A Gift
This happened in Aurangabad, India . . . .
Rasayatra Prabhu, one of our enthusiastic brahmacaris, loves to go out practically every day to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books. It's now the hottest part of the year, and he distributes at railway stations and on trains, as these are the most crowded places because of summer vacation.
One day he made announcements on a train and was showing books to everyone. He was doing quite well. He noticed someone at the door watching him. Most of the time TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiners) are unfavorable to book distribution, and they threaten us. Also, other hawkers see us as competitors, and they complain to the railway authority about us.
So Rasayatra ignored him and continued his activities. But ten minutes passed, and still this fellow was there standing.
When Rasayatra had covered the whole coach and was getting down, this fellow shouted and called him near. Then he pulled something out of his pocket: a new pen.
He said, "Maharaja, I want to give you this gift. Please accept it."
He was a Muslim. He gave Rasayatra the pen and started walking. Rasayatra thought it was a nice opportunity to give him a book. So he starting walking after him and calling out.
"Wait! I also I have a gift for you. Look at these books."
The man said,"But if I take this book, you will have to give an account to your authority, and I don't have money."
He showed all his empty pockets. The devotee thought for while.
He said, "No problem, you can give me money next time. "
There was another Muslim standing there, his friend, and he asked how much it cost?
"Ten rupees."
He said, "I will pay for him." The man went on after happily thanking the devotee.
Rasayatra was astonished to see how the Paramatma reciprocated. When this man gave whatever (& the only thing) he had as a gift, the Lord arranged that he received the most precious and best thing: Srila Prabhupada's book.
Daso smi
Raja Gopala Das
