I Used to Live in Loneliness

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I Used to Live in Loneliness

Written by Benita, an inmate in Unit 31, Ezeiza, Argentina

Thursday, 09 June 2011 08:15

A letter received by TPRF from a lifetime prisoner in Argentina who has been watching videos of Prem Rawat's addresses as part of TPRF's Peace Education Program. She met him when he spoke at her prison in Ezeiza.

I fell in love with Prem Rawat’s message in prison. The message is about the right a human being has to life, to dignity, to the knowledge of oneself.

Before hearing this message, my life was so cruel, so hard. There was no reason to feel thankful, happy, or good. The years went by like this until I ended up in prison with a life sentence. I went through many things in prison. I was against everything and everyone — against life, against myself — feeling so guilty, carrying a heavy burden.

One day an inmate gave me printed material from the workshop on peace. Then I started attending it myself. From the first day, Prem Rawat’s message reached my tough heart, and that was not easy! I continued listening. Then I started inviting inmates to this wonderful workshop and talking about Prem Rawat to everybody, including the staff. Week after week I attended, and I was feeling better every week.

It seems almost impossible to be transformed in prison, especially with a life sentence, but I was transformed by Prem Rawat’s words of peace and hope. Since I started listening to him, my life changed completely. Now I have a new life. I have received this beautiful experience that he gives, and I am in peace.

Prem Rawat visited us here last year. When I saw him, I felt an immense happiness. He spoke to us with so much love. Then I spoke to him, and he told me beautiful words that I keep deep in my heart. That gave me a lot of strength to continue with my life.

I am a much better person now. Last week the authorities informed me that, due to my very good conduct, my life sentence will be reduced. Probably next year I will be sent to my hometown prison. There I will tell everybody about the message. I want to help other people feel what I do.

Before I used to live in loneliness, like an abandoned flower in the desert that needed water. My life changed completely when Prem Rawat came to my life. His message has reached so deep in my heart and made me feel more human than ever before. I’m still in prison and will be for a long, long time. My body is imprisoned here, but my heart is so far away.

I wrote a song for Prem Rawat: “This gift of life I have learnt because of you. I hear your voice so precious in my heart. I carry in my soul words of peace filling my being. Thank you for bringing peace, hope, and joy to my life.”

For more information, please visit tprf.org. Illustration by Sara Shaffer.

40 Comments

Rosario makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Tuesday, 09 August 2011

Everytime I read this story I cry, my heart is touched so deeply. How powerful is this Knowledge that can change the life of someone inside a prision. Wonderful lesson for those who are "free"(?) Rosário
Annick Maradan makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Sunday, 31 July 2011

Je suis touchée par cette belle histoire
Irene Woodhead makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Sunday, 10 July 2011

I wonder if it is possible to write to inmates around the world who have Knowledge - they might appreciate hearing from people "on the outside" practising Knowledge as they do. I would like to volunteer - I only speak English though...
Peter makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Saturday, 25 June 2011

Thank you, very beautiful. And thank you, Maharaji!
Mike Regan makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Friday, 24 June 2011

My love and hopes are with you. I will help and encourage everyone to make efforts to connect to as many inmates as possible. I witnessed the extent of human cruelty myself and know, as you do, that Knowledge shines wherever you are. Gratitude shines forth... peace comes to your house. Shine on, Brotha!
Janeh makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Hearing your coments has made my heart open a bit more.
nikki hilton makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

gorgeous is all i can say-- so happy for Benita- Maharaji you are the best in the universe- and i thank you for letting me in on that! :))
birgitte nielsen makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Monday, 13 June 2011

When I read your story I felt really touched. It tricked my own experience of freedom inside of me. And it brought back memories of Prem Rawat using this as an excample. And having this in your life can change everything for you. Thank you for telling your story. Birgitte
Sue Felton makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Sunday, 12 June 2011

Dear Benita, Thank you very much for sharing your story. I have recently met many women who have just been released from prison and I feel moved to begin a program in the women's prison in Denver, Colorado. Take good care.
Mary Chase Hopkins makes this comment

I Used to Live in Loneliness

Sunday, 12 June 2011

Benita's story brought back memories of visiting prisoners in Rikers Island Prison in New York for 2 years in the '70's with Ron Catalano to tell them about Maharaji and his gift of Knowledge. It was such a mutually inspiring and fulfilling experience. I was so blessed and continue to be, to assist in Mahaaraji's selfless efforts to bring this beautiful gift to all who wish to receive it.