Homeless Man Looking For The Bhagavatam

Homeless Man Looking For The Bhagavatam

While distributing at Santa Monica College, I saw a disheveled, homeless man coming toward me who looked like he hadn't bathed in a few years. I was thinking, “Oh no, please don't come to the table.” But he did. He then stood in front of the table for some time looking at the books. I didn't have to see him to know he was there — the stench was enough.

Then he looked at me and asked, “Do you have the Srimad Bhagavatam?”

I couldn't believe my ears.

“Uh, yes I do.”

I handed it to him, and he looked it over.

Then he said, “I have the Bhagavad-gita. What a great book! Now I want to go into the Srimad Bhagavatam. It's mentioned so many times in the purports of Bhaktivedanta Swami. How much do you want for this?”

Humbled by this covered saint, I said, “Whatever you like.”

He then gave a good donation and went on his way to “get into the Srimad Bhagavatam.”

When will I learn my lesson to not judge a book by its cover? So many times we've heard stories of homeless people turning out to be nice and taking books and giving donations.

Your servant,
Vijaya Dasa

Author: admin

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