as the only initiating spiritual master
and who geographically reside in the USA
Subject: Suggestion on practical devotional
service
Hare Krishna, dear devotees!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The reason I am writing this letter is to make
suggestion on practical devotional service and to search for like-minded
devotees for implementing the same.
Please, take time and patience to read this long letter consisting
mainly of Srila Prabhupada’s quotes from his letters and suggestion on
practical service to our beloved Spiritual Master. I kindly request to pass this letter further
on to your devotee friends who accept Srila Prabhupada as the only initiating
spiritual master and who reside in the USA.
This letter consists of the following sections:
1. Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on devotional service
and combined work;
2. Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on importance of book
distribution;
3. Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on importance of
“Back to Godhead” magazine;
4. Suggestion on practical devotional service
deriving from Srila Prabhupada’s quotes.
Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on
devotional service and combined work:
Actually this Krishna
Consciousness movement is the greatest need of the present day situation of the
world. It is authorized approved and very old, and practical. It can be
accepted by any person in any part of the world; that is already tested. Now
each one of us has got a great responsibility to spread this movement as far as
possible and that is the greatest service to the suffering humanity. Letter to Harer Nama, 28 May, 1968.
It is my firm
conviction that this Krsna Consciousness Movement of Lord Caitanya's will be
successful in all parts of the world if our students kindly continue in their
enthusiastic endeavors to distribute this message freely to all persons. Letter to Damodara, 10 January, 1971.
Srila Bhaktivinode
Thakura entrusted the responsibility to my Guru Maharaja, and He also in His
turn empowered us to do the work. Similarly, I am requesting you, all my European
and American students, to spread this movement city to city and village to
village and make all people of the world happy. Letter to Sudama, 13 March, 1970.
The secret of success
in spiritual life is to satisfy one's spiritual master. This is the essence. Letter to Bhurijana, 17 August, 1974.
Actually I am
dependent on your mercy. If you kindly follow my instructions and continue to
push on Krsna consciousness, that will make me very happy. Letter to
Jagannatha-suta, 28 August, 197.
I am especially
interested to see the Americans spread this movement. America is already
blessed by Krishna, and if they become Krishna conscious, they will become more
glorious. There is an Indian saying, "fragrance in gold.'' Gold is already
valuable, but if it has got some nice fragrance, then it becomes even more
valuable… If some percentage of Americans become Vaisnavas, it will be
wonderful for the future of the world. It will be a great example for the
world. So you yourself take to the process with heart and soul and always
follow my instructions, and Krishna will bless you to convince many souls to
become Krishna conscious. Letter to Nilambara ,16 November, 1974.
Every member &
worker must learn to sacrifice for God's sake; that is the principle of this
movement… I am confident that many self-sacrificing young men will join us as
soon as we begin the work. We have to work this scheme from village to village
and town to town which we will have to develop by a gradual process. Letter to
Bhagavan, 19 November, 1973.
Krishna descends to
teach us Bhagavad-gita begging our cooperation and anyone who cooperates with
Him becomes blessed. You are sincerely cooperating with Krishna and therefore
you all boys and girls in San Francisco, working together harmoniously. Harmony
means Krishna Consciousness. Without Krishna Consciousness there cannot be
harmony in the world… Please go on cooperating between your godbrothers. I'm
always with you never mind if I am physically absent. Letter to Jayananda, 16
Sept 1967.
I may live or die it
does not matter. But you must live for long time to push on this Krishna
Consciousness movement. Letter to Rayarama, 21 Dec 1967.
We should never sit
idly and ask Krishna to do everything. That is the teachings of the
Bhagavad-gita. It is clearly said in the Gita: "Yuddhasya ca mam anusmara
[Bg. 8.7].'' So ordinarily, we have to try our best to our best capacity to
achieve something, and by Krishna's Grace, all of a sudden we shall see
everything is there. This sort of help from Krishna is transcendental
happiness. Our principle should be therefore, that we should work for the
mission with great enthusiasm, with certainty for its success, and patiently
follow the regulative principles, and associate ourselves with pure devotees,
and work being completely in Krishna Consciousness, that will make us happy and
successful. Letter to Brahmananda, 20 Feb 1968.
So there is great
possibility of spreading our Krishna Conscious movement, and if we work
conjointly, with serious sincerity, we are sure to come out successful in this
great adventure. Letter to Janardana, 26 Apr 1968
Actually this Krishna
Consciousness movement is the greatest need of the present day situation of the
world. It is authorized approved and very old, and practical. It can be
accepted by any person in any part of the world; that is already tested. Now
each one of us has got a great responsibility to spread this movement as far as
possible and that is the greatest service to the suffering humanity. Letter to
Harer Nama, 28 May 1968.
And by His Grace only
you have come in contact with me. Personally I have no credit for myself, but I
am trying to act as faithful servant of my predecessors and just presenting
without any adulteration the message which I have received from my Spiritual
Master. Similarly, if this message is presented by you all who have accepted me
as the Spiritual Master, then all the people of the world may be benefited by
receiving this transcendent message of Krishna Consciousness. Try to execute
this mission wholeheartedly and faithfully and all of you try to broadcast the
message to your best capacity. Letter to Krsna dasa, 1 June 1968.
I am sure if you all
my beloved disciples combined together try to preach Krishna Consciousness in
this spirit, Krishna will give the necessary strength. Letter to Satsvarupa, 28
Sept 1968.
So you have to pick up
such many persons, and if you work combinedly together, strictly following my
instructions, I am sure you will be successful… After all you have to work with
confidence and faith in Krishna, under my direction, and I am sure you will
come out successful… The thing is you have to become little enthusiastic and
give up the idea of being guest of somebody and live peacefully. Letter to
Acyutananda, Jaya Govinda, 13 Oct 1968.
So our meeting was
Krishna's desire. Apparently it was accidental but actually it was Krishna's
plan. So we should always remember this plan of Krishna and must continue to
work jointly for advancement of Krishna Consciousness movement in this part of
the world. I shall always pray to Krishna to give you more and more strength
and confidence in this great responsibility and I shall pray for your long life
to execute this mission. Letter to Hayagriva, 18 Nov 1968.
Even if I die you are
my future hopes & you will do it. I am feeling very much for you all.
Please let the ball roll on just as it is set. Letter to Rayarama, 18 Jan 1969.
You must work
conjointly. That is my desire, and if you fight amongst yourselves for some
individual interests, that is not surrender. Letter to Krishna das, 3 Apr 1969.
For so many countless
lifetimes the conditioned souls have been giving all of their service and
energy to the service of Maya, and I am requesting all of my disciples that for
this one lifetime you give all of your energy and service to Krishna. The
spiritual force is eternal, so to give simply one lifetime to Krishna is not a
very difficult thing. And yet if we are serious in executing the devotional
principles, this one lifetime of service to Krishna will absolute and final solution
to all the problems of life. Sincere devotional service in even one lifetime is
sufficient to make one eligible to return to the Vaikuntha world permanently.
Krishna Consciousness has got this power. So stick to this path as you are now
doing, and as your sincerity and determination increase more and more, Krishna
will surely be pleased to bestow all of His blessings upon you. Letter to
Madhudvisa, 7 Sept 1969.
Regarding your
question, we must utilize our intelligence fully for serving Krishna. Serving
Krishna does not mean that we sit idly and say that Krishna will take care of
all our business. That is not depending on the Lord; rather it is laziness.
Depending on Krishna means to act always in Krishna Consciousness, realizing
that Krishna is the Ultimate Controller of all results. Letter to Bhagavan das,
22 Sept 1969.
I want to see that all
my disciples are engaged 24 hours in the service of the Lord. If one is engaged
full time in the service of the Lord, under my direction, that is my personal
service. Letter to satsvarupa, 9 Jan 1970.
Our only ambition
should be to serve the Lord. It does not matter where the service is demanded.
It is exactly like the soldiers are asked to come forward to fight and there is
no question of selecting the place. There are many sincere souls like you in
the western world and my Guru Maharaja wanted me to come here and to pick up as
many of you as is possible. And I am trying my best. By Grace of Krishna, you
have joined me to help in this Krishna Consciousness propaganda and Krishna
will surely be pleased upon you very much. Please try to continue this activity
of cooperation and we are sure to come out successful. Letter to Jaya Gopala,
11 Jan 1970.
Now we are growing,
and if we work cooperatively, our strength will also grow, and then the mission
will not be checked in its progress. Letter to Candanacarya, 12 March 1970.
Regarding your
consideration of management, No, we should take all risks for Krsna. This
mentality to chant in a solitary place without any responsibility of preaching
work is not approved by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja. One of our
Godbrothers was doing like that and my Spiritual Master was not very satisfied with
him… So far I am concerned, I do not factually feel any separation from my
Spiritual Master because I am trying to serve Him according to His desire. That
should be the motto. If you kindly try to fulfill my mission for which you have
been sent there, that will be our constant association. Letter to Hamsadutta,
22 June 1970.
So you do this work of
pushing on Krsna consciousness movement very enthusiastically and Krsna will
help you to overcome all impediments in the matter of discharging your sincere
devotional service to the Lord. Letter to Jagadisa, 9 July 1970.
Please work
conjointly, without any personal ambition. That will help the cause. Letter to
Brahmananda, Gargamuni, 31 July 1970.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu
has said that this chanting of the Hare Krsna Mantra will be heard in every
nook and cranny of this globe. He is God, so there is no doubt about it. So if
we are intelligent we will take advantage of this opportunity and get the
credit. If we do not, someone else will. Letter to Satsvarupa, 4 Nov 1970.
Thank you very much
for your sincere endeavor and faith in your Spiritual Master. The key to
success in spiritual life is to always endeavor to please the Spiritual Master,
and follow his instructions. One who is determined in this effort will advance
very quickly in Krishna consciousness. Letter to Satadhanya, 20 Feb 1972.
These inebrieties can
be adjusted by the cooperative spirit, tolerance and maturity so I request you
to kindly remain in the association of our devotees and work together. The test
of our actual dedication and sincerity to serve the Spiritual Master will be in
this mutual cooperative spirit to push on this Movement and not make factions
and deviate. Letter to Babhru, 9 Dec 1973.
Those who try to
distribute Krishna Consciousness amongst the general mass of people are very
much favorite to Lord Krishna and Lord Caitanya. Letter to Rupanuga, 12 March
1968.
Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on
importance of book distribution:
The more we distribute
books and literature the more we become understood by the people about our
mission, and the more they understand our mission they become advanced on the
path of liberation from all problems of life.
Letter to Tripurari, 16 Apt 1974.
So Kirtana plus
distribution of our books and literature is the basic principle of our success.
Even if we do not have our own temple it does not matter, but if we can hold
Kirtana 24 hours, and distribute our publications, that is our great success.
Letter to Mukunda, 1 Oct 1968.
That is my ideal of
life, to form a nice group of devotees to perform Sankirtana and to distribute
our books in wider circles. Letter to Gurudasa, 5 Feb 1969.
These statistics are
very nice. I like very much to receive the report of my book sales. I think it
also gives encouragement to the devotees who distribute the books. Here at
Mayapur my guru maharaj was printing one paper. It was selling for only a few
paise. Sometimes whenever one brahmacari would go to Navadvipa and sell even a
few copies, I would see my guru maharaj become very much pleased. Even if the
brahmacari was not a very important member, my guru maharaj would become very,
very pleased with him. He personally instructed me that books are more
important than big temples. At Radha Kunda he told me that since constructing
the big marble temple at Bhag Bazar, there have been so many difficulties. Our
men our envious over who will live in which room. I think it would be better to
take off all the marbles and sell them and print books. He told me this
personally. So I am always emphasizing book distribution. It is the better
kirtana. It is better than chanting. Of course chanting should not stop, but
book distribution is the best kirtana. Letter to Srutadeva 24 October, 1974.
We are not interested
to attract millions of men to see some show. Better we attract one sincere soul
to join us in ecstatic chanting and hearing, that will be of real value. And
distribute books, as many as possible. If anyone hears something philosophy
from us, that will help him. But if he purchases one book that may turn his
life. So selling books is the best preaching activity. Sell books, hold the kirtana
in public places like schools and colleges, preach—if you practice these
things, and try to improve them more and more simply by your practicing
sincerely, that simple programme will please Krishna the most and you will see
that very soon. Letter to Sudama, 25 November, 1972.
I am glad to hear that
you are distributing nicely books and magazines. The more we sell books, the
more we advance in Krishna Consciousness, and the more we help others to have
solid information how they may take advantage of their human form of life and
achieve the supreme perfection. So I want that you should now increase very
greatly this selling of books and literatures. Letter to Kulasekhara 20/1/72.
Actually producing and
distributing books is our most important engagement, all other engagements
culminate in this one end–distribution of books. Letter to Tamala Krsna, 27th
July 1973.
I understand from
Karandhara that you are one of the most staunch supporters and workers for
distributing our books and I assure you that it is the highest service to my
Guru Maharaja. Thank you very much. Letter to Trai dasa 8/12/73.
. We want to flood the
world over with our books. So go on in this way and Krishna will surely bless
you. Letter to Sri Govinda 21/1/71.
Actually this book
production is most important, and you have pleased me very much. Just go on and
flood the whole world with these Krsna books. Letter to Bali-mardana 8/873.
So I am very pleased
with your activities. Now continue and increase. Everyone will want our books.
We will always have customers. This is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy. Letter to
Ghanasyama 20/11/75.
Your report of the
book distribution there is very encouraging. Make program to distribute our
books all over the world. Our books are being appreciated by learned circles,
so we should take advantage. Whatever progress we have made, it is simply to
distributing these books. So go on, and do not divert your mind for a moment
from this. Letter to Ramesvara dasa 11/10/74.
The results show that
there is no limit to our book distribution. Our books are qualified to be
distributed unlimitedly. Letter to Ramesvara dasa 18/1/76.
Because if these books
are read, there is no doubt that many sincere souls shall be attracted and will
join you in your work for Krishna. So please try for selling these books, it
shall be considered as the greatest service. Letter to Gurudasa, 1 Dec 1968.
It is natural that
such distribution of literatures should increase as the people hear more about
Krsna Consciousness Movement, so distribution of our books and literatures is
our major propaganda program. Letter to Gurudasa, 29 June 1970.
Yes, always try to
sell our books and Back To Godhead, as far as possible. That is our main
business. Letter to Gargamuni, 31 May 1968.
So, all our books are
as good as Krsna because we deal in the books about Krsna only. Therefore,
taking shelter of these books means taking shelter of Krsna—there is no doubt
about it and if you stick to this principle there will be no attack from Maya.
Letter to Bhavananda, 28 Oct 1970.
Anyone reading our
Krsna book, Nectar of Devotion, Teachings of Lord Caitanya and Bhagavad-gita
will certainly become a Krsna conscious person. Someway or other we have to
push these literatures, whether through schools, colleges, libraries,
membership or ordinary sales. In your country practically there is no
illiteracy. Everyone can read and write. So when they will read Krsna book,
certainly they will enjoy this as a story or as philosophy, morality, religion,
etc. and gradually they will become perfect in Krsna consciousness. Letter to
Karandhara, 18 March 1971.
We want to distribute
our books as far as possible to all classes of men, because anyone who reads
them is sure to become Krishna Conscious, they are so nice. Also you should
distribute the books to schools, colleges, libraries, bookstores, and wherever
else you can imagine that they will be received. Also continue your program of
door-to-door Sankirtana. That is certainly Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's movement
and he will bestow upon you all blessings. Letter to Rsabhadeva, 25 March 1971.
These books are so
much potent that anyone who reads them is sure to become Krishna Conscious.
They are so nice. So we want to make propaganda in that way. And if you are
enthusiastic and sincere in your efforts, then Krishna will give you all
facility. Letter to Prahladananda, 17 June 1971.
Also it is much more
important that you utilize your valuable time and energy to distribute our
magazines and books. That is real propaganda work. And the householders can earn
their livelihood by distributing our books also. Letter to Sri Govinda, 13 July
1971.
I am glad to hear that
you are distributing nicely books and magazines. The more we sell books, the
more we advance in KC, and the more we help others to have solid information
how they may take advantage of their human form of life and achieve the supreme
perfection. So I want that you should now increase very greatly this selling of
books and literatures. Letter to
Kulashekhara, 10 January, 1972.
My first concern is that
my books shall be published and distributed profusely all over the world.
Practically, books are the basis of our Movement. Without our books, our
preaching will have no effect. Letter to mandala Bhadra, 20 Jan 1972.
Without such books and
magazines, our preaching work has no authorized basis, so there must be always
books. Letter to Krishna das, 24 Feb 1972.
My ambition is to
spread these books far and wide all over the world so that everyone shall read
at least one of our books and that will change his life. If only 1% become
devotees, that will change the world. Letter to Karandhara, 2 May 1972.
If you sell a book to
someone, that is better than your speaking to them—what will your three
minutes' preaching do? But if they read a book it may turn their life. Go on
preaching, that is the highest perfection of activity, and do not worry for
anything, Krishna is so much appreciative of this preaching work that He will
give you every facility, as much as you have ambition. Letter to Brahmananda, 3
Nov 1972.
Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on
importance of “Back to Godhead” magazine:
We must publish our
books as much as possible because that will create our position. Back to
Godhead should be the life and soul for the Society. Please let me know your
program. Letter to Rayarama, March 16, 1967.
This Back to Godhead
will always remain the backbone of the society because more the magazine is
popular the more society becomes popular. Letter to Rayarama, Jan 30, 1967
I also very much
appreciate the work you are doing in trying to promote my books and record, and
I am very glad to know that the new BTG is selling well. These publication are
the backbone of our movement, and if we can distribute them successfully. Then
everything will be all right. Letter to Pradyumna, 25 Aug 1967.
Sankirtana and BTG
distribution are our backbone for preaching and all other things are secondary.
If you can distribute one BTG you go forward one step for our preaching
advancement, what to speak of distributing our books also. So do it enthusiastically
and Krishna will bless you more and more.
Letter to Damodara -- London 1 September, 1971.
You should take BTG as
your life and soul. Your work for BTG is first and foremost above all. If you
do not find any time for other things, there is no objection, but I want to see
that you make BTG a successful magazine like Life magazine or Illustrated
Weekly of India. Letter to Rayarama, 23 March 1968.
We want to distribute
as many issues of BTG as possible, so the more you can print and distribute,
the more my Guru Maharaja will be pleased to see His Great Dream being
fulfilled. Letter to Brahmananda, 16 July 1969.
I am glad to learn
that you are selling BTG increasingly, and it is giving me pleasure
increasingly. Letter to Subala, 6 Aug 1969.
It is very encouraging
to learn that you are so enthusiastic to sell BTG. I consider sale of BTG so
valuable because in the beginning I worked for BTG day and night alone in
India. I still remember the hardship for pushing on this BTG. In the beginning,
when I was householder, I did not care if somebody paid or not paid; I used to
distribute liberally. But when I left my household life and I was living alone
sometimes in Vrndavana and sometimes in Delhi or sometimes travelling for
pushing on BTG, they were very hard days. Therefore, when BTG will be published
not in hundreds of thousands, but in millions, that will give me great solace.
Letter to Madhudvisa, 14 Apr 1970.
BTG is my life and
soul. Please therefore try to distribute BTG as many as it is possible. I started
this magazine in 1947 in my householder life. I was spending Rs. 300 to 400 at
the time ($300 to 400 in your exchange), and I was distributing this magazine
without any consideration how much I was getting in return. Practically the
whole money was spent without any return. But ten years after, from 1954 to
1959, the struggle was very hard because at that time I had no money and alone
I was editing, publishing, and securing money for publication. So it was a
great struggle. My ambition was that I would publish BTG in huge quantity so
that people may understand transcendental blessings of Lord Caitanya. Now, since I have come to your country, I
have entrusted the matter to my beloved American boys and girls, and I wish to
see that this magazine is published and distributed in the American way like
"Readers Digest'', "Life'' etc., published in millions and
distributed all over the world. Actually the position of BTG should be more
important than any mundane magazine because it contains the quintessence of human
necessities. Letter to Gurudasa, 16 Apr 1970.
Yes, if the BTG can be
published in the States it will be a great facility because we can print every
month. So try to get things done very smoothly by mutual arrangement, and that
will give me great satisfaction. Letter to Brahmananda, 17 Apr 1970.
Actually we want that
BTG be printed in every major language and distributed all over the world so
that there is no language barrier in taking to our movement. Letter to
Citsukhananda, 25 March 1971.
Sankirtana Party and
distribution of our magazines and books is our real program. Other things are
secondary. So during the summer time you should utilize this program of
Sankirtana and book distribution vigorously. Attention diverted to incense
business is not a very good sign. We should give all our energy for
distributing BTG. Letter to Satsvarupa, 21 June 1971.
I am very glad to note
of how you are increasing the "Back To Godhead'' distribution there in
such a remote place. Our "Back To Godhead'' is the backbone of our
movement so we should always be thinking how to increase it increase it
increase it. Letter to Rocana, 21 Nov 1974.
Suggestion on practical
devotional service deriving from Srila Prabhupada’s quotes:
The
suggestion on practical devotional service is to register Srila Prabhupada’s
non-profit organization in the USA. The
purposes of such non-profit organization are:
1)
To issue paper
edition of Srila Prabhupada’s “Back to Godhead” magazine;
2)
To
distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books profusely in an organized manner.
To launch the organization
enthusiastic devotes are required to fill positions of:
1)
Director
of non-profit organization;
2) Editor of Srila Prabhupada’s “Back to Godhead”
magazine.
Srila Prabhupada had given us
everything, we simply have to follow and do what he says. Let us put some efforts together and try to
serve to our best capacity. Please, do
not hesitate to contact me for further questions.
In service to Srila
Prabhupada,
Arman
Facebook name: Arman Agtsp
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