Please be Patient
"Please stand in a line. We promise there's enough for all, and all of you will definitely get books." This is not simply a book distributor's dream but a reality, many a time witnessed by the bus party devotees. The bus party headed by H.G. Rupa Raghunath Prabhu visits various towns and cities, in and around Maharashtra. First, an advance party gets confirmations from a few companies, sometimes with a little persuasion, for distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books. A timetable is chalked out for the coming 2-3 weeks, and a team of 6 devotees then drive to these industrial areas. H.G. Sri Chaitanya Prabhu reveals their strategy, " Generally, we make a set consisting of the Bhagavad Gita, the first two cantos of Srimad Bhagavatam, Krishna book and a couple of big books costing around Rs. 400 – 500. Most often, we impress upon the company authorities to allow us to make a credit sale, whereby the employees take the books without feeling the pinch of paying for the same immediately. We note down their employment identification number and later the amount is deducted from their salary. This works wonders. First day, we have to push very hard for the books with many expressing reluctance, being suspicious of an odd looking group selling some literature. A few do take the books. Next day, the fever catches on as these employees show the books to others and the word spreads. In a matter of just 3-4 days, books worth Rs.60, 000 are distributed. Of course, we have our ups and downs, but overall the response for Srila Prabhupada's books is overwhelming."
No wonder, the bus party devotees are among the most exuberant, enthusing one and all by their highly spirited participation in various activities in the temple. Although joyful at being back in the temple with the devotees after a long period of book distribution outside, they are still excited at the prospect of another trip, and are eagerly looking forward to it.
Your Servent Braja Bihari Das
