Los Angeles SD Newsletter Vol. 4, Issue 2
ONE BOOK A DAY
By Bhaktin Sara Bock
December was a big month for book distribution here at New Dwaraka, beginning with World Enlightenment Day. On this day, many devotees who normally don’t distribute books, ventured out on behalf of Srila Prabhupada. The mood was ecstatic, as the whole day was focused around book distribution. Upon returning, devotees were completely fired up, having tasted the nectar of sankirtana. The sankirtana mood continued throughout the marathon 2 more weeks of intense distribution. Why is sankirtana such a blissful experience? From a material point of view it sounds like a huge austerity approaching strangers, handing them a book, asking for a donation, and sometimes being insulted in the process. But Srila Prabhupada didn’t give us this knowledge to keep to ourselves. He wanted us to give everyone the opportunity to hear about and glorify the Lord. By following his instructions and preaching, we are pleasing him, and thereby pleasing Krishna. And only when we strive to please Krishna’s senses not our own can we get a taste of transcendental bliss.
Now that the marathon is over, how can we all stay in this sankirtana mood despite our other full time services and engagements? Sarabha Prabhu had the idea of trying to distribute at least one book every day. A few matajis (bhaktin Anastasia and bhaktin Maureen) have also taken to this plan. It is very simple. Everyone can find 15 minutes to go outside and approach a few people. If we have determination and enthusiasm, all we have to do is make a small effort, and Krishna will help guaranteed He will send someone to take a book. By taking part in this one book a day plan, you can get absorbed in the sankirtana mood. In the morning you will meditate on when and how and with whom you will go out. When the time comes to go, you will be a little scared, and you will be forced to pray for Krishna’s mercy. When you distribute a book you will feel bliss, and will probably want to distribute more. And the rest of the day you will be satisfied that you let Krishna use you as an instrument for Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
Please, we encourage everyone to distribute one book a day. It will bring some excitement and adventure to your days in Krishna Consciousness, it will increase the preaching mood in our community, it will give others the opportunity to get out of the materialistic life, and most importantly it will please Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you, Hare Krishna.
