Freedom Is Devotion!

Attaining Perfect Peace

by Bhakta Kevin Brown

Dear Prabhu Jerry,

Prabhu, I was supposed to be released October 26, 2006 but it was reconsidered by the parole board. My max out date is August 30, 2010. This is my actual release date but they have given me another chance to parole in October 2008. Be sure of the fact that I will come to the temple. Nothing can take me from Krsna because I am eternally in His service and I do not have time for other engagements.

Your servant,

Bhakta Kevin

Those great souls that have realized the transcendental glory, beyond the delusions of material nature, are undisturbed by the modes of nature. I have experienced this peace many times when insulted by nondevotees. I have learned that, without having perfect peace and steadiness in the service of the Lord, it is impossible for one to realize the divine glory that resides beyond the confinement of material nature.

Today, I was told that my parole that was already given to me has been reconsidered. Reconsidered means they will not be releasing me anytime soon. Smiling, I thought to myself, “Oh, I must have more work here that Krsna would like me to do.”

Peace and freedom cannot be truly obtained by materially being released from prison. Such peace must be obtained by the mercy of the Lord. It is a peace that assures freedom from the shadowy cycle of birth and death. Some fellow told me, “Man, you are so peaceful. If I was you I would be real blowed.” By not being conditioned by my material senses, knowing that my love and peace as well as life is in serving the Lord, I simply asked , “Why?”

Why would you be moved by the works of material nature? This whole world is constantly changing. Only one who has realized this remains steady and unmoved by the rippling oceans of delusions. One must steady one’s mind, senses and intelligence. Remaining aloof from the waves of the rushing senses, or one drowns in the oceans of repeated birth and death.

The beauty of God shines from the heart of one who is undisturbed and indifferent to the conflicting illusory energy of maya. What is your freedom without devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Krsna? You merely reenter the network of material life seeking to gratify the senses which are the very cause of material bondage.

My work here is not yet finished. Many more souls need to hear of the glories of the Lord. This is my duty. Even in hell one who has realized the love of God remains undisturbed and steady in the service of the Lord for he does not relate to the false ego. May the love that has brought me transcendental peace also allow you to see the beauty beyond material nature. This beauty opens the door to the heart, saturating one in perfect peace.