1. Kirtana: better not to use new melodies

    In 1969, Vishnujan and Naranarayana were prominent Sankirtan leaders in Los Angeles. They got the idea that Sankirtan could use some new, 'catchy' melodies. They composed some that they thought would work very well chanted in the streets. Prabhupada graciously agreed that they could sing them for him. He smiled and looking on with approval as they chanted their new melodies and both felt exhilarated. When they finished, they asked Prabhupada if he liked the tunes, and he said "Yes". Then they asked if they could or should use them on sankirtan on Hollywood Boulevard and other locations and he answered: "It is better not to use new melodies, but use the ones that I have taught you for Sankirtan".

    (Adapted from a letter by Naranarayana Dasa)