770824 - Letter to Tusta Krishna from Tamal Krsna

Vrndavana,

August 24, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

Waimauku, New Zealand

My dear Tusta Krishna Maharaja,

Please accept my obeisances. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to thank you for your letter dated 7th August, 1977.

Srila Prabhupada heard your letter with great attention, and looked very carefully at the photographs which you have sent of the temple which you are constructing. Srila Prabhupada was very glad to see the progress that has been made thus far, and wishes you to keep Him supplied with photographs until the building is actually finished, His Divine Grace appreciated the nice arches over the door and windows and said that it will look very nice when completed. He was very glad that all of the work has been done by our own workmen, and said , “That is our credit.” His Divine Grace also heard the newspaper clippings which you enclosed and appreciated how you were preaching very nicely. One point has come up a number of times, and most recently in a letter from Harisauri. I know that some time you have differences of opinions with your Godbrothers. It appears that sometimes you criticize the devotees for their book distribution techniques. Srila Prabhupada wanted me to write you the following which is directly taken down from His Divine Grace’s statement: “If you don’t like the way they are doing distribution, you do better. Show the example. Whatever is in their power they are doing. Every salesman has his own tactics and the result is judged by how much one sells. The end justifies the means. Why are you criticizing publicly the devotees in this way? They are selling books on my order. Why are you criticizing? That means indirectly you are criticizing me.” I pray that you will try to understand that it is only on Srila Prabhupada’s orders that devotees are distributing so vigorously, and that His Divine Grace is very much aware of the manner in which they are distributing. But according to His vision, which is as close to Krishna’s vision as anyone could be, it is being done in the proper way according to time, place, and circumstances, and considering that the end justifies the means.

In your letter you have stated that devotees are doing 24 hour kirtan for Srila Prabhupada’s recovery. When His Divine Grace heard this He said, “That is the only way I will recover.” You will be glad to know that Srila Prabhupada has decided to travel around the world again. He is leaving on Saturday morning for London. He says that by the loving attention of His devotees He will certainly recover. Please pray fervently for His complete and quick cure. Hoping this meets you in the best of health and Krishna consciousness.

Your servant,

Tamal Krishna Gosvami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada

His Holiness Tusta Krishna Swami

Hare Krishna Marae,

Muriwai Valley Rd.

R.D. 1. Waimauku

Ph. Waimauku 2D, New Zealand