Undercover lover

Where to start.... our only mode of transportation - the van - was on it's last legs. As soon as Justine and I turned the corner we saw smoke billowing out of the engine...NOT a good sign. The van was done. Even though it was only 5pm it was pitch black and cold on a Friday night in downtown Philadelphia. The trees were bent to the side from the heavy winds - and no one looked in the mood to talk to anyone else...let alone contemplate transcendence! We had nothing to do but distribute books as we waited for the tow truck to take car of the van. I was trying to distribute books in the corridor between the Sheraton hotel and the street, but everyone kept rushing past me saying, "I'm late for my train!" All I had beside me was a dozen leaves that kept whipping up and around and into my face as I was trying to talk to people. I felt like so much time had gone by without talking to a single favorable person, when suddenly the concierge of the Sheraton hotel came bursting outside - "What are you doing here?" he demanded. He was a man in his 50's or so in a suit and tie. I definitely thought I was getting kicked out of the space, but he said instead - "I'm really interested, how long will you be out here? I can't give you any money I'm at work" and he ran back inside. I continued distributing books and suddenly out of the corner of my eye I saw him and his co-worker feverishly waving me inside. Again, I thought I was getting the boot. They told me to come to the desk... and asked me more about the books! I showed them the Bhagavad Gita, Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, and Nectar of Instruction. After I finished presenting the books, they both looked at me and said "sorry we can't give any money because we're at work" and looked at the cameras nervously. Then they told me to put my hand flat on the desk, and then both crumpled up bills into their palms and starting inconspicuously slipping my all the money they had, squeezing it into my palm using a fake handshake. They wanted all the books!! It felt sort of illegal - but it was for Krishna, so it was pure nectar! The man even asked me if we had a farm that he could come and work on. It was all part of his life plan he said. I gave him my information and hopefully he keeps in touch!

Money Money Money!

When I met Mamudan on book distribution and asked him, "What makes you happy?" he replied without hesitation and enthusiastically, "Money money money! My bank account makes me happy!" But his energy was so sincere, I could tell he was deeper than what he was letting on. I showed him the picture of changing bodies in Bhagavad Gita and decided to not be shy and just tell him straight - "no matter how much money you accumulate in your life, when the body ends, so does your bank account", I said as I pointed to the aging man in the photo. He smiled in recognition, but his passionate energy was making him restless. I told him he needed to give just as much attention to his spirit soul - use his money to finance a spiritual way of life. That's when he opened up to me and told me that he had suffered from a spinal condition that was very painful, and found the yoga asana poses as the only relief in the past. We talked about how yoga helps to release stress from the body so you can sit in meditation, and taught him the Maha Mantra - "Hare Krishna...." as soon as I said "Krishna" he looked at me in surprise and recognition and exclaimed, "Krishna? Oh, Krishna is God!" I was pretty dumbstruck, and could only reply...."Yes! How did you know that?" He said he had come across Krishna while learning yoga. I showed him Gurudev's book as well, and he ended up sharing with me that his focus on money is not from a place of greed or selfishness, but from a personal experience of poverty as a child and his own father not being able to maintain the family - he vowed to never let his family go through that, so he strives to provide them with ample financial support. "It's very stressful though", he admitted. We connected during our conversation, and he was motivated to start up his yoga and meditation practice again and come to Mantra Lounge. Before he left I asked if I could take a picture of him for my blog and he agreed, saying, "But if you make any money off of it you have to give me 10%!" Haha! He made my day :)   

karmāstu hetuḥ sukha-duḥkhayoś cet

kim ātmanas tad dhi jaḍājaḍatve

dehas tv acit puruṣo 'yaḿ suparṇaḥ

krudhyeta kasmai na hi karma mūlam

If we assume that fruitive work is the cause of happiness and distress, we still are not dealing with the soul. The idea of material work arises when there is a spiritual actor who is conscious and a material body that undergoes the transformation of happiness and distress as a reaction to such work. Since the body has no life, it cannot be the actual recipient of happiness and distress, nor can the soul, who is ultimately completely spiritual and aloof from the material body. Since karma thus has no ultimate basis in either the body or the soul, at whom can one become angry? (SB 11.23.54)

Animals can benefit from mantras too!

In Manayunk I met Kelsey and her furry friend. She told me that she was, and still is, on a deep quest for knowledge and had read and studied all the main religious texts and queried deeply about many different paths. I was genuinely impressed with her inquisitiveness and told her it sounded like she was trying to find the Supreme Absolute Truth. She resonated with that, and mentioned that she had chose the Bible at that time and the teachings of Jesus. I showed her the picture of changing bodies in the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, and said that all living entities (even pets, like your dog!) have spirit souls, and that we are all part of the Supreme Spirit Soul. Her dog jumped up and barked in agreement. She deeply appreciated the book. I could tell that her mind was telling her not to take it, but she literally couldn't let the book go. She clutched in tightly to her chest and then laid it affectionately on her lap, as she reached for a donation. She had such a genuine thirst for knowledge that really left an impression on my heart.  

"Lord Kṛṣṇa is the supreme spirit, the Supersoul, and the living entities are His very minute parts and parcels. Of course, we cannot divide the tip of a hair into such fine particles, but spiritually such small particles can exist. Spiritual strength is so powerful that a mere atomic portion of spirit can be the biggest brain in the material world. The same spiritual spark is within an ant and within the body of Brahmā. According to his karma, material activities, the spiritual spark attains a certain type of body. Material activities are carried out in goodness, passion and ignorance or a combination of these. According to the mixture of the modes of material nature, the living entity is awarded a particular type of body. This is the conclusion." [CC Madhya 19.140, purport by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]

A transcendental group of friends

Today, my friend and I, Mula Karana, were in Chinatown trying to distribute books. The air was very cold and windy - wrapped up in scarf and hat I looked up to the low-looming clouds that were casting greyness all around. To my right and left were people desperately clutching their jackets, squinting their eyes to get any relief from the cold wind. My friend and I spotted the tiniest sliver of sunshine cast on the side of a dirty building and garbage-strewn sidewalk about 500 meters away, and we quickly raced toward it, only to have it fade away by the time we reached it. Ah! A reminder from Krishna - Don't endeavor to make too many material arrangements for comfort...just do what you came here to do." Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a group of friends getting out of their parked car, undoubtedly preparing for a social outing in the area. I excitedly walked up to them, and asked if any of them had ever tried yoga or meditation before. None of them paid me much notice, although they were polite enough. As they were walking away, suddenly one of the members said hesitantly, 'yes I've tried meditation before.' As we walked, I quickly whipped out Hiding in Unnatural Happiness and it was in his hands before he knew it. He looked at the book curiously. I explained to him that this book described the recommended method for meditating in this age, for an urban setting - using sound vibration. He was a fan of the power of music, so I had his attention. I flipped the book on the back and showed him my Gurudev, and told him that he really inspired me - that was the whole reason why I was out here! He seemed amused and somewhat captivated at this point. He wasn't letting go of the book, that was for sure. Then I explained about our pursuits for happiness, and that all we know is really the avoidance of unhappiness - but this book helps you go to a higher level, raise your consciousness. Now they were all stopped in a semi-circle around me. I decided to just give this group my all so I also showed them the picture of changing bodies in the Bhagavad Gita and that when you practice meditating you actually get a different vision, and you start to see all people, even animals, and the environment as being pure spirit souls, beyond the body. After they chanted the maha-mantra I didn't know what to expect, but the boy I was talking to said he wanted both and he gave a nice donation. Then, to my ecstatic happiness, one after another, all his friends took two books and gave the same donation. They kept complimenting each other, and saying, "actually he's more into this than I am!" "Actually he's the real meditator!" It was so sweet. This group really touched my heart, enlivened, and inspired me for the rest of the day!

"Dormant devotional service to Krsna is within everyone. Simply by one's associating with devotees, hearing their good instructions and chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, dormant love for Krsna is awakened. In this way one acquires the seed of devotional service. Guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija [Cc. Madhya 19.151]" [purport by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Madhya 22.2]

Harer Nama

As I was distributing books yesterday I had a big realization - no amount of ability on my part is going to get these books out. No amount of sweet-talking is going to inspire people - in fact, it's the "same old, same old" and keeps people on the same mundane, bodily platform. I wanted to practice depending less on what I think my supposed "skills" are, and depend solely on Krishna for help in distributing His books. So, I decided to start teaching people the Maha-Mantra right away, and let the effect of the mantra do it's work. I met Danny, and told him, "Hey, can I teach you a mantra?" We chanted together Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. After chanting he said, "You've gotta say it over and over again to realize it." I was so surprised at his profound comment, and I exclaimed, "Yes! You're right!" He said he would try the chanting and come to Mantra Lounge. I taught every single person I met today the Maha-mantra, and not only were the books flying out of my hands, but I found I was making genuine connections with people. Some people even really got into the chanting, putting their arms in the air and closing their eyes - a drop of transcendental bliss!

Harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam

kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha 

"In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way." [Adi 17.21] 

keha yadi tāṅra mukhe śune kṛṣṇa-nāma

tāṅra mukhe āna śune tāṅra mukhe āna

sabe ’kṛṣṇa’ ’hari’ bali’ nāce, kānde, hāse

paramparāya ’vaiṣṇava’ ha-ila sarva deśe

"When someone heard the chanting of the holy name from the mouth of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and someone else heard this chanting from that second person, and someone again heard this chanting from the third person, everyone in all countries became a Viasnava through such disciplic succession. Thus everyone chanted the holy name of Krsna and Hari, and they danced, cried and smiled." [Madhya17.48-49]

Such a sincere soul is very rare

I really wanted to go on books on Monday, but I didn't have enough time to go to our regular spot with the others (like the universities). I had one hour...so I decided to just walk outside on my own and try to give out some books in our neighborhood on the way to the grocery store. I was a little on edge because of the recent riots in the city, but decided it would be okay. To my surprise, I met so many favorable people, with open minds, who were just looking for something - some meaning, some understanding of why things were happening the way they were... That's when I met Marquis. He was actually on the phone AND trying to fix his car, but when I stopped to ask him if he was interested in meditation, he gave me all his attention - telling his grandmother on the phone to hold on. He was so genuinely interested in the book, and listened raptly as I talked about our pursuit for happiness, and how it all too often ends in distress. We talked about my Gurudev, Devamrita Swami, how he grew up in Philadelphia in this area, and how he became inspired by the ancient teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita and now teaches the science of self-realization to people all over the world. Marquis' eyes became lively and happy as we talked about the practice. I thanked him for stopping what he was doing to talk to me, and for giving me his time. He gratefully took the book, and automatically pulled out his wallet to give me a donation. I was very enlivened to have this interaction with such a sincere soul.

manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu

kaścid yatati siddhaye

yatatām api siddhānāṁ

kaścin māṁ vetti tattvataḥ

Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth. (Bg 7.3)

Books transform people in an instant

My favorite part of sankirtan book distribution is seeing how the power of just SEEING Gurudev's book shifts the consciousness of some of the most supposedly unlikely people. I was walking around Suburban Square today exploring the area, and young people were rushing by smiling and laughing, shopping bags in tow. Suddenly I spotted an older lady with a grim look on her face, rushing past, pressed against the wall trying to avoid contact with others. When I asked her, "Hey have you ever tried meditation?" She coarsely replied, "NO. I can't do meditation because I have a ringing in my ears, I can't do it. I can't do it." She seemed angry. Before she completely walked away, I handed her Hiding in Unnatural Happiness and told her "this is different." She looked at the book, and then at me. I looked into her eyes and could see she was in pain...that's when I thought she might take the book. I told her she didn't need to sit silently and listen to the ringing in her ears anymore, she could try sound-based meditation. I taught her the Maha-Mantra and she took the book and gave a nice donation. I was amazed to see how much she softened up. I was also so touched by how these books actually directly respond to people's suffering. People are suffering so much, and these books are like lifelines. Like throwing someone a rafter when they're drowning in an ocean of misery. I feel so lucky   every time I feel like Krishna is using me as an instrument to connect with one of his lost parts and parcels - to give other's hope, to give them some relief. it solidifies my resolution deep in my heart to never stop giving out Srila Prabhupada's and Gurudev's books. It's the most compassionate activity.

tava kathāmṛtaḿ tapta-jīvanaḿ
kavibhir īḍitaḿ kalmaṣāpaham
śravaṇa-mańgalaḿ śrīmad ātataḿ
bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūri-dā janāḥ

"My Lord, the nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations are transmitted by exalted personalities, and they eradicate one's sinful reactions. However hears these narrations attains all good fortune. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent welfare workers."

Bhakti-lata-bija

Today I met two people who, upon seeing Srila Prabhupada's books, disclosed that they had had some exposure 20 years ago! Sankirtan book distribution is purifying for the distributor - and these two experiences made me realize how deeply penetrating Srila Prabhupada's Krishna Consciousness movement is.

We were exploring a new area today, and there wasn't much foot traffic. Shivering in the cold I decided to walk a few feet away from the table to stand in some sunlight. From the restaurant behind me out came a gentleman in his 40's carrying take-out pizza and in a rush. I asked him if he had ever tried meditation and, to my surprise, he said he had! He listened intently as I described Gurudev's book, and resonated with how in our search for happiness we are basically trying to avoid unhappiness, but where is the real happiness? When I taught him the Maha-Mantra, he said that he had heard this mantra more than 20 years ago in Argentina! He didn't remember the details, but the mantra was clearly stored away somewhere in his subconscious, doing it's work, and now connecting him with a transcendental book to continue his journey...

Similarly, I stopped a young couple, and the man was interested in meditation and said he practices regularly, a silent/zen-stlye meditation he called it. He was very favorable and gave a $10 for a Bhagavad-Gita so I decided to give him a Perfection of Yoga as well. Upon seeing the POY he exclaimed, "Wait a minute, I got this book 20 years ago!"

What is the power of Srila Prabhupad's books that they leave such a deep impression on people's hearts? So much so that 20 YEARS LATER they are still feeling the effects? I developed deeper faith through this in understanding the the books are definitely not material, they are ACTUALLY the literary incarnation of Krishna. Once you keep Krishna with you (in the mantra, or in the book), you are on the path of devotion - no matter how long it takes! What's 20 years in the span of multiple millions of lifetimes, anyway?

"śrī-caitanya mālākāra pṛthivīte āni’
bhakti-kalpataru ropilā siñci’ icchā-pāni""Thus the Lord brought the desire tree of devotional service to this earth and became its gardener. He sowed the seed and sprinkled upon it the water of His will." CC Adi 9.9

Begging from beggars

I was near Mariposa and it was a completely empty street ... i could see no one around and I was wondering who in this poor scary neighbourhood would ever be interested in Prabhupada's books. I was in for a surprise. While I met a lot of people who had already received a Bhagavad Gita and a perfection of yoga maybe a year or so ago.

Still it was a very humbling experience - it was only me and some drugged out beggars on the street. Hard for me to think of myself in such a situation yet as Gurudev says, you never know how Krsna uses you :) I met this lady whose skin was kind of peeling away - seemed like she had some skin condition. However she seemed very nice - she spoke to me about meditation and I showed her the Bhagavad Gita. While I was doing that a beggar lady came and stood right next to us - rather in the middle of us. She was trying to get her attention and money and I was thinking now what am  I supposed to do ? Then the beggar lady got the lady I was speaking to - to give her 5$. I thought great - there goes my donation :( and while this is going on another crazy drunk beggar man comes along and stands next to three of us and starts to shake his glass and say ' got any change'. He kept repeating it - non stop. And here I am standing between two beggars speaking with this lady about Bhagavad Gita. I never thought she would take it but to my great surprise she took it and gave a me a good donation. And what was even more surprising - the beggar lady pulled together her change and also took a small book from me.

So here you go - Krishna can really make you beg from beggars. In the most strange of the situations you can get to experience Krishna's magic.

O my Lord, O Damodar ! Whatever conditions I am in, please never let me be disconnected from your prema sankirtan 

Urgent need

There are so many sincere souls waiting out there for just a connection.   I met a girl at Philly U who had chanting beads on her hand and told me she wakes up every morning and chants for 15 minutes a 'secret mantra' that she found on the internet. She has such a desire for meditation that she was preaching to her mother about getting to it. She was really impressed by the Bhagavad gita and Hiding in un-natural happiness and got them both. 

Meeting her gave me a sense of urgency that there are so many sincere people who are just being cheated of their precious time by giving these different processes. Made me feel more inspired to go out there and be there - so sincere people don't have to google secret mantras. She was so sincere and struggling - waking every morning and chanting.

This Krishna Consciousness is the most urgent need of the whole human society, and we need so many preachers, both boys and girls, to spread this message throughout the world....Srila Prabhupada Letters (LA)

Matah Smritir Gyanam Apohanam Cha

Yesterday at Phila U I saw Tarik. He was walking away with his head hidden beneath his hoodie and music plugged into his ears. Somehow he responded to my call and to my surprise he was interested in meditation. I showed him the Bhagavad Gita and he was very interested and decided to get one. As I was talking to him about the Gita he saw the perfection of yoga and remembered that he had received one at the Peach music festival in Scranton. That memory inspired him to get the Bhagavad gita and he paid right away for it. He said he wants to come to mantra lounge for some meditation.

BG 2.2 : Although the two birds are in the same tree, the eating bird is fully engrossed with anxiety and moroseness as the enjoyer of the fruits of the tree. But if in some way or other he turns his face to his friend who is the Lord and knows His glories—at once the suffering bird becomes free from all anxieties."

Feeling stress from the recent world happenings he had figured out his own shell when Lord Caitanya's mercy penetrated his shells.