1. The value of public chanting and book distribution

    Amogha: Srila Prabhupada? When people in the street hear Krsna’s name, the chanting, or they get some literature, does that mean they will not take birth as an animal?

    Prabhupada: No. They’ll get birth in good family. Sucinam srimatam gehe [Bg. 6.41]. If they simply appreciate, “It is very nice,” then in his next life, human life is guaranteed. In a very nice family. Simply if he appreciates, “Yes, it is very nice” — that’s all. Then he’ll get another chance.

    Amogha: Many people think the pictures are very nice. As soon as they see them…

    Prabhupada: Anything they say nice, that means it is guaranteed, next life. Or even in this life it will definitely help. As soon as he reads some pages, then it is guaranteed. Those who are enquiring, that means they are liking. Their life is guaranteed.

    Amogha: One man who joined us about Rathayatra time last year was a solicitor. And he used to buy our books, but he never read them. But he would keep them on his bookshelf. And he used to always think, “Those are such beautiful books.” He used to think like that.

    Prabhupada: This is appreciation.

    Amogha: But he never got time to read it.

    Prabhupada: It doesn’t matter. But he keeps that book with appreciation, that makes his life sure, insured. He immediately becomes in touch with God. Who keeps the book with reverence and love, immediately he becomes in touch with God. Because these books are representative of God.

    (Morning Walk on Beach — May 9, 1975, Perth)