770625 - Letter to Jalakara from Tamal Krsna

June 25th, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

My dear Jalakara Prabhu,

Please accept my obeisances. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to reply your letter dated 31st May, 1977.

First of all I should clear up one point, Gauri Das who was to assist you, is not a strong devotee. He had more and more reservations about going to Africa. According to him you stated, “Don’t worry. You won’t have to chant your rounds and you can get up as late as you like.” My statement regarding your ability to lead another devotee was based on this remark attributed to you. Apart from that I don’t think Gauri Das would have been able to stay with you for very long, nor would anyone in Africa for very long. More than likely, you would have found him leaving within a month or two.

There is no doubt that you should have an associate to travel with. Even the great sage Narada Muni never travels alone. Brahmananda Maharaja mentioned to me that he was thinking to travel with you together for some time. What has happened with this idea? There is a great necessity for you to continue your preaching program. I have heard from Brahmananda Maharaja the utmost praise for your effort, and he has personally told me how much grateful the life members throughout Africa are when you come to visit them. So by all means you should carry on with this program and if at all possible Brahmananda Maharaja should appoint one man to travel with you.

You will be glad to know that Srila Prabhupada’s health is improved enough, so that He is now translating every evening and attending the temple from 9:30 to 10 for darshan of Sri Krsna-Balarama.

In conclusion, please do not feel discouraged by any previous letter Myself and all other devotees who know of your activities have the greatest respect and admiration for how you are spreading Krsna consciousness. Hoping this meets you well.

Your servant,

Tamal Krsna Gosvami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada

His Grace Jalakara das Brahmachary

c/o ISKCON Nairobi

c.c. P.O. Box 799

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania, East Africa

/tkg