{"id":54166,"date":"2017-12-14T11:12:12","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T10:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/?p=54166"},"modified":"2017-12-14T11:12:12","modified_gmt":"2017-12-14T10:12:12","slug":"world-enlightenment-day-is-december-16th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/?p=54166","title":{"rendered":"World Enlightenment Day is December 16th"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/K_wJ2IyGj-Q\/maxresdefault.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>By Vijaya dasa<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most of you have responsibilities and do not have time to do the full marathon like some fortunate book distributors. Well, this day is for you. Either to also go out to the people and give them Krishna\u2019s mercy or to help distribute books. Mahatma Prabhu recently wrote about the many ways we can help distribute books (included below).<\/p>\n<p>Everyone is looking for Krsna, because everyone is looking for pleasure. Krsna is the reservoir of pleasure, and it is emanating from Him. If people connect with Him, they find what they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n<p>In a lecture in Los Angeles, Srila Prabhupada said, \u201cIf he reads one sloka, his life will be successful. If he reads one sloka, one word. This is such a nice thing. Therefore we are stressing so much: \u2018Please distribute book, distribute book, distribute book.\u2019 A greater mrdanga. We are chanting, playing our mrdanga. It is heard within this room or a little more. But this big mrdanga will go home to home, country to country, community to community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Life is short. In the short time we\u2019re here, let\u2019s try to find some time when we can do what we know is very pleasing to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. Why is book distribution pleasing to Krishna? Because He doesn\u2019t like His parts and parcels to suffer, any more than a father likes to see his children suffer. Krsna is known as para dukha dukhi, because when He sees others suffer, He becomes concerned. He has come to help us to become free of the misery of material existence. Srila Prabhupada\u2019s books have helped millions of people feel the joy of spiritual life.<\/p>\n<p>We daily sing, \u201cThe spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord Himself, because he is the most confidential servant of the Lord.\u201d<br \/>\nSrila Prabhupada explained, \u201cWhat is that confidential service? That he is preaching Krsna consciousness.\u201d By going out and distributing books, we\u2019re doing a very confidential service. And therefore, Srila Prabhupada said, we quickly become recognized by Krishna.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur 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.\u201d (letter dated 05\/01\/1976)<\/p>\n<h2>Double Blessings for Christmas<\/h2>\n<p><!--<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53914\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads6\/maxresdefault-17.jpg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/maxresdefault-17.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/maxresdefault-17-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/maxresdefault-17-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/maxresdefault-17-1170x658.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><!-- --><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/BG5sIPs.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If I wrote an article telling you how to double your money in ten days, would you be interested? Of course you would. Well if I knew how I\u2019d tell you. But I don\u2019t, so sorry. <\/p>\n<p>But I can tell you something better. I can tell you how to double your blessings in ten days. Are you as interested? I hope so. After all, the more blessings the merrier, right? So read on and learn how to have a doubly blessed Christmas and thus make Christmas really, really merry. <\/p>\n<p>May you always think of Krsna. <\/p>\n<p><strong>By Mahatma Das<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img style='max-height:0px;max-width:0px;' src= \"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/jwu4FFO6l8o\/maxresdefault.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">Our Most Dear Possession<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">The Nectar of Devotion states that we should offer Krsna things   that are dear to us. Certainly the body is most dear to us and we can be quite   particular how we use it in Krsna\u2019s service. Consequently, we may be reluctant   to do services which cause us anxiety, inconvenience, trouble, or difficulty.   Or we may be reluctant do services that seem to be beyond the limits of what   we think is possible for us (\u201cI could never do that\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">We are all well aware of things we\u2019d be reluctant to do for   Krsna? Yet doing many of those things would be good for us. We might overcome   a fear or an attachment and we\u2019d probably pray a lot more. Plus, we\u2019d get the   special taste that comes by doing something for Krsna that is difficult or uncomfortable   for us.<b><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">The Great Motivators<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>It is our nature to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Isn\u2019t fear or reluctance   to do something really just the anticipation of the pain that activity will   cause? Of the two, the desire to avoid pain is stronger. If you had the choice   between having a really great time today and avoiding a major operation, which   would you choose? The problem is that fear often holds us back from doing what   we know is best. (\u201cI know I should do that but\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d) &nbsp;Yet \u201csuffering\u201d for Krsna   is purifying, and anything we do that is purifying brings us closer to Krsna.   Coming closer to Krsna is what you and I want. This is why we do devotional   service. And coming closer to Krsna awakens transcendental bliss. So it is not   really suffering; it is transcendental suffering.<\/p>\n<p><span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">I have noticed in my life that the pain of feeling guilty   for not doing something I know I should do is often greater than the \u201cpain\u201d   caused by doing the very thing I am reluctant to do. I guess I have my fears   backwards. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">What\u2019s On Your List?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>So where am I going with this? &nbsp;Since this is December, the month of the Christmas   book distribution marathon, I wanted to look at some of the reasons you and   I may be reluctant to get very involved in book distribution this season (or   get involved at all). Some reasons may be: <\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I\u2019ve never done it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I don\u2019t know how to do it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I could never do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I don\u2019t have the time to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am afraid to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">It\u2019s too troublesome to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am not a good salesperson.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am too shy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I don\u2019t like to do it <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am not compassionate<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I hate to do it<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am too busy to take time out to do it<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">It\u2019s too difficult to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">People don\u2019t appreciate it<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am embarrassed to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">It\u2019s too humiliating<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am not concerned enough about other people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am afraid I will fail<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am too old to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am too young to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I am too ___________ to do it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">I don\u2019t practice what the books teach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Nobody is interested in the books.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Most people don\u2019t read the books.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Most people don\u2019t understand the books.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">There are better ways to preach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">It\u2019s Good For You<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Is book distribution actually painful, difficult, the cause of anxiety, etc.?   I must admit that I have felt all these and other negative emotions while on   book distribution, usually when I\u2019d first go out or when I\u2019d be having a rough   day. Time and again, however, those negative emotions were replaced by bliss,   enthusiasm, and satisfaction. Plus, by sticking it out I would get a dose of   massive purification. And this had nothing to do with how many books I distributed.   So don\u2019t even worry about how many books you will distribute. The effort alone   is so purifying that you will receive oceans of mercy for making the attempt.   Look at book distribution as you look at other devotional practices; it is done   for your purification and to please Krsna. Make the effort and leave the results   to Krsna. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">If you make the effort to distribute books, Krsna takes note.   And that goes to your eternal benefit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">Some Ways You Can Distribute Books<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">There are many ways to distribute books. Here are some suggestions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" type=\"1\">\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Buy books and give them to friends, relatives, co-workers, business     associates, etc. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Buy books and give them to a book distributor to give out to people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Buy books and place them in libraries or have them placed in libraries     by other devotees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Give money to you local temple to pay for books that they will     arrange to distribute.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Convince those sympathetic to Krsna consciousness to sponsor book     distribution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Convince hotel owners to buy one Bhagavad-gita for each room in     their hotel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Set up a book table at a college, shopping center, or on the street.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Go to a public place and distribute books.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Buy books and leave them in stores for free distribution. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Send books to a friends and relatives<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Inspire others to distribute books. &nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Talk to your temple president, nama hatta leader, or other devotees     in your area about how you can distribute books. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span lang=\"EN-US\">Put a book display in a store. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">Prabhupada\u2019s Mission<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">Srila Prabhupada\u2019s main service to his spiritual master,   and indeed his essential mission, was to write, publish and distribute books.   <\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-US\">When Srila Prabhupada separately incorporated his   book publishing company, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), the lawyer asked   why he was incorporating the BBT separately from Iskcon. Prabhupada said, <b>\u201cI   want to make sure the book publication continues even if Iskcon doesn\u2019t.\u201d <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">Double Mercy For Christmas<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Even when Srila Prabhupada was a grhastha he was publishing   <i>Back To Godhead <\/i>magazine and was personally selling them. And when he   retired and published the first canto of the <i>Srimad Bhagavatam<\/i>, he was   personally selling those books. So this is our family business. Because this   was his main service to his spiritual master, Prabhupada said that not only   would we receive his blessings if we distributed his books, we would also receive   the blessings of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and thus be \u201cdoubly blessed.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-transform: uppercase\" lang=\"EN-US\">So if you take part in book   distribution you will get double blessings for Christmas? That\u2019s the best Christmas   gift you could ever get! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">The Back Burner<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">When I lived in Los Angeles in the 70\u2019s, during the ten days   before Christmas everything else in the community took a back burner to book   distribution. All other projects were either minimized or put on hold in order   to free more devotees distribute books or do support services for book distribution.   You might think those projects suffered somewhat because of this. No. The devotees   who participated in the marathon became so enlivened that they came back to   their services with new found energy and enthusiasm. Thus their services expanded.   <b><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-US\">How Will You Take Part?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">So here\u2019s what I am suggesting you do. Write down the way(s)   in which you will take part in book distribution from now till Christmas. Even   if it means just giving a small donation for book distribution, leaving a few   free books at a store, whatever, write it down (if you are already doing book   distribution this Christmas, think of at least one way in which you can increase   your book distribution). Remember, you want double mercy, don\u2019t\u2019 you? <\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you are reluctant to take part you will be missing a great opportunity to   make advancement. Why? &nbsp;Because you have the chance to offer Krsna something   dear to you (your time, comfort, peace of mind, money, ego, etc.) and thus experience   the special taste that comes from this kind of surrender. Actually, the more   reluctant you are the more mercy you will get. So write something on that list.<\/p>\n<p><span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">And I would like to make a money back guarantee. If you take   part in book distribution and don\u2019t find that it helped you, I\u2019ll offer you   108 apologies for forcing you to do it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">One last thing. Inspire other devotees to take part in book   distribution. Prabhupada told me to always enthuse devotees in book distribution.   That order wasn\u2019t just for me; it was for all of us. So get the word out. And   if you think this letter will help other devotees, pass it on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/-ZWdXiewzFys\/WjJOThYXcWI\/AAAAAAAAg5o\/-yRwpG0s37s5tyokUg1SzTk6Skh9orE7gCHMYCw\/s0\/2017-12-14_11-11-22.jpg\" alt=\"Hare Krishna\"\/><strong>By Vijaya dasa<\/strong><\/p>\n<p> In a lecture in Los Angeles, Srila Prabhupada said, \u201cIf he reads one sloka, his life will be successful. If he reads one sloka, one word. This is such a nice thing. Therefore we are stressing so much: \u2018Please distribute book, distribute book, distribute book.\u2019 A greater mrdanga. We are chanting, playing our mrdanga. It is heard within this room or a little more. But this big mrdanga will go home to home, country to country, community to community.\u201d  Life is short. In the short time we\u2019re here, let\u2019s try to find some time when we can do what we know is very pleasing to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. Why is book distribution pleasing to Krishna? Because He doesn\u2019t like His parts and parcels to suffer, any more than a father likes to see his children suffer. Krsna is known as para dukha dukhi, because when He sees others suffer, He becomes concerned. He has come to help us to become free of the misery of material existence. Srila Prabhupada\u2019s books have helped millions of people feel the joy of spiritual life.<!--more--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-distribution"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=54166"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54168,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54166\/revisions\/54168"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=54166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=54166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=54166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}