SEEING ARJUNA

Bhaktimarga Swami
May 9
2 min read

Friday, May 9th, 2025

Hudson, Ohio

It had been before the covid lockdown when it was the last time for me to see Arjuna, AKA Aaron, in the Ohio prison system. He has another five years to go before he is set free. In 2010 I gave him diksa (initiation), and that was in prison. Two years back, it was Akilananda, friend and priest, who married him to Maureen, Arjuna’s high school sweetheart, in prison.

This morning, Akilananda and I were in to visit him. But before going through security my swami apparel was deemed unfavourable for entry as a guest. Fortunately, our driver, Srimala, had an extra pair of sweatpants and t-shirt which allowed me entrance. Fine. Gotta stick to the rules.

There he was, Arjuna, looking bright and fit. He runs and works out every day, and works at welding. He is faithful in his chanting of mantras as well.

Arjuna has a Jamaican and Rastafarian background, and as a baby was on the lap of Bob Marley several times. His family, a brother and seven sisters, all are, or were, followers of the religion with African roots. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting his mom and wife before the pandemic.

Our chat with him was meaningful about encouragement in his spirituality, Krishna consciousness, and it went on for 2 ½ hours. Unfortunately, we could not get a picture with him.

I did succeed in getting some pics done at Cascade Park in Hudson after the jail visit with friends in the green with my hosts.

Additionally, as mentioned in previous blogs regarding the Youth Bus Tour, let's get it back on the road again! It's urgent! This is such an important program for establishing a Krishna consciousness foundation for our youth, particularly in North America including Mexico. I personally travelled with the group for 10 consecutive summers, especially helping with the drama portions.

A new bus is badly needed. Please donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-for-iskcon-youth-ministrys-new-bus