NEW ZEALAND MARATHON TALES
During this winter’s book distribution marathon (yes, it’s winter down under!), Hriman Krishna and Nitai Jivana Prabhus distributed three Srimad-Bhagavatam sets.
In Rotorua’s K-Mart car park, Hriman Krishna met a friend of the devotees who so much appreciates Srila Prabhupada’s books and followers (see picture attached) that she spontaneously gave $55; so he showed her the Srimad-Bhagavatam set and explained its value for material and spiritual education. Inspired, she made the down payment for the set and will continue to make payments on top of what she’s already regularly donating to our brahmacari ashram. (Note: another lady in Timaru has been donating to the ashram for the last three-plus years). That’s how
appreciative the local people are of Prabhupada’s books and devotees.
Now Nitai-jivana’s Bhagavatam set stories:
“Transcendental Teamwork”
Today, as he dropped me off in Waihi, Hriman Krishna Prabhu encouraged me to take a Srimad-Bhagavatam set out with me.
“That’s what we are all about,” he said.
I am aspiring for that vision, but I did have reservations: Set boxes can easily take a beating when rolled out in the street. I would be out all day with rain in the forecast. But after hearing the encouragement, I dropped my reservations and rolled out the set.
That same day Nathan received a lump sum of laksmi and couldn’t figure out why he had received it or what to do with it. He has read many of Prabhupada’s books. He always keeps a Gita with him and behaves like a new devotee. When I offered him the set, he turned it down at first, though it was clear to me he’d love to have it. He said it wasn’t the right time, but 15 minutes later he came back and said he realized the laksmi he had received was actually sent by You, Lord, for the Bhagavatam set and was ready to use such an extraordinary gift for the most extraordinary literature. Those were his own God-conscious words.
As You continue to send Nathan laksmi, he continues to drop off the remaining installments. Each time he does, he meets with one of our bhakta friends in Waihi, who happens to be an old schoolmate of his. The world is small in NZ, but not too small for SB set consciousness.
Oh Lord, please allow us to broaden our vision for helping others. Please allow us to be more courageous in spreading Your glories. Please allow us to overcome selfish concerns.
All credit for today’s Bhagavatam set sale to Nathan goes to You, O Lord, and Hriman Krishna Prabhu.
“Nourished”
I jumped out of the bus after parking it on Main Street in Dannevirke. The first person took a Teachings of Queen Kunti. We were off to a good start.
I approached two friends talking in front of a bakery. They had received Srila Prabhupada’s books before and liked them, but as fate would have it, they had lost the books.
Karl had actually been feeling separation from the books. He wanted them again and even guessed that there must be more, something more elaborate and comprehensive than the Gita he had read.
Not 20 minutes after my arrival in Dannevirke, Karl had left and returned with 500 NZD cash, for the Bhagavatam set plus extra stacks. He also covered the SSR his friend was after.
This is the imperceptible effect of our collective book distribution endeavor! My heartfelt thanks to all of you. Our books are read and appreciated to the point that individuals want more.
Both of these set distribution cases speak very strongly to the glory of
Srila Prabhupada’s books. Individuals meet a distributor on the street and associate with Srila Prabhupada in his purports. That’s enough for them to feel nourished, to feel “for real,” and take the next step.
I am happy to be able to plug into this service with focus. I cannot imitate strong focus, but I pray to develop it, to be able to commit more to the Lord’s cause.
This is the right place, the right time. The right pace to make our unique contributions. To grow in sincerity as we try our best. To experience the peace and satisfaction that comes from going out all day. Please help us to not get fatigued distributing again and again, and to be balanced in our spiritual lives.
It is clear that we are not out for our own happiness. We mysteriously feel satisfied in trying to connect others to You, O Lord. And slowly You open our eyes, by Your Grace. We won’t accept the counterfeit happiness of this world, seeing how hard those we meet struggle under Your external energy. Please nourish our taste for hearing Your glories. And let those who
struggle begin their devotional service by taking a book. Their life is changing course.
Without this higher knowledge, what alternative will remain for them than toiling until ultimate defeat? Please therefore allow us to serve You more and more in this capacity of attempting to distribute Your glories. Please allow us to serve Your empowered servants who are dedicated to this mission.
Please help us feel compassion in our hearts. Otherwise, how can we relate to others? We are going out to help people feel how we feel their struggles. It takes heart and resolve to keep going out.
We can understand that this is the best use of the creative spark that You are providing us. And as Your creative sparks, how much you provide! Sending Lakshmi at the right time. Attracting souls to hear about You, to seek You out. Giving knowledge and remembrance. Inspiring our words as we take risks and make appeals. Allowing our feet to touch the pavement.
Growth takes time. Consistency makes for unforgettable experiences. We are grateful for any opportunity. Every endeavor to distribute Prabhupada’s books is worthwhile. And as we are rightly situated, spontaneity follows.
In gratitude,
Nitai-jivana dasa
