Training of Madhudvisa dasa (Letters, 1973 - 1977)

Correspondence

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 9 January, 1973:

Meanwhile by 1st February I have received the tickets to go to Australia and other places from Madhudvisa. But I shall be returning by March 1st to Mayapur.

Letter to Amogha -- Calcutta 29 January, 1973:

It is so nice you are arranging our preaching program there in Indonesia. So I have left it to Madhudvisa Swami to arrange the dates of the program there. But one thing is, you should not arrange more than one program per day, and that program should either be in the morning or after 5:00 at night. I want to finish this traveling very shortly and settle down to translate my books. So I am counting on you boys and girls to push on this movement and preach vigorously all over the world, and we shall be successful.

As far as the dates of the programs, that you must arrange with Madhudvisa Swami as we shall be coming to Indonesia via Australia and New Zealand and then shall be returning to Calcutta by March 1 for beginning preparations for our Mayapur function. So I shall be looking forward very much to seeing you shortly, and at that time we may discuss things at further length.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Sydney 17 February, 1973:

While in India last it was brought to my attention that our Sriman Hayagriva das has become deviated from the four basic principles which I have given to all my students for adherence to when they are first initiated. I do not know why he is living in such a way but I feel that he must be brought back to the standard immediately. So I am requesting you as my Governing Board Commissioners to help me bring him back to the standard. He has very good talent, but he is spending it by living such an unrestricted life.

Therefore, in the meantime, there must be another co-editor of Back to Godhead magazine to replace him. I have discussed this with Madhudvisa Maharaja here in Australia and he has suggested that Hrdayananda das Goswami could be a good man for the job. I have not made any decision, but I would like you to discuss this amongst yourselves and send me your conclusion.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Calcutta March 7, 1973:

I can understand that actually Hayagriva was not involved directly in the management of Back to Godhead and that whatever arrangement you already have there is sufficient. Meanwhile Hayagriva can be encouraged to continue his literary contribution of articles, editing of the smaller books, etc. We shall see what he can do, and if at all possible he should be brought back to the standard. In this connection I have written his wife, Kirtanananda Swami, and the GBC members. Thus far I have received no reply regarding Madhudvisa's suggestion about Hrdayananda from the GBC members.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 29 April, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated nil and have noted the contents. Your letter has been forwarded to London, New York, and then to here. Regarding Sudama Vipra I have heard that he is in South America, but would like to have it confirmed so please write me in this regard. But you should stay there in Australia; it is not necessary for you to go to China.

Regarding reading Mahabharata, why divert your attention in this way? Bhagavatam is also Mahabharata. There are so many books I have presented already, so whatever you have got, just become expert in that. There are many things still yet to be learned.

Letter to Amogha -- Los Angeles 1 May, 1973:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated April 19, 1973 and have noted the contents. I am sorry to learn that you had to leave your engagement in Indonesia. Anyway, so now you are in Australia, so you can consult with Madhudvisa Swami as to what to do there in Indonesia, and you also consult with Karandhara Prabhu as to the passport problem. If necessary, you can take the Australian citizenship.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 15 May, 1973:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 7, 1973 and have noted the contents.

I am glad to hear that some progress is being made for getting that house in Malaysia. Please keep me posted as things progress in this regard.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- West Bengal 8 June, 1973:

So you may drop the matter of the house in Malaysia.

Regarding Hrsikesa das, he is coming here to Mayapur on the 12th of this month and I shall discuss with him at that time what shall be his engagement.

I am very pleased with the book distribution that you are doing there, and I was especially glad to know that 160 Srimad-Bhagavatams were distributed in Melbourne alone last Friday. There is good potency, please try further.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Mayapur 12 June, 1973:

So, everything is going on so nicely there. So many books are being distributed. There are good prospects for a new temple. You are going to introduce three rathas this year for Rathayatra. This is all very pleasing and inspiring to me. I would very much like to come there for Rathayatra, but now I am not in very good health, and it is the opinion of Tamal Krsna Maharaja, Bhavananda Maharaja, Jayapataka Maharaja and Jagadisa that it is best for me if I stay here for now so that I may get my health back. However, you may again invite me next year and, if Krsna wants, I will surely come there. Thank you very much.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 28 July, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 13.73. and have noted the contents carefully.

I was just thinking of you, why you had not sent your report. I thought you had become angry because I did not go to your place but came instead to London. But at that time I was so sick - attacked by dysentery. The people in Calcutta became afraid for my life. So somehow or other I recovered by 7th July and appeared fit, so I dared to come to London.

Now my health has improved and attended a grand Rathayatra festival here - find clippings enclosed. The overall effect of our festival here was appreciated by everyone, more than 10,000 persons took part and received Prasadam. Syamasundara. said that afterwards all people in London have become very friendly with us on account of being impressed with our festival.

So when shall I be able to go? I am to go to Los Angeles by the end of August. Thereafter I may be invited to Japan and whenever you call me after that I shall come.

30 lakhs cash are required to solve the problem of India.

Yes! You can practice the restrictions for Caturmasya. Pradyumna Prabhu will send you these under separate cover.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 31 July, 1973:

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter recommending new Brahmin initiates.

Perform a fire ceremony and have a feast. Sacred threads are enclosed.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- U.K. 7 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter and enclosed check for daksina. In the meantime, I have also received a package of photographs. Your festival appears to be just like Jagannatha Puri, it is so encouraging to me to see how very enthusiastic you are working there. Yes! I shall certainly come to your Ratha Yatra Festival next year.

Regarding selling books in Karmic clothes; yes, it may be done, there is no harm. This book distribution and Ratha Yatra Festivals should go on all over the world. I want to introduce this Ratha Yatra Festival programme all over the world.

If you can actually supply the society with Gaura Nitai deities it will be a great achievement. But one thing is that you should try to find out some strong wood. In India they use Neem wood because this wood is not attacked by termites, if you can find out a similar wood there that will be best, or you may see if you can import this wood from India if it is not too expensive. When you have finished something, then send me a photograph.

Regarding the taking of sannyasa of Purusottama I have as yet not received any recommendation from you, so if you recommend him then I shall send the cloth, kaupin and mantra. You can make the rod there.

Yes! The accredited teacher may lead a "Gurukula" but first of all let him understand our philosophy perfectly and become himself strong.

So I thank you for your support. I have sent one letter and sample of Satsvarupa Goswami's report which I consider to be standard for the other GBC member to follow, so please see it and try to follow his example.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- U.K. 15 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter and check for 1111.00 dollars.

Regarding the old lady blessing the king, although the part of a constable is not very big, but the blessing is big always. Just as Krishna wants from his devotee a little flower, a little leaf, a little water, or a little fruit, these things are not very big things, still if a faithful devotee offers to Lord Krishna with love and service, Krishna accepts them very gladly. So Krishna's gladness and the devotee's love and sincerity, they are taken into consideration. Similarly when a person offers something in sincere faith and love that is always welcome either by big or small men. So as you are spreading Krishna consciousness in Australia. Hamsaduta is also spreading in Germany. He has got 8 vans and they are out regularly preaching sankirtana and selling books and he is now well to do even financially, and I hope you are also well to do, otherwise how you can promise for the next year 11,111.00 dollars. It is very nice. So you continue this system of preaching village to village by increasing the number of Sankirtana parties, it will be appreciated by Guru Gauranga. Do it nicely, you are a fit person, Krishna will bless you.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 3 September, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 24, 1973. Your book selling report is very encouraging to me, so much so that I want to go there immediately. Anyway as soon as I get opportunity I shall go to Australia to visit all the nice places you have started and stay there for at least two months. Krishna has given you great opportunity to preach the Krishna Caitanya cult in that remote part of the world. The time was there some years ago when Australia would not allow any colored men to enter, but now you have allowed Caitanya Mahaprabhu to enter Australia and inundated the whole country with Hari Nama Sankirtana. Caitanya Mahaprabhu's another name is Pita Baranara Gaura, so by your combined effort I hope that one day Pita Baranara Gaura will rule over Australia. I think that Australia is a great field for these activities as it is evident from the book sales statistics gradually increasing. I am very much encouraged in this respect.

I am going on the 5th September for a few days to Stockholm, Sweden, then returning to London, and leaving here on the 15th September for Japan via Iran, and India. I expect to reach Los Angeles by the 10th October.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Stockholm, Sweden 19 September, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your zonal report and proposal for purchasing Australian headquarters. You have my full approval for this program.

I am very much encouraged to note how you have increased the book distribution and are becoming No. 1 distributer in the world. We have published Caitanya Caritamrta so you can order this nice new book from New York.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 30 September, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 20th, 1973, and I have noted the contents carefully. I am very glad to note your Sankirtana enthusiasm. These Volkswagen buses are very nice. This is real Sankirtana preaching. Regarding Hong Kong, I think the Sankirtana can be organized there also. Please try to organize it. Your reply to the Hindus regarding another Swami speaking in our Krishna Consciousness Temple is nice. We cannot compromise to satisfy others. The neophyte preaching programme is very good, and this should be introduced in all our centers. Regarding the devotees getting sick, they are not accustomed to eating fatty foods. Therefore, I suggest boiled vegetable taking only little ghee and capati without any ghee.

Tusta Krishna Maharaja, Siddha Svarupananda Maharaja and Sudama Vipra Maharaja are good boys and if there are any difficulties, I shall rectify these on my return to Los Angeles via Hawaii.

Regarding the Lord Caitanya murti, it is not at all good and I do not approve. Lord Caitanya is stout and strong. There are so many pictures which you can follow. So have the artist start a new murti.

Regarding my coming there in December for opening the new Australian Headquarters, yes that will be possible if the opening ceremony can correspond with the celebration of the Disappearance Day of my Guru Maharaja on December 13rd, that will be auspicious.

I hope this meets you and all my beloved disciples in Australia well.

Letter to Tusta Krsna , Beharilal -- Bombay 15 October, 1973:

News has come to me that you want to sell our temple to somebody else which I cannot believe. Even that you have been in charge of the New Zealand center, now you have taken it as your personal property and you have demanded from Madhudvisa Swami the price of the temple. This is all amazing to me. I do not know what is your decision. Tusta Krsna has already left and is in Hawaii with Siddha Svarupananda Maharaja.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 16 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 28, 1973 and have noted the contents. Regarding the initiations I accept the following devotee as my disciple:

Varaha murti das - Adrian.

Also enclosed please find the sacred threads for the gayatri initiations of Gopi Kanta das Brahmacari and Yasomatinanda das Brahmacari. So you can chant on the beads and hold the fire sacrifice amongst the devotees. The mantra should be heard from the tape through the right ear.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 22 October, 1973:

With regards to your telegram to Tamala Krsna Maharaja dated October 19, 1973 I may inform you that I have today sent the following cable to Tusta Krsna Maharaja.

"Tustakrsna 59215 Kenui Road Sunset beach Hawaii, USA

REFER MY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 15 CARE OF SUDAMA

COPY BEING SENT UNDER SEPARATE POST DO NOT SELL

NEW ZEALAND TEMPLE TO OTHERS IF YOU WANT MONEY

I SHALL PAY TO YOU REST ASSURED = BHAKTIVEDANTA

SWAMI"

Letter to Purusottama -- Bombay 23 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 17, 1973 and have noted the contents. You should know it that without surrender bhakti does not begin. Surrender to Krsna or to His representative is absolutely necessary. I do not know why your understanding of Krsna consciousness is different from that of Madhudvisa Swami's.

(text missing) ...s, it is required that 16 rounds be chanted as an (text missing) ...te necessity. Because we have got many duties, (text missing) ...ve minimized the amount to 16 rounds, otherwise (text missing) ...minimum is 64 rounds, but Western people cannot (text missing) ...this. So 16 rounds must be executed.

Regarding your recommendations, I accept the following as my initiated disciples:

Sutapa Das - Luke

Anakadundubhi Das - David

Trivarga Das - Jerry

I have chanted on the beads you have sent me, and they are mailed under separate post. But, in future I request you to send the beads for being chanted upon by Madhudvisa Maharaja. This is to avoid the postal charges back and forth. Please see that the new disciples are always engaged in devotional service.

Letter to Tusta Krsna -- New Delhi 7 November, 1973:

I thank you very much for your telegram dated October 29 reading as follows:

"DEAR SRILA PRABHUPADA, PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEART AT YOUR FEET RECEIVED YOUR LETTER AND TELEGRAM TODAY TEMPLE WILL NOT BE SOLD ALL PAPERS TO BE SIGNED OVER TO YOU NEVER INTENDED TO CLAIM PROPERTY OR MONEY AS MY OWN DETAILED LETTER FOLLOWS PLEASE FORGIVE ANY CONFUSION OR ANXIETY MY BLUNDERS HAVE CAUSED YOU—YOUR SERVANT TUSTA"

I am at present in New Delhi awaiting for our festival here, so your telegram has been redirected from Bombay. I am so much pleased to read it because I know that all of you, Siddha Svarupa Maharaja, Sudama Vipra Maharaja, and yourself, are all good souls, and so I also know that Gaurasundara is also of this same level, but I do not know why this disruption has taken place.

If there is any misunderstanding with the GBC men, that can be readjusted by mutual understanding. I wanted to see you all to mitigate this misunderstanding, but I was very busy in Bombay for the same Juhu land of Mr. Nair. Perhaps you remember that you introduced Mr. Nair to me. Now he is dead and gone, but he created so many obstacles. So I had to pay them so many lakhs of rupees black, but now the position is that it is purchased, but still there is a little discrepancy. I hope this will also be squared up without delay.

So kindly take my word and do not leave our society. If you cannot agree with the GBC, I can take up your matter personally and do the needful. I love you all very much, and if you go away and stay independently that will be a great shock for me. I want to meet you all together. Let me know where I shall go to meet you. Just now I have received the news that in Hawaii the tulsi plants are drying for want of watering. How has Govinda dasi left the tulsi plants which she nourished so lovingly? Please therefore all of you go to your respective positions and revive your devotional activities without any further delay, and if you cannot cope with the GBC men, which I suppose there must have been some disagreement, I shall deal with you directly. But, do not leave the Krsna consciousness movement, at any cost.

If possible kindly let me know where is Gaurasundara. On my behalf please request him to come back to the temple and save the tulsi plants. Ask Govinda dasi also on my behalf to do this without delay.

Kindly treat this letter as very urgent and do the needful. Awaiting your early reply.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

cc: Karandhara Das, ISKCON, Los Angeles, Madhudvisa Maharaja, ISKCON, Sydney

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 5 December, 1973:

I have arrived safely in Los Angeles by Krsna's Grace and everything here is going nicely.

Now, as you know, we require some men for India. Karandhara informs me that you have declined to send any. Our programs there are important and there is a great need. We have not captured many first class men there so we must import. I am requesting therefore that you send at least one or two first class men from your zone. Men from Australia do not require visas so they may go directly. Kindly make arrangements for this.

My program is to visit some of our U.S.A. branches for some time, keeping Los Angeles as my home base and then to return to India by Lord Caitanya's Appearance Day.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 8 December, 1973:

I am in receipt of the painting you have sent. This is not a good style of painting. It is an artistic style for sense gratification only. I cannot encourage this style—it should be stopped immediately. Paintings should be like the Deities, formal and worshipful. This type of painting is sentimental and not authorized. Paintings should be as our artists in New York are doing. Do not introduce any new styles.

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

I have not received any reply from Tusta Krsna Swami to my letters. I do not know why he has left New Zealand. In Hawaii a great wrong doing has been done by Gaurasundara and Siddha-svarupa. They sold the temple and went away with all the money without taking any permission from me. It is a fall down on their parts. They have done the wrong thing. You should not go to Hawaii to join them. Stay in New Zealand and work cooperatively with Madhudvisa Swami. The "communal form of Krsna Consciousness" which you mention is not approved by me. It is all concoction. My Guru Maharaja condemned this practice. We must stay together and vigorously preach the Krsna Consciousness philosophy to the world. That is the real spirit of Lord Caitanya's Movement. Do not fall victim to this sentimental idea of peaceful life in seclusion. That is not our dharma.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 15 December, 1973:

I am in receipt of your letter dated December 11, 1973. Thank you for the comprehensive report of our Australian theater of ISKCON. I am glad that things are going nicely and that you have settled up the New Zealand affair. Depend on Krsna and He will give you good intelligence. I am pleased that you are managing things so nicely.

I have seen pictures of the house you are trying for and it is very gorgeous. If you can purchase it, that will be a great credit for you. Krsna will recognize your service and it will be a great push forward for our movement. I pray to Krsna that you may become successful in this attempt.

I have not heard from Tusta Krsna or Siddha-Svarupa Goswamis nor do I know anything of their plans to return to New Zealand. Try to convince them to return to our Society and work cooperatively. That they have gone away is not good thing and it is a deviation from our line of parampara. Rather, avoiding faultfinding and anarchy, they should keep our standards and work maturely and not cause factions and splitting. I am not at all pleased at what they have done, but if they return let us forget what has happened and go forward. As Sannyasins they may preach and you may manage affairs. That will be very nice. We have got so much vital spiritual knowledge to distribute to the public and they are in desperate need of it. The whole world is going to hell and everyone is suffering. In light of this, how can we argue amongst one another and neglect our responsibility for reclaiming these fallen souls for going Back to Home, Back to Godhead.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 12 January, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 7, 1974.

Regarding the confusion you have about receiving book from India, you may go ahead and send ghee in exchange for the books. I have already discussed this with Karandhara. The books were given to India. From India there was no possibility of sending money. Therefore if you get the books you should send ghee in return.

I have seen the monthly book distribution report and your name, Australia, is first among the world distributers. This is very pleasing to me and indicates you are leading all others in preaching and spreading the mission of Krsna Consciousness.

As for obtaining a deity after the style of Bankebehari, we shall discuss that further at another time whether it is possible.

I am going back to India via Honolulu on next Monday. I am very much encouraged by your activities in selling books. So not only you shall supply ghee in exchange of books supplied by Gargamuni Swami. In the future we may need large quantities of ghee in our different centers because after going back to India I shall see that in every temple food distribution goes on nicely. Australia is famous for producing wheat and milk products. My question is whether you can supply as contribution to our ISKCON centers in India, wheat and ghee in exchange of books. If it is possible then consult with the Trustees of BBT and consider the matter and do the needful.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 18 March, 1974:

I have accepted the two Melbourne devotees for initiation as recommended by you and their names are given as follows:

Charles of the Sea—Praceta dasa

Christian—Camari dasi

Please instruct them in the ten offenses to chanting and hold a fire yajna there. You may chant on their beads.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 6 April, 1974:

I am not exactly certain of your whereabouts now; I trust your arrangements for visa are going on and that you will soon be back in Australia.

I am presently fixing a traveling schedule for visiting Paris, France in the second week of May. Then I will visit, Geneva, Rome, Stockholm, and three or four cities in Germany, each place for no more than four or five days. So since I will not have to return to India until August, after Europe I can go to Australia for your Rathayatra if you can purchase our tickets. You can reply to me here in Bombay until the second week of May, when we shall go to Paris.

Letter to Raghunatha -- Bombay 7 April, 1974:

You complain that as a householder it is very difficult. Especially you want to preach. There are examples of great preachers who were householders, such as Bhaktivinode thakur, although we cannot hope to imitate him. You have not mentioned whether you are attending the activities of the temple and associating with the devotees in Melbourne, and these things are essential. Madhudvisa Swami is my representative in charge of devotional affairs in Australia and if you will discuss the specific situation with him, he will see that you become engaged in work just suitable to your situation as a householder.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 11 April, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 31, from San Francisco and I have noted the contents.

I do not think that you have failed in your work there, but by your going and preaching it appears the temple life has much improved. That you could not convince Bhutatma to stay as president is not your fault. Now you stay at New Jagannatha Puri, your first spiritual home until you are sure the new president, Bhakta dasa is fully understanding of how to conduct things. I know he has done nicely in San Diego. One thing is they should never consider leaving or selling that building, but they should stay there as Radha and Krishna are staying, and it is a nice temple as evidence by the fact that over 250 people attended the Sunday feast by your report.

The description of the play, "The Death of the Yadus" is all right.

I have written you earlier that my plans are to travel to Paris by mid May and then spending 4 or 5 days in each place, I will visit Geneva, Rome, and three or four cities in Germany. Then I will be prepared to go to Australia for Rathayatra. So let me hear from you in this regard.

I am glad you have cleared your visa matters and that you can return to your GBC zone of work.

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Bombay 13 April, 1974:

Now Madhudvisa Maharaja has written me that you have been posted as president of San Francisco, and that you are very enthusiastic to increase all programs there.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Tirupati 28 April, 1974:

Tamala Krsna Goswami is going to Los Angeles and I shall give him instruction to join Madhudvisa Swami, Bali Mardan and Jayatirtha and reform the deficiencies. As soon as there is a little deficiency we must repair it or it will create a big hole and the ship will drown. So I have said keep fit. I saw this Vrindaban Candra and Prajapati as a little sentimental without thoroughly understanding. Without following the regulative principles advancement is doubtful, and one may fall at any moment.

Letter to Bhurijana -- Bombay 3 May, 1974:

Everyone, of course, has his independence. That is the cause of our material life. Misusing that minute independence we are out of the spiritual world. If you want to go as husband and wife to see your parents that is not bad, but why avoid your responsibility which you have already taken? At least develop your assistant Devaprastha and when you see he is able to do nicely then you can change. I don't think a new man can manage as nicely as you were doing. I will also write to GBC of Hong Kong, Madhudvisa Maharaja, and learn if he plans to send a new man there.

As for your future plans, you write that you are not sure where you will go after arriving in New York, and it is not certain that you will live with devotees. How will you advance without association of devotees? I do not exactly follow your thinking, but for the time being you can go. But I think you can come back and work diligently in Hong Kong. In your absence Madhudvisa Maharaja can be informed.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 4 May, 1974:

Please find the enclosed copy of a letter I have sent to Bhurijan. He has written me that he has stepped down from his duties as president of Hong Kong and has given them to Devaprastha. I think Bhurijana was doing nicely preaching to the Chinese boys but he has written that he is uninspired and feeling incapable and wants to spend more time with his wife. This sudden turn of events is a surprise to me. Moreover he admits that the boy who is taking over, Devaprastha has been very unsteady in the past. So whether you want to send someone there who is more steady and will stay there and develop. There is definite potential there and it is a wealthy city. If you can enlighten me more on the subject of why Bhurijana is leaving I would appreciate it.

I heard you were still in Los Angeles. When will you be returning to Australia? Jaya tirtha has written inviting me to the Rathayatra in San Francisco on July 7. I will be in Europe until the end of June and I may go to the Ratha yatra in San Francisco on July 7. Jaya tirtha said the festival is so timed that I can also go to the Australia Rathayatra also. What is the date of your Rathayatra? I have written you several times on this point, whether you want me to attend Rathayatra in Australia. If you like I can leave San Francisco and fly to Australia via Hawaii. So let me hear from you on the above mentioned points.

Letter to Caru -- Bombay 9 May, 1974:

I am glad to hear, although there were many difficulties, that Madhudvisa Maharaja will be able to return to Australia with permanent residence status. Please have him write me as soon as he returns.

Letter to Devaprastha -- Bombay 12 May, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 4, 1974 and have noted the contents. I understand that you are now taking over affairs in Hong Kong. I received the letters from Bhurijana and have referred the matters to GBC, to Madhudvisa Maharaja. I regard Hong Kong as an important center and I agree with your statement very much that if the Chinese are approached intelligently they will become strong devotees, because their moral character and steadfast nature is very strong. As you know I was there recently although I did not see you then. I also observed this in the Chinese people and appreciated it very much. But we need experienced devotees, otherwise how are we going to maintain a center there. Now I know you are a experienced manager but sometimes you have left. So you are now enthusiastic to stay and manage. So do not leave anymore and stay, then it is alright. Please give me further reports on your communications with Madhudvisa Maharaja.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 12 May, 1974:

I understand that you are preparing for my arrival for your Rathayatra. I am not sure of your Rathayatra date but I think it is at the end of June. However at this time I will be in Europe. I am to arrive in Rome on the 23rd, then on the 30th to Geneva, then June 6 to Paris. On June 15 I go to Koln where Hamsaduta has arranged a lecture tour continuing in Heidelberg and Amsterdam through July 6. So it will not be possible for me to attend Rathayatra if you have scheduled it for June. I am immediately going to the US after Europe to attend Rathayatra in Chicago on July 6 and then Rathayatra in San Francisco on July 8. From there I will come to Australia toward the middle or end of July. If it is possible for you to reschedule your Rathayatra for the end of July then I will attend. But I will come to Australia at that time anyway. I do not know if you will be able to reschedule your Rathayatra. So if you wish to communicate with me I will be in the European cities as dated above.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 17 May, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your telegram dated May 16. I have also received a previous telegram in which you said you sent us tickets Air India, London-Melbourne round trip. However I will not be going to London. My schedule is to leave tomorrow morning to Delhi-Vrndavana and on the 23rd of May go to Rome. Bhagavan Das has made a tour including Rome, Geneva and ending June 15 Paris. Thereafter Hamsaduta has invited me to Amsterdam June 15. There is a meeting in Koln, Germany June 22. Immediately thereafter I can leave to Melbourne from Koln and stay as you requested through June 29. As regards to the tickets you have already sent I have not received them yet and we are leaving tomorrow. Moreover they are for London departure. I think the best thing to do is to cancel the tickets and arrange new tickets for us from Koln to Melbourne and return. You can mail these tickets to me care of Paris, France center so long as they reach there by June 14. My party consists of three; myself, Neil Delmonico (Nitai) and Stephen Guarino (Satsvarupa Maharaja), (Pradyumna has left us for sometime). I will expect your tickets when we arrive in Paris and I will be very pleased to attend the gorgeous Melbourne Ratha-yatra festival.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Rome 28 May, 1974:

I have heard that you are very keen to make the Melbourne Rathayatra very wonderful and you have requested extra instructions. One thing is there are many band parties—if you can get band parties to join that would be nice. Our men should hold kirtana just in front of the ratha, and other parties may proceed before us.

I think we will accept your invitation to join us when we break our journey to Melbourne by stopping somewhere in Malaysia, probably Jakarta, where you say we have good friends who would like to accommodate us with a place to stay. We shall inform you positively of the date of arrival there when we receive our tickets from you in Paris and confirm the flight. So I think we shall arrive in Melbourne no later than the 26th of June.

Letter to Trivikrama -- Paris 9 June, 1974:

You send both good and bad news. It is very good that Taiwan is proving a good place for Krsna Consciousness, in that you report many Chinese boys are coming and that you have been given a nice place to operate a center. Unfortunately three men have left you and now there is only you and Dvija hari. I can understand the boys who left you were not very steady. I have written to Yasodananda Swami who was thinking of travelling from Tokyo to come and join you there and also Gurukrpa Swami can come and go from Tokyo and try to help. I will soon be going to Australia (by June 25th) and when I see Madhudvisa Swami I shall ask him to consider if he can investigate your situation and send you brahmacaris as needed. We will also discuss Hong Kong, which as you mention, is also short of men. In the meantime, although you are only two you should carry on all your programs as far as possible. In the beginning I was only one and I started everything, so you have twice as many men. Trust in Krsna and simply dedicate your life to introducing the chanting of Hare Krsna and Krsna Consciousness philosophy to whomever you meet. Surely Lord Caitanya will be pleased by your effort there, and thus you will be eligible for his benediction which is to award love of Krsna.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- San Francisco 9 July, 1974:

After leaving your place I went to Chicago and then San Francisco and in both the places the Rathayatra ceremony was very successfully performed.

Now about the convent which you showed me, I think that place is suitable for us and is possible we can purchase it. So the reasonable price should be on the land value. So far the buildings are concerned they have already dismantled part of it and it will be our expenditure to rebuild. Consider this points and talk with the realty man at what price they can sell the property to us.

I am going today to Los Angeles and along with me there is Bali Mardan. So if the matter is successful then you can call L.A. I shall be there at least for a week. How much financial help you require from the BBT you can talk on this and we should do the needful.

Hoping this meets you in good health, and everything is going well there.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Dallas 17 July, 1974:

I may request you to send three men to go with Subaladas Swami to Fiji for preaching and opening a temple. There is one Indian man there who wants to give $50,000 for construction of a temple there.

Please do this as soon as possible.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 13 August, 1974:

Please find a letter enclosed from Caru das which I am forwarding to you for necessary action.

Letter to Caru -- Vrindaban 13 August, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 17th. I am forwarding your letter to Madhudvisa Swami for necessary action. The idea is very good. You do it as you see fit.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrndavana 18 August, 1974:

I beg to thank you for your kind appreciations on the Vyasa Puja Day. Your sentiments are appreciated by me. It is stated by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura it is only by pleasing the Spiritual Master that one can be assured of pleasing Krishna. So my only request to my disciples all over the world on this day is to go on pushing on this movement with determination and sincerity, rigidly following the principles I have given you.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 30 August, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 14, 1974 and have noted the contents. Regarding the convent, they have put an awkward condition that the chapel must be demolished. Never before has this been done. Indirectly they have denied to sell to us. Never mind. Find out another property. That ten men have just joined us is our real success.

Yes, you can use the book sales money and repay as you have proposed.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 18 September, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 3rd, 1974 and have noted the contents. I have also received the enclosed pictures of the proposed house. I am thinking that you are a very sincere devotee. I am remembering that during my recent visit there in Australia how during the kirtana you were seeing to my personal and not letting anybody come forward and still leading the kirtana. When you begin the chanting, everybody becomes captivated, and you can go on without stopping. I feel happy that even after my departure, things will go on. I am happy that I have got so many sincere devotees who will carry on. That is my happiness.

I like Australia very much because of your book distribution. So sell books and secure money and purchase the house and pay BBT conveniently. From the photos it appears that the house is very nice and sufficient for the present. Still the convent was a better place, and Dr. Powell and the bishop of Melbourne could advise them why they are insisting on this point of dismantling the chapel. Anyway either of the houses you can secure.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Calcutta 25 September, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated dated September 6, 1974 and have noted the contents. Upon your recommendation I am accepting the following as my initiated disciples.

1. Mr. Ashok Jeram Patel—Astasiddhi dasa

2. Ian Saller—Yamalarjuna dasa

Please see to it that they follow strictly the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum daily on the beads.

I hope this meets you in good health. You may chant on their beads.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Mayapur 5 October, 1974:

There is one vacancy in the GBC Board, so myself in consultation with Brahmananda Maharaja and Jayatirtha Prabhu, we have decided you can fill up the post. This will be confirmed in the next GBC meeting. In the meantime I wish you may accept this responsibility. My desire is that some of our experienced members who have proved their sincerity of service may form the GBC Board so that the management of the whole institution may go on smoothly, and I may be relieved of affairs of management which hampers my writing of books because my attention is diverted. At present the following members are on the GBC Board: 1. Jayatirtha, 2. Hrdayananda, 3. Rupanuga, 4. Jagadisa, 5. Satsvarupa, 6. Brahmananda, 7. Madhudvisa, 8. Hamsaduta, 9. Bhagavan, 10. Bali Mardan, 11. Tamala Krishna.

Letter to Ramesvara -- West Bengal 25 October, 1974:

In Bombay a shipment of 2,000 kilos of Australian ghee has been sent by Madhudvisa Maharaj. It will be sold to the Indian temples and used for the festival for the opening of the Vrindaban temple to be held after the Gour Purnima festival in April. For the Mayapur festival ghee will be supplied by each and every devotee who comes. Everyone should bring one tin of ghee. It can be brought for personal use.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Mayapur 25 October, 1974:

In India ghee is required for our temples. I want to now if you can supply 200 lbs. per month in exchange for books.

Letter to Ramesvara -- Bombay 14 November, 1974:

Regarding not being able to make any more loans from BBT, I think if necessary we can borrow from the bank using the fixed deposits as security. So long as the loans are not paid back to the bank we shall assure that we shall not withdraw the fixed deposits. These properties should be purchased in the name of BBT, and when the local center repays the loan, then the name can be transferred. Now you have loaned Madhudvisa Dollars 133,505.50. How will he repay? What are the terms for repayment? In France they are wanting to borrow Dollars 120,000.00. Can you arrange for this loan in January, 1975? I understand that Spiritual Sky is not able to repay its loan now. This rule must be strictly followed that 50% paid for printing and 50% paid for property and building loans.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:

I am in due reciept of your two letters undated. And I am glad to learn that you are moving into your new Australian Headquarters and look forward to receiving your complete report.

Regarding the initiations upon your recommendation I am accepting the devotees as my disciples and their spiritual names are as follows;

Broad—Bhuvanadhara Dasa. John J—Jagadvira Dasa.

Jean—Gayantidevi Dasi. Keith—Krpakara Dasa.

Dan—Dhami Dasa. Maryanne—Matida Devi Dasi.

Bruce—Bhaskara Dasa. Sandy—Samjata Dasa.

Diane—Deva Deva Priya Devi Dasi.

I am also accepting the following as twice born initiated Brahmans and their mantra sheets and sacred thread is enclosed.

Ramprasada Adhikari. Raminia Devi Dasi. Gopala Devi Dasi.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Now hold a fire sacrifice. The devotees can hear the gayatri mantra through the right ear from my recorded tape. You are authorized to chant on the beads.

Letter to Attorney General's Department -- Bombay 26 November, 1974:

I have appointed Madhudvisa Swami (Mr. Michael E. Morrissey) as the GBC Secretary for Australia. Mr. Morrissey is my sole agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has supreme authority there in all matters.

Letter to Bhurijana -- Bombay 2 December, 1974:

I shall be gong to Hong Kong and Tokyo shortly, and thereafter to Australia in the month of January, as Madhudvisa Swami has invited me for the temple opening and installation.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 2 December, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 5, 1974 with enclosed plans of the newly purchased house. It all appears very wonderful. It is very good that the Deity is facing East. Yes, the room above the Deity should be kept vacant. Yes, you can store Ratha Yatra festival gear or books there, also. The proposed pinnacle should not have Om, but shastic or cakra, Krsna's weapon.

So everything is nice, and I shall be glad to come for the Deity installation and temple opening in January. We shall come from Honolulu via Fiji.

Letter to Trivikrama -- Bombay 2 December, 1974:

I have sent you one cable on November 21 reading as follows: PLEASE STAY AT LEAST ONE MONTH DO NOT LEAVE IT SHOULD NOT BE CLOSED I AM GOING TO SEE THE SITUATION STOP BHURIJANA MAY ALSO BE PRESENT COPY MADHUDVISA—AC BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI

So you have not acknowledged that you have received this cable. So you stay there in Hong Kong and struggle for Krishna.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 4 December, 1974:

MADHUDVISA SWAMI

RECEIVED YOUR LETTER IT WILL BE NICE I COME FOR YOUR TEMPLE OPENING IN JANUARY ARRANGE FOR IT

AC BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 4 December, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 25, 1974 and have noted the contents. Yes, it is a good idea to ship ghee 1200 lbs. twice yearly. You can ship once in January and once in June. I shall talk further with you, when I come there next month. In the meantime you can let me know to which port the ship generally comes to India, whether to Bombay or Calcutta. Which port is nearer?

Letter to Brahmananda -- Bombay 23 December, 1974:

N.B. Madhudvisa Svami has written one letter postponing the installation until May, 1975. Therefore you need not be too much hurried to finish everything by Mid-January anymore. I want to know fully what is the position of Bhaktivedanta Manor (I think it is not good) and Germany. You must analyze these problems very carefully and make frequent reports and I will give you further instructions.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 8 January, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Dec. 16th, 1974 and have noted the contents. We can have the installation there in May if you think it is wiser.

I have accepted Bhakta Wayne and Bhakta Rod as my firstly initiated disciples. Their names are as follows: Venugopala and Ramasaran. Also I have accepted Antaratma dasa, Ramai dasa, Gunavati dasi, and Camari dasi as duly initiated brahmanas. Their threads and mantra sheets are enclosed.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 21 January, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated Jan. 4th, 1975 and have noted the contents. Thank you for settling things up nicely in Fiji. Enclosed, please find one copy of a letter to Vijoya das requesting him to work co-operatively with Asta Siddhi das.

Try to get some nice farm. That will be very good. If we can produce milk products and grain, there will be grand success. I was so much pleased with your book distribution there. I am sure that the coming year will be even better. I am very much encouraged by big book distribution. I have received information from Ramesvara that 50,000 big books will be distributed every month in 1975. Introduce the books as far as possible. That is the success of our mission.

Please send the next shipment of ghee immediately, as it takes quite a while for it to reach India. Shipments should be sent regularly every six months. The amount that you sent last shipment was good, send that much twice a year.

You are so humble and so sincere, this is a sign of your success. May Krishna bless you more and more. Krishna has placed you in that position. Now, you should always be fully conscious of your great responsibility.

Letter to Mr. Punja -- Perth, Australia 11 May, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated April 1st, 1975 and have noted the contents carefully. I have also received from Madhudvisa Swami one copy of the Constitution that you have drawn up there. On my way from Melbourne to Honolulu, I will stop in Fiji for two days around the 22nd of May. Madhudvisa Swami will give you the exact dates of my arrival as soon as it is fixed up. When I come there, we shall discuss everything in detail regarding the Fiji program. I am looking forward to seeing you in Fiji.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Honolulu 6 June, 1975:

I am writing to find out what has happened with the Fiji affair. What has happened to the registration of the society in Fiji. When I left it was settled up that you would remain there until the completion, but I have not heard from you and I am anxious to know what is the situation there. Please inform me.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Honolulu 17 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 11, 1975 and have noted the contents. Regarding Ratha-yatra, we shall chose the most favorable time to hold our celebration. If for our preaching, it is going to be more beneficial to hold it in September, then you may do so.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Detroit 4 August, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your GBC report and have noted the contents carefully. Yes, it is good that you are sending everybody on Sankirtana party, and also that everybody is taking prasada together. This is all very good. And, the cutting of the long hairs is also good. They should all adopt our means of life, and we should behave in such a way that others may follow.

Regarding Sydney, that the President has left, if one does not follow the regulative principles, then he will leave. That is a fact. Has somebody else been elected? This is the function of the GBC, to see that one may not be taken away by maya. The GBC should all be the instructor gurus. I am in the initiator guru, and you should be the instructor guru by teaching what I am teaching and doing what I am doing. This is not a title, but you must actually come to this platform. This I want.

Regarding Adelaide, unless you are sure that the Deity worship will go on nicely, do not install the Deity. Simply have kirtana and keep the Panca-tattva picture, that's all. What are the ingredients of the Lord Caitanya murti? Metal or wood is best, but not ordinary wood. Neem wood which is never attacked by moth is best. Regarding New Zealand Spiritual Sky, that you must decide. Spiritual Sky is not important.

Regarding Fiji, you can decide what to do there. I have written Mr. Punja to lease the land to us in the name of ISKCON for 99 years. Yes, it is all right for you to observe Caturmasya if you can manage in the mornings. The Deities should be offered the regular prasada. The Deities are not devotees. They are Lords. But, it is a fact that Lord Caitanya observed, as we find in Caitanya Caritamrta, but it is not necessary for Them to follow there in your temple.

Regarding your Ratha Yatra and my visit, nothing should be done according to my schedule. I am an old man. My visits should remain independent. As far as possible I am travelling, but nowadays I am feeling a little inconvenience. Still I am thinking to go to Australia during December or January as you like.

Letter to Deoji Punja -- Vrindaban 26 August, 1975:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 12, 1975 and have noted the contents. What you have proposed I have no objections. Do it. Krishna will bless you for this work, rest assured. He will give you all facilities; that is His promise, and actually it is so. You are all respectable gentlemen, and I have full confidence in you.

Yes, I will come there to lay the foundation stone as you invite me.

I hope this meets you in good health. I am sending a copy of this letter to Madhudvisa Swami so he may be instructed to cooperate with you.

It is all right for the appointment of officers as you have suggested.

Letter to Madhudvisa:

I am in due receipt of your telegram regarding the baby boy born to Ram Prasad. So far the name is concerned you can call him Bhaktivardhana das. All my blessings are there for the child so that he may become a pure Vaisnava.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 4 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 21, 1975, and I thank you very much for it. Now I am getting old, so if you can do things without me, that will be a great pleasure for me. You are an experienced devotee and know how to manage things, and you have good men there to help you so I am sure that you can carry on things nicely. Still if I get the chance, I will come for the Ratha Yatra festival.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 7 November, 1975:

I have seen your letter to Brahmananda Swami dated October 9, 1975. They promised before me to follow the principles. If they are not, then they are not allowed to initiate, but if they are actually following, then they are allowed. These things should be raised in our next meeting in Mayapur and decided.

My point is that even if somebody does not go in one line with the rest of the godbrothers, he can remain separately, but it does not mean that he may disobey the principles that I have laid down. So long as one follows the principles, he continues to be my disciple.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 10 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 16, 1975 together with the nice photographs and the professor's review. From the photo it appears that everything is very nice. I am very glad. In Melbourne, Australia who dreamt that there would be such a nice temple, Radha-Krsna, and that local men would be worshiping. And still anyone who is sincerely serving, he will get inspiration how to do it nicely. Krsna is there in his heart. As is stated in Bhagavad-gita:

tesam evanukampartham

aham ajnana-jam tamah

nasayamy atma-bhavastho

jnana-dipena bhasvata

"Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance." (BG 10.11)

As a child when I was going to the neighboring Mallik temple, I was thinking then when will I have such a nice Deity to worship and now Krsna is so kind that I am establishing so many nice temples all over the world. Now I want that there should be established 108 temples before my death, so you think how to do it. Make some program, train up devotees. All temples in Melbourne, London, Paris, Bombay, all are very nice. Everything is very bright and brilliant. The Deity is proof of the sincere service. It is the duty of the GBC now to maintain this. Their duty is how to enthuse them and maintain.

You mention about the wrist-watch given to the Deity. Was it made in Melbourne? Or somewhere else. Was it made in Japan?

The dresses are made very nicely. It appears from the photographs. Some of the dressmakers may come here to India, one or two of them. Krsna is supplying the ideas for you to take photos like this, so you will be recognized by Krsna. Sarvasya caham hrdi sannivistho/ mattah smrtir jnanam apohanam ca (BG 15.15).

Regarding the review, the professor has got the real picture. We do not want any compromise. Indological means you have to have the correct view.

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

Regarding your second question, whether a person who is a Negro, Chinese, Indian, etc. are they different species of life making up the 400,000 species. Yes, so far their body is concerned. Your question whether woman in each one of these species is another separate species, no, the species means both man and woman of the same type. Of course, strictly speaking the woman is taken differently, otherwise how would Krsna say striyo vaisyas tatha sudras.

Regarding Rathayatra, yes, if possible I will go and I shall let you know timely.

I am glad to note that you are sending men to India. This is very good. Thank you very much. Since they are Australian, they will not require any visa. Now in India we require very good men, men who are steady, who follow the rules and regulations and who are willing to work hard. Here in Bombay we have started our Bombay construction and so on. Men who come here, they should be prepared to stay here for at least two years. And they must be very strict in following the rules and regulations. Now the government is recognizing us so we do not want that there should be any incidences.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 18 November, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 11, 1975 and have noted the contents. Regarding your coming to India and travelling with me, oh yes, you are welcome. It is very good that you have been observing Catur-masya. I have already sent through Brahmananda Swami a telegram approving your travel program. That's very nice that you will travel to the Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and also China. That is very nice.

Regarding the Gaura-Nitai Deities, yes, they can be installed, but let me see the photographs first. That is very good that you are growing your own flowers at the Melbourne mandir. This is very important.

Regarding China preaching, so far as I know Chinese people, although communists, they are not devoid of God consciousness. If they are sincere communists, they will accept our philosophy. Our philosophy is that every living being is the son of the Supreme Being and whatever we see within our vision—either living beings on the land, on the water—everything belongs to the Supreme Being. Every living being has a right to enjoy the Supreme Father's property. So everyone means not only the human being, but also other living entities, those living in the sky, water, trees, plants, creepers, ants, beasts, birds—all living beings, they are sons of the Supreme Being in different forms.

So we should be compassionate to every living being, accepting them as sons of the Supreme Being. That is the real communistic idea, perfectly enunciated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. So any communist country, if they take help from us, their communistic ideal will be perfect. Let the leading men of any communistic country come and talk with us about our philosophy and they are sure to make him convinced about this loftiest philosophy of Krsna consciousness. We do not criticize the communistic idea, but we want to make it perfect.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Vrindaban 7 December, 1975:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter with the recommendations for first and second initiation, their names are as follows;

Steve—Visvahetu Das

Dave—Dustamohana Das

Grant—Jitagarisa Das

Rodney—Usapati Das

Peter—Adhipurusa Das

Samjata Das Brahmacari

Lugudi Das Brahmacari

Veno Gopala Das Brahmacari

Krpa Kara Das Brahmacari

Jagatvira Das Brahmacari

Asta Siddhi Das Brahmacari

I have chanted on the sacred threads and they are enclosed herewith, now hold a fire ceremony and have the students hear the Gayatri mantra chanted by me and the tape recording through the right ear. Instruct the newly initiated Brahmins about cleanliness, taking bath three time daily, taking bath each time after passing stool. Cleanliness within and without, that is very important for brahminical life. The qualifications of the Brahmanans are described in the 18th Chapter 42nd verse of the Bhagavad gita. You may chant on the beads of the first initiates, and they must chant at least 16 rounds daily, that will keep them strong.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 31 December, 1975:

Thank you for your nice invitation card. Thousands of Caitanya Mahaprabhu temples may be established all over Australia so that I may receive one invitation card at least every month. Physical health does not allow me to move very much, but my mind is absorbed in thinking of you with blessings of Krishna.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Nellore 7 January, 1976:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated 10th December, 1976. I have noted the contents carefully.

Mr. Deoji Punja came to see me in Bombay. If any of the trustees are to be dropped, this has to be discussed between the trustees themselves. These are all important men and we should be careful lest they become offended. If I say something it will not look well. If some of the trustees are not abiding by the principles or not chanting 16 rounds, then they should be induced by the other trustees who are following, to step down. I think you can follow what I mean.

Now Upendra is waiting in Hawaii, so please direct him how he should proceed. I have also asked him to write Mr. Punja.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Mayapur 21 January, 1976:

Madhudvisa Swami has come here from Australia and as he is free I am sending him to New York. I have discussed with him how I want my rooms to be. As things have generally not been so well managed there I have asked him to be ad-hoc President of New York Temple until the coming GBC meeting.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mayapur 22 January, 1976:

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

Letter to Mr. Morris Lapidus -- Mayapur 23 January, 1976:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 5th, 1976. I am forwarding your letter to His Holiness Madhudvisa Swami who I have sent to New York to organize things. You may meet with him.

Letter to Morris Lapidus -- Mayapur 9 February, 1976:

Since we have already moved to our new location and everything is going on according to our standard program, we cannot possibly think of moving again or purchasing another building. Actually it is out of the question altogether.

If you have any further questions in this regard, please consult with Madhudvisa Swami as I have instructed you in my last letter.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Mayapur 14 February, 1976:

As far as New York is concerned, that is nice. Let Madhudvisa be in charge.

Letter to Bhaktijana -- Mayapur 15 February, 1976:

Regarding preaching in Harlem and taking sannyasa order of life, you may speak to Madhudvisa Maharaja and work with him. He is senior man and sannyasa, so I will consider seriously his recommendation.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Melbourne 21 April, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter of April 11, 1976 and I have noted the contents with care. I have sent you and I have experience that you have done nicely in Melbourne, and so you are the right one to organize the New York centre.

I am here in your temple, I'm feeling your separation. But, I'm seeing everything is going nicely, the same as when it was under your management. The devotees here, they are jumping and dancing very nicely. You can also establish the kirtana hall on the farm and install Gaura Nitai Deities. Gaura Nitai can be established anywhere, and it is simple to worship Them simply chant before Their Lordships. He doesn't mind that you have not decorated very nicely, but if you chant and dance He is very pleased. So you have my permission to take loan for this purpose, as you have mentioned for $25,000.

Rathayatra, that will be your achievement. Nobody has done it before. Rathayatra in New York should have been introduced long ago but there was no competent men to do it. So Krishna has sent you there and most likely I shall attend the New York Rathayatra. New York is the place where I first landed and now we have our own place and books, so if you do it very nicely it will be a great triumph.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Honolulu 20 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 15, 1976, and I have noted the contents with great care.

I want to meet you immediately. If you do not come to Hawaii and you want to come to Los Angeles to meet me, then I can go to Los Angeles immediately. If you actually want to give me service, then you can live with me. I want your service.

1977 Correspondence

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Bombay 3 January, 1977:

Srimati Govinda dasi is here and I have heard everything from her about yourself. Therefore, immediately after hearing from her I have sent you the following telegram: My dear son Madhudvisa please immediately come and live with me letter follows. So, when you come here we shall talk in detail and according to the conditions we shall arrange everything. There is no worry. I am still prepared to accept you as my original disciple and if there is anything wrong, I am prepared to try and correct it so that your life may not be spoiled. Please therefore come here immediately and live with me.

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Unknown Place Unknown Date:

MADHUVISA SWAMI

IF NO MEN AVAILABLE FOR HONG KONG WHATEVER YOU DECIDE IS ALL RIGHT ... A C BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Unknown Place Unknown Date:

MADHUDVISA SWAMI

ADDRESSED TRIVIKRAMA QUOTE PLEASE STAY AT LEAST ONE MONTH DO NOT LEAVE IT SHOULD NOT BE CLOSED I AM GOING TO SEE SITUATION BHURIJANA MAY ALSO BE PRESENT

BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI

Letter to VARIOUS -- Unknown Place Unknown Date:

Letter No. 11 Bali Mardana Gosvami to Karandhara: Jan. 31, 1973

From now on the twelve GBC men will be acting as Srila Prabhupada's secretary on a rotating basis as Srila Prabhupada originally planned, and it appears that I shall have to go with Him to Australia, at least a couple of weeks, to explain the system to Madhudvisa Swami. Syamasundara prabhu will be shortly going to London via Los Angeles. You will probably be seeing him there shortly. He has many big ideas for increasing the preaching work, which he will probably tell you about. I have just received your letter regarding polygamy and Prabhupada has told me it should strictly be prohibited; although he does not object to the principle, we do not have the correct persons nor the correct time and place for putting it into practice.

Letter to VARIOUS -- Unknown Place Unknown Date:

There is one boy here in India, I think he is going to Malaysia very soon, Lalita Krsna, and he is Chinese boy. Why not invite him there to help you open nice center in the Chinese neighborhood so the preaching will go on? Otherwise you yourself consulting Madhudvisa Swami, try to make some solution to the problem. If we cannot persuade at least one local man to come forward, then we have missed the point.

Page Title:	Training of Madhudvisa dasa (Letters, 1973 - 1977)
Compiler:	Labangalatika, Visnu Murti
Created:	27 of May, 2010
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=88
No. of Quotes:	88