spiritual path

This story was written by Judy Tretheway about our journey together inside Folsom Prison, Sacramento, CA.

For April and May, I am blessed to have as a house guest a Hindu spiritual teacher and guide -- Swami Rishi. I have known him and his wife Rajul (Reiki grand master and healer) for 5 years now and they have supported and encouraged my spiritual growth and prison work.

Months ago, as I was speaking with J. in New Folsom about spiritual paths, he mentioned he was a follower of Paramahansa Yogananda. When I mentioned that Swami Rishi would be living with me his whole being lit up. Driving home that day, I was day dreaming of taking Swami Rishi into prison, so I emailed him in India to inquire if he was interested. He definitely was. So the long process of clearances and planning bore beautiful fruit on Thursday.

J. was blessed with some profound personal time of meditation and sharing before the other two Yogananda followers were able to come in off the yard. Then the three of them were able to ask their spiritual questions to a master right in their midst.

We had some clearance challenges at Old Folsom, as his passport name is different from his religious name, but Grace prevailed and we arrived in the Chapel just moment before the yard was recalled. A dozen of so men from my class went into the upper room to get some guidance on their meditation practices and have the benefit of sitting with him, even briefly.

It was a real treat for them and for Swami Rishi.