Salted Bread Back Again!

BY: NANDGOPAL JIVAN DAS

May 31, 2016 — RUSSIA (SUN) — Sarvabhavana Prabhu's book "Salted Bread", which is about the persecution of the Russian and Armenian devotees in the early days of the former USSR, is now again available for purchase after long three to four years. The book contains a lot of information about the publication and distribution of Srila Prabhupada's first books in the Communist country.

It is more or less an autobiography of the author, Sarvabhavana das, who was jailed for two years, and the glorious departure of his good friend, Sachisuta das, in the Soviet camp. It is full of painful experiences of the first attempt to spread Krishna consciousness in that atheistic country, which was Srila Prabhupada's desire; full of humor and devotional service in such unique conditions like in jails and psychiatric hospitals, interesting KGB stories and more, as he calls his painful but blissful past.

Note from Author: H.G. Sarvabhavana Prabhu:

Dear Devotees and Friends,

Hare Krishna! I continuously get numerous letters from around the world regarding the availability of my book, Salted Bread, but for a long time, its first & second edition was expired and unavailable for distribution.

I am happy to announce that the third edition of the book has been published in India by Nandagopal Jivan Prabhu of Golden Age Media (www.goldenagemedia.org) with a reduced price and is ready for distribution. Salted Bread is about the beginning of the Hare Krishna Movement and the persecution of the Hare Krishna devotees in the former USSR.

You can read excerpts from the book at http://www.hkussr.com/saltedbread.htm

REVIEWS FOR THE BOOK

Bhakti Vikas Swami (ACBSP):
'Salted Bread' shows that even in the modern day, devotees of Krishna can be as tolerant as was Prahlada Maharaja in the middle of sheer nastiness and cruelty. It is one of the most touching stories of devotion that I have read, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

Bhakti Madhurya Govinda Goswami (ACBSP) (formerly Makhanlal das):
"Salted Bread" is a book of extraordinary historic significance, not just to ISKCON, but to the whole world. It chronicles a massive turning point in the history & development of the Hare Krishna movement which is impacting the entire planet on a huge scale! First, the martyrdoms of the devotees must be compared to that of the early Christians who were thrown to the lions in stadiums but would not give up their faith. Secondly, the devotee martyrs must be compared to Prahläda Maharaj, who was tortured by his father but never compromised his Krishna consciousness. Directly by their sacrifices, the former Soviet Union devotees now comprise one of the largest groups of ISKCON devotees in the world! This book is a "must read" for those who want to know the true history of this great movement! In Delhi, some devotees produced a full-length drama based on this book which was a masterpiece. Someone should produce a feature-length film based on this book. It is rich and "can't put it down" reading!

Hari-sauri däsa (ACBSP)
This is an important history of the beginnings of Krsna consciousness in the eastern European countries. It is a simple, deeply moving account of two young men's determination to become devotees despite the constant danger of governmental censure and abuse. It traces their lives from the time they first contact the Krsna conscious devotees to the ultimate sacrifice of Sacisuta prabhu leaving his body in prison. Sarvabhavana prabhu has done a great service to all Vaisnava's by presenting his story of extreme self-sacrifice in appalling conditions for the sake of Guru and Gauranga. One would have to have a heart of stone to not be permanently affected by his story. Any follower of Srila Prabhupada should read this book and become inspired. It is a truly potent account of real surrender.

Urmila devi dasi (ACBSP)
This book is very inspirational and exciting. It also contains quite a bit of the history of the Hare Krishna Movement in Communist countries. The plot moves quickly, the devotees in the pages truly "come to life," there is much excitement and humor, and the reader will find him or herself deeply enthused in spiritual life.

Chaitanya Charan das (ISKCON Pune Senior Monk, Author, BTG Editor, ISKCON Sastric Advisory Council member):
In a culture that often demonizes religion for its fanaticism, Salted Bread offers a stirring real-life counter-narrative of fanaticism directed against religion, or more particularly against a minority religious group by an atheistic government.

By acting as a voice for the victims of atheistic fanaticism, this heart-wrenching book shows the dehumanizing depravities that can be rationalized by prejudice, propaganda and xenophobia.

In addition to this message for the broader society, Salted Bread offers a poignant portrait to practitioners - a portrait of faith amidst atrocity, undying inspiration amidst unspeakable desperation and the final redemption from hopeless adversities. It calls us all to cherish the gifts of the freedom to practice that we presently have and urges us to do what we can to assist for the restoration of similar freedom in places where that freedom is even today threatened or curtailed.

Most importantly, the simplicity of the writing style of Salted Bread underscores the gravity and the glory of the theme - devotion can not only survive but also be strengthened through distress when there is determination. Grace works in inconceivable yet unstoppable ways to keep the human heart moving in its march towards the divine heart. By offering our obeisances to and meditating on the examples of those who have endured torture, even to the point of martyrdom, for the sake of faith, we can all pray that we can gird our faith for the challenges it faces in our individual situations and take our heart closer to the Lord of our heart.

Gauranga Das (ISKCON Chowpatty Senior Monk, GEV President)
"Salted Bread is a book worth reading not only for the devotees of Lord Krishna but even for those who aspire to come closer to the God, the goal of every religion. The story of the author and his best friend to maintain the God consciousness inspite of so much of physical and mental torture is really inspiring and hope giving."

Watch a drama based on Salted Bread performed in India by devotees: