A new answer to the question, How much should I give?

Every summer in Slovenia we organize a three-week Padayatra (Eco-Caravan). It is a harinama-sankirtan with Sri Sri Nitai-Gaura-Nataraja in a different city every day. This year was the twentieth Padayatra. The first was in 2002. Maha Vishnu Swami and Kadamba Kanana Swami both visited for a day. Candramauli Swami came along on a number of days, and Prahladananda Swami

attended almost the whole Padayatra.

One day we were in downtown Ljubljana. I was walking behind to see the reactions of people. I saw a young couple crossing a bridge with gentle smiles while looking at Padayatra. I stopped them and asked how they like it.

“It is interesting.”

“Where are you from?”

“Saudi Arabia.”

I showed them two books, which they looked at and become more interested.

I said, “We don’t sell them. Good people just give a generous donation.”

“How much shall I give?”

“The best you can.”

The man asked his wife, and she said, “You decide.”

He said, “I will give according to my age.”

He asked me, ”How old am I?”

“Thirty.”

“No, I am forty. I will give forty euros.”

He paid with a card. Happy ending! And they continued in a good mood.

Before I never thought of this – that when they ask how much, that they give according to their age. If they have euros or dollars, you will always get a good donation even if they are young, and an even better donation if they are older.

Param vijate sri krishna sankirtana!

Your servant,

Lomancita Dasa