A change of heart and unexpected action
After another busy week at work, I was relaxing after a community program at Bhakti Lounge and looking forward to heading home for some rest and recuperation. Just as I was about to leave, Rudra Rama Pandita Prabhu approached me and asked whether I was free to help transport some books.
My mind immediately rejected the idea. But as Rudra explained, Vrindavan Madhurya and Bhakta Tom were running out of books on the South Island.
Lord Caitanya inspired me to assist and conquer the mind. I reasoned that by humbly assisting the full-time traveling sankirtana devotees I could please the Lord and His devotees — a very precious opportunity.
So I went with Rudra Rama to collect the books and transfer them to his flat. I should note that he then drove the books down to the South Island the next day; he is a selfless and humble devotee.
What happened next was special. Although I had been feeling tired, I suddenly felt the desire to head out on sankirtana myself, although it was late in the evening. Swinging by a local supermarket, I jumped out of the car and started distributing.
Over the next thirty minutes so many books went out. Everyone was taking one, even the tricky Indians who normally expertly avoid my attempts to share Krishna with them! One young Indian man donated generously and was rewarded with a Krishna book set (my favorite books to distribute) and Bhagavad-gita. Picture attached.
Feeling inspired, I even approached a family of Indian origin who were busily packing meat and alcohol into the boot of their car. Although seemingly unfavourable initially, the situation ended well. The two sons donated their pocket money and receiving Srila Prabhupada’s books. When I asked them their names, I was amazed to discover that I had just distributed books to Krishna and Arjuna. Picture attached.
So much more nectar manifested over the course of that short session. I was in ecstasy by the time I retired from the action.
My humble realization was that so much can be done by the mercy of guru and Gauranga, even in a short period. I also realized the importance of trying to assist the sankirtana devotees. By serving the Lord’s servants, we can attract Krishna’s mercy and become empowered in our own service attempts.
Seeking your blessings to become the servant of the servant,
Chaitanya Vihara Dasa
