Hare Krishna. I have been learning about "book distribution" of the big book "The Bhagavad-Gita as it is". Would you say that the majority of people who joined ISKCON did so because of the Bhagavad-Gita as it is? I joined because I was totally fascinated with the 2 small books. "Coming Back" and the "Higher Taste". I am wondering how many devotees if any just focus and distribute the "small books" only. Thanks.
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Hare Krishna Mataji
Yes, it does require more commitment to read the bigger book. Yes, it was brilliant of Srila Prabhupada to give the essence first through smaller books. I received a "script" for what to say when trying to distribute books. My fear is that I won't be able to even do my script before the person runs away. I am also worrying about how I will feel if I spend 2 hours trying to distribute books and still no one will even take a book from me. I am wondering how "book distributors" deal with the negative feelings of being constantly rejected from the general public.
Hare Krsna Mataji,
PAMHO.
I understand your apprehensions on book distribution completely. That was one service which I just couldnt do. I worked on myself for a year, preparing mentally to distribute books, as against gift them. How to ask people for money for the book I am asking them to take (after all, they didnt come looking for the book).
When I finally went to distribute books, what I realised is - what works is surrender, humility. Surrender to guru, pray internally to guru before, during and after book distribution. We are no one to distribute books. the mercy is simply flowing through us. We are simply the medium.
Its a good idea to have read the book one is trying to distribute. Then one can discuss the contents of the book. One has to be polite under all circumstances. One has to show the book, discuss and generate interest, when the person takes the book, ask for a donation to be given to the temple, you can even mention that you have no personal interest, you are not keeping any commission on the sale (depending on the situation. Suppose someone wants a discount simply because they like to bargain, or someone thinks you will keep the money).
When we do it as a service, we remember that the effort is pleasing to Krsna, not the success. Therefore, it is not a regular sales target we are used to in office environment.
Once someone takes a book, I usually try to give them a card (pre printed, one side local temple deity picture, reverse side the maha mantra and local temple address), invite them to the temple.
If someone doesnt take a book also, I try to give them the card, so that they can visit the temple.
You will have amazing experiences while doing book distribution. You will meet varied people, from the most receptive, to the most offensive. Please do share with us your experiences.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Hare Krsna Mataji
PAMHO. Wow!!! So you had to work on yourself for a year to prepare mentally for book distribution!!! Yes, Lord Krishna will decide who gets a book. Yes, it is our efforts to please Krishna not the actual results that matter. I totally agree about reading the books you are going to distribute. I need to read the Bhagavad-Gita as it is again. Fortunately, I have read the 2 small books many many times so am very familiar with them. Yes, having a pre-printed card to give is also very important. I think I will be able to retire from my job soon and would like to give book distribution a try. Yes, I would very much like to share my experiences here. Thank you so much!!!
Hare Krishna Mataji Zola. Thanks. I had wondered if I was the only one who came as a result of the small books. I think if someone had tried to give me the big book in the beginning, I would have refused it. I would have immediately thought "I am too busy. I will never have time to read this big book. So why would I waste my money buying a big book I would never have time to read." I am thinking I might have better luck with doing "small books" because interested persons might think." Oh this is a small book. I might have time to read this small book"