770718 - Letter to Visvakarma from Tamal Krsna

Vrndavana,

July 18, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

Toronto

My dear Visvakarma Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to reply your letter dated June 12th, 1977. When Srila Prabhupada heard the description of how so many people are now attending the temple, he said, “Now for the first time Indian people in the western countries are getting new life. This is the first time that they have opportunity to worship Krishna again since leaving India. Make many such nice programs so that more and more people can attend. I am very glad that at least 400 persons are attending your Sunday love feast. This is a great success. Now that you have such a beautiful temple building, things will increase more and more. Do not worry if so many men are not joining now. Go on with all of your activities and Krishna will bless you. Gradually everything will develop. Remain enthusiastic and keep the standard very pure, people will come automatically.” When His Divine Grace heard the description of Ratha-yatra preparations with two dancing elephants, a brass band and parading horses, He laughed very much and said, “Very very good.” If you can send photographs of the parade with the elephants, horses and all the persons pulling the cart, and any other photographs, I am sure that He will appreciate them very much. Prabhupada was especially glad to hear how successful the restaurant has become. He had me read your Letter to: a number of important persons who came to visit Him, saying, “Just see how our movement is being accepted in the west!” His Divine Grace was also very enthused at hearing how you are doubling book distribution. The other day He said, that if the devotees double their book distribution then He would have to double His translating work.

Regarding the devotees whom you have recommended for initiation, both first and second, a letter has been sent out to all Temple Presidents and GBC instructing them on the process to be followed. You should be receiving this letter soon and then you can resubmit the recommended names according to the new directions. You will be glad to know that His Divine Grace’s health is gradually improving. Although Prabhupada cannot move around or sit up without assistance, still His work goes unhindered. Not only does He translate at night, but now He also translates in the afternoon. He is beginning work on the 11th Chapter of the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Everyday He goes before Their Lordships Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama from 9:30 to 10 in the morning and people are allowed to have darshan at that time. Hoping this meets you well. Thank you very much for sending such an encouraging report to His Divine Grace which pleased Him very much. Your servant,

Tamal Krishna Gosvami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada

His Grace Visvakarma Das

c/o ISKCON Toronto

/tkg