philosophy, be always preaching and trying to understand some basic points from different angle of vision, keep the devotees in your temple always satisfied and jolly, and that will be your success.

Letter to Madhucara -- Bombay 4 February, 1972:

I am very pleased that you have been appointed as President for Phoenix, Arizona, center. Now you are being forced by Krishna to advance in Krishna Consciousness, because you must set the perfect example for all others to follow and be always very responsible and sober. I think you will have no difficulty, as long as our routine work is attended to nicely and the highest standards are maintained. Routine work means rising early, cleansing, chanting minimum 16 rounds, having kirtana, reading scriptures, deity worship, like that. Simply always keep yourselves engaged in these matters of regular activity as sincerely as possible, and do not neglect them for a moment, then your all other activities will come out successful, and you can be very certain that very soon you will find yourselves situated on the highest platform of perfectional stage.

Letter to Sri Galim -- Bombay 4 February, 1972:

I have just heard from Sankarasana that you are planning to close down your center there. I cannot understand why this should be done if there is such good field for preaching and if you are having a university course. Our policy is not to decrease, only increase, therefore I do not think it is a good idea to leave Austin just because you have not got a temple house there. Better to stay there and work very hard, and then Krishna will provide a nice house where you may open your center very soon. There have been cases of closing down, but only where the field was absolutely hopeless and there was waste of time. But Sankarasana does not think you should close down, and he has offered to stay as President, and from your report it appears there is good prospect, so I think you should remain there and preach with increased determination.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Madras 14 February, 1972:

So as GBC you must see to it that the highest standards of routine work are maintained throughout all the centers, and that chanting, rising early, cleansing, and all other aspects of our regular program may not be neglected. That is our first business. GBC men should not dictate very much, simply supervise and see that the standards are maintained. The individual presidents should be more managerial, more individual, and you can supervise, and if some defect is detected, you can make suggestions how to correct it. But if we lose individuality and simply become mechanical, what is the point?

Letter to Trai -- Sridhama Mayapur 1 March, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated February 15, 1972, and I am very much pleased that you have assumed the president's post for Berkeley centre. That is one of our most important branches especially because it is located just in a very large university area, well known in your country as a famous seat of learning. So now it will be very important to flood Berkeley city with our books and literatures, because if we can convince the intelligent class of men of our Krishna philosophy then our success for changing the position of your country and the rest of the world from a very dangerous condition is assured.

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank -- Vrindaban 14 March, 1972:

That the said Bank is hereby authorized to honor all checks or other orders drawn and to accept and act upon receipts for moneys deposited with or owing by the Bank on the account or accounts at any time or times kept or to be kept in the name of the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness with the Bank and also to honor bills accepted or notes made on behalf of the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness provided such checks, orders, receipts, bills or notes are signed by

KSIRODAKASAYI DAS ADHIKARI, President for the time being and countersigned by GURUDASA ADHIKARI, Secretary, or by KASHI RAM SARAF, Treasurer for the time being and to debit such checks, orders, receipts, bills or notes to the said account or accounts whether the same be for the time being in credit or overdrawn and to accept the endorsement of any two on checks or other orders, bills or notes payable to the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to All ISKCON Temple Presidents -- Melbourne 7 April, 1972:

MEMO TO ALL ISKCON TEMPLE PRESIDENTS:

On April 6, 1972, the following message was dispatched by cable, one copy each to Karandhara, Rupanuga, and Hamsaduta:

YOUR MATERIAL LEGAL FORMULA WILL NOT HELP US. ONLY OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE CAN HELP US. HAMSADUTA MUST RETURN GERMANY IMMEDIATELY AND DON'T LEAVE AGAIN. ATREYA RISHI HAS NO AUTHORITY FROM ME TO MANAGE ANYTHING. REMOVE HIM. I HAVE NO APPROVAL FOR ANY THESE PLANS. DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING. ACKNOWLEDGE CABLE 26 RENNY STREET PADDINGTON SYDNEY.

BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI

On the following morning, April 7, 1972, three replies were received:

1. JAI! ALL MY MISGIVINGS CONFIRMED BY YOUR TELEGRAMS. RAISED STRONG OBJECTIONS AT GBC MEETINGS. LETTER SENT TO YOU ON 30TH ABOUT THIS. DETAILS TO FOLLOW. HAMSADUTA LEFT 30TH FOR GERMANY. ATREYA RISHI NOTIFIED. GBC NOTIFIED. NOTHING SIGNIFICANT CHANGED YET. DO NOT WORRY. HARE KRISHNA.

RUPANUGA.

2. I WILL REMAIN IN GERMANY AND FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTION. WILL REMOVE ATREYA RISHI.

HAMSADUTA.

3. HAMSADUTA HAS RETURNED TO GERMANY. ATREYA REMOVED. AWAITING ANY FURTHER INSTRUCTION.

KARANDHARA.

cc. All Temple Presidents.

ACBS/sda

APPROVED: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya, ISKCON

Letter to All ISKCON Temple Presidents -- Sydney 8 April, 1972:

MEMO TO ALL ISKCON TEMPLE PRESIDENTS:

My dear ___

Please accept my blessings. I beg to inform you that recently some of the Governing Body Commission members held a meeting at New York on 25th through 28th March, 1972, and they have sent me a big big minutes, duplicated, for my consideration and approval, but in the meantime they have decided some appointments without consulting me. One of the items which struck me very much is as follows:

"Atreya Rsi das was selected to be the Secretary for GBC and receive all correspondence including monthly reports." I never appointed Atreya Rsi member of the GBC, and I do not know how he can be appointed Secretary to GBC without my sanction. "He was also appointed to be on the Management Committee. with Karandhara for the purpose of supervising ISKCON business and implementing the decisions reached by GBC." This has very much disturbed me.

Sriman Atreya Rsi das may be very expert, but without my say he has been given so much power and this has upset my brain.

I also understand that immediate actions are going to take place even prior to my permission, and that, also, "without divulging to the devotees(!)"

I do not follow exactly what is the motive of the so-called GBC meeting, therefore I have sent the telegram which you will find attached herewith, and I have received the replies as well.

Under these circumstances, I AUTHORIZE YOU TO DISREGARD FOR THE TIME BEING ANY DECISION FROM THE GBC MEN UNTIL MY FURTHER INSTRUCTION.

You manage your affairs peacefully and independently, and try to improve the spiritual atmosphere of the centers more carefully.

I shall be very glad to know the names of your assistants such as Secretary, Treasurer and Accountant. Finally, I beg to repeat that ALL GBC ORDERS ARE SUSPENDED HEREWITH BY ME UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

You may reply me at ISKCON Tokyo. Hoping this meets you in very good health and advanced spiritual mood.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Sydney 11 April, 1972:

And I am surprised that none of the GBC members detected the defects in the procedure. It was detected only when it came to me. What will happen when I am not here, shall everything be spoiled by GBC? So for the time being, let the GBC activities be suspended until I thoroughly revise the whole procedure. In the meantime, you do your duty as president of Hamburg Temple, and try to improve spiritually. Our spiritual way should strictly observe the following points especially: (1). Neatness and cleanliness of all personal bodies. (I still see those who are initiated as Brahmins, they do not wash their hand after eating even; of course, there may be so many defects due to your births in non-Brahmin families, but how long it shall go on? It is very easy thing.); (2). Chanting 16 rounds daily. (I don't think everyone is following these principles.); (3) Temple worship, which should be performed rigidly between four and ten a.m.)

I find that the devotees are still sleeping up to six, seven o'clock. So in the GBC Agenda I do not find any such programs for reforming our past bad habits. So kindly as President of Hamburg center you try to observe yourself all the regulative principles and see all the members are following.

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

ALL GLORIES TO SRI GURU AND GAURANGA TO ALL TEMPLE PRESIDENTS

Dear Prabhus,

Please accept my most worthless obeisances. I am presently in Japan with Srila Prabhupada and we are meeting conjointly with Dai Nippon to organize book production. As a follow up to Srila Prabhupada's letter to all Temple Presidents of April 9, His Divine Grace has instructed me to inform you all of the following:

The formula for ISKCON organization is very simple and can be understood by everyone. The world is divided into twelve zones. For each zone there is one zonal secretary appointed by Srila Prabhupada. The zonal secretaries duty is to see that the spiritual principles are being upheld very nicely in all the Temples of his zone. Otherwise each Temple shall be independent and self-supporting. Let every Temple President work according to his own capacity to improve the Krishna Consciousness of his center. So far the practical management is concerned, that is required, but not that we should become too much absorbed in fancy organization. Our business is spiritual life, so whatever organization needs to be done, the Presidents may handle and take advice and assistance from their GBC representative. In this way let the Societies work go on and everyone increase their service at their own creative rate.

Now, so far the BTG and Book Funds are concerned, these matters shall be managed separately from the GBC by a body known as The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The Book Trust shall be comprised of Srila Prabhupada, Karandhara dasa, and Bali Mardan dasa. They shall combinedly collect the sales proceeds from each Center and utilize all funds for the printing of Srila Prabhupada's books and the construction of ISKCON Centers all over the world. Not a farthing is to be spent for any other purpose.

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

All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga

APPROVED: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON

Your lowly servant at Prabhupada's lotus feet,

Karandhara dasa Adhikari

c.c. To all ISKCON Temple Presidents

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

I beg to acknowledge receipt of Gurudasa's letters dated 8th April, 1972, and nil, respectively, and Yamuna's letter dated 9th April, 1972, and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. I am much very happy to hear that hut and fence are finished. You may submit the bill to Gargamuni with my approval that he can pay it. I don't think there is any question of Ksirodakasayi's ability to manage everything there, and he is appointed president by me, so what is the question? So far designing the temple is concerned, it is nice that you have got the honourary services of one Mr. Suri to help us. Govindaji temple is there, and a common 3-story as residential quarters may be built, so there is no difficulty for designing. One set of plans should be drawn up of Govindaji's temple, including dimensions, and one copy of them may be sent to Saurabha in Bombay.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Tokyo 3 May, 1972:

Your idea to recruit many brahmacaris is nice. We need a class of men purely brahmanas. The whole world is full of sudras. The Krishna Consciousness movement is meant for re-establishing the system of four varnas and asramas, then there will be progress of civilization. We have got such a nice process that even from the base sudras we can create brahmanas of highest calibre. All the presidents of our centers should see that all the members are strictly observing the brahminical standards, such as rising early, cleansing at least twice daily, reading profusely, attending arati, like that. You begin immediately this process. That is the main work of GBC. Sometimes we see that even they do not wash hands after eating. Even after drinking water we should wash hands. That is suci. Suchi means purest. Everyone should join the mangal arati. Gradually, we should become more regulated and strict for following the rules and regulations. Otherwise we shall fall down.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Tokyo 4 May, 1972:

I have already written to Gargamuni, and he will not bother to become president. So combinedly you do everything nicely, he will supply money, but you can supply accounts and vouchers to Gargamuni for checking. Statements should be supplied regularly by you both, you both sign them, so he'll be encouraged to send you money.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Tokyo 4 May, 1972:

So far Gargamuni is concerned, he'll not become president, I am requesting him to forget this idea. So do not become agitated in your mind. As Gargamuni supplies the money, you supply him with a full accounting. As things will be done by yourself and Gurudasa, you give him purchase bills and statements of account. I am asking him, he will send you money, and that money, along with whatever you raise, will be used for materials and constructing, you keep good accounts and send him regularly.

Letter to Sridama -- Honolulu 5 May, 1972:

Always there will be obstacles placed in our path by the demons and atheists, but if we can remain pure, nothing will be able to stop this great transcendental movement from spreading God consciousness all over the world. So as president, you must make sure that all the students are regularly chanting 16 rounds, taking bath, attending mangal aratrik, reading our books, and following the regulative principles. If everyone keeps strictly these principles then success is assured.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Honolulu 9 May, 1972:

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 Nityananda -- Honolulu 10 May, 1972:

Upon your recommendation, I have agreed to accept Axel and John as my duly initiated disciples, and also to give second initiation to Subrata. I am sending a separate letter for them. So far going to Dallas for the fire yajna, better you should learn how to perform it and do it there. Every temple president must be very expert in all these things, so you can consult our Krishna Consciousness Handbook for the procedure and if there are any further questions, you can consult with Satsvarupa and he can give you instruction.

Letter to Gargamuni -- Honolulu 11 May, 1972:

n.b. There is one request for 2nd initiation from Yadavacarya das, but I have not received any recommendation from the temple president or a sannyasi.

Letter to Sudama -- Los Angeles 23 May, 1972:

I have received one letter from the boy Satyadeva and I think he is doing very nicely there as president. I think it is a good idea for you to start your center in the city of Tokyo and also to keep the asrama where I was staying. The Indians there in Tokyo will help you. You can first of all solicit their help in this matter by first making them life members, just as we have done in London. I am also glad to hear that Trivikrama has become enthusiastic for helping you in this way.

Letter to Jayarge, Lindon Lomese -- Los Angeles 25 May, 1972:

. I am very much pleased that you have joined with us and that you are following all the regulative principles of Krishna Consciousness spiritual life. Upon receiving written recommendation by the president of our Seattle center, I shall be very glad to accept you as my duly initiated disciples.

Letter to Balavanta -- Los Angeles 28 May, 1972:

If you want to devote fully time for this political campaign, I have no objection if you turn over your office of president to someone else. Your plan for bringing Lord Jagannatha to Atlanta is also approved by me, provided there are sufficient Brahmans and other suitable arrangements.

Letter to Vasudeva -- Los Angeles May 31, 1972:

This Krsna Consciousness Movement is the only thing that will save them. So you yourself become very convinced of this fact and be very bold in preaching Krsna Consciousness there in Berlin. I enjoy very much your artistic work, so you can combine your presidential duties with sometimes painting, but the main thing is to always remain engaged fully in the enthusiastic service of the Supreme Lord, nevermind this activity or that activity, so long as the mind is fully absorbed at Krsna's Lotus Feet.

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

Recently, I have given Sannyasa order of life to Rupanuga, Satsvarupa, and Bali Mardan, and I have made Brahmananda the GBC man for Africa, and I wanted that you should be GBC man for South Pacific zone. So being Sannyasi is no hindrance for being also GBC. In fact, the duties of the GBC men are now to be just like the duties of the Sannyasis. I want that the GBC men should leave the management of the individual centers to the local presidents and concentrate themselves upon preaching work. They should be constantly traveling from one center to another center to see how the students are learning and to give whatever advice is necessary for improving the temple standards.

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

I very much approve of your traveling widely throughout South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand zone, now you give all of the temple presidents your expert instructions and train them to become very responsible for saving the whole mankind from gliding gradually down to hell.

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

Now I understand that Ksirodakasayi is going to London soon, so in his absence you shall be the president and I think if Tejiyas is there, that he can be treasurer, or I have heard that Vaikunthanatha is there, so if it is better arrangement, then he can be treasurer and your wife Yamuna devi, may act as secretary.

Letter to Sankarasana -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1972:

As for your question regarding the children, what can I do? I am not a teacher. You should ask Satsvarupa on all of these matters, he is the GBC, so everything small and big should be referred to Satsvarupa. First, you should ask the president in charge how to answer these questions. I am feeling the inclination for retiring into the background and simply translating my Srimad-Bhagavatam, therefore I have delegated this GBC to manage everything and give me relief.

Letter to Sriman Ram Prashad Dasa -- Los Angeles June 14, 1972:

Any of our life members and their immediate families are permitted to stay in any of our 100 temples anywhere in the world, free of charge, for as long as they like. So my suggestion to you is that you communicate with Sriman Giriraja dasa Brahmacari, the president of our Bombay headquarters, and he will give you more information regarding this membership program.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972:

Your first job should be to make sure that every one of the devotees in your zone of management is reading regularly our literatures and discussing the subject matter seriously from different angles of seeing, and that they are somehow or other absorbing the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness philosophy. If they are fully educated in our philosophy and if they can get all of the knowledge and study it from every viewpoint, then very easily they will perform tapasya or renunciation and that will be their advancement in Krishna Consciousness. So first thing is to instruct all of your temple presidents and the other devotees to read daily, just as we have done in our morning class in Los Angeles. You may remember that we were reading one sloka each morning in Sanskrit and reciting it altogether and then discussing it thoroughly by seeing different new things. So you introduce this system and train the devotees first. Don't be too much concerned for the time being with nondevotees, now we must fix-up what devotees we have got in the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness, then we will succeed. What good are many, many devotees if none of them are knowledgeable?

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Los Angeles 24 June, 1972:

Sometimes before, Ksirodakasayi has made promises many, but then he goes away. So Gargamuni is a little aspiring to be the president of Vrndavana, and he was sorry when he was refused the post because I wanted to give Ksirodakasayi chance. But Ksirodakasayi is not very responsible, so why not make Gargamuni president of the Vrndavana temple to be responsible for collecting the money and making certain that the job gets done on time? If he is given a big task to do, Gargamuni has got determination and he always comes out successful in this matter of raising money and doing some big work with it, just like when he purchased our Los Angeles temple. Main thing is, don't waste any time. Finish it on time.

Letter to Dayananda -- New York 7 July, 1972:

Now my advice is this, that you take your family to San Francisco and become the President there, because Kesava wants to change, and I think he has liked it in London very much, so he may come here immediately while I am here and help me to get one very nice temple here. What do you think of this proposal?

Letter to Ish Kumar Puri -- New York 9 July, 1972:

In this connection, I am requesting two of my disciples there to either correspond or meet with you to discuss the matter thoroughly. Sriman Gurudasa Adhikari, President of our Vrindaban ISKCON center, can supply you with all samples of our literature, etc. His address is c/o Radha-Damodara Mandir, Seva Kunj, Vrindaban, U.P. In addition, the editor of our Hindi publications, Dr. R. P. Rao, Reader-in-Chemistry, 20-K Hirapur, Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, U.P., will be contacting you very soon regarding the work in Hindi language.

Letter to Gurudasa -- London 11 July, 1972:

I am very much encouraged to understand that you are making nice progress with the building work. I have sent the Check Book, Punjab National Bank, account no. 642, under registered post, so kindly acknowledge if you have received or not. Then you remain as President of Vrindaban center, we shall see later on. As for Ksirodakasayi, he has decided to remain here in London to live with his family and work here to raise funds for future new London headquarters.

Letter to Bhavananda -- London 14 July, 1972:

Formerly, I told that Calcutta should support Mayapur. So whoever can take charge of both, he should be President. You should discuss these things amongst yourselves. Simply taking title of President will not help. Why there are no letters from Tamala Krishna, why he is not taking active part in Mayapur? I originally entrusted him with responsibility for Mayapur, but he does not even write what is the situation there, nor does he co-sign for money to be sent.

Letter to Karandhara -- London 14 July, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 9, 1972, along with letters to temple presidents, which I have signed and duly posted. I am glad to hear that the owner has accepted our bid of $63,500 cash, and I shall be returning to U.S.A. before the end of 50 days to settle the matter.

Letter to Jayadeva -- Los Angeles 16 August, 1972:

This spot life is meant for becoming God conscious and there is no other purpose or meaning to life outside of this. So now you have got the right spiritual master, the process I've given you, so now it is up to you. If you really want to achieve the goal of your life, then become very serious to always pursue it at every moment and not be distracted by anything false. Sukadeva is the president now in Seattle temple, so if you can assist him in his management and other programs, kindly give him your help.

Letter to Madhudvisa, Amogha -- Los Angeles 24 August, 1972:

I have received your letters dated August 13 and August 15 respectively and have noted the contents with some dismay. I do not like to hear these things, but whatever is done, is done. What you have is all right, now go on preaching as you are doing. So far the presidents are concerned, they should not be abruptly changed in future. If there is any complaint they should be first of all informed to me. One thing we should always remember is that all of our devotees picked up here are accustomed to all of these bad habits in their past life, so if sometimes they reveal their old characteristics, instead of rejecting them, it is up to us to rectify them as far as possible.

Letter to Atreya Rsi -- Los Angeles 13 September, 1972:

So far your administrative duties as secretary of Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund are concerned, that will be informed by you. For the time being, rents should be collected by Karandhara and sent to India. How it will be done I shall think over and let you know. As for the responsibility for proper spending, the man in charge or the president will be responsible in Mayapur and Vrndavana.

Letter to Yadubara -- Los Angeles 13 September, 1972:

Another thing is, I have got one letter recently from Mahamsa requesting to change his position, but you can tell him to kindly wait until I come there. Then we shall see. Also I have heard from Karandhara that Giriraja wants to give up his position as president at Bombay and that you will take charge of Bombay center. Similarly, I have sent him one telegram requesting to wait until I come there, then we shall make all arrangements.

Letter to Bali-mardana, Pusta Krsna -- Los Angeles 18 September, 1972:

If Kesava is there he may become the President of the New York Temple. If he is able to get that new place, then he will have done something big and he can take that post of President of New York Temple. And you are GBC man and in charge of ISKCON Press. This will free you for preaching more and traveling, because you are also sannyasi.

Letter to Bhaktijana -- Los Angeles 21 September, 1972:

If you do like that, going from one part of New York to another, New York is the biggest city in the world and there are innumerable places where you can hold chanting and classes, so if you go on like you are doing, I have no objection. But at all times, give your kind cooperation to Bali Mardan for working together on your program. He is GBC and President of Brooklyn Temple and he can give you all advice and facilities for your work. So kindly cooperate with him as much as possible, and that will please me very much.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Los Angeles 30 September, 1972:

I have received one telephone call this morning from Kesava, who is in California, so he will not be able to take over the affairs there in New York. So how will you be able to leave New York affairs? New York is our most important center in all the world and it requires your strong leadership there, or a suitable replacement. I do not think anyone is there who is able to become president and manage the Press affairs altogether.

Letter to Kaliya Krsna -- San Francisco 8 October, 1972:

Now that you are President of the Detroit Temple, you have very great responsibility to take proper care of all the devotees who are engaged there and are spreading Krsna Consciousness at one of our most important centers. Formerly Bhagavan das was developing this area very nicely, so now that the responsibility is in your hands please continue with enthusiasm more and more. As much as you are sincere to simply serve the mission of the Supreme Lord, then Krsna will give you the intelligence from the heart, have no doubt.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Vrndavana November 2, 1972:

According to the list of names left in the file by Nanda Kumara, there are nine names listed for New York, as follows: Mike/Mahamuni; Steve Anderson/Sevananda; Steve Chichi/Satajit; Jeremy Darling/Yogendra; Jack/Jitasvara; Saul/Sunanda; Andrea/Alarka; Susan/Sikhandini; Rosemary/Ramesvari. So I do not know why they have never received their beads. I think best thing is to write to Nanda Kumara, who is now president of Laguna Beach temple, and he can explain.

Letter to Bhutatma, Kesava -- Vrindaban 2 November, 1972:

By selling books, that is the best preaching work. But so there may not be any complaint, your travelling parties must cooperate with their local temple officers, and that means they shall operate wherever they are allocated, that they shall only sell books, no collecting without selling books, and that, above the wholesale price of the book, any profit there is must be given at least 50% to the local temple. Ultimately, it shall be up to the local temple president if the presence of your party is favorable or not, everything is considered, and if he agrees you may stay, otherwise if he judges it is unfavorable at the time, he may order you to go out. But just to avoid these things, better to arrange in advance with the GBC men concerned.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Vrindaban 5 November, 1972:

This constantly changing managers is not good. We shall develop more progressively by sticking in one place and working, not that one week we have three presidents, that is not good. Our managers should be very responsible for developing their centre to the topmost standard, why this restlessness? It is just like one man is holding government post by getting votes, so today or tomorrow or next day, but he will have to go out, then another man comes, then another, another—in this way, democratic system, no one becomes responsible for the welfare of the citizens, only they want to take for themselves as much as they can before they have to get out, so they do not take real interest in their duty. It is a little like that. My idea is that the leaders must agree to stick at one place, even they may have to remain their life-long, that is the ideal leader, one who is conscious of his duty.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Vrindaban 5 November, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 24, 1972, and I have noted that you have returned to Gurukula to take over the managing because Stoka Krsna has left to go to Los Angeles at his whim. This is not good, this unsteady position. I have never been in favor of this practice of many times changing the responsible officers, three times in one week changing presidents, this will ruin the whole thing. From now on if someone takes the leading post, he must agree to stick and not go away just because it is difficult from time to time. That is ideal leader. He is responsible and he knows his duty.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Hyderabad 18 November, 1972:

If one party wants to travel into another zone, that's all right, but there must be prior agreement between the GBC men and mutual consent. If by going there the book sales will be increased, what is the harm? But supposing if there is any harm, that is to be judged by the local president, and if he has good reason to think that another party will be unfavorable to his temple's operations, then he may order them to leave, that's all. So local temple officers should be the final judge to allow or disallow anyone from outside to sell books there. And if some outside party comes, they must sell books only, no collecting without selling books. They must live in the local temple and not separately, and they must follow faithfully the instructions and directions of the local president. They can purchase books from the temple at regular wholesale price and sell, and whatever profit there is above wholesale price they must give at least 50% to the local temple out of good will. That will be nice.

Letter to Visvambhara -- Ahmedabad 14 December, 1972:

(2) You mention there is fighting and making politics in the temple. But that is your previous qualification. That means you could not give up your qualification. You or anyone. So you should be careful not to revive your old qualifications. It is the business of the Temple President to check it. If such things are happening, it should be brought to the notice of the President. How I can judge from here? It may be you who are fighting and making politics, it may be you who is wrong. It is up to the President to judge. But we must always be enthusiastic to serve, that's a fact, so much so that we will gradually reduce eating and sleeping and save time for Krishna's service.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 22 December, 1972:

This spontaneous loving devotional service is not so easy matter, but if one simply sticks strictly to the rules and regulations, like rising early, chanting 16 rounds, chanting gayatri, keeping always clean—then his enthusiasm will grow more and more, and if there is also patience and determination, one day he will come to the platform of spontaneous devotion, then his life will be perfect. All of this I have told you in Nectar of Devotion. So I do not think the leaders are themselves following, nor they are seeing the others are following strictly. That must be rectified at once. Each centre remain independent, that's all right, but the president and other officers must themselves follow and see the others are following the regulative principles carefully, and giving them good instruction so they may understand nicely why this tapasya is necessary. And GBC and Sannyasis will travel and see the officers are doing this, and if they observe anything lowering of the standard, they must reform and advise, or if there is some discrepancy I shall remove it.

Letter to Hariprasada -- Bombay 23 December, 1972:

Now I want that you become the Treasurer of our branch at Hyderabad, so I have sent one letter of Resolution to Subala in that connection. Kesava will be President and Subala will be Secretary. So far the movie-projector, etc., those things you should arrange locally with co-operation of others, and you may order films from our Los Angeles centre for some cost-price only.

Letter to Jaggadeva -- Bombay 28 December, 1972:

With reference to a letter to me dated December 6, 1972, wherein Aksojananda Swami has recommended several students for initiation, I have since heard that he has left Amsterdam and he is supposed to be preaching in England, and I have heard that you are now the president of Amsterdam temple so I am informing you that, upon the recommendation of Aksojananda, I am happy to accept the two boys as my duly initiated disciples.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 29 December, 1972:

I have heard from Siddha Svarupa that Tusta Krsna and his wife Krsna Tulasi are now fine and living in Krsna Consciousness on some farm in Australia. And he has assured me that things are going all right in New Zealand, and I have got one letter from the new president there at Auckland, and it appears that everything will go on nicely. But I think you should go there once and see how the things are going on just to the proper standard.