Marathon Book Distribution Nectar
Books that No one wants
Avtar Lila Dasa, a devotee in BT, regularly goes out for book distribution. He recalls an interesting event that took place recently:
I was distribution books in the local train, when a man who initially seemed disinterested, suddenly called me.
"See I am a housing financer," he said. "You seem to be well-educated, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir you are right," Avtar Lila replied. "I am a post graduate engineer."
"Oh, wonderful," the man was surprised. "But how come you are selling these books which no one wants to buy?" Avtar Lila smiled. "You are right sir, again. Actually we need to know the purpose of life. The goal of life is to know the Supreme Lord and engage in His loving devotional service. Once we know that goal and work to achiever it then all our activities are automatically arranged in harmony with that goal. These books teach the science of loving God and are hence, very important. Therefore I am distributing them." "Coming to your point that very few persons are interested in these books, it is also true. Lord Krishna says in Bhagwad Gita manusyanama sahasresu
kascid yatati siddhaye
yatatam api siddhanam
kascin mam vetti tattvatah
Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth."
"And sir, you seem to be very interested. I think you are the chosen one. Please take these books." The man was charmed by the convincing arguments and took two books.
The Greatest Gita
Once we were distributing Srila Prabhupada's books in the coal mines when we met an officer who was a guide to students working for their Ph.D. in Hindi literature. He had guided six students for Ph.D. He regularly writes for Gita Press journal and also edits their books. When we showed him the books he said, "I have read eight commentaries on Bhagwad Gita. What new thing you have?"
We still pressed him to at least see the books for some time.
"OK," he said. "I will just read the commentary of the first verse." He began reading Srila Prabhupada's purport to Bhagwad Gita 1.1. After reading for just a few moments he turned to us, "This Bhagwad Gita is really great. Its marvelous. Give me the entire set, " he said.
