A sweet sankirtan story from Coventry, England
The penultimate day of the book marathon ended on a fabulously high note.
I stopped Karl on the street and handed him a Bhagavad Gita. I explained that it is a book of ancient wisdom that provides a comprehensive understanding of life’s true meaning and purpose.
Karl replied by saying that he did not want to read any book about the purpose of life other than a book written by Prabhupada.
His pronunciation wasn’t wholly accurate, yet I immediately understood his reference, and I was quite simply stunned.
I turned the Bhagavad Gita over and showed him the picture of Srila Prabhupada. His eyes lit up, and his expression said it all: He was astonished.
He excitedly told me that he had been released from prison four and a half weeks ago. Whilst he was in prison, he read “Chant & Be Happy,” and he also began chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.
He said that the first time he chanted the mantra he felt “a strong sensation on the inside of his stomach, a surreal feeling which was inexplicable.” He later realised that it had completely cleared away a drug addiction he had battled with. Now he knew that he was never going to revert to drugs again.
He chanted for several months in prison and recommended to many of his fellow inmates that they read the book about chanting, because the maha-mantra gave him an indescribable feeling he had never experienced.
He even called his mother from prison and told her he was “Krishna consciousness” although he didn’t quite understand the meaning. This made me laugh.
He admitted he had stopped chanting in the last three months, as the weight of his problems had gotten the better of him, especially now that he has to restart his life, which is a “mess.”
I told him the importance of staying fixed in faith and emphasised that the Bhagavad Gita will teach him to be a warrior, not a worrier. It will release him from the prison of his mind.
Along with the Gita I gave him a copy of “Veda” and a new, personal copy of “Chant and Be Happy.” I explained that Srila Prabhupada’s books will mould his character into one of excellence, and consequently the weight of his problems will seem minor and insignificant.
I confirmed that our character determines how high God elevates us and that he shows special favor to those who chant His holy names.
Karl (photo attached) was truly elated and left me his contact details.
This was the second encounter I had with an ex-prisoner today. In the morning I had met another guy who had read the Bhagavad Gita in prison and as a result took a “Veda” from me today.
I feel so overjoyed by these encounters, which illustrate the potency of Srila Prabhupada’s books. They are life transforming and leave an everlasting impression.
ys, Gurushakti Dasi
