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!
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| 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)
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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.
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
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 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.
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| 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.
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.
Question: Please share a memorable moment from book distribution/ lessons
learned.
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| Krishna and His books can reach any corner of this universe, even an industry. |
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?
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?
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.
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.
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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:
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.
Waves of Sankirtana Coordinators.
