This article was submitted by Candra das at the request of Candramauli Maharaja Swami
HH Candramauli Swami, disciple of A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement visited the largest correctional facility in Oregon, the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) on August 11, 2007.
Maharaja, who is based in Chicago and is an advisor for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Prison Ministries (IPM). In addition, he travels in North America, India and Europe. In his visit to SRCI, Maharaja conducted a lecture from the Srimad Bhagavad- Gita As It Is for a group of Oregon inmates numbering seven. These inmates were thirsty and absorbent to transcendental message conveyed by diciplic succession. Maharaja was able to impart wisdom in an environment that frequently belies Brahmanical cultural or all good qualities of men.
An inmate reflected on the clarity of the Bhagavad-Gita and other books translated by Swami Prabhupada. The inmate observed that other religious disciplines are absent of direct descriptions of God. Moreover, the name of God and his pastimes are such a mystery to the many aspirants that there is no practical means to cultivate an intimate relationship with the creator without this knowledge. Rather, most only know the Supreme Lord by his title “God”.
Maharaja agreed and remarked in essences that our mute relationship with God is based on the lack of knowledge and our attraction and desire for material gratification, which are in opposition to the spiritual teachings of the Gita. He concluded by saying, this does not lend toward intimacy but reverence for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, which is the current and neophyte level of understanding regarding God. However, the potential for understanding at a more intimate level does exist in other disciplines
In bridging the aforementioned remarks, His Holiness read from chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) text 23. This sloka had some specific resonance with the inmate in attendance. It was apparent that many of the inmates have been accustomed to following their own path, which has led them to prison. In text 23 Krishna states:
“For if I ever failed to engage in carefully performing prescribed duties, O Pritha, certainly all men would follow My path.” In contrast, many inmates don’t become introduced or acquainted with God on a serious level until they become incarcerated. At this point before inmates surrender they scrutinize the activities of the Supreme Lord, making sure that they don’t get cheated like they have cheated others.
Other inmates asked a wide variety of question of Maharaja. These questioned ranged from “is there life after death, do you believe in karma and how do we see God”. Based on these questions, Maharaja could understand that some of the inmates had a sincere desire to change their habitual thinking and behaviors. He could also see that the inmates were struggling to maintain their sanity in an insane environment.
Maharaja suggested to chant the Holy name of God, Krishna, read materials such as Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and to continue to attend this prison program. “In doing so, you will gain a higher realization of self and Krishna”. One inmate took up the challenge and requested a Bhagavad-Gita at that moment. Maharaja requested that Candra das, who accompanied him during his visit to the prison and supervises the preaching program at SRCI, provide a Bhagavad-Gita to the inmate.
The inmate made the request on August 11, 2007. The inmate received his Gita on September 14, 2007. The inmate remarked, “I wanted this book so bad that I just could not stop thinking about it”. In subsequent meetings with this inmate he has stated, “there is a lot about this book I don’t understand…I take notes on all the words I don’t understand but I am so glad to have this book.”
In addition to Maharajas was able to meet with inmate Benjamin Mota, with whom he has been corresponding with since his first visit to SRCI in April of 2006. The Swami has been providing reading materials for inmate Mota, such as Nectar of Devotions, and providing direct instruction through written communication. In the letter exchanges, inmate Mota has asked question regarding the practical performance of devotional service while in prison and inquired about the meanings of various purports and slokas in the first two cantos of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Inmate Mota is currently chanting 16 rounds. He has been chanting 16 rounds shortly after attending the prison preaching program, which began in August of 2004.
Maharaja was requested to visit Oregon’s largest prison on the invite from the devotees of the Sri Sri Radha Bankebihari Temple in Boise, Idaho. The Boise Temple, in its fortune, has been the host and sponsor of Maharaja’s trips to Boise and prison preaching programs. Again, Maharaja was accompanied to the prison by Candra das, who has taken the shelter of His Holiness in the physical absence of his Guru Maharaja, Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja. Candra das is a correctional counselor at Snake River Correctional Institution and conducts this prison program weekly.