A Life of Adventure
Dear Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Mantreal, Canada
One morning recently I was on my way to offices from the temple with some books. I was already late, so I was hurrying to the metro to try some other areas. I found that the metro station was not operating, so the lady in charge told all of us to go outside and a bus would come to take us to another metro station. I went out and was hit by a cold blast of air — Montreal. Standing in the queue for long time, I tried to approach the few people around me. I was getting more and more worried about becoming even later for my work, but I knew that the books in my bag were very dangerous: I didn't know where they would take me.
While standing in line, I met an aspiring devotee whose parents were following a little bit of Krsna consciousness. She had been to the temple a few times, so I had a nice time speaking with her. She became my friend. After a long wait the bus finally arrived, and after boarding we continued our conversation. It was no nice speaking with her. I gave her a Nectar of Instruction.
Finally, I went to some other metro station where I never usually go. While inside the metro I thought of giving out some books, but I also wanted to read the NOI to get some inspiration.
Suddenly two policemen entered the metro. I was so scared they might fine me for distributing books inside the metro. I thought this was a good excuse for me to sit quietly and read the NOI, which I did. I had hardly read one line when an old man in front of me, whom I had not even noticed, saw the few books in my hand and asked me, "Can I purchase one of these books?
The police were right behind me, so I thought, "Oh, these books make a real adventure of my life! They will not allow me to do what I want, namely read. They always want my attention and want to go to their real owner." With this I felt like I was completely under the care and shelter of the books and boldly gave several to the old man, not worrying about the policemen. I gave him an SSR and a Bhagavad-gita, and he gave a nice donation. He was so happy to have the books. I did not even say a word to him: I just gave them to him when he asked.
The books are wonderful, nondifferent from Guru and Krishna. They are so merciful that they themselves attract people to them. This incident shattered my ego, my idea that "I am distributing books." Actually it is Guru and Krishna who distribute the books. I am just an unfaithful tool whom they mercifully engage even though I'm unqualified.
Your Servant, .
Lakshmi Devi Dasi
