book distribution - Blog - ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT2024-03-29T14:24:22Zhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/book+distributionDevotee Couple Seeks to Expand Successful Service in Ghanahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/devotee-couple-seeks-to-expand-successful-service-in-ghana2024-03-16T06:27:38.000Z2024-03-16T06:27:38.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p> </p>
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<p>In September of 2023, Kesava Dasa and Kesava Priya Dasi arrived in Ghana, West Africa, at the invitation of Srivas Vanacari Maharaja, the Zonal Secretary for West Africa, to assist with college preaching as well as book and prasadam distribution.</p>
<p>Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana is located on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. It is known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. It gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957 and has since become a stable democracy with a growing economy, renowned for its cocoa production and vibrant traditional festivals. </p>
<p>Hare Krishna devotees first arrived in Ghana in 1981. Under the instruction and guidance of Bhakti Tirtha Swami, his disciple Srivas Vanacari established the temple and a school in Medie, a rural village about a 45-minute drive from the capital city of Accra. The area was uninhabited at the time, and the devotees were the first to settle there. </p>
<p>The “Kesavas” rented a house in Medie, a brisk five-minute walk from the temple. “The response we have received from the local people has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Kesava Dasa, “We have been granted a one-year missionary visa/residence permit for Ghana, with an option to renew it for an additional three years.”</p>
<p>Kesava Dasa first came to Africa in 1969 as a small child with his parents. He spent nine years living in different African countries, as his father was working for the United Nations. He first came into contact with the Hare Krishna movement in Toronto in 1983, and again, in 2012, he returned to serve with the East Africa Festival Tour headed up by Mahavishnu Swami.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/devotee-couple-seeks-to-expand-successful-service-in-ghana/">https://iskconnews.org/devotee-couple-seeks-to-expand-successful-service-in-ghana/</a></p>
<div> </div></div>Book Distribution Record Broken with New Farsi Translations by Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/book-distribution-record-broken-with-new-farsi-translations-by-ku2024-03-12T14:53:50.000Z2024-03-12T14:53:50.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<p>A young devotee named Bhakta Kevin, serving at the Los Angeles New Dvaraka temple, has broken multiple book distribution records enthusiastically distributing stacks of Srila Prabhupada’s books newly translated into the Farsi language. As soon as the new books arrived at the BBT warehouse from the port of Los Angeles, Bhakta Kevin immediately made beautiful, ribbon-tied stacks of them, which were named the “Four Kumara Stacks.” He drove straight to a local area called “Little Persia” and proceeded to distribute 35 sets in just two hours.</p>
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<p>This special set of four books—Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Perfection of Yoga, Beyond Birth and Death, and Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers—is available in both Farsi and Arabic. Not resting on his laurels, Bhakta Kevin broke another record recently, distributing 62 of the Farsi sets also in just a few hours.</p>
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<p>Satyanarayana Dasa, BBT Director for the Far East/Middle East, said, “As we saw with Russia and China previously, it now appears to be the Middle Eastern world that is experiencing a ‘distribution revolution.’ It’s the last major frontier in this world.”</p>
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<p>He continued, “While distributing among the millions of Farsi and Arabic speakers who come to the Western world as tourists, university students or as new residents each year, both the book distributors and the Iranians/Arabs experience a special happiness when that exchange happens.</p>
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<p>It is as if Srila Prabhupada’s special blessing becomes truly alive at that moment. It’s a blessing reserved just for these Middle Eastern languages, and that blessing falls on both the book distributors and the receiving parties at the same time. They seem to feel a unique and shared transcendental joy.”</p>
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<p>Middle Easterners are deeply grateful that this ancient spiritual knowledge is being translated into their own mother tongue, as the knowledge goes deepest into their hearts that way. They often take the books back home with them to the Middle East and share them with friends and family.</p>
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<div><strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/book-distribution-record-broken-with-new-farsi-translations/">https://iskconnews.org/book-distribution-record-broken-with-new-farsi-translations/</a></div>
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<p> </p></div>ISKCON Inaugurates Ayodhya Festival Camp, Begins Prasadam and Book Distributionhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/iskcon-inaugurates-ayodhya-festival-camp-begins-prasadam-and-book2024-01-23T15:33:49.000Z2024-01-23T15:33:49.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12365398286,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12365398286?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>As hundreds of thousands descend on Ayodhya for the grand opening of the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on January 22, ISKCON has formerly inaugurated its festival tent in ceremonies and celebrations today in the presence or several senior ISKCON members.</p>
<p>The program commenced with invocation of mantras, offering of an arati to the Padayatra Deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>This was followed by the opening of the month long yajnashala (fire sacrifice). Later all the leaders officially offered the sacred fire into the stoves in the kitchen which are named after Lord Rama and his associates.</p>
<p>The team of devotees who have come from different parts of India and the world along with the volunteers have begun prasadam distribution, equipped to feed up to 5,000 daily. Book distribution led by Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavat Swami is successfully sharing spiritual literature to all the many visitors to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama.</p>
<p>“The whole mood in Ayodhya and the country is spiritualized and the receiption for the message of Lord Rama is being well received. The public and officials are very appreciative of ISKCON’s efforts,” said Yudhistir Govinda Das, National Director of Communications of ISKCON India and the Convenor of the ISKCON Ayodhya Festival Committee.</p>
<p>In a short interview, Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavat Swami summarized the service in Ayodhya, “We are doing three things: distributing prasadam, distributing books, and distributing harinam.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/iskcons-inaugurates-festival-camp-begins-prasadam-and-book-distribution/">https://iskconnews.org/iskcons-inaugurates-festival-camp-begins-prasadam-and-book-distribution/</a></p></div>Book distribution in Bosnia and Herzegovina by Nandisvara Dashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/book-distribution-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-by-nandisvara-das2024-01-09T14:18:19.000Z2024-01-09T14:18:19.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12355952664,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="12355952664?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Dear devotees, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Šrila Prabhupada!</p>
<p>I’d like to use this opportunity to inform you about a successful book distribution program that started back in 2012 and is still ongoing. I hope many of you will get inspiration from this report and replicate it in your yatras. During Vrisabha Prabhu’s (my close friend, a devotee from Croatia) stay in Sarajevo in the period from 2012 to 2014, there was an opportunity to enter libraries with Srila Prabhupada’s books, not only in Sarajevo, but also throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.</p>
<p>Vrisabha Prabhu gave the idea to start with public lectures on the topics of karma, reincarnation, vegetarianism, testimonies of the ancient civilization of the Vedas, etc. So, at the end of 2012, we started with such lectures in libraries and public institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For example, there are about 30 libraries here in Sarajevo alone. So Vrisabha prabhu, bhakta Zoran and I set out on a great adventure. The goal was to place Šrila Prabhupada’s books in as many libraries as possible and to hold lectures in their reading rooms. Vrisabha prabhu very skilfully planned, organized and delivered the lectures. Soon after, we started with these programs in libraries around Sarajevo (Hrasnica, Visoko, Breza, Ilijaš, Vogošća, Vareš, etc.)</p>
<p>Vrishabha prabhu enthusiastically prepared the posters. The entrance was free of charge so that as many people as possible could attend. We had a book stand and chanted the holy names. Encouraged by the successes, we continued with more distant cities such as Konjic, Prozor, Jablanica, Bugojno, Gornji Vakuf, Donji Vakuf, Vitez, Travnik, etc. We also held programs in larger cities in the Republic of Srpska (Banja Luka, Višegrad, Sokolac, etc.) So the programs began to follow one after the other. Vrisabha prabhu showed great enthusiasm. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him and bhakta Zoran. Our modus operandi was such that we would first look at the map of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Then we downloaded the list of all libraries in the country from the Internet.</p>
<p>We then contacted the managers of those libraries and offered them two options. 1) To hold a lecture in their reading room on one of the offered topics and on that occasion leave them free books. 2) To just send them books if for some reason they couldn’t arrange a lecture. Ultimately, our experience was that the vast majority of libraries were interested in having Vrisabha prabhu give a lecture. Some of these lectures were accompanied by an appropriate slide projection. So, if the manager of a library expressed interest in a lecture, the next step was to agree on one of the topics that we offered them and the exact time of the lecture (date and time.) Vrisabha prabhu then made a digital version of the advertising poster (A3 size ).</p>
<p>In some cases, they printed the posters themselves and placed them in prominent places around the city and informed the local media. But in most cases we did it ourselves. Before coming to the libraries, we did sankirtan in the streets and offices to raise funds for fuel costs, prasadam and to cover the BBT price of the books left in the libraries free of charge. We also distributed invitation leaflets on the streets. In this way, from 2012 until today, almost all libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina have some of our books. When I say ‘our books’, I mean several of Srila Prabhupada’s introductory books, parts of the Caitanya-caritamrita and Prabhupada lilamrta (abridged version).</p>
<p>Many libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina regularly order new editions of our books. These activities lasted throughout 2013, until the middle of 2014, when Vrišabha prabhu had to return to Croatia. Where we did not have the opportunity to hold our programs, I delivered free books to libraries by mail. I was overjoyed that we were able to deliver some of Srila Prabhupada’s books to libraries throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and make them available to a large number of readers. It is interesting that the library in Maglaj was submerged in a flood, and after that they asked me to send them Srila Prabhupada’s books again after repairing the damage, for which I received a thank-you note from them.</p>
<p>I still do this whenever there are sponsors who donate to distribute books, I mail them to the libraries. Of course I didn’t forget the students. For example, here in Sarajevo, we take books to the student library, which delivers them to libraries in several other cities (Banja Luka, Tuzla, Bihać and Mostar). Of course, there were other devotees who participated in this program. But the main actors were Vrisabha prabhu, bhakta Zoran and me.I want to emphasize that there is always the possibility to deliver books to libraries throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes new editions of our books.</p>
<p>Despite all the successes we have achieved so far, we regret that only a few libraries have received the Bhagavad-gita. At the timewhen Vrisabha prabhu was an active part of the team, we did not have enough Bhagavad-gita. And now we could get them and deliver them to the libraries, but we don’t have the finances to cover the costs. If you are inspired to sponsor a certain number of Bhagavad-gita for distribution to libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, please contact us at the e-mail address: vpd108@gmail.com<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112315">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112315</a></p></div>Distribute Srila Prabhupada’s Bookshttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/distribute-srila-prabhupada-s-books2023-12-31T13:20:00.000Z2023-12-31T13:20:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiTESpZVRcM" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div>UK Couple’s Seven-Year, 175,000 Mile Book Distribution Adventurehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/uk-couple-s-seven-year-175-000-mile-book-distribution-adventure2023-12-22T14:51:04.000Z2023-12-22T14:51:04.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12332867294,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12332867294?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Atma Tattva Das</strong></p>
<p>In the quaint villages and bustling towns of Norfolk, a retired couple, Shyamlal Prabhu and Danakeli Mataji, have embarked on a remarkable 175,000-mile book distribution journey in the last seven years, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the local community. This initiative, driven by their deep devotion to Srila Prabhupada’s mission and guided by the instruction of their spiritual mentor, serves as a shining example of dedicated service within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) community.</p>
<p>Their journey into Krishna consciousness was tailor-made, as Shyamlal initially resisted the movement, while Danakeli embraced it wholeheartedly. Shyamlal’s transformation is a testament to the power of spiritual influence, as he recalls the pivotal moment when, during a chance encounter in a lift, he found himself saying “Hare Krishna” to two devotees. Little did he know that this seemingly simple interaction would set the course for a life-changing spiritual journey.</p>
<p>Shyamlal candidly shares his initial resistance to Krishna consciousness, admitting that it took years for the teachings to resonate with him. However, a fortuitous encounter during the festival of Janmashtami, where he learned the essence of the Bhagavad Gita in a matter of minutes, became the turning point. His steadfast devotion grew, leading him to approach Kripamoya Das for initiation. That decision marked the beginning of their dedicated service.</p>
<p>The couple’s service took a quest-like form – book distribution through a humble table. Shyamlal recalled the inception of this innovative idea, “And, on the day of the initiation, following the ceremony, we joyously danced around the yajna, and devotees generously contributed lakshmi for guru dakshina. On that auspicious day, we managed to collect £169. Excitedly, we presented the offering to our guru, saying, ‘Here is what we collected, Maharaj.’ Graciously, he responded with gratitude and handed the lakshmi right back to us. With a warm smile, he stated, ‘This is the one service I require of you. Take this lakshmi, purchase books, and go distribute them in service to my beloved guru maharaj, Srila Prabhupada.’ And so, our journey into book distribution began.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/uk-couples-seven-year-175000-mile-book-distribution-adventure/">https://iskconnews.org/uk-couples-seven-year-175000-mile-book-distribution-adventure/</a></p></div>Food For All books distribution in Vrindavan schools 2023https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/food-for-all-books-distribution-in-vrindavan-schools-20232023-12-15T14:12:31.000Z2023-12-15T14:12:31.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong>By Parasuram das</strong></p>
<p>Nitai Doya Prabhu heads up the school distribution team in the Vrindavan area. There are 240 schools and our aim is to install a set of Srimad Bhagavatams in each school. As well as giving each teacher a Bhagavad Gita and each older child a medium size book, and a pocket size book for the younger children.</p>
<p>The teachers use Srila Prabhupada’s books as text books.</p>
<p>Annually 180,000 books are distributed.</p>
<p>On the banks of Radha Kund, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarawati Maharaja instructed our Srila Prabhupada, “if you ever get money print books”.</p>
<p>Please see the video!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r6Sux2eW4K4?si=0N3t48dhdKa_1AXR" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112260">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112260</a></p></div>“Live To Give” Campaign 2023 Aims to Distribute 3.7 Million Bhagavad-Gitashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/live-to-give-campaign-2023-aims-to-distribute-3-7-million-bhagava2023-12-11T13:59:54.000Z2023-12-11T13:59:54.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12317112700,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12317112700?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi</strong></p>
<p>Annually, the Prabhupada Marathon unfolds as a transcendent occasion for benevolence across ISKCON communities on a global scale with the “Live to Give” Campaign. This year, the BBT MCI Team (Marketing, Communications, and Innovation), under the expert leadership of Vaisesika Dasa, has set the goal of distributing 3.7 million Bhagavad-gitas worldwide between September 30th and January 7th, 2024.</p>
<p>Vaisesika Dasa said, “This campaign aims to realize the seventh purpose of ISKCON, (with a view towards achieving the purposes above, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books, and other writings) specifically by expanding the readership of Bhagavad-Gita-As-It-Is.”</p>
<p>He continued, “Srila Prabhupada taught that by the mass distribution of Bhagavad Gita, people can come to a higher level of consciousness. When he first came to America, there weren’t any English versions of the Gita that he could recommend, as none of them fulfilled Krishna’s purpose of speaking Bhagavad Gita. Therefore, this campaign aims to fulfill his vision of disseminating the original teachings of Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita to as many people, in as many languages, as possible.”</p>
<p>One major theme of this campaign is to harness the potency of global collaboration. Vaisesika Dasa pointed out, “We are finding that cooperative efforts are especially helpful when devotees think globally and work together to achieve economies of scale and greater efficiency. By sharing information and inspiration, and by working towards a global goal, we get exponential increases–not only in global book distribution but also within the communities who cooperate.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/live-to-give-campaign-2023-aims-to-distribute-3-7-million-bhagavad-gitas/">https://iskconnews.org/live-to-give-campaign-2023-aims-to-distribute-3-7-million-bhagavad-gitas/</a></p></div>December Book Distribution by Giriraj Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/december-book-distribution-by-giriraj-swami-12023-12-08T07:30:00.000Z2023-12-08T07:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306548470,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306548470?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></p>
<p>My dear devotees,</p>
<p>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>In a letter to me dated December 1971, Srila Prabhupada wrote, “Go on increasing books and go on increasing my pleasure.” December is a special opportunity to focus on Srila Prabhupada’s desire that we distribute books—and thus increase his pleasure. As he wrote in the same letter, “I am most pleased especially to hear that you are distributing many books.”</p>
<p><em>tad-vag-visargo janatagha-viplavo<br /> yasmin prati-slokam abaddhavaty api<br /> namany anantasya yaso ’nkitani yat<br /> srnvanti gayanti grnanti sadhavah</em></p>
<p>“That literature which is full of descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, forms, pastimes, etc., of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a different creation, full of transcendental words directed toward bringing about a revolution in the impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization. Such transcendental literatures, even though imperfectly composed, are heard, sung, and accepted by purified men who are thoroughly honest.” (SB 1.5.11)</p>
<p>Now let us cooperate to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire, which is the desire of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the parampara, and distribute such transcendental literature for the benefit of all—and be blessed by their sublime mercy.</p>
<p>Thank you very much.</p>
<p>Hare Krishna.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19472">https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19472</a></p></div>Seminar on Book Distribution at New Mayapur, Francehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/seminar-on-book-distribution-at-new-mayapur-france2023-06-07T13:01:07.000Z2023-06-07T13:01:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11485701099,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11485701099?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Chandni Raj</strong></p>
<p>A seminar on book distribution was conducted for devotees at the New Mayapur temple, France. Vijaya Prabhu, ISKCON minister for book distribution, was the guest speaker at the seminar. Participants presented their questions on improving book distribution to him. The session was also attended by visiting devotees from Poland.</p>
<p>Devotees were excited to meet a highly experienced senior book distributor to whom they could address all their questions and receive guidance from. Various aspects of Sankirtan such as what clothes to wear during book distribution, handling opposition, addressing questions from followers of other religions, setting up book tables, facing failure during difficult days, juggling other services in the ashram along with Sankirtan, improving book distribution through digital technology and online preaching etc were discussed. Bhagavati Devi Dasi, one of the oldest devotees living in the New Mayapur village, shared her insights on the experience gained during decades of Sankirtan.</p>
<p>“It was wonderful to have our questions addressed by a seasoned book distributor like Vijaya Prabhu. This seminar addressed most of our doubts and hang-ups about being on the streets for Sankirtan,” said Ekanatha Das, a full-time Sankirtan devotee from Lyon Mahamantra Institute.” “We get upset when we try hard and people do not reciprocate. Association with someone like Vijay Prabhu who has dedicated his life to book distribution was a huge morale boost,” expressed Mais, a brahmachari serving the temple. Agustina, a new inmate at the New Mayapur ashram, who recently discovered Krishna consciousness, said, “It was a wonderful informative session for me, as Sankirtan is the new service I want to take up.” The enthusiasm of Vijaya Prabhu was contagious as devotees opened up, shared their difficulties and joys experienced during Sankirtan during the seminar.</p>
<p>“We are deeply grateful to Vijaya Prabhu for visiting our temple and conducting this seminar. Janananda Maharaja, our Guru Maharaja is deeply pleased when we do well on Sankirtan as book distribution is his life and soul,” said Locanananda Das, President, New Mayapur. “We send out one to three Sankirtan parties every week and it is necessary that these Sankirtan devotees receive expert guidance. Hence, we wish to receive more veteran book distributors like Vijaya Prabhu to come and inspire our Sankirtan team and thereby expand our efforts,” he added.<br /> <br /> The session was recorded on video and shared on the New Mayapur youtube channel : <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=108836">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=108836</a></p></div>Toddler Book Distributor Inspires Many in the French Yatra by Chandni Rajhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/toddler-book-distributor-inspires-many-in-the-french-yatra-by-cha2023-04-28T12:59:14.000Z2023-04-28T12:59:14.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11037400497,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11037400497?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>A toddler devotee is taking the French yatra by storm with her extraordinary will to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. Sangita, the two-year-old daughter of New Mayapur’s temple presidents Locanananda Das and Gandharvika Rai Devi Dasi and granddaughter of Paris temple president Gaudamandala Das, accompanies her parents every week on Harinam Sankirtan.<br /> She shares Prabhupada’s books with interested parties from her pram or often standing, joining the other devotees in their Sankirtan efforts.</p>
<p>During the 2022 Christmas Marathon, she distributed a medium book to a Chinese child, and the mother gladly donated. Moreover, in recognition of her efforts to serve Lord Chaitanya’s army, Janananda Goswami, who inspires Sankirtan in the country, included her in the list of Sankirtan devotees in France, publicly applauded her efforts during his presentation on Sankirtan scores after the marathon. She also received a gift packet meant for the most inspiring book distributors.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/toddler-book-distributor-inspires-many-in-the-french-yatra/">https://iskconnews.org/toddler-book-distributor-inspires-many-in-the-french-yatra/</a></p></div>Book Distribution in the Heart of Johannesburg by Atma Tattva Dashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/book-distribution-in-the-heart-of-johannesburg-by-atma-tattva-das2023-04-24T11:23:57.000Z2023-04-24T11:23:57.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11033188256,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11033188256?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Meet Loka Manohara Giridhari Das, a devotee who finds great joy in distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books a few years after discovering them with his family. Today, he is a seasoned book distributor working in Johannesburg’s central business district, an area often associated with high crime rates.</p>
<p>When asked what motivates him to distribute Srila Prabhupadas’ books, Loka Manohara Giridhari Das speaks from the heart, “There’s no other feeling like it, you know…the thrill of distributing Srila Prabhupadas’ books. I feel closer to Srila Prabhupada when distributing his books, and that’s what keeps me going.” For him, distributing books is the most effective way of bringing people to Krishna consciousness, as Srila Prabhupada had instructed.</p>
<p>Despite the challenges of distributing books in a city that is often perceived as unsafe, Loka Manohara Giridhari Das approaches everyone he meets with an open heart, “Everybody is Krishna’s part and parcel, so why should we limit the mercy? My approach is that everybody is a candidate for receiving Lord Caitanyas’ mercy. So we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because we don’t really know who the persons we get to meet are.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/book-distribution-in-the-heart-of-johannesburg/">https://iskconnews.org/book-distribution-in-the-heart-of-johannesburg/</a></p></div>Book Distribution in Vraj by Parasuram dashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/book-distribution-in-vraj-by-parasuram-das2023-04-21T14:14:00.000Z2023-04-21T14:14:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sFF_ckUIEwI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>“You are distributing this knowledge, so you become immediately recognized, very dear servant, very confidential servant of Krsna. He says personally. [Bg. 18.69]. “Amongst the human beings those who are doing this preaching, nobody is dearer than these persons to Me””</p>
<p>“To be quickly recognized by Krsna, this is the short-cut process. He never says those who are sitting in a secluded place meditating or chanting, doing nothing. He never says that “They are My very dear devotees.” But those who are preaching — na ca tasman manusyesu kascin me [Bg. 18.69]. Just like government takes more care for the soldiers, especially when there is fighting. They are giving life for the state. So their comfort–first consideration. In the warfield, enough supplies. Anything the soldiers require. Enough supplies.” (Room Conversation – August 22, 1976, Hyderabad)</p>
<p>We distribute 180,000 books annually to 380 schools in Vraj.</p>
<p>Medium size books for the students, Introduction to Bhagavad Gita</p>
<p>Bhagavad Gita for the Teachers<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=107802">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=107802</a></p></div>A humble scholar asks his taxi driver to narrate and sign the Gitahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/a-humble-scholar-asks-his-taxi-driver-to-narrate-and-sign-the-git2023-02-28T11:57:54.000Z2023-02-28T11:57:54.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10974768463,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="10974768463?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>For about ten years, I maintained myself and my family by driving a taxi. Srila Prabhupada’s kirtan always softly played in the taxi, and I was distributing his books to my passengers. Some happily accepted, and some refused as always.</p>
<p>One day, I picked up a passenger from the airport to take him downtown, about a forty-minute drive with traffic.</p>
<p>On the way, he recognized the maha-mantra in the background and started a conversation with me. I slowly introduced him to the message of the Bhagavad Gita. He started listening to my narrations very attentively and began expressing his emotions.</p>
<p>He said, “I am a professor at a university, and here I am listening to a taxi driver! I am spellbound by the knowledge and wisdom you are sharing.”</p>
<p>I handed him a Bhagavad Gita. After I came to know his profession, I became a bit nervous. He sensed that and requested me to continue sharing the knowledge. We had a nice, smooth ride to the city.</p>
<p>Upon arriving downtown, he requested me to sign the Gita so that he will remember me whenever he reads the book. I was shocked, and I said, “Sir, this is my spiritual master’s work; I cannot write in his book. Moreover, I am just an ordinary taxi driver, and you are . . .”</p>
<p>He stopped me there and said, “The knowledge you have shared with me today is priceless. And I promise I will start reading this book from now on.”</p>
<p>I prayed for forgiveness from Srila Prabhupada, wishing for the professor to become a devotee of Krishna in this lifetime, and signed the book as requested.</p>
<p>Hare Krishna!</p>
<p>Acyutananda Gaurahari Dasa<br /> ISKCON Melbourne, Australia<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/a-humble-scholar-asks-his-taxi-driver-to-narrate-and-sign-the-gita/">https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/a-humble-scholar-asks-his-taxi-driver-to-narrate-and-sign-the-gita/</a></p></div>Book distribution in Ukraine, Kiev, during the warhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/book-distribution-in-ukraine-kiev-during-the-war2022-12-09T13:43:16.000Z2022-12-09T13:43:16.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10906585890,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10906585890?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>By Ekantita-buddhi dasa<br /><br /> I continue to distribute books. Even though the military is trying to catch and recruit all young men, Krsna protects me.</p>
<p>I walk along the main street, and of course I look around, but I continue to offer books. The people react very well and take books. Krishna protects me from the military.</p>
<p>On a recent Saturday, I was at a big market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and people took 115 books. Then I went and dined at Food for Life and continued distributing until 6 p.m. The people took another 107 books. They took 222 books in a day. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience — sankirtana samadhi.</p>
<p>On July 15, I remembered that on the same day in 2018, Niranjana Swami did harinama on a tour with brahmacaris right on the same street where I have been distributing books every day for the last four months. These were interesting memories. Here is a seventeen-minute video showing that harinam: <a href="https://youtu.be/aku_NzEhDZk">https://youtu.be/aku_NzEhDZk</a></p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=104136">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=104136</a></p></div>40 Years Later… Remembering the Bhagavad-Gitahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/40-years-later-remembering-the-bhagavad-gita2022-12-03T08:30:00.000Z2022-12-03T08:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_sIHS-cfGcc/maxresdefault.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" alt="maxresdefault.jpg?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>By HH Bhakti Raghava Swami</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I was walking down Rideau Street in the city of Ottawa some time during the summer of 1973. Although I had still not found what I really wanted in life, I was somewhat relieved that I had been able to walk out of the expected social pressures of modern day society.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I had already finished my university studies, graduating from Ottawa U in 1968, had worked for three years as a Social Worker with the Children’s Aid Society in my home town of Timmins in Northern Ontario, for 6 months had taken a job with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Toronto, had worked as a Counselor for the Northeastern Psychiatric Hospital near Timmins and finally, not feeling satisfied with my life, had traded my Volkswagen for a 10 speed Peugeot bicycle leaving aside the “straight” world.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">For three years I had travelled within Canada, following the current trend of “go West young man” ending up in Vancouver where my Peugeot bike had been stolen and had returned to Ontario getting a job as a driver with the Canadian Film Department. During those three years I had taken various courses including Yoga, pottery and had read various books on mysticism, one of them being The Complete Science of Yoga by Paramahamsa Yogananda. I had even worked with my father who was a cook working in lumber camps and his specialty was pastry.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I was searching for some answers to the perennial questions of life, who am I. One day I had wondered in the Timmins Library searching for some good books. I had found a book entitled, The Best 100 Books in the World. It was in this book that I had first come across the Bhagavad-Gita. Eager to read this book of wisdom, I had gone to all the books shops in my hometown to find that not one single copy was available. I requested one bookseller to order the book and finally after a few weeks, the Penguin edition of the Gita had arrived.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I felt more and more that I would soon have to make a major commitment in life but was still not clear how and where to do this. I remember having made a list of various spiritual groups covering people like Transcendental Meditation, the Children of God, The Self-Realization Fellowship and others, including, but last on my list, the Hare Krishna people. My karate teacher had once taken us to Toronto to attend some tournament and as we stopped at a red light downtown Toronto, a group of Hare Krishna devotees dressed in colorful saffron attire were singing on the corner. Our teacher had remarked that these people have a deep philosophy.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">After visiting most of the groups, I had come to Ottawa and was living on Rideau Street itself. I had become a vegetarian that summer after joining the Vegetarian Society of Ottawa, somehow had one picture in my apartment with Krishna caressing a deer. I had enrolled myself for two evening courses at Ottawa U, one being Statistics that I highly disliked and the other being a course on Parapsychology that I relished. I had located the Hare Krishna temple and had gone by a few times observing devotees coming and going but I had never had the courage to directly enter the temple. To that day, although I had seen devotees, I had never had the opportunity to speak to one of them.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">As I was walking down Rideau Street, I notice one Hare Krishna devotee coming in my direction. I knew he was distributing books and it was difficult for me to avoid him. As we approached one another, I sensed that he could likely approach me to take one of his books. He was carrying large books that were red in color. I remember his asking me if I knew about the Bhagavad-Gita. My simple reply was, yes, I have read the Gita, feeling a little proud about it. Of course my Penguin edition of the Gita was nothing compared to the large book he held in his hands, also entitled Bhagavad-Gita, but with the added “AS IT IS”. Reading this edition of the Bhagavad-Gita changed my life. I started visiting the Ottawa temple that same week.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">I always remembered this devotee and it was only 38 years after, in 2011 while visiting the Saranagati Eco Village in Western Canada that I again had the good fortune to get his association. His name is Vicaru das and this is what one of his Godbrothers, Dravida prabhu, had to say about him.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">From Dravida prabhu…</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">“I worked with Vicaru Prabhu for two or three years in Los Angeles, between June 1975 and October 1978, when I left for Atlanta to work with the BI. I always remember him as a serious devotee who attended all the programs and was very responsible in his duty of production manager of the BTG. In 1977, when we had kind of a crisis at BTG and Srila Prabhupada returned the magazine to Satsvarupa Maharaja as editor in Chief, he, Maharaja, Drutakarma, and myself were practically putting the magazine out ourselves. A loyal Prabhupada man.”</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">All glories to Srila Prabhupada’s book distributors and the Bhagavad-gita on this auspicious day of Gita Jayanti, December 13, 2013, my 40th year in contact with the Song of the Lord.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=12161">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=12161</a></p></div>December Book Distribution by Giriraj Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/december-book-distribution-by-giriraj-swami2022-12-01T05:30:00.000Z2022-12-01T05:30:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9871477483,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9871477483,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9871477483?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a>My dear devotees,</p>
<p>Please accept my best wishes. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>In a letter to me dated December 1971, Srila Prabhupada wrote, “Go on increasing books, and go on increasing my pleasure.” December is a special opportunity to focus on Srila Prabhupada’s desire that we distribute books—and thus increase his pleasure. As he wrote in the same letter, “I am most pleased especially to hear that you are distributing many books.”</p>
<p>tad-vag-visargo janatagha-viplavo<br /> yasmin prati-slokam abaddhavaty api<br /> namany anantasya yaso ’nkitani yat<br /> srnvanti gayanti grnanti sadhavah </p>
<p>“That literature which is full of descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, forms, pastimes, etc., of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a different creation, full of transcendental words directed toward bringing about a revolution in the impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization. Such transcendental literatures, even though imperfectly composed, are heard, sung, and accepted by purified men who are thoroughly honest.” (SB 1.5.11)</p>
<p>Now let us cooperate fully to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire, which is the desire of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the parampara, and distribute such transcendental literature for the benefit of all—and be blessed by their sublime mercy.</p>
<p>Thank you very much.</p>
<p>Hare Krishna.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=18385">https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=18385</a></p></div>‘Live To Give’ Campaign Aims to Distribute 3 Million Bhagavad-gitashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/live-to-give-campaign-aims-to-distribute-3-million-bhagavad-gitas2022-11-28T13:50:28.000Z2022-11-28T13:50:28.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10893615869,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="550" alt="10893615869?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Ekachakra Prana Dasa </strong></p>
<p>The Prabhupada Marathon has inspired book distribution throughout ISKCON since 1972. Now it is being celebrated as the Live to Give campaign. </p>
<p>This year our global team has set an unprecedented goal to distribute at least three million Bhagavad-gitas between September 11th and January 7th, 2023. Last year we distributed 2,805,444, smashing the goal of 2.2 million.</p>
<p>Vaisesika Prabhu said, “The purpose of the campaign is to carry on the work of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, as passed down to us through the previous Acharyas. Sankirtana, especially through the medium of book distribution, is the very essence of the Krishna consciousness movement.</p>
<p>This is the most important time in history for us to distribute Bhagavad-gita. It’s a well-accepted book of knowledge, people will read it and benefit, and the whole world will be a better place. Start by assuming you can do it–and in a big way. You will be successful. Go for it!”</p>
<p>Communities all around the world are making pledges to distribute Bhagavad-gitas. As the campaign website states, “Our mantra is, “a lot of people, each doing a little bit.’”</p>
<p>Momentum is at an all-time high, following a record-breaking Bhadra Campaign which distributed over 45,800 Srimad Bhagavatam sets earlier this year.</p>
<p>Members of the ICC have verified that India has already pledged 2.7 million Bhagavad-gitas to be distributed. Additionally, they are launching an app where devotees can track progress in real-time and report scores as they distribute books, rather than waiting for the end of the month.</p>
<p>North America has pledged 124,000 Gitas so far, with many more communities still calculating pledges.</p>
<p>Throughout the campaign, Zoom events are scheduled to share inspiration, hear tips from advanced devotees, and catch updates from around the world.</p>
<p>At the most recent “Super Sunday” Zoom call, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami said, “This marathon is not only for the brahmacaris, but for all the grihastas. The Vaisnavas and the Vaishnavis, they can also participate… We should all live to give Bhagavad-gita to everyone!”</p>
<p>Many leaders were in attendance sharing best practices. Gopal Campu Prabhu from Brooklyn gave a practical tutorial on distributing stacks of books. Malini Devi Dasi shared techniques that have been working at ISV, such as empowering youth teams and using language cards in ethnic areas.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/live-to-give-campaign-aims-to-distribute-3-million-bhagavad-gitas/">https://iskconnews.org/live-to-give-campaign-aims-to-distribute-3-million-bhagavad-gitas/</a></p></div>There’s even a book for a fan of Heavy Metalhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/there-s-even-a-book-for-a-fan-of-heavy-metal2022-11-04T12:39:16.000Z2022-11-04T12:39:16.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10863421301,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="10863421301?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>For the past six months a party of brahmacaris has preached in Lyon, France.</p>
<p>Recently, Rasananda Sankirtan Dasa from Spain joined them, and here he writes about a recent preaching adventure on the streets of Lyon.</p>
<p>I met the man in the attached photo a while back and offered him a book, but he did not break his meditation on Heavy Metal even to look at me.</p>
<p>Today, however, when we arrived in a park and passed this man, he said, “If you have a book on Heavy Metal, I will take it!” The subculture influenced by Heavy Metal music is isinterested in spirituality and opposed to authority.</p>
<p>With the Lyon sankirtan team, I meditated on how to sell him a book. The most appropriate book, closet to his taste, was the Isopanisad. I went to give him with the book, and he disclosed that he worships gargoyles, witches, and ghosts. In turn, I explained to him that the master of all those creatures is Lord Siva, and Lord Siva worships Lord Visnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And that’s who this book is about! He got the mercy of the Lord of the lord of the ghosts. Lord Caitanya is very merciful.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/theres-even-a-book-for-a-fan-of-heavy-metal/">https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/theres-even-a-book-for-a-fan-of-heavy-metal/</a></p></div>Vowing to distribute one set per week by Radhika Prasadhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/vowing-to-distribute-one-set-per-week-by-radhika-prasad2022-10-20T12:07:05.000Z2022-10-20T12:07:05.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10846070094,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="311" alt="10846070094?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>I have been watching for some time the videos of devotees distributing Bhagavatam sets, so I vowed that I will also do a Bhagavatam set each week.</p>
<p>I adjusted my approach and applied two new principles to achieve this raised bar that I set for myself:</p>
<p>1. Actually carry a set with me on my weekly book tours.<br /> (Previously, I’d leave the sets in the storehouse and take it with me only after someone had placed an order.)</p>
<p>2. Display the whole set to every person that shows even a half-hearted interest and talk about it more than ten seconds.</p>
<p>The result is that I have been able to distribute one Bhagavatam set every week. Out of every six people that I show the set, one of them takes it.</p>
<p>Here is the video –<br /> <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/dc0JXHiV1HA?feature=share" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/shorts/dc0JXHiV1HA?feature=share</a></p>
<p>These people, Ash and his partner, Aara, told me that they don’t even have a TV at home, in order to live a meditative lifestyle. They intuitively resolved this will be their last birth (they were never even connected to any devotees previously). As soon as I showed them the Bhagavatam, they bought it. They decided in about ten seconds.</p>
<p>I would encourage everyone to try this approach. It’s quite satisfying and blissful for both the giver and receiver.</p>
<p>Humbly,<br /> Radhika Prasad (Sydney)<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/vowing-to-distribute-one-set-per-week/">https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/vowing-to-distribute-one-set-per-week/</a></p></div>The nectar of book distribution by Vijaya Dasahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/the-nectar-of-book-distribution-by-vijaya-dasa2022-09-20T12:00:00.000Z2022-09-20T12:00:00.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10438263496,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10438263496?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></p>
<p>Recently, I was distributing at Orange Coast College, and a student came to the table and showed an interest in getting Bhagavad-gita. I explained it to him a little. Then he opened it, to see what he could get out of it. He opened it to text 4.22: “He who is satisfied with gains that comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.” When he read that he said, “All right, I’ll take it.” Krsna is the wisest, and intelligent people appreciate His words of wisdom.</p>
<p>A couple of days before that, a Buddhist monk from Cambodia came to the table. I showed him the Gita, and he appreciated it. I said to him that Buddha used to read it. I told him, “I’m also a monk, and we just ask for donations for the Gita. He said, “I’m happy to donate.” He gave twenty dollars.</p>
<p>Then a young lady came and said, “Just an hour ago, my professor mentioned the Gita in class as a great classic of the East. I said, “That’s true, but it is much more than that, and you’ll get so much out of it by reading it. It’s not by chance that he just mentioned it in class, and now I’m offering it to you.” She said, “Yes, I’d love to read it.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=97644">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=97644</a></p></div>As a book distributor surrenders, Krishna may reciprocate accordinglyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/as-a-book-distributor-surrenders-krishna-may-reciprocate-accordin2022-07-28T11:10:43.000Z2022-07-28T11:10:43.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10675498491,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10675498491?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Every Sunday, we do harinama at the same market place in Minsk, Belarus, for two hours. Usually, I distribute books while it’s going on. Recently, when the harinama was already approaching the end, in my bag were left six books: three big and three small, all with the same title. I started intensely praying to distribute all the books, but I was so unsuccessful that couldn’t distribute even one. Finally, the whole harinama party came to our bus to leave, and I looked around in the hope of seeing someone who could take at least one more book.</p>
<p>I saw a car with a husband and wife inside. With a big smile, I approached them and showed the Journey of Self Discovery. The wife became interested, but she still didn’t have the desire to buy the book.</p>
<p>Then within myself I approached Krishna and asked, “Why should I take These books back to the temple? Instead, I want to give them to people.”</p>
<p>At the exact same moment, she asked me how much for the book.</p>
<p>I told her the cost of book, and when she was ready to give me a donation, I asked her, “Why are you taking only one? You can take all the rest of my books? Six of them!</p>
<p>She responded, “But they are all the same title – what is the use?”</p>
<p>“You can give them your friends and relatives,” I replied.</p>
<p>She seemed confused, but suddenly, with a smile on her face, said, “Give me all your books. Something inside me is advising me buy these books.”</p>
<p>And she gave me an appropriate donation for six books. It was an amazing experience of how Krishna can fulfill a desire to encourage his devotee.</p>
<p>Your servant,<br /> Vaninath Vasu Dasa<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=101027">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=101027</a></p></div>Krsna has entered another persons life by Caitanya Vihara dashttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/krsna-has-entered-another-persons-life-by-caitanya-vihara-das2022-07-26T11:05:25.000Z2022-07-26T11:05:25.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10671303699,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="10671303699?profile=RESIZE_400x" />Hare Krishna Dear Devotees,</p>
<p>I was distributing in Kilbirnie, Wellington.</p>
<p>Amongst many nice young people, I met Alex.</p>
<p>He was amazed to see the books and explained that Krishna now has special significance in his life.</p>
<p>Yesterday he went to view a room in which Wanzi ( a Wellington devotee) is renting and has taken the room. Now he is super excited about moving into a “Hare Krishna flat”.</p>
<p>He told me that he is a vegetarian and very interested in meditation.</p>
<p>As such, he was more than happy to chip in a donation and take a Sri Isopanisad, to read-up and prepare for life in the “Hare Krishna flat.”</p>
<p>As we parted ways he told me that he has a feeling this summer will be “All about Krishna!”</p>
<p>Let’s see what happens!<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=100711">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=100711</a></p></div>Meet Krishna Bhava Das – The devotee who distributed 50,000 BG and 108 CC setshttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/meet-krishna-bhava-das-the-devotee-who-distributed-50-000-bg-and-2022-07-23T12:00:24.000Z2022-07-23T12:00:24.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10665506300,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10665506300?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Premanjana Das</strong></p>
<p>The beginning of book distribution</p>
<p>Krishna Bhava Das, from ISKCON Punjabi Bagh community in Delhi, 68 year old , strongly built, having a sharp gaze of determination yet having an air of simplicity around him, eldest in his family of 30 members, untouched by modern flare , who prefers to keep to his village roots and culture, a strong businessman is been one of the most enthusiastic devotee when it comes to book distribution. Over the last 10 years, he has distributed lakhs of Srila Prabhupada books and contributed to various projects of ISKCON.</p>
<p>He was introduced to devotees by one of his relatives approx 14 years ago and life took a different turn since then. He got initiated in 2010 and heard through devotees how much Srila Prabhupada and his spiritual master H.H Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja loves book distribution. Taking inspiration and gathering courage he started going door to door with his study class devotee group for 2-3 years during the December marathon and they would distribute a total of 200-250 BG as a group.</p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10665505900,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10665505900?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Breakthrough</p>
<p>However during the month of Kartik in 2013, a seemingly small incident gave him ideas to distribute more books. There was a shobha yatra organized in their neighborhood. During that shobha yatra , one devotee approached Krishna Bhava Das, and requested him to purchase Bhagavad Gita. Out of generosity , he gave Rs 500/ as a donation and the devotee gave him 5 copies of Bhagavad Gita to gift someone from his hands.</p>
<p>This incident made him think that just like this devotee, he himself can distribute more than one copy to a person as well. Being in the business of construction and properties, he called out a meeting of some of his known persons and invited Keshav Murari Prabhu to address them. At the conclusion of the talk, he requested the group to help in the distribution of Gita and everyone agreed to contribute. Some 5 copies, some 11, some 21 and some 108 copies.</p>
<p>“That was my first experience of distributing more than one copy. I remember one person who had entered the meeting only at the very end said I will also contribute 1100. Everyone cheered and clapped for him. Only later he found out that one Gita cost Rs 100 at that time and cleared himself that I meant Rs 1100 not 1100 BG. We all had a good laugh”</p>
<p>One incident particularly left a remark on him. When one of his relatives was struggling with a life threatening situation and was admitted to a famous Cancer hospital, he used to visit him regularly there. He gave one Bhagawat Gita to the chief Medical officer there. The officer told him after a couple of days , “ I have read many versions of Bhagavad Gita, but I have never ever read this particular Gita by Bhaktivedanta Swami. And I can say that for the first time I am beginning to understand Gita. I never knew about Krishna and this philosophy. Thank you”</p>
<p>Hearing this appreciation from a totally new person, and that too such an educated and qualified doctor, left a deep remark on Krishna Bhava Prabhu. Krishna Bhava Prabhu then purchased and arranged to distribute a copy of Bhagavad Gita for all their doctors and staff.</p>
<p>A leap of faith</p>
<p>“Initially, there was some hesitation in approaching people and asking them to utilize their money for distributing Bhagavad Gita. But then I thought it’s not for me, this is for Krishna. I was confident in my heart that this is the most selfless thing I have ever done and the cause gave me strength. It’s an opportunity for others to come in contact with Krishna as well. I thought if Bhagavad Gita is mercy of Krishna, why keep my own family and relatives bereft of it. I started from from my own relatives and requested them to contribute in distributing Bhagavad Gita”</p>
<p>He and his younger brother, Raktak Prana Das (who is equally, if not more enthusiastic about book distribution) make a wonderful team.</p>
<p>They made a list of all the clients and then started visiting them along with Kadamba Bihari Das, a resident monk from ISKCON Punjabi Bagh. They would share the importance of this knowledge esp in modern times for the peace, direction and happiness of society and would request the person for his/her help in sharing this knowledge. The team indeed ran a marathon for 30 non stop days and they could distribute 20,000 copies this way in 2017.</p>
<p>There was this one client, who just wanted to sponsor 250 Bhagawat Gitas but did not want to distribute himself. Krishna Bhava Prabhu still sent him 250 copies with special thanks and with the printing of their company name as sponsors on the first page. Those copies were then arranged to send to Jammu for distribution. The entire incident was forgotten. One fine day, one person called their company and told them that he was about to commit suicide. Just before hanging himself, he saw a copy of Bhagavad Gita and thought to open it. Upon opening and reading for some time, he gave up the idea of suicide. He found the company number as sponsors and called them to thank them. He later got connected to devotees and is currently practicing his spiritual life.</p>
<p>This left a deep impression for both – the person who sponsored Bhagawat Gita and for Krishna Bhava Prabhu.</p>
<p>How can I increase my seva? – Distributing 50,000 Gitas</p>
<p>He also completed his Bhakti Shastri in the year 2015, attending and studying all classes in that advanced age, of 60s giving all slokas, CBA and OBAs. He is one of those persons who likes to quote verses from Gita during his conversations. Being inspired by his personal study of Bhagavad Gita esp by the section where Krishna is expressing his heart “one who shares this knowledge is most dear to me”, he resolved to do more in the service of Bhagavad Gita.</p>
<p>Krishna Bhava Prabhu, through his faith in the sastra, has been steadily increasing his distribution over the years. Over the last few years, he and his brother Raktak Pran Das (and with their family) have been distributing 20000 , 30000, 35000 Bhagawat gita in the marathon.</p>
<p>Being the 125th birth year of Srila Prabhupada, he strived to distribute 50,000 Bhagavad Gita and achieved that.</p>
<p>To distribute Bhagavad Gita during the marathon, he thinks and meditates throughout the year. He manages all the accounts of distribution, wishes all the people who are supporting in service of Krishna with genuine love and affection, and most importantly works honestly and maintains high quality work in his profession that builds trust with all his clients. His heart is full of devotion, honesty and concern for others. He spends from his own pocket giving gifts as a token of gratitude to all the persons who contribute towards this service. He has decorated his entire office with quotes on Bhagavad Gita distribution and any person entering the office is marveled by the importance of Bhagavad Gita.</p>
<p>Apart from distribution , he contributes to building temples and loves to serve vaishnavas in whatever way he can. He regularly sends very high quality fruits for the deities and all the devotees in the temple. One may be surprised at his recalling of various examples, analogies, philosophical concepts presented in Srila Prabhupada’s books so freely in the conversation despite him not reading all the books. These indeed are the blessings of guru and sastra for his service over the years.</p>
<p>“To avoid any miscommunication, side talk and conflict within family over financial spending towards the temple, we have made a system that a predetermined percentage of all our income will be spent only for Krishna and his services. We have made a separate bank account in God’s name and whatever money we receive, that percentage goes to that account. Initially we were somewhat reluctant how we would be able to do that, but surprisingly we noted that Krishna’s account is never empty.”</p>
<p>Due to his sharing of Krishna consciousness, currently in his family of 30 members, 11 members have taken initiation and others are also practicing. He faced two severe life crisis health situations over the last couple of years but nothing diminished his enthusiasm for serving Krishna.</p>
<p>His brother Raktak Prana Das recalls, “ The quality that I appreciate the most in him is that he is always ready to serve Krishna. He likes to say YES to Krishna and his service opportunities. I personally hesitate so many times and often time is reluctant but I have seen him saying YES without hesitation. He says each time.. I am just an instrument”<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=100670">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=100670</a></p></div>Looking for sadhus, and found one by Radhika Prasad Dasahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/looking-for-sadhus-and-found-one-by-radhika-prasad-dasa2022-07-22T13:01:02.000Z2022-07-22T13:01:02.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10663630288,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10663630288?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>I usually pray before I leave for book distribution. I pray that I meet at least one sadhu who I can learn something from, and usually it happens. As I was getting ready and packing my books, about to head for the densely populated (by Arabics) Merrylands in Sydney, I was wondering, “Who is that sadhu I will meet today?”</p>
<p>I hung my Arabic caption around my collar and began searching for the sadhu of my day as I showed books to everybody I met.</p>
<p>There was a nice rhythm going on as well as decent conversations, with a reasonable number of books flying into merry hands in Merrylands. About close to finish time, Billal comes by with his mate and almost says no, but returns for a second look.</p>
<p>After a quick conversation, he says, “I promise to return after a cash withdrawal. Could you wait?” I told him that my car was parked close to ATM, and I suggested that we chat and walk. On the way Billal told me, “The reason I got interested in your books is that we Egyptians long ago used to be a very spiritual people and had a wealth of knowledge about the body, mind, chakras, and the soul. However, in time the succession was broken, and we lost it. It appears in your discipline that the succession has not broken. And I want to read all about it and reestablish this connection.”</p>
<p>I didn’t find out how he seemed to know about that verse in the Gita he alluded to.</p>
<p>His mate listening to our conversation got seriously interested, and they walked me to my car boot after the ATM visit, and both took enough books to fill their hands, along with my contact details for further enquiries on Srimad Bhagavatam.</p>
<p>After the happy encounter and the chat, my little daughter and my 69-year-old mother-in-law, who both went with me to distribute books said, “Well, it looks like you met your sadhu of the day.” Attached are pictures of Billal and his mates. My Arabic caption really works well! Just say Marhaba and see the magic.</p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10663630876,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10663630876?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=100638">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=100638</a></p></div>Unsung Heroes: Jagadisananda Das Serves Prabhupada’s Books for 45 Yearshttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/unsung-heroes-jagadisananda-das-serves-prabhupada-s-books-for-4-12022-07-05T14:45:03.000Z2022-07-05T14:45:03.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10622892891,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="10622892891?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Madhava Smullen</strong></p>
<p>What has kept the International Society for Krishna consciousness going for 54 years now, “systematically propagating spiritual knowledge to society at large” as Srila Prabhupada wrote when incorporating the movement in 1966?</p>
<p>Much has been down to the steady efforts of quietly dedicated devotees, doing their services day in and day out for decades – the pujaris, the teachers, the mothers, the cooks, the cleaners, the maintenance workers, the accountants, the book editors, the congregational preachers. It’s important to celebrate and appreciate these devotees who have given so much of their lives to Srila Prabhupada’s mission.</p>
<p>One of these dedicated soldiers of Prabhupada’s is Jagadisananda Das, who has facilitated the service of book distributors and worked in the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust’s (BBT) mail order department at ISKCON Los Angeles for an incredible forty-five years now.</p>
<p>Born in 1952 and growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jagadisananda lost his father, a World War II veteran, to cancer at two years old. With his mother suffering from mental illness and alcoholism, he was brought up by his grandparents.</p>
<p>“They were both born around the turn of the 20th century,” he recalls. “So it was like I wasn’t really growing up in the ‘60s – I didn’t take part in any of the counterculture stuff that was going on. I was a conservative and studious kind of person; I played in the band and did really well in school.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/unsung-heroes-jagadisananda-das-serves-prabhupadas-books-for-45-years/">https://iskconnews.org/unsung-heroes-jagadisananda-das-serves-prabhupadas-books-for-45-years/</a></p></div>Dreams that led to book distribution and joining a templehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/dreams-that-led-to-book-distribution-and-joining-a-temple2022-07-05T14:39:25.000Z2022-07-05T14:39:25.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10622892274,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10622892274?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></p>
<p>In the middle of the night I vividly dreamed about the Bhagavad-gita being held in someone’s hand. I had never seen or heard of the book. But in the morning, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. So I looked on the internet and then went to some bookstores looking for it. No luck.</p>
<p>Then I had an urge to go to Byron Bay, an hour and a half north of where I live, which is just north of Sydney. I got a hotel room and went walking around Byron Bay. One man approached me and offered me the Bhagavad-gita. He was explaining it to me, but somehow I didn’t connect the dream and the book. I didn’t get the book.</p>
<p>When I got back to the hotel I called my mother and told her that I’d met a real nice man who had the Bhagavad-gita. I had already told her about the dream.</p>
<p>She said, “Go back tomorrow to see whether he’s there, and if he is, get it.”</p>
<p>So I did, and he was there, though he told me that he usually never goes to the same place two days in a row. This time I got it.</p>
<p>Then I went back home and read it. I loved it, but now what? I went back home.</p>
<p>Urugaya Prabhu, from the Sydney temple, decided to go to the town where I live to distribute books. He had never been there before, so Krsna was inspiring him. When I saw him at the mall in his robes, I embraced him, knowing he was a Hare Krsna devotee. I told him that I had just received the Bhagavad-gita and loved it.</p>
<p>We hit it off well, so I invited him to my house. There was a bunch of family members there, and we had a great time. He said he had a Srimad Bhagavatam, so I got it. He told me about the farm not far from Byron Bay, so I decided to go and try the monk’s life.</p>
<p>I liked it, but after a couple of months I left, because the culture was just so different.</p>
<p>I went home and was still chanting and reading. Then one night Prabhupada came to me in a vivid dream. He was smiling, and he put his hand on my head. When he did that I was in ecstasy.</p>
<p>When I told my mother the next morning, she said, “You have to go back to the temple. Go back to the temple. This is where you’re meant to be.”</p>
<p>So I did, and I’m still here and can’t imagine not living in a temple. Srila Prabhupada’s and Krsna’s mercy.</p>
<p>Your servant,<br /> Padma Locan das<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=99981">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=99981</a></p></div>Children on book distributionhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/children-on-book-distribution2022-06-29T14:35:57.000Z2022-06-29T14:35:57.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10604860066,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10604860066?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>At our last sankirtana festival in Durban, a 12-year-old boy joined us. His name is Sudarshan, the son of Pisima Dasi, a single parent.</p>
<p>He joined us at a mall. We are not allowed in malls, so we went undercover. Sudarshan was so eager to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s mercy that he distributed many Zulu books entitled Introduction to Bhagavad-gita.</p>
<p>A student ask him why he was doing book distribution in the sweltering summer heat. Sudarshan responded that he want to give people the opportunity to come to spiritual life and be happy. The student was so impressed by this answer that he took the book and promised to read it.</p>
<p>Also, during the Prabhupada Marathon, Prahlad, 8 years old, distributed many books on the streets. His mom, Venu Madhurya, complained to me that she couldn’t stop him. At every opportunity he would get, he wanted to go out and distribute.</p>
<p>Children are the future of the sankirtana movement, so we should encourage them. Take them by the hand and show them the ropes of distributing the mercy.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=99821">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=99821</a></p></div>What an arrangement by Caitanya Vihara Dasahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/what-an-arrangement-by-caitanya-vihara-dasa2022-06-24T10:13:14.000Z2022-06-24T10:13:14.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10592505075,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="10592505075?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>While distributing books in Wellington, New Zealand, I met a middle-aged lady from Finland. For many years she lived in north Finland, which she described as being remote and mountainous.</p>
<p>Somehow or other, she felt inspired to journey to the Himalayas and learn about yoga. Amazingly, while participating in a Himalayan yoga retreat, her teacher recommended that she read Bhagavad-gita and also that she visit the Bhakti Lounge in Wellington to learn more about spiritual life.</p>
<p>So our Finnish friend then journeyed to New Zealand, in search of a new adventure. Given all this, she was delighted to receive a Bhagavad-gita and an invitation to the Bhakti Lounge simultaneously, while wandering along Cuba Mall. What an arrangement!</p>
<p>After finishing work one day, I went to distribute in a car park. The time went quickly by, and although I had not finished all my books, I reluctantly decided to call it a day. Even though some books had gone out, I felt dissatisfied, wishing I could have distributed just one more. Promising myself I would head out on books again soon, I then noticed that the barber’s shop was still open and popped in for a haircut.</p>
<p>The barber was a very nice man from Fiji. Seeing my neck beads, he asked whether I was a Hare Krishna devotee. This led on to an interesting discussion about spiritual life during the clipping and buzzing.</p>
<p>When the time came to settle up, I noted that the barber had given me a discount, and I offered him a book in exchange. He was very happy to receive it and thanked me sincerely.</p>
<p>I guess it’s not every day the customer shaves the barber!</p>
<p>We should always carry books with us, because Lord Caitanya can engage us in sankirtana at any and every moment. I keep a stash in my car boot to facilitate spontaneous sankirtana missions and unexpected encounters. This approach has also enabled me to distribute books to colleagues at work.</p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada, ki jaya!<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://dandavats.tumblr.com/post/687670408729722880/what-an-arrangement-while-distributing-books-in">https://dandavats.tumblr.com/post/687670408729722880/what-an-arrangement-while-distributing-books-in</a></p></div>Book distribution prevents misfortune by Sacimata Dasihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/book-distribution-prevents-misfortune-by-sacimata-dasi2022-05-26T10:39:59.000Z2022-05-26T10:39:59.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10516768059,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="224" alt="10516768059?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>At one opulent home in London, I rang the doorbell, and in response from within came a tirade of foul language – yelling at me to go away. I did not. I kept ringing the bell. I don’t know why, but I felt that I could convince this person to take a book.</p>
<p>Finally, a distraught and furious young man opened the door and shouted at me “Why are you bothering me? I told you to go away! Who are you anyway?”</p>
<p>I told him, “I am from the Hare Krishna temple.”</p>
<p>As soon as he heard “Hare Krishna” his fury dissolved, and he broke down into sobs. He admitted that I had interrupted him in his preparation to commit suicide. We spoke there in his doorway for a long time. Apparently his wife and children had left, and despite his career and financial success, he was so unhappy that he was about to end his own life. He saw me as Krishna’s representative, come to save his life. He bought a Bhagavad Gita and gave a generous donation. I see him from time to time now, and he is doing very well. This incident gives me so much inspiration and confirmation to continue distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, even against all kinds of obstacles.</p>
<p>All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to transcendental book distribution!<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/book-distribution-prevents-misfortune/">https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/book-distribution-prevents-misfortune/</a></p></div>