700803 - Letter to Prabhus from Kirtanananda

3 August, 1970

From: Kirtanananda

My dear Prabhus,

It is with deep humility that I beg you all to accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

With tears in my eyes, I must now inform you that our beloved Srila Prabhupada will not be with us at New Vrindaban for Janamastami. How this came about is a long and involved story, which Hayagriva can relate more fully. I will simply say that we are all guilty. None of us love Srila Prabhupada as we should, and all of us are guilty of desiring some self-aggrandizement. Essentially we have been doing business with the Spiritual Master, and that is not right. Consequently His Grace has been unable to work on His books, and he must now go somewhere out of this country to find the kind of atmosphere in which He can write. Needless to say, everything that He does is for our benefit, otherwise there was no need for His coming to this country in His old age. And similarly He will return as soon as we have demonstrated our readiness for His return. After all, what need is there for a Spiritual Master if they do not follow the instructions of the S.M.? That is simply show bottle. So if we have any love for Srila Prabhupada let us from this moment forth rededicate our lives to the service of Srila Prabhupada only. As Krishna’s confidential representative, everything is His. So let us always work in that consciousness.

I have been hearing nice reports that you are all working very hard and are consequently very blissfully engaged. So please continue in that spirit.

Janamastami is going to be a great affair, with the presidents of almost all the temples there. GBC will be launched there. And in actuality Prabhupada will be there. Prabhupada said the other night “I never think that my Guru Maharaj is absent from me. He is always at my side.” So we must also have that consciousness.

As for my own worthless self, Prabhupada has accepted the added burden of my personal service. Why He has asked me I will never know – that is His causeless mercy. So if He can have mercy on the likes of me, just see how He must feel for you.

Already I am feeling great separation from you all, but that is also transcendental. Besides, I shall be back in a month or two.In the meantime, please keep me posted of all developments.

Bhagwatananda—Prabhupada has specifically authorized you to begin working as soon as possible on casting some nice 24” brass deities. The wax models will be arriving from Paris at Janamastami time. All glories to your service, Prabhu.

With warmest affection in Srila Prabhupada’s service,

Kirtanananda Swami

P.S. Always remember that our most important business is Sankirtan and distribution of the literature. Be very diligent in this and Krishna will supply all our needs. Let’s not be guilty of money or business consciousness. KS.