Waves of Sankirtana - Volume 1, Issue 6

Hare Krishna!

Welcome to the sixth issue of "Waves of Sankirtana", the monthly newsletter of the India Sankirtana Leaders Team! November has been an active month for us all, with goals set, books packed in the godowns in every temple, and devotees planning, rehearshing, praying, to do book distribution, a most pleasing service to Srila Prabhupada! In this issue, we cover the following highlights:

1.       Srila Prabhupada Speaks: "We want to serve the purpose of the Goswamis..."

2.       India Sankirtana Report Card - October 2014

3.       Sankirtana News: Ecstatic results from book distribution workshops in Kakinada and Bangalore (Narasimha-Giridhari Mandir)
4.       Message on Book Distribution Marathon 2014 from HH Bhakti Vikas Swami
5.       FAQs: Sometimes, we get late coming from book distribution and miss out on morning program. How to balance regular sadhana with book distribution?

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Srila Prabhupada Speaks 

Room Conversation -- October 14, 1977, Vrndavana:

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: I think we'll give you another report later on. It's successful. That's a fact. Only these are suggestions how it can be improved. We'll speak with Svarūpa Dāmodara about it. (break) ...from the devotees in France, Bhagavān's zone. In fact, it's a four-page telegram. Should I read it? It says, "Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. Knowing how dear your book distribution is to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, the devotees in France would like to humbly offer you the results of our week-long marathon saṅkīrtana, hoping in some way to please you." Śrīla Prabhupāda? The devotees there, they went out on book distribution for twelve hours every day. All the devotees. They went out every day for seven days in a row, for twelve hours each day. And here is the results of their distribution. This is only for this one temple in France. It says, "We have distributed 25,061 hard-cover Bhagavad-gītās in one week." Twenty-five thousand, Śrīla Prabhupāda. We usually print of a Bhāgavatam 20,000 for the whole society. They distributed 25,000 Gītās in one week in French, Bhagavad-gītās in French. He says, "...to the conditioned souls of this country in seven days. We hope that these results are the biggest in the history of your movement and that they will give you some solace. Our top distributor were Bhakta Richard..." (laughter) Somebody who isn't initiated yet. "...who distributed 1,504 big books in one week." Every day he distributed over two hundred hard-cover books. That's pretty good. (laughter) That means he did about say 240 in twelve hours. He distributed about one book every three minutes for twelve hours in a row, Śrīla Prabhupāda, every day. "Jagad-vaśī dāsa, who distributed 1,125 big books; Ariṣṭa-nāśana dāsa, 864 books; Veśa-kīrti dāsa, 851 big books; Akhileśvara dāsa 835 big books; Kṛpā-siddha dāsa, 760 big books." Then they say, "Thank you for allowing us to assist you in preaching this message of Lord Caitanya in the Western Countries. All glories to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda. Your humble servants, the devotees in France." Pretty big distribution. Bhagavān estimates that they collected over sixty thousand dollars in one week. It's amazing. Seems like Kṛṣṇa is giving unlimited facilities to spread His glories, Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Prabhupāda: Yes. We do not want liberation. We want to serve the purpose of the Gosvāmīs, in association with pure devotees. To stop birth and death is not our purpose. Tāṅdera caraṇa-sebi-bhakta-sane bās, janame janame hoy ei abhilāṣ. [emphasis added]

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India Sankirtana Report Card - October 2014

The graph below shows Indian temples that made it to the Top 50 list for October 2014, as per the World Sankirtana Newsletter. 

The chart below shows the worldwide rank of the temple as well their book points for October 2014:

All glories to the wonderful service by devotees across India! The table below lists individual book distributors for October 2014 with name, world rank, and temple affiliation. 

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Sankirtana News

ISKCON Gandharvika-Giridhari temple devotees complete book distribution workshop - by Krishna Mitra Nitai Dasa

On November 29, ISKCON Gandharvika-Giridhari temple (HBR Layout, Bangalore) hosted a workshop on book distribution conducted by ISLT. Topics included "4 Laws of Book Distribution", "Communication 101", and generic discussion on strategies for local leaders. After the sessions, attendees formed four groups and went out for book distribution on the streets. It was quite inspiring that the Temple President, H. G. Varada Krishna prabhu, also came along with devotees and distributed books. Devotees tried different book distribution techniques from the workshop and they enjoyed a lot. ISLT members headed by Srirama Prabhu gave good support to all the devotees during book distribution. In total, the team distributed 85 books by the blessings Their Lordships Sri Sri Gandharvika-Giridhari and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Dev. Everyone shared their realization during the lunch. While they are fired up to reach their goal of 25000 books for this marathon, devotees are also excited to do book distribution on the last Saturday/Sunday of every month! All glories to Srila Prabhupada! 

India Sankirtana Leaders Team is eager to serve temples across India by hosting similar events. Please write to indiasankirtana@gmail.com for further details or call Vamsuli Dasa at 07675912269.
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ISLT trains ISKCON Kakinada youth in book distribution during Ratha Yatra 2014 - by Vamsuli Dasa

ISKCON Kakinada, a temple in coastal Andhra Pradesh, had their annual Ratha Yatra this November. Fourteen new bhaktas from the local university (JNTU) in Kakinada who have been attending college outreach programs from the temple were eager to try book distribution and volunteer for the big event. ISLT members, Srirama Dasa and Vamsuli Dasa, encouraged and briefly trained the young and enthusiastic devotees for book distribution. At the beginning of the event, HH Sukadeva Goswami maharaja spoke to the crowds and encouraged them to get these spiritual books as well as a chance to pull Lord Jagannath’s Chariot and bring Him closer to their hearts and homes. The team started out with packets of small books (two for INR 50) and were quickly dispatching the packets with great bliss. They would run back to the cart where the books were being put into packets, asking for more. The people in Kakinada are generally pious and we observed as men and women at several homes facing the street welcomed Lord Jagannath with joined palms and a reverential mood. We approached the people on the streets and distributed medium books such as the wonderful Teachings of Queen Kunti. Srirama prabhu distributed books to a cobbler, who very much appreciated them. In total, the team distributed nearly INR 8000 worth of books that evening, including hard bound copies of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is and the Krishna book. 

In the coming year, we look forwards to seeing the blossoming of sankirtana teams in Kakinada and every town and village around there. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

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Message on Book Distribution Marathon 2014 from HH Bhakti Vikas Swami 

To listen to hundreds of inspiring and energizing lectures on book distribution, please go to the link: Book Distribution Lectures by Devotees around the World 

Courtesy: ISKCON Desire Tree website 
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Sankirtana FAQ

We all come across many questions about book distribution, both practical and philosophical. In this section, we highlight common, important, and relevant questions and outline some possible answers, with support from shastras and sadhus. 

Question: Sometimes, due to coming late from book distribution, we miss out on mangal arati or chanting in the morning. 

Answer: The first law of book distribution is to have strict, sincere, and serious sadhana. What we do on the field (distributing books) and how we do it is a reflection of our relationship with the Holy Names, and vice versa. We can give only as much Krishna consciousness to others as we have filled up our hearts, our minds, and our time with. However, this is the one month in which all devotees aim to give! Therefore, if we have a regular practice of reading an hour of Srimad Bhagavatam, we should check if it is still possible to continue to do that and reach the goals we set for ourselves during the marathon, and adjust our schedule accordingly. While it may be an acceptable excuse if we miss out mangal arati on one day because of a long journey back to home from a book distribution spot, we can (and certainly should) plan our general schedule of book distribution by assertively saying "yes" or "no" such that we can balance our sadhana goals with our marathon goals. 

On the field, sometimes, we pray to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada intensely when nobody takes a book from our hands that day! We take shelter of Srila Prabhupada's words when we have to convince a 'devil's advocate' on the street. We DEPEND on Krishna when we go out for book distribution! Book distribution is itself HIGH SADHANA! This is one activity that expressly pleases Srila Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. We should remember devotees such as those of the famous Radha Damodara Traveling Sankirtana Party in USA had previously distributed books and did regular preaching while living out of a van. We can take inspiration from the numerous stalwart examples we have in ISKCON and do more sadhana and more book distribution this month.

THIS JUST IN!!! HH Giriraja Swami, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada just addressed this very question in a wonderful article. Read more here. (1:00 p.m., 9 December 2014, Vamsuli Dasa)

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Tell us what you think!

We are eager to learn how to serve you better! Please write to us at indiasankirtana@gmail.com:

• Report your book distribution scores,

• Share your experiences, realizations, and stories,

• Ask (or answer) a question (FAQ) on book distribution,

• Suggest a book distributor who could share valuable insights,

• Give ideas for how to make this newsletter better and sweeter,

• Get involved with ISLT strategy and help develop this newsletter,

• Extend your support and encouragement with comments or letters.

For your convenience, we have also included a contact form on the right hand side bar of this page. Thank you very much for reading this month's newsletter!

Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!

Your servants,

Sri Rama Dasa

Krishna Mitra Nitai Dasa

Vamsuli Dasa 

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Waves of Sankirtana - Volume 1, Issue 5

Hare Krishna! 

Welcome to the fifth issue of the India Sankirtana Newsletter "Waves of Sankirtana." This month, as temples across India gear up for the upcoming December Marathon, we present updates and insights aimed at inspiring devotees and equipping them with innovative book distribution strategies and tools. In this issue, we cover the following highlights:

1.       Srila Prabhupada Speaks: "Oh, there is no comparison of this book."

2.       India Sankirtana Report Card - September 2014

3.       Sankirtana News: ISLT Conference held in New Delhi; ISKCON Seshadripuram report

4.       FAQs: What do you say to someone who says "I already have the Bhagavad Gita!"

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Srila Prabhupada Speaks 

"In our movement we sell Bhagavad-gītā the most. Is it not? We sell our Bhagavad-gītā As It Is everywhere and in large number. Because it is full knowledge, not partial. Everything is complete. Can you show any book in the world which has so much sale and which is so much perfect? There is no book. And I am not..., because we are Kṛṣṇa devotees we are eulogizing like that, but any scholar, any philosopher, any scientist will say like that: "Oh, there is no comparison of this book." 

-- Lecture on SB 1.9.3 -- Los Angeles, May 17, 1973

 BONUS!!!

"The more we sell books, the more we advance in Krishna consciousness, and the more we help others to have solid information how they may take advantage of their human form of life and achieve the supreme perfection. So I want that you should now increase very greatly this selling of books and literatures." 

-- Letter to Kulasekhara -- Bombay 10 January, 1972

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India Sankirtana Report Card - September 2014

The chart below shows Indian temples ranked by book points for September 2014, as per the World Sankirtana Newsletter. Horizontal: Temple name and Worldwide rank (temple size in brackets)    Vertical: Book points 

All glories to the wonderful service by devotees across India! The table below lists individual book distributors for September 2014 with name, world rank, and temple affiliation. 

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Sankirtana News

Major inspiration from the "Conference of Book Distributors" at ISKCON New Delhi

“Maya is running an year-long marathon! Why should we have our marathon for only one month every year?” said HH Gopala Krishna Goswami during the recent two-day conference of book distributors at ISKCON New Delhi (Radha Parthasarathy temple) on 6 and 7 October 2014. The conference was attended by more than 60 devotees of the New Delhi and NCR regions, and was hosted by the India Sankirtana Leaders Team (ISLT), a collaboration of volunteer devotees working under the aegis of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), India. 

HG Bhima Prabhu and HG Vaisesika Prabhu were the key speakers for the sessions that covered a wide range of topics concerning the practical and spiritual aspects of book distribution – from strong sadhana as the basis to new strategies that are meant to increase the quality and quantity of book distribution. HG Vaisesika Prabhu showcased the successful model used by devotees at ISKCON Silicon Valley to distribute sets, and several devotees voiced their enthusiasm to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam & Chaitanya Charitsets this marathon, in addition to the Srimad Bhagaa seets including Bhagavad Gita.

In the coming months, India Sankirtana Leaders Team will host similar seminars at temples across India. Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=13505
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eCommerce book distribution from ISKCON Seshadripuram

Book Report for week of 24 October 2014 - 31 October 2014: 120 Bhagavad Gita As it is, 1 full set Shrimad Bhagavatam, 6 Krishna books, 45 small books through ecommerce.

eCommerce: We are planning on bringing in bulk distribution to corporate, hotels etc. alongside conducting seminars to corporate and other institutions. We will try to use these mediums to further enhance book distribution. We will use a tiered online book distribution approach, where an elected online zonal book distribution leader can clock the number of books distributed online through our website, thus encouraging and appreciating devotees for their online book distribution service. We have also tied up with Indias' leading eCommerce player for books and have setup our online stores with them as well. Through eCommerce we have made good sales and we are sure the momentum will catch up. We kindly request for your prayers to help us take this online book distribution service to the next level.

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Sankirtana FAQ

We all come across many questions about book distribution, both practical and philosophical. In this section, we highlight common, important, and relevant questions and outline some possible answers, with support from shastras and sadhus. 

Question: Some people simply say "I already have the Bhagavad Gita." How do we distribute books in India, where "everyone already has the Bhagavad Gita".

Answers: Here are some things you could try: 

1. Great that you have it! Now, you would be interested in giving it to others too! In spirituality, when we get something good and we really know it is good, we share it with everyone. If you already have a copy, please consider gifting it to another person in your family, friends, or office. Get one for your mother-in-law, or your aunt, maybe one for your neighbor, and definitely, one for your boss! Share the bliss! 

2. Donating the Bhagavad Gita is the highest social welfare, and a person who gives this knowledge to others becomes very dear to Krishna. Help us distribute these books to the whole world. As part of the Sastra-dana program, we will use your donations to distribute Bhagavad Gita books to rural communities in villages, and to schools, prisons, and libraries. Contribute a tax-deductible donation to this program today and get Krishna's mercy! 

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Tell us what you think!

We are eager to learn how to serve you better! Please write to us at indiasankirtana@gmail.com:

• Report your book distribution scores,

• Share your experiences, realizations, and stories,

• Ask (or answer) a question (FAQ) on book distribution,

• Suggest a book distributor who could share valuable insights,

• Give ideas for how to make this newsletter better and sweeter,

• Get involved with ISLT strategy and help develop this newsletter,

• Extend your support and encouragement with comments or letters.

For your convenience, we have also included a contact form on the right hand side bar of this page. Thank you very much for reading this month's newsletter!

Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!

Your servants,

Sri Rama Dasa

Krishna Mitra Nitai Dasa

Vamsuli Dasa 

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Waves of Sankirtana - Volume 1, Issue 4

Gearing up for December Marathon 2014

Hare Krishna! Welcome to the fourth issue  of the India Sankirtana Newsletter "Waves of Sankirtana." This month, we present to you an unprecedented showcase of book distribution strategies that have been designed and implemented across temples with success stories. In addition, we present a brief analysis of the history and current trends of book distribution in India. All this is set to act as an inspiration, an impetus, for us to distribute more books this year. 

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Srila Prabhupada Speaks

“The results show that there is no limit to our book distribution. Our books are qualified to be distributed unlimitedly. We are not fiction writers. It is a fact that no expert book salesmen can compete with our men. The librarian has noted the difference between our men and other publisher's men. We are working for heart and soul, not for money."

-- Srila Prabhupada's letter to Ramesvara prabhu, 18 January 1976

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India Sankirtana Report Card August 2014

The chart below shows Indian temples ranked by book points for August 2014, as per the World Sankirtana Newsletter. Horizontal: Temple name and Worldwide rank       Vertical: Book points

All glories to the wonderful efforts of devotees across India! The following table lists the top individual book distributors for August 2014 with world rank, name, book points, and temple affiliation.

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Always better service

Devotees are always exploring ways to do their service better and more nicely. This coming Marathon season, let us all try to do what we do better. Karthika masa is the perfect time to enhance the quality of our sadhana, and book distribution is high sadhana. In this issue, we showcase several "techniques" of book distribution that have worked for temples across India. This year, we can try and implement two or more of the following and see how they affect our contribution to the Marathon 2014. 

1. Gita Champions League:

In a country like India, where people are serious about education, planning a Bhagavad Gita "Competition" and encouraging young students and adults to read the Gita and attempt this exam is a sureshot way of distributing the mercy of Srimad Bhagavad wide and far. This strategy has been a dazzling success for Mumbai, where more than 13000 participants have attempted this exam in the last two years, and some of them have won prizes of more than 10 lakh INR in total. Learn more about the Gita Champions Leage at http://www.gitachampions.com/29-2/. Even better - check out their intro video for GCL 2014.

2. Employee gift scheme:

The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is a perfect start to a New Year. Devotees have encouraged companies to give these wonderful spiritual books as gifts to their employees. The company can choose the language as per the need of employees. This is an invaluable gift and would be revered and remembered by one and all. 

Devotees travel across the nation and reach far-off industrial complexes. There, they obtain permissions and talk to an assembly of employees about the Gita Marathon and impress upon them that this opporunity to receive a transcendental book is knocking on their door. The employee numbers of interested persons are noted down and books given. 

3. Gita Daan Yagna/ Bhagavad Gita Share-a-thon:

The temple encourages people across the nation to sponsor Bhagavad Gita and do one of the following:

1. The person can distribute the books to friends, relatives, neighbors etc. 

1. On their behalf, temple devotees distribute books in schools and prisons, or in distant villages, or to terminally ill patients in hospitals. 

The donor or their representative would be entitled to participate in a Maha Yajna to be held at the temple premises in December for the pleasure of the Lord. For more info on how this strategy works and whom to contact, please visit: http://iysmumbai.com/gitadaan/ or contact Baladev Dasa at 09930141803 or Shadbhuja Dasa at 09619703537 

4. Corporate  Festival Gifting:

Every year in India, people exchange gifts on festival days. This is particularly true for the big festival season around Dusshera and Diwali. In recent times, this tradition has taken on a "corporate" flavor as employers gift boxes of nuts and sweets to employees, partners, and stakeholders. Devotees from Ujjain temple have tweaked this tradition and slipped in copies of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is into a beautiful package along with prasadam nuts and sweets. These "Corporate Gift Packages" turn ever more transcendentally auspicious with this nice presentation. After all, what better gift to give than transcendental knowledge! 

5. Gita Jayanthi Festival: 

Every ekadasi is an auspicious day in India. Taking advantage of this fact and the benefit of having the Shrimad Bhagavatam set available for mass distribution, teams across India have set up tables at Vishnu-tattva temples (those of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Balaji, Lord Panduranga etc.) and urged people to take a huge step forward in coming closer to Krishna by inviting Him in the form of His Literary Incarnation into their homes on auspicious occasions such as ekadasi. 
 

Gita Daan Yagna ceremony conducted in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh

Every day becomes a special day for one who has the Srimad Bhagavatam at home. "Dhanur masam" which generally falls around December is a considered a particularly special and auspicious time of the year.  Inviting VIPs to the temple and promoting Bhagavad Gita through their brief endorsement and vociferous support for spiritual knowledge can also impress the general masses to make good use of the opportunity and get some books.

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Current trends

In recent times, India has stayed on top of the charts when it comes to book distribution. In 2012, we almost reached a scale of 50 LAKH book points (49,67,045 to be precise). So, it is a challenge for us, this year, to see if we can do something to bring ourselves together and reach the next threshold. In the following graphs, we see how the overall score has increased in a neat trend from the early 2000s and reached a peak in 2012. However, a minor dip is observed in 2013. It is open knowledge that it is during the month of December that we distribute most of the books we distribute in India. So, this is time for us to plan how to bring the graph to a healthier upward curve!

Data obtained from http://www.wsnl.net/hist/wsn01034.htm 
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Book distribution seminar at New Delhi, 6-7 October 2014

This October, more than 55 devotees from across temples in New Delhi are attending a special book distribution seminar. The event is an effort to inspire and motivate devotees as well as to equip them with tried and tested book distribution strategies and tools. This event is being conducted by ISLT members under the aegis of BBT India and ISKCON New Delhi, and with the blessings of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami, HG Bhima Prabhu, and HG Vaisesika Prabhu.  If you would like to sponsor and/or conduct similar events in your temples, please call Srirama Dasa 9642330011 or Bhakta Vinodh 7675912269.

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Srimad Bhagavad Gita - The Greatest Gift

In recent times, people in the echelons of modern politics have begun to vocalize their support for the Bhagavad Gita. Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, gifted the Bhagavad Gita to the Japanese emperor Akihito. In the photo above, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (USA) , who was raised Hindu and has deep appreciation for the Bhagavad Gita gifts her personal copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita As It Is (Pocket version - Vinyl cover) to Prime Minister Modi during his very recent visit to the US.

yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ 

sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate

 "Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues." (BG 3.21) Taking advantage of these fortuitous recent events, let us encourage everyone in society to give the Gita, the greatest gift.

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Tell us what you think!

We are eager to learn how to serve you better! Please write to us at indiasankirtana@gmail.com:

• Report your book distribution scores,

• Share your experiences, realizations, and stories,

• Ask (or answer) a question (FAQ) on book distribution,

• Suggest a book distributor who could share valuable insights,

• Give ideas for how to make this newsletter better and sweeter,

• Get involved with ISLT strategy and help develop this newsletter,

• Extend your support and encouragement with comments or letters.

For your convenience, we have also included a contact form on the right hand side bar of this page. Thank you very much for reading this month's newsletter!

Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!

Your servants,

Waves of Sankirtana Coordinators.

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Waves of Sankirtana - Volume 1, Issue 3

Hare Krishna! Welcome to the third issue of the India Sankirtana Newsletter "Waves of Sankirtana." The aim of this monthly newsletter is to assist in the systematic expansion of book distribution across India by facilitating communication and inspiration among devotees. 

In this issue, we cover the following highlights:

1.       Srila Prabhupada Speaks: "Dāsyam, to work for Kṛṣṇa... Distribute books."

2.       India Sankirtana Report Card - July 2014

3.       Sankirtana News: Book distribution stories from Nellore and Bangalore 

4.       Sankirtana Insights: Interview with HG Prabhu (ISKCON Bangalore)

5.       FAQs: "Are you selling these books?"

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Srila Prabhupada Speaks 

Lecture on SB Lecture -- 3.25.15, Bombay, November 15, 1974: If you remain always in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, that means you are on the liberated stage. And that is called bhakti-yoga.
śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ
smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam
arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyam...
[SB 7.5.23]
This Deity worship is arcanam. Chanting is vandanam. Dāsyam, to work for Kṛṣṇa, go and see people, preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness, distribute books. In so many ways Kṛṣṇa consciousness can be... So everything is being done. People may take advantage of it. Then immediately he becomes muktaye.
Source: Vanipedia.org (http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Distributing_my_books_(Lectures))
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India Sankirtana Report Card - July 2014

The chart below shows Indian temples ranked by book points for June 2014, as per the World Sankirtana Newsletter. Horizontal: Temple name and Worldwide rank (temple size in brackets)    Vertical: Book points

All glories to the wonderful service by devotees across India! The table below lists individual book distributors for July 2014 with name, world rank, and temple affiliation. 

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Sankirtana News

Report from ISKCON Nellore: Minister Narayana came to Nellore for "Badi Pilustondi" program in Kovvur. We got an appointment to meet him and distributed Srila Prabhupada's books to him. We also supplied a prasadam midday meal for 5000 people on that day. 

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Sankirtana FAQ

We all come across many questions about book distribution, both practical and philosophical. In this section, we highlight common, important, and relevant questions and outline some possible answers, with support from shastras and sadhus. 

Question: How to ask for money/donations during book distribution?

Answer: This is a common question. In practice, seasoned book distributors bring up this aspect towards the end of a conversation than at the beginning. If the recipient is positive and our conversation is going well, we could simply state the price of the book after he/she expresses interest in the books. Most people feel comfortable to donate, knowing the price and having looked at the book. Other people may ask right away - "Are you selling these books?"  Obviously, we are not selling these books; we don't sell them like a bookstore does. Our goal is to give people these books that could change their lives positively and bring them closer to Krishna. We could clarify that these priceless books are printed by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and that any person who takes a book can make a donation to cover the printing cost of the book and support this wonderful service activity to bring about a spiritual revolution in society. Anyone who donates is making a positive contribution to this world! A few advanced book distributors simply let people look at the books and voluntarily give a donation, and not state a price right away. By sincerely allowing the person to look at, evaluate, and appreciate the book, the money becomes an automatic next step. The important point is to make the person feel comfortable, not obliged to PAY something. Our motto should be "Always leave a good impression" :)

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Tell us what you think!

We are eager to learn how to serve you better! Please write to us at indiasankirtana@gmail.com:

• Report your book distribution scores,

• Share your experiences, realizations, and stories,

• Ask (or answer) a question (FAQ) on book distribution,

• Suggest a book distributor who could share valuable insights,

• Give ideas for how to make this newsletter better and sweeter,

• Get involved with ISLT strategy and help develop this newsletter,

• Extend your support and encouragement with comments or letters.

For your convenience, we have also included a contact form on the right hand side bar of this page. Thank you very much for reading this month's newsletter!
Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!
Your servants,
Waves of Sankirtana Coordinators.
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Waves of Sankirtana - Volume 1, Issue 2

Get Sets and Go!!!

Hare Krishna! Welcome to the second issue of the India Sankirtana Newsletter "Waves of Sankirtana." The aim of this newsletter is to assist in expanding book distribution across India by facilitating communication and inspiration among devotees across India. This month, we present topics related to the distribution of Srimad Bhagavatam sets. Our goal is to distribute Srila Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagavatam so much so that the Srimad Bhagavatam set takes over the esteemed place of the TV set in all the living rooms of homes across the nation! 

A couple from Gudur, Andhra Pradesh, receiving a Telugu Srimad Bhagavatam set from HH Sukadeva Goswami Maharaj 

In this issue, we cover the following highlights:

1.       Srila Prabhupada Speaks: "I want that every respectable gentleman..."

2.       India Sankirtana Report Card - June 2014

3.       Sankirtana News: ISLT Conference call, book distribution stories from Bangalore, Gudur, Hyderabad, and Swanka, a remote village in Kashmir!

4.       VIDEO: How to distribute a full set of Srila Prabhupada's books

5.       Sankirtana Insights: Interview with HG Raas Govinda Prabhu (ISKCON Chowpatty)

6.       FAQs: "I don't have time to distribute books.What do I do?"

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Srila Prabhupada Speaks

"I have also heard that you are making plans for a very large order of my books from the BBT to be sold on a door to door basis on the style of the encyclopedia sales. If you can do this it will revolutionize our book distribution and afford greater spreading of Krsna Consciousness than any book distribution thus far. I want that every respectable person has a full set of Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta in his home. I have given some suggestions how this book distribution in the homes can be done to one of my secretaries, Satsvarupa das Goswami..." -- Letter to Alex, Bob, Drdhavrata, Gupta, Rsabhadeva, Stan -- Bhuvanesvara 24 January, 1977 

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India Sankirtana Report Card - June 2014

The chart below shows Indian temples ranked by book points for June 2014, as per the World Sankirtana Newsletter

Horizontal: Temple name and Worldwide rank (temple size in brackets)           Vertical: Book points 

All glories to the wonderful service by devotees across India! The table below lists individual book distributors for June 2014 with name, world rank, book points, and temple affiliation. 

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Dr. Harsha Vardhan, the Union Minister 

for Health and Family Welfare, India, receives

Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita As It Is 

from HG Rohini Suta Dasa  (29 July 2014)

Sankirtana News

ISLT Conference Call
The Indian Sankirtana Leaders Team hosted a conference call to discuss goal setting and team building for enhancing book distribution. During the 1-hour conference call, several Temple Presidents and Sankirtana Leaders from across India shared brief updates and realizations on book distribution and joined a common platform to discuss strategies for enhancing book distribution at their respective temples/centers. HG Vaisesika Prabhu briefly addressed the conference citing quotes from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur and Srila Prabhupada on the foundational role of book distribution in boosting all other facets of devotional life. HH Sukadeva Goswami maharaj highlighted the importance of distributing Srimad Bhagavatam sets and stated that we should encourage life members to take a set of Srimad Bhagavatam along with their membership since it makes a relatively small difference in the fees. Attending devotees resolved to determine goals in relation to book distribution before meeting for the next call in August.

Srimad Bhagavatam sets enter homes and hearts in Hyderabad: -- Bhakta Vinodh

Early evening on last ekadasi, HG Srirama prabhu, HG Maha mantra prabhu, and I went out knocking doors in the Miyapur suburb of Hyderabad. We reached the home of a neighbour, who had previously been friendly and interested in the Krishna book. We took the permission of the elderly couple who owned the beautiful and clean home and performed harinama sankirtana for a few minutes. We complimented the clean and sattvic look of their home and the presence of Tulasi plant in front of their main entrance. We had hardly begun speaking, when the elderly lady asked if we could get her a Bhagavatam book; this was even before we had done anything to try and distribute a set! I was pleasantly surprised, and Sriram prabhu concluded that Krishna, in the form of His literary incarnation, Srimad Bhagavatam, goes wherever He wants to, our job is just to carry Him there! Mahamantra prabhu got the rest of the set and we places a few copies on a clean pedestal at their altar. The elderly man arranged for a few flowers, bananas, incense sticks, and a ghee lamp, and Sriram prabhu worshipped the Srimad Bhagavatam, welcoming the Lord into the home of this couple. I could feel the natural devotion in their act of offering something to the Lord, who came as an unannounced guest. We left feeling ecstatic and particularly grateful to the Lord for His kind reciprocation to our meager efforts.

Weekend Warriors Bangalore  -- Shanta Lakshmi Narasimha Dasa

Recently, we were distributing Srila Prabhupada's books in front of a prominent mall in Bangalore.  We were approaching all the passerbys, and we were not too successful in distributing the books. When I started losing heart, a person passing by stopped and smiled at me, " Very nice! You people are doing very nice work." He asked, "Where do you work?" I said I am working in software company and I am doing this book distribution as a temple service. He was impressed with us. He said that he will come back from the mall, as he has some shopping to do. We all know that only 1% people return to take books. As such, I was not hoping that he would return.When we were starting to pack up, against all hopes that same person came, and started asking me various questions about our lifestyle. It seemed that he had already read some Srila Prabhupad's books, and thus was appreciating. Later he gave his business card, and he turned out to be the Head Business Manager of a prominent motor vehicle company, and told us to meet him in his house.

New Bhaktas and Bhaktins at ISKCON Gudur pose for photograph on a blissful day of book distribution

New Bhaktas and Bhaktins taste the bliss of book distribution: -- HG Srirama Dasa
This year at the Gudur Rath Yatra, Andhra Pradesh, something amazing happened. Around ten new bhaktas and bhaktins who had recently begun coming to the temple at Gudur, formed an impromptu book distribution team. I joined them for around half and hour, and then, they distributed books individually, talking to people and showing the books with eager desire to serve. The energy and sincere intention of the devotees was impressive; at the end of the day, the team had distributed almost 10,000 ruppees worth of books! What is more impressive is that all of them became blissful by distributing transcendental literatures.

"Taking Srila Prabhupada's books to a distant Kashmir village" -- Bhakta Rahul

I visited a village named Swanka near Vijaypur, which is nearly 25 km from Jammu, along with my cousin Ashish and friends, Varun and Amam. A fair was being held in this place commemorating a great saint, and we decided to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books there. We started in the morning around 7 a.m. and loaded our car with 50 copies of Bhagavad Gita As It Is and several small books. I sat at the book table, while the others went out to do one-on-one distribution and preaching. I was finding it very difficult to bear the scorching heat of the day. After a couple of hours, we found that most of the crowd comprised of poor families. However, they were spending money to buy balloons, toys, and other things that don't have much lasting value. I had the realization that the same money that people would spend on trivial things would become a significant spiritual investment, if they purchased Srila Prabhupada's books.

In the afternoon, we took some food which was being distributed at a free food distribution booth there in the temple (because it was a temple, the food was good for us to eat). After that, we continued doing book distriution in the scorching heat till 6 pm when we decided to pack up and to call it off for the day. We distributed around 40 Bhagavad Gitas and several small books; not a lot but we were satisfied and prayed to Lord Krishna that He may be happy with whatever little we were able to do to serve Him. Then, we packed all the books and closed the stall and took a bath in the holy lake lake there, which is believed to be the samadhi place of a great saint. We put all our books in the car and went back after a wonderful day of book distribution.

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Sankirtana Training VIDEO: How to Distribute a Full Srimad Bhagavatam Set:

As daunting as it may seem, distributing a full set of books such as a set of Srimad Bhagavatam can be a fun and easy thing to do. The book distribution team at ISKCON Silicon Valley (California) has been distributing sets of Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita for a few years now. They have put together an inspiring video presenting guidelines on distributing a set of books. Check it out!  

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Sankirtana Insights: An interview with HG Raas Govinda prabhu (ISKCON Chowpatty)

Raas Govinda prabhu is one of the leading book distributors at ISKCON Chowpatty. He was heading one of their Sankirtana buses (Traveling Sankirtana Party) for three years. Following are some of his insights into book distribution:

Question: There are many techniques of book distribution; what works for you?

Answer: Book distribution in trains, schools, colleges, office, street, different pilgrimage places. The Gita Champions League is another favorite of mine, where students and interested people study the Gita and take an exam with multiple-choice questions. The winners get cash and other rewards. I also like distribution of books in various companies, where books are distributed on credit basis. This way, we can do mass distribution.

Krishna and His books can reach any corner of this universe, even an industry. 

Question: Please share a memorable moment from book distribution/ lessons learned.

Answer: In May 2011, I was distributing books (Bommasandra Industrial Area) in Bangalore. I had already visited all the companies in hand and still had 500 books left in our Sankirtan Bus. I approached more companies but all my efforts went in vain. I was frustrated and planned to come back to Mumbai. While coming back in the Sankirtan bus, I looked out from window and saw a huge industry on the way. Something inspired me from within; I asked the driver to stop the bus. I prayed to HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, Srila Prabhupad, and Shri Shri Radha Gopinath "Let me distribute these remaining books in this company." I gave up my frustation and  entered the company security office, where the In charge of the office  gave me a seat and said "How can I serve you?" I was very surprised. I told him I want to meet your Plant Head. He said "Do you have appointment with Plant head?"  I said no. He replied "Then it is impossible." It was already 5 pm and office hours were over. I pleaded a lot and finally, he said "I will try." He gave a call to the Plant Head and said one person from ISKCON Mumbai is here to meet you. And for his surprise, the Plant Head invited me to meet him. As I entered the reception area, I saw a photo of  Shri Shri Radha Gopianth! I was very jubilant, and started dancing. In my mind, I offered dandvat pranam and prayers. After I waited in reception for a while, the Plant head invited me and gave a seat. After hearing from me, he allowed us to do book distribution. The next day, when we went in the company for book distribution, we distributed all our books just within one hour.

Lesson: If you depend on Krishna, He will inspire you from within to take some steps by which we can render better service and come closer to Him.

Question: Why do you think devotees should take up book distribution?

Answer: In India, there are more than 100 newspaper companies supplying millions of newspapers daily. Other literatures are also flourishing a lot. In travel, 60 % of people read newspaper, magazines, novels, or other books; 20% of people use a hearing gadget; and the remaining 20% only talk or do nothing substantial. In some trains, they provide a free supply of  newspaper or magazines. This shows that people have a habit of reading. So, we have to dovetail this habit of reading news paper and other literature into Srila Prabhupad books. When devotees distribute books people will have some a better option to read. Many people are reading other literature because they do not have Prabhupada's books. And one book of Srila Prabhupada is sufficient to change the mind and lifestyle of people. Hence, if we want Srila Prabhupada's books to take the place of other literature, we have to take up book distribution!

Question: What is your favorite book to distribute (written by Srila Prabhupada); why?

Answer: The Krishna Book is my favorite book for distribution. By reading this book, one can know that the purpose of life is to serve Lord Krishna in five mellows, and by meditating on the pastimes of the Lord, we can enter into the pastimes of the Lord. I like one quote of Srila Prabhupada, "If you distribute one Krishna book, you can take one step towards Krishna.

Question: What steps should devotees take to increase book distribution in India?

Answer:

1. Good Sadhana
2. Maintain good health
3. Reading Srila Prabhupad's books every day.
4. Setting a personal target and encouraging healthy competition
5. Find out different areas and different ways for doing book distribution.  For example, book distribution in trains, schools, colleges, office, street, different pilgrimage places, and others.

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Sankirtana  FAQ

We all come across many questions about book distribution, both practical and philosophical. In this section, we highlight common, important, and relevant questions and outline some possible answers, with support from shastras and sadhus. 

Question: "I don't have time to distribute books! What do I do?"

Answer: Always carry a few books with you. Krsna has already pre-arranged where the books will go; our duty is to simply carry the books. The books will find their destination. With an eager desire to do this service, pray to the Lord and the Acaryas, and see the miracles happen. If you are beginner or too shy to go out and talk to people, there are lot of back-end services you can do! For example:

• ordering books,
• storing the books,
• counting and packing the books
• loading/unloading them into bags,
• maintaining accounts and contacts,
• developing websites or databases,
• designing or printing flyers to give out during book distribution,
• writing articles or stories to inspire devotees to do book distribution.

Shastra dana: In the purport to the verse 12.11 of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srila Prabhupada advises one to engage in charity as it would purify us. So, one can support the local temple financially in their book distribution efforts. By donating a part of earned wealth to the sacred act of giving transcendental knowledge, one makes progress on the path of Bhakti. For example, the Matsya Purana states in a verse describing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam that "Anyone who makes a gift of this great work on a full moon day attains to the highest perfection of life by returning to Godhead." Therefore, donating to this transcendental cause is a surefire way to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna.

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Tell us what you think!

We are eager to learn how to serve you better!
Please write to us at indiasankirtana@gmail.com:

• Report your book distribution scores,
• Share your experiences, realizations, and stories,
• Ask (or answer) a question (FAQ) on book distribution,
• Suggest a book distributor who could share valuable insights,
• Give ideas for how to make this newsletter better and sweeter,
• Get involved with ISLT strategy and help develop this newsletter,
• Extend your support and encouragement with comments or letters.

For your convenience, we have also included a contact form on the right hand side bar of this page. Thank you very much for reading this month's newsletter!

Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!

Your servants,

Waves of Sankirtana Coordinators.

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