A boss connects with the real Boss
After I recently commenced a new job, my boss showed me his book collection, and one of his books was the BBT’s Veda. He couldn’t recall how or when he got hold of the book. I then showed him our Manor promotional video, which he in turn sent to the chairman of our company (the former vice president of Samsung), who then asked to visit the Manor. We arranged a visit during office hours on a Monday, and we spent three hours on the temple grounds discussing Srila Prabhupada and his mission. They were all really impressed. My boss...
read moreTwo books for Prince Harry
Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, was in and around New Zealand last week. He ended his travels in Auckland and played a football match with the youth team of New Zealand at the Cloud Building. As he exited the building, throngs of excited Aucklanders waited to catch a glimpse of him, take a photo, and even possibly shake his hand. There was certainly a great feeling of admiration for this prince. As a former British resident, I’d seen the royal family going to Windsor Castle to attend Sunday Services. My brother was a...
read moreWhat’s nice about book distribution
Hare Krishna, I’m back in Los Angeles, distributing books at the Griffith Observator. This is a place newly opened for book distribution by Amarendra Prabhu, a lawyer and Srila Prabhupada’s disciple. For many years he’s helped the BBT open spots for the sankirtan devotees. Last week, I found the going a little slow during the weekdays, so I tried Santa Monica Mall instead. It’s an outdoor mall, so the authorities allow us to distribute. But it’s not an easy place. Paramesvara Prabhu, the sankirtan leader of RVC,...
read moreLunch or book
In New Zealand I stopped a young man (Robert) by putting the Gita in his hand while saying, "Since you are in Te Atatu with an awesome pony tail and a cool beard, I am showing you this encyclopedia of knowledge and culture." He kindly looked through the Gita while I peppered him with questions, intermixed with a comment or two about the Gita — that it covers everything. He is a music teacher of some sort, and I said this book even covers music. I quietly sang, "You know this right?…sa re ga ma pa da ni sa"...
read moreA doubter bends towards Krsna
I'd put a stall close to Chembur Station in Mumbai, which a middle-aged man out of curiosity stopped to check. He looked at the books and, looking at me, said “Madam, why are you wasting time with these books? I do not believe in all those things.” Challenged in this way, I wanted to refute his words, knowing that it's difficult to persuade such a person. I told him, “Sir, I can give you some answers, but provided you have time to hear me.” He said he had time and wished to hear. I asked his name and whether he...
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