Brahmānanda: In India isn't it the system that after they harvest the wheat they leave some on the ground for the others to come and pick?
Prabhupāda: Yes. No, they distribute while in the field. They give to the brāhmaṇas, to the temples, to the king, and the balance they take. This is the Vedic system, that if I grow something, first of all twenty-five percent to the king, then to the temple, to the brāhmaṇas, to the poor. And then balance, I shall take. And they produce so large quantity, they do not feel any scarcity. And when the trade came, people understood. Then they want to sell. "Why shall I give to the temple? Why shall I give to the brāhmaṇa? Save it. I shall sell it. I shall get more money, and I shall drink." When trade came. When there was no trade, you grow your own food and distribute freely. In my Guru Mahārāja's time they were collecting the rice and other food grain, huge quantity. They were giving. And now they are not giving. They think that "If I sell, I shall get so much money, and it will help me for my drinking."
Harikeśa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, what would people do who live in areas where things are not grown so easily, like in the colder areas?
Prabhupāda: Why should you live there? Why don't you come where things are grown?
Kuruśreṣṭha: This excessive cold is only punishment.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Kuruśreṣṭha: Previously there was not such excessive cold on the planet?
Prabhupāda: There was, for the punishable person. (break) ...drinking water?
Kuruśreṣṭha: Yes.
Prabhupāda: Why it is open?
Brahmānanda: They keep it running?
Devotee (2): All the time. (end)