Book Distribution in Detroit
I was asked to give the lecture on Janmastami at the Detroit temple, (for those of you in other countries, Detroit is a city in the state of Michigan in the USA). As I was speaking about the pastimes of Krsna something Prabhupada had said entered my train of thought, "Devotees are not satisfied in just hearing the glories of Krsna they also want to distribute His glories." Well, that sparked an interactive discussion on book distribution. I asked, "How many of you have distirbuted books?" Everyone raised their hands. I said, "Sense we all know how to do it why don't we all go out and have Harinama and book distribution on this auspicous day of Janmastami." I heard a roor of approval, so that's what we did. We went to a suburb of Detroit, "Royal Oaks" and had a 'Sankirtan Party.' It was the most ecstatic Janmastami I've ever experienced, the devotees were in ecstacy, and so many people were appreciating the Harinam and books.
The next day, "Prabhupada's appearance day" I interviewed a devotee who has been distributing books for thirty-three years. His name is Ayodya dasa a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He's 73 years old and goes out on book distribution every day (except ekadasi) in India. He lives in Vrndavana distributes in the trains from Mathura to Agra. I asked him how are you able to distribute every day year after year? He said, "I like it. Prabhupada's books give the highest truth so what else would I want to do but give this important information to others."
Athough book distribution is illeagal in the trains whenever an employee of the train company sees him they allow him to continue, they see his saintly, humble nature so they don't bother him. His determination is that he will go on until his body doesn't allow anymore. He is an example of great determination. Prabhupada was speaking to some devotees once about the need to be determined. One devotee asked, "Prabhupada what if someone doesn't have determination. Prabhupada said, "Then he is an animal."
All glories to the determination and compassion of Ayodya dasa!
Your Servant,
Vijaya Das
