From the Los Angeles Sastra Dana Newsletter
SASTRA DANA AT THE UNIVERSITI OF CALIFORNIA AT THE IRVINE
I recently had the opportunity to witness this glorious Sastra Dana program in action at the University of California at Irvine.
As we were walking to the classroom the two prabhus, Arcita das and Mahat-tattva das, ahead of me were caring full boxes of books. I was considering what a labor of love this was. Those boxes were heavy!
While Arcita das addressed college students on the science of Krishna consciousness, Mahat-tattva das handed out a variety of Srila Prabhupada’s books. One student, whom I was sitting next to, already had a copy of “Easy Journey to Other Planets” with her. After the short lecture students were asking so many questions on philosophy. Some of them were already reading the books, which Mahat-tattva das handed to them, trying to find more questions for devotees to answer. The hour long class passed so quickly and students still had so many questions. We still had more books left, so I announced to the class that if anyone would like to receive another book, to please come get. Immediately, the table was crowded with students eager to chose another book. It was so wonderful that these books could be give freely, without worry for covering cost, to those who were receptive and inquisitive. Some number of students stayed after the class trying to ask few more questions, and some of them were following us all the way to our car. But we had to leave and the good thing is that we could leave peacefully knowing that Srila Prabhupada in the form of his books will take care of their spiritual life. The return walk to the parking lot was much easier. Every single book had been given into the hand of someone who would open them and begin their journey back home, back to Godhead.
One of the very first orders that Srila Prabhupada received from his Guru Maharaja was “If you ever get money, print books.” Sastra Dana has gone right to the heart of this instruction. By supporting this program you are directly pushing on book publication and distribution. Srila Prabhupada says that these books are like time bombs. In time they will act to change the hearts of the conditioned souls.
Your servant Kriya sakti devi dasi
