Training of Tejiyas dasa (Letters, 1970 - 1976)

Correspondence

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 20 May, 1970:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 13rd May, along with your set of beads for chanting and request to become my initiated disciple.

So I am very glad to accept you as my initiated student, and your spiritual name is Tejas Das Brahmacari. Tejas means powerful. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Pariksit Mahara pointed out to Sukadeva Goswami that Lord Krsna is Tejas or the Incomparable Supreme Powerful, Personality of Godhead. I am returning your beads enclosed herewith, duly chanted upon by me.

Please follow the rules and regulations for advancing in Krsna Consciousness beginning with strict observance of the four restrictions, and chant daily the prescribed number of sixteen rounds on the beads, and you will grow strong in spiritual strength. Study our literatures with the cooperation of your God-brothers and sisters in Buffalo, and any questions you may have may be submitted to Srimad Rupanuga for answering. So in this way always find some engagement in Krsna's service and you will be supremely happy and successful in your life.

Always follow the prescribed program of Krsna Consciousness as it has already been established by the Spiritual Master, and thus executing your prescribed duties in the loving service of the Lord He will reveal himself to you in proportion to your sincere efforts to satisfy Him only. So now you are Krsna's servant, and if you give your life completely over to Him, He (Tejas) the All-powerful Lord will protect you from all dangers in all circumstances. Please always chant Hare Krsna Mantra without offense and be happy.

Now please take the good opportunity to learn how to practically prosecute Krsna Consciousness Movement so that you may help start new centers for expanding our program to every nook and corner, village and city. This is our business, to carry the message of Lord Caitanya to every person for his ultimate welfare. Help Rupanuga in the Buffalo Temple or otherwise as he may advise you to do, that is the best program for now—to become very well trained up in Krsna Consciousness—and then you can preach.

I am enclosing herewith a sheet listing the standard practices for devotees and the qualifications of a devotee for your reference.

1971 Correspondence

Letter to Rupanuga -- Gorakhpur 19 February, 1971:

There are many candidates for being initiated who are waiting and I think when I return to U.S.A. by month of April, all their initiations can be performed. Yes, Tejios can be initiated for the second time by that tape record with earphoning method.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Bombay 24 April, 1971:

So far as the Indians in San Francisco, they should be tackled nicely. They have promised, so someone should collect that proposed $20,000. Yes, Tejiyas and Laura can be married. His name is Tejiyas, not Tejios. I was confused by the mispelling.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- London 1 September, 1971:

Yes, arrange for Hindi BTG. I am expecting your quotation. The following are going to Delhi from here: Tejyas and his wife Madira; Palika and Dinadayadri have gone there yesterday. So far Mayapur is concerned, as soon as the rains stop then we shall start our work.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Honolulu 16 May, 1972:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 5/5/72, and I have noted the contents. Yes, Tejiyas is a very good worker, and I very much appreciate, you may ask him to write me his report and I shall be very glad to hear from him.

Letter to Tejiyas -- India 12 June, 1972:

Tejiyas das Adhikari,

*For the time being, until we have seen the original contract with MacMillan Co., you may wait on this matter. I shall contact you further when I have seen if it is Possible.

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

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

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

I am in due reciept of your letter dated June 2, 1972, and I have noted the contents. I am very pleased to hear from you and from Guru das that your preaching work in Delhi is continuing on very nicely and that you are meeting with very good success by making many life members. Actually, this making life members is the certain sign that our preaching work is successful. If somebody pays us, that is almost the same as converting him. So the more life members that you make in Delhi, the more I can understand that your preaching work is very pleasing to Krishna. Krishna is most pleased by His servant who preaches by canvassing others on His behalf.

So far Mr. Iswar Puri of Atmaram Book Store, let him make a concrete contract to publish our MacMillan version of Bhagavad-gita in cheap edition. You can send one copy of the contract to me and one copy to Bali Mardan at ISKCON Press in New York. I do not know if we are covered by copyright in India or not. You may inquire into this matter.*

I am very pleased to hear that the collecting work for Vrndavana project is going on by cooperative endeavor amongst yourselves there. ___ to interest the life members and richer class of men to purchase rooms in our Vrndavana Temple on the Bhetnama system for staying with us on weekends. Many high class gentlemen in Delhi who are also devotees would relish the chance to live with us on weekends and it will be for them just like Vaikuntha. I very much appreciate your courageous preaching work and I can understand that Krishna is giving you all facilities for making your spiritual advancement.

Letter to Tejiyas -- London 9 August, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter from Delhi dated 2 August, 1972 and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. I am very glad to hear that we shall be holding another Hare Krishna Festival in Delhi this year, and I am hoping that I shall also be able to attend as before. That LIC grounds is no longer available, but we must find another suitable location within the city center of New Delhi,* as close to Connaught Circus as possible. That will be very nice. So you and your good wife kindly give Gurudasa all assistance for organizing the festival, and I shall also come if I am able.

Your program for preaching in Delhi is very much approved by me, preaching Krsna is the same as remembering Krsna. I can understand if one of my students is making spiritual advancement if he is also making many life members and devotees. So you have not to minimize the preaching program in order to study independently, no, continue as you are doing, preach as much as possible, collect, make life members, and whenever you have time read and study and never neglect to chant your sixteen rounds daily, and this will be the perfect program.

Letter to Tejiyas, Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 16 August, 1972:

I have received your joint letter dated 6th August, from Vrindaban and I am very glad to hear that everything is going nicely there. Regarding the questions by Tejiyas, unless there are local men in Delhi who are interested and who will do the work, then it is all right to attempt to expand there by renting building, etc. But on our own attempt that is not good. And this also applies to the pandal program. It will be expensive, so local persons must come forward to cooperate. Last time Dalmia and others were there, and they gave us all assistance. Therefore the program was very successful. So if such men are willing to come forward again to help us and organize everything, then we should try for it, otherwise, it is too much endeavor. My plan is to come to Vrindaban sometimes near the 12th or 15th of October for the Karati Varta and I want to sit down there in the Sri Radha Damodara Temple until some time near the end of November. I will lecture daily in the courtyard on the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu, especially for the benefit of the devotees. So you can make arrangements in that way.

Regarding your questions about the marble tablets, in 1955 I went to Vrindaban and stayed at Nathagaon temple. In 1961 I moved to Radha Damodara temple and I am still living there.

I have sent you the plans approved by me, and you may submit them to the municipality and request them to very quickly approve so we may start as soon as possible. When they have approved, Saurabha may come there to give you some help in the beginning, and I think by now Tamala Krishna may be there with one engineer for getting the work started. There must be some tangible progress made by the time of my arrival so that I may see the work being done.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Dallas 9 September, 1972:

I am in due receipt of you letter from Vrndavana dated first September, 1972, and I have appreciated the contents with great care. I am especially encouraged that you are planning another wonderful festival of Hare Krsna festival in Delhi, and that you are trying to get again the LIC grounds. Then it will be first class. One thing is, Tamala Krsna has invited me to come to Hyderabad starting 17th November, and I have accepted his invitation. So I think you may begin the Delhi festival from 5th November and it must be finished by the 16th November, and then I can fly to Hyderabad on 17th as agreed with Tamala Krsna. Anyway, you consult with Tamala Krsna and Gurudasa and make the program accordingly. I am coming to Vrindaban by 15th October, and it is not necessary for me to stay the full month. I may stay up until the 6th and then go to Delhi for our pandal program there and then by the 17th fly to Hyderabad. So arrange in that way.

I have come to Dallas and it is very hot here, just like Calcutta. So you may see the factory of Hansraj Gupta and ask him to donate one dozen nice fans for our Dallas Center. But whether they have got fans to operate on the 110 AC voltage in America?

Letter to Tejiyas -- Dallas 9 September, 1972:

I am in due receipt of you letter from Vrndavana dated first September, 1972, and I have appreciated the contents with great care. I am especially encouraged that you are planning another wonderful festival of Hare Krsna festival in Delhi, and that you are trying to get again the LIC grounds. Then it will be first class. One thing is, Tamala Krsna has invited me to come to Hyderabad starting 17th November, and I have accepted his invitation. So I think you may begin the Delhi festival from 5th November and it must be finished by the 16th November, and then I can fly to Hyderabad on 17th as agreed with Tamala Krsna. Anyway, you consult with Tamala Krsna and Gurudasa and make the program accordingly. I am coming to Vrindaban by 15th October, and it is not necessary for me to stay the full month. I may stay up until the 6th and then go to Delhi for our pandal program there and then by the 17th fly to Hyderabad. So arrange in that way.

I have come to Dallas and it is very hot here, just like Calcutta. So you may see the factory of Hansraj Gupta and ask him to donate one dozen nice fans for our Dallas Center. But whether they have got fans to operate on the 110 AC voltage in America?

Letter to Yamuna -- Dallas 10 September, 1972:

I thank you very much for your letter dated August 20, 1972, and I have noted the contents carefully. I am very happy to hear that you are having nice programs in Vrindaban of kirtana and lecturing in various places. That will make us well-known in those parts and respected by everyone. I am glad to hear also that you have made my rooms very nicely painted and cleansed. Now I shall be coming there by early October and I want to stay in those rooms, so you may prepare them for me very nicely and decorate with flowers, etc. I think that Tamala Krsna, Bhavananda, and Subala have returned to Vrindaban for assisting Gurudasa in the construction work and for helping Tejiyas to organize the Delhi Pandal program, so you may host them very nicely and see to their all comforts and facilities for swiftly working on these programs.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 15 September, 1972:

I shall be coming to Vrndavana by 15 October so let me know what are the arrangements in Vrndavana and also at Delhi festival. I have written to Tejiyas one letter, and you may see it, regarding the proposal for Delhi Pandal. Many other of my disciples from U.S.A. will be coming to Vrndavana also, so you may expect to accommodate many devotees there in Radha-Damodara Temple and if there is not sufficient room then you should find other accommodations also. Kindly keep me informed regularly.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

One thing is, I have received report that Tejiyas is having difficulty in Delhi because no men are there to assist him. Delhi is the cultural capital of India, but we have not yet done very much to develop in Delhi. Tejyas is very sincere and hard-working boy, so we must encourage him. So I have asked Tamala Krishna and Syamasundara to find some men to go there, and they will do the needful. There are so many intelligent boys and girls in Delhi, that I have marked, and I think there is more potential there than other places in India, so if you and Yamuna go to Delhi from time to time to help Tejiyas with the preaching work, especially preaching to the student class of young persons, that will be nice. If there is shortage of men, we must recruit some men, first-class men, to help us do the work. If that is attempted sincerely, this preaching work, Krishna will provide men to help us. Krishna does not like to see His men suffer or become frustrated and depressed on His behalf, no. If we remain always faithful to Him, working very hard despite all difficulties, very quickly you will meet Krishna face-to-face, you may know it for certain.

Letter to Gurudasa, Yamuna -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

If you can finish the work by Janmastami next, that will be a very great credit for you, and I shall come there from any part of the world just to install the deity. But now you must work very, very hard to make good your promise to me, otherwise I shall be very disappointed and become very, very angry upon you. You may purchase deity from Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust Fund, about that I shall inform you later. One thing is, I have received report that Tejiyas is having difficulty in Delhi because no men are there to assist him. Delhi is the cultural capital of India, but we have not yet done very much to develop in Delhi. Tejyas is very sincere and hard-working boy, so we must encourage him. So I have asked Tamala Krishna and Syamasundara to find some men to go there, and they will do the needful. There are so many intelligent boys and girls in Delhi, that I have marked, and I think there is more potential there than other places in India, so if you and Yamuna go to Delhi from time to time to help Tejiyas with the preaching work, especially preaching to the student class of young persons, that will be nice. If there is shortage of men, we must recruit some men, first-class men, to help us do the work. If that is attempted sincerely, this preaching work, Krishna will provide men to help us. Krishna does not like to see His men suffer or become frustrated and depressed on His behalf, no. If we remain always faithful to Him, working very hard despite all difficulties, very quickly you will meet Krishna face-to-face, you may know it for certain.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 19 December, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated December 10, 1972, and I am very much disturbed to hear from you that you have become disturbed in your mind. Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety. You are doing your best to serve Krishna, that is very much appreciated, so do not lose enthusiasm out of frustration, that will spoil everything. Krishna Consciousness means we should always be satisfied and happy, not that we must work something impossible, becoming overburdened, and then because we are unhappy by so much trouble we lose enthusiasm altogether and give up all hope. No, if too much endeavour is there, that is to be avoided. By all means we must preserve our spiritual status, that is the point, not that we are mad after big buildings, many devotees, life-members, this, that—no, these are only ways to engage the devotees so that they may apply the principles of devotional living to some kind of work for practical realization of these principles. It is not the result of the work we want. If only one person daily, if we sincerely preach to such one person in a day, that is sufficient, never mind big, big programmes. So my request to you is that you do not be bothered by these things, and I have instructed Tamala Krishna and Syamasundara to send you men, so they will do it, rest assured. Krishna does not like to see His sincere devotee suffer or become frustrated or depressed. He will not stand idly by in any such case, so do not fear on that account. Krishna has got some plan for you, always think in that way, and very soon He will provide everything to your heart's desire.

Yes, I have seen Vaikunthanatha in Ahmedabad and he appeared very sickly. So he may have to go back, that's a fact, but I shall send you some other good men to assist you. So far Dvija Hari is concerned if he is acting in that way, that is abominable. He has collected some money, so my direct order for him is that he should immediately leave Delhi and return to his country, using the money has got. He may go to Los Angeles and stay in the temple there, taking instruction and help from Karandhara. If he tries to commit any further harm to you or attack you physically, inform the police and have him arrested. Or he may use that ticket of Vidura and give Delhi temple the money he has collected, that is better idea. You may inform him like this. If he has got question, he may write me, but I think he should leave at once without further delay. In Los Angeles there is better facility for making film, that he should know.

Hoping this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sda

n.b. I think that if no one is there to help you at present moment, and no one can be spared from Bombay due to Cross Maidan pandal work, then you may come Bombay along with Puranjana and work here, then after the program is finished in Bombay, say about January 22nd, you may return to Delhi with a full party of strong men selected by you from the men in Bombay. But if there is urgent business, you may remain there and we shall make other arrangement as you suggest.

1973 Correspondence

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 2 January, 1973:

Your letter dated 21 September 1972 is in hand and I am especially glad to note that you have got that apartment in Bengali Market, Babar Road. Now you have got facility for spreading Krsna consciousness in Delhi, and I know that you are very sincere and serious preacher, therefore Krsna has given you to utilize on His behalf. You have mentioned one life member meeting and some queen is helping, but I do not understand what queen that is or what is that life member meeting. You may please inform me everything in connection with the Delhi business, I am always anxious to hear from you. I think that they have sent you books from Bombay so now you distribute them as profusely as possible and make also life members, as many as possible. I am informed there are many so-called hippies staying at Delhi, so you try to recruit some of these men or other local men to assist you there. Your description of struggling is to be understood as the mercy of Krsna, and when He is satisfied by your giving energy in this way just to please Him despite all conditions of difficulty, then you need not worry for money, there will be sufficient and more.

I am including herewith one letter to the Minister of Home Affairs. You present him with a full set of our books, including Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, like that, and give him also my letter. Try to present them personally to him. Actually you may take this opportunity of being situated at Delhi to make every Parliamentary member our life member also. You can get the list of addresses and systematically approach each and every member of Parliament to become our member also. So many big big lawyers, doctors, government ministers, professional men are there in Delhi, I think more than any other city of India, and they are all intelligent men, they can be easily recruited for life member by simply showing the books and requesting them to kindly help us in this way. So make many, many life members amongst this class of men, that will be your great contribution. Whether there were any news clippings on the Parliamentary proceedings that you sent me?

Letter to Krsna Gopala -- Bombay 4 January, 1973:

I am very happy to learn from you all of the valuable assistance that you are giving to our Tejyas there at Delhi. He is very sincere boy, along with his good wife, and there is excellent field for our preaching work in Delhi city. So as much as possible you may give him your attention and energy for helping me to push on this Krsna Consciousness movement there. You are householder, and you are teaching your family Krsna consciousness, that is the best example of grhastha model life. So go on in this way, and become the perfect example of grhastha devotee family. I think that you may also assist Tejyas by approaching the big men and professional men like members of Parliament, doctors, lawyers, like that, in your city, and enroll them as our life members. This activity of preaching, along with your daily program as you have given me, that will be sufficient to bring you to the platform of perfection in spiritual life in very short time. Thank you for helping me in this way.

Letter to Dvija Hari -- Bombay 5 January, 1973:

Your letter dated January 3, 1973, is in hand, and I am enclosing by way of reply also the letter from Tejiyas and my reply to him. So far your being "ordered" to leave India, that may be an idea which you got from Tejiyas. I do not know what is the situation there, I can only act upon the information which Tejiyas has sent me, namely, that you are causing some disturbance to him and the others. But just yesterday I have got one letter from Tejiyas wherein he reports that you are now improved in your conduct and you are cooperating quite nicely also. So I have no objection if you want stay in India or anyplace, but for your work I think it is better anyway to go to Los Angeles. That is the best place in the world for making film. Harikesa Prabhu has been working in that connection also. He has shown me some film script which appears nice, so if conjointly you are able to do something for Krsna in this way, that will please me very much. I always wanted that there should be a cinema made of Bhagavad-gita, now you are fulfilling my desire in that connection. At any rate we shall discuss further when we meet again in Calcutta in a few days' time.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 5 January, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 1, 1973, and I am very happy to learn from you about all of the progress in Vrndaban and Delhi. You are coming to Bombay very soon, so we will speak at more length when you see me. When you come we shall discuss with Mahamsa and Yasodanandana about the funds for Vrndaban building work. I am very glad to hear that Puranjana has been able to obtain the CCP Certificate for Rs. 2 lakhs. That is very important business. Without books we will make no progress in India, because practically everything we have done so far in this country has rested on these books. So I am very glad to hear that they are selling nicely in Delhi also, now try to tax your brain for finding new ways and better ways for distributing our books widely to the intelligent men of Delhi city.

Yes, when I used to live in Delhi the Americans purchased many copies of my Bhagavatams and they left standing order for any further books which I might publish in future. So you may approach them and they will take minimum 18 copies per volume, as per our former agreement. When you come here you can discuss further with Yadubara all these things, such as the Thompson Press work and other things regarding the books. I have made order from Dai Nippon for 5,000 of each of our big books and 10,000 of each smaller book for distributing in India. We shall henceforward concentrate our full energy in this program of distributing books in India. We shall not be very much concerned any more with properties and big big temples, now we have got our place at Vrndabana and our place at Mayapur, that is sufficient, now let us spend our hard-earned money for printing Krsna's books and distributing widely all over India. If someone steps forward to donate us land or building, that is another thing, but we shall not be very much interested to spend for that.

There are four pillars of a successful business, and that is land, labor, capital and organization. So first is the land. If you get nice land, then everything else will follow. So we have got place, labor, you are gradually getting more, we have got some capital, and we are organized, therefore I see no reason that we shall not be very much successful in India, as we shall be also all over the world.

Regarding Puranjana's going to Vietnam, I think all of the Americans and other Westerners, soldiers, have left that place and now there are only American bombers flying there to drop bombs and go away. So what is the use for one man to go and try for preaching to people of Vietnam? If there is some scope for preaching there, that is a different matter, I shall be very happy to open our ISKCON center there. But I was thinking before that many American soldiers were there, therefore I suggested. So you consider these things carefully, and we shall discuss further when you come here.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Calcutta 15 March, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 12th and have examined it with great pleasure.

This program of approaching MPs is very very important. If you can get this petition approved, that would be a great boon to our movement. Even if 15 or 20 MPs join our Society that will be a new chapter for us. And your petition is very attractively worded. Actually India is the spiritual leader of the world but the fools and rascals are trying to sabotage the position.

Your school preaching is very much welcomed by me. We are in need of new recruits to carry out so many ambitious programs here in India, so if you can infiltrate the school system as you did in America that will be a great service.

Yes, this program for the factories I have already outlined. Let the labor-management disputes be finished by prasada and regular kirtanas with temples right on the premises.

Your statement that "no intelligent man can resist becoming the member" because of our books is a very good observation. Now these beautiful books have become the firm basis for our movement and any intelligent person in any part of the world cannot but fail to admire them.

Devotees there or visiting must follow our regulated principles under your direction or they need not stay. Devotees should not be in India on their own business or on a whim, they should have our GBC approval. Everyone must be favorably engaged.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 27 April, 1973:

In Indore we have got many life members who will help you. The certificate the Governor has given that you are the real sadhu should be published. If possible the Governor may be induced to become life member so that other government men may follow. Tejiyas Das has already made many M.P.s life members.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 20 July, 1973:

I have read your report on Hyderabad and the present state of affairs there, and it is all right. Regarding Delhi, Madhavananda has also gone there and I have written to him how he can be engaged collecting with Tejyas at the government offices.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 15 August, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 1, 1973 and I have noted the contents carefully.

If you make some of the big Government officials interested in our movement then our strength will increase. Because we are in the material world sometimes we require that help. Another point is that if a government officer becomes our admirer or member then many others will follow, so try to make them sympathisers.

It is good news that you have got the L.I.C. ground for holding our festival, maybe I shall be back in India at that time. Last time the L.I.C. festival was unique and successful many gentlemen wanted to increase the period, so try for the maximum period provided with Prasadam distribution. If possible arrangements should be made so that the kitchen can continue to cook and Prasadam distribution may go on continuously, in Delhi this is not difficult. If you do so the richer section of the public will contribute food grains, flour, ghee etc.

Your idea to get our men made as official government guides is nice, also if the government agrees to build one or two room in our temple that will be good. I respectable gentlemen become interested in our Krishna Conscious Movement then our temple in Vrindaban will stand first, because all other temples in Vrindaban gather general mass of people without philosophical understanding. Some 50 years ago some Christian priest went to Vrindaban and inquired from many residents why Krishna enjoyed Rasa dance with other wifes which is against the Vedic principle, but nobody could satisfy him. On this point my Guru Maharaja said that Vrindaban is inhabited by neophyte devotees. So we wish our temple will be able to reply anyone in the matter of Krishna Consciousness, then many modern philosophers and scientists will come to Vrindaban, that will be very much prestigious.

Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 4 October, 1973:

I have requested our Delhi Temple President Sriman Tejyas das Adhikari to find out the best way how these men can come to India and not be bothered by visa difficulties after coming. He has written me as follows:

"1. Entry visas for one year should be applied for and triplicate carbon copies sent to me and I will follow up here in pushing it through.

2. The occupation should be listed as student-trainee or some such thing but not minister or preacher.

3. I should get a complete list of the devotees by Karmi name, spiritual name, and all details such as Passport number and issue date, previous visits to India, etc.

4. The entry visa should be multiple entry."

So please do the needful in correspondence with Tejyas das and Tamala Krishna Goswami, so that these fifty men may come here as soon as possible. One thing is that British Commonwealth citizens do not require visas for entering India, so if some of the men coming are from these zones that will make it easier.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 13 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 6, 1973 and have noted the contents. I am glad to learn that your festival preperations are well under way. My program is that by the 25th of October I shall go to Delhi for one or two days and then to Vrindaban up to the 8th of November. I will come to Delhi on the 9th for the festival, and on the 19th or 20th I shall have to start for Nairobi.

Letter to Bali Mardan -- Bombay 14 October, 1973:

We enquired the price of the Mercedes Benz here in Bombay, and they asked for 3 lakhs 50 thousand. Here in Bombay there is no possibility of getting a good car like a Chevrolet without paying Rs. 80,000-90,000. So a good car in India is very costly. If you get the car, you can get it in my name. Tejiyas Das will be in charge of taking care of it.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 17 October, 1973:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 13, 1973 and have noted the contents. Regarding your new place, yes, if many more devotees actually remain there, it is a good scheme, but as we have got four or five branches in India I do not wish to increase more centers. Indians are not joining. This is the deficiency of our movement. Only mediocre Indian men are joining and not the very intelligent class of Indians. But, Delhi is a nice place. Formally you proposed Sundar Nagar. What happened to that? If the book distribution facility is there, then it is a first class place. The more we distribute books, the more we get solid ground of preaching work. So far continuing the Deity worship after the festival, that is a very nice proposal. Try to give it a shape.

So between 20th to 25th instant I am coming to Delhi for going to Vrindaban. So I may stay in Delhi for one or two days, and then come back from Vrindaban during the festival. In the meantime please inquire if from Delhi to Nairobi there is any flight 747.

Bali Mardan is trying to get me a Mercedes car. So he has asked me who will be in charge of it in my absence. So I have suggested your name. So I think in the new building there is garage also.

Another thing, I want a diplomatic passport. Please inquire in this because I am always travelling, and this kind of passport will facilitate my travelling. I am a preacher of Indian culture, why they should not give me this kind of passport.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Vrindaban 29 October, 1973:

So I have arrived here in Vrindaban, but so far the project is concerned, why the money is so irregular? Tejiyas reports that in the past three months you have sent Rs. 5,000/- and since then nothing. How will the project go on? So I think that the 3 lakhs from Birla may be dispatched to Vrindaban either the whole or part.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 1 December, 1973:

After stopping in London and New York, we have now safely arrived in Los Angeles.

I am anxious to know if there has been any response from the Home Minister of India to the letter I wrote him while I was in New Delhi regarding the Indian Government assisting us in the development of our Juhu Beach Project. Our idea is to construct a hotel for American and European tourists to come and learn about factual spiritual life. While they are coming, there will be foreign exchange and the Indian Government is very much in favor of this. In this way, if we can convince them to help us by granting permanent visas for 100 to 150 of our men it will be a solution to our visa problems. Also, why not solicit a loan from the Government for 2 crores for developing our Juhu Beach Tourist Hotel. We will repay them in foreign exchange. You can point out that we have already invested up to 20 lakhs in foreign exchange so our projects in India are advantageous to the Indian economic development. This is the key to Governmental support in India.

Emphasize these points in all dealings with the Government. Please let me hear from you the developments and current news of our India projects.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/kda

c.c. Tejiyas das Adhikari

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 3 December, 1973:

I have five days ago safely arrived here in Los Angeles by the Grace of Krsna.

Since leaving India, I have not heard from you. Guru das has written that the work has stopped in Vrndaban for want of finances. What is the position of your collections in New Delhi? I am arranging to collect and send money from here for the Vrindaban project and I also want you to concentrate on collecting there. We want to finish this project as soon as possible so that we will have our Center firmly fixed up in Vrindaban. Kindly report to me the progress in this connection.

Regarding Mr. Aggarwal's offer to print our abridged Bhagavad-gita As It Is: whether or not he is still serious for this proposal and have quotations for the production been taken? The price should not exceed Rs. 2 per book. The size may be reduced a little to meet this budget if necessary. We want to sell for Rs. 3 at most. This edition is especially meant for the student class. We can print and distribute in India but cannot export them. It will be better not to sell them through bookstores but rather direct to the consumer. The stock should be kept in our custody at our own warehouse.

How things are going on at our Delhi Center? There is a good opportunity for cultural discussion to be held there, especially amongst the foreigners, so try to arrange some programs.

There must be feasting also, if not weekly then at least occasionally. All our life members and patrons should be invited. For example Mr. Bridge Mohan Chandiwalla who recently donated Rs. 5,000 is very favorable so we must endeavor to keep his sympathy and support.

You may inquire from Mr. Kilnani, who was previously a commissioner in Germany, what is the procedure for bringing one automobile into India. Recently he has imported his Mercedes Benz so we also have an auto we want to take to India. How to go about it?

Kindly reply soon bearing all news.

1974 Correspondence

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 2 January, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated December 17, 1973. It is a source of great pleasure for me to hear that you are seriously undertaking publication of the abridged version of Bhagavad-gita As It Is in India. As you know my Guru Maharaja emphasized book publication above all other preaching activities because it is the big mrdanga which can be heard all over the world. Sometimes people are reluctant to contribute for our temples and for our religious activities but for education everyone will be ready to help. All over the world they are taking our books seriously and that is accepted by educational departments as extra study books at schools and colleges. In that way we will have a good recommendation for introducing our books to all kind of libraries. When I was alone in India I got this sanction and introduced my books in so many libraries and schools. There is one American Library of Congress which used to take 18 copies of my books as soon as they were published. If you try you will get also an order for 18 copies of all our books. This open order was published in my picture advertisement for the Bhagavatam. So please try in this way to get our books circulating among the educated classes. I wish you to go ahead full speed to print Bhagavad-gita there.

Regarding purchase of a car, I am planning to send two cars to India—one Mercedes* and one Chevelle Impala, one car for Delhi and one for Bombay. So we plan to send these as a gift from the United States ISKCON to India. However we are awaiting the official form from the Maharastra government. You have indicated that this form is being procured by Tamala Krsna Goswami so please see that it is actually dispatched to us so that we can send you the cars.

Regarding Vrndavana, I am glad you have already made a contribution. You can now make a full estimate of the ingredients needed for finishing the Vrndavana Temple by next Janmastami festival. The ingredients should be immediately acquired and whatever money is collected there in India that is all to the good and the balance I shall pay from here. I will come to India by the end of January so the money will be ready. You go ahead now and purchase the ingredients immediately. Do the needful in consultation with Guru das.

In Bombay Mr. Birla has promised to help us. That money should be used for Vrndavana. The balance will come from the U.S.A. This way we must finish Vrndavana and open the Temple by Janmastami 1974 so please make arrangements like that.

Letter to Gurudasa -- Los Angeles 4 January, 1974:

Regarding Vrindaban affairs I have written one letter to Tejiyas a copy of which is enclosed.

I am coming soon to see that the Vrindaban construction is finished by Janmastami. I will take care of the necessary funds. In the meantime, do the needful now to purchase all the materials.

I have received a letter from Bishan Candra Seth requesting to advance his brother Mr. Kapoor up to 5,000 Rupees but I am replying him that he may be advanced 1,000 Rupees to be returned at the rate of 50 Rupees per month from his salary.

Besides that I wrote you one letter regarding my account in the Punjab National Bank. I have not heard anything from you in this. A copy of the letter sent to you previously is enclosed herewith.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 6 January, 1974:

As informed to you in my letter last, I beg to inform you further that I plan to send to India $100,000 for completing our Vrndavana scheme as soon as possible, before Janmastami ceremony. Out of this $100,000 our two sannyasis, Gurukrpa Maharaja and Yasodanandana Maharaja have collected $40,000 and the balance Karandhara will arrange to supply even by taking a loan from the bank. The idea is we must finish Vrndavana temple construction work on or before Janmastami ceremony. There is another three lacs promised by Asoka Birla of Bombay.

So I am reaching India by the 1st week of February. But if you can open the account in the meantime then send me the reply of the bank to my letter enclosed herewith and the number of the account, then immediately money will be dispatched.

My program is that I am going to Hawaii January 14th and from there I may visit some other place or may stay at Hawaii and finish all programs by the end of January. So I shall be ready by the first week of February in India. You may send your reply to me at Hawaii and a copy may be sent to Karandhara in Los Angeles. In case I do not receive your reply before my departure, I shall leave instructions with Karandhara for dispatching the money. Hope this meets you in good health.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Los Angeles 11 January, 1974:

Regarding the agitation to remove Tejas: No, Tejas must not be removed. Stop this. This is a clique. I don't want this. Why has Subala Maharaja gone there. He is an outsider, why are they interfering. Subala left India now why has he returned without permission? This removal of the president is very unconstitutional. The devotees who do not like to work with Tejas should immediately go away from the temple. But he may not. Those who feel against him can go away. Devotees come from the outside and interfere. No, they cannot change the president. Who sent Janmanjoya there? Why is he taking to politics? So you opinion is also mine, that Tejas is the most sincere worker of the lot. Please stop this.

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank -- Honolulu 19 January, 1974:

Kindly make a reply to this letter to our Delhi Temple, as follows: ISKCON G 12, Annand Niketan Extension, New Delhi 110023, to the attention of Tejyas das Adhikari.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Honolulu 19 January, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your telegram reading as follows: "Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund current account open no. 230. Karandhara informed."

I suppose the current account is open in the Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh branch as I informed you previously, although you have not mentioned the name of the bank. I am advising the Vrindaban branch of the Punjab National Bank to transfer immediately Rupees one lac, (Rupees 100,000), to the Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh branch, New Delhi, in favor of the Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund, account number 230. Please take care of this information and I am reaching New Delhi on February 3rd, by Pan American airlines, flight number 1, arriving at 4:30 A.M. Please do the needful and more when we meet.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

c.c. Gurudasa

N.B. Henceforward all collections for Vrindaban Temple Construction should be deposited in this newly opened fund account, number 230, Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh, New Delhi

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 22 March, 1974:

In response to your telephonic message, I beg to enclose herewith one check, #PHF 431993 for Rs 24,000.00 (Rupees twenty four thousand only) account paid in favor of Rajastani Moorti Kala Kendra, Jaipur, duly signed by me. Please acknowledge receipt and as far as I see the balance is now Rs 5,293.00 (Rupees five thousand, two hundred and ninety three only). Therefore let me know what is the further addition and also take another check book for which the requisition slip is also duly signed by me. Find it herewith and send me the checkbook duly stamped, by registered post.

I am also sending this letter by registered post with enclosed check, and a copy by regular post. Do the needful.

Also, I left my gold shirt buttons in Vrindaban, in the locked closet, to which Gurudasa has the key. Tamala Krsna Maharaja says Dhrstadyumna has been given charge to see that someone coming from Vrindaban to Bombay brings the gold buttons. Please see that this is being done.

Letter to Pranava -- Bombay 30 March, 1974:

In Bombay we are meeting the opposition peacefully and I hope things will come out successfully. Kindly ask Tejyas to send me a statement of account of Delhi, in the name of Vrindaban Construction Fund, Punjab National Bank.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 4 April, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter of March 27th with check book and statement.

In your footnote you have given discouraging information about the land in Kalkaji. The best thing is if you three, Saurabha, Gurudasa and yourself jointly inspect the land and see if you can utilize it for our purpose. We can use any land, but if you think it will be very, very difficult then what is the use of accepting it.

You say I will have to go in person to the registrar office, but that is not a problem. In Hyderabad they gave me land and a Power of Attorney was given to Mahamsa Swami and he took delivery.

So the three of you inspect and give a joint report. If it is useless then don't bother. For the time being we are paying Rs 2,500 monthly and no sufficient water and the neighborhood is opposing. In consideration of this, I wanted the Kalkaji land, which is developing equal to Connaught Circus.

Kindly send me an exact site plan. The road and access plan may be hand-drawn, it doesn't matter, showing the length and breadth, the surrounding neighborhood etc. The point is, we are not going to make any big scheme anywhere else unless we have sufficient manpower. At present we have to import men from foreign countries and manage in that way. It is not possible to accept any big scheme in New Delhi. Therefore if we could get even small land just to keep our office, for the purpose I thought the land was nice.

Visit, and if you all think even for that purpose it is no good then give up the idea; what can be done? But at Kalkaji there is a big Anandamayi asrama and surrounding colonies are inhabited by Bengalis. Anyway, you see and examine further and send me a report with site plan and we shall finally decide.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 5 April, 1974:

With reference to your telephonic conversation with Bhagavata das, enclosed please find one check for Rs 23,000.00 (Rupees twenty three thousand only) in favor of the Punjab National Bank. I think you require this check for purchasing iron. But you have not mentioned for what purpose. Please acknowledge receipt and let me know for what purpose it has been used.

Letter to Saurabha -- Bombay 6 April, 1974:

Regarding your report on the marble, let us apply the best one, as indicated by you, even if it costs Rs 8 per square foot including labor. So make contract, take delivery of the stone and engage this man who is the same one doing the Birla Mandir. I have sent a check for Rs 23,000 to Tejyas in Delhi so there is no scarcity of money. This temple must be finished by the deadline. Work very swiftly keeping in view everything expertly and solidly.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 7 April, 1974:

This morning Sriman Gurudasa has come here. He says that he did not receive the check for Rs 24,000 which was issued in favor of Rajastani Moorti Kala Kendra. Under the circumstances he has already ordered you to go to the bank and stop payment on check number PHF 431993. Now it has been settled that the murti walla will supply deities at RS 19,005 final payment. But he wants a bank draft.

Under the circumstances I am just issuing another check number PHF 431995 for Rs 19,005 (nineteen thousand and five rupees only) in favor of Punjab National Bank itself. So Gurudasa is returning to Delhi and both of you see in the bank if the former check PHF 431993 is positively stopped for payment. Then sign the present check and take a bank draft for payment in Jaipur and that will settle up the thing. I hope in the meantime you have received the check for Rs 23,000 (twenty three thousand rupees only) for steel, which acknowledge receipt.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

Enclosure: 1 check for Rs 19005/-

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 8 April, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your express letter of 4 April, 1974 along with the list of needed checks and I have examined the contents.

as far as the checks needed for Vrindaban construction I am handing them along with this letter by hand delivery by Gurudasa who is here now. One check listed by you for Rs 23,000 to Punjab National Bank has already been send separately by express post. the other checks are all given to Gurudasa.

Regarding the offers of land in different places, you should take them. First accept them, then we shall see how to manage them. We will have to import brahmanas to man them. If our men are trained, one man can run a place. One experienced man can sit down in a hut and simply talk about Krsna and organize the local people. This is how I started in the beginning at 26 Second Avenue in New York City. If there is genuine preaching they will be attracted, so long the preacher has no self motivation, but simply chants and preaches. Anyway, take the offered land.

Now work in consultation with Gurudasa and Saurabha go ahead for the completion of our Krsna Balarama temple in Vrindaban.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 11 April, 1974:

In reponse to your telephonic message I beg to enclose herewith check number PJH 365504 for Rs 17,600 in favor of the Punjab National Bank. Yes, _ also I sent eight checks totalling Rs 43,614.63 (Rupees forty three thousand, six hundred and fourteen and sixty three paise only) through Gurudasa Adhikari. Before that a check for Rs 24,000 and another for Rs 23,000 was also sent to you. The check for Rs 24,000 for Rajastani Moorti Kala Kendra is understood as not sent to Jaipur. Anyway, this check should be considered cancelled. Another check for Rs 19,005 has been issued and now today's check of Rs 17,600. So make a list of statements and see what is the balance is in the bank now. In my calculation the balance is now Rs 18,745.81. (Rupees eighteen thousand, seven hundred forty five and eighty one paise). Please confirm this.

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank -- Bombay 16 April, 1974:

Manager

Punjab National Bank

Moti Bagh Branch

Dear Sir;

Enclosed herewith find one copy of the letter dated 8 April, 1974 addressed to your Vrindaban branch. They have sent one telegram reading as follows: "Refer Letter Dated 8/4. Ask Motibagh Office To Send Fixed Deposit Receipt No 270090 To Us—Punjab National Bank"

Kindly send the receipt which is lying in your custody immediately to your Vrindaban branch by Registered post, and oblige. I am forwarding this letter to my secretary, Sriman Tejyas das Adhikari in New Delhi. Kindly do the needful.

Yours sincerely,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

c c. Tejyas das Adhikari

Letter to Gurudasa -- Hyderabad 24 April, 1974:

I have received a letter from Tejyas on the same day as yours. I am sending him the checks he has requested for construction, but he has requested one check for "Lalita Prasad", for Rupee 3,000 which you say is a down payment for four sets of clothes for the deity. But we cannot pay for these dresses. It was already agreed that you and Yamuna would collect separately for the deities, not that it would come out of the construction fund, but now you and Tejyas are requesting it come out of construction. Besides that, why go to the tailor? Lalita Prasad charges extraordinarily. We don't want to go to them. Whatever our devotees can make, that is all right. Have you already contracted from them? This check cannot be issued neither is it our plan to pay from construction for the deities. Where is the money you collected for this purpose?

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank -- Hyderabad 24 April, 1974:

With further reference to my letter dated April 8th, and your reply of April 15, I beg to request you to transfer 3 lacs (Rs 300,000.00) to your Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh, New Delhi account Iskcon Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund account number 3867 in place of the one lac (Rs 100,000.00) previously said. Therefore the fixed deposit amount will be 3 lacs (Rs 300,000.00) instead of five lacs (500,000.00). Thanking you for your reliable service.

Yours sincerely,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

c.c. Tejyas das Adhikari, New Delhi

Letter to Tejiyas -- Hyderabad 24 April, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters of April 11th, and April 22, 1974 and I have examined the contents.

I am enclosing the list of checks requested by you by Registered post except I am not sending one check for Rs 3,000 for deity clothes to be paid to the tailor Lalita Prasad of Vrindaban. Deity paraphernalia is supposed to be collected separately by Gurudasa and Yamuna, not come out of the construction fund as you have requested. Besides, I have advised Gurudasa not to pay any tailor but to make clothes by our own devotees for the deities.

According to my check book, after writing the last check no. 365504 for Rs 17,600.00 there is a balance of only Rs 18,745.81. But you are indicating a balance of Rs 100,313.64. Where is the difference? Send me a complete statement of account. You must have received a further Rs 50,000.00 by now from Bombay. Anyway, send me a statement of account so I can tally with my check book. Somehow I find a balance of only Rs 18,745.81.

As for the needs for construction over the next three months, one lac has been transferred to Delhi to the Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund and one lac is deposited in the Trust Fund; that makes two lacs. Plus, Birla will contribute Rs 50,000 per month. I am advising the Vrindaban Punjab National Bank to transfer to Delhi Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund a total of three lacs, see the enclosed letter to the bank. So I think this will solve your immediate construction needs for some time.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

Enclosures: 7 checks & 2 = 9

requisition slip

(Enclosures handwritten)

Letter to Tejiyas -- Tirupati 25 April, 1974:

Just as I was leaving for Tirupati from Hyderabad I received your telegram reading as follows: "Require checks Rupees Twenty-one thousand seven hundred in favor Punjab National Bank for Steel and rupees Fifteen thousand to PNB Delhi for transfer to Vrindaban." This kind of requesting for checks by telegram without proper explanation is whimsical. Especially to ask for a check to PNB Delhi to transfer to Vrindaban. The construction fund should only be used for construction items like cement and iron and the party's name should be mentioned. Because you may need these checks urgently I am sending them enclosed here, but please send a letter giving a proper account.

Letter to Saurabha -- Bombay 30 April, 1974:

I am very much anxious to know how far the residential quarter is constructed. Our deadline of completing the whole temple and residential building is the end of July. Whether it is possible? I want to know it definitely, before I go to Europe. You kindly send me immediately a detailed report. Otherwise, I will have to go there immediately and see how things can be completed by the deadline date.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/sdg

copy to Tejyas in Delhi for immediate report also

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

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

Letter to Prabhakar -- Bombay 4 May, 1974:

I am leaving the country by the 23rd May and before leaving I may go to Vrindaban via New Delhi to see how the temple construction is going on. I am glad to know you met Tejyas which I requested you to do in my last letter. Anyway, if we meet in Delhi before I leave the country that will be nice. I shall inform you of the exact date of my going to Delhi and I will be glad to meet and discuss with you. Thank you once more for your letter.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 9 May, 1974:

I have received your letters of May 6 and May 7. You have requested 9 checks listed as follows:

Rs. 193/60—Munna—Sand

Rs. 2975/60—Munna—Sand

Rs. 895/00—Allahbux—Painting

Rs. 110/70—Munna—Labor

Rs. 8804/00—Allahbux—Labor

Rs. 25079/65—Yourselves—draft to Orissa Cement for hundi repayment

Rs. 3500/00—Rockwin India engineering for consultation

Rs. 384/83—Munna—Daily wages

Rs. 19858/70—Sri Girraj Cement Co.—white cement marble chips

The checks are duly enclosed. Please continue to keep accurate accounting and send me the ledger sheets periodically. This will enable me to keep up-to-date records. As for how checks will be handled when I am out of the country, I will arrange for this so do not worry.

Regarding moving our New Delhi center from its present location to a smaller place, I would advise you to first investigate the building which is now being rented by an old disciple of mine, who you have met, Acarya Prabhaker. He is located at C-121 Kirti Nagar in New Delhi. He is paying only Rs. 1200/ a month for this place. So go and see if it is suitable then we can investigate further. So my present plans are to leave for Europe from New Delhi. Therefore we will be able to personally discuss things in a couple of weeks.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Bombay 15 May, 1974:

Another thing, is that we have received a serious criticism that one of our very important Indian life members, Mr. Brij Mohon, M.P. visited Bhaktivedanta Manor, and was refused entry. He even had a letter from Tejyas das introducing him. This has caused much concern and Gargamuni Swami is postponing his scheme to take life members on a tour of many of our centers, thinking the centers are not ready to receive guests. Please investigate this report of the turning away of a life member at the Manor and let me know. There should always be one or two rooms available for a life member. In your report you say 450 Indians visited on Sunday, so how could one Indian be turned away? Who turned him away?

Letter to Mahamsa, Giriraja, Gargamuni, Gargamuni, Jayapataka, Tejiyas, Gurudasa -- Geneva 2 June, 1974:

TO PRESIDENTS OF ISKCON CENTERS IN INDIA,

My dear ___,

Please accept my blessings. After meeting here in Geneva with Karandhara das Adhikari and several other GBC members, I have decided to send Karandhara to India to replace Tamala Krsna Goswami as the new Governing Body Commissioner for India. I know from experience that Karandhara is a highly qualified devotee and I feel confident in placing him in such an important position for our society as head of affairs in India. It is a great relief for me. Karandhara is very enthusiastic to begin his new assignment and will be leaving for India in a few days. Please give him all cooperation and work together for advancement of our mission to make the people of India Krishna Conscious.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Mayapur 11 October, 1974:

One letter from Harikesa has been received regarding getting maintenance money. Gurudasa has all of a sudden left. How will the Vrindaban expenditure be met? Where is the money Gurudasa collected for the Deities? Where is it kept and what is the account? Yamuna is very clever, and I know they have collected huge sum.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

cc: Harikesa, Vrindaban

ACBS/bs

N.B. Your letter to Brahmananda Swami dated Oct. 6, 1974 has just been received and I am glad to learn that things are improving. You just maintain Vrindaban, and your duty is finished.

Letter to Murtidas -- Mayapur 13 October, 1974:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 3, 1974 as well as your Sankirtana report. I do not know why you are not satisfied with your service there in Delhi. I am very glad that now Tejiyas is regularly collecting and sending to Vrindaban for maintenance, so what is the harm of your helping? This lamentation you have got is not good. Brahma-bhutah prasannatma/ na socati na kanksati (BG 18.54). This is not Krishna consciousness. Do not lament, but go on with your collecting engagement enthusiastically. This is what pleases me. Why are you doubting?

Letter to Giriraj Prabhu -- Mayapur 17 October, 1974:

Srila Prabhupad had also given to you for deposit into his personal account in CBI Gowlia Tank Branch Dollars 2,000.00; Dollars 1,000 from Tejiyas and Dollars 1,000 from himself; so please report on this. You can send the deposit receipt from the Bank.

Did you receive the copy of the Bhubaneswar gift deed? I sent a photo copy to you. This should be returned to me. Please acknowledge receipt. Let me know if it is necessary for a document form form Geeta Devi Saraf.

Regarding the new Life Membership fee. I understand you compromised with Gargamuni Swami by creating a Patron Membership for Rs. 2222/=, but what are the additional benefits of a Patron Membership? Tejiyas das writes that he is also getting 90% success with the increased fee.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 1 November, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your telegram reading as follows: LIBERTY BANK TRANSFER OKAY BUT FIRST LETTER NEVER REACHED BANK OF AMERICA SO MONEY NOT TRANSFERRED UNTIL MONDAY 21ST INFORMING TEJIYAS TO CHECK PUNJAB DELHI REGARDING ARRIVAL -JAYATIRTHA

Letter to Dhananjaya -- Bombay 15 November, 1974:

Regarding your inquiry about your position, that is a bona fide position to remain a servant of the servant of Krishna (CC Madhya 13.80). So for the time being you can help Tejiyas in Delhi collecting and preaching.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 15 November, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 8, 1974 with enclosure of emigration application. I shall keep it aside and inform you. Regarding your question about collecting, whatever money sent it is all the hand of Krishna. When Krishna gives, you get. Don't be disappointed if you do not get any collection after working. Always depend on Krishna, and everything will be all right. Fight and depend on the results on Krishna. yudhyasva vigata-jvarah, fight without being lethargic, Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita.

Pushing on this movement, I had to face so many difficulties throughout since I left my home. I lived in Delhi at Sakur Basti because the rent was cheaper there, and I could not even take an apartment in Delhi. Then I was provided with a room at Chippi Walla, Radha Krishna temple, wherein I was able to keep my publication office.

But, by Krishna's grace we are situated on a standard footing. Let us maintain this position cooperatively, and always pray to Krishna that we may not spoil what Krishna has already given us. Try to make improvement more and more.

Regarding you question about keeping open the Deity doors in the early morning, yes you can do it. That is done in Vrindaban also. Regarding the collections, the books are increasing, so 50% should go to BBT and 50% to construction, but if needed, then that money can be spent in other ways.

Now both CBI and State Bank approached us to open a branch bank, so this should now be done, so we can get the foreign exchange transfers. We will be receiving minimum Dollars 10,000.00 per month. Bali Mardan has promised this. Besides this we are getting interest from investments in USA, and also from other sources. So please arrange for either one to open their office on our premises.

Letter to Punjabe National Bank -- Bombay 19 November, 1974:

Resolution

At the meeting of the members of the Bureau of the International Society for Krishna Conciousness held at their Head Office at the Hare Krishna Land, Gandhi Gram Road, Juhu, Bombay on the 19th day of November, 1974, the following was resolved:

1. That a Current Account be opened with Punjab National

Bank, Bengali Market Branch, New Delhi.

2. That the name of the Current Account be INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONCIOUSNESS (ISKCON).

3. That the account will be be operated jointly by Sriman Tejiyas das Adhikary and Sriman Pralad Rakshaka das Brahmachary, whose signatures appear below.

Attested Signatures:

Tejiyas Das Adhilkari

Prahlad Rakshaka das Brahmachary

Brahmananda Swami

Signed: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Letter to Mr. Kapoor -- Bombay 22 November, 1974:

I am in due reciept of your letter dated October 19th, 1974. I have recently heard from Bhagavan Das the GBC secretary for India, and also from Tejas that the accounting records are in a shambles and there has been some mismanagement on your part, So upon rectifying these discrepancies we shall see further regarding your position of your working within this Society As well as your proportionate raise in salary.

Letter to Saurabha -- Bombay 26 November, 1974:

I may inform you that the Governor of U.P. has accepted the invitation to become Chief Guest at our temple opening. Now many big men will come. So we have to arrange very nicely for their accommodation. The Governor will require a special apartment for his staying.

It is all Krishna's grace. Bon Maharaja had to go several times to get the Governor, but with one letter he has accepted our invitation. Our movement is being accepted. They are saying that Swamiji is doing nice things. So it is up to you Europeans and Americans to push it all over the world, and one day you will be the leaders of the world. It is not difficult. You just have to work sincerely and intelligently. Krishna will do everything.

Enclosed is a copy of the Governor's letter.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/bs

cc: Tejiyas, Jayatirtha, Gargamuni

Letter to Pranava -- Bombay 4 December, 1974:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 29, 1974 with enclosures and have noted the contents carefully. In a letter from Tejiyas to Brahmananda Swami dated November 12, 1974, he writes, "The land transaction is taking an extraordinary length of time." And, in a letter from Dhananjaya to me dated November 9, 1974 he writes, "There has also been a problem with the map of the property . . . and so far both parts of the map have never been presented together to the advocate. Therefore the advocate is also dubious as to the validity of the transaction." On the strength of these two letters I have dropped them idea of purchasing this land. Now it comes to light we have to deal with three separate agreements and they will not take payment from the bank. So considering all these points, I think this transaction may be dropped. On the previous reports submitted I have already dropped the matter. Also, as we have to divert so much attention to fertilize the land, I do not think it is suitable for our purpose. When I return to Vrindaban, then we can reconsider this transaction.

1975 Correspondence

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 20 January, 1975:

Herewith please find the corrected copy of Gita Gana. Do the needful immediately. The bearer of this letter, Krishnagraja das, is going to Delhi on a mission to see the Home Member. So, give him all help in this connection. If you have got the Hare Krishna film, please make it available for his use.

Letter to Jamuna -- Perth, Australia 11 May, 1975:

Tejyas was complaining that Madira has also gone with Gurudasa. Recently, I was in Delhi for participating in a meeting at Kuruksetra, and he informed me like that.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Perth, Australia 12 May, 1975:

Enclosed is one letter addressed to Acarya Prabhakar Misra. Please find. I do not know his address in Delhi, but I am sure that you know it. Please meet him and hand this letter over to him or forward it by post as is convenient for you. Please also keep in constant contact with Laxman S. Agarwal and his genius wife also. Try to encourage them to construct the temple in their factory as soon as possible.

Also keep in constant contact with that Oriya Minister of Defense. I forget his name. Try to get some acres of land near the Buddha Jayanti Park. I wish to develop a Janmastami Park there and invite all the residents of New Delhi there to observe a grand festival on Janmastami day. I wish to construct a grand temple of Krishna Balarama and keep many cows in this park. The residents of New Delhi will be very much encouraged to visit this park. That is my ambition. Both the Deputy Minister of Defense (the Oriya Minister) as well as Mr. Agarwal can give us substantial help in this progress.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Honolulu 10 June, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 29, 1975 and have noted the contents. Yes, I have seen the spot for the factory-mandir. Go ahead with the plans and send me a copy of the plans. It is very nice that Mr. Patnai will help us. Persist in that direction. He will be a great help if he can get some land for us. Also Mr. Agarwal can try. We want to have a park in front of Buddha-Jayanti park. We shall call it Krishna-Jayanti Park. We can have our temple there, along with gosala, etc. Try to arrange these things.

Letter to Dhananjaya, Aksayananda -- Honolulu 18 June, 1975:

In Delhi, the Home Member, Mr. Brahmananda Reddi, has promised me that 50 of our members will be allowed to stay as permanent residents. He said it may take a little time to arrange, but Tejyas can see him.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Los Angeles 21 June, 1975:

Regarding the maintenance for Vrindaban, that must come from Tejiyas in Delhi. Whatever he is sending, that you must use. If he can send only Rs.. 7,000/—, then you should maintain with that Rs. 7,000/- per month is no joke. Are other temples there spending like that, , Rs. 18,000/—per month? I do not like that Madras should pay for Vrindaban maintenance. Neither should Aksayananda Swami go out of Vrindaban on a collecting party. His business is to remain there and organize the temple program. I have heard reports that Dhananjaya is not following the schedule. So Aksayananda Swami must be there if Dhananjaya is not so expert. Also, the guest house should be organized to make income. Why have we invested so much money in the guest house? Please organize this.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Philadelphia 13 July, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 1, 1975 and have noted the contents. It is nice that Mr. Agarwal wants to construct a temple for us in Meerut. It is a good, big city.

Regarding the Jaipur land, yes it is situated in an important place, a good locality although a little deserted. If Mr. Jaipuria gives the land and builds the temple, we can take it. Many pilgrims go there. I am enclosing a copy of my letter to him.

It is a very good suggestion to open the vanaprastha institute. The elderly people can live there according to the Vaisnava principles and worship the Deity and take prasada. I also want to open the Varna Ashrama College there as there is sufficient land.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

N.B. You should check with the authorities that we can get an import license for importing printing paper in an equivalent amount to all the foreign exchange we have sent to India. We can print the books there, and many will be exported to Africa, U.K., Fiji, etc.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Bombay 15 August, 1975:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 26, 1975 and have noted the contents. Regarding the importation of printing paper, it will not be as gift, but it will be paid for from India in foreign exchange. We have sent so much foreign exchange from America and Europe, now we want permission to send out the same amount for purchasing foreign paper. Just like in 1967 when I returned to India. When I wanted to go out, for purchasing my ticket, they would allow only if I had brought in foreign exchange. I showed the bank receipts for encashing the foreign exchange I had brought in, and they immediately granted permission for me to purchase my ticket. So following the same principle we want permission to purchase printing paper up to the amount of foreign exchange that we have sent into the country.

In this connection you can find out in the Import/Export Department on e Mr. Mukherjee who is the son-in-law of the late Mr. N.C. Chatterjee. Mr. Chatterjee was my personal friend, and some 10 years ago promised to help me. So if you find Mr. Mukherjee, he can help you.

Regarding your feeling yourself as unqualified, whatever you can do, then do it, but you should try your best for Krishna. This is important. Ultimately everything is depending on Lord Krishna. You just have to always remember this.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Johannesburg 16 October, 1975:

I have received one telegram from Navayogendra stating "Congratulations. All devotees will receive visa for three years confirmed." Please explain the situation there to me. I have not received any further information yet concerning this.

Also, Pusta Krishna Swami is going to purchase one car for my travelling purposes in India and for this I want you to get him a three year visa from the government. The following information will be helpful.

Paul Howard Dossick

Passport number—Z2269551

Issued—U.S. Embassy London, England on May 5, 1975

Expiration date May 4, 1980

Birth date Feb. 8, 1950

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Please forward the visa to him in Johannesburg as quickly as possible. Also, kindly find out what are the regulations if a tourist brings (drives) his car into India and forward this information to Pusta Krishna Swami in Johannesburg.

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

P.S. Does it mean that the 50 devotees who we applied for will get three year visa or that all devotees will get three year visa?

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Tejiyas -- Mayapur 15 February, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 8 February 1976 and I have noted the contents. Regarding our sending someone to see Mr. S.M. Patnaik at Bhuvaneśvara, we can do this immediately, however, we may not get a good reception from this man. I would like to have a letter of introduction sent here from Mr. J.B. Patnaik. When we have a positive letter introducing our organization, we can send one man to see Mr. Patnaik in Bhuvaneśvara.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Mayapur 16 March, 1976:

I am enclosing one copy of a letter to the Punjab National Bank, Bengali Market, New Delhi. Kindly attend to this immediately. We can discuss further when I come to Delhi on the 24th March.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Honolulu 3 May, 1976:

I have received one letter from one of our life members in Delhi, and I am enclosing his letter addressed to me, that you might straighten this matter out. Why he should not have been issued with a receipt for his contribution at least?

I have been informed by Ādi Kesava Maharaja that the people in Washington are prepared to approve our purchase of the Delhi house at 12 Ring Road, but they cannot do so until* they receive the application which we submitted in New Delhi. So much time has passed and still they have not received the original application in Washington from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Please look into the matter and inform me in Hawaii where I shall most probably remain until the end of the month of May.

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/pks

*Did you take any receipt of the application to the office?

Letter to Gopala Krsna, Tejiyas -- Honolulu 9 May, 1976:

I have received very encouraging reports from the Library Party in India, and it appears that this program will increase more and more. Now, you must be very sure to keep a stock of each and every book so that you can supply all of these orders immediately. You may require a stock of some 300 of each and every volume. So, contact Ramesvara Maharaja and compare your stocks with what you may require in the near future. The point is that you must have these books in stock in order to supply the orders promptly.

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/pks

Take import order immediately

Letter to Ramesvara -- Honolulu 9 May, 1976:

I have received very encouraging reports from the Indian Library Party. Now, there must be sufficient stock of each book in our India warehouse to supply all of these orders immediately. I have written one letter to both Tejyas and Gopala Krishna in this connection, now you should find out their inventory and see that they have sufficient books to meet all of the orders promptly. Perhaps 300 of each book is required for this purpose in stock in India. So they should take inventory in India and order from the Los Angeles warehouse accordingly. Please supply these books promptly upon realization of the actual needs.

Letter to Mahabuddhi, Library Party -- Honolulu 11 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated May 8, 1976, and I have noted the contents with great pleasure. Continue with this program of standing orders. It is very important preaching work. At least if they read our books they will not speak nonsense that kirtana is nuisance. I have asked Gopala Krsna and Tejyas das to keep sufficient stock of all of our books so that we can supply the standing orders immediately. They very much appreciate the fine printing and color illustrations which are not available in other Indian publications. So somehow or other introduce these books into the universities and libraries like that.

Letter to Tejiyas -- Honolulu 23 May, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 14-5-76, and I have noted the contents with care. The house that you have rented in New Delhi appears very nice. However is there any garden?*

Concerning your personal service, when I come I shall personally take this up with you. You can come and personally speak with me when I return to India.

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

ACBS/pks

*What is the size of the lecture hall and my quarters?

Letter to Tejiyas -- Toronto 18 June, 1976:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated June 11th, 1976 and I have noted the contents with care.

If you can arrange with Gopala Krishna then I have no objection to you increasing your preaching activities there. If Gopala Krishna wants to be interim president, then if that is your "mutual" arrangement, then you can do more preaching work, especially to the government officers. I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.

I hope that this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Gopala Krishna das Adikari

Gargamuni Swami

Hamsaduta Swami

GBC Secretary for India

n.b. The mentioned how the programs are being well attended at the new centre in New Delhi, so when I stay in Vrindaban, we can arrange meetings with important government officials at our new centre and I can come for the weekend and return to Vrindaban. New Delhi is the most important place for preaching to the leaders of India.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- New York 11 July, 1976:

What happened to Jagat Purusa in Bombay? He is an experienced man in Bombay so why he should be changed to Delhi? This change of Presidents is to be made in the GBC meeting. In the middle of the year there is no question of change. Tejyas can continue as President. Three times changing president is not good. It should first be conjointly considered by the GBC.

Letter to Gopala Krsna -- Tehran 9 August, 1976:

Regarding Tejiyas and Delhi, I have already said that you should arrange whatever is suitable by mutual agreement.

Letter to Giriraja -- New Delhi 2 September, 1976:

For the time being I understand there is a need of an experienced devotee here. Tejiyas is sick and is going to Vrndavana. I think that Jagat Purusa is a suitable man to come here for at least one month and you can arrange to do this immediately.

Letter to Harikesa -- Vrindaban 28 September, 1976:

I am very much perturbed to hear you are suffering from maleria in Delhi. So don't be worried, you'll very soon recover, but I think it is a hindrance for you going to Europe. I therefore request you not to proceed to Europe immediately, but stay and recoup your health, and then we shall think over your going abroad. In the meantime deposit the money in my account at State Bank of India, Connaught Place. Tejiyas knows the bank and he will do the needful.

Page Title:	Training of Tejiyas dasa (Letters, 1970 - 1976)
Compiler:	MadhuGopaldas
Created:	03 of Jun, 2010
Totals by Section:	BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=88
No. of Quotes:	88