Lessons on Book Distribution from the pastime of Brahmana-patnis

Krishna’s pastimes are not only charming to the heart, but they also provide valuable lessons for a practitioner of Krishna Consciousness. In ISKCON that was established by Shrila Prabhupada, every year in the month of December devotees engage in giving out the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to the society at large by distributing spiritual literature and encouraging people to donate for this cause. Is this method of begging depicted anywhere in the scriptures? Interestingly enough, Krishna taught this method to his cowherd friends.

When Krishna was in Vrindavan, he would daily go for cowherding along with his cowherd boyfriends. They would play various games such as hide and seek, constructing an artificial bridge on the ocean and jumping around like the monkeys.

One such occasion, as the boys were playing, they loving implored Krishna and Balarama.

They said, “We are being harassed by hunger, and you should do something about it.”

Krishna, who is always eager to fulfill the desires of His devotees, requested the boys to go to the sacrificial arena where the brahmanas were performing Angirasa sacrifice for elevating themselves to heaven.

He said, “Request food to the brahmanas by taking the name of Balarama and My name. Explain them that you have been sent by Us.”

Krishna taught the boys a method of begging while chanting. Chanting destroys any faults that may be present in any activity. Similarly, Shrila Prabhupada taught the method of chanting the names of Krishna and simultaneously begging people to make their life sublime. The cowherd boys didn’t go of their own accord. They went on the orders of Krishna. Similarly, devotees go out on the order of Shrila Prabhupada, and have nothing to do for themselves.

On getting the orders of Krishna, the cowherd boys immediately set out. They submitted their request, folded their palms in supplication and offered their respects to the brahmanas. The cowherd boys expertly and very innocently put their request, yet the brahmanas refused to pay any heed. While giving out Shrila Prabhupada books, sometimes it may happen that very few people are interested in hearing the transcendental message. In this case, how many brahmanas even responded to the cowherd boys? None.

Externally, their success rate was zero! Yet, in carrying out the orders of Krishna, they were pleasing Him.

Naturally, the cowherd boys were disappointed. Returning back, they reported the entire incident to Krishna and Balarama. Krishna simply laughed. Acaryas describe three reasons for Krishna’s laughter:

1. Krishna is the Supreme Controller. What is the need for him of any food? He had just asked for fun.

2. Krishna laughed at the ignorance and pride of the brahmanas.

3. Krishna wanted to relieve the boys of their sorrow.

Devotees may get disheartened on seeing very few people take the benefit of Shrila Prabhupada books, but Krishna who is sitting in the heart is extremely alert to relieve devotees from that distressful situation. And here, He is encouraging the cowherds. Krishna also wanted to teach that in order to succeed in bhakti, we must beg, and that begging would not be without obstacles. When devotees face obstacles in the task of distributing the books of Shrila Prabhupada, those obstacles are gateways to success.

Krishna next told the cowherds to beg from the brahmana-patnis. They were the wives of the brahmanas who had rejected the boys just some time ago. When the first attempt has been a total failure, and the order comes to go to the same place once again, it is quite challenging.

The cowherd boys went again following the orders of Krishna. This time, the brahmana-patnis, who were so eager to see Krishna, became excited to know Krishna and Balaram had come. Taking along in large vessels four kinds of foods – that are chewed, licked, sucked and drunk – the ladies went forth to meet their beloved Lord and master, just as rivers flow toward the sea. Many people in the world are just waiting to get the “Krishna touch” in their lives. Just like the brahmana-patnis, they are eager to meet Krishna. Devotees can be compared to the cowherds who just act as a via media to convey the people – “Krishna and Balarama are close by!” And they run in that direction.

When the brahmana-patnis reached where Krishna and Balaram were present, they had a beautiful darsana of Krishna.
śyāmaṁ hiraṇya-paridhiṁ vanamālya-barha-
dhātu-pravāla-naṭa-veṣam anavratāṁse
vinyasta-hastam itareṇa dhunānam abjaṁ
karṇotpalālaka-kapola-mukhābja-hāsam
“His complexion was dark blue and His garment golden. Wearing a peacock feather, colored minerals, sprigs of flower buds, and a garland of forest flowers and leaves, He was dressed just like a dramatic dancer. He rested one hand upon the shoulder of a friend and with the other twirled a lotus. Lilies graced His ears, His hair hung down over His cheeks, and His lotuslike face was smiling.”

Krishna’s darsana was soothing to the brahmana-patnis as well as it displayed Krishna’s affection for the cowherds. Those who engage in bringing other souls closer to Krishna, Krishna possesses special affection for them. That is the implicit reason why Krishna was having his one hand rested on the shoulder of a cowherd.

By fulfilling their innermost desires through associating with Krishna, the brahmana-patnis life became perfect. When they returned to their homes, the brahmanas observed their pure devotion. They condemned their own inimical nature to the Supreme Lord. They were apprehensive about Krishna’s begging. They had previously thought, “After the pastime of churning of milk-ocean, Lakshmi chose Him. He should not beg for food.” That act bewildered them. They also pondered, “By His will he can deliver the universe. Why did he beg food?” Similarly, when Krishna begs someone through a devotee, it is not for Krishna’s or the devotee’s benefit. It is for the supreme benefit of that person. The brahmanas didn’t recognize when the cowherd boys begged from them. But later, they repented. Similarly, for one who acts as an emissary of Krishna, results may not be immediate. But, surely enough, in the Absolute sense, that person has moved an inch closer to Krishna.

Thus, the cowherd boys became valuable instruments to reveal the glory of the brahmana-patnis, and the lack of faith and surrender of the brahmanas. Practicing devotees can get great faith, inspiration and encouragement from this pastime to assist Krishna in His mission of compassion through the medium of distributing Shrila Prabhupada books.