As was his habit, Upendra regularly had questions for Srila Prabhupada. Now that there were boys and girls living together in the same temple, Upendra wondered what should be the standard of association? He also thought that it would be nice to call the devotees by temple names -- did Srila Prabhupada approve? What was the secret of speaking nicely on the philosophy of Krsna consciousness? And would it be possible for Srila Prabhupada to come and live in Australia for an extended period? All their enquiries were sent to Prabhupada on 15 June. Ten days later Srila Prabhupada replied:
We must stick to our Krishna consciousness business in all circumstances. This determination will make us successful. Although, according to the Vedic system, there is a restriction that boys and girls should not freely mix, the brahmacaris are strictly prohibited to talk with young women, but in the Western countries this rule is not valid. As such we have to accept both boys and girls in the same standard, but if each of us follows the regulative principles and chanting of the mantra, hardly there will be any chance for sex indulgence. So we have to be a little careful about it and Krishna will help us. I do not know why your wife has not yet got her visa.
The devotees who are trying to join our movement may be called by some Vedic name, but ultimately change of name will take place after some initiation. In the meantime, there is no harm in calling them by some suitable good names.
Speaking or anything, all depends on practice and study. I remember when I was first called for speaking by one of my senior Godbrothers. I felt very much hesitating because I was not practiced to speak. Later on, by speaking and hearing or reading, I got experience and now we can speak 45 minutes, 50 minutes or 1 hour at a stretch. So you have to read our books very nicely and gather thoughts, and then you can speak for hours without any difficulty. It requires practice. So read your books carefully. Especially Nectar of Devotion, now published, and practice speaking. It will be alright ..
The translating work cannot be transferred everywhere. It is not possible, because for my regular work I require reference of the books which means I shall have to carry with me so many books and other things. So I have no objection to do this, but by such action the work will suffer. But I can go to Australia when you are fully equipped for some time, and again come back. I have never seen Australia, so naturally I am inquisitive. But in that case, you will have to provide for at least two men's double journey. I wish that your centre may be strengthened more and more, and if by next January, as you have stated, you'd like me to go there, certainly I shall go for some time.
Prabhupada added:
The actress girl, Janne, has arrived here. She has presented me one ball point pen, and she has also transferred traveller's cheques to the amount of $500 to the Society. She appears to be a very nice, intelligent girl, and we are trying to engage her for some dramatical performance on the basis of Lord Caitanya's pastimes..
- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu
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