690814 - Letter to Madhusudana from Purusottama
London,
October 14, 1969
From: Purusottama - SL_691014_A2
Washington D.C.
Dear Madhusudana Prabhu,
Please accept my humble obeisances, and offer the same to Kanchambala, Damodara, Dinesh, Krishna Devi and whoever else is there in Washington Iskcon. Last week we had an engagement in London where I was called upon to wear my karmi suit, and guess what I found in the inside pocket: your letter dated September 8th! It seems when you gave it to me in New York I put it in my suit pocket, and forgot about it completely. I am so sorry that I have not answered you after such a long time. I hope you have not thought that I am so puffed up that I would not write to my dear Prabhu. Anyway, the answers to your questions are as follows: Regarding what to do with the pots of foodstuffs while Krishna’s Plate is being offered, these pots may remain in the kitchen. Then you may make up the plates from the kitchen for the individual devotees. If it is inconvenient to make up the plates in the kitchen, I’m sure it is all right to do it elsewhere. Also, His Divine Grace said that it is all right to have offered Prasadam in the kitchen. In fact, He said “Why not?” But offered Prasadam should not go into the refrigerator.
Yes, you may offer sour cream, cream cheese and yogurt bought from the store. In so many words His Divine Grace said this is all right.
Regarding ice water, I did not even ask Prabhupada about this because when in LA, He was drinking ice water daily. But it is not good in the morning, He has informed me once when I brought it to Him then. Regarding a woman with a period, as much as possible she may avoid direct Deity worship and cooking. But if there is no alternative, it is all right. But she must be always very clean. Fruit after 4 pm must be all right because we offer fruit to Prabhupada’s Deities every day at 6 pm. Yes, heads should generally be shaved on the full moon day. That means once a month. In circumambulating you begin from the Deity’s right hand side from the back of the temple. Then you proceed (clockwise) towards the Deities, pass Lord Jagannath, pass Vyasasan, pass a wall, around the back of the temple to where you began, and around again, etc. I hope that is clear. I am enclosing a letter I wrote to another devotee (carbon copy), and there are some “tidbits of devotional goodies” there which you will appreciate*. Yesterday His Divine Grace was dancing in ecstasy at an engagement with about 100 Indians. It was sublime!
Please continue to be very strong always in Krishna Consciousness. Even in the spiritual world it is the best thing, so what to speak of the miserable material world. I hope this finds you in good health.
- already been distributed to centers.
Your servant,
Purusottama das