Madri's Blog Inspired By August Assembly: Maha harinam and 4200 of Srila Prabhupada's books

For three hours last Saturday, 6th August 2011 two hundred devotees participated in a maha harinam in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa. 4200 of Srila Prabhupada's books and 9500 packets of caramelized peanut prasad were distributed to Native African citizens.

This is the third such program held here during this year. In March this year we went on maha harinam and distributed 1000 books, more prasad packs and pamphlets with 70 devotees. Then Nrsimhananda Prabhu who is the organizer of this event encouraged the devotees to double it for Srila Prabhupada's pleasure. Then on the 7th May 2011 he arranged another maha harinam and 100 devotees attended. The target was surpassed by Srila Prabhupada's mercy and the devotee’s enthusiasm. More than 2000 of Srila Prabhupada's books in English, 5000 pamphlets, 4500 packets of caramelized peanut prasadam was distributed during the harinam.

Nrsimhananda Prabhu, who also serves as the co-international director for Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture, then embarked on a program of doubling the effort. Hence with the support and co-operation of more than 200 devotees the program reached new heights distributing 4200 books in two hours. Understanding that these attempts have not reached millions more we plan to double the numbers for the next harinam. Planning has already begun.

Many devotees who participated in these efforts have never distributed books before and have commented that the experience was most inspiring. Some said that despite having attended many blissful festivals in various Iskcon centres this sort of festival of giving really touched their hearts. Indeed the missionary spirit of distributing the mercy has a special effect.

The harinam chanters lead such ecstatic kirtans and the chorus was tumultuous. Srila Prabhupada's books, prasadam and the holy names, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, form a complete package of happiness for the giver and the receiver - of this there is certainly no doubt.

The recipients of the books could be seen immediately reading or paging through the books on the pavements, bus stops or taxis. We pray that the Vaisnavas and readers bless these humble attempts.