Sankirtana stories from Finland
I was distributing in one shopping center in the Eastern parts of Helsinki. It was tough and later I realized it was like that because I was trying to use different tricks while distributing, not really surrendering to Krsna.
I had a break and was listening to a class by Bhurijana Prabhu. It was an excellent, inspiring class, which made me understand Krsna consciousness is truly the perfection of life.
I went to a lady, who took two books in no time. Then I got this feeling how unqualified I am to present these books to anyone. There was a boy in his twenties trying to unlock his bicycle.
"I have no time!" he said haughtily. "When do you have time then??" I asked with similar intensity. "I am just not interested!" he said and, it seemed he really meant it. "What then are you interested in?" I asked.
Surprisingly he slightly put off his guard, so much so I could hand him a TQK.
We spoke for some time and he said he was interested in the languages and the cultures of the East. Hearing this I handed him a Bhagavad Gita.
The discussion went on quite some time and it was a nice discussion.
"Even though most of the people nowadays live below their intelligence, we do not give up the attempt of presenting spiritual philosophy in an intelligent way." (This was something HH Bhakti-vikasa Swami said just theprevious day while he was giving a class in Helsinki)
I said to the boy, "Philosophy means searching for the truth which is beyond all the manifestations. In this book it is said there is a truth behind everything, just as there is a string connecting the beads in this necklace." (I was showing my kanthi-mala) "You can see the beads but not the string."
The conversation ended in the boy saying "I am really interested in these things, and I will certainly read these books."
Then he gave a nice donation and took with him both the books.
Sometimes we get into a kind of a routine with sankirtana and don't present the wonders of Krsna consciousness as they are, instead we try different techniques. This encounter with that boy taught me how important it is not to neglect to approach the intelligence of the people we meet.
Hoping to become your insignificant servant,
Avadhutacandra das
