THE MAIN PROBLEM IN ISKCON IS THAT WE ARE DISRESPECTING SRILA PRABHUPADA, ITS FOUNDER-ACARYA ON A VERY LARGE, MASSIVE AND GRAND SCALE. THAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM INDEED.

1. THIS KRISHNA BOOK, FOR EXAMPLE, IS WONDERFULLY DESIGNED IN THAT THE FRONT COVER PAINTING IS JUST WONDERFULLY CRAFTED AND GIVES THE VIEWER AN IDEA OF THE INTIMATE LOVING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RADHA AND KRISHNA. HOWEVER THE BACK SIDE IS VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO SRILA PRABHUPADA IN THAT SRILA PRABHUPADA’S PICTURE IS TINY, WHEN IT SHOULD IN FACT SPREAD ON THE WHOLE BACK COVER, AS WAS THE CASE WITH THE EARLY BIG SIZE HARD BOUND KRISHNA BOOKS. (27 cm X 19 cm). The cows are bigger than Srila Prabhuapada. They may be Krishna’s cows, but Srila Prabhupada is Krishna’s sena-pati-bhakta.

This is the cover of original h/b Krishna Book Vol II. If the Spiritual Master is to be given as much honor as the Supreme Lord, then this the correct presentation!

2)  HERE AT ISKCON BRISBANE, AFTER THE UNRESOLVED DISPUTES OF WHERE THE VYASASANA SHOULD BE SITUATED IN THE TEMPLE ROOM AND WHETHER OR NOT THERE SHOULD BE A FULL SET OF THE GLORIOUS CAITANYA CARITAMRTA IN THE TEMPLE ROOM OR NOT, WE HAVE YET ANOTHER TUSSLE IN PROGRESS IN THAT SRILA PRABUPADA IS OFTEN LEFT IN DARKNESS BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROPER AND INDEPENDENTLY CONTROLLED LIGHTING ON HIM SITTING ON THE VYASASANA. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND RECENTLY I HAVE STEPPED UP A CAMPAIGN  TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE MANAGEMENT IS VERY MUCH CALLOUS TO MY CALLS AND I HAD TO GIVE IT AN ULTIMATUM DEAD LINE.  THE DEAD LINE IS TODAY MAY 25TH 2019 AND IS NOW PASSED. IF ONE RECEIVES GOOD ADVICE AND DOES NOT FOLLOW FOR WHATEVER  REASON, THAT MEANS HE /SHE IS RASCAL, THAT MEANS HE / SHE IS FOOL AND RASCAL NUMBER ONE IN SRILA PRABHUPADA’S BOOKS. That mood of defiance against good advice is Maya. It is not Krishna!

Whoever one may be in the pecking order, one should have the good sense to accept good advice. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the garb of a Sannyasi left for South India, He accepted counsel from Sarva Bhauma Battacarya, the householder. Srila Prabhupada comments as follows:

“The word kariha asirvade means “continue to bestow your blessings upon Me.” Being a sannyasi, Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in the fourth order of life and was thus due all respect and adoration, whereas Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, as a householder, was in the second order. A sannyasi is supposed to offer blessings to a grhastha, yet now, by His practical behavior, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested the blessings of a grhastha. This incident shows the special significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s preaching. He gave equal status to everyone, regardless of material considerations. His movement is thoroughly spiritual. Although apparently a grhastha (householder), Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was unlike the so-called karmis interested in sense gratification. After being initiated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Bhattacarya was perfectly situated in the spiritual order; therefore it was quite possible for him to offer blessings even to a sannyasi. He was always engaged in the service of the Lord, even at home. In our disciplic line we have the example of a perfect householder paramahamsa — Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In his book Saranagati, Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, ye-dina grhe, bhajana dekhi’, grhete goloka bhaya (Saranagati 31.6). Whenever a householder glorifies the Supreme Lord in his home, his activities are immediately transformed into the activities of Goloka Vrndavana, spiritual activities taking place in the Goloka Vrndavana planet of Krsna. Activities exhibited by Krsna Himself at Bhauma Vrndavana, the Vrndavana-dhama existing on this planet, are not different from His activities on the planet Goloka Vrndavana. This is proper realization of Vrndavana anywhere. In our Krsna consciousness movement we inaugurated the New Vrndavana activities, wherein devotees are always engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, and this is not different from Goloka Vrndavana. The conclusion is that one who acts strictly in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is competent to offer blessings to sannyasis, even though he be a grhastha householder. Although he is in an exalted position, a sannyasi still must elevate himself to the transcendental platform by rendering service to the Lord. By His actual behavior, Caitanya Mahaprabhu begged the blessings of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. In this way He set the example of how one should expect blessings from a Vaisnava regardless of his social position. Madhya 7.70

STANZA 7 OF GURV-ASTAKA STATES:

” The Spiritual Master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because the Spiritual Master is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a Spiritual Master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari (Krishna).”

Therefore the lighting on Srila Prabhupada should be the same intensity and duration as the lighting shining on the Deities. To achieve this goal it also has to be independently operated.

One very nice thing about the ISKCON temple in Brisbane is that there is now a very nice parikrama path, perhaps one kilometre long or more. One can circumambulate Their Lordship Sri Gaura Nitai by turning right as one leaves the temple, then turning right again on the round about at 17 Mile Rocks road, then enter Rocks Riverside wonderful green park, through the first path on the right, which follows the bottom of the ridge where the temple is built. After passing under the remnants of the QCL conveyer belt, there is a steep path and stairs right up to the ridge and one joins again the south eastern corner of  the ISKCON land. Some of these steps are chiseled directly into the rocks, just like in India. One can see the marks of the chisel. This reminds one so much of India. If one has extra time one can walk in the park itself, which is also very attractive and full of greeneries, water ways and amusement for the kids and family. Additionally there is also a very large semi circular lawn, slightly inclined towards the river, which will just be perfect venue for holding a huge Krishna Sacred Sound Festival.

3) AND WHO THE HELL FOLLOWS SRILA PRABHUPADA ORDER TO HOLD THE MANGAL ARATIK FUNCTION EVERY DAY , 365 DAYS A YEAR, AT 04.30, WHERE EVER ONE MAY BE???

TO BE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND WELL AWAKE BY 04.00 HOURS IS A FOUNDER-ACARYA’S ORDER AS BASIC AS TO CHANT  16 ROUNDS AND TO FOLLOW THE FOUR REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES. BUT AGAIN WHO THE HELL FOLLOWS ! OF COURSE, SOME DO FOLLOW VERY NICELY. WE THANK THEM VERY MUCH FOR THEIR DISCIPLINE AND ALL GLORIES TO THEM! BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS??? This particular measure is to help us overcome the all ubiquitous presence of the three modes of material nature. In the BGAII 2.45, Sri Krishna tells Arjuna: ” The Vedas mainly deal with the subject of the three modes of material nature. Rise above these modes, O Arjuna. Be transcendental to all of them. Be free from all dualities and from all anxieties for gain and safety, and be established in the self.”

I’d like to add BGAII 18.37: ” That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.”

AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO LIVE IN ISKCON ASHRAMS BUT NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER ATTEND FUNCTIONS IN THE TEMPLE ROOM. WHAT KIND OF BOORISHNESS, LOUTISHNESS AND CHURLISHNESS IS THAT? ISKCON BRISBANE DEFINITELY SUFFERS FROM THAT DISEASE AS WELL. It is also my understanding that Ashram residents MUST attend Mangal Aratik. When I was temple commander in Vrndavan under HG Akshoyananda Prabhu, he asked me to knock at every Ashram door to make sure residents would be ready, standing in front of Deities at 04.30 hours for the opening of the Mangal Aratik curtains.

Some residents really freaked out by this practice. But I was no to blame, as I merely performed my duty, under the order of the temple president of the time, HG Akshoyananda Prabhu, who, at this date, is fortunately still with us, as I found out recently, and hasn’t departed yet, as so many direct diksa disciples of Srila Prabhupada have.

AMONG THE TEN OFFENSES, OFFENSE NUMBER THREE READS:

TO DISOBEY THE ORDER OF THE SPIRITUAL MASTER OR IN OUR CASE THE ORDERS OF THE FOUNDER-ACARYA, HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA.

THAT MEANS ALSO WE DONT REALLY UNDERSTAND WHO SRILA PRABHUPADA IS. WE THINK HE IS AN ORDINARY INDIVIDUAL WITH AN EXAGGERATED SENSE OF HIS OWN PERSONALITY, WITH AN SWOLLEN SENSE OF HIS OWN EGO. BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS MENTALITY. Shastra Srimad Bhagavatam 11.17.27 warns in this context:

The word kariha asirvade means “continue to bestow your blessings upon Me.” Being a sannyasi, Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in the fourth order of life and was thus due all respect and adoration, whereas Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, as a householder, was in the second order. A sannyasi is supposed to offer blessings to a grhastha, yet now, by His practical behavior, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested the blessings of a grhastha. This incident shows the special significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s preaching. He gave equal status to everyone, regardless of material considerations. His movement is thoroughly spiritual. Although apparently a grhastha (householder), Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was unlike the so-called karmis interested in sense gratification. After being initiated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Bhattacarya was perfectly situated in the spiritual order; therefore it was quite possible for him to offer blessings even to a sannyasi. He was always engaged in the service of the Lord, even at home. In our disciplic line we have the example of a perfect householder paramahamsa — Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In his book Saranagati, Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, ye-dina grhe, bhajana dekhi’, grhete goloka bhaya (Saranagati 31.6). Whenever a householder glorifies the Supreme Lord in his home, his activities are immediately transformed into the activities of Goloka Vrndavana, spiritual activities taking place in the Goloka Vrndavana planet of Krsna. Activities exhibited by Krsna Himself at Bhauma Vrndavana, the Vrndavana-dhama existing on this planet, are not different from His activities on the planet Goloka Vrndavana. This is proper realization of Vrndavana anywhere. In our Krsna consciousness movement we inaugurated the New Vrndavana activities, wherein devotees are always engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, and this is not different from Goloka Vrndavana. The conclusion is that one who acts strictly in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is competent to offer blessings to sannyasis, even though he be a grhastha householder. Although he is in an exalted position, a sannyasi still must elevate himself to the transcendental platform by rendering service to the Lord. By His actual behavior, Caitanya Mahaprabhu begged the blessings of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. In this way He set the example of how one should expect blessings from a Vaisnava regardless of his social position.
Madhya 7.70

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 7.70

acaryam mam vijaniyan
navamanyeta karhicit
na martya-buddhyasuyeta
sarva-deva-mayo guruh

WORD FOR WORD TRANSLATION

Word for word translation.acaryam — the spiritual master; mam — Myself; vijaniyat — one should know; na avamanyeta — one should never disrespect; karhicit — at any time; na — never; martya-buddhya — with the idea of his being an ordinary man; asuyeta — one should be envious; sarva-deva — of all demigods; mayah — representative; guruh — the spiritual master.

TRANSLATION

One should know the acarya as Myself and never disrespect him in any way. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for he is the representative of all the demigods.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 11.17.27

And as soon as Srila Prabhupada left the planet the ISKCON standards dropped significantly. The life members ship program, for example, was abandoned more or less. Just another burden Srila Prabhupada forced us to carry, right???

Yesterday 25 May 2019, at the Saturday Feast in Brisbane, one devotee told that his brother in law became a life members in New Dehli, India, about one year ago. Still he hasn’t received his Bhaktivedanta books. What kind of life member management is that???

One can abuse some people for all the time and all people for some time but it is impossible to abuse all people for all the time. Negative reaction will be there.

4) Another thing is that intra ISKCON communications are not up to scratch.

This indicates to me two things:

1. A LACK OF COMPETENCE AND EVEN WORSE
2. A LACK OF HONESTY!!!

As far as honesty is concerned, Srila Prabhupada makes the point that a brahmin is honest to the point of even endangering his own wholesomeness. “And Śrī Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa has given about this ārjava, “simplicity,” he says that a brāhmaṇa even to a enemy will disclose all his secrets. Even to his enemy. Nobody discloses his secrets before an enemy, but a brāhmin, if he, even he finds out a enemy, he will disclose all the secrets. He has no secret. Brāhmin means open-minded, liberal. And the opposite word is kṛpaṇa, miser.” 721107SB.Vrn

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 18.42 says additionally: “Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness—these are the natural qualities by which the braahmanas work.”

There is also a realm where lack of competence and dishonesty overlap.

5) Another intriguing change is as follows:

Since the departure of Srila Prabhupada it appears to me that the focus has changed from the spiritual to the mundane. Even if not spoken in plain language, it is however often implied that an advanced devotee must have the letters BA, MA or PhD after his name, otherwise he/she can absolutely not be advanced, whereas I am deeply satisfied to have the letters ACBSP after mine.

It should be noted that no mundane institution will ever deliver the letters ACBSP. In fact just “ACBSP” on its own  is so ultra precious because it is no longer available at all on the market. You may now ask  me: ” What market are you talking about?”  My reply will be: ” ACBSP   on its own, is not available any longer, on any market at all” “OUAOU”, will you say, “that facts makes it ultra dear, perhaps trillions and trillions of dollars.”   My reply will be: ” Yes, absolutely!” “But that’s highly unfair!” will the rightfully-transcendentally-intelligent-jealous shout out in desperate protest. My reply will be: ” Yes, absolutely!”  And to make it a fair level playing field, my suggestion will be to introduce the new system whereby we designate our relationships with our Divine Grace and Master, Om Visnupada Pramahamsa Astottara-sata Sri Srimad A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with the new system of designation as ACBSPgen1, ACBSPgen2, ACBSPgen3, ACBSPgen4. etc. etc. etc …..That will be the ACBSP dynasty. And that should appease the rightfully-transcendentally-intelligent-jealous. In fact that should appease everyone at all.

Now to get back to our actual subject matter. Yes, it appears to me that the focus has shifted in a spiritually unhealthy way from the spiritual to the mundane. In 750325CC.May, Srila Prabhupada defines advancement as follows: ” So study this Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Now we have got this English edition, very elaborately described, following the footsteps of our Guru Mahārāja, Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda. So there is no such edition of Caitanya-caritāmṛta, very elaborately described.

But it can be understood by the advanced student. It can be… And so… Advanced, you can, anyone, you can become advanced. Advanced means at least one should understand that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If you simply understand these two words, that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then you are advanced.

It is not very difficult. Everything, all Vedic literature, they are meant for understanding Kṛṣṇa. Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyam [Bg. 15.15]. So if you simply understand… What is that understanding? That Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We have written in our Kṛṣṇa book, “Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” If you become convinced, then your study of Vedas—finished.”

So let us rightfully and conservatively adopt Srila Prabhupada’s own definition of advancement. A mundane learned fellow is not barred from advancement in Krishna Consciousness. Mental speculation can however be a hurdle for one’s advancement of Krishna Consciousness. Let me again quote Srila Prabhupada in BGAII 7.3, purport, to that effect:

“There are various grades of men, and out of many thousands, one may be sufficiently interested in transcendental realization to try to know what is the self, what is the body, and what is the Absolute Truth. Generally mankind is simply engaged in the animal propensities, namely eating, sleeping, defending and mating, and hardly anyone is interested in transcendental knowledge. The first six chapters of the Gita are meant for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge, in understanding the self, the Superself and the process of realization by jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga and discrimination of the self from matter. However, Krsna can be known only by persons who are in Krsna consciousness. Other transcendentalists may achieve impersonal Brahman realization, for this is easier than understanding Krsna. Krsna is the Supreme Person, but at the same time He is beyond the knowledge of Brahman and Paramatma. The yogis and jnanis are confused in their attempts to understand Krsna. Although the greatest of the impersonalists, Sripada Sankaracarya, has admitted in his Gita commentary that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his followers do not accept Krsna as such, for it is very difficult to know Krsna, even though one has transcendental realization of impersonal Brahman.
Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes, the primeval Lord Govinda. Isvarah paramah krsnah sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah / anadir adir govindah sarva-karana-karanam. It is very difficult for the nondevotees to know Him. Although nondevotees declare that the path of bhakti, or devotional service, is very easy, they cannot practice it. If the path of bhakti is so easy, as the nondevotee class of men proclaim, then why do they take up the difficult path? Actually the path of bhakti is not easy. The so-called path of bhakti practiced by unauthorized persons without knowledge of bhakti may be easy, but when it is practiced factually according to the rules and regulations, the speculative scholars and philosophers fall away from the path. Srila Rupa Gosvami writes in his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.101):

sruti-smrti-puranadi-
pancaratra-vidhim vina
aikantiki harer bhaktir
utpatayaiva kalpate

“Devotional service of the Lord that ignores the authorized Vedic literatures like the Upanisads, Puranas and Narada Pancaratra is simply an unnecessary disturbance in society.”
It is not possible for the Brahman-realized impersonalist or the Paramatma-realized yogi to understand Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the son of mother Yasoda or the charioteer of Arjuna. Even the great demigods are sometimes confused about Krsna (muhyanti yat surayah). Mam tu veda na kascana: “No one knows Me as I am,” the Lord says. And if one does know Him, then sa mahatma su-durlabhah. “Such a great soul is very rare.” Therefore unless one practices devotional service to the Lord, one cannot know Krsna as He is (tattvatah), even though one is a great scholar or philosopher. Only the pure devotees can know something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities in Krsna — His being the cause of all causes, His omnipotence and opulence, and His wealth, fame, strength, beauty, knowledge and renunciation — because Krsna is benevolently inclined to His devotees. He is the last word in Brahman realization, and the devotees alone can realize Him as He is. Therefore it is said:

atah sri-krsna-namadi
na bhaved grahyam indriyaih
sevonmukhe hi jihvadau
svayam eva sphuraty adah
[Cc. Madhya 17.136]

“No one can understand Krsna as He is by the blunt material senses. But He reveals Himself to the devotees, being pleased with them for their transcendental loving service unto Him.” (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.2.234) [Surrender-Unto-Me] Bg 7.4, purport.

Srila Prabhupada clearly does not mention BA, MA or PhD in this definition of advancement. So there seem be here a major deviation here and a correction of trajectory is required indeed. This happens sometimes with the best of captain / pilots indeed. And in just a few measures, the boast /airplane will be on its right and correct course again.

6) There is also the question of use of capital letters throughout all books in all languages. As you can imagine and considering the number of books and translations, that’s quite extensive.

BBT editors unfailingly quote the following passage to justify their current use of capital letters:

7)

And I find in ISKCON there is no dialogue.

There is only dictatorship of the controlling party (ies)

I don’t think this is what Srila Prabupada had in mind for His ISKCON. Again Srila Prabhupada is betrayed and disobeyed!!!

After all ISKCON is meant to be the house in which the WHOLE WORLD CAN FIND SHELTER.

Therefore there must be dialogue.

Here is a very nice Prabhupada letter passage on this point:

“I have seen the agenda of your president’s meeting. This is nice. One thing should be followed, however, as your countrymen are more or less independent spirited and lovers of democracy. So everything should be done very carefully so that their sentiments may not be hurt. According to Sanskrit moral principles, everything has to be acted, taking consideration of the place, audience and time. As far as possible the centers should act freely, but conjointly. They must look forward to the common development. That should be the principle. You are all intelligent boys, and you should be engaged in Krishna’s service. Then He will give you all intelligence. So in every action we should always pray to Krishna for His help so that we may act it nicely. Lord Krishna advised Arjuna yudhyasva mam anusmara [Bg. 8.7]. That should be our principle. We should use all our intellect as well as possible, and at the same time we should remember Krishna always.” 691013Let.TamalKrishna

For the post of temple president, Srila Prabhupada encouraged elections.

There is no doubt about it and here are 5 relevant passages all from Srila Prabhupada’s letters that election is the way to go for the post of temple president:

“Regarding the election of President, a president can only be changed by vote. If no vote was taken, then the president cannot be changed. Neither Hamsaduta can change the president whimsically or can anybody else change the president. According the “Direction of Management” the GBC cannot change the President but only by vote can it be done.” 74.9.29Let.Mukunda

“Regarding the intended election, I have no preference for anyone. Whomever gets the majority election, he has my vote.” 741016Let.londondevotees

“Regarding Sydney, that the President has left, if one does not follow the regulative principles, then he will leave. That is a fact. Has somebody else been elected?” 750804Let.Madhudvisa

“I congratulate you on your being elected as president of ISKCON San Francisco branch. Your election as president is a recognition by Krishna and therefore I have got full support for you. Mukunda and other members have rightly selected you as president. Your service attitude for Krishna and your sincere attempts at being advanced in Krishna Consciousness will work with you and make your life more and more glorious and a happy state. I’ve been very glad that you are appreciating by your self the effects of sincere Krishna Consciousness. I’ve nothing new to instruct you, the same old instruction namely constant chanting and attentively hearing the transcendental vibration Hare Krishna is the only process for self-realization in this age.” 670929Let.Jayananda

 “Jayananda is a very sincere and intelligent boy and I think his decision should be accepted as final in the matter. Not only in this case, but in every other complicated case. The elected authorities in the management of the temple should be the final authority in these matters. Otherwise, the society cannot be managed. Our main principle should be to advance the cause of K.C.”  680111Let.Gargamuni

But from my point of view, it would appear that the temple president of my home temple, ISKCON Brisbane, has self appointed himself and I am indeed happy to see evidence to the contrary. But until then I shall continue with my thesis. Such a foolish and infatuated act is worse that the worse dictatorship in the darkest places of the planet. Now Krishna has given him little reaction for this serious offense by letting him taste cancer.

Final Point.

BOOK DISTRIBUTION.

It is no secret that Srila Prabhupada could never be satisfied with the amount of BBT books distributed by His followers throughout the world. Last calendar year 2018, 9 425 998 pieces of literature were distributed throughout the world. To this date, June 2019, 550 million pieces of literature have been distributed since 1965 and we may be confident that Srila Prabhupada wishes us to double this figure ASAP.  It is a fact that book distribution generates more book distribution, as we can see that people are getting familiar with our BBT literature and are asking for more. Many of the people I meet know Bhagavad-gita As It Is and are asking for more titles, which are abundantly available such as Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta.

In letter dated January 16 1975 to Tripurari Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada issued a general request for everyone to contribute his / her bit to the book distribution effort. No one really is exempted from book distribution duties.

“My general request is that you all distribute as many books as possible and at the same time be very careful in dealings with others so that they may not become irritated with us. Your book sale statistics are astounding. I am so much pleased. Please continue distributing such nice quantities and try to enthuse others more and more. You are sincere, so Krishna will give you all intelligence, strength and everything else you may need to distribute millions and millions of books.” General Book Distribution Request. 750116let.Tripurari

and if we have to make a choice between temple worship and book distribution, the choice is crystal clear from the following passage of Srimad Bhagavatam 7.14.39, purport:

“….chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is more powerful than Deity worship. Sri Caitanya Mahaaprabhu set a practical example in that He did not establish any temples or Deities, but He profusely introduced the sankirtana movement. Therefore Krishna consciousness preachers should give more stress to the sankirtana movement, especially by distributing transcendental literature more and more. This helps the sankirtana movement. Whenever there is a possibility to worship the Deity, we may establish many centers, but generally we should give more stress to the distribution of transcendental literature, for this will be more effective in converting people to Krishna consciousness.” SB 7.14.39, purport.

For those who want more convincing, I have published my Book Distribution Motivational Magazine (BDMM) available here. Please have a look.

https://krishnaculture.org/book-distribution/

Hare Krishna.

..