Distribute books on the merit of the book. Prabhupada specifically wanted pictures in the books so that people will see them and be attracted to them so that they will want to give a donation and take one. Show the pictures and say a little about them.
Be friendly, tolerant and compassionate.
Have good sadhana, try to have all of your rounds chanted before you go out and also some reading.
When approaching people try to see beyond the body to the soul and the Supersoul.
Learn verses that can be helpful on book distribution. Such as SB 10.14.8, BG 13.23, SB 1.8.25, SB 4.11.13
Pray to Krsna, Srila Prabhupada and your spiritual master to be sincere in distributing books.
Dress nicely and act like a gentleman or lady, we’re representing Krsna and Srila Prabhupada.
Make the presentation of the book in a way that everyone you speak to walks away with a good impression of the Hare Krsna movement.
The don’ts on sankirtan:
Don't forget Krsna.
If they give double the BBT don’t ask for more, this is greed. I have seen devotees ask for more even though they received more than double the BBT, the person who gave the donation sees the greed and thus sometimes ask for the money back and gives the book back, really bad. If however, they give less than double BBT, then in a nice way, if you like, ask -once- if they could give a little more, if they don’t then ask them in a nice way if they would prefer to take a smaller book, if they still want the big book then let them have it, Krsna will make up for it.
Don’t get angry with them if they don’t cooperate.
If you’re approaching someone and they give a negative response, then don’t walk with them as you’re trying to distribute a book to them, unless they ask you to, otherwise we are irritating them. We don’t to be seen as pushy. People in general will stop if you just say in a nice way, “Excuse me.” Then show them the book.
Don’t waste time with Christians that want to preach to you, you’ll regret it. Wish them well in their spiritual life but we have our own path. There are some Christians however, and people of other faiths that are open minded that will take books. But look out for the preachers, you’ll regret giving them your time.
Don’t say as you offer a book to someone, “Here you get one” or “Here, we’re passing these out today” or “We’re giving these out today.” These phrases make it appear like it’s a free book, but then we ask for a donation and if they don’t give one we take back the free book. We have a terrible reputation for this around the world, it’s not good. An alternate thing to say is, “Here, check this out,” or “We’re showing these to everyone today.” It works just as well and you feel better that you’re being more straightforward. Prabhupada said, “We should be known as perfect gentlemen, which means being honest and straightforward.
Don’t say you’re collecting for food relief or some other well-fare cause unless the money you’re collecting is actually going for that cause.
