By Sikhi Mahiti das (ACBSP)
The world is embroiled in a recession. Banks are failing, jobs are disappearing, wealth attached to property and stocks is evaporating. The hopes of so many that rest upon saving for the future is now destroyed. All those years of working and saving for retirement, wiped out by the recession in the past few months. The mass of people feel hopeless and worried about their future. Only the devotees of Lord Krsna are above the fray. This is a great time for spreading the message of Lord Caitanya.
Lord Krsna says in the Gita, that four kinds of pious men begin to render devotional service unto him – the distressed, the desire of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute (BG 7.16). When a pious person is in distress, he will question his existence. Why do I work so hard to loose everything? Why do I have to struggle so hard to achieve flickering happiness? And, when he comes in contact with a Vaisnava and hears the true meaning and purpose of life, he begins his journey back to Godhead.
On the other hand, an impious soul will never accept Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We have seen and heard Srila Prabhupada preach to many of the most respectful non-devotees of the world. No matter what Srila Prabhupada said, they never would accept. Still, these greatly fortunate demons, have received the pure transcendental sound vibration from the lips of a pure devotee of Krsna. And, it will have an effect if not in this life, then the next. Just as when medicine is taken by a patient, it takes time to see the result. The Holy name of Lord Krsna is His most powerful energy and it can overcome any influence of kali yuga.
So, we who are followers of Srila Prabhupada should show compassion for those who are suffering as a result of what is happening in the world at this moment. We have an opportunity to approach many people who are looking for answers to their suffering, and they will be eager to hear. We have the the finial solution to their problems. It is to take to this process of Krsna Consciousness and go back home back to Godhead. We cannot overcome the dictates of the material energy. It is best to concentrate on purifying our selves and trying to save others.
The most effective means to reach these suffering souls, is to distribute books. One book will reach many people. Lennon coined the phrase “The pen is mightier than sword”. Therefore, totalitarian countries control the press. We should all make a commitment this year to distribute at least one book to someone who has never heard of Krsna. If we are more incline to preach in some other form, let us commit to increase that service. Somehow or other, let us make use of this bad bargain (Global Recession) and bring more people to the Krsna Conscious platform. This recession is the reaction of sinful activities. But on a higher platform, a good time for many people to receive Krsna Consciousness.
Please make time for preaching this year.
ys, Sikhi Mahiti das (acbsp)