New Vrindavan Traveling Sankirtan Party
Distributing books throughout the Eastern US, College Campuses, Shopping Malls and Concerts (14 years)
What I enjoy most about book distribution is the deep spiritual connection I make with the living beings every day. It's a kind of intoxication that having once experienced it one cannot live without. It is so satisfying to see the person's face light up with appreciation and excitement about receiving one of Prabhupada's books. The books are nondifferent from Krishna, so it's actually Krishna they are being attracted to, and to be a part of that is so satisfying. There is obviously a lot of austerity involved, and sometimes things become tough, and many people don't appreciate, but those rare souls that I meet, without fail, every time I go out make the whole thing worth it.
Book distribution is such a direct way of preaching. A person who is completely unaware and completely absorbed in maya suddenly has Krishna in the form of a book right there in his hands, and has the opportunity to break free from the cycle of birth and death and come to the highest platform of pure Krishna consciousness if he reads just a little bit of it, and understands it. Even if he dosen't understand, still there is unlimited benefit. Lord Caitanya has ordered everyone to preach, yare dekhe tare kaha krishna upadesa, and this book distribution is a wonderful way for anyone and everyone to fulfill that order in a very substantial way regardless of whether or not one is a big scholar or is otherwise qualified. Anyone can do it and get the blessings of Lord Caitanya, Srila Prabhupada, one's own siritual master and the entire disciplic succession. I also enjoy the lifestyle of travelling book distribution because it helps me to stay aloof from politics, and the dangers of becoming too familiar with a particular place. Traveling keeps things fresh and exciting, and makes me appreciate coming back to the temple and seeing the deities etc. after being purified by the yajna of distributing books.
My inspiration comes from the order of my spiritual master, from the many quotes from Srila Prabhupada about the distribution of his books, and by the appreciation of the vaisnavas who always give me encouragement. And who can forget Lord Nityananda, who is always intoxicated with love of Godhead and engaged in spreading the Sankirtan Movement.
I have received book donations from Benediction Moon. The donated books have helped me in times when gas prices and other expences were high, and it was difficult to meet all of my expenses. I pay for everything for my travelling book distribution with just donations from book distribution, so sometimes it's really nice to get some help.
If you would like to assist Anandavidya prabhu in his enthusiastic distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books throughout Eastern US simply go here and enter "Anandavidya dasa" in the field "I would like books sent to..."