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, 1973BONUS!!!
"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.
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!
- 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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