The Maha-magnet

Book distribution report, Delhi July 29 – Aug 4, 2010

By Anita dasi

The most exciting part of book distribution is when you see a recipient of a book come to meet Srila Gurudeva. The books are like tiny homing devices which seek out fortunate souls and sat guru is like a maha-magnet pulling these tiny souls towards the absolute truth.

Over the past few months of book distribution here in India, we met many people. We try to collect as many email addresses and phone numbers as possible. Those who give their email are signed up for the harikatha emails – the gift that just keeps on giving. But most people in India don’t have email, but virtually everyone has a mobile phone. So we began sending out short Krsna conscious text messages about once a week to our contacts. We also let people know about festivals and programs in their area. Several came for Guru Purnima in Vrndavan and Mathura.

We met many people from Delhi. Srila Gurudeva was in Delhi for about a week after celebrating Guru Purnima in Vrndavan and Mathura and before leaving for the Russia festival. I was in Delhi this time and was stunned to see how many seeds planted as books, grew into a visit to the matha, and ripened into a darshan with Srila Gurudeva.

Srila Gurudeva gave went for a short walk outside the matha each morning and then gave darshan, answering questions from devotees as well as new comers.

On Aug 4 Guru pujya was celebrated at Raman-vihari Gaudiya Matha. At least six contacts though book distribution came for the program.