On Saturday July 23, 2011, we went to book distribution with His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami Maharaja and His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu!! It was an amazing experience to go on book distribution with such great souls!! Getting association of such great souls is very rare but they were so kind to give their priceless association to all of us at ISV.
We first went to a Spanish shopping center in San Jose. Vaisesika Prabhu first preached to a Catholic gentleman who was working at a dental center. The man was a little reluctant at first. But, by preaching to him further Prabhu finally gave him a Bhagavad Gita. Prabhuji taught the man the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra and explained to him the meaning. The man was so kind that he allowed us to place a few Bhagavad Gitas, a Krishna Book, and a few book packs in his store. This man was so fortunate to have Vaisesika Prabhu and Jayadvaita Maharaja place their merciful feet in his store. He added to his fortune by reciting the holy name just once in the presence of the Vaisnavas.
Just saying the holy names once wipes away all the sins incurred over time. What to speak of reciting in the association of the Lord’s devotees.
Krishna so mercifully descended into this material in the golden form of Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya to spread the message of love for God to all; from the most degraded persons to the elevated. We should all follow in the footsteps of HIS great devotees to preach this message of love of Godhead to everyone around the world. Simply by doing this we can enjoy spiritual happiness and also give it to other souls.
We also met a Vietnamese man who worked in a restaurant. He was near the door looking through his cell phone. Vaisesika Prabhu and our ‘Sankirtan Sena’ approached him. Vaisesika Prabhu explained to him about his trips to Vietnam and how he loved the man’s country. As soon as Prabhuji mentioned about his country, this the man was so happy to hear it. He said, “Yes, yes, yes. Vietnam is a very beautiful country.” Prabhu described about the Bhagavad Gita to him. He really appreciated it. When we asked for a donation he spontaneously gave and learned the Maha mantra.
When I came back and saw he was reading the Bhagavad Gita!!
In this instance I realized that glorifying a person or anything related to him, catches his attention. When we actually say it from the heart it goes and touches him and the person will really want to listen to us!!
We also went to a Spanish supermarket and there were many Spanish people who were very interested and eager to receive the books and holy name. After we distributed for a while we were noticed by the assistant manager. The manager objected our distribution of books. But Vaisesika Prabhu insisted that we do book distribution in a more arranged formal fashion by setting up a table in front of the shop! The assistant manager said that we talk with the manager and ask for his permission. The manager came and told us that he had a strict ‘No Solicitation’ policy. But Vaisesika Prabhu turned the situation around by asking the manager if he wanted a book! Amazingly, the manager accepted the book and mentioned that he was aware of our presence in the valley!
From this incident, I realized that whatever situation maya creates, we should be able to turn that into a situation where we can do more service just as Vaisesika Prabhu did.
Let us all participate in this glorious book distribution and in any little way try to bring it forward and give the heartfelt message to all the love-thirsting souls around the world!!
Thank you very much Hare Krishna!!
Ys
Poojha
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