Begging to Give

Posted on Jul 7, 2015 in Sankirtan Stories

Before going to my class in Menlo Park, I had about an hour to spare. I then got the idea, that in the mean time I can distribute a few books as the streets of downtown Palo Alto were quite crowded. They conveyed a great thirst for the Bhagavad Gita and the causeless mercy of Srila Prabhupada, the Parampara, and Lord Nityananda. I have never really ventured to distribute books on a weekday, during rush hour, when everyone is trying to get home, catch the train, go out to dinner, or finish off an important phone call. I knew I would meet quite a few of the working population all suited-up, and I was feeling intimidated. But there was also a considerable population of young people and tourists who were cruising the shops and dining in the restaurants. Praying hard, I decided to give it a shot.

There is a homeless person who has short legs and who often stops by our Harinaam party just to take a look. I stepped up to him and said, “Hi, how are you doing today? Here is the Bhagavad Gita for you, a book on yoga and meditation how to be free from stress.” He took the Bhagavad Gita in his hand and then continued to stare at the book in amazement. I kept glorifying the book, but felt that my words were falling on deaf ears as this man was just gaping in amazement at the book. And then I bent down and said, “Sir?” He said with a smile on his face, looking at my insistence to take the book “I already made up mind to take the book.” And then with a nice laugh he said thank you. I was stunned, having just witnessed a scene where the Bhagavad Gita went on its own merit, to such an extent that I did not even have to say one word. The book just grabbed him.

Before going to my class in Menlo Park, I had about an hour to spare. I then got the idea, that in the mean time I can distribute a few books as the streets of downtown Palo Alto were quite crowded. They conveyed a great thirst for the Bhagavad Gita and the causeless mercy of Srila Prabhupada, the Parampara, and Lord Nityananda. I have never really ventured to distribute books on a weekday, during rush hour, when everyone is trying to get home, catch the train, go out to dinner, or finish off an important phone call. I knew I would meet quite a few of the working population all suited-up, and I was feeling intimidated. But there was also a considerable population of young people and tourists who were cruising the shops and dining in the restaurants. Praying hard, I decided to give it a shot.

There is a homeless person who has short legs and who often stops by our Harinaam party just to take a look. I stepped up to him and said, “Hi, how are you doing today? Here is the Bhagavad Gita for you, a book on yoga and meditation how to be free from stress.” He took the Bhagavad Gita in his hand and then continued to stare at the book in amazement. I kept glorifying the book, but felt that my words were falling on deaf ears as this man was just gaping in amazement at the book. And then I bent down and said, “Sir?” He said with a smile on his face, looking at my insistence to take the book “I already made up mind to take the book.” And then with a nice laugh he said thank you. I was stunned, having just witnessed a scene where the Bhagavad Gita went on its own merit, to such an extent that I did not even have to say one word. The book just grabbed him.

I moved further down the street and distributed for a while. And then I heard a loud stern call, “Hey!!” I was shocked and turned around, I saw that it was the same beggar on the street. He yelled again, “Hey, can ya please move further down the sidewalk? Would ya?” I was taken aback and wondered why. He then put out his cardboard sign and pointing to it he said, “I am kinda doing my thing too, you see, and you are blocking my traffic. So move.” I moved over and laughed out loud heartily.

Then looking at this situation from a rational perspective, with a touch of philosophy, I thought,

“When the magnanimous Lord Nitai and Haridasa Thakura went to ‘beg’ they would fall on the ground and roll. Some people would bring rice and other things to offer. But what would they beg,

‘O men of faith! O men of faith! By the order of Lord Gauranga, O brothers, I beg this one request: Chant “Krishna!”, worship Krishna, and follow Krishna’s instructions. Being careful to remain free of offenses, just take the holy name of Krishna. Krishna is your mother, Krishna is your father, and Krishna is the treasure of your life. Giving up all improper behavior, carry on your worldly duties only in relation to Krishna. The showing of compassion to all fallen souls by loudly chanting the holy name of Krishna is the essence of all forms of religion.’ – *Ajna Tahal, Gitavali, Bhaktivinoda Thakura*

They would graciously make everyone raise their arms and take to Harinaam. Having much regard that my fellow street-mate had intentions for survival and was doing his begging for sustenance, I was feeling grateful to the Lord, Srila Prabhupada, and our spiritual masters, that they have given us luxurious facility to go out and give this wonderful message to others. They have allowed us to be warriors, in our own capacities, and assist them in taking the contents of the store house of the nectar of Love of God, epitomized by the Holy Name, and distributing its contents. Gaura Nitai Ki Jai!

*In essence, they are giving us the opportunity to become the servitor, whose duty is always: Begging to Give.

Seeing the beggar get a book, a generous man came up to me with his family and asked, “If I get this book what should I offer you in return?” I was amazed. I told him, “You can give whatever comes from your heart.” He handed me a $20 bill, took a picture, and walked away with his family. That was the fastest, easiest, and most spontaneous way I had ever received a donation on the street. 🙂

It is always heart warming to come across a long lost soul who has been searching so much, with eagerness and willingness to learn about self realization, so much so that their eyes convey the deep longing. I was delighted to meet one such man on the street. He waited for me to finish distributing to the person before him and walked up to me. He asked, “What is this?” I gave my explanation, and then he said, “Here is a donation in appreciation for this book. I have been looking for this book my whole life, and I am so grateful and appreciative that you have given it to me today. I will definitely read it. Thank you very very much.” Wow! What an experience!

I sincerely pray to Lord Radha Madan Mohan, Lord Narasimha Dev, Lord Nityananda, and Srila Prabhuapada, that they constantly allow us to immerse our thoughts, words, and actions in the transcendental service of distributing this wonderful message under the loving shelter of our lion-like leader, His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu. I thank the whole team of ISV for being the very source of my inspiration and hope to always remain in your association.

Your aspiring servant, With Gratitude,