Distributing Prabhupāda's Books - The Real Business of the Movement
The distribution of Kṛṣṇa conscious literature is the lifeblood of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda unequivocally identifies this service as the "real business" of his disciples, far superior to any commercial endeavor or ritualistic formality. He explains that while the movement engages in various activities, the distribution of books is the "foundation stone" upon which everything else stands. This article explores Śrīla Prabhupāda's mandate that book distribution must be the primary concern of every sincere follower.
Foundation and Heart of the Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda declares that the translation, publication, and distribution of his books are not peripheral activities but the very essence of the mission. He refers to the press as his "heart and soul," reflecting the specific instruction he received from his own spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. The stability and expansion of the movement are directly dependent on how widely these books are read and distributed.
- Actually these books are the foundation stone of our movement. Whatever we are is resting on these books, so far reading them and distributing them. This should be our only motto.
- As you know as I have several times mentioned that the press is my heart and soul and it should work constantly to produce literature for wide distribution.
- My Guru Maharaja particularly gave me this assignment (the production and distribution of our Krsna Conscious literature). Please assist me to your best capacity in this regards.
- This book distribution, that was my Guru Maharaja's purpose. He said that I have got so many temples and now in Calcutta I have got a marble temple, but I would have wished that if by selling the marbles I could publish and distribute books.
Greater Mṛdaṅga (Bṛhat Kīrtana)
While the chanting of the holy names (saṅkīrtana) is the process for this age, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that book distribution is a form of kīrtana with even greater reach. He cites the metaphor of the "greater mṛdaṅga," noting that while a drum can only be heard in the immediate vicinity, a book can travel across continents and generations. This form of "literary kīrtana" is considered the most effective way to enlighten the conditioned souls.
- A greater mrdanga. We are chanting, playing our mrdanga. It is heard within this room or little more. But this mrdanga will go home to home, country to country, community to community, this mrdanga.
- Book distribution is brihat kirtana. It is literally kirtana in the sense that the books are spoken and therefore anyone who reads a book is hearing.
- I am always emphasizing book distribution. It is the better kirtana. It is better than chanting. Of course chanting should not stop, but book distribution is the best kirtana.
- According to Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, distributing literature is like playing on a great mrdanga.
Priority Over All Other Activities
Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly reminds his leaders that book distribution should never be stifled by management or other programs. Whether it is temple construction, incense sales, or even record distribution, nothing should compete with the dissemination of transcendental literature. He emphasizes that advanced devotees naturally gravitate toward this work because it is the most confidential service to the Lord.
- Our big activity is to distribute books and Krsna consciousness Movement in general. But if there is need for money and you can run this business without interfering in our routine work, then I have no objection.
- I do not want this record distribution to continue. It must be stopped immediately. I have already informed Hansadutta. Distributing books is our real business, not these records.
- Temple construction is meant for the general populace and neophyte devotees, but the business of advanced and empowered devotees is to write books, publish them and distribute them widely.
- Our first business is this book distribution. There is no need of any other business.
Conclusion
The distribution of books is not merely one department of the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness; it is its very heart. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that if the movement simply relies on book distribution, all needs will be met and the mission will be successful. By engaging in this "real business," devotees connect directly with the desire of the previous ācāryas, playing the "greater mṛdaṅga" to awaken a sleeping world.
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 My Books (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.