The day before elections we set a book stall in Laksmi Narayana Temple in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. All of a sudden the crowd became excited seeing famous athletic Olympic medallist and ex. world record holder in running Mrs. Susanthika Jayasingha entering the Temple. She was accompanied by election candidate Mr. Priyanda Patiran and the body guards.
After taking darshan of the Lord she passed by our book stall where we called her closer and asked her which language she prefers. She told that Singhala, and we immediately gave her Bhagavad-gita in Singhalese in her hand and told that this book will bring her good luck. With great interest she looked at the book.
The political leader standing nearby said that he already has this book and that he is also a vegetarian. Then we preached to him about the Ahimsa principle in Buddhism, and how people of Sri Lanka could lead self sufficient life style, without unnecessary killing of the animals, and dependence on the world superpowers. Mr. Priyanda agreed but he commented that they are forced by political powers from outside to make different compromises. At the end of discussion he promised to help Hare Krishna Movement and he gave us his personal visiting card. (Btw, the next day he won the elections and is now a MLA in Trincomalee district. Lord Krishna’s mercy).
Susanthika Jayasingha was very impressed by the straight forward presentation of Krishna consciousness. Big sport stars are usually fed up with flattery and superficial admirers, so it seems she appreciated our genuine approach. She promised to read Bhagavad-gita as she bowed down in respect to devotees.
Recently we were reading newly printed book of HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami “On Speaking Strongly in Srila Prabhupada’s Service” where Maharaja perfectly depicted Srila Prabhupada’s example in his straight presentation of Krishna consciousness to political leaders. Prabhupada was not just smiling to them but wanted to influence them, and thus change the whole demoniac society.
We humbly ask for the blessings to change all the Ravanas of Sri Lanka into Vibhisanas and that cow killing will be entirely stopped.
Hare Krishna!
Your servant,
Bh. Mohan