770607 - Letter to Hansadutta from Tamal Krsna

Vrndavana,

June 7, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

Ceylon

My dear Hansadutta Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Srila Prabhupada has received your letter May 20th, 1977 and I have also received your letter dated May 11th, 1977. Unfortunately His Divine Grace’s health has taken a turn for the worst. Prabhupada’s body is practically worn out and all of the internal organs are no longer functioning properly. This includes the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dr. Ghose is here giving him treatment throughout the day, but he himself admits that there is no way to know exactly what will be the outcome. All of the GBC men came here for some time and were chanting as Prabhupada has requested that there always be a kirtan party chanting Hare Krishna kirtan or reading Bhagavatam in front of him. Now most of the GBC men have returned to their respective zones. Under the circumstances, it is not possible for me to read letters to Srila Prabhupada. I simply inform him of any good news which comes and so I have told him of your successful town hall meeting as well as your other preaching activities.

As regards whether it is better to get a farm or to build a temple, for the time being it would probably be best to simply perform kirtan and distribute prasadam. As you gain some real following, then you would be in a better position to determine which you would want. Eventually I think both would be very fine: A farm producing ample foodstuffs for prasadam distribution, as well as a temple in the biggest city to make people faithful to the Deity. Srila Prabhupada is very glad to be here in Vrndavana for as he says in Vrndavana whether one lives or dies it is wonderful. Please try to write any good news as it will certainly enthuse Srila Prabhupada.

One other point is that Srila Prabhupada has appointed Bali Mardan as the GBC for South India, since you are now concentrating your activities in Ceylon.

Hoping this meets you well.

Your servant,

Tamal Krishna Gosvami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada