No library should be without a book by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami!
On Friday, August 27, 2020, Vaisheshika Prabhu posted a video of Indradyumna Swami and Jayapataka Swami stressing the importance of distributing Srimad Bhagavatam on that special day.
Although busy, I felt like I had to get out. It was late in the evening in Texas, with a little daylight remaining. I put a Srimad Bhagavatam in my book bag and went to the closest shopping area near my home.
Approaching people who were coming out of an Albertsons, I was getting the usual rejections that come with getting going. I had on a face mask and a glove.
Joseph, of African descent, took interest in the blue Srimad Bhagavatam, Tenth Canto, Volume One. He gave a couple of dollars and did well reciting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra from the card.
Hoping that Krishna would provide the laxmi for the Srimad Bhagavatam, I met Trent. He was sitting with his phone. I handed him the book “Spiritual Yoga”. Trent has been reading Bhagavad Gita online and has a Mahabharata at his home, unusual for someone who is not from India. He gave me $20 and
recited the Hare Krishna maha-mantra like a pro.
Then Tina bought a “Spiritual Yoga” because the book was the same color as her hair. Julio bought a Spanish “Perfection of Yoga,” and Rosanna a “Spiritual Yoga”. Although Julio mispronounced Krishna, they all tried to chant Hare Krishna from the mantra card.
Now it was dark as I headed to the car. Jacob was loading groceries into his vehicle as I handed him a copy of “Spiritual Yoga.” I figured it would not hurt to try. He gave back the book saying that he had a library of books at home, but handed me a $5 donation.
So I said “If you have a library, put the book on the shelf. No library should be without a book by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.” He agreed and took back the book then did well reciting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.
Offering people who buy books a Hare Krishna maha-mantra card has enhanced sankirtan a lot. After the sometimes awkward moments of getting a donation, the gift of the holy names brings people right to the conclusion of the Vedas, with the results of visiting all holy places and performing all sacrifices.
Your servant,
Mishra Bhagavan Dasa
