as.it.is Bhaktivedanta Manor Sankirtan Newsletter
Summer 2013
“This is my heart” Welcome to the first edition of “As It Is” – the newsletter of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Sankirtan Department. We aim to keep you in touch with the latest news, events, experiences and opportunities related to book distribution. In December 1969, Srila Prabhupada arrived in Boston. After a euphoric reception at the airport lounge, the devotees drove Prabhupada to the Boston temple where a printing press had been set up. Upon arrival, he gave a short lecture and then immediately requested a guided tour. Standing before the printing press, Prabhupada folded his palms together and offered a prayer to his spiritual master. Advaita asked Prabhupada to give the press a transcendental name. "ISKCON Press," Prabhupada said matter-offactly, as if it had already been named. "Keep all the machines very clean," Prabhupada said, "and they will last a long time. This is the heart of ISKCON." "You are the heart of ISKCON, Prabhupada," a devotee said. "And this is my heart," said Prabhupada. (Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita)
Srila Prabhupada put an incredible emphasis on the distribution of spiritual literature. He personally distributed books, and repeatedly encouraged devotees to find dynamic and ingenious ways to do the same. When reports of mass book distribution reached Srila Prabhupada, he would excitedly listen, gleaming with joy. “When you give someone a book, you don't give him just paper, ink, and glue. You give him the possibility of a whole new life.” Christopher Morley (Novelist, Journalist and Poet) Book distribution is fun, easy and something we can all get involved in. Why not join the team? If you have any ideas, news or questions please feel free to contact me. Let us keep this sacred mission of book distribution, the heart of Srila Prabhupada and the “family business” of ISKCON, healthy and alive. Yours in service, Sutapa das
Inside this issue: Ratha yatra Success Sacred Street Party Traveling Temples Book Placement Monthly Istagosthi Special Interview May-June Scores
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Sacred Street Party Everyone likes a good party. Devotees have ingeniously taken the party onto the street and added the Krishna factor in what is now known as the “sacred street party”! Every Saturday groups of devotees visit local towns to chant, dance and distribute prasadam and books to the public. The participants come in all shapes and sizes: professionals, students, temple managers, retired book distributors, and congregational members of ISKCON. Even those
“In the spiritual world everything is present but one thing: the pleasure of saving the conditioned souls through sankirtan. Therefore even Krishna descends, in the form of Lord Caitanya, to perform sankirtan and taste this pleasure. So who can doubt that sankirtan is the real source of our joy and happiness.” (Sacinandana Swami)
who previously thought of book distribution as too intimidating are now going out and having wonderful experiences. This new approach is simple, appealing and definitely works!
To find out details about future Sacred Street Party events please contact: Krishna Kirtan das 07958 764 409
Traveling Temples “I was extremely pleased to hear your report from your travelling buses. It sounds as if your program is very, very wonderful and I am very encouraged to hear that such a program is coming along so nicely… In the end of your letter you mention that people are not very much eager to go to temples but with your program you are bringing the temples to the people. You have picked up this idea very nicely, of bringing the temples to the people. In this way you will give everyone the opportunity to step in the direction of back to Godhead, back to home. (Srila Prabhupada Letter to Tamala Krsna Goswami, 1974)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a traveling temple in the UK! A team of devotees have begun work on the idea, but we need your help in the following areas: 1. Finding a suitable van / mini coach 2. Converting the vehicle into a temple and living space 3. Ideas / advice you could offer in this regard If you can help please get in touch with: Sutapa das sutapa.kks@hotmail.com 079576363283
Ratha Yatra Success Devotees from the Manor had a wonderful time distributing books at London Ratha Yatra. In just 4 hours they were able to distribute: 1,085 Chant & Be Happy 345 Higher taste 120 Bhagavad-gita 130 Veda
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Jagannatha Ratha Yatra ki jai!
Monthly Istagosthis
Book Placement
We will be organizing monthly meetings for everyone involved in book distribution. There will be stories, realisations, practical tips and updates about the latest developments. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
We are forming a team to work on placing Srila Prabhupada’s books in hotels, universities, hospitals, schools and prisons across the UK.
The next sankirtan istagosthi will be on Sunday 28th July, 10.00am in Srila Prabhupada’s darshan room.
This has been very successful in other parts of the world and we have already had some success in London. There is huge scope for expansion.
Special guest: HH Bhaktirasamrita Swami
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To get involved please contact: Sutapa das 07957636283 sutapa.kks@hotmail.com
Interview with a Book Distributor "Listen, listen, Nityananda! Listen, Haridasa! Go from house to house and beg from all the residents, 'Please chant Krishna’s name, worship Krishna, and teach others to follow Krishna’s instructions.' (Caitanya-Bhagavata, Madhya-Khanda (13.8-9) Sacimata devi dasi has been distributing books for over 20 years. Since her retirement, she has been going on door-todoor three or four times a week. We conducted a short interview to find out what makes her ‘tick’! How long have you been doing door-todoor book distribution? I have been distributing books and visiting people for many years, but in the last 3-4 years I have been doing regular door-todoor distribution. I
would do more but I also have temple services to perform!
impression. Going out is satisfying one way or the other.
What inspired you to go out?
Why is it important to distribute books?
Mother Kulangana and Visvambhara prabhu have been my inspiration. Mother Kulangana told me – “if you distribute one book then Krishna will take you back to Godhead!” Visvambhara gave me some basic training and guidance on the practical aspects.
People are suffering and they need some spiritual hope in their life. Prabhupada’s books can give this to them and it is our duty to make the books available. People always tell me that they never see us on the streets anymore. People like to see us and talk to us. Meeting people is so important and it brings so much joy to the heart.
What do you find difficult?
“Serious students of this Krishna consciousness movement must understand their great responsibility to preach the cult of Vrindavana (devotional service to the Lord) all over the world.... I am very hopeful that some of our students can take up this responsibility and render the best service to humanity by educating people in Krishna consciousness.” Caitanya-Caritamrita Madhya-lila 23.104
The most difficult is when people don’t take books. But actually its not a problem because I always have something to give them – prasadam, leaflets, festival information etc. In this way we always leave people with a good
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Manor Sankirtan Results—May-June 2013 Name
Small
Bh Ganesh
Med
Big
Maha
Points
25
20
10
52.50
Bh John
111
821
32
502.25
Bh Navel
24
24
24
66.00
Bh Peter
15
223
9
133.25
Bh Reuben
100
500
275.00
Dhananjaya das
60
60
45.00
Gadagrajah das
18
9.00
Gaura Karuna das
40
Gokulendra das
3
10
1
36
92.00
2
10.75
Hema Haladini dd
285
201
544.50
Jagat Priya dd
60
10
50.00
London Ratha Yatra
1390
250
1195.00
Madan Mohan das
50
25.00
Mahatma das
30
15.00
Narahari das
110
55.00
Nirantara Bhakti dd
40
270
62
P. Nityananda das
10
20
12.50
Prasannatma das
40
20.00
Premarnava das
821
Rabindra das Ram Laksman das
47
515.50
47
5
33.50
3
11
23.50
29
196.75
159
661.00
Sacimata dasi
63
204
Southampton SKP
10
681
11
269.00
21
Sridham das
400
200.00
Sudesna das
275
137.50
Sutapa das
51
415
855.50
Tribhanga das
56
38
104.00
Visvambhara das
300
75.00
Weekend Warriors
121
389
TOTAL
857
6903
53
89
402.75
1429
6576.75