Purchasing My Books - Prabhupāda's Ultimate Preaching Activity
The distribution and purchasing of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books constitute the very heart of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement's preaching mission. Acquiring these transcendental literatures is far more than a mundane commercial transaction; it is a profound spiritual intervention that offers eternal benefit to the reader. Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently emphasized that if someone purchases a book, even out of mere curiosity, the act of reading just a single line can begin to vanquish lifetimes of material contamination. By introducing these sacred texts to individuals, government officials, libraries, and universities, devotees are performing the highest welfare work for humanity within the saṅkīrtana movement. The money exchanged in these transactions is entirely spiritualized, utilized solely to further expand the mission and print more literature. Ultimately, convincing a conditioned soul to purchase and read these books is considered the most successful and enduring form of preaching, capable of awakening pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Life-Changing Impact of Reading Even One Line
When individuals purchase these transcendental books, even out of simple curiosity or mild interest, they open the door to profound spiritual awakening. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that reading just a single line can leave a permanent impression and begin the process of returning to Godhead.
- A book purchased will remain, and once even one line is read, that will benefit the reader.
- Because it is Krsna's book, if somebody purchases, if he pays something, he'll look at it, that "What this nonsense has written? Let me see." Then he will get some idea. And if he reads one line, he comes hundred times forward to Krsna consciousness.
- If one takes one book, at least one day he'll read it: "Let me see what is this book I have purchased the other day." And if he reads one line his life will be successful.
- We are stressing on pushing on these books because a modern man, if he purchases one book, then at least he will see one line, "What these nonsense have written?" So if he reads one line, if he is intelligent man, he will understand the value.
The Highest Standard of Preaching Activity
Convincing the public, government officers, and leaders to purchase these books is recognized as the most effective method of preaching. It requires sincere endeavor and genuine glorification of Kṛṣṇa to inspire others, including skeptics, to invest in these literatures.
- If anyone hears something philosophy from us, that will help him. But if he purchases one book that may turn his life. So selling books is the best preaching activity.
- If he buys a book that is the real successful preaching.
- I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.
- I (Prabhupada) am convinced that if you simply glorify Krsna and our books in the best descriptive manner, that anyone and everyone, no matter even atheist or otherwise, they can be convinced to purchase.
Engaging Institutions and the Public
Approaching universities, libraries, and the general public to purchase these literatures establishes the prestige of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and ensures the widespread distribution of spiritual knowledge to the masses.
- I am also pleased to note that they are going to purchase my books, 30-35 sets. That is a great boon for us. If we can introduce our books in these colleges and universities, it will be great prestige for the society and myself also personally.
- The American Congress library purchasing department in India are pleased to purchase 18 copies of my Srimad-Bhagavatam, as soon as it is published and they have open order for it.
- Get the books widely reviewed in different papers and that is the only standard method of promoting this publication. By such reviews as soon as there is some demand all the book sellers will purchase from the publisher at least three copies each.
- Our boys and girls, devotees, are so much sincere and serious to distribute the message of Krsna consciousness, they are at once struck by seeing them and therefore they appreciate and purchase. This is unique in the world.
Overcoming Material Contamination and Opposition
The process of reading these purchased books purifies the reader of material contamination. Even when faced with opposition or initial reluctance, the transcendental potency of the literature ultimately prevails and inspires the buyer.
- Don't take books that "I am member. It is my duty to take books and keep it in the almirah." No. Read it thoroughly. Nityam bhagavata-sevaya. By regular reading of Srimad-Bhagavatam, then this material contamination becomes vanquished. Nasta-prayesu.
- I have heard that in some of the airports they are making announcements telling the people not to purchase our literature. This is impeding our religion and is therefore blasphemy.
- I was surprised when, after my meeting, they purchased books, because these South African white men, they do not like very much Indians.
- Third class. But they attended my lecture, they purchased my books and they clapped.
The Spiritual Economics of Book Distribution
The financial transactions involved in printing, selling, and purchasing these books are entirely transcendental. The funds generated are utilized to further expand the preaching mission, proving that these activities are free from mundane material motives.
- In our preaching work also, we deal with so much property and money and so many books bought and sold, but because these dealings all pertain to the Krsna consciousness movement, they should never be considered material.
- We have got business. Why shall I keep in the bank? This is the policy. If your money is idle, we can spend it in our books, in our purchasing land in temple, constructing temple, developing...
- They can purchase books from the temple at regular wholesale price and sell, and whatever profit there is above wholesale price they must give at least 50% to the local temple out of good will. That will be nice.
- So I approve of Karandhara's plan not to give more money to the Press until all debts and books owed are cleared and settled up. If you think that by lowering the prices of our books that things will improve, I have no objection.
Conclusion
The act of purchasing Śrīla Prabhupāda's books is a vital component of the sankirtana movement, bringing immense spiritual merit to the buyer and the distributor alike. By facilitating the widespread acquisition of these literatures in homes, schools, and libraries, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement effectively plants the seeds of spiritual awakening across the globe, ensuring the steady vanquishment of material illusion.
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 Purchasing 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.