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)
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