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Learn MoreOnline Course on Book Distribution
Rating: 4.7 out of 54.7(91 ratings)
1,939 students
Online Course on Book Distribution
Learn the art of distributing Srila Prabhupada's books
Created byNavina Nirada, Winston Lin
Last updated 9/2020
English
English [Auto],
What you'll learn
- Principles, values, and aims of book distribution
- Personal interaction and communication
- Methods of distribution
- Customer care and follow-up
- Coping with challenges
- Lifetime of sankirtan
- Vision, strategy, and organization of sustainable outreach
Explore related topics
Course content
10 sections • 46 lectures • 2h 1m total length
- Course Overview1:51
- Srila Prabhupada on His Guru's Instruction2:12
- Why Book Distribution?5:40
Discover why book distribution fuels the iScan movement, grounding action in identity and service to Krishna consciousness. Books serve as the movement’s foundation—philosophically, economically, and spiritually.
- Expectations for This Course2:15
- Principles and Values of Book Distribution5:08
Learn the 10 principles and values of book distribution, emphasizing long-term vision over short-term gains, the importance of regular study of key texts, and self-assessment to improve practice.
- The 7 Purposes of ISKCON0:27
- Assignment for Section 10:39
1. Read the Course Introduction (download PDF) for instructions on how to ask questions or submit feedback for this course.
2. Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 5-7 - Principles and Values of Book Distribution
p. 8 - The 7 Purposes of ISKCON
p. 9 - The Aims of Book Distribution
p. 13 - The Purposes of Training and Education for Book Distributors
3. Take the Principles and Values Assessment (download PDF) to see how the principles and values of book distribution currently apply to you and identify opportunities for growth. Assess yourself on how successfully you apply yourself to each item. On a paper or notepad, ring one number for each from 0 (terrible) to 10 (excellent). A score of 5 is average. Put 5 if one item doesn’t apply to you (e.g. if you don’t drive). Add up your total. Choose the items with the 2 lowest scores, and ask someone for help to improve them.
- Character of an ISKCON Representative4:28
Distributing these books makes you an ambassador of goodwill and an ideal ISKCON representative. Share truthfulness, fit your approach to each person’s capacity, and reflect Krishna consciousness.
- Lifestyle and Standards of a Book Distributor0:50
Discover how to apply handbook principles to cultivate a lifestyle for book distribution, including Sadhana, diet, exercise, study, and social conduct, to maximize local outreach.
- Appreciating Srila Prabhupada's Books3:50
- Srila Prabhupada on the Importance of Book Distribution3:42
- Assignment for Section 20:31
1. Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 10-12 - Standards for Book Distribution
pp. 24-26 - Guidelines on Appropriate Lifestyle
p. 43 - ISKCON Personnel Philosophy and Ethics
2. Take the Lifestyle Assessment (download PDF) to see how the lifestyle characteristics of book distributors currently apply to you and identify opportunities for growth. Assess yourself on how successfully you apply yourself to each item. On a paper or notepad, ring one number for each from 0 (terrible) to 10 (excellent). A score of 5 is average. Put 5 if one item doesn’t apply to you (e.g. if you don’t drive). Add up your total. Choose the items with the 2 lowest scores, and ask someone for help to improve them.
- Opening a Conversation5:15
- Presenting Books4:48
Present books by connecting them to the reader's interests, highlighting topics like yoga, karma, reincarnation, and philosophy; use visuals, Sanskrit context, and bundled sets to build meaning and drive sales.
- Closing the Deal3:11
Close the deal by respectfully requesting donations to cover printing costs, emphasize transparency, and invite ongoing engagement to grow Krishna consciousness.
- Srila Prabhupada on Funding the Mission0:53
Srila Prabhupada describes funding the mission through selling books to cover travel costs and support worldwide distribution. He mentions daily sales of about 25,000 to 30,000 books.
- Assignment for Section 30:28
1. Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 14-15 - The Basic Skills of Book Distribution
2. Take the Skills Assessment (download PDF) to see how the skills of book distribution currently apply to you and identify opportunities for growth. Assess yourself on how successfully you apply yourself to each item. On a paper or notepad, ring one number for each from 0 (terrible) to 10 (excellent). A score of 5 is average. Put 5 if one item doesn’t apply to you (e.g. if you don’t drive). Add up your total. Choose the items with the 2 lowest scores, and ask someone for help to improve them.
- Basic Psychology6:05
Craft authentic connections by preemptively answering who you are and what's in it for the reader. Use tailored voice, humor, and praise, and master open ended and closed ended questions.
- Relating with People4:11
- Presenting the Bhagavad-gita3:31
- Assignment for Section 40:05
Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 16-17 - The Psychology of Book Distribution
- Customer Care4:07
- Customer Interaction3:38
Engage customers with a smile, appropriate dress and shoes, quote verses from books, then open a book to read aloud, keep the conversation flowing, build trust, and inspire book distribution.
- The 4 Laws of Book Distribution2:14
- Dealing with Fears1:27
Face death and public speaking fears by affirming your eternal identity in Krishna and his love, stay motivated to distribute books, and accept rejection while serving him.
- Assessing Performance1:49
- Assignment for Section 50:05
Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 18-19 - Guidelines on Customer Care
- Book Distribution, Harinam, and Prasadam: The Magic Formula3:57
Combine harinam chanting, prasada, and book distribution into a multi-sensory experience that captivates the mind. Display books near prasada, invite donations, and welcome new seekers to krishna consciousness.
- Distributing Sets of Books2:54
Distribute full sets of books by engaging congregations, presenting them attractively, and hosting installation ceremonies to boost adoption, sponsorships, and placements in libraries, schools, and prisons.
- Methods of Book Distribution4:10
Learn practical street and door-to-door book distribution strategies, meet people where they are at noontime or rush hour, and engage businesses to share Krishna consciousness.
- Online Book Distribution2:37
- A Buddhist Monk0:53
A Buddhist monk interacts with passengers, signs items, and explains that the donation supports meditation and yoga teachings; he asks for a donation from the heart with no minimum.
- Gitas for the Swedes0:59
Explore the soul's journey from youth to old age with meditation and Vishnu and Shiva, while books are printed to ease suffering and the Bhagavad Gita's first chapter introduces concepts.
- Assignment for Section 70:06
Watch the complete collection of practical Book Distribution videos and Srila Prabhupada videos on Book Distribution on Navina Nirada Prabhu's Youtube channel (download PDF, Link 3).
- Facing Challenges2:51
Learn to face challenges in book distribution by cultivating tolerance, adjusting when needed, and applying Krishna's teachings from the Bhagavad Gita to address root causes rather than external problems.
- Overcoming Obstacles4:11
- Handling Objections2:16
Address objections by identifying the overlap of needs, concerns, and interests, present the books, and answer concerns to uncover motives. Build conviction to inspire respectful follow-ups with interested audiences.
- Finding Strength and Inspiration2:36
Identify your sources of inspiration and courage, recall cherished stories, verses, and songs to persevere. Embrace the devotional mission by distributing Sheila proppants books and feeling Krishna's empowering presence.
- Assignment for Section 80:05
Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 20-21 - Dealing with External Challenges
- Building a Team5:01
Build and empower your team to scale book distribution for Krishna consciousness, leveraging the congregation, university clubs, open communication, and genuine relationships for lasting impact.
- Organizational and Leadership Skills5:03
Develop organizational and leadership skills to build and empower a book distribution team, recruit volunteers, monitor progress, manage finances, and scale impact through a team-based mission.
- Assignment for Section 90:04
Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
pp. 22-23 - Organisational Skills
- Cultivating Devotees6:17
- Prospects for the Book Distributor3:37
- Assignment for Section 100:14
1. Read the following sections of the Student's Handbook for Graduate Course on Book Distribution (download PDF):
p. 27 - Book Distribution and Making Devotees
p. 28 - Prospects for the Book Distributor and Contact Follow-Up
p. 33 - Follow-Up
2. Explore additional resources for book distribution (download PDF). Click the links for great videos, seminars, and books by sankirtan leaders around the world .
- Written Test0:20
Please complete the attached multiple-choice test (download PDF) ticking only one answer for each question. There may be more than one correct (or somewhat correct) answer for each question - tick the one you think is best. Do not tick more than one.
When you are finished with the test, check your answers in the answer key (download PDF). Tally your final score out of 100 to see how you did. Congratulations on completing the Online Course on Book Distribution!
Requirements
- Sincerity
Description
For the first time ever, we are happy to offer the classic: Graduate Course on Book Distribution and Sankirtan Leadership as a free online course for all participants.
Looking for a way to improve your preaching and book distribution? This online course teaches you about the art of distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. It's highly recommended for all wishing to deepen their appreciation, skills, and knowledge of sankirtan.
The course focuses on principles and values, aims of book distribution, personal interaction, communication, different methods of distribution, customer care, follow up, coping with challenges, lifetime of sankirtan, vision, strategy, and organization of sustainable outreach.
Who this course is for:
- Prospective, new, and experienced devotees of Krishna
- Experienced and aspiring sankirtan leaders