At the Masonic lodge auditorium in Mexico City, one enters the door and then walks down a very long ramp to the stage. All Prabhupda's disciples except me were with him down on the stage, putting on a preaching program. I was up by the door, manning a book table, but all the books were in English; we still (at that point) had no book in Spanish.
So there I was, all by myself, far away from where I wanted to be, down where nobody would buy even one book because all the books were in English. (This particular audience wanted something in Spanish. They were not so much inclined toward English.)
So I was feeling morose, sorry for myself, and wanting to be down there with Srila Prabhupada. Finally I thought, “if I could distribute just one book, then maybe Srila Prabhupada would be pleased, and being stuck here at this table would be worth it." I so much wanted to distribute at least one book -- a very strong desire.
And all of a sudden practically out of nowhere, in walks a delightful, charming, young maiden, splendidly dressed who walks immediately up to the table, points directly at our biggest (and most expensive) book, and says, “I want that book. How much do I owe you?” -- in perfect American English!
So I took the money, started to hand her the book -- but I took it back -- because Srila Prabhupada wasn’t looking. (He was chanting with his eyes closed.)
I started to hand it to her a second time, and took it back because Srila Prabhupada wasn’t looking. I wanted him to see the book going out very slowly, so for the third time, I began to hand her the book, and then let her take it. But Prabhupada wouldn’t look.
He was busy leading kirtan, however, when he came up the ramp later on, he stopped right in front of me, gave me a big, radiant, beautiful smile, and while smiling he soundly taped his cane on the floor three times -- Bam! Bam! Bam!
And that way he let me know that the spiritual master is pleased even if only one book is distributed.
Antantacarya Dasa
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