Distributing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam All Over the World
The mission to broadcast the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the distribution of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is central to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Śrīla Prabhupāda envisioned a global society where ignorance is dispelled by the timeless wisdom contained within these texts. This article explores the significance of this distribution as the ultimate welfare activity, the unified effort required to execute it, and the vision of placing these books in every home, regardless of external impediments.
The Ultimate Welfare Activity
Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that the dissemination of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the most effective method to counteract the anomalies of human society. He explains that this literature acts like the sun, dissipating the darkness of ignorance that plagues the modern world. By distributing this knowledge, devotees perform the highest benevolence, offering liberation from material existence to everyone, from the simple laborer to the learned philosopher.
- Ignorance is the cause for all these anomalies in human society, and to remove this ignorance, especially in this age of degradation, the powerful sun is there to distribute light in the shape of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- Srimad-Bhagavatam is the ripened fruit. Narada Muni is engaged in distributing this fruit, and therefore he instructed Vyasadeva to write this Maha-Purana, Srimad-Bhagavatam, for the benefit of ignorant human society.
- Distribution of Srimad-Bhagavatam all over the world is a great welfare activity for theologians, philosophers, transcendentalists and yogis (yoginam api sarvesam (BG 6.47)), as well as for people in general.
- By our Krsna consciousness movement, we are trying to distribute Srimad-Bhagavatam so that anyone in any part of the world can be absorbed in the KC movement by chanting and hearing about the activities of Krsna and be free from all material tribulations.
A Unified Service Effort
The propagation of transcendental literature requires a concerted effort involving various forms of service, all of which are spiritually absolute. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that whether one is translating the text, contributing funds for its publication, or physically distributing the books, the service is identical in value. He invites everyone to utilize their God-given talents to assist in this great mission, noting that his own strength in the early days of the movement relied heavily on this distribution.
- If I am translating Srimad-Bhagavatam, and if you are contributing for its publication and helping for its distribution, this means there is no difference between your service and my service.
- We are trying to distribute this knowledge from authoritative books like Srimad-Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, and as far as possible, we are using our all talents in this, and we welcome you. And take advantage, participate with us.
- When I came to your country first my primary strength was chanting the Maha-mantra and maintaining myself on public contributions and distribution of my Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- Pure devotees, out of compassion for the fallen souls, are krpalu, very kind to people in general; they distribute this Bhagavata knowledge all over the world.
Vision for a Kṛṣṇa Conscious Society
Śrīla Prabhupāda holds a broad vision where the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad-gītā are staple possessions for every respectable person, including economists, businessmen, and students. He instructs his followers to persist in this distribution regardless of worldly upheavals, such as war or political instability. The goal is to ensure that these books permeate society, creating a cultural shift where connection with God is not shunned but embraced as an essential part of daily life.
- I want that every respectable person has a full set of Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta in his home.
- Yes, we want that businessmen, economists, religionists, students, etc. will all be carrying Bhagavatam and Gita.
- Do not worry, in spite of war, Srimad-Bhagavatam will be distributed. We don't care for war. Our preaching business will go on.
- I am very pleased with the book distribution that you are doing there, and I was especially glad to know that 160 Srimad-Bhagavatams were distributed in Melbourne alone last Friday. There is good potency, please try further.
Conclusion
The distribution of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the heartbeat of the sankīrtana movement, designed to rescue humanity from the grips of illusion. Śrīla Prabhupāda's instructions clarify that this work is a direct service to the Supreme Lord and the previous ācāryas, requiring cooperation, determination, and compassion. By ensuring these books reach every corner of the globe, devotees fulfill the highest welfare activity, illuminating the path back to Godhead for a world obscured by darkness.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Distributing the Srimad-Bhagavatam. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.