Madhumangala Prabhu has passed on. He distributed books from the time he joined in South Africa, about twenty years ago.
He was one of the most personal book distributors I ever met. It was common for him to embrace the people who took books from him. He was a jolly devotee with a million-dollar smile.
One thing I tell people who ask whether we are distributing something religious, came from Madhumangala.
He would respond, “This is not religious. Religion tells you what to do. This knowledge tells you who you are, and then you decide for yourself what to do.”
People like that and take books.
He traveled all over Africa distributing Prabhupada's books. He went to places where many devotees would not think of going to distribute. He was adventurous.
He had so many amazing stories, and he was compiling a book about them. I assume that it will come out posthumously. Many of his book distribution stories are on the BDN.
One of his amazing stories comes to mind. He was on his way back to the temple after book distribution and stopped at a street light. He turned to his right and saw a group of young men in the back of a truck.
He said to one of them, “I have these great books on yoga and meditation and how to achieve pleasure within. Would you like to check this out?”
One said, “Yes, that sounds interesting.”
There wasn't much traffic so the vehicles just stayed there while Madhumangala showed the books to the man. By now they were outside of their vehicles, and he was explaining the books.
The man ended up taking books and giving a nice donation, and then Madhu gave him one of his hugs. This gives you an idea of how spontaneous and fearless he was.
The good news is that he passed away at the Sri Sri Radha-Radhanatha temple in Durban early in the morning, just before the brahma-muhurta, while hearing a recording of Srila Prabhupada chanting Hare Krsna.
For the last couple of weeks his health had deteriorated primarily because of heart issues.
The sad news is we won't see his smiling face anymore, and we won't have his friendly association; fewer people in Africa will receive Srila Prabhupada's books. He was much loved by those who knew him.
Comments