770609 - Letter to Chayavana from Tamal Krsna

June 9th, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

Dear Chayavana Swami,

Please accept my humble obeisances. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace to reply your letters dated May 21st and May 25th respectively.

Srila Prabhupada is in ill health. He is being treated by one Gaudiya Vaisnava brahmacari who is giving him some special massaging. It appears that there is some improvement. Prabhupada is getting a little strength. Prabhupada just said today to Bhavananda Maharaja that it is not hopeless. Previously Prabhupada had no hope in remaining here with us. Therefore all the GBC were called to come. They were having twenty-four hour kirtan with Srila Prabhupada, but now all the GBC’s have left and returned to their zones. Everyday we carry Prabhupada on the palanquin to have darshan of Krsna-Balarama. Prabhupada sits under the tamal tree and enjoys the atmosphere very much.

Everyone here in Vrndavana was very much glad to know that you have returned to Krsna consciousness. Of course the happiest of all was Srila Prabhupada who said, “It is not possible for him to leave. Once he tasted Krsna consciousness he could never forget it.” Now you must very strictly adhere to the devotional principles faithfully following the four regulative principles and chanting minimum 16 rounds. To wear the dress of a sannyasi is a great honor as well as responsibility. Due to our previous bad habits sometimes there may be a fall-down. But now that the fall-down is rectified it should never reoccur. This you can ensure by always keeping strong association and be engaged in the fire of Krsna conscious preaching. Above all you must very strictly adhere to the devotional practices because that will give you the strength and purity to be successful in all of your endeavors. I know that you are always very keen to preach in Africa so now Krsna will fulfill your desire.

Hoping this meets you well.

Your servant,

Tamal Krsna Gosvami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada

His Holiness Chyavana Swami

c/o ISKCON Nairobi

/tkg