Those who are now in or have ever spent time in prison can readily attest that the negative energy that surrounds and pervades practically every aspect of prison life can appear as a seemingly overwhelming force. Indeed, not only are the prisoners themselves severely impacted by such dark energy, but the same is true for prison staff and even occasional visitors.

When viewed from a larger perspective, these localized conditions are but a microcosm of the greater reality within society. The conditions of our prisons are a reflection of the mental, psychic and spiritual health of state and country. They serve as living barometers, alerting us to the greater potential crisis looming over society. Because the energies in prison become so condensed and powerful it is increasingly important that, as far as possible, we inoculate and separate ourselves from this destructive energy. Srila Prabhupada explains that the chanting of the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra is both antiseptic and prophylactic. Antiseptic, as it cures us of our material infection from the negative energy. Prophylactic in that it keeps us safe from renewed influence by the outside, negative disturbances. So whether in the beginning, middle or end, the chanting of the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra is our best solution and course for safety and shelter.

It is important that we consciously work toward creating a positive, safe haven for ourselves, a place we feel grounded in spirituality. An easy and important way to do this is to set up a simple Hare Krsna altar in our cell or living space. This will serve to give us a focal point for our chanting and help us formalize our food offerings to Krsna. Such an altar can be an important aide in our spiritual growth. Such an altar, consisting of specific pictures of guru and Krsna would most ideally be set up in a special, dedicated portion of your prison cell or living space. If you live in a dorm setting you could arrange your altar, if needed, on a daily, temporary basis, or whenever needed, while you are chanting or making food offerings. You will see that the altar pictures provide a good focal point and help improve our concentration and attentiveness while chanting. For persons living within a prison cell, you may set up your altar in a dedicated space that will reflect the sanctity of your spiritual practice. Remember that in setting up your altar you are in effect inviting Krsna and the spiritual master into your living space. At the very least always wash your hands and face before chanting or offering food items. Likewise, try to set up your altar as far from the cell toilet as possible, or partition the cell so it is separate, using a cloth or similar divider.

When you contact the ISKCON Prison Ministry (IPM) you can request they send you the prison altar packet that is appropriate for your needs. Because most prisons have restrictions on the size and number of pictures prisoners are permitted to have it is best to learn the details of your allowable limits first. You may also wish to contact your prison chaplain to see what arrangements, if any, are needed to facilitate your receipt of the altar pictures. In most cases your prison chaplain will work with you and the IPM so that you may receive these items.

We also understand that there will be places and situations (such as segregation) where you will be permitted little more than a book in your cell. Using the pictures and instructions in this book you can likewise set up an authorized Hare Krsna devotional altar. Among the pictures supplied in this altar packet will be a photograph of Srila Prabhupada. Because Srila Prabhupada is the Founder-Acarya of our ISKCON Hare Krsna society it is acceptable for you to present your food offerings to him. A picture of Srila Prabhupada is sufficient for this purpose. While we may intend our food offering for Krsna, in our present conditioned state we can not make such an offering with absolute purity. Only the pure devotee can offer items directly to Krsna and have them accepted. By offering first to Srila Prabhupada, the pure devotee, our offering is accepted. Prabhupada accepts our offering and on our behalf he in turn offers it to Krsna. This all happens on the transcendental plane. It is an important and essential point of understanding. Everything we do is enacted along the roadway of the disciplic succession. It is due to the great kindness and mercy of the spiritual master that we are given facility to chant and sanctify our lives. The spiritual master accepts our food offerings and passes them on through the disciplic succession to Krsna.

This is especially important for us in prison, where so much is polluted and contaminated. Indeed, for those living in a cell, we are more or less living within our bathrooms. We would hardly ever find such a situation where we perform all of our bodily functions within the same confined space. In light of this, such food offerings from our prison situation would hardly ever be acceptable. However, if we are humble and sincere, doing our very best within our limited facility, our special situation is taken into consideration and concession is made. Thus, we too, may partake of prasadam, sanctified, spiritual food. Prasadam literally means "Mercy of the Supreme Lord."

In our devotional lives, intent is everything. Not only for devotees in prison, but elsewhere, our sincere attitude means much more than how lavish or elaborate our offerings may be. Krsna Himself states in Bhagavad-Gita that if someone offers Him with love and devotion a leaf, flower, fruit or water, He will accept it. In connection with this verse Srila Prabhupada states that it does not matter what one is or where one is situated. The process of achieving such a marvelous result can be made even by the poorest of the poor and is very easy, without any necessary qualifications. The process is so easy that even a leaf or a little water or fruit can be offered to the Supreme Lord in genuine love and the Lord will be pleased to accept it. So in this sense, we are never at a loss. We can always at least offer a little water to Srila Prabhupada and Krsna.

One of the other pictures to make up the Krsna devotional altar is called the Panca Tattva. Panca means five, and tattva refers to the divine. This picture depicts five persons, namely: Lord Caitanya (pronounced Chay-ton-ya) in the very center, His arms upraised, to His immediate left is Lord Nityananda, then to Lord Nityananda's immediate left is Sri Advaita Acarya. To the immediate right of Lord Caitanya is Sri Gadadhara Pandita, and to Gadadhara Pandita's right is Srivas Pandita. These five divine personalities comprise what is known as the Godhead. In time, as you read and advance further, increasing your knowledge of Krsna consciousness, the full import of the Panca Tattva will be explained in greater detail. For our immediate purpose, we only need to realize that Lord Caitanya, situated in the center of the picture with His arms upraised, is the most recent incarnation of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna.

Lord Caitanya appeared just over 500 years ago in 1486 at a place called Navadwipa, located in Bengal, India. In this particular incarnation Krsna appears in the guise and mood of a devotee. His color is golden. He therefore is also known as the "Golden Avatara." Avatara means "He who descends."

Lord Caitanya's mission is two-fold, He comes to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra and to enjoy His specific pastimes of love and devotion. Our entire Hare Krsna movement was originally started by Krsna Himself in His incarnation as Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Maha means great, and prabhu means master. Lord Caitanya is thus called Mahaprabhu because He is the greatest of all masters. There is no difference between Lord Krsna and Lord Caitanya. Only Their mood and transcendental pastimes differ according to time, place and circumstance.

Lord Caitanya is also considered the most merciful of all the incarnations of Krsna, even more merciful than Krsna himself. This is because Lord Caitanya freely distributes love of God to one and all, regardless of their qualifications. He especially intends His mercy for the most fallen among us. We in prison certainly are worthy candidates for His divine love and mercy. It is for this reason that we have access to the unlimited ocean of spiritual mercy. As the glories of Lord Caitanya are explained to you further, you will come to realize how merciful He truly is and how fortunate we all are to be included within His samkirtana movement, the movement of chanting the holy names of God.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

The third picture in your devotional altar packet is a picture of Radha and Krsna. Radha is Krsna's eternal consort. In simple terms She expresses the feminine nature of Divinity. Her lifelong ambition is to serve Krsna in the highest form of love. The great emotions expressed between Them is wholly spiritual, having nothing to do with mundane sex life. By praying sincerely to Mother Radha and asking for Her help, we can improve all aspects of our Krsna consciousness. If She intercedes on our behalf, imploring Lord Krsna to recognize our service, our success is fully guaranteed.

Part 8: HOW KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS TURNS EATING INTO WORSHIPPING

CLEANLINESS

Another important aspect of Krsna consciousness is personal cleanliness, both for our person and for all paraphernalia connected in our execution of Krsna consciousness. It is highly recommended we shower at least one time a day, but preferably three times daily. As the saying goes, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." While it may not always be possible for prisoners to shower this often, you can always freshen up in your sink or wash basin. It is especially important, whenever possible, to shower before chanting, cooking and offering foodstuffs. In some situations, such as segregation, prisoners are lucky to receive even one shower a day, much less three. Often they are only permitted to shower every other or every third day. If you are so situated just do the best you can. Freshen up in your cell sink and this will suffice.

With regard to chanting, cooking and offering foods, make it your regular routine to be clean and fresh before performing these special spiritual activities. Likewise, be sure to clean your altar area each day without fail. Remember, you have invited guru and Krsna into your home. Always make it as clean and presentable as possible.

Once you receive your packet of altar pictures clean the area you will be using as your dedicated spiritual space. Then simply place the pictures as follows: the Panca Tattva is placed in the center, the picture of Srila Prabhupada is placed to the left of this, and the Radha-Krisna picture to the right of Panca Tattva.

If you like you may position the pictures in a semi-circle. Try to remember that Krsna and the spiritual master are personally present in Their pictures, coming to us from the absolute, spiritual realm. Treat Them as though They were actually seated before you. Naturally, you wouldn't dream of using the toilet in front of Krsna, or any important person. You may use a clean cloth to cover Their images when you must answer nature's call, or else turn the pictures away from your activity. Always treating your altar in a solemn, sanctified manner, you will soon develop the consciousness to appreciate the personal, all pervading aspect of Krsna more and more. It is a fact that practice makes perfect.

MAKING YOUR FIRST OFFERING

While cooking or preparing your food, focus your mind on Krsna and if possible, chant softly. Once the cooking is complete, place the food before or adjacent to the altar picture of Srila Prabhupada, bow your head, and with folded hands pray to Srila Prabhupada, "Dear Srila Prabhupada. Please accept this offering for Krsna on my behalf. I regret it is the best your humble servant can offer at this time. Thank you." Chant this prayer three times and repeat the entire Maha-mantra three times. Stick to this simple but powerful routine each time you cook or eat from the prison dining room.

After you are accustomed to eating only foods first offered to guru and Krsna you can begin to learn the more formalized prayers invoked by devotees for offering foods to guru and Krsna. One word of caution may apply. Since these prayers are somewhat more advanced you may have difficulty with them at first. If they prove too difficult to learn do not worry. Just stick to the simpler prayers previously given and you will receive the same benefit. However, if you are able, it is advisable to learn the following prayers.

FORMAL PRAYERS FOR FOOD OFFERINGS

nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine

I offer my respectful obeisances unto His divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krsna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Sarasvati Goswami. you are kindly preaching the message of Lord Caitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.

namo maha-vadanyaya krsna-prema-pradaya te
krsnaya krsna-caitanya-namne gaura-tvise namah

O most munificent incarnation! You are Krsna himself appearing as Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krsna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.

namo brahmanya-devaya go brahmana-hitaya ca
jagad-dhitaya krsnaya govindaya namo namah

Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Krsna, who is the worshipable Deity of all brahminical men, who is the well wisher of cows and brahmanas, and who is always benefiting the whole world. I offer my repeated obeisances to the Personality of Godhead, known as Krsna and Govinda.

To assist you in the pronunciation of these and other words in the spiritual language of Sanskrit, learning tapes and CDs will be made available from the IPM. For these lessons simply follow along with the instructional booklet provided. This will make learning the prayers much easier. By practicing in this way you will quickly master the technique and cadence of these important prayers.

If you pray with sincerity and humility your offering will be accepted. You may then take the remnants, Krsna prasadam.

When preparing this food always take care to wash everything first, including bowls, etc. If fruits or vegetables are used, wash or rinse them off first. If you are using a common microwave oven, clean or wipe it down on the inside first. Do not engage in idle talk or activity. Concentrate on making the preparations as nice as possible for Srila Prabhupada and Krsna. Remember you are cooking for the pleasure of guru and Krsna. Before eating wash the cooking and offering bowls. Always put guru and Krsna first.

Part 9: DEVELOPING THE HIGHER TASTE OF KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS

As you begin to progress in Krsna consciousness you will realize that you are taking positive control of your life. The routines of prison life will still be there but you will start to see them in a different light. Many of the behavior modification programs and techniques offered and utilized in prison have, as their ultimate goal, the concept of teaching prisoners to become responsible for their own actions. It is certainly true that every action or activity we perform carries with it a consequence or resulting reaction. This is also true in Krsna consciousness. A direct consequence of our becoming Krsna conscious is that we begin to develop a higher taste, a taste for activities that are spiritually evolved. Such activities naturally eclipse mundane engagements. As your higher taste matures your consciousness will automatically displace things having little or no value in Krsna consciousness. Your life will begin to take on a new tone and tempo, and you will begin to feel the transcendental happiness associated with chanting the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra.

In the Bhagavad-Gita it is explained that there are some 8,400,000 species of life. Of these, there are 400,000 species of humans, distributed across the entire universe. The human form of life is meant for self-realization and in comparison to all other forms of life, is a rare event. Therefore we must not waste this important time in our spiritual evolution. By following the process of Krsna consciousness we can easily develop our higher spiritual tastes and evolve as our true spiritual nature was intended. However, unless we are educated to know with certainty which activities are beneficial and which are harmful, we risk falling from the progressive path of higher consciousness.

Because Krsna understands our position, realizing we are prone to illusion, mistakes, forgetfulness and possessing imperfect sense, He has kindly given us the simple, yet sublime method of reviving our eternal spiritual consciousness, Krsna consciousness, by chanting God’s holy names.

It is inevitable that over time others will become at least curious of what we are doing. As a simple, sincere gesture of kindness we can always offer others a bit of Krsna prasadam. In this way we share our good fortune with others. It is not even required that you fully explain how they are benefiting. Knowingly or unknowingly, they will make spiritual benefit.

Upon first coming to America, Srila Prabhupada established a simple, yet effective program based on hearing, chanting and eating Krsna prasadam. This is the same basic program he originally enunciated.

In this and other ways you may begin to feel more disposed toward sharing the positive changes that have entered and become a part of your life. Sharing a Krsna conscious book with another is a very powerful way of passively assisting others. They can read and form their own opinions and conclusions. Even if at first they do not seem to respond, Srila Prabhupada’s books always have a lasting impact on people.

As your higher taste continues to mature you may wish to delve deeper into the Krsna conscious philosophy. To this end the IPM offers a powerful selection of important books and study courses that will assist you in developing a strong philosophical base of understanding. The devotees at the IPM will be happy to assist you in this regard. These courses are all offered free of charge. You progress at your own level of understanding and pace.

It may also occasionally happen that you will experience a temporary setback or some transgression in your practice of Krsna consciousness. While we should not take these things lightly, we should understand that due to our long standing conditioning it should come as no surprise that we may experience difficulty. It is best to pray to Krsna and Srila Prabhupada for help and continue on in our chanting as before. You can also write one of the devotees at IPM and explain your problem. All matters are kept strictly confidential and will be treated in a serious, straightforward manner. The devotees at IPM are always available to assist you as far as possible.

Part 10: TECHNIQUES FOR CHANTING THE HARE KRSNA MAHA-MANTRA

The most important thing to remember in chanting the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra is attentiveness. It can also be the most difficult thing to consistently achieve. As conditioned souls our minds tend to wander about, restlessly going here and there. External sounds may also distract us, or thoughts of what we have planned for the day. For these and other reasons it is usually best to find time in the early morning hours to chant, when there are fewer disturbances. Of course each prisoner’s specific situation will dictate when the best time is. The important thing here is to remember that our chanting times is our personal, private time. It is a time when we strive in all seriousness to remain focused on the sound vibration of Krsna’s holy names.

Srila Prabhupada recommends that we chant in the following way for the best result: Sri Caiyanya Mahaprabhu is always accompanied by His plenary expansion Sri Nityananda Prabhu, His incarnation Sri Advaita Prabhu, His internal potency Sri Gadadhara Prabhu, and His marginal potency Srivasa Prabhu. He is in the midst of them as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should know that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is always accompanied by these other tattvas. Therefore our obeisances to Sri Caitanya mahaprabhu are complete when we say, sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu-nityananda sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta vrnda.

As preachers of the Krsna consciousness movement, we first offer our obeisances to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu by chanting this Panca-tattva mantra. Then we say, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. There are ten offenses in the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra, but these are not considered in the chanting of the Panca -tattva mantra, namely, sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu-nit-yananda sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is known as the most magnanimous incarnation, for He does not consider the offenses of the fallen souls. Thus to derive the full benefit from chanting the maha-mantra (Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare), we must first take shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, learn the Panca-tattva mantra and then chant the Hare Krsna mantra. That will be very effective."

Sri Caitanya is pronounced Shree Chay-ton-ya, Sri Nityananda Prabhu is pronounced Shree Nit-ya-nan-da Pra-boo, Sri Advaita is pronounced Shree Ah-dway-ta, Sri Gadadhara is pronounced Shree God-odd-ha-ra, Srivasadi-gaura-bhakta vrnda is pronounced Shree Vaas-odd-di-gore-a-bach-ta vir-in-da.

While all this may sound a bit complicated, it really isn't. Once your hear the accompanying cassette or CD for the actual proper pronunciation, you wil find it easier that you first thought. With a little practice you will do it perfectly.

What it all boils down to is that we recommend you chant this Panca-tattva mantra before starting to chant the Hare Krsna mantra for your daily rounds. You can also chant the Panca-tattva mantra after the completion of each round. This mantra "clears the way," so to speak, for the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra. Just as when you begin a letter to a friend, you don't just immediately jump into the text. First you say, "Dear Bill, or Dear Mom." Like that. It sets the tone for what will follow. We are simply asking Lord Caitanya to kindly assist us in our chanting, and offer Him our respects first. Still, it is more than a formality. It is a potent method for successful chanting.

It may also happen that we will suddenly realize we have been chanting for several minutes while our minds have been elsewhere. Do not become discouraged. This has happened to practically all of us. Once we catch ourselves wandering about on the mental plane we simply stop and focus, continuing chanting. It may also help at this time to offer a small prayer or affirmation, asking Krsna to please help us with our chanting. If we sincerely pray, Krsna will assist us in remaining attentive to the transcendental sound vibration of His holy names.

When we chant we always use our right hand. We hold our japa beads between our thumb and middle finger of our right hand. Our index finger extends out, away from our beads. In the japa bead bag supplied with your beads is a large opening for your hand and a smaller opening through which you extend your right index finger. You may gently rotate each bead between your fingers as you chant. This often helps one to further concentrate on hearing the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.

We may also look upon a picture of Krsna or the spiritual master while chanting, as this, too, will assist in remaining focused. Above all, it is important that we hear the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra. This sound, even though coming from the vibration of our tongue across our lips, originates from the spiritual world, the absolute realm. It is our desire to hear that allows this sound vibration to enter our hearts and become manifest through our tongue’s vibration. Just as a radio receives the transmission of sound from the distant transmitter, so too, by our desire to hear Krsna’s names and engage in His service, He enters into our hearts through the transcendental sound of His holy name. As the purity of our desire increases, the better we are able to hear and chant in pure consciousness. Krsna is absolute. He is fully present in His holy names. Therefore, when we vibrate these names we are directly in contact and communion of reciprocation with Him. It is a very intimate affair. By this chanting we are directly associating with the Supreme Lord. Krsna and His names are non-different.

We may take the example of the iron rod that is placed into fire. In time the iron rod becomes so hot that it glows like fire. In truth, it has taken on the characteristics of fire. The rod will now act exactly like fire, burning whatever it touches. In a similar way, by directly associating with Krsna through His holy names, our consciousness becomes purified and our own spiritual qualities become manifest. Just as the iron rod can ignite objects the same as fire can, the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra will ignite our dormant spiritual consciousness, bringing it into the forefront of our lives. By this process we become proper candidates for entering into Krsna’s service.

Part 11: STAYING THE COURSE IN KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS

In great measure the quality of our lives is determined by the choices we make in this lifetime. Knowing which choices will either benefit or harm us is of paramount importance. This entire process of Krsna consciousness begins then, as an education, opening our eyes to the reality of how we may achieve true happiness and shelter in the service of guru and Krsna. At the beginning we may think, “I don’t want to be anyone’s servant.” Because of our material conditioning we may assume that servitude to God is a lonely, thankless task. While this is usually the case within material exchanges, in the absolute, transcendental realm, the servant is glorified as much as or even more than the served. Unlike the masters of the material realm, Krsna will never abandon or betray us. In truth, Krsna wants us more than we, in our conditioned state, can imagine to be with Him.

Some faith is therefore required to stay the course in Krsna consciousness. But from a practical perspective, what are our alternatives? In prison your options of how to do your time are fairly simple. You can choose to use drugs and try to obliterate your consciousness, never facing the fact of why you feel you hate prison life so much. For added measure you can throw in some sex, hoping to enjoy your prison stay. Or perhaps you are frightened and think it best to join a gang, thinking this will give you protection from those around you. Finally, you can reject these weak paths and choose to stand on your own, choosing the higher path of Krsna consciousness.

In one sense it doesn’t matter whether you are doing a relatively short time, such as five or ten years, a medium sentence, like 25 years, or LWOP, life without any possibility of parole, as I am doing. You have to decide for yourself how you will do your time. No one else can really make this decision for you. Some may even have a death sentence. Surely no one would ever try to dictate how they should spend their days.

In the end, each man and woman has to decide for their self which path they will take. This book is presented to you to assist you in making that decision, but with an important difference. You will not be guessing in the dark. You will be armed with knowledge and supported by sincere people who genuinely care about your welfare. Regardless of your time or crime, the Hare Krsna movement has a place for you.

In most portions of the United States and Canada, Mexico and South America, Europe and Asia, India and Africa, there are Hare Krsna devotees dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of prisoners. Speaking for those in the Untie States, there are programs in place wherein devotees regularly visit and hold spiritual programs with our brothers and sisters in prison. You will learn more of these details from the IPM. This support is important, not only for us prisoners, but for the outside devotees also. The fact is, everyone is enlivened to know how a person doing time in prison is making a strong stand and becoming Krsna conscious.

STRIVE TO BE FIRM AND POLITE

In dealing with others with regard to your religious rights and practices, it is best to maintain a positive approach. Other prisoners may sometimes poke fun at what we are doing, even trying to dissuade us from our practice. It is better to politely but firmly tell them that you are making the decisions for your life, not them. We all have the right to practice the religion of our choosing. In most cases, once they understand you are serious about your decision they will desist from bothering you further. In some rare cases a person may experience some difficulty from fundamentalists. Again, just advise them that what you are doing is your business. Ask them to please respect your choice.

In dealing with prison administrations, you may encounter varying degrees of resistance. In large measure this will depend on whether anyone at your location is now or was previously practicing Krsna consciousness. If you are starting out from scratch, you will likely be breaking new legal ground, at least in terms of what your administrators are used to. Because they are generally skeptical of anything outside of the “mainstream’ view, you will require patience and determination to establish your religious rights. The IPM can contact reluctant and skeptical prison authorities and provide references of other prison locations where Hare Krsna programs are in place. Also, there is ample case law provided in the last section of this book that you may reference.

It is important that prison officials aren’t’ given the false impression that the Hare Krsna movement is a threat to the security and normal operation of their prisons. Surely it isn’t, and we only wish to demonstrate this fact. Therefore in your dealings with prison authorities always be firm and polite. Keep a written record of everything. If they deny your requests, regardless of how simple they are, and even in the face of overwhelming legal precedent, do not become outwardly angry or belligerent. You do not want to give anyone cause to deny you on the basis of errant behavior. Take the humble approach and have faith that in time your religious rights will be duly recognized. All of the leading, recognized case law is on your side.

In may own situation I have acquired court orders dating back twenty years, specifying my religious rights and the prison’s obligations. Even so, it remains a constant fight to consistently achieve full compliance. I must always reassert myself.

In any case, the point to understand is that as representatives of the hare Krsna movement we must always act appropriately. It may be difficult and frustrating at times, but you can have faith that in the end your religious rights must be accommodated.

THE RULE OF REMEMBRANCE

Srila Prabhupada often said that the most important thing was to always remember Krsna and never forget Krsna. You could call this the Golden Rule of Krsna consciousness. It sounds fairly simple, and in truth, it is. Still, it is the work of a lifetime. And in prison, time is what we have plenty of.

In my own humble experience I have grown accustomed to daily chanting, following the regulative principles and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books. This is what my life is made of. These things have become second nature to me. I can’t imagine a day of not chanting my rounds. Of course I was fortunate in that I previously had some training in Krsna consciousness before coming to prison. I also had the support of some wonderful devotees who have assisted me through two decades of imprisonment. The fact is, I owe everything to these great souls. I am simply made of their mercy.

The same respect and friendship can be yours for the asking once you begin your journey on the path of Krsna consciousness. There are thousands of wonderful devotees praying for your best welfare. The first step, however, must be yours.

In many ways my prison experience has been one of great spiritual growth and maturity. The prison experience, by definition, lends itself toward a more introspective life. We are already living in austere conditions. It all can be turned into an ideal scenario for great spiritual advancement.

If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that were it not for the imposition of prison, we would not likely be holding such thoughts of spirituality. Or if we were, we would likely find many distractions along the path. In prison, however, these things are actually minimized. It is therefore a good opportunity to make the best use of a bad bargain.

If we are truly fortunate our lives are somehow arranged so that we are forced to take shelter of Krsna. If Krsna really favors us He arranges things so that we can not escape Him. Like a loving father, He wishes only that His errant sons and daughters come home. I only know that for myself, the time has arrived. It is time to return home, back to Godhead.

Your worthless servant,
Tirtha dasa