ISKCON Prison Ministry (IPM), West Coast, Los Angeles, California
Hare Krishna! My name is Bhakta David Ehler and I am the West Coast coordinator for ISKCON Prison Ministry (IPM) in Los Angeles (New Dwarka). I write to inmates, send them books, Back to Godhead magazines, chanting beads, CDs, etc. This is a very fulfilling service and, by Srila Prabhupada's mercy, things are expanding here on the west coast. Through the mercy of book donations, IPM has been able to distribute literally thousands of Srila Prabhupada's books to inmates, prison chapels, and prison libraries across America. We have sent books into more than 30 states, 10 of which have no ISKCON temple or rural farm community.
The incarcerated bhaktas that we send these books to are extremely grateful to receive them and their lives are being changed by this spiritual knowledge. But without the donation of books, this service could not exist. Although inmates and prison chapel/ libraries would happily receive this material, they have no funds to purchase them themselves. By donating books to IPM, you are directly helping eager inmates on their path back home, Back to Godhead.
A "Thank You" from Candrasekhara dasa, Director of ISKCON Prison Ministry to Benediction Moon:
Please accept my respects. All glories to Maha-Patita-pavana deva Srila Prabhupada!
I just got a look at the list of Prabhupada's books that you have donated to our IPM inmate bhaktas. I had tears in my eyes. These bad boys become like gentle angels by the transformative potencies in Srila Prabhupada's books. There is no question- he is present. The greatest of saints who can change hearts by his transcendental influence- His Divine Grace.
As our former ruffians advance in understanding they need the books that you are now sending and the Vaisnava prayers books with the bhajanas of Bhaktivinode and Narottama dasa. Many are writing essays any qualified brahmana would be proud of and they need the more advanced texts to refer to and imbibe.
I feel joy to recieve the shipment of books. I can't imagine how the guys will feel to recieve their individual book packets. I am not able to properly thank you. You are co-operating to push on the benediction moon of love of Godhead. We are co-operating to expand the movement Srila Prabhupada loved so much. Thank you for the work you're doing. May Sri Sri Nitai-Gauracandra bless you millions of times and may Their Lordships Sri Sri Kisora-Kisori manifest in your hearts.
param vijayate sri krsna sankirtana!
Your servant and friend,
Candrasekhara dasa
Director, ISKCON Prison Ministry
About IPM
Goal: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada established the ISKCON movement to spread the process of bhakti yoga to the entire world. IPM desires to make this transcendental process available to the inmates of the world to give them the chance to achieve the supreme goal of life, love of Godhead.
Our Work: IPM preaches the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita to inmates to help them develop spiritual knowledge. Volunteers accomplish this by: