The King of Knowledge by Srila Prabhupada came to me at a pivotal time. I got the book without wanting it. My friend wanted to share it with me after he perused it. I had no idea – I was “book distributed!”
I was skeptical but on my friend’s recommendation, I studied the book for at least a month. The King of Knowledge held ample flawless arguments. At the time I was busy trying recklessly to fill my life with mind altering substances and such. The “mind altering substances and such” did not fill the void but grew it to an expansive darkness.
The King of Knowledge helped me into the light. It impressed me and satisfied my hunger for higher knowledge. I was able to give up substance abuse, master my anger issues, I could attach real value to myself as a servant of the Supreme. It helped me value my body as a temple and treat it as such, and gave me the confidence to speak truth fearlessly.
Speaking of speaking truth fearlessly, in subsequent years; I took up the mantel of the ISKCON family business – book distribution. You may have been stopped by a Hare Krishna offering you to book on a busy street, mall or parking lot. Have you ever wondered why? All Hare Krishnas make up the ISKCON family and at the head is Srila Prabhupada. Pure love is best expressed by action and meditation. Book distribution is that action done in love and gratitude for what Srila Prabhupada has done for each ISKCON devotee. Like Superheroes answer the call of the distressed, devotees around the world go out and distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books. I am that Hare Krishna in orange robes on the street, or shopping mall, or parking lot, offering you a book. I don’t do it because I want to harass you. No. I know it can transform your life. Through my book distribution, I have made friends and experienced heart connections.
I met Nomthandazo outside The Workshop one afternoon. She had been speaking to my friends and they put her in touch with me. She was reserved but open and inquisitive about Krishna Consciousness. Over a period of time she would find me on the street and we would strike up a conversation. She had bought the book, Chant And Be Happy from me. Soon she began chanting and I could see that she was gaining something from it. She had told me that she felt euphoric when she chanted or read something that particularly resonated with her. Later she visited the temple.
Now writing about her and reminiscing about the effect of Srila Prabhupada’s books enthuses me and fills me awe.
Scripture explains whenever one performs devotional service and carries within his heart Krishna and his pure devotees; triumph, extraordinary prowess and morality is guaranteed.
And this J.U.S.T.I.C.E League Srila Prabhupada has started is an exact embodiment of that.
Nov/Dec 2016 Hare Krishna News – Published by ISKCON Durban. Used with permission.
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