Letters from Srila Prabhupada Vol.1 1947-1969 (in pdf) - Krishna Path

Vrindaban. For the present, live as simply
as possible, without any endeavor to develope
that part into New Vrindaban, or do
it peacefully as you have mentioned, but
you must continue to chant Hare Krishna,
at least you and Hayagriva, and ask everybody
to join you. At least Mr. Rose cannot
object to this performance of Kirtan because
he wants to give facility to all sects.
So even if he takes it that our Krishna
Consciousness movement is also a particular
type of sect, certainly he will not
have any objection. Therefore, the conclusion
is that you must regularly hold
Krishna Kirtan, now, and even as in our
other centers they are doing. And live
peacefully without any exaggeration, and
try to convince people about the nonsectarian
nature of Krishna Consciousness.
I think that will make you successful
in this great adventure. Before the advent
of Lord Chaitanya, nobody had exhibited
the practical way of developing love of
Godhead, and the process is open to everyone,
therefore this is simple, nonsectarian,
and sublime.
But, if the people are backwards and
suspicious, then how your scheme will be
successful, in that part of the country?
This movement is meant for intelligent
class of men, those who have reason and
logic to understand things in a civilized
way, and who are open-hearted to receive
things as they are. But apart from such
consideration, I think there is not any
cause of suspicion if somebody sings and
dances. So without remuneration if somebody
sings and dances at his place, what is
the cause of suspicion? But if the place is
infested with such suspicious men and
backward class, then how you can develope
a New Vrindaban there? The circumstances
as you have described them is not
very favorable. Therefore I think the attempt
will not be very successful. Krishna
Consciousness movement can be pushed
forward in a favorable atmosphere. If the
JUNE, 1968 439
atmosphere is not favorable, then don't attempt,
it will be failure. Precaution you
may take, but as you grow larger, if they
are suspicious then they may cause trouble.
Because you can dress yourself and
live peacefully at your home, but if your
neighbors are always suspicious, then
there may be always danger. Therefore,
why should we make our residence in
such a place. And I think no Brahmachary
will agree to go there and live in such uncomfortable
situation, with suspicious
neighbors. Simply for land, we don't
care . We simply want favorable place for
worshipping Krishna. That is our idea.
Anyway, please keep me informed how
the circumstances are, and I shall be very
glad to hear from you at your convenience,
Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
P.S. Hayagriva has not yet replied my letter.
Please ask him to write. He has many
things to do in the library cases and I want
his assistance greatly in this matter. I am
planning to go to London in August. Srimati
Annapurna's father. Mr. Louis
Weble is trying to get a good house for us.
I wish to go there with a party of not less
than 6 and not more than 12 heads. I wish
to establish a center there which is my
long cherished ambition.
ACB
68-6-37
My Dear Rupanuga,
Please accept my blessings. I am so
glad to receive your letter dated June 30,
1968, just when I was thinking of you, that
I have not heard from you since you met
me at Boston-immediately I got your letter
and it was so nice coincidence! At the
same time, 3 beloved devotees, namely
Brahmananda, Rayarama, and Gargamuni
also arrived at the same moment. So