The program offered in this book does not include any secret tricks or cheap shortcuts. However, simply by following the basic steps and practices outlined in this book you will soon find renewed hope, happiness and peace of mind in your life.

You can have complete confidence in this process. None of this is imaginary. The simple program contained herein can be followed by anyone, at any time, in any situation. It is time tested and proven. Many millions of people from all walks of life have already achieved complete success by carefully following this program.

The simple steps and practices outlined and explained in this book form the basis of Krsna, or God, consciousness. One explanation for the name "Krsna" is "The All Attractive One." By becoming more aware or conscious of God, Krsna, in our lives, we simultaneously become more aware of ourselves and our true spiritual nature.

This process of awakening to to our true, happy, peaceful natures in the company or association of other like-minded persons has become known as the Krsna consciousness movement. It is a movement that offers hope and happiness to everyone, especially those of us who are seeming without hope in our lives.

Certainly then this will come as especially important and cheering news for those of us doing time in prison and for those who are awaiting an execution date on death row.

When a person sees only bleakness and frustration in his or her future, the question often arises, "Why am I really here? What is my purpose if I have no real future?" Naturally, everyone is interested in their own best welfare. But without actually knowing what our best self interest really is, mistakes can easily be made. This book can be your guide to a new, positive life.

The Hare Krsna devotees do not attempt to sit in judgment of others. They do not care what mistakes or crimes, alleged or true, a person has been sent to prison for. The Hare Krsna creed or philosophy does not discriminate on the superficial basis of a person's color, creed, nationality, wealth, education, beauty, popularity or any other material consideration. The Krsna consciousness movement is transcendental to all such material designations. Krsna consciousness is therefore completely non-sectarian. All are equally welcome. None are rejected.

Krsna consciousness offers all persons, prisoners and non-prisoners alike, a chance for renewed hope, happiness and peace of mind in their lives within the greater family of like minded Krsna conscious spiritual seekers known as the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON). Truly, when you become a part of the Hare Krsna movement you never need feel alone again. In the company of the Krsna devotees you will soon be able to realize your higher purpose in life, thereby attaining true happiness and peace of mind.

Whether at the beginning or end, the most important and essential aspect in the practice of Krsna consciousness is contained in the recitation or chanting of the Hare Krsna prayer or mantra. A mantra is a stylized prayer designed to help focus the mind on a particular thing or object. The divine object in this case being God, Krsna Himself. The Hare Krsna mantra is chanted in this way:

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

The Hare Krsna mantra is both simple and profound. Everything necessary for our spiritual growth and protection is contained within it. It is comprised of three separate names of God: Hare, Krsna and Rama. Each of these names of God denotes a particular aspect of His being. By aurally reciting or chanting this spiritual mantra we are asking God to please engage us in His service. "Dear Lord, please recognize me as Your eternal servant. Please allow me to serve you always." This is the essence of the Hare Krsna mantra.

Even though we are able to chant or vibrate these transcendental names while in our present conditioned, material state, the names of God are always completely spiritual, coming to us directly from the spiritual realm.

When we speak of God we refer to that person who is one without a second and who has no equal. No one can be equal to or greater than God. Another aspect of God is that He is absolute. Absolute means that His presence is felt everywhere. As such He is also fully present in His name.

In our material situation we experience things and their names to be different. For example, the name water and the object water are seen to be different. If we were to repeat the word water over and over, water, water, water, it would have no effect in quenching our thirst. This is because the word water and the substance water are different. However in the absolute realm, the realm of pure spirit, a thing and its name are experienced as being non-different.

With this simple, basic understanding we can realize how chanting God's names brings us directly into contact with Him. In truth, any of God's names may be chanted, such as Allah, Jehovah, etc. However, if you are not already partial toward a particular name of God, we invite you to chant God's names as found in this Hare Krsna Maha-mantra. Maha means great. It is known as the great mantra of deliverance.

In the beginning you may simply take up the initial step of chanting as an experiment. You wish to find out for yourself if this chanting does what we say it does. That is a good idea. It is exactly how I originally came to Krsna consciousness. My spiritual teacher challenged me, "Make the experiment for yourself. Chant faithfully for one hour a day for one week. Then see if it has not made a difference in your life." In truth, after about two days I could feel the difference, the change happening inside myself. My consciousness was becoming transformed.

When we chant Krsna's names we are directly in contact with the Supreme Lord. This direct connection is available to everyone, at all times and in all circumstances. By praying and meditating on Krsna in this way we will quickly begin to feel the effects of such transcendental chanting.

The chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra can be done by anyone at any time and in any condition or situation. The only requirement is that one have the will and desire to chant. I have found that for me the best time for chanting is early in the morning, before the noise and activity of the prison begins. I am also fortunate to have my own cell. There is no one to become disturbed by my chanting. Still, even if you cell with another person, you can either chant softly or at a time when your cellie is out. In some cases your cellie may even wish to chant with you. Chanting in dorm situations can present their own unique challenges. However, I have successfully chanted in all of these conditions. Once people become aware that you are seriously practicing Krsna consciousness they will respect you and your space for chanting.

It is generally recommended that one chant on special spiritually sanctified beads. These beads, along with several basic instructional books and guidelines can usually be sent to any prisoner by the ISKCON Prison Ministry. A listing of the locations of these ministries is given in the last section of this book. The reason we try to chant with sanctified beads is that they assist us in concentrating on our chanting and also in keeping track of how much we are chanting. These sanctified beads are strung like a rosary, with 108 beads to a complete strand. The Hare Krsna Maha-mantra is chanted on each of the beads with the exception of the top or head bead. Once you have completed chanting all the way around the strand, you have completed one round of chanting. Initiated Hare Krsna devotees chant a minimum of 16 such "rounds" each day. However, in the beginning this is not required. Simply start out by chanting once around the beads. As you get a feel and taste for the chanting you may certainly increase. One tip is to increase slowly. It is better to be consistent and comfortable with four rounds than to chant eight one day and none the next. Strive to be consistent and regulated in your chanting. Before you know it, you will be happy to chant more rounds. Four rounds is a very nice level for a person starting out in Krsna consciousness.

From my own experience I know that these special chanting beads, called japa beads (made from the sacred tulasi tree), may not be readily available when you decide to begin chanting for the first time. We have seen that some prisons actually prohibit certain types of beads. However, in most instances, arrangements can be made through the ISKCON Prison Ministry and your prison chaplain. Again, a listing of ISKCON Prison Ministries is included in the last section of this book.

Regardless, even without access to beads, there are means available to chant successfully without hindrance or impediment. If available a rosary may be used. It is 54 beads, exactly half of the Hare Krsna strand of beads. Simply double the number of rounds chanted. During my 20-some years in prison I have occasionally chanted with rosaries, and even on knotted string and shoelaces. For a time I chanted using the teeth of a comb. The point is, I never stopped chanting. Neither should you. I simply adapted and adopted whatever was available to me at the time, using it in Krsna's service.

As you begin chanting the Hare Krsna mantra it is important to know the correct pronunciation of the three names of God contained in the Hare Krsna mantra.

Hare is pronounced like Haa-ray. The a in Ha is pronounced like the a in far. Ray is pronounced like ray, in ray of sunshine.

Krsna is pronounced like Krish-na, or Kreesh-na.

Rama is pronounced like Raa-ma, the a pronounced like the a in far.

That's it. Now you can begin by practicing chanting:

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

In addition to chanting the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra the followers of Krsna consciousness also abide by the following four basic rules. They are known as the four regulative principles. They assist us in our chanting and help to keep our consciousness pure. They are:

1. No meat eating. This includes all forms or meat, poultry, fish, eggs, including any of their byproducts or derivatives. They would include such things as lard, gelatin (found in Jell-O, etc.) or egg whites such as found in mayonnaise.

2. No gambling. This includes any wagering or betting.

3. No intoxication. This includes all forms of recreational intoxication, including marijuana, all alcohol, tobacco products, stimulants such as coffee and tea or any substance containing caffeine, hallucinogenic substances such as LSD, etc. The only drugs permitted are those for medicinal use as prescribed by a doctor. Were a doctor to prescribe a pain killer it would be permitted.

4. No illicit sex. This means any sexual activity outside of marriage, and then only for procreation. This likewise prohibits sex between persons of the same sex. All forms of masturbation are similarly prohibited.

It is important here for me to emphasize the word gradual. Krsna consciousness is a gradual process. Years of conditioning are not erased overnight. For some it may take several years to fully follow the regulative principles completely. It is always more important to remain focused on chanting with attention and sincerity. In that way, gradually over time, you will come to the standard of pure Krsna consciousness. Regardless, no one in the Krsna community will think the less of you for not always following every rule strictly. If you are honest and sincere about your progress, the devotees and Krsna will ultimately bless you. In time you will be able to follow everything perfectly, as though you have been doing it for all of your life.

The fact is, our natural condition is one of peace and harmony. Once we shake off our bad habits we will advance even more quickly in Krsna consciousness. It is guaranteed. Just have faith that the process will work for you. With patience and determination you will soon see the desired results.

It is also true that some habits will be harder to give up for some than others. Often we do not realize how deeply these things are ingrained in us until we attempt to leave them. Giving up unwanted, deep-seated habits is no small thing. Some people struggle for years just trying to give up tobacco. Habit or not, it is far better to use some tobacco and drink a bit of coffee and continue on chanting. We must fight from the particular situation we are in. After all, we are not fanatics. We only hope for each person to do the very best they can. As long as you are sincerely trying, Krsna and the devotees will give you all consideration. That way no one will think the less of you for not always following 100%. The most important point through all of this is to continue to chant Hare Krsna. In time everything positive will manifest because of your sincere chanting.

Your worthless servant,
Tirtha dasa

Parts 4-6 of The Definitive Guide to Practicing Krsna Consciousness in Prison

Purchase This Book.