An Old Love Revived

by Mahatama dd

While staying in Stratford, Connecticut, employed as a care-giver, I try to go out every weekend to do some book distribution. Sometimes I went to New York City with some Gitas. One cold morning I arrived at the Metro North Station in Stratfordand and spotted a nice young Indian gentleman. My first thought was "He could be a good prospect to receive a Gita." But then I noticed he was smoking a cigarette, so I decided to wait for a while, not wanting to approach him while he was doing that. I kept walking and sat down on the next bench I found. I forgot about the Indian gentleman and started planning my day in NY.

All of a sudden the Indian fellow came up to me and asked me about the next train. "Oh," I said, "it will be here in few minutes. But actually I wanted to talk to you." I then presented the Gita to him.

"Oh, my God!" he exclaimed, "this is the Bhagavad-gita, the ancient scripture from India. My grandfather used to read this to us every day!"

"Wonderful!" I said. "Then you know about this philosophy?"

"Of course!" he replied. "Here I am in the USA, going to the university and forgetting all about my culture and ancestors. But then you give me this great book!"

Yes," I said, "it is our duty, our spiritual master's order."

He went on to tell me about his grandfather, who had been a king in a small town in India. The young man was overjoyed to receive the Gita, hugging it to his chest. He gave me his name and e-mail address, and I invited him to come with me to the temple the next Sunday. We kept in touch for a few weeks until I left the area.

Another grateful soul touched by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's movement!