Bhakti-lata Dasi: Hare Krsna! Below is an excerpt of a letter from an inmate in Oregon. You can see that there are really no obstacles to Krsna consciousness, even in prison!

“Our program has grown a lot. New men are becoming interested in Krsna consciousness. I give a Bhagavad-Gita class every day on the yard. Then we have our own worship service. Preaching is my life. And my friends always ask, “Why is it, no matter what we start talking about, we end up talking about Krsna?” And you know your friends see you as a priest when they say they’re sorry for letting a cuss word slip.

We have many interfaith discussions. And so many faiths are coming to our worship service. Christians, Buddhist, Islam, Wicca, and even two Vedanta impersonalists. We all chant Hare Krishna together. And dance in great joy!

In prison there are many ways to trick men into some devotional service. Like honoring prasadam. After I offer my veggy tray to the Lord, I like to ask the men sitting at my table if they’d like something off my tray. I also like to buy a bag of Jolly Ranchers (candies), offer them to the Lord, then go around asking, “Care for a Jolly Rama?” The men simply love it. And can’t get enough!

At our worship, we try to engage everyone. Like the chapel orderly, by setting up a fan, or to bring a table, something, anything. And the chaplain, who lights the candle. He’s made so much advancement over the past 6 years, last time he was dancing down the hall, singing Hare Krsna maha mantra, matches in hand.

Some men bought japa beads at our canteen and chant Hare Krsna! They read Prabhupada’s books and preach to their friends.

Actually, due to wonderful devotees like you, this whole prison has become a holy Dhama! Because Prabhupada has come in the form of his books, CDs and DVDs.”

Bhakta James

Salem, Oregon

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