Hare Krsna Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

In 2002 the GBC asked me to be the minister of book distribution. Since then I have been traveling around the world trying to encourage book distribution. One of the obstacles to book distribtuon that I often see as I travel in the third-world countries, and sometimes in first- and second-world countries as well, is that many temples cannot afford books or vehicles.

This letter is an appeal to you for donations to the book distributors around the world. Since I've been in this position I have helped four sankirtana teams (in third-world countries) get vehicles for book distribution. You have no idea how happy these sankirtana devotees were to get them. If anyone would like to help in this way, you can either go to Paypal and put my e-mail - vijaya.hdg@pamho.net - as the receiver, or you can write out a check to ISKCON and send it to me at the LA temple: Vijaya Dasa, c/o ISKCON, 3764 Watseka Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034.

It doesn't mater how big or small the donation is -- $5, $10, $50, or thousands.

Below are some statements Srila Prabhupada made in his books about the importance of giving charity to spread Krsna consciousness.

BG 16.1. purport: "Charity is meant for the householders. The householders should earn a livelihood by an honorable means and spend a portion of their income to propagate Krsna consciousness all over the world. Thus a householder should give in charity to institutional societies that are engaged in that way. Charity should be given only to propagate Krsna consciousness all over the world. That is charity in the mode of goodness."

BG 11.54 purport: "As far as charity is concerned, it is clear that charity should be given to the devotees of Krsna who are engaged in His devotional service to spread the Krsna philosophy throughout the world. Krsna consciousness is a benediction to humanity. Lord Caitanya was appreciated by Rupa Goswami as the most munificent man of charity because love of Krsna, which is very difficult to achieve, was distributed freely by Him. So if one gives some amount of his money to persons involved in distributing Krsna consciousness, that charity, given to spread Krsna consciousness is the greatest charity in the world.î

There is also this statement by Krsna in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.22.35): Etavaj janma-saphalyam dehinam iha dehisu/ pranair arthair dhiya vaca sreya-acaranam sada: "It is the duty of all living beings to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with their life, wealth, intelligence and words." You may not be able to give your life for preaching or your intelligence or your words. But everyone can give some of their wealth for preaching. Prabhupada wanted his householder disciples to give 50% of their income for preaching. I only know of one devotee that does that. Of course, it isn't easy now because times are difficult, but at least everyone can give something. If a lot of people give a little, it becomes a lot.

So if anyone would like to help book distribution around the world, either by monthly donations, occasional donations, or just a one-time donation, then certainly Krsna and Srila Prabhupada would be pleased.

Your servant, Vijaya das

Hare Krsna Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am just finishing up a North American tour, on which I did book distribution and conducted seminars. It has been very enlivening. While traveling I had the good fortune of Jayadvaita MaharajaÕs association in New York City. He gave a very nice class the evening before I left. He spoke about book distribution (it's always nice to hear our leaders speak about it). Here's a little of the nectar: "I was traveling from New Jersey in a train when a Muslim sat next to me. After awhile he turned to me and asked what my religion is. That started a whole conversation about God and spiritual life, and he was very interested. When I travel I always like to carry books with me for people like this. So I and the devotee traveling with me were trying to find where we had put them. Finally we found a ÒPerfection of Yoga,Ó and I gave it to him. He asked if he could give something for it and gave a very nice donation. It was very nice to see someone of another faith so interested in what we have to offer."

Maharaja went on to say, "Earlier in the year I was in South Africa. While I was there I asked a devotee how he had joined. He told this story:

When I was very young my father visited France, and while waiting in the airport in Paris for his plane back to our home in the Congo, he saw a Bhagavad-gita on a table. Someone had apparently left it there. It was there for a long time, so at last he picked it up and started reading it. No one came looking for the book, so he took it with him on the flight. He found it very interesting.

Later, whenever he was home he would often quote from the Bhagavad-gita, saying, ÒKrsna says thisÓ and ÒKrsna says that.Ó I began thinking, ÒWho is this Krsna?Ó

When I grew up and was on a visit to South Africa, I met some devotees distributing books, and they told me about Krsna. I put the two together and said, ÒMy father knows all about Krsna!Ó They invited me to the temple and I really liked it and eventually joined. My father is also a devotee and chants sixteen rounds.

Maharaja concluded: ÒThere is a saying in India: 'There is a name on every grain of rice.' Similarly, there is a name on every book that goes out, and only Krsna knows whose hand it is going to end up in, just as only Krsna knows to whom every grain of rice will go.Ó

Your servant, Vijaya das (Text D:3265232) -------------------------------------------

------- End of Forwarded Message ------

Hare Krishna ! All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga ! All glories to Srila Prabhupada ! All glories to all the sankirtan devotees at all the times !

A finance director of an oil exploration organisation visited New Delhi ISKCON Temple. He met His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj who was on his Delhi visit.

The visitor explained the oil situation in the world today and in the future times to come. His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj discussed the oil and natural gas situation in Russia, Canada, America and China then Maharaj got to the real point and spoke about the spiritual solutions for a happy world. He explained to the man about Srila Prabhupda and his transcendental books. Thereafter, the gentleman ordered five thousand Bhagavat Gitas As It Is with 100% advance payment.

with best regards, your servant, Bhakta Rakesh - New Delhi.

"Bhaktitirta Swami, who was Ghanasyam before taking sanyasa was on book distribution with me in the 1970's distributing full sets to the colleges. We went to a small college and found out it was a holiday. Ganasyam decided to give it a try anyway. I said, "Why do you want to waste your time and mine, it's a small school and it is a holiday!"

Ghanasyam said, "Alright, I'll just go to the bathroom and be right back. Just in case I find someone I'll bring some books."

One hour went by, then two. I was becoming very upset. But I also knew that Ghanasyam sometimes would do amazing things, almost mystical. I decided that I wouldn't immediately chastise him, first I would find out why he took so long.

When he finally returned I asked him, "Why did you take so long, you were just going to the bathroom?"

He replied," That's what I was going to do, but as I was walking to the bathroom I was praying to Prabhupada, "Prabhupada please help me to serve you, I want to please you by distributing your books, please give me your mercy."

"While I was in the bathroom there was a man in there, and we just started talking. He was a professor of history and religion. I told him about the Srimad Bhagavatam that we distribute and showed him what I had, he was fascinated. We went to his office and he bought a set. Then I asked if he knew if the library was open. He said it wasn't, but he is a friend of the person in charge and would call him. When he called, his wife said he was on his way to the college to get some things he needed. Ten minutes later he shows up and also bought a set."

I said, "That's amazing, I'm impressed. I guess there are no material formulas if we sincerely want to distribute books."

letter, December 11, 1975

"The Sankirtana devotees are very dear to Krishna. Because you are doing the field work of book distribution, Krishna has immediately recognized them as true servants. Just like during war time, a farm boy or ordinary clerk who goes to fight for his country on the front immediately becomes a national hero for his sincere effort. So Krishna immediately recognizes a preacher of Krishna Consciousness who takes all risk to deliver His message.

lecture Jan 5, 1976

Our first business is this book distribution. There is no need of any other business. If this book distribution is managed properly, pushed on with great enthusiasm and determination and at the same time if our men keep spiritually strong, then the whole world will become Krishna conscious.

BG 13.12 purport

Non violence is generally taken to mean not killing or destroying the body, but actually nonviolence means not to put others into distress. People in general are trapped by ignorance in the material concept of life, and they perpetually suffer material pains. So unless one elevates people to spiritual knowledge, one is practicing violence. One should try his best to distribute real knowledge to the people, so that they may become enlightened and leave this material entanglement. That is nonviolence.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Just wanted to let you know that I posted your lecture video on youtube.com as a playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=26BA48BBE5F82B84 It says 1of 5 video clips etc. although currently there are only 4 clips. This is because I plan to add a clip with you distributing books. I haven't finished editing it yet.

Your servant, Ganga das

Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

For the last four or five years we have distributed books to the crowd at the annual Tuska ("Pain") Open-Air Metal Festival in the center of Helsinki. The festival runs from Friday through Sunday during the first weekend of July.

Compared to some other rock festivals, the crowd at this one is a little less intoxicated. They mainly go there because of the music. Actually, the fact that they're a bit drunk makes them more open to being approached. This festival is really quite a good field for preaching.

The Christians had their "Finland for Jesus" bus there, trying to save the fallen souls. But their tactics just drew ridicule from the "metal heads," who continued to flaunt their upside-down crosses and various provocative anti-Christian T-shirts. Our approach was different. We distributed there in devotional clothing, avoiding Christian-style warnings about imminent damnation and the need to be saved. We just presented our literature and engaged in small talk about the bands and how the weekend was going.

Sankirtana Prabhu, the sankirtan leader of the Czech Republic, was visiting Finland, and after our Sunday feast we went to the festival together. Some people sitting near the entrance immediately showed interest in the books. They were two ladies accompanied by a young man and a professional drunkard. The two ladies had pretty authentic metal-festival outfits -- blood stains painted all over their bodies, etc. But they were positive and without needing too much convincing surrendered to purchasing a small book.

Many attendees had doubts about us. They regarded us as Hindus and thus thought that we worshiped many gods in a hodgepodge way, without much philosophy. I did my best to explain that we are not just ritualistic followers but have a clear and deep philosophy.

It was fun to discuss philosophy with all those wild-looking characters, many of whom had read some of our books. Some were favorable, some not, but for the most part they were more philosophical than the average person on the street. Many had read books on various other philosophies -- Taoism, Buddhism, shamanism and some were followers of the teachings of Anton LaVey (hedonistic Satanism).

It was very nice distributing with His Grace Sankirtan Prabhu. He did about ten books in less than two hours. It was good that I stayed until the end of the festival, since around that time two young men took five books, and, as on Saturday, the total for Sunday was some fifteen books also.

Srila Prabhupada ki jaya! Lord Nityananda's special mercy and transcendental special jokes ki jaya!

by Banke Bihari Dasi (Burnaby, BC, Canada)

Once while I was out doing books I noticed a man staring at me. He made me so nervous that I was very careful not to make eye contact with him, let alone try to preach to him. He stood near the bus stop -- but he never got on a bus! As nightfall approached I couldn't believe he was still standing in the same spot. I kept glancing at him out of the corner of my eye because I thought he was kind of scary.

Then Krsna played a trick on me. I walked over to a man who I thought was someone else, but somehow I ended up right in front of the man I was trying to avoid! I started to panic. I warily lifted up a hard-cover Bhagavad-gita, but before I could speak he said, "You know what?" I thought he was going to blast me, but instead he said, "When I woke up this morning I told the Lord that I wanted to surrender to Him. I think He sent you to me."

I could hardly believe what I just heard. He went on to explain how he had spent so much time trying to make sense of his life but had failed. We talked for a very long time. Then he gave me a nice donation. He said he was leaving the next morning for Alberta to work on the oil rigs and was happy to be able to take the Bhagavad-gita with him.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

As I travel around I occasionally hear that the devotees submiting scores for their temple don't see them reported in the sankirtan newsletter. I asked Mayapur Sasi Prabhu who manages the newsletter, why this is. He said, "The problem seems to be with the online scoresheet at SankirtanNewsletter.com."

He said if anyone sends scores to him he responds that he has received the scores.

So from now on if you send your scores and you don't receive a response from him that he has received the scores then send them directly to him, either to his pamho address or to: mayapur@aol.com

This should solve the problem.

your servant, Vijaya das

Your servant, Rupa Raghunatha das Sydney Australia

Some of the most exciting book distribution incidents have taken place at the Mumbai Central Railway Station. It all began in the mid 80Õs, when book distribution as a part of regular service in the Radha-Gopinatha temple in Chowpatti was still at a nascent stage. With very few devotees distributing books, nobody had ever thought of going to the railway station.

One day Krishnananda Prabhu decided to take the initiative and told me to accompany him. I had just joined the temple. As a teenager coming from a small town, I felt the big city to be overwhelming. I was definitely nervous, and with one glance at the confident, smart-looking men of Mumbai, always on the move, I was put off. I was convinced I couldn't do book distribution. Impossible. But Krishnananda Prabhu was adamant. He was the temple commander, and since he had ordered me to pack my book bag, I had no choice but to comply. For a new bhakta, there was no question of personal likes or dislikes.

When we reached the platform, Krishnananda Prabhu was in his element. Tapping a traveler on the shoulder, he introduced himself as a Master of Science (MSc.) and Master of Technology (Mtech) from the U.S.A. The English-speaking, smart sadhu baffled all of them and induced them to take Prabhupada's books. Well, he could do it in that style and with good success. For me, this was a nightmare. My worst fears came true when all of a sudden he put a few books in my hand and pushed me inside a compartment, "Go, just give Prabhupada's books to all. Come on!" As I heard his firm voice, I almost fainted. I was trembling, and seeing the passengers seated in the train, with all eyes on me, I was on the verge of tears. Not able to muster up enough strength, I gave up, went to a vacant seat in a corner and sat down all alone. I began sighing, "Krishna, why are You doing this to me? Please take me out of this mess.Ó With no one to share my tale of woe, I was miserable.

Just then a complete stranger came up to me, smiled, and asked me what I had in my book bag. Sitting up straight, I clumsily showed him the books. He exclaimed aloud, ÒOh! These books are wonderful" and immediately took a few big books and a dozen small books. I was ecstatic. I ran looking for Krishnananda Prabhu, hardly able to contain my excitement. Sharing my joy and seeing the sparkle in my eyes now, he commented, ÒYour days are numbered. You will be hooked on this.Ó

Today, more than two decades later, book distribution is one of the main activities of the Chowpatti temple, with three bus parties going out during the marathon and many devotees engaged full-time in book distribution. (Text D:3106626) -------------------------------------------

------- End of Forwarded Message ------

I have a family consisting of myself, my husband and two daughters. For many years I had been distributing books every day, from door to door.

Once, it was Gita Jayanti, I was on my way out to distribute books. Before I did I decided to drink some carinamrita of our home Deity. But it was not carinamrita, it was a chemical liquid! I took only 1 spoon, but my tongue was burned, it was very painful. Now here I am standing with a burned tongue thinking, 'How in the world I am going to distribute the books now, not being able to say even a word?' But I decided to depend on Krsna and just go out. This day I distributed about 50 books. I would just smile to them, hand them a book, show them the price, and they would just buy it.

your servant, Naresvari dd

In class Prabhupada explained what is required of us if we want to please Krsna and get His blessings. "We have to surrender. That will please Krsna. And without pleasing Him? You cannot see Krsna. You may have your eyes, big, big eyes, but you cannot see Krsna. You have to please Him. That pleasing activity is bhakti.

"Without that bhakti, it means sitting down silently... 'No, no, I am chanting. I do not want to go out. I am busy.' This means excuse. What you will chant? You will think of money and woman, that's all. Just work. Go to sell books and work hard. That is wanted. Therefore we do not give that opportunity. My Guru Maharaja did not give this opportunity, and we are following the same principle. No opportunity of sitting idle. No, you must work. That will rectify. Yes."

>From Transcendental Diary

The letter I just sent, "The Bhagvad Gita wins the hearts of yoga students...." took place in Taiwon not Vancouver.

your servant, Vijaya das

We were invited to teach mantra meditation at a small hatha yoga group's gathering in Vancouver Canada. About 15 students came. In the course of our presentation we mentioned the uncontrolled senses being like untamed horses, pulling the chariot each to its side, the reins being the mind, the driver the intelligence, the passenger the soul... and passed around a Bhagavad-gita open on the painting of that description. I saw one girl taking note of the ISBN number of the book and other info (so that she could get it later), before she handed it on to the person sitting next to her.

Near the conclusion of the lecture and the chanting, we said that in case anyone wondered where they could get a copy of the Bhagavad-gita, we had some downstairs in the car.

Seven of the fifteen students came forward and bought a book.

Your servant, Dayal Nitai das (Taiwan).

hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare

It was mid year marathon in Sydney city. I was distributing books outside a busy shopping mall with HG Yasodeva Prabhu. I was amazed that books were actually going out for a change. It was a strange crowd and I was throwing out every sankirtana line I knew. I saw a group of young islander girls. "Are you girls students, workers or dancers?" I said. They seemed too preoccupied to hear what I was saying but they somehow managed to catch the last line. "Oh my god, how did you know we were dancers?" they responded. (Apparently they were a dance troupe.) I had caught their attention and it was time to seal their fate. "I'm psychic" I replied. Now they were totally amazed. "Can you tell me what I am thinking right now?" the leader said. "A magician never does the same trick twice" I replied. I told them I was a monk and they were genuinely convinced I could read their minds. One even took a few paces back, almost as if to stay out of my reading radius. I decided Krsna was using his illusory potency to make these young girls interested in taking a book. I showed them a Perfection of Yoga because it looked genuinely mystical and the art work blew their minds (not that I could read that it blew their minds). They scrambled out some change and decided they would read one of these books. I then sent them on their way, even though some were still very persistently demanding me to tell them some of my monk mystic powers. Little did they know that I had done nothing and the Supersoul had simply told me what to say.

Your servant, Madhavendra Puri Dasa.

Love KRSNA!

For about a month Thailand was very unstable because of the Red Shirt protests. Every night for about a week there was a curfew, and major crowded places that are usually approached for Sankirtan were completely closed.

The roads have been open for about two weeks now. And during this time we have seen a great change in the people here. Devotees have grown more and more inspired as the people have grown more receptive. Last Sunday we went by taxi to Hwai Kwang, which has many market areas. The day of book distribution began very auspiciously when our taxi driver said he was very interested and took a Bhagavad-gita.

Inside a clinic shop I met a lady who asked me what our books were about. When I told her about the Bhagavad-gita, she said she had read about the book when she was in college. Now she was teaching in Thammasat University, and she was very interested to see us preaching in the shops. She also mentioned that she always saw Christians visiting the shops and preaching about the Bible, so why should devotees not do the same with the Bhagavad-gita? She gave a donation and took a Gita.

Many shopkeepers had hung paintings of Lord Ganesh and Mother Laxmi on the walls. A shop owner took a Krsna book, and while devotees were chanting in the street a man ran up to them holding 150 Baht and saying, "I want a Bhagavad-gita!" He said that he had bought a Krsna book from us last time; he also mentioned that he had a maha-mantra card. Since all our books had been distributed, we promised him that next time we'd come to the same place and give him his Bhagavad-gita.

Devotees felt very satisfied and happy to experience this mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. They said they were literally feeling thirsty for this nectar while there was political unrest. And now, by the mercy of the Lord, the feeling of happiness is even greater.

All glories to the Sankirtan Movement. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Hare Krsna!

Your servant, Sumadhuri lila devi dasi

Over the years, some sankirtan devotees do big events, and sometimes the security guards check our bags and do not allow books in. So we take Jagannatha stickers, hidden in our pockets, and some small books in a shoulder bag. When guards ask what the small books are for, I say I am giving them to friends and they usually allow them in.

One big event is the famous Melbourne Cup for horse racing. A few times, after having big days with stickers and small books, I have walked out to my van, to head back to the temple, and seen a big line of people waiting for an under-supply of taxis. So when I jump in the van (with large "Chant Hare Krsna and Be happy" magnetics on the sides), some people ask me if I can give them a lift to the city for a donation.

They usually form a group of ten or twelve friends, so the van becomes full. I preach to them on the way and get them chanting in a Hare Krsna kirtan all the way, which is quite easy as they have been drinking. It is funny, as they don't have inhibitions about chanting and even open the windows to call out Hare Krsna to people walking by.

All glories to the holy names!

One such group chanted with me all the way to the city and gave me $50, so I gave them each a soft-cover Gita and some prasadam sweets.

Just as they hopped out, one intoxicated man asked for a lift to a casino 500 metres up the road. He gave $50 and received a hard-cover Gita and sweets. I started to think this was a very good transcendental taxi service so I drove back to the racetrack to see if anyone else wanted a transcendental ride.

There was another group of racing fans needing a lift to St. Kilda near the temple. They also chanted all the way, took prasadam, gave $50, and received a lot of books.

It was getting late so I retired to the temple.

The Lord has showered his mercy on the conditioned souls in a similar way at a few other race tracks in different cities. The Lord is merciful even to the most fallen souls at the races, who are gambling, eating meat, taking intoxication and chasing women all at one event.

Your servant, Rupa Raghunatha das

Dear devotees

Recently I visited my hometown of Murwillumbah, situated in the Tweed valley area of northern New South Wales Australia, near to New Govardhana farm where I had the great fortune of spending my childhood.

One of my old best friends hung him self so I took lots of books and prasadam for his family. I regret that I didn't do more for him earlier.

While in the area I visited a Prabhupada disciple by the name of Krsna Lolya Mataji. Her and her husband travelled a lot helping start temples in U.S.A, Hawaii & Australia. It was the first time I had seen her in 10 yrs. I entered her house and found her making glass beaded necklaces for the deities in Alachua and she relayed this story to me.

She told me that her family grew up on the same street as Barak Obama.

Her brother has been a friend of his ever since. When they where all teenagers they would go to the local Hare Krsna Temple and Barak came a few times and really enjoyed the kirtan and Prasadam.

She explained that when Obama was running for President she thought that she should try to give him a Bhagavata gita. So she ordered the best copy she could and hand made a real nice cover for it and sent it to her brother in the U.S.A to give to him personally.

She said that on the day of Obama's coronation he received a mountain of gifts. I was thinking, "Oh no, it would have been lost in the pile." But she told me her brother waited till the next day when things had quieted down some what and personally handed him Bhagavag gita As It is, in its beautiful hand made cover case.

She prays that it is close to him. Maybe its even in the white house now.

your servant

Dhruvananda Dasa

(formerly uddhava dasa gurukuli)