Kartik month at Bhaktivedanta Manor is always a unique experience. Devotees put more emphasis on their spiritual practices during this time, deepening their relationship with Lord Krishna. Some increase their sadhana, while others engage in more service. Others reduce their bodily needs by eating and sleeping less to have more time for spiritual practices. Some even visit holy places like Vrindavan, Mayapur, or Jagannath Puri.
This year, I decided to do something different. I offered Srila Prabhupada a special offering for the month of Kartik: to read one hour of Krishna book daily in his rooms throughout the month for his pleasure. We’ve heard from him about the importance of studying his books, and from his close associates, we know how Srila Prabhupada would read his own books.
It started small, with only three or four devotees joining me in reading. But as days went by, more devotees discovered the initiative and began participating. Three weeks into Kartik, we’ve completed 20 hours of reading and 60 chapters of the book.
Inspired by our progress, devotees requested we increase the reading time to finish the entire book before the month ends.
As we are about to enter the final week of this glorious month of Kartik, I reflect on my good fortune. Reading Krishna book in the very room where Srila Prabhupada translated many of his books, a room where he performed his sadhana, offered prayers, and chanted verses from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, is a special experience.
By reading Krishna book, I directly associate with Srila Prabhupada, and under his guidance, I’m visiting various holy places where Lord Krishna performed his pastimes.
Sometimes, during our reading sessions, I would lift my head from the book and gaze at Srila Prabhupada, expressing my gratitude repeatedly for allowing me to serve in this capacity.
Srila Prabhupada Room conversation Bombay, 1974: Do you know why I read my books? I read my books everyday because even I learn something new when I read them. Do you know why I learn something new when I read my books? Because these books are not my books – I do not write these books. Every morning when I sit here to write my books Krsna comes personally and he dictates to me what to write, I simply take dictation from Krsna and I write these books.
Ananta Gopal Das
27.10.2025
Bhakti Wisdom 