Happy Janmastami!
Happy Janmastami! Here's a nice book distribuiton pastime about a mended relationship
. We were at Ohio State University, in a town called Bowling Green. The campus is like a beautiful park. Most college campuses in the USA are like that. It is a joy to walk around, and it is ecstatic to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books.
Every book distributor knows the various types of "sweeties." There are scores of them wherever we try to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books.
It was early in the morning, between classes. It was peaceful and still quiet. I had been on campus about half an hour and had walked halfway around. I saw a young man with long, curly hair. His green T-shirt just said: And. It was funny seeing that one word, in black, against the green background and with a period right after it. He looked like a "total sweetie," and I was looking forward to meeting him.
I said what I always say: "Excuse me, sir, are you a student here?"
His response was unlike any other. He kept walking, but it was like he was biting me.
"Sure," he said. "You will give me those books and then take them back," he sneered.
I turned his way as he kept on walking.
"Wait a minute," I said.
He stopped and turned around. I asked if he had been offered these books before. He was still irate. He said that several times these books were taken out of his hands when he said he did not have a donation. I offered the books to him and apologized. I told him these books are not for sale.
Vaisasika Prabhu teaches this principle. When someone asks him, "Are you selling these books?" He gently takes the book back and says, "I refuse to sell these books." Then he explains what we do and hands the books back. It becomes a sweet interaction that is based on the profound truth in Srila Prabhupada's books. Most people leave a donation. Some a penny, others more. We never have to worry about money when we're doing this service. This is Srila Prabhupada's guarantee.
After I apologized several times, my friend in turn apologized for his abruptness and went on his way.
I asked, "Will you read them?"
He responded with a resolute "Absolutely."
Our prime directive is to leave a good impression. Sometimes we meet people who have met us before we were trained up nicely. That morning I had the opportunity to try to mend one relationship and start anew. Giving away a few books is worth the price.
Thank you very much.
Your servant,
Harinama Dasa
