Question : One wealthy well-wisher, not a vaiṣṇava, has volunteered to help us with a place and equipment for a publication center. They have also brought here a whole car of different foodstuffs to somewhat meet half-year requirements, and I do not know what to do! I cannot throw that away, at the same time "viṣayīra anna khāile malina haya mana"(our mind becomes polluted by eating the grains of a wordly person) always sound in my memory.

Gurudev : With daṇḍavat pranāms to the Lotus Feet of Revered Vaiṣṇavas. Received your affectionate letter sent through e-mail.

I am exceedingly delighted to know that you observed the month-long Dāmodar vratā with other devotees. As you have knowledge of Bengali and also of Sanskrit, your explanation of Bengali and Sanskrit writings in your language naturally becomes impressive to the listeners. I am also encouraged that the listeners continued to hear explanation of the commentary (Sanmodan-bhāshya) of Bhaktivinode Ṭhākur regarding Śikṣāṣṭaka. Bhaktivinode Ṭhākur's writing is simple, lucid and can be easily understood. Sanmodan means pleasing to the sādhus (śuddha bhaktas). It is very necessary for enhancement in devotion, for the aspirants who have taken Krishna mantra, to regularly hear and speak about the glories of the Name, Form, Attributes and Pastimes of Śrī Rādhā-Krishna.

I read about the generous wealthy person who sponsored the festivals. He is blessed as he contributed to the service of Śrī Krishna and His devotees. Now he has the aptitude to help you to get a place for a publication center. You have started the work at a rented private house. You have also purchased computer equipment to work with your Most Revered Gurudev's archives.

The ascetics do prachār (preaching) and serve the Supreme Lord Śrī Krishna, and His devotees collect funds from generous persons. If the collected funds and commodities are for the service of Śrī Krishna and His devotees it cannot be harmful to the ascetics. If the target is good, everything is good. I am thankful to the generous person who has volunteered to give you a car-load of different foodstuffs to meet the requirements for 6 months but the foodstuffs should be such which can be offered to Supreme Lord. You are a sincere soul; your purpose is good; so I think you shouldn't be too much worried for this. When you come to India, I shall hear about your future program of Viṣṇu-vaiṣṇava seva and I shall try to contribute to it to the extent of my ability.

More when we meet next. Hope this will find you all quite hale and hearty. Accept my daṇḍavat pranām. I pray to Supreme Lord Śrī Krishna to bless the generous minded donor for propagation of the teachings of Chaitanya Mahāprabhu.

Vaishnavdāsānudās,
Bhakti BallabhTirtha