Sripada Samadhi

Atlanta,

My dear Svarupa Damodara,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your letter dated January 21st, 1976 and I have noted the contents carefully. If you cannot come to India there is no harm. Ordinarily, if you leave, your application will be closed. Better not to take any chances. You instruct your assistants who are coming how and what to discuss with the GBC on your behalf.

In the tentative course outlines some additions are as follows. In the philosophy section there should be a class dealing with all the Vaisnava philosophies (the four sampradayas). Music class can be based on the Sama Veda. In the Political Science class Maharaja Prthu’s life may also be studied. There should also be a discussion with the GBC regarding what titles should be awarded to students who pass.

I hope this meets you well.

Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Mayapur

Svarupa Damodara has written me about the Bhaktivedanta Summer Institute. It is a very good idea. If possible try to accommodate it on one of the farms we already have. To buy another farm simply for this purpose is not very practical. The Institute should not only stress book study but there must be equal time given to kirtana, arati, prasadam, etc. There must be spiritual life, then book study will have meaning.

Letter to  Rupanuga : Bombay, 11 January, 1976

My Dear Svarupa Damodara,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your letter dated December 26th, 1975, and I have noted the contents carefully. Your plan to have the Bhaktivedanta Summer Institute in one of our farms is a very good idea. But you say that there is a chance that none of our farms will be suitable. Why not? Anyway, you will be discussing it at Mayapur at which time you should fix-up everything definitely.

I have read the aims and objects of the Institute and it is done very nicely. I am satisfied that you are properly understanding the philosophy. The analysis you have given in the section “What is the Bhaktivedanta Institute”, regarding the scientists, technologists, and other so-called authorities is most accurate. According to Bhagavatam, they are all asses and cows, sa eva gokhara.

I have also suggested for the GBC’s consideration, that we introduce a system of examinations for the devotees to take. Sometimes there is criticism that our men are not sufficiently learned, especially the brahmanas. Of course second initiation does not depend upon passing an examination. How one has moulded his life—chanting, attending arati, etc., these are essential. Still, brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am suggesting examinations. Bhakti-sastri—(for all brahmanas) based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and all the small paper backs. Bhakti-vaibhava—the above plus first six cantos of S.B. Bhaktivedanta—the above plus cantos 7-12 S.B. Bhakti-sarvabhauma—the above plus Caitanya-caritamrta. These titles can correspond to entrance, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. So just consider how to organize this Institute. At Mayapur we shall finalize everything.

Hoping this meets you well.

Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Bombay