Page 39 - Patropadesa (English)

1992 27

an exaggeration). In B it may be understood, as we should have
a model centre in each state. In P, I don’t see the necessity. It is
not that “ISKCON is encouraging.” Our society is loosely-knit.
There is much autonomy for local leaders. So if, in a few years,
they can collect enough to build a big centre which will stand as a
landmark for our society maybe for hundreds of years, it should
be a good thing.

Of course, the main thing is to build the character of the devotees
living in the temple. A big building without spiritual substance is
meaningless. As far as I know the endeavor to build the devotees
up spiritually is not lacking in B.

Regarding taking donations from rich people. Srila Prabhupada
considered that we were helping such people by engaging their
wealth in Krsna’s service, thus saving them from going to hell.
In the modern age to do anything substantial an organization
is needed. Organization means buildings, books, vehicles,
legal matters, computers, etc. All these require money. Srila
Prabhupada himself demonstrated how to use all of these in
Krsna’s service without being affected. Whatever donations
he got he used for printing books and building temples yet he
always remained pure and simple. This is called yukta-vairagya
(please consult “Nectar of Devotion” for a full explanation of
yukta-vairagya).

29 August 1992

Worshipers of Shirdi Sai Baba are all foolish people who have no
knowledge of, or interest in, sastra. This Baba maybe had some
mystic power, and out of ignorance people accept him as God,
although they have no idea of what is the meaning of the term
“God.” You can try telling such people what is the actual definition
of the word “God” (see Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.2 purport).
But this type of person is usually hopeless to preach to because
they want to remain cheated forever. If possible, induce them