A Month in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - April 1974

March 1974 - May 1974

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The Months in the Life of Srila Prabhupada present 2200+ of his lectures; 905+ of his conversations; 490+ of his morning walks;
65+ of his interviews and 6,570+ of his letters. This listing covers all available material,

and includes:

• 10,300+ links to Vanisource - our repository of all of Srila Prabhupada's words;
• 470+ short audio clips Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada sprinkled throughout the months;
• 1,080 short video clips extracted from lectures, conversations, morning walks or interviews with subtitles in up to 89 languages sprinkled throughout the months;
• 13,350+ concise statements, drawn from Srila Prabhupada's lectures, conversations and letters are highlighted within quoteboxes;
• For further study on the different subjects addressed, each statement links to the various categories in our thematic section of Vanipedia named Vaniquotes;

These statements from the Months in the Life of Srila Prabhupada offer unparalleled insights into his devotional character; his vision to re-spiritualize human society; his dedication to translate, publish & distribute his books; his expertise to tirelessly lead & manage his worldwide movement; his empowered ability to encourage, care for, train & clearly communicate the disciplines he expects from all his disciples as he engages them in their pursuit of Krsna consciousness & performance of missionary activities. Through all these situations one can also experience how Srila Prahhupada consistently represents the pure teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates.

• See also: A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada

• See also: the Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - April 1974

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Apr 1 to 18 - Bombay

1974 - April 01

Morning Walk - Bombay

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These activities, devotional service, it does not produce any result. And the ordinary man... Suppose they are also selling books. An ordinary man also selling books, it appears to be the same. But they are not creating any result. But ordinary bookseller, he's creating his result, pāpa-puṇya. That is karma and akarma.

Lecture BG 04.12 Appearance Day, Lord Ramacandra - Bombay

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The Vedas are called hearing, śruti. One has to hear Vedas from the right person. That is the recommendation of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. To achieve success in self-realization or God realization, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu recommends, sthāne sthitāḥ: "You just remain in your present position. You remain as a gṛhastha or as a brāhmaṇa or as a sannyāsī, as a businessman, professional man. It doesn't matter.

Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Lord Ramacandra, Rama-Navami and Cornerstone Laying - Bombay

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This is the position of the human society, not only in India but in other parts of the continent..., world. They are gradually losing the interest in God consciousness. This is not very good sign. So our this present movement is to invoke the dormant God consciousness all over the world. Kṛṣṇa consciousness means God consciousness. When I started this mission, registered this name, International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.

Letter to Syamasundara written from Bombay

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Let us do something which will bring a peaceful revolution to the whole human society. I am sure I have good assistants like you and if you all cooperate with me I am sure of success.

1974 - April 02

Morning Walk - Bombay

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My Guru Maharaja gave me hint that book publication is more pleasing to me than Matha-mandira. So I took it and I began to publish books and that has come successful.

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My creating so many centers, big, big temples, that is not my primary duty. My primary duty is to write books. Therefore I am going on still. These are coming automatically. Maybe this is the secret of my success.

Lecture BG 04.13 - Bombay

Purpose of Krishna Consciousness movement:
Overhauling of the Human Society - 0741
04:37 minutes from a lecture on BG 04.13 in Bombay

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If you want to remodel your life, the society, the human society, nationally or internationally—everything is spoken here, international—then you have to take to the advice of Kṛṣṇa. This is the purpose of Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement: wholesale, thorough, overhauling of the human society. We have not manufactured anything, concocted things. It is very scientific.

1974 - April 03

Morning Walk - Bombay

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One cannot talk of Kṛṣṇa unless he is kṛṣṇa-gata-prāṇāḥ. Just like your loveable objects, you cannot forget even for a moment, similarly, one who has developed real love for Kṛṣṇa, he cannot do without thinking of Kṛṣṇa, without talking of Kṛṣṇa, without acting for Kṛṣṇa.

Lecture BG 04.14 - Bombay

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

"From material condition, if you want to be promoted to the spiritual platform, then these are the regulative principles. Either you become brāhmaṇa or kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra, or brahmacārī, gṛhastha, vānaprastha or sannyāsa, and gradually develop your spiritual constitutional position and be transferred to the transcendental position. Paras tasmāt tu bhāvo 'nyo 'vyakto 'vyaktāt sanātanaḥ (BG 8.20). That is the process. But if you live in the conditioned life like animals, then you continue the life of animals—eating, sleeping, mating and defending, and struggle for existence. Manaḥ ṣaṣṭhānīndriyāṇi prakṛti-sthāni karṣati (BG 15.7). Then you struggle within this material world forever. Sometimes you become the King Indra, and sometimes you become that germ indra."

740403 - Lecture BG 04.14 - Bombay

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The human form of life must be systematized, not live like animals. So therefore if in the human society there is no this systematic division of persons... The aim is one. It is not that because one is in the lower division, he does not get the benefit. No. Just like in the state, in an organized state, as we have seen in foreign countries, especially in USA, very organized state, everyone has got the facilities, it doesn't matter whether he is rich man or poor man. Everyone has got.

Letter to Bhavatarini written from Bombay

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During the festival hundreds of devotees from countries all around the world all very much appreciated that these transcendental spots, Mayapur and Vrindaban are place of spiritual inspiration for all devotees of ISKCON. They are the best places in the world to come and chant Hare Krishna and prepare for going Back to Home, Back to Godhead. So you can help by your contribution so that all your Godbrothers and Godsisters can come and find shelter here.

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My only desire for my disciples is that they chant Hare Krishna Mantra at least 16 rounds, follow the rules and live in association of devotees then you will be happy and peaceful and not disturbed.

Letter to Gurudasa written from Bombay

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I have not heard from you in some time and I am eager to hear a report on construction of Krishna Balarama Temple. Have you obtained the marbles slabs, are they being set in? Please let me know how things are going on by sending a report to me in Bombay.

Letter to Jayapataka and Bhavananda written from Bombay

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So please go on all working together in cooperative spirit and do the needful; then I may be spared taxing my brain over so many matters and I can go on my real work of translating. I will be glad to hear your further progressive reports.

1974 - April 04

Morning Walk - Bombay

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How one can see? Suppose I am seeing this material sky. I cannot see what are there, not even the stars at the present moment, although we know there are millions and trillions of stars. So this is my power of seeing. So how can I see all the universes in the body of..., unless he gets a special power from Kṛṣṇa to see.

Lecture BG 04.15 - Bombay

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra' sarva deśa yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa (CC Madhya 7.128) "This is Caitanya Mahāprabhu's mission. He says, 'You become a spiritual master'. 'How? I have no qualification.' 'No. You just accept My order.' 'So what is Your order, Sir?' Yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa: 'You simply speak the instruction of Kṛṣṇa whoever you meet. Then you become a spiritual master'. So actually it is happening. We are not wonderful men. But our only business is that we are speaking only the same thing as Kṛṣṇa has spoken. That's all. There is no magic. This is the magic. If you adulterate nonsensically like a rascal, then you cannot become spiritual master. If you simply follow what Kṛṣṇa has spoken, then you become spiritual master. Very simple thing. It doesn't require education. You can hear from your spiritual master what has Kṛṣṇa said. It doesn't require even literacy. There are many great personalities, saintly person. My Guru Mahārāja's Guru Mahārāja, he was illiterate, Gaura Kṛṣṇadāsa Bābājī Mahārāja. He could not sign even his name. But my Guru Mahārāja was the best scholar of his time. He accepted him as guru."

740404 - Lecture BG 04.15 - Bombay

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It doesn't require education. You can hear from your spiritual master what has Kṛṣṇa said. It doesn't require even literacy. There are many great personalities, saintly persons. My Guru Mahārāja's Guru Mahārāja, he was illiterate, Gaura Kiśora dāsa Bābājī Mahārāja. He could not sign even his name. But my Guru Mahārāja was the best scholar of his time. He accepted him as guru. So this is the process, that yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā sei guru haya (CC Madhya 8.128). That is the business of every Indian.

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Mahājano yena gataḥ so panthāḥ. Then you accept the mahājana. Mahājana means following the paramparā system. According to Vedic system, there are twelve mahājanas. Svayambhūr nāradaḥ śambhuḥ kumāraḥ kapilo manuḥ, janako bhīṣmaḥ and vaiyāsakir vayam (SB 6.3.20), like that. I am just now forgetting. Excuse me. Svayambhūr nāradaḥ śambhuḥ kapilo kumāraḥ manuḥ, prahlādo janako bhīṣmaḥ (SB 6.3.20).

Letter to Atreya Rsi written from Bombay

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I am now in India, so in my presence another GBC may not be required, but if required in my absence, my question is whether it will be possible for you to take charge? Kindly guide me how it will be possible, while keeping you occupation intact.

Letter to Tejiyas written from Bombay

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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.

1974 - April 05

Morning Walk - Bombay

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Study one line, that is sufficient. It does not mean to go like a storm and do not understand. Let us go slow but sure.

Lecture BG 04.16 - Bombay

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Just like we have got in our institution specified duties for each and every member, and they are doing, and if... They take it seriously, every one of them, that it is the order and duty. "My Guru Mahārāja has specified this duty upon me. So it is my duty." Kāryam. Kāryam means "It is my duty. I must do it."

Letter to Krishna dasa written from Bombay

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Here in India we require paper of the size of "Back to Godhead" magazine, and I wish to know if you can supply it from Stockholm. We would like to purchase first-quality paper, so please let me know the ways and means. Send paper samples and prices.

Letter to Sukadeva written from Bombay

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First of all, there is not question of a devotee becoming ostracized because he has become ill, nor do I think this is being widely practiced. Who has been ostracized? One of the symptoms of a devotee is that he is kind, so if our Godbrother becomes ill it is our duty to help him get the proper medicine and treatment so that he can recover.

Letter to Tejiyas written from Bombay

1974 - April 06

Morning Walk - Bombay

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Glorifying the Lord is the medicine for this material disease. Material disease means repetition of birth and death. To stop this repetition of birth and death, this is the only remedy. And this is used by liberated persons. So such a nice thing, who can refrain from it?.

Lecture BG 04.17 - Bombay

Don't Accept Again any Material Body - 0107
05:19 minutes from a lecture on BG 04.17 in Bombay

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Ātmanaḥ, the soul is encaged in this material body. Yata ātmano 'yam asann api. Although temporary, I have got this body. Kleśada āsa dehaḥ. So if we want to stop this miserable condition of getting another material body, then we must know what is karma, what is vikarma. That is Kṛṣṇa's proposal.

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That education is lacking. So our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is teaching how to serve Kṛṣṇa from any position. It doesn't matter. Whether you are a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, lawyer, engineer, or film actor or anything, it doesn't matter, but whether you are trying to satisfy Kṛṣṇa.

Letter to Bhagavan written from Bombay

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I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 30/3/74 along with the French edition of Back to Godhead which is certainly a great pleasure for me. I can see by this publication and by your report that things are going on nicely in Europe. All your programs are approved by me; simply if you keep on with it, slowly but surely we will become very solidly situated there with many devotees and books and temples.

Letter to Madhudvisa written from Bombay

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I will visit, Geneva, Rome, Stockholm, and three or four cities in Germany, each place for no more than four or five days. So since I will not have to return to India until August, after Europe I can go to Australia for your Rathayatra.

Letter to Saurabha written from Bombay

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by Krsna's and Baladeva.'s mercy a sweet water well has been found about ten feet away from the front part of the land, on our side. This is Krsna's mercy on us. Now build a big well there. Make an idara, make the well 100 feet deep and big and fix a pump so that you can always take water from. This news about the well has pleased me very much. Also, because the tamal tree is blooming so nicely you may let it stand; do not cut it down, but let it grow.

1974 - April 07

Morning Walk - Bombay

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

"Suppose we are walking. This step, when I assure that 'This is all right; it is not, it will not go down,' then I take up this. Then again this. This example is given. Similarly, change of body like that. As soon as it is settled up what kind of body he is going to accept or which is being offered to him, daiva-netreṇa (SB 3.31.3), by higher authorities, then this man leaves this body and again enters in the womb of the body which he is destined to get. This is the process of death."

740407 - Morning Walk - Bombay

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The psychologically whatever mental condition we prepare throughout this life, that means you are preparing next life, and in the Bhagavad-gītā it is said, the situation of the mind at the time of death will carry you to the similar body. Just like one who likes to eat some special foodstuff. Suppose the meat-eaters. So the mentality is, "How to eat meat, how to eat meat." So they are given next life the canine teeth to give facility for eating meat. Canine teeth means dogs, cats, tigers, like that.

Lecture BG 04.18 - Bombay

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We are printing Krishna literature almost in all languages of Europe, in English language, in Spanish language, in French language, in Swedish language, in Dutch and German language, and then Italian, we are publishing, and it is being sold like hotcakes.

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Gṛha means compact in a room. So I am the living entity, spirit soul, I am compact within this body, encaged, or I am encaged within this universe. This is also compact. So one who is attached to this compact position, packed up in the body or within this universe, they are called gṛhamedhi.

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It does not mean that one who is taking care of dressing the Deity, he is higher than the man who is washing the dishes. No. They are not karma. By washing dishes he is executing devotional service, and by dressing the Deity he is also executing. Real point is devotional service. That is called akarma.

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Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to teach people that the ultimate goal of life is to satisfy Kṛṣṇa, either you, Kṛṣṇa or God. Kṛṣṇa is the most explicit explanation of God. If God can have any name, the "Kṛṣṇa" name is the most perfect name, because Kṛṣṇa means all-attractive.

Letter to Ajita written from Bombay

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The printing of the book appears excellent, and that you are "profusely distributing" the book all over Sweden is the crowning success of our movement. We will conquer Europe with these books. I can only thank you again and again in sincere gratitude for producing this literature, and pray to Krsna to bless you with all spiritual advancement.

Letter to Hansadutta written from Bombay

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From reports I have received it appears that affairs at Bhaktivedanta Manor and Bury Place London have deteriorated to the critical stage, and therefore I am asking you to go there immediately and see what can be done.

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If our temples cannot even be maintained then it is a great defect in our management of the society. Neither can I be expected to deal in these matters and also pay attention fully to the translating of my books.

Letter to Puranjana written from Bombay

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If everyone is strictly chanting at least 16 rounds daily and reading the books and observing the regulative principles then management will be at our finger's end, and there will be no difficulty in maintaining Krsna Consciousness.

Letter to Raghunatha written from Bombay

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You complain that as a householder it is very difficult. Especially you want to preach. There are examples of great preachers who were householders, such as Bhaktivinode thakur, although we cannot hope to imitate him.

Letter to Tejiyas written from Bombay

1974 - April 08

Morning Walk - Bombay

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

"What is God, first of all. He must exist otherwise why there is question of 'What is God?' So, what is the nature of God, what is our position, what is our relationship with God, what is our duty and what is the goal of life, these things are very thoroughly discussed in Bhagavad-gītā. So if we understand Bhagavad-gītā very nicely, then you understand the whole science of God."

740408 - Morning Walk - Bombay

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This happiness and distress is the cause of śocati and kāṅkṣati. Kāṅkṣati means desiring to have something. This is distress. And lamenting for something, that is also distress. Actually, this is the material position. When we haven't got the things, we desire it. That is also distress. And when it is lost, that is also distress.

Lecture BG 04.19 - Bombay

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Suppose if I want to do some engineering work. That is not possible for me. I must take help of an engineer. But if one wants to understand something about Bhagavad-gītā, about the spiritual movement, he may consult me. Therefore, the society must be divided into four divisions.

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One of my students just spoken that.... Somebody said that "To become desireless is the highest perfection." So he replied that "Desireless, that is also desire." You are thinking that "I shall become desireless." So this is also a desire.

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank written from Bombay

Letter to Shyamsundar Brahmachari written from Bombay

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I have not visited Jagannatha Puri because my men are not allowed to see the deity. When you arrange that we can visit the temple with my disciples then I can come immediately.

Letter to Tejiyas written from Bombay

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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.

1974 - April 09

Lecture BG 04.20 - Bombay

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Asuras, they are engaged for fruitive result. They are working, but they are expecting that "I shall enjoy the result." So that freedom is given to everyone, that "You can work at your responsibility and enjoy or suffer." Just like state has given everyone individuality, everyone freedom: "You act as you like. But if you act criminally, then you will be punished." That you cannot avoid.

1974 - April 10

Morning Walk - Bombay

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Lord Śiva is Lord Śiva. He is very powerful demigod. He can give. He has got the power. But in spite of being favored by Lord Śiva, in spite of his becoming the great devotee of Lord Śiva, why he is described as rākṣasa? That is the point. So therefore if I say Rāvaṇa a rākṣasa, according to the śāstra, another devotee may be angry. So what can I do?

Lecture BG 04.21 - Bombay

Why You Should Eat Animals? - 0074
08:31 minutes from a lecture on BG 04.21 in Bombay

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Why you should eat animals? That is uncivilized life. When there is no food, when they are aborigines, they may eat animals, because they do not know how to grow food. But when the human society becomes civilized, he can grow so many nice foods, he can keep the cows, instead of eating the cows. He can get milk, sufficient milk. We can make so many preparation from milk and grains. So we should not desire unnecessarily to enjoy more.

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Utsaha, endeavor. "In this life I must fulfill my mission of Krsna consciousness." That is called utsaha. Dhairya. Don't be agitated because it is not giving result immediately. Just patiently go on working.

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Sense gratification, āhāra-nidrā-bhaya-maithunaṁ ca. Eating, sleeping, sex life and protection from fearfulness. Now this has been done in so many lives. Why not in this life make a perfect process so that no more death, no more birth, no more disease, no more old age?

Letter to Bhaktijana written from Bombay

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The building there is complete, we are making it an ideal asrama. So if you go back there, you must find a suitable engagement. It is not a place simply for sleeping. If you think you can find suitable engagement there and stay always engaged either in chanting, reading, cleaning or some other work, then it will be nice.

Letter to Ramesvara written from Bombay

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Those who are advanced devotees try to see only the good that other devotees are doing, just as bees are attracted to honey, while flies are attracted to sores. Gurukrpa Maharaja and Yasodanandana Maharaja have gone to Tokyo with my full knowledge for sankirtana and collecting funds for our projects in India. In the past they have collected very nicely and sent $40,000 to India. So let them work peacefully, and you engage yourself fully in Los Angeles and BBT matters. You have great responsibilities in that connection. Let us try to work cooperatively, otherwise the fighting spirit will ruin our great movement.

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Let us try to work cooperatively, otherwise the fighting spirit will ruin our great movement.

Letter to Sudama written from Bombay

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Gaurasundara has tried to make complete havoc of our affairs there but because I have faithful sons like yourself I think we shall be able to recover what he has tried to ruin. I am also glad you are consulting with BaliMardan in these affairs.

1974 - April 11

Morning Walk - Bombay

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We are superior to animals by superior intelligence. Just like a human child. His father is superior than the child because the father has got superior intelligence, not that the child has no soul. The child talks so many nonsense things, but we take it, "After all, it is child." Nobody cares whether it is symmetrical or not, because his intelligence is not developed. So even the animals have no developed intelligence, that does not mean it has no soul.

Lecture BG 04.22 - Bombay

Come to the Sunshine - 0318
04:15 minutes from a lecture on BG 04.22 in Bombay

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This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means everyone wants to become friend of everyone. Otherwise if a Kṛṣṇa conscious person does not feel like that, why he should take trouble to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world? Vimatsaraḥ. One should understand that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so nice that everyone should relish it, everyone should take part of it.

Letter to Adi-purusa written from Bombay

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I hope you are reading what books of mine you have and chanting Hare Krishna Mantra; these things are our real business in the human form of life, so that we can quit all material suffering and go back to our original home, back to Godhead.

Letter to Dayananda written from Bombay

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The boy is supposed to lie down on the floor, collect alms for the spiritual master—not that they are trying very hard to make a comfortable material arrangement. But the result is that although in this age everyone is born a sudra, we are producing first class brahmanas who can actually do good for their fellow man.

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It is extremely assuring to me to hear that Gurukula is doing nicely. The importance of the school in Dallas cannot be overestimated, both for our ISKCON movement, and for the outsiders as well, indeed it is important for the whole world. I was discussing this point in my lecture last night here in Bombay, that human life means tapasya, and tapasya must begin with brahmacaryena, life at Gurukula.

Letter to Madhudvisa written from Bombay

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They should never consider leaving or selling that building, but they should stay there as Radha and Krishna are staying, and it is a nice temple as evidence by the fact that over 250 people attended the Sunday feast by your report.

Letter to Tejiyas written from Bombay

1974 - April 12

Morning Walk - Bombay

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I have explained in the beginning of Kṛṣṇa book that love is practical exhibition. It is not theoretical. We cannot keep love within the heart. If actually it is within the heart, it must be expressed practically, If I love you, then as soon as there is some news, "Oh, Dr. Ghosh is coming?" I shall be very much interested to hear about you, when you are coming, how you are coming. That is love. So that is śravaṇaṁ. If one has love for God, he must hear about God.

Lecture BG 04.23 - Bombay

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Karma-kāṇḍīya, they are interested next life in the heavenly planet or higher standard of life. So that is also stated in the Bhagavad-gītā. If you associate with the modes of goodness, then you are promoted to the higher planetary system, beyond heavenly planets: Janaloka, Tapoloka, Maharloka, Satyaloka, Siddhaloka, Brahmaloka.

1974 - April 13

Morning Walk - Bombay

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Vedic culture is that one must rise early in the morning. And even Krsna in His grhastha life, immediately He rose up. Rukmini was disturbed because womanly nature, and again immediately taking bath, meditation. This is Vedic culture.

Lecture BG 04.24 - Bombay

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Material disease means we are all jealous. Therefore this bhāgavata-dharma, Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, is meant for paramo nirmatsarāṇām, who is not jealous. For him it is meant for. Paramo nirmatsarāṇāṁ vāstavaṁ vastu vedyam atra. These are described there.

Letter to Bali-mardana written from Bombay

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I will leave India for Paris, and will travel 4 or 5 days in each place to Geneva, Rome, Sweden, then 3 or 4 cities in Germany.

Letter to Bhakta dasa written from Bombay

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There is no question of installing more than one set of Radha Krsna deities. The smaller set of Radha Krsna deities may be set on the altar at the feet of the larger ones, as you describe. But they are not installed.

Letter to Gargamuni written from Bombay

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I am glad to hear that the Calcutta temple is progressing nicely under your direction, that devotees are going out daily distributing books and collecting.

Letter to Vrindaban written from Bombay

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We are prepared to purchase the house on the above mentioned terms. But the sellers must agree and we are prepared to purchase. The purchase money cannot be given to anyone else; we shall directly deal with the sellers and pay them directly. So direct contact with the sellers is absolutely necessary.

1974 - April 14

Morning Walk - Bombay

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Prabhupāda: Yes. Caitanya Mahāprabhu used to say that "Sex life is so strong that even if I see one wooden female form I become excited." Dr. Patel: That is why I feel the same thing. Prabhupāda: Yes. So this is not unnatural. Caitanya Mahāprabhu tells this because this cannot be avoided. But by knowledge it can be avoided.

Lecture BG 04.25 - Bombay

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To save the general people from atheism, there is recommendation for worshiping different types of demigods.

1974 - April 15

Lecture BG 04.26 - Bombay

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The Lord has got senses. He is also a living being like us. But less intelligent class, they cannot understand. They think that something must be opposite. No. The Vedic information is nityo nityānām: "The Absolute Supreme Personality of Godhead".

1974 - April 16

Morning Walk - Bombay

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The statement in the Caitanya-caritamrta: "Unless one is very, very extraordinarily intelligent, he cannot be a devotee of Krsna".

Lecture BG 04.27 - Bombay

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It is very difficult to control the mind. So artificially, by controlling the breathing system, there is the process, but still, it is difficult. As I explained yesterday, even a great yogī like Viśvāmitra, he also failed. There are many instances. There was another, Saubhari Muni. He was practicing yoga system within the water. And as soon as he was little agitated by the fish, he wanted to come out and marry, and one king's daughter... He wanted to marry all the eight daughters. So there are many instances like that. It is very difficult to control the mind.

Letter to Gopijanavallabha written from Bombay

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The spiritual names of my new disciples are as follows: Charles Schisler - Caturvyuha dasa, Edward D. Schindler - Indriyesa dasa, Humberto Colonia - Hunkara dasa, Joe Fairbank - Janesvara dasa, Nick D'Angelo - Nirantara dasa, Peter Drivas - Preraka dasa, Walter Bryant - Uttariyadhara dasa, Wayne Boyd - Vipramukhya dasa, Roy Edwards - Ramabhadra dasa.

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank written from Bombay

Letter to Tripurari written from Bombay

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If you say that "Now I have done so much for you. Give me relief." First of all I do not want to be relieve also. That is also another disease. You see? You will be surprised. It is my practical experience. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, before starting, I wrote one letter to Mahatma Gandhi: "Mahatma Gandhi, you have got position. People accept you as a very pious man. Now you have got your sva-rājya, and you are very fond of Bhagavad-gītā. Let us preach Bhagavad-gītā." I wrote this letter. Unfortunately, a few days after, he was killed. So this is the position. All big, big leaders, they do not want to take relief from this sense gratification business.

1974 - April 17

Morning Walk - Bombay

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One gosvāmī, he has taken very much objection to this writing, and he is making propaganda against me like anything. There was arrangement of reception. He stopped it.

Lecture BG 04.28 - Bombay

One Can Worship Krishna Within The Mind - 0011
02:52 minutes from a lecture on BG 04.28 in Bombay

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In the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, there is a story... Not story. Fact. It is described there that one brāhmaṇa—he was a great devotee—he wanted to offer very brilliant service, arcanā, in the temple worship. But he had no money. But some day he was sitting in a Bhāgavata class and he heard that Kṛṣṇa can be worshiped even within the mind. So he took this opportunity because he was thinking since a long time how to worship Kṛṣṇa very gorgeously, but he had no money.

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Rupa Gosvami was given lesson for ten days continually at Allahabad, Prayaga, Dasasvamedha-ghata. As a result of his instruction, he first wrote this Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, which we have translated into English, Nectar of Devotion.

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Kṛṣṇa consciousness means not to remain in the dark consciousness. Tamasi mā jyotir gama. That is the Vedic instruction, "Don't remain in the darkness." And what is that darkness? The darkness is bodily concept of life.

Letter to Embar Sampath Kumarachar written from Bombay

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You are welcome in any of our temples there. As you may know, our most important temples are in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Vrindaban, West Virginia, Philadelphia. So you are welcome to stay in any one of these temples and you can stay there as long as you like.

1974 - April 18

Morning Walk - Bombay

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Because of his material opulences, he thinks that "Oh, where is the disease? This is all right. I am happy." That is the defect. We have to reduce. That is called tapasya. Not that "Because my tongue is asking me to eat something, therefore I must eat." Not that. That is the difference between ordinary man and gosvāmī. Gosvāmī means one who has conquered over the dictation of the senses.

Apr 18 to 24 - Hyderabad

1974 - April 18

Lecture SB 01.02.06 - Hyderabad

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They are young boys, young girls. They could enjoy life in their county very nicely. But the name is so powerful. I started this movement simply by chanting this Hare Krsna. Still we are going that.

Interview - Hyderabad

Our Healthy Life is to Enjoy Eternal Life - 0101
02:18 minutes from a press conference in Hyderabad

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The spiritual world is eternal. The material world is temporary. We are spirit soul. We are eternal. Therefore our business is to go back to the spiritual world, not that we remain in the material world and change body from bad to worse or worse to bad, er, good. That is not our business. That is a disease. Our healthy life is to enjoy eternal life.

1974 - April 19

Morning Walk - Hyderabad

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Building is not very important. Work is important. Activity is important. I started my movement not with buildings, but real activity. So building is opulence. You can do without opulence. You can start anything, even underneath a tree. There is no difficulty.

Lecture BG 13.03 - Hyderabad

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We Vaiṣṇava, we worship Lord Buddha, The statement in the Vedas, that is called śruti-jātam. Nindasi. Because his mission was to stop animal-killing. Therefore he had to reject the Vedic principles, because in the Vedic principle, in the sacrifice, there is recommendation sometimes, not always, about sacrifice of the animal. But his aim was, mission was, to stop animal-killing. Therefore for the time being he rejected the Vedic authority, because people will take advantage.

Lecture Hindi - Hyderabad

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To become liberated from maya great jnanis take sannyas, give up family life, undergo great austerities, somebody goes to Himalayas, somebody goes to the forest, what all they do. Why? To get relief from maya. Brahma bhutah, to attain brahma jnana. And here the Lord says if one takes shelter of My lotus feet, he is at once out of the clutches of maya. Immediately, no delay, within a second.

1974 - April 20

Morning Walk - Hyderabad

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Eternally liberated, they never forget Kṛṣṇa. There is no period throughout the existence... There is no question of existence. It is their all existence. Never touched by māyā, forgetfulness. That is nitya-mukta.

Lecture BG 13.04 - Hyderabad

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We are also expansion of Nārāyaṇa, vibhinnāṁśa. We are called vibhinna, separated particles, part and parcel of Nārāyaṇa. And Nārāyaṇa has got personal expansions. So we are to get knowledge from Nārāyaṇa, or Kṛṣṇa. That is perfect.

Conversation - Hyderabad

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He was trying to learn, but he could not learn it. If he is serious, he can learn, but he is not serious.

Letter to Bhavananda and Jayapataka written from Hyderabad

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I know you are working hard and sincerely. I have no business to criticize you but as head of the institution or your spiritual master, it is my duty to find out your faults. Even Caitanya Mahaprabhu presented himself as faulty before his spiritual master. To remain faulty before the spiritual master is a good qualification so he is subjected to rectification.

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My point of view is this: whatever money you require I am already sending and will continue without hesitation to send, but I must be satisfied the money is properly spent.

Letter to Hari basara written from Hyderabad

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I am very keen on the distribution of my books and I am very indebted to all of you for your untiring efforts to see that every man and woman in America get one of my books.

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I have read the plans of Ramesvara and Tripurari to attend the fair and distribute to the thousands of people who are coming; whatever transcendental tactics you leaders think best for distributing the books you can employ. Please keep me informed of your progress as the Fair develops.

1974 - April 21

Lecture SB 01.02.07 - Hyderabad

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Nobody is actually happy, even if you have got enough money. But still, there is unhappiness. But that they cannot understand. But actually, poverty is want of knowledge. Therefore the acquiring knowledge, that is real richness. That is real richness. That is called brāhmaṇa.

Letter to Hansadutta written from Hyderabad

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Your chart for reporting book and record distribution is approved by me, as from this chart I can quickly see how the centers are doing.

Letter to Presidents of all centers in Europe and America written from Hyderabad

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Sriman Ranajit Sene, is a life member of our Society. He is going to visit Europe and America, so he should be received in every center as a life member. If he wants to stay in the temple he should be given facility.

Letter to Unknown written from Hyderabad

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This is to certify that Mr. Brent Selden, whose initiated name is Sudama das Goswami, is the president of our Honolulu Center, and therefore authorized to deal with all lands and property possessed by ISKCON.

Letter to Whom it may concern written from Hyderabad

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I have been informed of unauthorized attempts to sell land there which is legally owned by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Unless transactions are authorized by my duly appointed representative, Mr. Brent Selden, they are illegal.

1974 - April 22

Morning Walk - Hyderabad

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You have to follow Christ's words. You cannot imitate his action. That is real obedience.

Lecture SB 01.02.08 - Hyderabad

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As soon as you become devotee, as soon as you are inclined to take part in bhajana, you will have so many enemies. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu has recommended that you tolerate. Still, you cannot give up your bhajana and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is not possible. Tolerate.

1974 - April 23

Morning Walk - Hyderabad

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Some of them will take it, provided you remain also ideal. If you become also degraded, then who will take it? Ideal character, ideal behavior, ideal preaching. People will appreciate... ...pure character or position, people will take, in any condition. There may be revolution or no revolution. They will take it. ...that our movement is actually good. They will take in any condition. That standard we must maintain

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Brāhmaṇa means he must rise early in the morning. What kind of brāhmaṇa? Oh, he is coming. Early in the morning at half past seven. If he walks early in the morning, all his disease will be cured. That he will not do. After all, everyone can do after performing maṅgala ārati, take a morning walk.

Lecture SB 01.02.09 - Hyderabad

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

"So to play with Kṛṣṇa, to become associate of Kṛṣṇa, to dance with Kṛṣṇa, it is not ordinary thing. We want to do that. We want to do that here. We have got many sporting club, dancing club, because we want to do that. But we want to do in this material world. That is our defect. The same thing, you can do with Kṛṣṇa. Just become Kṛṣṇa conscious and you get the opportunity. Why you are suffering here for sporting and dancing? That is called dharmasya hy āpavargyasya (SB 1.2.9). Stop this, I mean to say, always painful condition of material life. Tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti (BG 4.9). Because we have got this material body. This material body means reservoir of all sufferings. By artificial method, so-called scientific advancement, we are trying to patch up, but that is not real happiness."

740423 - Lecture SB 01.02.09 - Hyderabad

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Unless one is free from all sinful activities, simply by acting piously. They can understand what is Kṛṣṇa and what is Kṛṣṇa worship. Others cannot do.

Lecture Hindi - Hyderabad

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This Krishna consciousness movement is multi faceted. We can serve the Lord using everything.

Letter to Mr. Saxena written from Hyderabad

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I wish that from the very beginning of life everyone should be enlightened with Krsna Consciousness, because the human life is very important for fulfilling this mission. The mission of human life is to understand the real constitutional position of the spirit soul and to know that everyone of us living entities is an eternal servant of Krsna.

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I am very much pleased to know that you are trying to organize a home for retired gentlemen for fully devoting the rest of their lives for service to Lord Krsna.My Krsna Consciousness movement is especially meant for this purpose. I wish that from the very beginning of life everyone should be enlightened with Krsna Consciousness, because the human life is very important for fulfilling this mission.

Letter to Niranjana written from Hyderabad

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The first preaching work is that yourself should become an ideal devotee. Lord Caitanya said that one should first make himself perfect and then attempt to instruct others. There is no point in telling another man to stop smoking if you yourself are smoking cigarettes.

1974 - April 24

Morning Walk - Hyderabad

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Unless one is purely Kṛṣṇa conscious, one cannot give up all these bad habits. This is the test. Unless one is substantially advanced in kṛṣṇa-bhakti, they cannot give up this material attachment—illicit sex, meat-eating. They cannot. It is impossible.

Lecture SB 01.02.10 - Hyderabad

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Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means to train people to come to his original constitutional position. What is that? Every living entity is part and parcel of God. Therefore the duty of the part and parcel is to serve the whole. The part and parcel cannot enjoy individually or independently. That is not possible.

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

"There are mainly three energies of Kṛṣṇa: the material energy, the spiritual energy and the marginal energy. The marginal energy, we are. We are called marginal because we have to live under the energy, another superior energy. Just like if you work in the office, you have to work under the superintendent, not independently. Similarly, our marginal position is that we can live under the guidance of the material energy or we can live under the guidance of the spiritual energy. To live under the guidance of spiritual energy is our actual life. And to live under the guidance of material nature, that is called māyā, false. Therefore we are marginal; we can make our choice."

740424 - Lecture SB 01.02.10 - Hyderabad

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"All glories to the assembled devotees" means "including the children." Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is so nice that even children without any knowledge of Vedānta—and big, big philosopher—simply by attending the performance of devotional service even a child's mind can be glorious—without an education.

Letter to Gurudasa written from Hyderabad

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You have to prepare strong devotees, not import them. You yourself become strong devotees and teach others by your example. Importation is not a good plan; everyone should be strong by behavior and action.

Letter to Mahadeva written from Hyderabad

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As a devotee you should be satisfied serving the Lord anywhere. Why are you so anxious to return to London? Therefore I shall request you not to start yourself in that way until I personally go there.

Letter to Manager of Punjab National Bank written from Hyderabad

Letter to Tejiyas written from Hyderabad

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I have advised Gurudasa not to pay any tailor but to make clothes by our own devotees for the deities.

Apr 25 to 26 - Tirupati

1974 - April 25

Lecture Hindi - Tirupati

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It is said in the Srimad Bhagavatam, that substance called truth, tattva, those who are jñānīs they think it is formless, and the yogis understand it as Paramatma, and the devotees understand the truth to be Bhagavan.

Letter to Tejiyas written from Tirupati

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The construction fund should only be used for construction items like cement and iron and the party's name should be mentioned.

1974 - April 26

Lecture SB 01.02.11 - Tirupati

Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada

"Vedic knowledge says, as it is said in the Brahma-sūtra, Vedānta-sūtra, that the original cause of the Absolute Truth is a living entity. It is not matter. Just like Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā, ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo mattaḥ sarvaṁ pravartate (BG 10.8). That aham, Kṛṣṇa, is not a dead matter. He is the living entity, supreme living entity. And we also understand from Upaniṣad, nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). The Absolute Truth is person, a living entity. He is the supreme living entity. Similarly, the original Absolute Truth is Kṛṣṇa."

740426 - Lecture SB 01.02.11 - Tirupati

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I do not want to die. Why death is enforced upon me? I do not want to take birth. Why that is also enforced upon me? I do not want old age. Why it is enforced upon me? I do not want disease. Why it is enforced upon me? And what is the purpose of my coming in this material world, and where I shall go after my death? Or this is the finish? There are so many things to inquire.

Conversation - Tirupati

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Religion means the codes and the laws given by the Lord. That is religion. So if you one does not surrender to the Lord, then what kind of religion it is?

Interview - Tirupati

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Christian missionaries, they constructed so many churches. But those churches are now being closed. In London, I have got specific knowledge, hundreds of churches are no more being used as church. Some of them are being used as godown.

Apr 27 to 29 - Hyderabad

1974 - April 27

Lecture BG 07.01 - Hyderabad

Classless Society is Useless Society - 0132
06:11 minutes from a lecture on BG 07.01 in Hyderabad

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Our mind is attached to something else. Mind cannot be detached. We have got so many desires. So mind's business—to become attached. Therefore, I accept something, I reject something. This is mind's business. So you cannot become zero, you cannot become desireless. That is not possible.

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This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not a concoction of mind. It is scientific. It is based on the Vedic knowledge. It is primarily on the background of the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā. If we take to this Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then our human life, its mission, will be successful. That is our request to you all.

Letter to Gopala Krishna written from Hyderabad

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There is no question of a devotee becoming a sudra if he does certain work. No, a devotee is never a sudra. He is transcendental. Because their activity is done in transcendental loving service unto the Lord, it is all on the transcendental plane. You should not quit your present job, it is good service to Krsna. Although you may be working hard, you are always working for Krsna; so do not be confused about your position and never forget Krsna in any circumstances.

Letter to Pusta Krsna written from Hyderabad

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We do not have so many men; it requires at least five men to maintain a center, so I approve of your plan to close the center and travel in South Africa.

1974 - April 28

Lecture BG 07.02 - Hyderabad

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This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for taking back all the suffering humanity, all living entities, back to home, back to Godhead. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.

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Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is just to try to understand what is Kṛṣṇa. That's all. What is Kṛṣṇa. Because if you perfectly understand Kṛṣṇa, then immediately you become liberated, and you become eligible to be transferred to the spiritual world.

Letter to Balavanta written from Hyderabad

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In the Vedic civilization the land was given to the people for cultivation not for ownership, and a tax was collected which was 25% of the person's income. The land belonged to the state and the man would cultivate it and pay 25% to the state. If he has no income then he doesn't have to pay. If he doesn't pay tax he may be disowned of the land. One cannot get land from the government unless he agrees to produce something and if everyone produces food then there is no scarcity.

Letter to Rupanuga written from Hyderabad

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In some of the camps the acarya is being changed three times a year. Therefore we may not commit the same mistake in our ISKCON camp. Actually amongst my Godbrothers no one is qualified to become acarya. So it is better not to mix with my Godbrothers very intimately because instead of inspiring our students and disciples they may sometimes pollute them.

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Actually amongst my Godbrothers no one is qualified to become acarya. So it is better not to mix with my Godbrothers very intimately because instead of inspiring our students and disciples they may sometimes pollute them. This attempt was made previously by them, especially Madhava Maharaja and Tirtha Maharaja and Bon Maharaja but somehow or other I saved the situation. This is going on. We shall be very careful about them and not mix with them. This is my instruction to you all. They cannot help us in our movement, but they are very competent to harm our natural progress.

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If we want to exist as first class men in society all our students must be induced to following the regulative principles. One shouldn't think artificially he has come to the spontaneous platform. That is sahajiyaism.

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The GBC must be vigilant by following the regulative principles and teach by ideal character the presidents of the centers, and the presidents by their ideal character must teach the others then automatically all members of the whole institution will be ideal to the human society.

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Initiation should be given as a future hope, but we should be careful about the second initiation. As recommended by the president or GBC they should only do so when they are quite confident of a man. Otherwise, he should not be recommended. If you follow this principle it will be successful.

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Every day I am getting request for second initiation, but I do not know. The responsibility goes to the presidents who pick them. Unless they are thoroughly convinced second initiation should not be given. In the beginning we may be a little lenient. But if someone falls down after being initiated he should not be credited with second initiation.

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As soon as there is a little deficiency we must repair it or it will create a big hole and the ship will drown. So I have said keep fit. I saw this Vrindaban Candra and Prajapati as a little sentimental without thoroughly understanding. Without following the regulative principles advancement is doubtful, and one may fall at any moment.

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So far we are concerned we are trying to train first class men. How much great responsibility we have to follow regulative principles, chant the beads, live with personal character etc. Regulative principles means to especially execute devotional service in terms of the revealed scriptures under the direction of the spiritual master.

1974 - April 29

Morning Walk - Hyderabad

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Caitanya Mahāprabhu used to give to His mother some gold when there was need of money. "Mother, I got this gold. So you can utilize it." The mother would think that "We are poor men. We have no gold. Wherefrom this boy brings gold?" So she was doubtful because she was thinking, "My son is mad, sometimes crazy".

Apr 29 to 30 - Bombay

1974 - April 29

Letter to Ajita written from Bombay

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Of course hardly anyone is interest in achieving his real self interest, love of Krsna, but our presentation is so scientific that learned persons are appreciating it all over the world. So if some of the leading citizens of Stockholm want to meet with me, or if you can arrange a festival with Bhagavan das and Hamsaduta then I can include it on my tour.

Letter to Amarendra written from Bombay

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They have taken you as a serious candidate and according to your statement, you feel you may even win. So I am very much encouraged by this political field in America.

Letter to Bhurijana written from Bombay

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This early rising, holding classes, going out regularly for sankirtana, worshiping the deity are the very substance of devotional life.

Letter to Riktananda written from Bombay

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We require many first class devotees to make the temple alive with transcendental bliss, so as your departure is also sanctioned by Jayatirtha, you make your plans and come to Vrindaban at your convenience.

1974 - April 30

Letter to Govinda dasi written from Bombay

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These things can be avoided when one is very much advanced in Krsna Consciousness. Krsna's Name is Madan Mohan, the conqueror of lusty desires, or the cupid. Unless one is very much attracted with Krsna one cannot give up or avoid attraction of Cupid.

Letter to Saurabha written from Bombay

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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.

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March 1974 - May 1974