Distributing our Precious Books
Book distribution is life. Krishna consciousness is not possible without reaching out to the conditioned souls by distributing Srila Prabhupada books. That is the fastest way to spiritually advance. As Srila Prabhupada famously said, "If you want to please me, then distribute my books." Also, my guru, His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu, always preaches the importance of book distribution. So it is my heart and soul.
Just before my trip to Vrindavan this year, I heard my guru say in a class that when he goes to India on pilgrimage with His disciples, they go in the mood of service, not enjoyment. So I went to Vrindavan in the mood of service.
I had no idea I would be able to distribute so many books in Vrindavan! When I arrived, I of course had some money with me for shopping, but instead I bought some books and started distributing. So many Indians were interested to take books and give donations–almost every person! For four days I distributed right next to Prabhupada’s samadhi and at the entrance gate. I could feel how pleased Prabhupada was with this service. I felt that he was watching me from His samadhi and blessing me. It was as if he was speaking to me from within: "Don't mind quarreling and misdoings by others. Just continue distributing my books."
Before my trip to Vrindavan I was feeling a little down and confused, but Prabhupada clearly showed me how important it is to serve him by distributing his books–no matter where I am–and to never stop no matter what others are doing or not doing. Book distribution is not something we do just once a month or once a week. It should always be in the forefront of our consciousness. No matter where we go, we should always have Srila Prabhupada’s precious books in our bag and be ready to save the fallen, suffering souls by distributing them.
Maya can swallow anyone, and very fast, but if we follow in the footsteps of the previous acaryas, we will be protected. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, Srila Prabhupada, and all of Srila Prabhupada’s sincere disciples emphasize the importance of book distribution. There is not much time left in any of our lives. So we should not waste a moment. We should distribute the mercy wherever we go and whenever we can, so that we can progress from neophytes to advanced devotees who love Lord Krishna and therefore every living entity. And the best way to do this is to always have books with us and distribute wherever we go.
Your servant,
Gopi Gita dd
