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"Did you know that the Bhagavad-gita is the most widely read book in history?" I asked a gentleman, a senior at the University of Houston. We had just met late in the afternoon, after most people had left for home. I prayed that my behavior with this person would please Sri Guru, remembering that the opportunity to preach is a real gift.

"But I have a copy already, so not today, thank you," he replied.

"Wait, sir," I insisted, "I have two other books with me." After showing him "The Science of Self-realization" and Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1, his expression became contemplative.

"Who are you with?" he asked.

"I'm with the Hare Krishna movement."

"Oh," his expression soured. "Well, I don't support the Hare Krishna religion."

At this point one might have expected him to hand the books back and walk away. But, strangely, he stood still and continued to hold the books, as if entranced by their power.

"But the philosophy " he continued, as if mesmerized, gripping the books more tightly. "The philosophy in these books is so great."

I watched fascinated as the books swiftly captured his interest and aroused his intellectual hunger.

"How much do people usually give you for these?"

I told him and he instantly pulled from his wallet twice the amount asked for, thanked me, and bid farewell.

This incident confirms that nothing compares to the power of Srila Prabhupada's writing. Even the prejudice that some may have toward this movement can be dismantled by contact with Krishna in His literary form.

Your servant,
Dwijamani Gaura dasa