730831 - Letter to Govinda Das from Hansadutta

August 31, 1973

Bhaktivedanta Manor, Letchmore Heath

From: Hansadutta

My Dear Govinda Das,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. I have come to see your Petition to the Temple Presidents USA GBC Zones and Karandhar has asked me to show it to Prabhupada and get his direction on it. I read the complete report to Prabhupada as Karandhar suggested and asked Prabhupada to write you a letter regarding it. Prabhupada did not think that he wanted to become entangled in this matter, he said, “ You Americans are so business minded, I am a poor man what is the use of my advice ? ” But if fact Prabhupada did give advice and he said “ Karandhar is doing very nicely with the management in L.A. Why should there be an investigation he has got no separate interest, everything he does for Krishna. Another thing is that business means competition, the fact is that Karandhar has exceptional intelligence for making money, so he is doing better in competition, what can be done ?” So he instructed me to write to you like this. Best thing is go on with your business as usual and forget this idea of investigating. Krishna consciousness is not exactly a democracy, where everything is done by voting, it is rather a system of chain of command, or disciplic succession. One thing we have to learn is to respect the right authorities, not whimsically call for reforms by petition and popular votes. Prabhupada has given much responsibility to the GBC and temple presidents, and everyone should understand their position and act accordingly. So here is your chance for competition Transcendental style, how to please Krishna, not how to jump over the authorities. Make more money than L.A. the field is open, so try for it if that is your inclination, or as the saying goes, “If you can't beat then Join them !”

I hope this letter finds you well.

Your humble servant,

Hansadutta Das Adhikary

GBC Liason officer.

cc. Karandhar Das

HDA/-