A Month in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - December 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 93 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.


Dec 1 to 31 - Bombay

1974 - December 01

Lecture SB 03.25.31 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for giving education to the people of this sāṅkhya-yoga system or bhakti-yoga system, because it is the recommended process by authorities.
Letter to Hansadutta written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding selling the books in Germany, if you want to hire people to sell books, yes, why not? It is due to the scarcity of men. So German people are not coming to join this movement? So far I have seen your German devotees, they are very enthusiastic and steady workers. So if you get some good souls to join, then there will be no difficulty for selling the books.


1974 - December 02

Lecture SB 03.25.32 - Bombay
Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada
"To ask from Kṛṣṇa anything else than bhakti is foolishness. That is foolishness. My Guru Mahārāja used to give this example: just like if you go to a rich man and he says, 'Now, whatever you like, you can ask from me. I shall give you,' then if you ask him that 'You give me a pinch of ash,' is that very intelligent? Similarly, to... There is a story, that one old woman in the forest... I think it is in Aesop's Fable or somewhere. So she was carrying a big bundle of dry wood, and somehow or other, the bundle fell down. It was very heavy. So the old woman became very much disturbed, 'Who will help me to get this bundle on my head?' So she began to call God, 'God, help me.' And God came: 'What you want?' 'Kindly help me to get this bundle on my head.' (laughter) Just see. God came to giving benediction, and she wanted to 'Give this bundle again on my head'."
741202 - Lecture SB 03.25.32 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		We are doing the same thing. When we go to God we ask Him, "Kindly give me the bundle on my head. My family become may happy. I may have a large amount of money to enjoy material things." We ask that. That is our foolishness. Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches us, therefore, that actually, if you want something from God, that should be only begging for His service.
Letter to Bhurijana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Trivikrama Swami has published one Chinese literature, On the Way to Krishna. I have not read it of course, but it appears very nice, with my photo on the cover. I have asked him to organize the center there.
Letter to Jayadvaita written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Have seen on the new books printed that on the spine of the jacket the words “Bhaktivedanta Book Trust” have been omitted. Formally they were there on all the books. It is understood from Ramesvara that you removed these words. Why did you do this? Who authorized it? Did Bali Mardan authorize it? These things must be there.
Letter to Madhudvisa written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It is very good that the Deity is facing East.
Letter to Patita Uddharana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It is nice that you had a nice Diwali-Govardhana Puja celebration.
Letter to Sudama written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the complaints against yourself you have mentioned, I do not find any complaints. But even if there should be such complaints, you must remain pure, and automatically the complaints will vanish. And, if there is any truth in the complaints, you should rectify and be purified.
Letter to Trivikrama written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I received today also the Chinese literature On the Way to Krsna. One Chinese literature is 1000 times better preaching than worshiping in the temple.
Letter to Yasomatinandana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I have received one letter from Sucarudev das, a devotee there who has some complaint, that he is left in charge when Mahamsa Swami goes out on tour, and no one cooperates with him, just sleeping and eating. So please enquire and let me know actually what is the situation there, and how things are going on. Also let me know what is the program for Hindi publishing there. Here in Bombay they are going on daily Sankirtana in Fort and selling 100 BTG's (English) daily, and they get requests for Hindi literature.
Telegram to Madhudvisa written from Bombay

1974 - December 03

Lecture SB 03.25.33-34 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		We have no eyes to see. So we cannot see even the soul, minute soul, and how we can see God in these blunt eyes? And still you want to see God. We cannot see even you; you cannot see me. We are part and parcel of God. And how you can see God?
Letter to Agent, Central Bank of India written from Bombay
Letter to Madhavananda written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I am glad to understand that you are living and working peacefully with the others there. This is required. If we also fight and preach Krishna consciousness, what will people say?
Letter to Prabhavisnu written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I am very glad to learn that you are all working peacefully together. This is the most favorable atmosphere for cultivating our Krishna consciousness. And if people see us working together nicely, they cannot criticize anything against our Krishna consciousness movement.
Letter to Radhavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the S.B. index idea of separate volumes, Prabhupada does not like this idea. He said that we are selling the books mostly to casual customers, so what will be the fate of the index for them? They will never see the index. Therefore, Srila Prabhupada prefers that each volume have its own separate index. This system should be revived.
Letter to Ramesvara written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the New York temple's books, they should be charged the regular temple price for all literature.
Letter to Sri Mody written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I did not know anything about this incident. I am very sorry for it however, and I am inquiring into the matter further.


1974 - December 04

Lecture SB 03.25.35 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		God is eternal, and His instruction is also eternal. And the followers are also eternal. There is nothing new.
Letter to Alfred written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I shall be glad to see you in Hawaii for making some project for improving the land there.
Letter to Atreya Rsi written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I understand Parivrajakacarya Swami is teaching a course combining both hatha and bhakti yoga to attract the people. This is a very good idea. Somehow or other inject the bhakti yoga. That will save them from the degradations of sense gratification.
Letter to Gurukrpa written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Japanese people are giving money, even more than America; that is preaching. Somehow or other they are giving service to the Lord. This is wanted.
Letter to Pranava written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		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.
Letter to Ramesvara written from Bombay
Telegram to Madhudvisa written from Bombay


1974 - December 05

Lecture SB 03.25.36 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The Brahman realization means stopping the activities of the body. But the activities of the mind is going on, or they do not know; it is not perfect knowledge. Therefore I have said several times that the Brahman realization, those who are Brahman realized souls, they are not in perfect knowledge.


1974 - December 06

Lecture SB 03.25.37 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The material position is one wants to become religious, dharma. Why? Now, he can get material opulence. Oh, why material opulences? Now, because he can gratify his senses, kāma. And when he is frustrated, then he wants mokṣa. Dharma-artha-kāma-mokṣa. Generally, people are very much attached, those who are human being. Not the cats and dogs; they do not know anything. But those who are elevated in the living condition, they want to become religious or economically very prosperous.
Letter to Dennis written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The best policy is to chant Hare Krishna all together husband, wife, and son at least a half hour daily. If your wife joins with you in chanting, then the whole problem will be solved.
Letter to Pusta Krsna written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I am trying to go on like a young man, but sometimes the health does not allow. That is beyond my jurisdiction.
Letter to Sri Govinda written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		If you do this sincerely, it is a fact that Krishna will supply everything else required. So you say that your men are like the four Kumaras disobeying Lord Brahma. Does it mean you are Brahma? But, it is a fact. Here in India we are not arranging for publishing Hindi books and other languages for profuse distribution in India. That is my immediate program. I blindly follow my guru maharaj. I do not know what is the result. So I am stressing on this point of book distribution. He told me this personally.

vanipedia.org 		As far as possible both should go on in parallel lines but still bhagavata marga is more important than the other. So you are all intelligent boys, so you should judge the desire of my guru maharaj and help me in that way. Regarding the temple management, one man can be left behind, while the others go out, to take care of the Deity. And, you can come home at night and take prasadam sumptuously. Once eating sumptuously is enough to maintain body and soul together.


1974 - December 07

Lecture SB 03.25.38 - Bombay
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vanipedia.org 		I have got hundreds and thousands of servants who I haven't got to pay. This is spiritual relationship. This is spiritual relationship. They are serving not for being paid. What I have got? I am poor Indian. What can I pay? But the servant is out of love, spiritual love. And I am also teaching them without any salary. This is spiritual.


1974 - December 08

Lecture SB 03.25.39-40 - Bombay
Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada
"Prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ (BG 3.27)... we are in a machine made by māyā. And so long we are on this machine, the machine will be old and you will have to change it for another machine. That is going on. That is called janma-mṛtyu. That is called birth and death. Otherwise you and me, we have no birth and death. Na jāyate na mriyate vā kadācit. The soul, or the Brahman, he does not take birth or dies. Simply we change this machine, body. Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre (BG 2.20)."
741208 - Lecture SB 03.25.39-40 - Bombay
Letter to Ameyatma written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the sketch of the Six Goswamis I think it is some imagination. Too much imagination is not good. It is better not to go beyond the limitations as described in the Sastras.
Letter to Gargamuni written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Our temple is getting more and more famous. It is already famous as the sahib temple. And it will become even more famous when there is gate. __ walls, kitchen, prasadam pavilion, and lake. Then it will be very nice.
Letter to Gopijanavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the discounts from BBT, that may be stopped. You should receive books at the regular temple price. Then when there is the necessity of money the BBT will supply for purchasing the house.
Letter to Hansadutta written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Ramesvara gives the hint that ISKCON may go into liquidation. I cannot think of it. But, anyway, I cannot at any cost risk BBT if ISKCON goes into liquidation. Why risk the BBT by amalgamating it into ISKCON? Therefore I want to keep BBT separate.

vanipedia.org 		Regarding Spiritual sky becoming independent from ISKCON, that's all right. I have no objection. But whatever the owe to BBT must be repaid. We have already suggested that Spiritual Sky be separate, but all debts must be repaid to BBT.
Letter to Malati written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Why the devotees in London are unhappy? What is the situation?
Letter to Radhavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		That is the brahminical qualification, truthfulness and cleanliness, satyam and saucam. These are the first qualifications. Then controlling the mind and the senses, simplicity, full knowledge, and practical application of knowledge, and faith in the Vedas and the spiritual master. Those who are initiated by the brahminical thread, their first duty is to maintain cleanliness and truthfulness.
Letter to Sacimata written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It is the advice of Narottama das Thakura to chant the holy name of Gauranga either if one remains at home or in the forest. Similarly, do not forget the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra either you live in the temple or at home.
Letter to Vamanadeva written from Bombay

1974 - December 09

Lecture SB 03.25.41 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Every one of you should be pure in your activities and try to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness as far as possible. If you remain pure, then your preaching will be successful and you'll get encouragement. That is the instruction of all Vaiṣṇavas.
Letter to Sama written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It is the sincerity of the attempt that is the important thing. Of course as Krsna sees the sincerity of our hearts, He supplies the facilities. Just like I came to your country with only Rs. 40/-, and now we have got this huge institution. So you can be sure that Krishna will supply you according to your capacity.


1974 - December 10

Lecture SB 03.25.42 - Bombay
Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada
"We are so foolish, we are thinking, "This is permanent settlement." Permanent settlement. This is called ignorance. There is no question of permanent settlement. Temporary under the... Prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ (BG 3.27). Under the laws of nature we are getting different types of bodies, different types of opportunities. And it is going on. But we are spirit soul; we are not this material body. So we must have sense and take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to save ourself from this material condition of life, repetition of birth, death, old age and disease."
741210 - Lecture SB 03.25.42 - Bombay
Letter to Aksayananda written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Upon your recommendation I am accepting for twice born brahminical initiation Sriman Muktananda das Brahmacari. Enclosed is his sacred thread duly sanctified and his mantra sheet. Now hold a fire sacrifice, and let him hear the mantra through the right ear, and impress upon him that he is taking vows before Radha and Krishna, the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas.
Letter to Navayogendra written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		You are a experienced preacher and this is to your eternal credit. If we can do something even a little thing, in the service of Krishna in this life, then it is considered that this life is a success.
Letter to Radhavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The tapes of these lectures have been sent to L.A. via one devotee returning to Washington D.C.


1974 - December 11

Lecture SB 03.25.43 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Kṛṣṇa does not say that "I am for the Hindu living entities or the Indian living entities." Where it is in Bhagavad-gītā? Why the foolish men take it that Kṛṣṇa Hindu, Kṛṣṇa Indian? Kṛṣṇa says that "I am friend of all living entities."


1974 - December 12

Lecture SB 03.25.44 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Simply preaching, glorifying, or speaking about the Lord, that is also kīrtana. And performing kīrtana as we do here in the temple, with mṛdaṅga and karatāla, chanting, that is also kīrtana.
Letter to Gargamuni written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		So what I can do? Brahmananda Maharaja informs me that Jayatirtha told him on the telephone that the money was sent. So you have to check with the bank why it is not yet received. But why the work should be stopped?
Letter to Gopijanavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Go on with your Krishna consciousness business. Rupanuga and Kirtanananda Swami I understand are going there, so organize things nicely. We shall try to save Bali Mardan from this fall down. He is a good boy, but he has been mislead.
Letter to Patita Uddharana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated October 8, 1974 and have noted the contents. So in your letter you are not finding fault with anyone. So you are good Vaisnava. You do not find fault with anyone. This is the qualification. We should always think ourselves very humble and meek. This you must know. So we have to all cooperate amongst ourselves, otherwise what will people think if we ourselves fight with one another? A devotee is always ideal in behavior.
Letter to Satadhanya written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the construction you have not mentioned anything about the gate. I want that the gate should be there. The gate should be constructed before the wall is constructed.
Letter to Saurabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Thank you for supplying the account for the money which has been sent to you. I am encouraged that you expect to have the everything completed on time. This I want.


1974 - December 13

Lecture SB 03.26.01 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Unless one has got complete knowledge, how he can say things complete? It is not the so-called scientist: "perhaps," "it may be." No, not that kind of knowledge, simply theorizing, "It may be like that." No. There is no question of "maybe." Exact knowledge. Exact knowledge. That is called Vedic knowledge.
Letter to Dr. Channa Reddy written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The whole history of the battle of Kurukshetra is based on this principle of finding out a rajarsi on the throne of the kingdom. Lord Krishna Himself took part in this battle of Kurukshetra to install Maharaj Yudhistira on the throne of the world empire and to pluck out the usurper king like Duryodhana from the seat of the ruling power.


1974 - December 14

Lecture SB 03.26.02 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		This birth I am puruṣa; next birth I may become stri or prakṛti. If I am too much fond of woman, and at the time of death, if I think of woman, then I get a woman's body. Therefore too much attachment for woman is not good. Or too much attachment for anything in this material world, that is doomed.
Letter to People of Bangkok written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The Krishna Consciousness movement is the means for promoting the human being to that status. This is a great science, and it is elaborately explained in the Bhagavad-gita.


1974 - December 15

Lecture SB 03.26.03 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		We are rendering service. Either you are rendering service in office, or to your family, or to your cat, or to your dog, or to your government, or to your society—you must be giving some service. There is no escape. But that is saguṇa service, under these material laws. So you have to give nirguṇa service. If you give nirguṇa, then you become nirguṇa.
Letter to Bahudak written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		To develop a farm community such as the one you are doing, it requires much hard work and endurance. But if you work sincerely then Krishna will give you all facilities and men. Therefore continue working and follow the good example that the devotees in New Vrndavana have set and everything will go very nicely.

vanipedia.org 		It is alright that you have purchased machinery and are using on the farm but if you can do without as much as possible that is better.
Letter to Bhakta Mark written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		As far as the seven transcendental meters for singing the names of the Lord, that is not so important for now. Better to try to increase the purity of the chanting first, that is our most important thing.
Letter to Revatinandana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		You mention in your letter that you had heard that I said that you and Syamasundara were engaged in a conspiracy against me and that you felt very bad upon hearing this. Do not feel like that.

vanipedia.org 		In London at the Vyasa Puja ceremony during the offering of flowers you, Syamasundara and Mukunda left the room. So questioned by a devotee I might have said something like that. But forget it now.

vanipedia.org 		I do not understand why he is engaged in this business of his if there is not any tangible profit. He says that there is big, big money but still he has not yet paid ISKCON the debt that he has. Therefore what is this business.
Letter to Tribhuvanatha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Simply by giving people a chance to hear this wonderful Hare Krsna mantra and Krsna's philosophy as stated in Bhagavad-gita, so many people will become interested and actually they will join us.


1974 - December 16

Lecture SB 03.26.04 - Bombay
Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada
"Kṛṣṇa is present throughout the whole universe in some feature. In one universe you will find Kṛṣṇa is taking birth, janmāṣṭamī. In some universe you will see Kṛṣṇa is playing with the cowherd boys. Somewhere it is... In this way. Therefore it is called nitya-līlā. Nitya-līlā means the janmāṣṭamī-līlā is going on permanently somewhere or other. Therefore it is called līlayā, yadṛcchayā."
741216 - Lecture SB 03.26.04 - Bombay
Letter to Bhakta Lance written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		My simple request is that you remain in association of devotees and continue to chant your 16 rounds daily and follow strictly the four regulative principles and read our books daily with great care.
Letter to Bhakta Steve written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I think it would be very nice if you would make nice silver jewellery for the Radha-Damodara Deities and in this way your talent will be used in the most perfect way.
Letter to Christy Hendryx written from Bombay
Letter to Durgesh written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The perfection of human existence is to somehow or another develop Krsna Consciousness and the sooner that one can develop his Krsna Consciousness the better. Not that I will wait until I become old man, then I will become spiritually advanced. No, it is better if one starts immediately.
Letter to Jayatirtha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the GBC meeting to be held in Mayapur 1975, the meeting should be held five days before the actual festival is to begin and it will be held in my presence. As far as your proposals are concerned the real thing is that we must make broader constitution of the management by GBC.

vanipedia.org 		The difficulty is that our GBC men are falling victim to maya. Today I trust this GBC and tomorrow he will fall down. That is the difficulty. If the GBC men are so flickering then what to speak of the others. Unless this problem is solved whatever we may resolve it will not be very useful. We shall discuss this at our meeting. If the GBC men can ever manage properly then I shall get some time for writing my books.
Letter to Rsabhadeva written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Real fruit of our preaching work is when people come and join and help us to spread this Krsna Consciousness movement.
Letter to S. K. Roy written from Bombay

1974 - December 17

Lecture SB 03.26.05 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		When one is after sense gratification, he is mad, he becomes mad. these are the adjectives. These are the description. Indriya, the senses, are just like snakes. As the snake, as soon as it bites, immediately there is death.
Letter to Badarinarayana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It is very nice that you are also making so many new devotees. This is the fruit of our activities.
Letter to Jitaprana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Your desire for leading a sankirtana party, preaching and travelling is a very good one and I suggest that you talk to your temple president or GBC and try to arrange such a program if it is possible. If we sincerely try to serve Krsna then He will give you the ability and the facilities. So please continue your service with great enthusiasm and follow strictly all of our principles and regulations. This is the way to spread our Krsna Consciousness movement, the mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. First of all one must become spiritually strong by following these basic principles staunchly and by learning our philosophy fully.
Letter to Mr. Quinn written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		If you continue to read our books very carefully and try to understand our philosophy very deeply, this is nice. Also it is a must that you chant Hare Krsna at least 16 times daily on your beads and follow all of the regulative principles that we have given.
Letter to Parvati written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The cow is the most wonderful animal and she is so beneficial for human society, giving so many gifts in the form of milk products. And you can turn all those milk products into wonderful preparations to offer to Radha-Krsna and thus your life will become perfect.
Letter to Sri Mohan Mazumdar written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		If you desire you can translate our English books into Bengali language. You are already reading our Nectar of Devotion and if you like this idea you can translate this Nectar of Devotion immediately into Bengali and send me some copies of the translation so I can see how you have done.


1974 - December 18

Lecture SB 03.26.06 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		All the living entities in this material world, they are thinking that "I am proprietor. I am supreme. I can do anything, whatever I like. There is no question of accepting any authority of God. These are primitive thoughts. We are self-sufficient." That means he is speaking all nonsense under the influence of prakṛti. He is a rascal number one.
Letter to Rupanuga written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		As you mention in your letter that the United States is probably the most fertile preaching ground in the world and that the East coast is the best out of that, therefore our New York city temple is an extremely important center and the standard of purity in Krsna Consciousness must be maintained there by all means.

vanipedia.org 		Our GBC members should always visit the different temples to see that everything goes on well, and to see that the management is being done very nicely.

vanipedia.org 		Our farm projects are an extremely important part of our movement. We must become self-sufficient by growing our own grains and producing our own milk, then there will be no question of poverty.

vanipedia.org 		This isolation that has been imposed on the New York temple that you speak of is not good and it should be dissolved. Your program of travelling to the nearest temples is a good program.


1974 - December 19

Lecture SB 03.26.07 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Dictated by the material nature, we are acting in some way and thereby creating another resultant action, means another body. In this way it is going on. That is called saṁsṛtiḥ.
Letter to Bahudak written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The Deity should have nice flowers everyday etc., etc. You should try to bring Them up to the highest standard, such as we have in Los Angeles or New Vrndavana. Sri Sri Radha-Madan Mohan have kindly descended in Their arca vigraha form now you must receive Them with that consciousness. And by serving Them you will all develop pure love of Krsna.

vanipedia.org 		You should make sure that there is nice fresh, clean dress every morning, nice bathing ceremony every morning, nice offerings of prasadam. You should see that the Deity is tended for and cooked for only by the duly second initiated brahmanas.
Letter to Vipini written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		One thing that everyone should understand is that I am not so interested in selling incense as I am in selling books. Distribution of my books is the most important thing. These other things such as selling incense, records etc., are not so much important as this.


1974 - December 20

Lecture SB 03.26.08 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Don't try to elevate yourself materially. That will not make you happy. Just try to get out of these material clutches and begin your spiritual life. That will make you happy. That is the only source of happiness. Otherwise it is not. The same example, that if you are put into the ocean—you may be very good swimmer—it will be great struggle; you can keep yourself floating; but that is not happiness. Happiness is different thing.
Letter to Dr. Santosh Kumar written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Satya Sai Baba, he wants to claim himself as Bhagavan, unfortunately. He can not give any faultless message. The definition of Bhagavan is given in the sastras as one who possesses six kinds of opulences. Nobody is greater than Bhagavan, Krsna. Therefore if we take Krsna's message we will actually be benefited, otherwise not.
Letter to Jayadvaita written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		When one associates with one who is in illusion or mislead naturally he will also become influenced by that illusion. So you must pray to Krsna to protect you from such bad association.


1974 - December 21

Lecture SB 03.26.09 - Bombay
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vanipedia.org 		In one code Vyāsadeva describes that janmādy asya yataḥ: SB 1.1.1 "The Brahman, Supreme Absolute Truth, is that from whom everything comes." So unless this principle is there, that Brahman, the Absolute Truth, is also energized or worked with His energies; otherwise why this conception comes within this material world? The material world is shadow reflection of the spiritual world. Unless the original thing is there in the spiritual world, it cannot be reflected in the material world.
Letter to Gopijanavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		To increase my book distribution as much as possible.
Letter to Hrdayananda written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		If you can finish Bhagavad-gita As It Is in Spanish and show me at the Mayapur festival that will be very sublime.
Letter to Ramesvara written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		We must make a large propoganda program for Krsna Consciousness by distributing these books everywhere, all over the world.


1974 - December 22

Lecture SB 03.26.10 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The origin of everything, the cause of all causes, that is full of spiritual varieties. That is not nirviśeṣa. Here in this material world we are seeing these varieties. We have got these planets. On the planets there are so many mountains, so many trees, so many plants, so many houses, in each and every planet. Don't think the other planets, that is void. No. They are also full of varieties. Full of varieties.


1974 - December 23

Lecture SB 03.26.11-14 - Bombay
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vanipedia.org 		Somebody is interested in giving service to the family, to the community, to the society, to the nation, to the humanity, to the more and more, but all these services, they are contaminated. But When you begin your service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, that is perfect service. That is perfect life. So the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to raise the human society to the perfect platform of rendering service.
Letter to All Temple Presidents written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		This is to introduce our life member, Sri Narinder Natha Bagai. Please try to help Mr. Bagai in every respect during his visit to your Temple, and provide him with boarding and lodging free of charge.
Letter to Brahmananda written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I want to know fully what is the position of Bhaktivedanta Manor (I think it is not good) and Germany. You must analyze these problems very carefully and make frequent reports and I will give you further instructions.
Letter to Dr. Ghosh written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Our centers are developing so nicely even in the Muslim countries and countries where Buddhism is the major religion. That proves that this Vaisnava, Sanatana Dharma is not some sectarian philosophy.
Letter to Kisora written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		At the present moment there are no facilities for householders, therefore you can come alone and in a short while when the householder facilities are better than you can call for your wife.
Letter to Patita Uddharana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I am depending on you as one of my elder disciples to set a nice example for the others to follow. This is very much wanted. You must become ideal in all respects, following all of our principles; rising early, chanting 16 rounds, attending classes, eating only Krsna prasadam, etc. This simple formula will make everything perfect.
Letter to Sri Bagai written from Bombay
Letter to Sri Raghava Charyulu written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		What is the perfectional stage? That stage is when he describes the glories of the Lord by utilization of his talent of education. So I request you to observe more and more the cosmic manifestation; how it is created by the energy of the Supreme Lord.
Letter to Sri Srinivasan written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I was also grhastha but now I am sannyasi. As grhastha I was thinking it would be very difficult to leave my householder life and take up preaching full time. But actually it has become very easy by the grace of Sri Krsna. Now there are no difficulties.


1974 - December 24

Lecture SB 03.26.15 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		We are part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa; therefore it is our constitutional position to live with Kṛṣṇa. Just like the part and parcel of my body, this finger. Finger is the part and parcel of my body. It must live with the body; then it is active. And if you cut the finger and throw on the ground, you may call, "It is finger," but it is useless. Unless it is in contact with the body, acting with the body, then it is valuable.


1974 - December 25

Lecture SB 03.26.16 - Bombay
Letter to Malati written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		So you please continue your devotional service, cooking etc, and you can also keep giving Bhagavatam class if you like. Women in our movement can also preach very nicely. Actually male and female bodies, these are just outward designations.
Letter to Yadubara written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		As far as your future films are concerned I do not think it is possible for the BBT to continue financing these films. BBT is strictly for construction of temples and printing books. My idea is that you can use the original capital that BBT gave you.


1974 - December 26

Lecture SB 03.26.17 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The prakṛti cannot give birth to the varieties. That is wrong theory. That is wrong theory. The real variety begins when the prakṛti is in touch with the puruṣa. That is our experience also. How we can say that prakṛti can give birth or woman can give birth to a child or many children without being touch with man? Where is our experience? There is no such thing.


1974 - December 27

Lecture SB 03.26.18 - Bombay
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vanipedia.org 		One cannot become guru unless he knows kṛṣṇa-tattva. Not ordinary man. The yogis, the karmīs, the jñānīs, they cannot become guru. That is not sanctioned, because even one is jñānī, he has to learn Kṛṣṇa after many, many births; not in one life, but many, many life. If he persists to understand what is the Absolute Truth by his jñāna method, by his speculative method, then still he will have to change many, many births. Then one day he may be fortunate. If he comes in contact with a devotee, then it may be possible for him to understand Kṛṣṇa.

vanipedia.org 		One who has known Kṛṣṇa is not ordinary man. Yatatām api siddhānām (BG 7.3). He is above all the siddhas even. "So why you are hesitating? You know kṛṣṇa-tattva; therefore I am asking from you." So this is the position. So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means that training the people who come to us to make him far, far above than the siddhas, far, far above than the siddhas. And it is very easily one can become. One can hold this position of guru, who is... Guru means who is above the siddhas. Kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā.
Letter to Durgesh written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It has been recommended to me by the leaders in London that you should move into our temple as a permanent brahmacari and that your father will allow it if I also recommend. After studying your letter carefully and seeing the devotion and sincerity that you possess I am also very much in favor of your staying at our temple as a brahmacari.

vanipedia.org 		Definitely the best thing for you is to live in our temple in London. Please request your father on my behalf to let you do this.
Letter to Gopijanavallabha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I have accepted as initiated disciples for first initiation the following: Douglas Currie - Darpaha, Frank Natali - Pravartaka, Gabriel Fried - Gopisa, Bharata Jagernauth - Bhtadi, Orville Griffith,—Arcita, Paul Hershey—Paramaradhya, Tab Mattler—Taraka, Karen Silverstein—Kamra, devi, Kathy McGuire—Kamalini devi, Paula Genstsch—Parasakti devi.
Letter to Hansadutta written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Please do the needful. Fifty percent of BBT funds ar for printing books and fifty percent are for construction of temples. So these buses are like temples, moving temples.
Letter to Hrdayananda written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Try to arrange many such programs with all different kinds of respectable gentlemen, philosophers, scholars, educationalists, etc.
Letter to Jayatirtha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Make copies and present its proposal to the different GBC members. Ask them to send their opinions to you. Then please summarize these opinions and send them to me. Then I can decide on this matter.
Letter to Pancadravida written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		He can work cooperatively together and maybe arrange some big programs in Hong Kong, and you can go there, or arrange big programs in Bangkok and he can come there.
Letter to Parvati written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Under all circumstances you must remain in the association of devotees. Do not let yourself fall out of this association. Even if it is very difficult and there may be many problems or disagreements still simply by remaining in the association of devotees.
Letter to Trivikrama written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		His telegram reads, "Trivikrama alone, more men required urgently." I do not understand what he means by alone. What is this alone? Vaisnava is never alone. When I first came to the United States I was seemingly alone for one year. But I never felt alone. I always felt the presence of my Guru Maharaja. Myself, I was cooking, I was printing books, I was selling books, everything seemingly alone. But I did not lose my determination. Actually you should know this, you are never alone.


1974 - December 28

Lecture SB 03.26.19 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		It is very difficult to convince the present society. Still, we are trying our bit, that "This is not the right type of civilization, godless civilization, no sattva-guṇa, only rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa, mostly tamo-guṇa. This thing will not improve your situation, neither solve your problem. The problem. Human life is meant for solving the problem".
Letter to Jagadisa Pandita written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		There is no need for us to try and add anything to this simple method. It will only be a distraction. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Krsna Consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending mangala arati and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.

vanipedia.org 		For the time being organize the health, education and care of the children and continue the Deity worship as it is going nicely now. Deities are satisfied with bhakti not marble. Therefore try to increase the bhakti.

vanipedia.org 		It is good that you are seeing that they are happy and healthy. They should be given milk at least 8 ounces a day if possible 16 ounces a day. Dahl, capati, rice, vegetable this will keep them fit. If possible a little bit of fruit also.

vanipedia.org 		We are using mrdanga, karatala, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are Krsna bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents.
Letter to Jagadisa written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Now you are raising your third child. So more and more you are becoming responsible for these living entities who are your dependents. You must see that they do not take birth again in this material world. That is your duty.

vanipedia.org 		Regarding Gurukula I am very happy to hear that the financial crisis has passed. That is very good. This is real management. As far as the children are concerned, people are accusing us sometimes that our children are undernourished, underfed and note cared for properly. So it is good that you are seeing that they are happy and healthy.

vanipedia.org 		By simply following this process without deviation, chanting 16 rounds, following the four regulative principles, attending classes and mangala arati, rising early, these things will gradually bring you to the platform of pure love of Krsna.
Letter to Kurusrestha written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		You have a very nice temple room there and now Radha and Krsna have come. So you must treat Them very nicely. Then many many devotees will be attracted by the bhakti. I am also glad to hear that in your temple no one misses mangala arati and that everyone is becoming steady and peaceful in their service. It sounds as if you are taking care of your men very nicely. This is first class management. Please continue in this kind of management.

vanipedia.org 		Your idea of forming a trust between ISKCON and the leading men in the Indian community is approved by me. That is very nice. Let the Indians take part in our movement and help us to push on this mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In that trust you must be very careful to make sure that my name is registered there as the founder-acarya and that I am to be the ultimate authority.
Letter to Sons written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Keep yourselves strong in Krsna Consciousness by following all of my basic principles. That is of the utmost importance. Do not fail to chant 16 rounds daily, rise early, come to mangala arati, come to classes and follow the 4 regulative principles.
Letter to Sukadeva written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The temple president is in charge and the sannyasi should not contradict the instructions. Although if he does see something wrong or if he sees a fault or defect he should bring it out directly to the temple president. And then work it out in a Krsna Conscious way. Not that he will try to over-ride the temple president's authority. I want that you all work together cooperatively.
Letter to Tamala Krishna written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I am glad that you have understood the importance of my books, therefore I am stressing it so much. Let everyone take these books. If he simply reads one page then he is getting something substantial, a real eternal benefit. Or if he hands it over to his friend and he reads one page the same result is there.
Letter to Uddhvareta written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I am always praying to Krsna that my disciples will not fall away from the path of Krsna Consciousness. In the Bhagavad-gita it says; bahunam janmanam ante (BG 7.19). After many many births one finally comes unto Me. Sa mahatma sudurlabhah, such a great soul is very rare. My simple request is that you very strictly follow all of our regulative principles without any deviation whatsoever. And thus by example show others how to do the same.


1974 - December 29

Lecture SB 03.26.20 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		In the heart there are so many stocks of different lives because I am passing through different lives. So stock is there. It comes like bubble. Just like we will find in some reservoir of water, big, all of a sudden some bubble comes. Similarly, the heart is the stock of so many dirty things. Dirty things means this experience of this material world.
Letter to Mahamsa written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I have accepted the following as my duly initiated disciples: Rangacari - Radhasaran dasa, Amarnath - Aradhana dasa, Chalapati - Chandrodaya dasa, Asoka - AmiyaVilasa dasa.
Letter to Mandakini written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Please continue engaging in Krsna's service with staunch determination, not to be defeated and engaged in Maya's service even for one second.
Letter to Mr. Punja written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Because you are eager to distribute my books and magazines and because you are chanting 16 rounds daily I think that you are trustworthy and qualified to be in charge there. So you can go ahead and register our Society there with taking all proper and necessary steps.
Letter to Sri Agrawal written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The pictures on your calendar are very beautiful and much appreciated by me.
Letter to Vijayadvaja written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		If you absorb yourself in this work you will feel very blissful. Keep that center that Subala Maharaja has opened and try to invite as many guests as possible. Make sure to keep yourself and the boys with you in full Krsna Consciousness.


1974 - December 30

Lecture SB 03.26.21 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		So we, of course, we are not so advanced, but we have got many examples of advanced devotees. Still there are in India. You will find in Vṛndāvana and other places. Actually, they have no means—simply depending. They take their bath in the Yamunā and sit down and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. There are still such devotees. But everything is going on. So that is śānta, completely depending on God.
Nectar Drops from Srila Prabhupada
"Distress comes upon me without endeavor, similarly, according to my destiny... Destiny means to some extent we suffer, and to some extent we enjoy. Actually, there is no enjoyment, but we take it for enjoyment. The struggle for existence, the struggle for mitigating suffering, we take it as happiness. Actually there is no happiness in this material world. So anyway, even there is happiness and distress, two relative terms, the one can come without any endeavor; the other also will come without any endeavor."
741230 - Lecture SB 03.26.21 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		This devotional service begins simply by hearing and chanting. We have got all these books. Anyone can take advantage of these books. Now it is translated into English. Of course, we are getting very, very good, encouraging reports from Western countries.
Letter to Agent of Central Bank of India written from Bombay


1974 - December 31

Lecture SB 03.26.22 - Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Western boys and girls, how they became attracted with Kṛṣṇa consciousness unless it is natural? Their forefathers, or they also, even four, five, six years ago, they did not know what is Kṛṣṇa, neither they cared to know. But now they are almost mad after Kṛṣṇa. Otherwise, why they are coming here?
Letter to Bali-mardana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		The best solution was suggested by me that both you and your wife may stay with me. After all, both of you are my disciples. It is my duty to guide you for spiritual advancement.
Letter to Gopala Krishna written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		If you look after Spiritual Sky business, I have no objection. Hamsaduta is here and I have discussed with him. I have given the decision over to the GBC men. Whatever they decide, I shall accept.
Letter to Gurudasa written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		You left Vrndavana on account of Yamuna, but she has left you there also, although you wanted to live with her. Anyway, try to forget all this material attachment and try to be attached to Krishna more and more.
Letter to Gurukrpa written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding Ganesa Puja, I have received some letters from persons requesting to also perform it. I have explained to them that ultimately it is not required, but if you have some sentiment to get the blessings of Ganesa in order to get huge sums of money for service of Krishna, then it can be done, but privately. I have instructed them that if they want to do it, they must send me at least 100,000 dollars monthly—not less.
Letter to Hansadutta written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Regarding the grhasthas living in the temple, I have already discussed with you in detail, so do the needful. The principle is that we make propaganda for devotees to come. Don't ask any of them to go away. That is not our principle. So, make nice arrangement for all the devotees there.
Letter to Nara-narayana written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		I shall advise you. Whatever income you are getting, give to the temple. Go regularly to the temple and raise your child. There is no need of loitering here and there.
Letter to Pancadravida written from Bombay

vanipedia.org 		Try to organize a meeting and impress upon the people Srimad-Bhagavatam philosophy by explaining. Manasvi can explain in Hindi and you can explain in English. This is also Sankirtana although not singing.

vanipedia.org 		Where sankirtana is hampered, we can go on with kirtana and distributing magazines; that is more important than sankirtana. That is Brhat-mrdanga.


   
 
   
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