700315 - Letter to Harer Nama written from Los Angeles

Letters by Date, 1970

1975 So. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, Cal. 90034

March 15 70

My Dear Harer Nama,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3 March, 1970, and I am very glad to know that you six boys are pushing our Krishna Consciousness Samkirtan movement in the Boulder-Denver area. Please work co-operatively and do it nicely.
Regarding your several questions; yes, it is best to get all such points cleared up so that our understanding may be firmly fixed up in our philosophy. The best process is to rigidly execute one's prescribed devotional duties regularly, and to study the books and literatures very carefully in the company and guidance of experienced devotees. The essence of our program is to chant daily Hare Krishna mantra at least sixteen rounds without fail, and thus one remains strong in spiritual life.
So far chaunce is concerned, I think you have been wrongly advised to burn the cumin seeds and chilies until they are very black. The chilie should be added to the hot ghee just after the cumin seed begins to darken in color, and both of them should become brown, but not black or burnt. I think this adjustment with a little trial will improve the dahl for offering to the Deities.
But I see that you have many such questions about our philosophy. Under the circumstances it would be very good if you come to Los Angeles for some time to learn these questions and answers in the daily classes here. This is a good opportunity to clear up any doubts or misunderstandings, and the best program is if you come here for study. I am personally lecturing here weekly especially for our devotees.
Regarding Neil's study of Sanskrit, I am very glad to learn of his seriousness to study, and we need many such Sanskrit scholar devotees. When it is convenient, he may study with Pradyumna in Boston, and there are Sanskrit courses at the university there also. In the meantime, for his studies, Manava Dharma Shastra is not bonafide. The Hitopadesh is alright for study.
Yes, I will visit Boulder temple, so please inform me what is the best time. And when you come to Los Angles, you can advise me in particular how I should come there.
Hope this will meet you in good health. Please offer my blessings to all the boys there with you in Boulder.
Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami