Persuading a person with problems
When I reached the Metro station in Gurugram (Harayana, India), the display board said that the next metro would arrive in six minutes. But when I reached the platform, the metro was already there, and I ended up missing it. So I started approaching people and offering them books, but no one was interested.
Then I came across a young lady who patiently listened to my glorification of the books. When I mentioned the law of karma, she politely declined the books and mentioned that she doesn’t believe in karma. She explained that she is going through a rough phase in her life and the person responsible for her misery seems to be having good time — this was proof that there is no law of karma.
I explained that some karma takes time to fructify and also that karmic reactions continue from past lives. We sow a pomegranate seed, which may bear fruit in three years, while a mango tree may take ten years. She interjected to reflect back to me that I was telling her that she is responsible for her miseries. I confirmed that this could be the case. I added that she cannot change her past deeds, but she has the option of gaining proper knowledge so that she is will not generate more karma and can counteract her past karma.
She said that she still did not want the books but could donate. I reasoned with her. She is making a donation, so she might as well take the books, which could permanently solve her problems, as they have for many people. She finally agreed to take the books.
I was very happy to give books to someone who acknowledges that they are suffering.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada for engaging us in his transcendental service! All glories to the book distribution service! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
–ys, Ananda Gauranga Dasa
