A Pleasant Awakening
Sriman Ramdas Prabhu, Rish Prabhu, and I were battling the nearby snowy mountains, the hail, and severe winds together in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand, during a recent book marathon.
Rish and I were presenting Krsna Book to the sad and confused people of the area with some pleasant surprises.
I stopped a boy in his late teens who was wearing a black cap saying: “Enjoy Coke” (cocaine). I adjusted my language to best relate. I have many friends from my past who would have been in his shoes, so we seemed to get along. He had quit school and was without any occupation.
To encourage him I congratulated him: “Well done, you escaped the brainwashing trap early.” I know that nothing God-centered is ever going to result from a so-called education in the “slaughterhouse” schools of the dark Kali-yuga.
I presented Krsna book immediately to sanctify our new friendship. His amazement was being awakened by the pictures of cruel Kamsa ready to behead Mother Devaki, baby Krsna troubling the Trnavarta demon, Krsna's stealing butter, the cowherd boys fearlessly dancing into the mouth of Aghasura, the gopis dancing with Krsna and so on.
On his own, he piped up and said, “If I give you ten bucks, can I have this book?”
Our young misguided friend now eagerly seized the priceless opportunity and handed over the Lord's laxmi.
Then with my warm encouragement he left happily with Sri Krsna in his hands.
I was left in bliss seeing the Lord personally ignite the interest of this lost wayward soul through beautiful pictures of His pastimes and associates.
I did not say anything but dry empty words, yet by showing the pictures with confidence and enthusiasm, I witnessed that Krsna awoke this boy before my eyes.
Srila Prabhupada wrote on board the Jaladuta: “As the vast mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu conquers all directions, a flood of transcendental ecstasy will certainly cover the land. When all the sinful, miserable living entities become happy, the Vaisnavas' desire will be fulfilled.”
Your servant,
Bal Gopal Dasa
