Letter to: Jayatirtha, Manjuali
Bombay 10 November, 1975 75-11-10
Los Angeles
My dear Jayatirtha das and Manjuali dasi,
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your card dated October 25, 1975 along with the beautiful photographs of Sri Sri Rukmini-Dvarakadhisa of New Dvaraka. So do it nicely. I have invited Krsna and He may not be insulted by disrespectful behavior. I have introduced this system of Deity worship amongst the non-believers, the atheists, the mlecchas, the yavanas
As soon as one thinks that he is greater than his spiritual master that is the greatest offense. Krsna will give one everything, but to these offenders everything is lost. I thank you very much. You know how to dress and how to worship and I am very much pleased. It is a question of heart how to please Krsna. One simply has to agree to be trained up how to do it. You have done very nicely. I am very much pleased. And now you should teach others how to do it.
Never think of the Deity as made of stone or wood. Every worshipper must remember that Krsna is personally present. He is simply kindly presenting Himself before us in a way so that we can handle Him. That is His mercy, otherwise He is unapproachable.
atah sri-krsna-namadi na bhaved grahyam indriyaih
sevon mukhe hi jivadau svayam eva sphuraty adah [Brs. 1.2.234] "No one can understand the transcendental nature of the name, form, quality and pastimes of Sri Krsna through his materially contaminated senses. Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to the Lord are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the Lord revealed to him.'' (Padma Purana).
I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami ACBS/BS/mdd
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