The nectar of book distribution
Recently, I distributed books at Palomar College in southern California. An African-American was looking at the books, and he asked the price of “Teachings of Lord Caitanya.” I said, “You can’t put a price on wisdom, but for this, people give around $10.” “OK, I’ll be back.” He returned in fifteen minutes and said, “You know, I want that book because of the cover picture, because he dances.” I responded, “Not only does He dance but He encourages thousands and millions of others...
read moreA new lease on life in Auckland
Recently, I met Hemi, a 44-year-old, warm and friendly Maori (native) gentleman whose work is distributing advertising leaflets to the public. He immediately recognized Srila Prabhupada’s books. He already has the Gita and others but has not yet read them. He gave a donation and took two small books. He was working the same side of the street as me. He’s been doing so from 9 until 4:30 every day for over two weeks to promote the School Uniform Shop he is working for. A while later I met him again. “What is a monk?” he inquires. I said, “We...
read moreYoungest Sankirtan Devotee
The French yatra has an extraordinary sankirtana devotee: a toddler, Sangita, who distributes books on her pram, probably the youngest and cutest book distributor in ISKCON. Less than two years old, Sangita started distributing books when she was barely a year old, imitating the elders while on her pram during sankirtana. During the past Christmas marathon she sold a book to a Chinese kid, and the kid’s mom gladly gave a donation. She accompanies her parents, Temple President Locananda Das and Gandharvika Rai Devi Dasi, on harinam sankirtana...
read moreA Lifetime Sankirtana Devotee
A most heartwarming sight during my visit to the French yatra is the example set by Janananda Goswami, a full-time sankirtana devotee. He prefers being on the road and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, in the form of his books, even in the harsh winters. He is the inspiration behind the sankirtana efforts in France, and he leads by example, tirelessly distributing books on streets or in airports, planes, and bus stations and everywhere else he sets foot. Janananda Goswami’s enthusiasm is contagious, his dedication is admirable, and his...
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