Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Thursday Oct 30/ 08 - Columbus, Ohio, USA

My dear friend and godbrother, Akhilananda, drove me from Cleveland, where the previous night we participated in the weekly Wednesday gathering of devotees, to the Center of the World. I kid you not. There is a small village in Ohio named Center of the World which does not necessarily give you the feel that there is lots of action nor the attraction is a place for someone who’s looking to retire. What’s so special about the place is there is a large Correctional Services Campus here – a prison. Akhilananda has been regularly seeing an inmate Aaron, a fellow who once dated his daughter from school but who is going on his fifth year in jail. Originally from Jamaica his father and Bob Marley were close associates and when he was young Aaron used to sit on Bob’s lap in jovial playfulness.

Aaron has been corresponding with me. He has been conducting himself well in this facility and is winning the respect of others. He’s been chanting on meditative beads (japa mala) and become strict with standard principles. Practically he’s living like a monk.

In a small room adjoined to an area where inmates can meet visitors Akhilananda and I conducted a small diksha or initiation ceremony and gave him the name Arjun, after the peace warrior friend of Lord Krishna. Arjun has got these incredible leadership qualities and hence this name was given. I specifically asked him if he could be an inspiration through his good behaviour to be that good example for the people he’s sharing time with. Grateful that he has achieved a new start in his life and regretful of his past criminal deeds, I believe he will excel.

My walking today happened early in the morning up and down Cleveland’s Lorain Rd. when only the baker was in action and traffic was next to nil. The evening was spent at the Columbus centre of ISKCON. Lively chanting went on here.

8 Km