Training of Mukunda dasa (Letters, 1969 - 1970)

Correspondence

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1969:

Today I received letters from Guru das and Mukunda, and it is understood that Mr. George Harrison is arranging for a first class temple, better than the one to be had on Baker Street.

Letter to Janaki -- Los Angeles 18 January, 1969:

I was thinking of you since about a week why you are silent, and all of a sudden I got your letter with a golden ring enclosed. It was so much ecstatic. I thank you very much for your kind presentation which you have given, even sacrificing your husband's interest. I think, though, that your husband, Mukunda, is also pleased with this action. Anyway, immediately upon receipt of this ring I pushed it on my finger, and it is very nice.

Letter to Janaki -- Los Angeles 18 January, 1969:

NB: An Indian gentleman, one B. P. Parikh B.A. D. Education has written to me to say that being inspired by your "devotion to Krishna, and being fascinated by your character, discipline, and devotional surrender to the Lord, he has been drawn to your activities." For this I am very much proud of you. Please maintain this status and certainly you will be welcome everywhere. Get this enclosed article edited by Mukunda or Syamasundara. and then send it for publication in the Times of London or any other respectable paper in London, giving the heading as indicated.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 25 January, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of January 22, 1969, and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. You have written to say that Londoners there are all so very anxious to meet me, so I am also very much anxious to meet you and the Londoners. Therefore it is the best thing that the five-story house which you have described in the letter under reply may be immediately occupied.* You can offer the best reasonable rent, and you can take the risk depending upon Krishna. If the Beatles come forward, you can take the risk. I hope that Mr. Parikh, who is a veteran educationist, can help you very much in this connection. I am very much pleased that he is also on the board of managers committee..

Your Sankirtana Movement there is growing in popularity, and therefore you must immediately have a nice place. I think that for this purpose the five-story building is quite suitable. The first floor can be used as a meeting room or kirtana hall. The second floor can be used as temple room. The third floor can be used for prasadam distribution. The fourth and fifth may be used for residence and propaganda office.

Now the legal document of incorporation under the company act has been examined by me, and I think that it is all right. I have made a little change somewhere, and you can do the needful. So by showing this legal document, you can immediately occupy some magnificent temple house.

Regarding your seeking publication of Easy Journey to Other Planets, I am very glad to hear this, and I understand that Kirtanananda Swami has a nicely edited copy of this. I have already asked him to send me this copy, and when I examine it, I will send it immediately to you. In the meantime you can finalize the negotiation.

So I am very pleased with the good news your letter has brought. I hope this will meet all of you in very good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

NB: There is a Mr. Ivan Levine in the Montreal temple who is, I understand an expert trumpeteer. He may be interested in joining you in London with his wife, after their initiation probably, to join you in your musical activities in London. I have advised him to write to you about this.

* If the opening ceremony is made on the 7th of February 1969 the appearance day of my Spiritual Master, then it will be a grand success.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 25 January, 1969:

NB: I understand from Hayagriva that you have at New Vrindaban an edited manuscript of Easy Journey To Other Planets. Send this copy to me immediately because in London, Mukunda is attempting to have this published and I would like to read the edited version and send it on to him. So far as your idea of editing the lectures which you started to edit in Montreal, the idea is very nice. ACB

Letter to Mr. Levine -- Los Angeles 25 January, 1969:

Our Krishna Consciousness movement is practically based upon music and dancing. If by your exceptional qualities you can help in this movement, I think you have been sent by Krishna Himself to help me in this connection. I have one nice disciple, Michael Grant (Mukunda das Adhikari) who is a very good composer of Western music.

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)

Letter to Mukunda, Colin Jury -- Los Angeles 9 February, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your joint letters dated February 3, 1969. Pending your searching out a suitable temple-house, immediately rent a suitable apartment for me from the 1st of March, 1969, and on hearing from you, I shall start for London by the end of this month. When I go there I am sure I shall find out a suitable temple-house. Please let me know your decision on this matter so that I may prepare for my London-Yatra.

Offer my blessings to all of my beloved sons and daughters who are so kind and affectionate to me. Awaiting your early reply with interest.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 14 February, 1969:

I am glad to learn that things are very nicely going on in New Vrindaban, and I learned from Hayagriva that electricity is already there. I have received one letter from Mukunda that some publisher is interested in Easy Journey to Other Planets. So immediately send one edited copy which you should have there to me and also send another copy to Mukunda at the following address as soon as possible: 22 Betterton Street, London WC 2, ENGLAND.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 17 February, 1969:

I thank you for your letter dated February 10, 1969, and I am very glad to learn that your Sankirtana Party is taking shape, and you hope to inaugurate the on the streets program in a few weeks. Now you should also start program for selling our Back To Godheads along with the Sankirtana as Tamala Krishna is doing here. Along with Sankirtana Party, they are selling daily not less than 100 copies. Sometimes the sale is 120-30 copies. Besides that, Purusottama is distributing Back To Godhead to some distributer in Los Angeles. My next program is to distribute at least 20,000 copies of Back To Godhead from four centers, namely New York, London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. So each of these centers will contribute $750 and they will get 5,000 copies free delivery to destination. That means they will get the copies at 15 cents each, and the price fixed up will be 50 cents. So even by wholesale distribution the centers will get at least 30 cents per copy, and that means a 15 cents profit. If all the 5,000 copies are not sold, then we shall distribute the remaining copies to schools, colleges, libraries, institutions, etc. free of charges. This propaganda has to begin immediately. Please let me know your opinion. Los Angeles has already agreed, and I am very much encouraged. I hope you will also agree and encourage me. So on receipt of your confirmation, I shall immediately arrange for printing 20,000 copies beginning from the latest April, 1969.

Regarding publication of Easy Journey To Other Planets, I can immediately give you a lengthy introduction essay addressed to the sympathetic nondevotee, or for that matter, even for the unsympathetic nondevotee. I shall add two or three essays like "Krishna Consciousness, the Genuine Yoga System," and "An Introduction to Krishna." In so many ways I can fill up the required necessary pages. Just today I have received from Hayagriva one nicely edited copy of Easy Journey. It is about 50 type-written pages, double-spaced. If Mr. Maschler is serious, then let me know, and I will send this manuscript along with essays to fill up the required number of extra pages. Similarly, Purusottama has learned of some big publishers in New York who may be interested in publishing some yoga cook books, so if you will immediately send him a description of the cook book you have there, he will contact these publishers to see if they are interested.

It is very nice that you have already filled application to be company, and the office bearers mentioned there is all right. So I shall be glad to know when you open a bank account. You can register three signatures, and out of the three, two have to sign. You wrote to say that you can show Mr. Maschler our essays in Back To Godhead, so you can immediately show him Isopanisad which is published in issue #22. I am encouraged that Mr. Maschler has become friend of our movement, and if we get a sympathetic English publisher, we can publish so many small booklets through him. I am also pleased that Mr. Parikh is taking active interest, and I am simply anxious when you will have nice premises for our temple. Please let me know what is the result of the Camden Borough Council negotiations. Regarding the picture you have sent, I am so pleased to see it, because our little Sarasvati is also taking part in our transcendental movement. That is the practical proof how great is this movement. In any other movement, one has to learn something, one has to be trained to do something, but here is a movement where there is no necessity of any previous qualifications. That is the proof this movement is based on the spiritual platform. The Bhagavata says that system of religion is the first class wherein love of Godhead is aroused spontaneously without any material impediment. So our movement gives practical proof that there is no impediment of body or mind. That is the proof it is enacted from the spiritual platform wherein there is no distinction of material higher or lower gradation. So we have to push our philosophy very nicely. This means we shall simply become sincere to Krishna and the teachings of the disciplic succession. Then everything will be all right. There is no doubt about it. So please keep yourself in your present standard, and I am sure you will come out successfully. I have learnt that in San Francisco there was an article published with the title, "Krishna Chant Startles London." You may ask Aniruddha to send you a copy of this.

Please offer my blessings to the other boys and girls there. I am awaiting your early reply.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I have just received one letter from Gurudasa but have received no copy of the Police order.

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

I am in due receipt of your letter dated February 13, 1969, and I have decided not to go to London immediately. Rather I amy be going to Hawaii soon as you can peacefully arrange for the temple, and there is no hurry. But immediately my request to you is that in London you try to sell at least 2 to 3 thousand Back To Godhead. From practical experience I see that in Los Angeles on the average they are selling minimum of 50 copies daily, or in other words sometimes they are selling 100, sometimes 150, sometimes 85, sometimes 40, etc. So in this way, on the average they are selling not less than 1500 copies per month. Now the price is going to be fixed at 50 cents, so I have asked Tamala to contribute to me $750 against delivery of 5000 copies of Back To Godhead. By selling only 1500 copies at 50 cents, they cover the whole $750. The balance 3500 copies left for distribution either may be used for profit or they may be distributed freely. In neither case are we losers. But this program must be executed. I think you have got now license for kirtana on the street so you can now follow the same principle. In other words, I am just claiming this contribution as your pet child. My father was very much affectionate, and in my childhood, whatever I wanted from my father he would at once give me. One time he purchased for me one rifle, and so after taking it I demanded that he must give me another. My father denied "You already have one. Why do you ask me for another?" So my argument was that I must have two rifles, one for each hand. Due to my obstinacy my father finally agreed. Later on when I was young and lost my father, I was very sorry to have lost such affectionate father, but by Krishna's Grace, I have now many American fathers and mothers. So I am appealing to all of my American fathers and mothers to help me by this contribution. Please let me know if you will do this. I am waiting your early reply.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 28 February, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated February 23, 1969, and I have noted the contents with much pleasure. I am enclosing herewith the copy of Easy Journey To Other Planets*. Also enclosed is some pages of Isopanisad, so you can show them to Mr. Maschler and complete the business for their publication. I was so glad to learn from your letter that you will be able to sell Back To Godhead to the extent of 5,000 copies at least, and please arrange for this.

About Sankirtana movement, in New York, Brahmananda has also begun Sankirtana in different colleges, and I quote herewith a few lines from his letter; "You will be pleased to know that we had a very successful kirtana engagement at two colleges in Pennsylvania, Dickenson College and Franklin and Marshall. At Dickinson the students were so enthusiastic that practically all of them (50 at least) were all dancing, what to speak of everyone singing and clapping. Even the professor, a dried stick scholar, danced in ecstasy." So in the future we will stick to the principle of Sankirtana movement and distributing our Back To Godhead specifically and the other literature generally. I am pleased to note that you are printing up 10,000 copies of the Prospectus of our society. Also your proposal of getting 1,000 subscribers to Back To Godhead from London alone is very encouraging and please do it. You should send your activities report every month in short for publication in Back To Godhead.

Please convey my thanks to Mr. Parikh because he has taken our movement very sincerely, and Krishna will be very much pleased upon him. Actually it is the duty of all retired men and women to devote themselves in the service of Krishna. That is the basic principle of Vedic civilization.

Thanking you once more. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

NB; As I am going to Hawaii for the month of March, you may address my mail to Iskcon, 4 Leilani Building, 1649 Kapialani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii.

*sent by separate post

Letter to Isana, Vibhavati -- Hawaii 8 March, 1969:

I am very glad to learn that Mukunda has invited you to go to London and if there is possibility you should go immediately, both of you, and join with them. The six boys and girls, husband and wife, are preaching Krishna Consciousness movement in London so nicely, that in the London Times there was a news heading like: Krishna Chant Startles London.

Letter to Isana, Vibhavati -- Hawaii 8 March, 1969:

So if you go to London to join Mukunda and his company you will be very much pleased to see how husband and wife combined together can so nicely preach this Krishna Consciousness movement. Please take up this philosophy very seriously and you will be happy in this life and next life. If you are going to London please let me know when you are going.

Letter to Yamuna -- Hawaii 13 March, 1969:

P.S. Inform Mukunda that I have received his letter with enclosure of Mr. Parikh's letter.

Letter to Dinesh -- Hawaii 22 March, 1969:

I am sorry that I could not acknowledge receipt of your albums which I duly received, although I could not play them for want of machine. But I have received Mukunda's opinion about it. He says that it is super excellent to say the least. They are going to have it played by the BBC in London. Similarly, Govinda dasi is going to play it here in such important station. We are going there this morning for about an hour of music and discussion on the station here. So I hope you will be successful in your adventure.

Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 28 April, 1969:

I am very much perturbed in mind that you are living scattered with the others. The letter which I have written to Gurudasa is sent herewith in a carbon copy. As you will find in that letter, I am prepared to give a letter of guarantee of the Bank of America to the authorities of the mortuary building up to the extent of $15,000. So you must occupy that house at any rate. If George Harrison's letter of guarantee is not sufficient, then I am also prepared to guarantee for $15,000. Let them know that we are not paupers. If need be, you can show the authorities my latest bank balance in Bank of America. Enclosed is the latest note, dated 21, April 1969. This can be increased to $15,000 without any difficulty. So complete the transaction, and the house may be occupied immediately.

Please convey my blessings to the others also. Hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. You can also let them know that I am permanent resident of the U.S.A. immigrant as Ordained Minister of Religion with fifteen branches all over the states.

Also you can ask Brahmananda to send "TLC" which is now received and it is far superior quality book than anyone is get-up all binding. ACB

Letter to Mukunda -- Columbus, Ohio 8 May, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter dated April 29, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents. I think that you may delete the two clauses if you think it will be helpful in having our society recognized in London. I understand that there is new hope now for getting a nice temple there, so I will await the results with interest. I think that there is no necessity for Isana das and his wife to go there now, because it will not be very good if they have to live apart from the others.

Please convey my blessings to your very good wife, Janaki, and, I hope this will meet the both of you in very good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Tomorrow morning I am going to Columbus (Ohio)

Letter to Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 22 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 9, 1969, and in the meantime, I have also received letters from Yamuna, Gurudasa, as well as one letter from Mataji Syamadevi in Hindi. She has written that she wishes for me to go there immediately. In your letter you write to say that you can wait until you find a suitable place where all can be accommodated. This means that you are not living in one place, and from your letter it appears that you are scattered in different places.

When Mataji Syamadevi came to see me in Los Angeles she was very respectful to me, every time she was touching my feet and offering obeisances. She was also very serious of having my cooperation in spreading the Krishna Consciousness Movement. I understand also that she has got some influence amongst the African Hindus, generally Gujaratis. I understand that she has already purchased a place in Leicester, although it is 125 miles away from London. If I go there in London it may be possible for me to take the management of the temple because she is very much eager to have my cooperation. So I am asking your opinion after consulting amongst yourselves whether I shall go as invited by her. Suppose if I can induce her to give you all a place to remain together, and if you go from there to London, and then back again, will this be too inconvenient for you? Is there any suitable travelling facilities from Leicester to London? On the whole, Mataji Syamadevi is ready to cooperate with me, and she has asked me to go to London. So if you think it wise, I can go on receipt of your reply of this letter. Wherever I go Devananda and Purusottama go also as my personal assistants. I do not know if you are prepared to send fare for three, but if my presence will be nice there, send the money for at least two, either send it yourself or through Mataji, and I shall immediately start.

Here in your country all the branches are doing very nicely, and this New Vrindaban is an ideal place for improving Krishna Consciousness. We have got enough land here to construct temples and accommodate for the devotees, so in the future we may develop this New Vrindaban very nicely. There is surely an atmosphere of Vrindaban life actually, although many of the devotees here are quite new and differently cultured. I hope this will meet you in good health.

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

Regarding San Francisco payment of BTG dues, whatever they can send now is all right. The balance will be sent by Dindayal, so they must fulfill their quota. Then when they get the magazines everything will be adjusted. Mukunda also will pay. Don't be discouraged, go on with your work. After all, Krishna will pay. I have seen the letter from Professor Hopkins, and you can tell him that I have accepted his offer, provided nobody shall smoke before me, specially when I take the class.

Letter to Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 27 May, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 23, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. You don't worry about my health. I am quite fit now, and in New Vrindaban I am walking on the hills daily. In Boston for three or four days I had some acute backache pain, but by the Grace of Krishna it was made all right very soon. This body is called the temple of diseases. So long as there is no disease it is wonderful, but when there is disease it is not wonderful. So this is the temple of disease. Of course, you are all very kind upon me, whenever I am slightly indisposed you become concerned, and I thank you very much for such anxiety. But so far as I am concerned, I always wish only to expedite my mission of life to spread Krishna Consciousness in the Western part of the world. I am still firmly convinced that if I can establish this movement through the help of all the boys and girls who have now joined with me, then it will be a great achievement. I am old man, and there has already been warning, but before I leave this body, I wish to see some of you very strong in Krishna Consciousness understanding. I am very glad and proud also that you six boys and girls, although you have not been able to establish a nice center in London, still you have done your best. And the news has reached far away in India that my disciples are doing very nice work in Krishna Consciousness. So that is my pride. I have received a letter from my Godbrother informing me that it has been advertised in India that in Vietnam also somebody is spreading Hare Krishna Movement. So there is no need to be disappointed. You go on with your work as best as Krishna gives you the opportunity, and there is no cause of your anxiety. Everything is going smoothly. But since you are now separated, the strength of your activities appears to be little disturbed. Now you try to assemble together in the same spirit as you were doing, and in that case, temple or no temple, your movement will go on progressively. We are not much concerned about the temple because temple worship is not primary factor in this age. Primary factor is Sankirtana. But sometimes we want a center where people may gather and see, so a temple is required secondarily. So try your best immediately to live together. I am very much eager to see that you are again living together.

Regarding your selling of BTG, we have taken a great risk of printing 20,000 copies per month, and before taking this risk, we consulted four different centers, and you all agreed. Now you try your best and the result will depend on Krishna's desire. So try to fill up your quota as far as possible. I will be in New Vrindaban till the end of June, and if I don't go to London then, I shall go to San Francisco to attend the Rathayatra Festival in July. Tamala Krishna is arranging for a grand scale performance of this years Festival. Regarding Sudama, he is now in Hawaii temple, and I don't think anyone should go to London unless you have got proper place to stay. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Letter to Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 10 June, 1969:

I thank you very much for your letter of June 3, 1969, and I have noted the contents carefully. Regarding Mataji Syamadevi's temple in Leicester, your version is all right, and I am not very interested to establish a Hindu temple. Perhaps you know from the very beginning I never described my movement as Hindu religion. Religion means the bona fide process by which we understand God and the first class religion is that which teaches people to develop love for God. To know or accept the authority of God is one thing, but to love God is another. Generally, people are interested in material comforts and they make God as the supplying agent. This kind of devotion is not purified. It is contaminated by material desires, but when one is elevated to the position of giving everything to God out of love and affection, that is the first class position. We are teaching this philosophy in the name of Krishna Consciousness, and it is applicable to all sober persons. The Bhagavat principle is that because we can be happy simply by developing our dormant love of God, this is our first business.

I understand that you have now three houses under consideration: two of them are immediately available, but one requires some money. Why don't you pay the money? What is the amount? If you are short of money and the house is very nice, then we can arrange for the money. You have stated that Mr. George Harrison will be seeing the Archbishop for granting us a church, and that is a very nice idea, but so far I see Mr. Harrison promised so many things which were not fulfilled practically. So instead of waiting for the church, if you can get one of the three houses now under consideration, that will be better. Your Sankirtana Movement is going on even with no house, so there is no cause of lamentation. You must go on with Sankirtana and selling our literature, never mind there is temple or not. I am very pleased that you have already sold 1,000 BTGs, and I assume that it will not be too difficult for you to sell 5,000 magazines. That will solve part of your financial problems.

The answer to your Istagosthi questions are as follows: Unless one is a resident of Krishna Loka, one cannot be a Spiritual Master. That is the first proposition. A layman cannot be a Spiritual Master, and if he becomes so then he will simply create disturbance. And who is a liberated person? One who knows Krishna. It is stated in BG, fourth chapter, anyone who knows Krishna in truth is immediately liberated, and after quitting the present body, he immediately goes to Krishna. That means he becomes a resident of Krishna Loka. As soon as one is liberated he is immediately a resident of Krishna Loka, and anyone who knows the truth of Krishna can become Spiritual Master. That is the version of Lord Caitanya. So to summarize the whole thing, it is to be understood that a bona fide Spiritual Master is a resident of Krishna Loka.

Your next question, whether the Spiritual Master was formerly a conditioned soul, actually a bona fide Spiritual Master is never a conditioned soul. There are three kinds of liberated persons. They are called 1) sadhan siddha, 2) kripa siddha, and 3) nitya siddha. Sadhan siddha means one who has attained perfection by executing the regulative principles of devotional service. Kripa siddha means one who has attained perfection by the special mercy of Krishna and the Spiritual Master, and nitya siddha means one who was never contaminated. The symptoms of nitya siddha is that from the beginning of his life he is attached to Krishna, and he is never tired of rendering service to Krishna. So we have to know what is what by these symptoms. But when one is actually on the siddha platform there is no such distinction as to who is sadhan, kripa, or nitya siddha. When one is siddha, there is no distinction what is what. Just like when the river water glides down to the Atlantic Ocean nobody can distinguish which portion was the Hudson River or some other river. Neither is there any necessity to make any such distinction. Actually, every living entity is eternally uncontaminated, although he may be in the material touch. This is the version of the Vedas. Asanga ayam purusha—the living entity is uncontaminated. Just like when there is a drop of oil in water you can immediately distinguish the oil from the water, and the water never mixes with the oil. Similarly, a living entity, although in material contact, is always distinct from the matter.

You are correct when you say that when the Spiritual Master speaks it should be taken that Krishna is speaking. That is a fact. A Spiritual Master must be liberated. It does not matter if he has come from Krishna Loka or he is liberated from here. But he must be liberated. The science of how one is liberated is explained above, but when one is liberated, there is no need of distinction whether he has come directly from Krishna Loka or from the material world. But in the broader sense everyone comes from Krishna Loka. When one forgets Krishna he is conditioned, when one remembers Krishna he is liberated. I hope this will clear up these points. I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I am very much anxious to hear from Janaki why she does not write?

Letter to Syamasundara -- New Vrindaban 12 June, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of June 5, 1969, and with great joy I understand that at last you have secured one nice house which can accommodate twenty or thirty people. I have immediately asked Trivikrama das Brahmacari of Buffalo to go there, and he is sending Mukunda one telegram confirming this. I am also advising Vibhavati and Isana das to go there.

Letter to Syamasundara -- New Vrindaban 12 June, 1969:

P.S. Please inform Mukunda that I have received his letter of the 7th June. ACB

Letter to Mukunda -- New Vrindaban 13 June, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated June 7, 1969, as well as another letter signed by you, Syamasundara., Gurudasa and others jointly. It is very gratifying that at last you have got a five-story building, and in the meantime negotiations are continuing for a church. It is very good news and I thank you for your joint invitation.

In your letter dated June 10th it is said that I shall not go to London earlier than July 20th. I do not know what is your financial position because you have not mentioned anything about our passage money. So kindly let me know if you are going to send me the money for passage, or if I will have to arrange for it. On receipt of this necessary information I shall do the needful. In the meantime I have replied Syamasundara.'s letter wherein I have stated that some of the devotees here are prepared to go to London. One brahmacari, Trivikrama das, from Buffalo will send you a telegram concerning this matter.

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

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. In your previous letters, I was informed that in London I will have many engagements including interview with Archbishop of Canterbury. But in your letter under reply I understand that I will have to meet people in my apartment. This means that my presence is not very much needed. If you think so then why this invitation? Please clear the matter.

Letter to Dinesh -- New Vrindaban 13 June, 1969:

I have received one letter from Mukunda that you are already in negotiation with him for complete cooperation with the Beatles in future, and this is very nice program. Most probably I shall be going to London by the end of July, and from different sources I can understand that the Beatles are becoming interested in the Sankirtana Movement.

Letter to Yamuna -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:

I have already been informed about your London house from the others. The day before yesterday I received one cable from Mukunda asking for a loan of $1,025.00 for depositing three months' rent on the house. I have advised New York to cable the money immediately, and I hope Mukunda has already received the money and the transaction is nicely terminated. Previously, I received one letter from your center, signed by Mukunda, Syamasundara., Gurudasa, and others, inviting me to London by the 20th of July.

Letter to Gurudasa -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:

I have received your note about the new house, and I have arranged to send the money as requested by Mukunda. I hope the money is already received by you and the transaction is nicely executed.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- New Vrindaban 21 June, 1969:

I understand that you are in correspondence with London for some financial arrangement, but recently, just the day before yesterday, I received one cable from Mukunda asking me to give them a loan for $1,025.00, so I have asked Gargamuni to send them this money. Under the circumstances, I do not think they will be able to arrange financially to receive me there immediately.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 28 June, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your several letters; two dated June 19th, one dated June 25th, and one dated June 26th. I am also in due receipt of Syamasundara.'s letter dated June 26, 1969, and I am very much glad to note the contents of all these letters. Your explanation regarding my P.S. is very much engladdening to me, and I am so proud of having beautiful disciples like you who understand the inner meaning of my mission. Actually, I want the people of the whole world to come to God consciousness and be happy. Without God, there is no question of happiness, and without God, there are no good qualities in a person. So the leaders of the human society are missing this point, and here is a program of Krishna Consciousness that if sober and truthful men join, certainly we shall be able to give something very sublime to the suffering peoples of the world. As requested by you, I am sending herewith a note addressed to the Archbishop, and you may do the needful.

I am so glad to learn that the lease agreement is already signed, and I shall be glad to hear from you further in this connection. I thank you so much for your hard labor in pushing on this Krishna Consciousness Movement, and surely Krishna will give you more and more strength in this endeavor. Sudama has left Hawaii already, and he is here in Los Angeles. He will not go to London until you are completely equipped to receive other brahmacaris from here.

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

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I have already sent the design of the altar and throne to Syamasundara.. Please do it accordingly.

ABOUT ISKCON MEDIA.

I don't wish that Dinesh will interfere with the recording of "Hare Krishna" by the Beatles. I don't know what correspondence is going on with you between Dinesh & you. Everything should be carefully done so that our friendship with the Beatles may not be disturbed. They are gradually coming to cooperate and we shall not do anything which may disturb this cooperation.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 29 June, 1969:

I received your telegram for a loan of $1025, and immediately I arranged to have it sent from New York. I understand from Mukunda's letter dated June 25th that the lease agreement has duly been completed. Now I think you are all happy to have a nice place for our London temple, so just organize it to your best capacity.

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

I have seen your letter to Dinesh, dated 26th June, 1969, and I am little bit disturbed in my mind. This recording business is not our line, so you should not divert your attention for the time being for such things. After a great struggle, you have got now a nice place for the London temple, and if you leave now, your other co-workers, Godbrothers and Godsisters, will be discouraged. So I request you not to leave London at the present moment at any cost. I have already sent you a note for the Archibishop of Canterbury as per your letter of June 19th, and you have so many things to do now. So I request you not to divert your attention to this musical side. I know you are a musician, and naturally you have got a tendency for musical entertainment, but at the present moment our main business is to push the Sankirtana Movement. So, as you are doing, take the Sankirtana Party to various places, and this will be the most appreciated. If you adulterate our Sankirtana Movement with some business motive, then it will be spoiled immediately. Be careful in that way.

Dinesh wanted to print some records, so we have given him two, three recordings. Let him do business in his own way. Why he should drag our men for doing his own business? So I repeatedly request you not to divert your attention to this matter at the present moment.

I hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I don't think Dinesh is doing nice so far Govinda record; practically he has not paid me any money out of this enterprise although he has made a legal document signed by me with very great hope. I don't mind for this let him have something out of it.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 2 July, 1969:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated June 28, 1969, and I have carefully noted the contents. You say that at present you cannot use instruments in the temple without soundproofing, but I do not know if this means you cannot use even mrdangas and karatala. I understand that soundproofing is very expensive enterprise, and do you have the money for this now? I think it is better if you wait until you are more established before you try for this expensive operation. If it is necessary, we shall go on without instruments. For the time being, you simply make the temple very nice with a nice altar and nice accommodations for living. Don't waste time and money on other projects.

Regarding Mataji Syamadevi, she cannot live there at any circumstance. The first thing is that she does not know English, so what help will she be? She cannot speak to an audience, neither she has any knowledge of Krishna Consciousness philosophy. So why she should live with us? We should utilize all of our facilities for our own men. Besides that, she has got her ideas of Hindu sentiment, and she cannot be used for international Krishna Consciousness. She is interested in Hindus only, and otherwise she is useless. If she will donate money or Murtis, that is welcome, but she cannot live in the temple. We require space for so many other purposes. So don't commit any word that she may live there. If in the future, some tangible arrangements of cooperation can be adjusted, then she may live there; but I do not think this is going to be.

Regarding Dinesh, I have already written to you yesterday about this. It is simply high-sounding words. There is no substance or practical program. So forget about Dinesh's hallucinations. He has no money, and he wants to take from others, and others wish to only sign papers. So it is a will-o'-the-wisp. Regarding the Beatles, if they chant the Hare Krishna Mantra, give them all facilities. Because if they make some Hare Krishna record, that will be widespread, and we want simply that the Hare Krishna Mantra may be very popular all over the world. We do not care for any profit out of it. We should not try to make a profit out of the Hare Krishna Mantra; then our spiritual enlightenment will be hampered. Our principle should be to beg contributions from others, and as far as possible not to try for any big bargains.

As I have already written to you, we should not try to become a very popular musical party. Music is one of our items for chanting, but we are not musicians. We should always remember this fact. The best example is that we take advantage of the typewriting machine, but that does not mean we are professional typists.

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

Letter to Yamuna -- Los Angeles 3 July, 1969:

I have received one letter from Mukunda, giving description of various engagements in London when I go there, and the most important is seeing the Archbishop of Canterbury. I have already sent one note for the

(TEXT MISSING)

Letter to Unknown -- 3 July, 1969:

Archbishop to be presented through some friend, perhaps Mr. George Harrison, as it was suggested by Mukunda.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 4 July, 1969:

In some previous letter, Mukunda wrote that he would send tickets for both me and Purusottama. So if in the meantime he sends ticket for Purusottama, then he can also go with me. I think the best arrangement would have been if by mutual consultation you make the transportation arrangements for my European journey. I do not know when Mukunda is going to send me those tickets, so you can consult with him.

Letter to Mr. Mottissey -- Montreal 16 July, 1969:

So far you want to see me personally, I am always open to see you, and you are welcome to come at your convenience. But if you want to be initiated, first of all be fixed up in your mind that you will follow the restrictive rules and regulations in this connection. For further inquiries you can talk with Mukunda, Syamasundara., Yamuna, etc. and they will give you necessary information. Hope this finds you in good health, and thanking you once more for remembering me.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 28 July, 1969:

I beg to thank you for your letter dated July 21, 1969, and I am glad that you have already sent to New York part of the payment of $1,025. It doesn't matter that you could not pay all at a time. You can pay the balance after the 27th. This is all right. So far as the three sets of beads, I did not receive them yet. I do not know to which address the beads were sent. This afternoon I returned from San Francisco where there was a very, very successful Rathayatra Ceremony. There were at least 10,000 people who walked with us to the ocean for a ten mile parade, and everyone was chanting and dancing in ecstasy. Then at the ocean there was grand-scale Prasadam distribution and chanting again on into the evening. Everyone appreciated Krishna Consciousness so much, and it is so encouraging to see how the young boys and girls of the western countries are gradually coming to understand something of this movement.

I am so glad to learn that Mr. Ted Berk, the American poet, is now living with you as brahmacari. Let him become now a Vaisnava poet. There are so many Vaisnava poets in India. Now as Krishna Consciousness is spreading, I think there must be some western Vaisnava poets, and Mr. Ted Berk may be the first one. So far as Trivikrama is concerned, he is a super first-class brahmacari. His service attitude, his submission is very nice although he is still a new member. The thing is that he had the association of Rupanuga who is an ideal householder devotee. I am feeling very much proud personally because my so many householder devotees are preaching Krishna Consciousness so nicely. Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not make any distinction between the so-called brahmacari, householder, or sannyasi. He specifically stressed that these designations are superficial, pertaining to bodies. Krishna Consciousness is the function of the soul, jivatma. In the Vedas it is said that the spirit soul is without any touch of material contamination, but when he forgets Krishna he thinks himself as a material product. That is called Maya. But in any position, if one can understand the science of Krishna Consciousness, he can deliver many, many fallen souls. So it is my request to you all that you establish an exemplary character and show how householders can be the first class transcendentalists. When I feel that my householder disciples are preaching so nicely I actually feel very much proud.

I understand from a letter from Gurudasa that you have elections for officers for your temple, and the men filling the posts are all very well suited for their position. Now all of you please make quickly the march towards the goal of Krishna Consciousness Movement being very successful. Here Tamala Krishna and Gargamuni have promised me to start a center every quarterly, and it is my ambition that I want to establish at least 108 centers; beginning from Hamburg, crossing over the Atlantic to your country, USA, then the Pacific, covering Hawaii and reaching to Tokyo, Japan. It is about 13,000 miles long, and do you think that 108 centers within 13,000 miles is a very difficult proposition? I don't think so. So you also try to to establish at least one dozen centers in England. Krishna das, combined with Mandali Bhadra, Jaya Govinda and Sivananda are already alert to establish some more branches in Europe. Sivananda is contemplating to open a branch in Copenhagen, and Krishna das is trying for another in Munich. So this news is very encouraging to me. I shall request you that your next attempt shall be to establish a center in Oxford, where I have heard you have successfully performed kirtana so the students postponed their attendance in economic class and wanted to enjoy the transcendental vibrations. So I shall request you again to establish another branch in Oxford as soon as possible.

I have recently received news from New York that their last week Sankirtana collection was $1,000, and they have already sold out 3,000 copies of BTG in the past few weeks, so now they are ordering more copies from the West Coast. This is very, very encouraging, and I have asked my Guru Maharaja to just see how nicely these nice young boys and girls are taking to His Divine Mission. I have also received report that your BTG sales are not very encouraging. I am not very sorry for this at all because I know that you are now engaged for Rathayatra Festival and for fixing up the temple. But I hope that soon you will fulfill your quota of selling 5,000 copies in London. In the issues #25 and #26 you will find very, very nice articles. So execute your duties faithfully and sincerely. I am sure that you are doing this, but still it is my duty to remind you the same thing repeatedly as I am your Spiritual Master.

Krishna das is asking me to go to Hamburg repeatedly, and he sent a ticket also from New York to Luxembourg, but I cancelled it because I was expected at the Rathayatra Ceremony. Now again he says to go there sometimes in the month of August, so I am asking your opinion about this. I think if you both cooperate to receive me in Europe, that will be financially easier. And Purusottama's accompanying me is also necessary because my travelling alone is not very advisable. Besides that, he is now trained to look after me in every way, so I think when I go to Europe he must accompany me. So if you jointly make a program, that will be good for both of you, and I am also very much eager to make some propaganda work of Krishna Consciousness in Europe now.

Regarding the record you recorded with Mr. Harrison, it is very much encouraging because a record issued by the Beatles will have immediate great market, and we want only that this Hare Krishna chanting is participated in by many millions of people. Another thing is that some time back you asked me to write a personal note to the Archbishop of Canterbury, but you did not inform me what happened to this and what happened to the church negotiations for which Mr. Harrison wanted to take some personal care. I shall be very glad to hear from you about these points. Please offer my blessings to the others, especially to Janaki, who has not written to me in so long a time. I hope you are all well.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 5 August, 1969:

From these letters it appears that things are not yet settled up, and under the circumstances, there is no use of rushing the matter. Settle things up nicely, and when you get the money from Mukunda and the apartment, then arrange for the tickets, and we shall start. So far as I am concerned, I am free to start at any moment on your arrangement. But if you are financially pressed, there is no need to arrange things haphazardly. From your two letters it appears you may be a little bit confused. Do everything coolheadedly. When you send the tickets I shall go.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 13 August, 1969:

I am very glad to learn that Mr. George Harrison was playing on harmonium and guitar; Digvijaya and Gurudasa were playing karatalas; Yamuna and Malati were singing; and you were playing dilruba. Kulasekhara is so nice khole player I thought it was being played by Mukunda. Why do I not find the name of Mukunda?

I am also very glad to learn that this record is being played on some first class radio station all day, and wherever you go people congratulate you by chanting Hare Krishna. This is very encouraging. Similarly, I am encouraged that Kirtana Party led by Trivikrama is collecting $25-50 daily.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 13 August, 1969:

My going to Germany is not yet fixed up, but it is understood that both Mukunda and Krishna Das have sent two tickets addressed to New York. It is also understood that they have redirected the mail here, but we have not received anything till now. So as soon as I receive the tickets, arrangements for going to Germany will be fixed up. In the month of September I shall be in Germany, and the next month, if you like, you can call me to London.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- Los Angeles 15 August, 1969:

Regarding the ticket, I think it will be a better plan to have the New York or the Los Angeles temple put forward the money, and as soon as it is purchased here, you and Mukunda may reimburse them immediately. I understand that you have asked from San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York temples for a loan of $100. That is all right.

Letter to Mukunda -- Hamburg 5 September, 1969:

Now it is decided that I shall be starting on the 11th of September, Thursday, by flight 234, Lufthansa Airlines, starting at 12:15 Hamburg time, and reaching London at 13:40. So you can make the necessary arrangements. If you have any further information for me, you can send me a letter immediately or talk with me. Yesterday Vyasa Puja was held in the temple, and your tape of Cintamani was played. It was very nice.

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

Letter to Mukunda -- Hamburg 1 October, 1969:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 1st, 1969. If Mr. Lennon contributes his place as described by you, then we shall turn it into a place of Divine Culture which the younger generation needs so badly. And if the Archbishop of Canterbury gives us one, two, three, four, up to the point of all the redundant churches, I shall turn them all into great places of worship of all kinds of men. If so desired, we can worship the picture of Lord Jesus Christ who we admit as the son of Godhead. We worship all worthy sons and servants of God, but we kick on the face of all rascals who claim to have become God so cheaply to mislead many innocent persons.

Sometimes back I sent you one letter addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury, but I have not heard anything from you. Was that letter presented to his holiness or not? Please enlighten me in this connection. Please persuade George to see the archbishop as early as possible.

Regarding my visiting London, I am prepared to go there as soon as you call me. Hope you are all well.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 25 October, 1969:

Yesterday we had a meeting in a law college and all the boys and girls joined us in chanting and dancing. But I think Mukunda is little bit strained managing all the affairs. The most important thing before us immediately is to organize a nice Sankirtana Party here in London for daily work, because there is as good potency of preaching work in London as there is in Los Angeles. But I do not know if it will be possible for you to come here for some days. Mukunda likes your assistance for coordinating all these opportunities. So please consider these points, and if you think that your absence in the West Coast will not cause any mismanagement, then I would advise you for some days to come here. So I shall be glad to hear from you in this connection by return mail.

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.

Letter to Brahmananda -- London 7 November, 1969:

PS: I have shown the new BTG to Mukunda, and he has very much appreciated the nice lay-out work of Candanacarya.

enclosures: one carbon of letter to Hayagriva

Letter to Gaurasundara -- London 13 November, 1969:

Regarding the songs you have written, yes, you may send them here for Mukunda to consider for future recordings. I expect to visit your Hawaii center again when I go to Japan. Surely at that time it will not be difficult. But always remember that I am always with you. As you are always thinking of me I am always thinking of you also. Although physically we are not together, we are not separated spiritually. So we should be concerned only with this spiritual connection.

Letter to Krsna dasa -- London 2 December, 1969:

I have heard from Tamala and Mukunda that there is good chance of preaching our movement in Germany, provided our Sankirtana Party is well organized. For this purpose I have asked Tamala Krishna to stay in Europe for some time, and whenever you will require his assistance in Germany he will go there and stay for some time. After I install the Deities here on December 14th, he will be free to go there.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 6 January, 1970:

Now I am in Los Angeles and you can contact me here after consulting George. I am very glad to learn that London Temple as well as the householder devotees are all doing well. I have received letter from you and Mukunda also, but I have received no letter from Tamala. Please offer my blessings to all the boys and girls and devotees in London Temple.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Los Angeles 10 January, 1970:

Now, so far London is concerned, I have received news from Mukunda that they are also collecting, on the average, 50 pounds daily. So, by the Grace of Krishna, London center has now got a nice building in a nice quarter, a nice Temple and a nice Indian friend like you. I am so glad for your assurance that you shall all combinedly do your utmost to spread Krishna Consciousness Movement from one corner to the other in England. Please do it.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Los Angeles 10 January, 1970:

That Mr. Banarsi, who is an Indian industrialist in London and lives near that Ajibai's house, promised some help. Now, he is out of his station in India and he is expected to come back by the month of March. He assured me that, when he came back, he would collect at least 200,000 pounds to help me in this connection. I do not know his India address, but somehow or other, if you can send me, I can keep myself in contact with him so that, when he comes back, all of you together take his help in raising this fund and purchase that house. I am also writing Mukunda separately in this connection.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 12 January, 1970:

You wanted an urgent reply so I am sending this letter by express delivery. Here in L.A. things are going very nicely. Last night I was present in the Temple. Visnujana played a nice short drama about Kali Yuga and its entrance. It was very nice. There were about 100 guests besides our own men. Gargamuni is taking care of me very nicely. Hope this will meet you alright. Offer my blessings to Syamasundara., Mukunda and Gurudasa and the boys and girls. I am so glad to learn that Yamuna is doing very nicely. Now she may train Visakha who must have come by this time to London.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 10 Jan., 1970, and it understood that the St. Giles in the Field School is available on rent. Now you have asked my instructions in this connection.

The first thing is that suppose we occupy that big house, what will happen to the present house which you have taken on lease agreement for three years? The present house being situated in a very important place, we have to think that by vacating this house we shall be losing a grand situation. Under the circumstances even though we occupy the big school house, whether we can utilize the present house or we shall keep this house as it is going on and we shall make another big attempt in that big house. So you have to consult amongst yourselves what to do in this connection.

Now before occupying the house it must be thoroughly repaired by the owner, and I see that you have made a condition to grant L8,000/ (eight thousand) for repairs. If it is thoroughly repaired then it will be a grand house for our purposes.

The next thing is if you are in a position to pay L1,000/- (one thousand) per month. So far I know your collection at present moment is at the rate of L40-50/- (forty to fifty) per day. Now if you occupy this house, whether it will be possible for you to collect more money by some device of Prasadam distribution or otherwise. The idea is to make the big establishment in the big house, you will have to collect at least L100/- (one hundred) per day by some means or other.

The next point is whether it is possible to take the house on lease with option to purchase. The price is presently fixed up at L80,000/- (eighty thousand). Now if there is some arrangement with option to purchase and we can secure the money to pay them L80,000 the money already paid to them in lieu of rent should be deducted. In this connection, a time limit may be set up within which we may be able to secure this L80,000 and pay them less the amount already paid in lieu of rent.

I think on basis of this negotiation will be alright. So far reference for bank, I have got some money for printing my books and if required I can arrange such reference from my banker. That can be arranged.

What happened to the parcels from Bombay for the manjiras in the Lloyd's Bank? If you have received the consignment you can send me one pair here. I want to see how they are.

Please inform Yamuna devi that I have her nice letter, and I shall reply it in due course. Also offer my blessings to all devotees, Janaki, Malati and all others. Ask Gurudasa to send me some pictures of the Installation Ceremony and some of them may be directly sent to Boston for publication in BTG.

Our book, "Isopanisad," is already out and you can send orders to ISKCON Books for this item. It is very nice.

Hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. I have not as yet received payment from George for my Krishna book. Please let me know what happens

Letter to Yamuna, Mandakini, Ilavati, Jyotirmayi, Dhananjaya, Digvijaya, Jotilla, Prithadevi, Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970:

Please accept my blessings: I am so much obliged for your loving presentation of sweets, balusai, handkerchief, painting, flower, simply wonderful, sacred thread, dhupa, and gopicandana, and I have immediately tasted all the preparations so nice and distributed them to the devotees of the Temple. I have offered the handkerchief and dhupa to Radha Krishna, and placed the picture on the wall. Please organize this Sankirtana Movement under the leadership of Tamala, Mukunda, Syamasundara., and Gurudasa and be happy.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2 February, 1970, and I have noted the contents. Regarding the big house, try to acquire this house according to my former instructions on hire/purchase system.

Regarding Temple management, I may inform you that Tamala Krishna may help you how to organize, but if you make him stay in one place and he cannot move to other places then the idea on which he was left in London—that he should see the development of the centers in France and Germany—will be jeopardized. As our branches are increasing it is necessary that somebody shall move from one place to another for improving the particular center's activities. Besides that, you have also requested to send Visnujana to London, but you know that whatever improvement has been made in Los Angeles is due to the Sankirtana Party going outside the Temple. Madhudvisa and Jayananda have gone to San Francisco, and Tamala has gone to London. So out of the four leading boys of the Sankirtana Party, three are already out. So the remaining one's, Visnujana's, presence is needed here. Gargamuni and Stoka Krishna are engaged otherwise, so Visnujana is taking care of the new devotees as well as Kirtana Party. If, therefore, he also goes away, I think that the management here will suffer.

Tamala has certainly got valuable talent in dealing with outsiders, particularly with regards to arranging engagements, but I think that some of you also pick up his talents and then he will be free to move to other places so that they also may utilize his service. There are pending many important businesses in France and Germany, but if Tamala cannot go there on account of London's business, then their business will suffer. I think, therefore, that Tamala's services and talents should be learned by you and he may be allowed to go at least for a month to Germany and Paris and then come back to London.

The whole idea is that he may stay one month in London and then go out for one month to Paris and Germany and then come back again to London. In this way, when things are going on smoothly everywhere, then he can devote more time in London for other important things.

I have advised Hamsaduta to go to London and then to go to Germany for organizing Sankirtana. I could not follow the meaning of the last line of your letter, "We look forward to the day when You grace us with Your Holy Instructions for Lord Caitanya's Sankirtana." If you mean by this line about the World Sankirtana Party, then I may inform you that for this purpose you will have to wait for some time more. The purpose of World Sankirtana Party will be to establish a center in each and every city and village of the world. This idea is taking practical shape in various centers. Just like you started for London Yatra and now after one year it has taken a shape, similarly in Germany also it has taken a shape, but in Paris it has not taken as yet. Therefore World Sankirtana Party means to establish a center everywhere we go.

I do not mean a concert party or musical party that may go to a city, have some performances and collect some money without any permanent effect. For this purpose the World Sankirtana Party should consist of members who can impress spiritual ecstasy in the hearts of the people so that some of them may come forward and agree to establish a center where the Sankirtana party may go on continually.

From Krishna das' letter it appears that in Germany there is good prospect for opening many centers. When you last went to Germany it was very effective. Why not first of all start a center in Paris and a few other centers in Germany and then think of the World Sankirtana Party on the basis of starting a center wherever you go. Both Tamala and yourself, Gurudasa and Syamasundara. think over this idea, and in the meantime, as you are yourself a musical instructor, you can teach the newcomers in the Kirtana performances for future program.

Hope this will meet you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. How is Janaki? Ask her to write me letter. I hope she is doing well. Offer my blessings to her and Malati. ACB

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3 February, 1970, along with Mukunda's, Gurudasa', and Syamasundara.'s letters. I am replying all of them separately within this envelope.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 8 February, 1970:

You have written to say that no one can deal with the devotees except Visnujana; that is not a good proposal. There are so many old and experienced devotees in London; but for management of other devotees, if there is no one to look after them, that does not sound very good. For musical training I think Mukunda has sufficient knowledge. Anyway, for the time being, Hamsaduta is going and Mukunda is there and you are also there. See if the Worldwide Sankirtana Party can be organized without Visnujana. For the present Visnujana cannot be freed from the Los Angeles engagements, but in future if somebody is trained up to take his place then I shall recommend him to go to London.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 11 February, 1970:

Regarding Visnujana's call to London, he has already replied in Tamala & Mukunda's letter with statement of Visnujana himself. For the time being Visnujana cannot be spared from Los Angeles. There are four experienced workers here, out of whom Visnujana is one, and three have already gone outside.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 11 February, 1970:

P.S. Please secure the address in Jaipur (India) of the Sri murti manufacturers. You will get it from Mr. Goyil who donated the Radha Krishna deity in London Temple. Tamala and Mukunda knows the address of Mr. Goyil or you may have it in your office file. I want such murtis for other centers. Please therefore send the address immediately.

Letter to Balmukundji Parikh -- Los Angeles 11 February, 1970:

In America also we are collecting but I do not know why English law should prohibit them. Anyway I shall request you to help Gurudasa, Mukunda, Syamasundara., etc. to adjust the problem so that they may not be hampered in their advancement of Krishna Consciousness.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 4 March, 1970:

Organization of the European centers and the World Sankirtana Party later on—for these two reasons I called you in London. Now Mukunda, Hamsaduta, yourself, Krsna das, Umapati, Janardana, Suridas, etc., all of you are tested devotees, now do everything nicely in full cooperation. Always remain engaged in Krsna's service, then there will be no misunderstanding.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 8 March, 1970:

P.S. What happened to the manjirao imported from India through Lloyd's Bank. Ask Mukunda to write me about this. ACB

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 12 March, 1970:

Regarding World Sankirtana Party: now the best of my students interested in Sankirtana; namely Mukunda, Tamala, and yourself, are now in Europe, so I hope in the near future you shall organize a very grand World Sankirtana Party and make a tour all the world over. And if you like, I can also go with you.

Letter to Bali Mardan 1975 So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 March 13, 1970:

For being legally organized, I think if you open a branch of the ISKCON Ltd., incorporated in England, it will be easier for you. Australia is a Commonwealth property, therefore an organization already registered in England can open its branch in its dominion without any difficulty. You can simply take the registered number and date from Mukunda and get it noted by the Registrar in Sydney, and it will be alright.

Letter to Suridas -- Los Angeles 17 March, 1970:

Mukunda, Tamala, yourself, Syamasundara., Gurudasa, and if possible, George, as well as Hamsaduta and all your better halves just make a very rigid plan for opening centers in every nook and corner of the European countries. I am arranging with Indian sympathizers to get some nice Deities like those in London. So try to install Deities and centers as many as possible.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 17 March, 1970:

Mukunda, yourself, Syamasundara., Gurudasa, and if possible, along with George, as well as Hamsaduta and all your better halves just make a very rigid plan for opening centers in every nook and corner of the European countries. I am arranging with Indian sympathizers to get nice Deities like those in London. So try to install Deities and centers as many as possible.

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

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 17 March, 1970, with enclosure, and it is very satisfying that you have introduced Sankirtana Party procession in the public streets and parks on the occasion of Lord Caitanya's Birthday.

It is a good addition to my missionary activities, and I thank you very much. In the London streets, introduction of Rathayatra procession, as well as Lord Caitanya's Birthday ceremony procession, and in the most important part of the city, a Radha Krsna Temple—all these things are great achievement of your London Yatra party, and personally I feel a great credit for me because by such activities my Guru Maharaja is certainly very pleased upon us. So whatever progress we are making by the grace of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja, we must stick to them and make further progress. I am enclosing herewith two pictures of our new church buildings, which we are going to purchase at the cost of $225,000; down payment, $50,000. The whole debt has to be cleared off by twelve years. So the management here has taken a great burden upon themselves, and similarly I am awaiting the days when London Yatra party, headed by you, will have a similar achievement in London.

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

I have received word that English citizens can fly to Australia as immigrants, and the cost is only $20 per person. So under the circumstances, you can send some Brahmacaris to help out our new center in Sydney. This will be best because the British government will bear the expense of their transportation. Also you can help them out by sending them the papers of ISKCON, Ltd. from London, so they can immediately incorporate as a Commonwealth branch. The Sydney address is as follows: ISKCON Temple, 26 Horderns Place, Potts Point, N.S.W. 2011.

Regarding the manjiras, I am surprised that the custom duty is cent percent. I do not know what does it mean. The whole consignment is worth L50, and they want to impose the similar amount as custom duty. In India, although our country is advertised to be very poor, the custom duty is not more than 30% on such articles. I think there is some misinformation about this consignment. Please inquire scrutinizingly.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Los Angeles March 26, 1970:

This is a good chance for sending some devotees from England. I have already written Mukunda, and I shall remind him at the next opportunity.

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

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 21st March, 1970. The karatalas have not yet reached here.

Yes, I am going to the newly purchased church Temple and when I go there by Sunday next, I shall try to teach the local boys in the way of performing Sankirtana in a circle. I shall send to you the sound production with photographs if possible, and instructions also.

I am awaiting the arrival of the karatalas.

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

So far Sankirtana is concerned, I am so much pleased to learn that you are taking Sankirtana as your life and soul. There is no doubt about Krsna's being pleased very much upon those who are engaged in such Sankirtana Movement, that is admitted by Lord Krsna in the Bhagavad-gita and Caitanya Caritamrta. Some of the best students like you, Tamala, Mukunda, Syamasundara., and Jaya Govinda, are all now in Europe. Now you form a strong party for opening centers as well as organizing the World Sankirtana Party.

Letter to Mukunda -- Los Angeles 10 April, 1970:

I have received the karatalas, but it is completely hopeless. The man has cheated us cent per cent, but there is no way to rectify it and we shall wait for future to get the right thing.

I hope everything is going on nicely in your temple, and please keep me informed regularly of the activities. I have not heard from Syamasundara. for a long time. I sent him one letter of which I have not received any reply as yet. Please remind him.

Please offer my blessings to all the devotees.

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

But I do not know whether he is following the four regulative principles. That will help him very rapidly. So for the time being you remain as you are and you also do the same thing, and if possible as suggested by you, Murari and Lilavati can open a center in Oxford. Oxford is a good place for our Krishna Consciousness movement. Formerly when I was there, we saw an old church for the purpose of purchasing it. I think Mukunda had some correspondence about it.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 16 April, 1970:

So far incense business is concerned, you can do very nicely as they are doing it here. Gargamuni will cooperate fully in this connection, and both Jivananda and Mukunda are very intelligent boys. So do it nicely.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 26 April, 1970:

All my best students are now in Europe, in pairs. Yourself, Mukunda, Jaya Govinda, Syamasundara., Gurudasa, Tamala, etc., you are all advanced and selected, now your program will be to recruit many sincere souls from European countries, and open branches. Your desire for opening a center in Copenhagen may be suspended for the time being unless we recruit some members from Europe because all the best students have already gone there, so it will be difficult to send men from America at the present moment. In America also we have to open so many branches, so I think you should not expect any more members from America for organizing European centers.

Now you should recruit men for our purpose from Europe as many as possible, in France, Germany, England, etc. All of you do everything conjointly, and at the same time try to organize the World Sankirtana Party. Always be in touch with Tamala, Mukunda, Umapati, Syamasundara., etc., and perform Rathayatra ceremony in London very gorgeously this year because all of you are there.

Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 26 April, 1970:

The other point is that all my best students are now in Europe. Yourself, Tamala, Mukunda, Hamsaduta, Syamasundara.—all of you are in now double strength, so please do things very enthusiastically and organize the world Sankirtana Party because in India the people are already expecting us next year. Also open as many branches as possible.

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

In conclusion I may inform you that Acyutananda has given publicity in an important newspaper that next year I am going to India with forty students, so for the next year we have got sufficient margin of time—eight months—so what do you think? Shall we be able to have our World Sankirtana by that time? That will be very nice. All our selected students like yourself, Hamsaduta, Mukunda, Syamasundara., Umapati, etc. along with their wives, and some of the students from here may join, then we can go to India via Africa, and then after a few days in India, we can come back via Japan, So you have to consult over this matter also because it is already advertised in India.

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

I think each couple of our students may try to open a branch in England. Our first branch of London Yatra was opened by Mukunda, Gurudasa, and Syamasundara. and their wives. They tried very hard, and now our London Temple is nicely situated.

Letter to Yogesvara, Gurudasa, Digvijaya, Lesley, Yvonne, Jyotirmayi, Paul, Prithadevi, Purnananda, Tom, Lena, Dhananjaya, Inga, Mandakini, Tirthapada, Trivikrama, Yamuna, Jaya Hari -- Los Angeles 21 May, 1970:

I beg to thank you once again for these gifts. Hope this will meet you all in very good health in Krsna Consciousness.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Where is Mukunda & Janaki please inform.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 4 June, 1970:

I have not heard from Mukunda for a long time. Please keep me informed at least once in a fortnight about the good progress of your temple. KRSNA book will be ready by Rathayatra festival. When you take the procession on the street, always keep our books and magazines ready for distribution.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 21 June, 1970:

I have heard that the Ratha is almost completed in London and it is expected that the Rathayatra Festival will be very, very magnificent. So as you have suggested, this will also be the best opportunity for the several programs to be established by mutual consultation amongst yourselves, yourself, Gurudasa, Syamasundara., Hamsaduta, Mukunda, etc. So please manage everything very nicely and Krsna will provide all opportunities for expanding His movement throughout the European countries. So see that everything is done cooperatively. Then it will be very nice.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1970:

I have received one letter from Tamala that there is invitation from Africa. I will be glad to know about this. I shall send 25 copies of KRSNA on or before the Rathayatra. I wish that the selling of this important book be begun on this auspicious day. I have not heard for a long time either from Syamasundara. or Mukunda, neither from their wives. But I am pleased that everything is going on nicely. That is alright.

Letter to Ksirodakasayi -- Los Angeles 29 June, 1970:

I have already asked Gurudasa and Mukunda to inquire if some land is available in the vicinity of Regent Park. I have heard that the Government allots free gift land for religious temples. If such land is available, then we can immediately take up the project of constructing a very gorgeous style Indian temple.

Letter to Yamuna, Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 7 July, 1970:

I hope your Rathayatra preparation was completed and the procession very grand and gorgeous. Previously Syamasundara. wrote me to participate in the Rathayatra festival, but since then I have not heard anything from him. Where is he now? At George's place or in a different apartment? I have received a letter from Mukunda recently, but I have not received any letter from Syamasundara.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Bombay 13 November, 1970:

I am very glad that you are receiving good promise of help from Mr. Gajjar. Please give him all encouragement in Krsna Consciousness. Regarding Bali Mardan, he has not resigned and until he or some other member does so there shall not be any change in the members of the GBC. If there is such resignation the candidates will be Gaurasundara, Mukunda and Gurudasa for replacement by vote of the remaining members of the GBC. But why have you taken information on this important matter from Gurudasa? You should not "understand" from Gurudasa; you should understand from me.

Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 25 November, 1970:

After a long time I have receive your letter dated November 19th, 1970, as well as your telegram dated the 24th November, 1970. I thank you very much that you have sent the memorandums etc.

Hamsaduta, Syamasundara. and Tamala Krsna are detained here because we are trying to establish a center in Bombay. In the meantime, if you and your wife, Janaki, may take the place of Yamuna and Gurudasa and see that things are going on nicely there. London Temple is very important and things may not be neglected there.

Please see that KRSNA books are sold and the sales proceeds directly sent to Dai Nippon for credit of "Bhaktivedanta Book Fund". I have to pay still $10,000 to Dai Nippon for the order I have placed with them. The total amount was $35,000, out of which by collection from U.S.A. and something from my bank, we have paid $26,000, so another $10,000 is required. Please see that the book funds are immediately sent to Dai Nippon.

Please go on sending reports regularly and offer my blessings to your wife. I shall be glad to hear from her.

Letter to Mukunda -- Indore 7 December, 1970:

I am in due receipt of your detailed letters (2) dated November 28th, 1970, with regard to the Regent Park land.

We sent you a telegram to send the certified copy of our constitution and you also confirmed by telegram, but it is not received yet.

So far the Regent Park land scheme is concerned, I have read over all your points and further talks on these may be discussed on receipt of the above mentioned documents. It is not practical proposal to request Sri Rirlaji to write to the High Commissioner. Another thing, you do not rely on Proful Patel—you find out your own place. When I was in London, this Proful Patel promised to see me many times, but he did not come.

Regarding telephone at Seksaria House or anywhere else, don't try to use telephone unnecessarily.

Please offer my blessings to your good wife, Srimati Janaki devi. I hope you are both in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P. S. Please arrange to send all my book-sales proceeds directly to Dai Nippon Printing Co. Tokyo and let me know.

Letter to Mukunda -- Surat 31 December, 1970:

I am in due receipt of the photos of Regents Park area as well as your telegram dated 19th December, 1970. The idea of having our temple in Regents Park was with the understanding that the government would give us a suitable plot to build on. We cannot purchase land in Regents Park, that is not possible. So unless the government agrees to give us the needed land, it is better to pass the idea for the time being.

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.

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

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.

Page Title:	Training of Mukunda dasa (Letters, 1969 - 1970)
Compiler:	Visnu Murti
Created:	07 of Jun, 2010
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=90
No. of Quotes:	90