760301 - Letter to Ramesvara from Dayananda
1 March 1976
- From: Dayananda
- Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir
- P.O. Sridham Mayapur
- Dist. Nadia, West Bengal
- 1 March 1976
Dear Ramesvara Prabhu,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Regarding the questions from the artists, Srila Prabhupada did not actually want to be bothered by so many details. He wants the pictures painted as it is described in the books. So you please try to clear this point up with the artists so they will not have to continue to bother Him with How, where, when, who, etc. that should be got from the text or purport itself. Otherwise they should not attempt such an intricate painting. His statements were as follows: “Were the celestial beauties flying, Srila Prabhupada?” “No… only on one planet. Why all these questions? If it is very intricate, do not touch it. If there is an easily understandable description, then paint from that, and don’t touch the complicated ones. “The latest paintings in the third volume of sixth canto were very excellently done. Who has painted those pictures, my thanks to him especially. This type of painting should be done and not big big hairs. Long hairs should be avoided. It is very distinct; continue and direct others in the same way. The figures are very clean, proportionate. Keep this painting as the standard.
“Simply paint as described. Why imaginings? no imaginings!
“Srila Prabhupada, they want to know if they should take out the picture of Putana witch that you did not like.”
“No, keep it. Unless we get better, then how can we take out. There is no harm. Keep it.
“There is no need of constantly changing what is done – no need to change. It will increase the cost. What is the reason for adding more pictures.”
“Srila Prabhupada, you asked for 60 paintings for each canto.”
“I did not say that. Some important pictures can be added, otherwise it can be left as it is.”
So, Ramesvara prabhu, as far as the details are concerned the Sanskrit department or some extremely well read prabhus should be consulted. I hope you can capture the essence of this conversation and relay the info to the art dept. to their satisfaction, so everyone will understand how to independently do it, at the same time dependent on the sastra and not on concoction. I hope this serves you.
Your servant,
Dayananda das
P.S. Nitai is supposed to come any day. I shall send the 9th & 10th chapters by air freight tomorrow (or at least the 9th). He has 8th. He has not made corrections beyond the first few verses of 9th, because I have 9th. Prabhupada is dictating now from 11th. I hope to get this down a little smoother, but I’m still new & have other responsibilities, too. You should get one (1) copy of chap. 9 (maybe 10, too) by the time this letter gets to you. The artists can see it & the Eng. editors can see it too.