GITA MARATHON 2017
Every December the entire ISKCON world focuses all attention on distribution of transcendental literature, something we all know was so close to Srila Prabhupada’s heart. He was incredibly eager to hear the figures of how many books were being distributed. Indeed, he said it gave him life. When a new book was printed, Prabhupada felt as though he had conquered an empire. He told one disciple – “the best of me is in my books.”
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu foretold that the holy names would be sung in every town and village even in Kali-yuga. Owing to Srila Prabhupada, Krishna consciousness has spread almost all over the world. However, there are still some countries where there are no devotees or Krishna’s temples.
The whole purpose book distribution is to satisfy Srila Prabhupad.
Why is such an effort aimed at pleasing Srila Prabhupada and not the Supreme Lord, one may ask?
The reason is that Srila Prabhupada is the most merciful grandfather one can ever have. He is the spiritual grandfather in the Guru-parampara. By pleasing Srila Prabhupada with what is most pleasing to him, book distribution, His Divine Grace will surely ask Krsna to intervene and at that moment the less probable, or even impossible, can change its polarity.
“I encourage you to distribute as many books as possible, welfare in mind. This will surely be pleasing to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. And if they so desire, Maharaja may pass this crisis well. We can’t make demands, or expect that Krishna will surely do this or that. Krishna has his own plans and his own reasons. We can only serve and offer our prayers. Everything else is up to Him. I offer you all encouragement. Hare Krsna. Yours in Srila Prabhupada’s service”
–Jayadvaita Swami
Srila Prabhupada said that, “Our first business is this book distribution”. Therefore, there is no need of any other business. He went on to say, “If this book distribution is managed properly, pushed on with great enthusiasm and determination and at the same time if our men keep spiritually strong, then the whole world will become Krishna conscious.” It is on the basis of these books that preaching is being conducted, new bhaktas are joining and congregational members are engaged –from these books a whole picture of Vedic society arises, serving as a blue print for future generations to come.