Dear Gurudev,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

These days i am reflecting on a point of view in regard to doing a study that i took several years back. I took from Srila Prabhupada then the notion that there is no need to get a degree, because there is no need to improve our material situation, but to become KC. With my diploma i just can't seem to find a decent job, that allows me to combine my KC life together with work in which i can use my God-given intelligence. Of course, he did inspire others to continue their studies to get their degree.

I heard you say that every 7 years people out there need to update their diploma's. Not to draw that out of context, but i am forced to update my old point of view of doing studies. Technically, it would be a karmayoga type of approach i figure, to do what i want, which is get a degree after all, and offer the results to Krsna, because i can't seem to find the firm faith, nor the peace of mind, in just accepting my current struggle with work and having jobs far below my intelligence and abilities, and to just become KC, as i've understood it earlier. I think at the time it was a conclusion drawn on poor understanding.

What do you think of this matter? If it would be worth the effort at 35 years of age, i suppose the best kind of study would be something to serve Iskcon with, not just to get good mental fulfillment and salary. If my reasoning is correct, would you give me your blessing on finding and succesfully executing a university study?

Further, to get up early and get my rounds done, i am happily working on it with satisfying outcome. It's like magic how life is satisfying being that simple, chanting, reading, doing some kirtan, and doing my job. Having said this, it contradicts my earlier statement that i am not satisfied with how my life is regarding my work, and therefore i can understand Srila Prabhupada's remark intellectually, but just can't seem to live up to it. Therefore i need some advice.

Thanks for your inspiration, and i wish you receive Braja's darshan, if that is correct in saying.

A foolish but somewhat sincerely trying aspiring servant,

Richard van Dijck, Netherlands

HpS - ASA -  Jaya AGTSP   Paoho.  3AM.    We have to run to catch the bus to Kamyavan.   I don't remember saying evey seven years,   but is seems O.K.    In general chant Hare Krsna and get good inteligence, confirm and clarify that with devotees and books and then make your plan.   Formal studies can be O.K.  Just talk with lots of good people and then make your decision.

Is NICE to hear from you.  Gives us strength.

O.K.   We bath and run to the ISKCON shuttle bus to Kamyavan!