Sastra Dana – Congregational Book Distribution

Sergio Canela, a book rack manager & a blissful book distributor.

Fear,

according to the Bhagavat Purana (11.2.37), comes due to a loss of focus.(!!!) When one is absorbed in the thoughts of Krishna there is no fear. When this focus is lost, fear kicks in.

Then how is it that sometimes while trying to serve Krishna, an activity that naturally guides the mind towards Krishna, we feel fear? Because we have lost the focus. Book distribution is a good example to illustrate this point. We hold books in our hands and dread the thought of entering a store and asking a simple question, “Hi. Would you mind if I left a few spiritual books here for your customers to read?” Sometimes we may be so fearful that we will not even get so far to get some books for distribution let alone approaching unknown people. If we feel like that it means our absorbtion in Krishna is not a strong one.

In the midst of Krishna consciousness our personal concerns are interjecting and separating us from Krishna, thus we get plunged into fear. Instead of thinking about Krishna and acting for His pleasure we become very concerned about our selves. The secret is that our true benefit lies in acting for Krishna’s and the spiritual master’s pleasure. Personal gratification never ends in one’s benefit. Actually, quite the contrary. The Bhagavad-gita (5.22) tells us that the place of self-gratification is the birthplace of all misery. The Bhagavatam (1.2.6) declares that selfless service to Krishna is the only way to satisfy the self.

Once we cast aside the personal concerns and dive into selfless devotional service we will be fearless and very happy. Devotees who broke the ice and are distributing spiritual knowledge, the best product to have ever entered the material realm, report a discovery of a great ocean of happiness! Try it out for yourself.

Huntington Park, Los Angeles. One of our book-racks, ready to be placed in this barber shop and managed by Sergio Canela.

The book-rack is placed in the shop. One of the workers is reading the Sastra Dana newsletter and appreciating our missionary work. Even today there are lots of people that respect missionaries and their selfless work, a spiritual contribution to the society.

Mother & daughter read Srila Prabhupada’s books in a hair salon in Los Angeles.

In a fashion store in Los Angeles.

Mahat-tattva Dasa: “I told them, “I’m a monk with the Hare Krishna temple. Would you please let me display these books in your store?” Then I added, “For your customers….to read.” They were so excited to meet a monk. They let me display a large quantity of books.