A book distribution report to Bhaktivinoda Thakura from ISV
Dear Bhakti Vinoda Thakura,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to you!!
namo bhaktivinodaya sac-cid-ananda-namine
gaura-sakti-svarupaya rupanuga-varaya te
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda, who is transcendental energy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is a strict follower of the Gosvamis, headed by Srila Rupa.
We are gathered here on the most auspicious occasion, the disappearance day of Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur to offer the results of our Monthly Sankirtana Festival (MSF) which was held for a little over one month here at ISV.
It was Bhaktivinoda Thakur who said:
Jive doya, Krishna-nam-sarva-dharma-sar
“The showing of compassion to all fallen souls by distributing Krsna nama is the essence of all religious principles”
You revived the Sankirtan mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu to spread the Holy Name and envisioned a marketplace for distributing it that would do the highest good to all living beings in this world.
In 1896, in a pioneering spirit, you sent the transcendental teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu beyond the tiny borders of India to the West in the form of a small booklet you had written in Sanskrit and translated into English called ‘Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His Life and Precepts’ This bold step would turn out to be very inspiring to future book distributors. 1896 is the same auspicious year Srila Prabhupada also appeared.
The goals for this MSF were:
– To distribute at least 135 Srimad Bhagavatam sets from the beginning of the year.
– To distribute at least 2,500 Bhagavad Gita's.
– Learn to distribute books in Vietnamese Language.
– Brainstorm ideas for Srimad Bhagavatam reading club.
We are to report that all these goals have been met.
*Highlights:*
To accomplish these goals, the ISV devotees held Hari nama Sankirtan performances in Palo Alto and participated in massive book distribution all across the Bay Area and beyond over a period of 5 weeks.
They went out door-to-door through several apartment complexes in different cities, visited stores, community centers and nearby cities and also distributed books in distant places such as Indonesia, Spain and Hungary.
– Again a very well organized Harinama was conducted at Palo Alto in a pleasing manner. The place was also reserved for this event.
– Smart box team led by Selva Prabhu placed new smart boxes.
– ISV kids team again did huge by distributing Bhagavad Gita’s and SB sets at various venues like door-door, beach, university and Little Krishna kids. In total they distributed 23 SB sets and collected over $4028 in laxmi.
– Motel Gita team led by Mayapur prabhu dispatched 3600 of Bhagavad Gita’s again this month.
– Team ISV distributed 35 Signed SB sets at the Sadhu Sanga festival.
– Many devotees participated in each one teach one program and took personal vows to distribute SB sets.
– Hansapriya Mataji distributed 21 SB sets which was her personal goal
– Sukhesvari Mataji distributes 14 SB sets which was her personal goal
– By the blessings of HG Vaisesika Prabhu first SOS was conducted at ISKCON Madrid Spain by Team ISV to introduce distribution of SB sets and Bhagavad Gitas. 2 Spanish SB sets were
distributed at the temple.
– Cow banks were introduced at ISV on the auspicious day of Panihati festival, along with a letter issued by HG Vaisesika Prabhu emphasizing the importance of cow protection.
– Logo for the Surabhi project launched with help of Jamuna matajii
– Ahimsa Milk Sales also increased by 10% this month
Summary of Scores
Here’s a summary of the final results from book distribution.
In all,
– More than 74 devotees participated in the book distribution effort
– Participating devotees distributed 5843 books* (including 156 SB sets),including 2 Spanish SB Sets.
– Team ISV also collected $38,835 total in Lakshmi points.
On behalf of Team ISV, we express our thanks to all teams and team leaders who participated in the MSF book distribution (with special thanks to Shraddha devi-dasi and Ramananda-sakha for generous donation, to all donors for their generous contribution, Without the hard work of all these devotees, these results would not have been possible.
Our special thanks go to HG Vaisesika Prabhu whose enthusiasm and inspiration were instrumental in achieving the goals.
Monthly Sankirtana Festival (MSF) of a Ambassador of Goodwill Ki Jay!
Srila Prabhupada Ki Jaya! Thakur Bhakti Vinod Ki Jaya!
your humble servant,
Sri Krishna Purusottama das
