In the gentle rhythm of street conversations, sometimes an
elder’s wisdom meets a younger devotee’s earnestness, and magic unfolds. This
heartfelt exchange with a kind “Uncle Ji” reminds us why distributing
the Bhagavad Gita isn’t just an act of sharing—it’s the highest form of service
to humanity.
I offered him a copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
“Dear, I am already having Bhagavad Gita…” he
said warmly.
“So please have one more—for gifting to your children
and dear ones,” I replied with a smile.
“But why you are distributing scriptures specifically
when you can also distribute food or shelter for humanity…”
“Uncle Ji,” I said respectfully, “what I
understand is that books are the basis. The highest welfare activity for human
society is to provide them the scriptures—so they can get out of the vicious
circle of birth and death and consequently from the associated needs.”
I continued, “As our Acharya, Srila
Prabhupada—Bhaktivedanta Swami, rich in both Bhakti and Vedic knowledge—has
taught: ‘Books are the basis, preaching is the essence.’ I am simply trying to
follow in his footsteps. And as far as giving food and shelter, that need will
arise in every birth. So why not stop this repeated cycle of birth and death
altogether by attaining Prema-Bhakti through the absolute knowledge in this
book?”
He listened thoughtfully, then said with a gentle chuckle,
“You children are doing good activity… But for whom I can take
this…”
“Uncle Ji, as soon as you firmly decide to take this
Bhagavad Gita for gifting, the list of people will come to your mind in
seconds. Just try it—decide right now to have this book, and see how the names
appear : )”
“Hahah… You children… Please give me, beta :
)”
With that joyful laugh and a warm “beta,” he
accepted the book, ready to become a channel of grace for his loved ones.
I am thankful to Uncle Ji for taking the Bhagavad Gita to
spread the biggest welfare to human society!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada, whose life and teachings
show us that true compassion begins with awakening souls to their eternal
nature.
This conversation is a beautiful lesson in priorities. We
often focus on immediate material relief—and that has its place—but the Gita
addresses the root suffering: repeated birth, disease, old age, and death. When
we share this scripture, we’re not just giving a book; we’re offering
liberation, eternal happiness, and pure love for Lord Krishna (Prema-Bhakti).
Uncle Ji’s laughter and quick “please give me, beta” show how naturally this
truth resonates—even in the heart of someone who has lived long and seen much.
To every “Uncle Ji” and “Aunty Ji”
reading this: Your blessing and your gift carry immense weight. One copy of the
Gita in your hands can awaken an entire family, a circle of friends, a
neighborhood. The list really does appear the moment you decide.
Have you ever gifted a spiritual book to someone dear? Or
received one that changed your outlook? Share your story below—your words might
inspire the next “Uncle Ji” to say yes with a smile.
More tender, real-life encounters coming soon, all weaving
into a book of these sacred, intergenerational moments of grace. Keep
distributing love in the form of Lord Krishna’s words.