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."