From Fear to Ecstacy
Dear Prabhu's
We begin the New Year by offering a wonderful nectar story from the recently concluded December book distribution marathon. The entire month saw the Radha-Gopinath congregation and resident devotees immersing themselves completely in the fire of the sankirtana yajna, resulting in a score that was heretofore unseen in the history of the temple. We begin with the story of Bhakta Ashish, who comes for His Grace Shikshashtakam Prabhu's Wednesday meeting in the temple. He recalls:
Before the beginning of the marathon, I was asked by senior devotees to set a personal target for the marathon. Since I had never before distributed books, I was very scared and timidly replied, "Maybe five or six Bhagavad-gitas." I thought even that was too much. "OK," the senior devotees replied, "try doing ten."
December arrived. I came to the temple for Mangal Arati and found it half empty. "Where are the devotees?" I asked. The answer: "They have gone to the Dadar Railway station to distribute books."
"Wow," I thought, "I will go there after the Bhagavatam class."
I prayed to Srila Prabhupada and went along with some foreign devotees to Dadar. On the way, these devotees began to preach to fellow passengers in the local train about the books. Since they could not speak Marathi, I translated for them. It was my first experience of preaching, and I got some confidence. However, when I reached the busy Dadar Bridge, which hundreds of pedestrians cross every ten minutes, I got really scared. I held the books, but I went near Gokulananda Prabhu from the USA and asked, "Prabhuji, I am really scared. Can you just stay near me?" He kindly smiled and encouraged me. I showed books to people. Then the miracle happened: I actually sold a Gita. With that first sale, all my fear evaporated.
I grabbed more books and began to shout to the people and approach them fearlessly. That day I distributed fifteen books.
Later I distributed books in my father's workplace — the Gamdevi Police station. My father is an officer there. He has become very favorable and is donating some land to ISKCON at our native place.
Some time later, on a Sunday, my father told me to accompany him to his guru's ashram. I told him I wanted to attend the Sunday feast at the ISKCON temple, but he insisted that I accompany him. I agreed on the condition that I would be allowed to distribute books there. My father agreed, but when we reached the ashram I was not allowed to distribute books in their premises. So I went out to the road, spread a dhoti on the hood of our jeep, and displayed the books. I distributed 30 Gitas that day.
After that I began approaching people on the street. One evening I had a very tough time. I was carrying four books, and I desperately wanted to distribute them, but no one seemed to be interested. I prayed intensely to Srila Prabhupada
Finally I reached the police colony. Suddenly a man called to me: "What are you carrying?" I showed the books. "OK, give me two," he said. I could not believe my ears. My dead spirit suddenly resurrected. I began to explain more about the books. "Just shut up!" he ordered. "I know all about them. Now give me the books and go away." I took his phone number and later gave him five more Gitas. I learned that he regularly gifts Gitas in December.
Now I have already distributed more than hundred books. I realize that if we have sincere desire, Lord Krsna helps us and empowers us. The only need is to actually desire and go out.
