671016 - Letter to Kirtanananda written from Calcutta

Letters by Date, 1967

Oct 16, 1967

My Dear Kirtanananda,
Please accept my blessings. I've received your note along with Brahmananda's for first time since you left to N.Y. You had no desire to stop in London. This is clear to me from Hayagriva's letter which indicated that you had already planned to go there even before you left India. Since you have returned to N.Y. you have falsely dictated that I do not want the robes or flags. Why are you disturbing the whole situation in my absence. I never ordered you to speak like that. They must continue to have robes & tilak & flags & they must distinguish themselves from the hippies. I never objected to any of my students dressing like nice American gentleman, clean shaved; those who are my disciples must have flag, tilak & beads on neck without fail. Anyway I never advised you to dictate on behalf, please therefore do not misrepresent me. You have been given sannyas to follow my principles & not to disturb me. If you do not agree with my philosophy you can work independent and not with-in the walls of ISKCON. You have not understood Krishna properly. The best thing will be to stop your talks my return & if you love me at all please do not talk in any meeting but chant in solitary place -anywhere you like. Hope you are well.

Your ever well-wisher

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Rayarama das Brahmachary
Brahmananda das Brahmachary
Kirtanananda [unclear] Swami
26, Second Ave.
New York, New York
U.S.A. 10003

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
c/o Madan Dutta
76 Durgacharan Doctor Rd.
Calcutta 14
INDIA