Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Wednesday, September 19th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Time Out for Sound

Dwarkanath is twenty-nine, and our youngest monk at the moment who is living in the ashram.  He is a very talented young man who loves to play the sarod and sitar for Krishna.  I asked him if his schedule allowed for some chanting in the park.  This week has been designated as Holy Name Week, world-wide, and so I thought to carve out at least one hour for some chanting.  We both made ourselves available at 1:00 p.m.  We walked to Ramsden Park, sat on the grass, and started to chant right away.

First, Dwarkanath had to warm up with his instrument.  That sound was enough to warm up hearts, as well.  Park strollers couldn’t help but react to hearing something so celestial.  The smiles that were shaped, and even someone’s throw of a kiss were indications of appreciation.  The setting was so perfect.  I’ve never witnessed a summer more conducive for weather, with its fair share of sun, rain and moon.  Can’t complain about that.

Now Wednesday evenings are the time for kirtan in the temple.  Krishna followers show up at 7:00 p.m for a two-hour session on chanting.  It has been a successful program for some years now, giving attention to shabdha-brahman, sacred sound.  Some really good chanting takes place, and it spiritualizes the atmosphere and touches the heart.  It is no doubt transformational.

Isn’t there the need?  Isn’t there a call from afar—from Chaitanya—that beckons us to start with a make-over of the heart?

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Tuesday, September 18th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Inspirational Monk

It was just a blessing, last week, having the company of some great souls, one of whom is Ontario-born and became a monk, Bhakti Raghava Swami.  He hails from the north-Hearst / Timmins area and is from a Catholic, French-Canadian background.  He is the real thing in terms of exercising simplicity and detachment from the world; appropriate qualities for a sanyasi(monk).  He is an inspiration.  One time in the ’70s, Bhakti Raghava Swami lost his leg when a dacoit (an armed thief) released a home-made bomb aimed at the swami.  Since then, he uses crutches and operates on one leg.  I did joke with him—and he took it well, I think—that he’s the Terry Fox of the Hare Krishnas.  

It was good to see him in the Ukraine last week.  I might also mention that his specific service is the development of sustainable communities.

Now, on this day, I walked up along Bloor Street.  Being Tuesday evening, garbage and trash were put out by all the shop owners for pick-up.  I was thinking about the environment and reflected on the very powerful purport we discussed in the morning.  Here is a portion of it.

From Srimad Bhagavatam10.46.40:

“We desire to associate with various qualities of material nature, and thus we must accept the consequences.  The Lord provides the field of material nature, in which we exercise our free will. Foolish non-devotees not only attempt to cheat the Lord by trying to exploit His nature, but when they suffer the reaction, they blame God for their own misdeeds.  This is the shameless position of those who are envious of God.”

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Monday, September 17th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Scarborough / Toronto
Two Sides

I was impressed with the Vedic Roots Montessori School on Tuxedo Court.  This pre-school facility began four years ago and has enjoyed a growth since its humble beginnings.  What a terrific staff.  The school also provides Ayurvedicmeals cooked on the spot.  They are all heroes—the initiators in particular are Radha-Mohan and Shyama Mohini, with the principle (very professional) someone by the name of Gita. I’m sure our guru, Srila Prabhupada, is very pleased with this high standard quality of education from those persons who have a positive influence on human civilization.

Yes, education and culture are such an important element in society.  When I made my japawalk along Yonge, which is transforming every day due to construction, the not-so-refined were out south of Bloor.  I had some exchanges later in the evening.

To a young couple who looked fairly sober I said, “Good morning!”  They laughed because it was morning—2:00 a.m.

To a homeless person who said, “I need a hot dog.”  I replied. “I don’t have any.”

To a second homeless person who sat next to me at Dundas Square to take a break and asked me, “Buddhist?”  I replied, “It’s Hare Krishna.”

“Oh yeah, Hare Krishna!  My next birth will give me another chance.”

“Yes, it will,” I assured him, as he extend his hand for a shake.

The final person to say something looked okay.  His remark was, “The devil is coming!”

My response was, “He’s already here!” implying that the age of darkness (Kali) has descended.

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Sunday, September 16th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Odessa / Vienna / Toronto
Leaving the Ukraine

Odessa doesn’t have a huge airport.  The person at customs was a bit of a stickler.  My tube of toothpaste was too large, although little paste was left. That had to go in the trash.  My bar of soap was too used.  “New, new, must be new!”  He was about to trash that and its container when three female devotees just ahead of the queue convinced him that there’s no harm.  Finally, my nifty stainless steel container for my tilakwas about to be thrown in the can when the girls saved the day.  What to do? Customs can go overboard.  They can get rough and tough, more than there needs to be.

Flying today was good.  The day was long—an extra eight hours—not terribly rough.  I reflected on the good week in the Ukraine.  There was a harshness and gentleness simultaneously.  In the Kirtan Standard Seminar which I conducted, we encouraged a gentleness.  At one point I asked volunteer women, then men to make a pose that would capture the grace and gentleness of the famous monk, Sri Chaitanya, and His associates. As chanters in suspension, they held poses that would convey this quality.  Please view the images.

Finally I arrived home to participate in the program “Radhastami,” the birthday of Sri Radha, Krishna’s consort.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Saturday, September 15th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kobleve, Ukraine
Last Day in the Ukraine

Today is the one year anniversary of my finishing the U.S. walk in San Francisco. We touched that Pacific Ocean and sprinkled water on our head as a blessing.  From the Atlantic to the Pacific, an adventure was completed.  I don’t regret it.

Now tonight, closing ceremonies took place at the resort in the Ukraine to denote an appreciation of a great party.  I always praise our guru, Srila Prabhupada, for providing a redefinition of what a party is.  No booze, no drugs, no sex, no bad music.  It’s revolutionary.

Today we also marked the last installment of my “Kirtan Standards Seminar.”  The group who came to listen was very regulated, numbering at about one hundred each day.  They were interested in continuity.  Each night the main pandal(tent) was filled with hundreds of enthusiastic bhakti-yogisblissed on kirtan.

Also today, I was in the hot seat—the vyasasan, or the speaker’s chair.  Yes, I was the class-giver, speaking from the book Bhagavatam4.22.22, on the topic of increasing attachment to the Supreme. Sanat Kumar suggests three things: 1) be attentive to devotional rules, 2) engage in honouring the deity and 3) hear, and chant about the glories of the Supreme.

The Bhakti-Sangamais coming to a close, and I will miss its sweetness and so many brothers and sisters who are about to depart for their respective areas.  My peers have been a pleasure to be with, although I admit to some fear spasms when I sat before the final group of such great proportion.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Friday, September 14th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kobleve, Ukraine
Sing Dance Sweat

It has been almost one year since I became a senior citizen.  At age 65, I don’t always feel it, but sometimes yes.  With the energy output of leading kirtanand dance moves, I feel like a live wire at times.

The weather has been mostly damp and a little on the cool side and stiffness of muscles can be a bit of a reality when waking in the morning.  The way to address this issue is to engage in some hot bhaktiyoga. Sing, dance, sweat, could be the best formula or prescription.  If I had begun stiff, I no longer felt it after a few sways, spins, whirls or twirls.

If you look up the word ‘dance’ you’ll come up with something like, “A series of steps and movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music.”  The amazing therapy which comes thereafter is something remarkable in terms of achievement.    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnu4QKHn7h5/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=rf3h00plsrm1

What I also find healing about this festival, the Bhakti Sangamin its 20thyear, is the location of our retreat, which clearly covers an area of a one kilometre walk.  You do that several times a day and the number gradually adds up.

I was going at a good clip on one of those short walks, avoiding puddles, just today, and I caught up with one monk senior to myself.  Jayadvaita Swami is one of those veterans of bhakti.  In age and wisdom, he exceeds me, so for a walking speed, I had to compromise and slow down.  That’s okay, just a few moments of the monk’s company and it’s worth it.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Thursday, September 13th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kobleve, Ukraine
Slimy Guys

“There were so many jellyfish in the Black Sea, you could hardly see the water,” I told my swimming companions.  Of course, that’s a slight exaggeration, but those spineless creatures were certainly in abundance.  One of them brushed my thigh.  He was a fair-sized one, hard to maneuver.  They contract and expand.  Once washed up on the beach, they appear like transparent plastic bags.  They are more or less pronounced dead.  I recall seeing one on the beach, at age five, when my Mom took me to Holland.  There on the sand lay one of Krishna’s interesting entities from the sea.  I remember people saying in Dutch to be careful, that they can give you a form of paralysis for some time.

I was reminded of an instance in Mayapura, India, when a professional Russian actor came to help us with our drama workshop.  He suggested as an exercise to imagine ourselves being in a large bowl of jello.  We were to move in that jello and eventually wiggle our way out.  It was interesting.

Dipping into the Black Sea was an experience from another angle apart from the slimy creatures.  The Black Sea is actually brown.  That colour doesn’t bother me necessarily.  The temperature of the sea was fine and the liquid did loosen my limbs somewhat.

In fact, I’m doing a bit more dancing than usual, which invokes a good sweat.  As my dear god brother, Niranjan Swami, expressed to me this afternoon, that as you progress in years, you do move less fluidly.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Wednesday, September 12th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kobleve, Ukraine
Some Details

Much rain came.  We could just as well have paddled to thepandal. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnpYFk1Aaij/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=l3xidhvrkpst

Pandalmeans tent.  It’s huge and can accommodate thousands.  The festival, called Bhakti Sangama, draws leaders from all parts of the globe.  By leaders, I refer to Hare Krishna practitioners. The balance of attendees are all bhakti-yogis.

Although rain had come overnight, the day was clear and the sun burst through.  I was tempted to view the Black Sea, so my brahmacharimonk assistant, Arjuna Krishna, led me there at sunset—the only opportunity.  We’ve been busy.

The seminar went on again and again with a triumphant turn-out—maybe one hundred. The seminar is designed to establish standards and good regulations on kirtanperformance.  Other than the presentation, I gave on this topic, I was on the schedule for two chanting sessions.  Leading the chants in the main pandaland a smaller one—but still big—was an honour.  Oh, how everyone danced!  I’m sure someone filmed it.

It was rather fun teaming up with Ajamila again, with he on the harmonium and I singing, then we switched to him singing while I backed that up with dancing in the crowds.  The two of us are like cheer-leaders.

Actually, quite a few Canadian bhaktascame, seasoned devotees like Samir from Montreal and Guru Prasad from Ottawa, as well as some women from Toronto.  Even Bhakti Raghava Swami, who has a leg missing, showed up.  He’s like our Terry Fox—the runner who managed to trek Canada to the middle point.  Heroes!

May the Source be with you!

3 km.


Tuesday, September 11th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kobleve, Ukraine
Kirtan Is Life

Our retreat is located on the north shore of the Black Sea at the Vita Park Hotel, in a series of modern-looking units.  Outside my one window at #34, I have a pond with a fountain to look at. The door entrance opens to other units occupied by other devotee world travellers.

I’m giving seminars on Kirtan Standards.  Today was Day #1.  Attendees were approximately 120.  Our hall was full.  Considering there are maybe 5-6,000 registered, it is a relatively small number to show up for the talk, but people have many options.  I’m not complaining.  Incidentally, I dedicated my presentation to the victims of 9/11 in New York, the attack on the twin towers, in the year 2001. The feedback of that Day #1 went well.  https://www.payitforward911.org/

I’m also inclined to announce the loss of another brother (spiritual brother). Gunagrahi Goswami passed away from cancer last weekend in Vrndavana, India.  I looked up to him as a big brother, for it was when I joined in the spring of ’73 that he was well into administration at our Buffalo, New York centre. Always kind to others, he was an inspiration.  I know he’s doing better now in another abode.  For the last two years when I came to visit him he had a big kirtanat his dwelling every night.  So he did it the right way.  It was of no surprise that he was dying and would leave us.  He left prepared.  He invited me to Buenos Aires some years ago.  My annual visits to Argentina are because of him.  

And so I say to him, “Adios amigo!”  

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Monday, September 10th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Vienna / Odessa
Past to the Future

Three days ago Rajasuya from Brampton, Canada, drove me to an Iroquoian village to meet other devotees so that we could step back in time.  It really was a beautiful spot.  I could have stayed in the native longhouses forever and been inspired.

Today, after landing in Odessa, Ukraine, I was telling a young brahmacharimonk, Arjuna Krishna, about native life in Canada—the little I know.  He was fascinated by the lifestyles of then.  I gave him further history by way of mouth on the topic of the natives, the Jesuits, British, Americans, the exiles of the Indigenous Peoples, the Mormons and the slaves.  His fascination continued.

I had teamed up with Jayadvaita Swami, my senior God Brother—Go Bro—and we were able to chat it up all the way from Vienna to Odessa.  “Where is the world going?  How can we, in bhakti, make it better?”  Those kinds of topics.  I respect him so much.

We arrived at Vita Park Hotel, an actual resort village of great cabins.  (It put me back into the Iroquoian village, in a way.) Here I also met Lokanatha and Devamrta Swamis.  Lokanatha is the minister for padayatra, fest on foot, and will be bringing to the printer a book on Padayatrasoon.  Thousands of pilgrims have joined his journeys on foot throughout India and abroad.

Promoting the walking culture and simplification of lifestyle, are two big meditations and implementations of my life for a long time now.  Also, reading of Vedic culture—as in the books of Prabhupada—have helped me to reflect on a more glorious past.  It is not possible to step into a wholesome future without touching an experienced past.

May the Source be with you

0 km (flying & driving)


Sunday, September 9th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario
Common Goal

It has been a while since I’ve come to the ISKCON Centre in this fast-growing city. To some proportion, the attendance at the centre is also enjoying a growth.

I chose to speak from verse 10.9 of the Bhagavad-gitabecause it explores the notion of common unity.  The words that shape the verse are all positive, about engagement, being inclusive and occupied in the common objective—the Supreme. This verse is, in fact, sometimes referred to as one of the nutshell phrases of the entire Gita.

“I know I’ve spoken from this shlokabefore and delivered an explanation, but I’ll do so again and, as is natural, from a slightly different angle,” I said.  We highlighted the importance of collaboration and implementing unity and diversity.  This is a topic our guru, Srila Prabhupada, wanted us to discuss and implement.

A nice group!

A kind Rasaraj drove me to the airport in Toronto for a departure to Vienna, and then Odessa, for a retreat and seminars, but first we slipped in a few minutes with Savyasacin (Savy for short).  He and family live at the edge of Brampton.  His name stands for ‘expert archer,’ a name of Krishna’s warrior friend, Arjuna.

In that regard we must all aim properly toward our goal—to become clean within and without—and then shoot straight, toward the target, the lotus feet of Krishna. My God, we all could use an ounce of humility if not more.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Saturday, September 8th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Campbellville, Ontario
Going Back in Time

Temperatures dropped to about 12°C, but that was okay for three families as we took to morning trekking around a unique body of water called Crawford Lake.  It is a very deep lake at 22 metres, cone-shaped at the bottom, with no oxygen at its base.  Corn pollen was found down there indicating the civilization of the Wendat (Hurons) lived nearby hundreds of years ago.  You have to check out the trees.

There is also a reconstructed village of longhouses where you can go inside and hear an interpreter describe and display the wares of the days gone by.  Very inspiring are the tools, footwear and cooking facilities of that more simple time ~1400 CE.  Moose, deer and beaver pelts line the ledges—their beds.

“I think we all need to get closer to the lifestyle of these indigenous people,” I mentioned to the group, who had all started growing plentiful gardens this spring, for the first time, in their suburban backyards.  The interpreter let us know that the diet of these native folks was mostly vegetarian.  Corn, beans and squash are known as The Three Sisters, something the First Nations of this area thrived on.

The evening exposed me to a more sophisticated setting, a mansion north of Toronto, where a large scale Janmasthami—Krishna’s birth celebration—was held.  Hundreds of people were accommodated.  I like these programs, lots of fun, only the feasting runs too late as in most of these types of events.  I am grateful to be part of community programs where the Supreme is the focal point.  Thanks to the dedicated Batra family.

It was a good day and it lasted a long time.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Friday, September 7th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Fredericton, New Brunswick
Open to People

Since last night, when I walked one block twice in Sussex, I encountered some fun exchanges.  On that quiet main street of the town, a young woman from a carload of passengers stuck out her head to shout out a remark.

“I like the dress,” she said of my robes.

“They’re robes.  I’m a monk.”

“Oh, that’s what they are.  I’m not that educated.  In fact, I’m ignorant.”  I sensed some sarcasm.

“Do get educated!” I encouraged her.

In the downtown of Fredericton, the brahmacharis and I met the school librarian. With coffee in hand she crossed the street with us, and we began a conversation around the weather.

“Best month of the year,” I declared. “Best for walking.” I was referring to September.

“Oh yes, it really is.”

“And best for reading?” I asked.

“Always!”

When the Brahmacharis and I reached the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, I pulled out my cell for a photo.  A polite young guy behind me, on his way to do landscaping, with skate-board in arm, decided to wait until I clicked.  I clicked. He had questions.

“I’ve heard about Krishna… I’ll be going on a retreat where they honour a vow of silence.”

I encouraged the calm man who introduced himself by the name, Devlon.  I expressed that in our order we sing, drum and talk about dharma.  We made a friend, and the brahmacharis will keep in touch with him.

My stay in New Brunswick wrapped up with a swim in Lake Killarney.  Refreshing!

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Thursday, September 6th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Sussex, New Brunswick
Success in Sussex

It’s a cute little town of 4,000 and we’re told by the people who came for our bhaktitalk that tomorrow a balloon fest begins. We’re speaking about helium balloons that take passengers in the air.  For a $200 charge you go up to heights where you’ve never been before.

“What do you see?” I asked one of the attendees at a downtown dance/work-out place.

“Great scenery—the hills, trees, rivers and creeks.”  All this from a bird’s eye view.  Sounds good.

In my talk, I tried to stay on the topic which was Achieving Happiness Through Family and Community; so from the perspective of a spiritual angle it is possible.  Depending upon full mundane arrangements is fallible.  “Keep a spiritual focus because the physical facility will ultimately fail you.”

Mary, the coordinator of the place, was someone we worked with last May.  This time she was with her three kids and fantastic husband, from Iran.  Jason and Nicole came from Shediac where there is this world-class ocean beach. Nakula (Nick) and Sarah came from St. John.  Some local people from Sussex also came to hear, sing and dance—all community stuff and feeling good vibrations.

The drive back seemed lengthy—an hour and a half.  It’s Canada.  Distances are a reality.

Today I could not boast any stretch of walking, only two times around the block in the town of Sussex.  It was something at least.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Wednesday, September 5th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Fredericton, New Brunswick
Good Finds

What is really special about this time of year, almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere, is the lucky harvest.  For instance, Marshall and I took one of those random trails in the area and we came upon the juiciest apple tree imaginable.  From what we could see, this special tree of red, tart-and-sweet apples is overlooked by all cyclists, walkers and runners.  However, not for us.  No way! To ‘overlook’ was not an issue.  For us it was ‘look over’ and then choose.  

Remarkable was the fact that each apple we sampled, for a taste, was different from the other, although extracted from the same tree.  That is not something you get when you purchase a bag of apples in the grocery store.  Even the organics are disappointing.  I’m sure you’ve had the experience.  We felt very blessed on our walk today because of the great apples.

Other than this brief walk, I stayed indoors all day working on the book, The Walking Monk.  The evening was different.  Marshall, Samuel and I drove to the Breathing Space Yoga Studio with host Kelly.  Twenty or so came.  We were like a family, gathered together to tell of travel tales, chant, dance and eat prasadam.  A fantastic time.  Delicious, like finding the apple tree.

We are up for more exploration with mantrasand trails.  By the way, most trails around here are lined with hundreds of chokecherry bushes. Prepare them the right way and they are suitable to offer to the Lord.  Jahnavi from Regina knows how to prepare them.

May the Source be with you!

4 km



Tuesday, September 4th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Fredericton / Saint John
Along the River Shores

The four of us took to a trail again.  Dhruva, Marshall, Samuel and I preferred the footpath along the Saint John River, both the north and south sides, and crossing two bridges.  We met the sun, the slight wind and people.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BnQtXp6g1VB/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1anhy7lto9nrf

We bumped into Amy with surprise.  She came to one of our talks in May at St. Thomas University.  With two small-breed dogs to lead her, or to be led by her, one of them tugged at my dhoti(lower robe).  These two fidos seemed somewhat intimidated by four towering monks.

On the south side we saw a tanned man coming.  Oh!  From India? 

No, Nepal! “My name is Narada.”  

Newly arrived in Fredericton with his family, he is qualified as a professional but says he’s going to take a shot at culinary work, as a chef.  I hope it’s vegetarian.

On the north side, on a relatively new trail, we offered intros to two native men—probably Micmac Nation fellows.  They were curious about our monk-wear.  One of them asked, “Where are you from?”

“The moon,” I said.  It got them laughing.

An elderly woman came along,  pushing an infant in a buggy.

“Yours?”

Sarcastically she said, “What do you think?  No way.  I raised fourteen of my own.”

We also met another man, elderly, walking.  He was definitely a Jesus boy.  He let us know.

After our trek we remembered our guru, Prabhupada.  With special prayers of thanks we expressed gratitude on his Vyasa Puja/birthday.

Late afternoon saw us in Saint John for a “Nine Devotions Workshop.”

Thanks Wade.

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Monday, September 3rd, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

St. John, New Brunswick
Full Day

Wow!  The trails in the city of Fredericton are unlimited.  I think the place is ideal for that reason.  The population stands at 60,000, for now, which is modest. It’s quiet, safe and doable, plus it has this treasure of trees and pathways on both sides of a grand river, the Saint John.

Part One of today’s activities began on the trail, with a serene japasession.  Being that it is the birthday of Krishna, more events were scheduled on our list.  At 1:00 p.m., our public chanting began at St. John, uptown, in a green municipal park. On what’s Labour Day, the atmosphere was laid back, except for a young couple who ended up screaming at each other. Seemed like a love/hate situation to us.

Part Three of today found us at a community centre with Bhakta Nick and Bhaktin Sarah, along with a host of yogis and Indo-participants. Here, a smooth-running program, centred on Krishna, accompanied everyone’s body, mind and soul.  Balloons were the thing for the young ones.  Song and dance was sweat producing.  Also, students of the town, mostly foreign students from Gujarat, engaged in the butter-pot reaching and breaking, a re-enactment of baby Krishna’s endearing antics.

Part Four entailed a fire ceremony, conducted by pujariDhruva, in the Krishna Centre downtown. In the jolly, holy and smoky session, Bhakta Nick received his dikshainitiation, with a new name—Nakula.  Onlookers were awed by this colourful procedure.  Congratulations!

Finally, Part Five was our last kirtan,and then breakfast.  Yes, we fasted until midnight, and then broke fast with prasadampar excellence.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Sunday, September 2nd, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal / Fredericton
Good Drive, Good Walk

With the St. Lawrence on our left, and then a second great river, the St. John, to our left again, it made for gorgeous scenery. The condition of the Trans Canada Highway could not have been better.  My companions, Dhruva and two younger monks, Bhaktas Marshall and Samuel, are congenial, and Canadian-born—bred and raised.

For brunch, the boys purchased all ingredients for assembling wraps, and that was the time for me to walk through and beyond Montmagny, a modest-sized tourist trap, for it is here, thousands of white geese make their stopover in the fall—starting next month—before their major migration south. I saw it for myself on the first trek in 1996.  It was stunning.

For now, tourists on this Labour Day morning will have to settle for a monk who’s passing through.  Going where?  No one knows. Even I didn’t know for a good while. Where are the boys?  Well, they took their time wrapping, I guess.

Finally, after further driving, we entered serious moose country.  For me, it is astounding to see one of those bulls who resemble a king.  Incidentally, even in Montmagny there is promotion for Michael Jackson, King of Pop, in a new production.  Sorry, it thrills me less.  My opinion.

The destination for the drive was Fredericton at the new home of Kadamba Priya, who, along with family—including a new baby—just moved in yesterday; yet they are accommodating four of us monks.  The hospitality is just revolutionary.

May the Source be with you!

12 km


Saturday, September 1st, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal, Quebec
Going and Stopping East

Our departure by car was at 2:20 a.m., with Hari behind the wheel—his wheel.  We arrived in haste, five hours and fifteen minutes later; enough time to ready myself for delivering the Bhagavatamclass that morning.  From Canto 7, we learned that dictator, Hiranyakasipu, was consoling his relatives who were grieving over the death of his brother, another tyrant.

Hiranyakasipu was a smooth talker, a man with the gift of gab.  He spoke like a pundit. “We met as spirits and in time we disperse and may never come together again.”  The message was: Do not be too attached to those you come in contact with.  They will be replaced.

Basically, I’m headed east, so Montreal became a stopover, the place where we discussed about the Hiranya boys.  We could learn diplomacy from them, which is in the arena of politics.  “Vaishnavas do not get involved in politics,” said Bharadraja, quoting our guru, Prabhupada.  If, however, one enters the administrative ring of today, you just may have to be prudent in what you say and when you say it.  The current times do not reflect such manners.

It was great to hear Bharadraja, who spoke of the old days in ’68, in Montreal.  He and Malati had come to celebrate a golden jubilee of 50 years since our guru came to Canada for visa purposes, and stayed for six weeks!

A large party of chanters then stormed the streets at McGill University and the district where devotees had spent their glorious and humble beginnings of Bhakti, devotion, in Canada.

Fortunately, I got to slip in three kilometres of walking.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Friday, August 31st, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Passion Is Up

The last major weekend has arrived before the holiday vacation comes to a close. Schools will open, welcoming in a new enrolment, perhaps, or rekindling the fire of study which got interrupted. Happy times for students, teachers and professors.

I walked through a segment of the country’s largest university, the University of Toronto, and I could feel a winding up of the fun.  Further west on Bloor, I entered ‘Little Korea’.  Lots of lovers are arm in arm, and lips meet for a last opportunity in passionate summer.  It’s been a ‘hot one’ in more ways than one.  There’s more revving up of boisterous engines than I can remember. Maybe I’m getting old.  Ganja scent is in the air and everywhere.

When I returned to the temple and ashram, I felt peace.  While there’s excitement in the air, and wedding preparations underway, there is this passion, too, but directed somewhat differently.  Kamala Kanta, the groom-to-be, and Prana Rani, the bride-to-be, have come to rehearse tomorrow’s day of uniting.  That’s what all the wonderful fuss is about.  Both groom and bride have their friends here to lay out tables and chairs, as well as put much energy into décor.

It all looks clean and fun, and all on the near eve of Krishna’s birthday, which happens to fall on Labour Day, Monday.  This is one of those many mixed marriages.  She is Hispanic and he is Indian.  Everyone just has the right intent—to grow in experience and to grow in soul.

My congratulations to the two.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Thursday, August 30th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Vintage Photos

I am going through vintage photos, slides, and negatives of the old days.  In the collection are pics of Krishna deities, activities of monks doing kirtan, eating, teaching, street chanting and so on. I came upon some of myself engaged in the above, walking, and even one with our guru, Srila Prabhupada, and others.

I went through so many visuals that my eyes felt as if they would fall out of their sockets.  It is the beginning of a clean-up stage and a sorting out.  I’m also selecting the best pics for an upcoming book on my walking adventures.  Secondly, I’m preparing for a multi-media presentation for the Parliament of World Religions hosted this year in Toronto.  The subject will deal with the virtues of pilgrimage.

On that topic of walking, I didn’t take any time for a promenade; just sitting and looking occupied my time.  I rested early and rose early to start a trek on Yonge Street at 2:30 a.m..  It was great.

A few stragglers can be found at that hour, most of whom are not too holy.  Once in a while I meet a person proclaiming their allegiance to the One and Only God. In the past, it was ‘Jesus,’ who took prominence as being declared the “all in all”.  However, on this morning, I heard Allah is the One.  You do have to question how devout such people are.

The last person took a long stare at two, young, dolled-up women crossing the street.  One of them expressed, “I think we’re lost,” referring to directions.  Mr. Devout responded to the remark with, “If you’re lost, I can find yah.”

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Wednesday, August 29th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Cold Water, Ontario

New Trail for Me

I was thrilled to discover that the trail David led us on was a segment of “The Great Trail,” which totals including various connecting links, 24,000 kilometres.  Just off the local fire department in Cold Water is this stretch of the longest recreational walking trail in the world.  Cyclists in this area use it, and snowmobilers in the winter.  Where David, Jaya Gopal and I walked, we also noticed a small sign that indicated we were also on the Martyr’s Shrine pilgrimage trail.

What did we see, apart from hearing the blue jay?

We saw poison ivy, crab apples, Manitoba maple, and the regular maple, as well as a balsam fir, which had blisters.  David demonstrated using a stick poking at the blister until a resin came out.  He exposed it to a nearby water puddle and a smokey gas emerged causing the stick to go in motions.  It was bedazzling.

Many berries are about.  Bear scat was on the path.  A large hairless green caterpillar making its way across the forest path caught our attention as well.  David seems to know the names of numerous plant lifeforms.

These trails are escape routes—escape from the world of motorized-maya.  Maya means illusion.  We humans are sinking in it.  BIG TIME.  We need to work our way out.  Chanting and walking is such a superb way to be more nature-connected and God-connected. Try it!  You will have no regrets.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Tuesday, August 28th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto / Caledon

Most Relaxed

Most new people I met today were on Bloor Street when I was out catching a 6 km walk after sundown.

“I’m a nephew of the Hannas,” said Charlie, who smoothly snuck up behind Karuna and me.  “Haribol!” he said, which is devotee lingo.  The Hannas, Charlie’s relatives, have a devotional rock band called Rajasi.

“Good to meet you, Charlie.”

We also met a sixty-five year old.  He knows our ashram. He’s been there, but frequents more the Baskin Robbins.  Ice cream is his weakness.  We walked for blocks.  He talked. I brought to his attention the maha mantra, more chilled than ice cream.

A middle-aged woman, driving, caught a glimpse of us.  She pulled over, stopped the car and thought we could help her.  “I’m going through stuff.  The latest is these bugs, called boxelders, which have been disturbing my garden for three years now.  “Any idea what I can do?”

I suggested she check with pest professionals who can give direction. “Try the organic ways.”  I truly believe she is lonely and just wanted to talk to someone.  We concluded she may be in a Rahu / Ketu period—dark planetary influences. “Please try this mantrafor becoming calm, and prudently go about trying to get help from a bug guru.”

The most relaxed persons I met all day were the gircows and bulls at Vishal’s farm.  He is very progressive with agriculture.  He, or they—the family—make soap from their dairy cow.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Monday, August 27th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Meeting Evans

Evans is not from the neighbourhood but came here by skateboard.  From talking to him, it looks as if he’s actually trying to find himself.  Young, outgoing, an Afro-Canadian, he explored Yonge Street where Karuna and I were walking at night.  He halted his operation, came off his board and asked us the common question.  “Are you guys Buddhist monks?”

“Monks we are, but Hare Krishna monks,” I explained.

Evans pulled out a book from his pocket, a book by the Dalai Lama, and asked about enlightenment, what that means and so on.

“Enlightenment is referred to as mokshya. It may be a new word for you, but it means ultimate freedom or liberation from hankerings and lamentation. When you are self-satisfied.”

“I want to help suffering humanity,” he expressed.

“That’s a big part of self-realization.  You fix yourself up by extending yourself to others.  That is known as service to others.  Here’s my card.  Please look at the mantra. Try it.  It softens the heart.”

Evans wanted to know more, and then we parted.  I’m hoping he will contact me again.  The encounter with him was refreshing.  He is looking at life from a fresh new angle.  Every day we must look at life as if it’s the first time we see ourselves.

May the Source be with you!

4 km


Sunday, August 26th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Pelee / Toronto

Last Dip

I slipped in some walking at nighttime with Jaya Keshava. I’ve known him since ’81.  He’s always upbeat; a good companion for walking.

A cyclist zipped by. “Hare Krishna!” said he.  We reciprocated, of course.  When someone comes right out and says it, then it’s a real reinforcement.

Before I arrived in Toronto I stopped in to see my sister, Rose Ann, and brother-in-law, Jim.  Vintage books are what they sell in their shop in Chatham.  I browsed through their counter-culture material.  It’s a good stock.  Chatham is where I was born, and I was happy to see—when Gaurav and Khush drove me through the downtown—that a major yoga studio has a prominent presence on the main street.

Where I launched from, in today’s travels, was Pelee Island, and from there I took the opportunity to have a last dip in the lake with three out of the fifty members who had come for the retreat; any excuse was good for cooling down on these hot, steamy days.

After breakfast we managed to have an on-the-grass sit-down discussion on the Bhagavatam,from Canto 10. The focus was Krishna.  Who else would it be?

I feel as if the weekend was most fruitful.  You could put the retreat we just had in Pelee Island in a “Devotee Care” category.  The fun, the food and the fuel for facing maya, the illusion, was a great exercise.  Much needed.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Saturday, August 25th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Pelee Island, Ontario

What to Say to a Thirty-Year-Old Son?

Tree frogs in the millions croaked all night, and in a more subdued tone, the crickets.  Our rented home was just fine, and on stilts, like the rest of the houses on the east side of the island.  This is so as to accommodate water snakes who cannot be inconvenienced when slithering from the creek to the lake.  This is very progressive of the residents.

More participants came from Ohio and Toronto; add-ons to our already happy group.  We all commenced with an AM sadhana,and our topic was mainly a discussion on Balarama, the divine brother of Krishna.  The event calls for a half-day fast and so the meal at noon was memorable.

Our more intellectual side was stimulated through talk, our stomach through food, and our physical self through the trek to Fish Point. There you have two sets of waves coming at you.

During discussion time, a question came up. “I have a son who’s thirty, and he represents many people of his age who cannot accept the existence of a God, or a religion.  [He says,] ‘Religions have messed up too many times.’  What do I say to my son?”

We suggested this answer. “I respect your belief, but if you can find it in your heart to be ethical by not eating animals that would be great.”

Our day ended with kirtanon the beach, with campfire, where vegan marshmallows were delightfully roasted.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Friday, August 24th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Pelee Island, Ontario
To the Water

I was walking in Yorkville.  The day had turned.  It was dark, but not for the night people in Yorkville, those in the fancy bars and those on the street.  One man froze in his tracks when he saw me.

“I’ve been to Tibet,” he said. I must have reminded him of the place, where monks are around every corner, although Buddhist.

“I’m from Canada, a Hare Krishna, and my tradition hails from India.”

He noticed my japameditation beads in my right hand.

“Can I get those beads?  I know they’re very powerful.” He offered me a $500 donation to our monastery if he could have the beads.  Just then the car parked next to us set off its car alarm.  “See I told you they’re powerful.”  

However, I did not concede.  With smiles we parted.

I managed some sleep upon my return to the ashram, attended the first half of the temple morning program, and then went off for our annual Pelee Island retreat.  Cleveland, Detroit, Brampton, Toronto, and Windsor reps were there.  

A small group of us walked on the west sideroad.  We met Morris, a music teacher from Owen Sound.  He defied any notion we had of snooty islanders.  So hospitable.  We went to his home, and with a larger group of us came onto his dock to get acquainted.  He remembered reading some literature from our guru, Prabhupada.

Getting everyone in for a splash in Lake Erie took time.  You should have seen all these middle-aged men, reluctant to indulge in the water in the beginning, and unwilling to get out once wet.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Thursday, August 23rd, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

To Where Cabbages Were

The invitation was on for lunch at the home of two pujaris, priests, by the names of Rupa and Sanatana. They have this old Victorian home renovated into a gorgeous house in what’s called Cabbagetown.  I decided to walk there to greet fellow ashram monks. They drove.

In the course of my walk, a mere 3.9 kilometres, one man on a park bench spoke. “This is a religion?”

“An old tradition is what I follow, with roots from India. I’m a monk, a Hare Krishna monk. Here’s my card and a mantra for protection.”

“Thanks!”

I moved on, and on Parliament Street four men were on a bench. One of them stopped me with his question.  “Where can I get a set of clothes like that?”

“I’ll have to take you to India to get a batch.”

That drew a great amount of laughter from all four.  Two of them offered pranams—palms together—knowing the gesture.

“They are comfortable.  You’ll like them.  Are you sure I can’t take you there?”

“I’m not going to be able to.”

“You never know.”

I arrived at the house at the same time as the monks who drove. Walking is always superior.  You meet people.  You chant in peace.  You admire plants and buildings.  There’s much excitement in the air.

The meal was to die for.  Thanks Rupa and Sanatana!

May the Source be with you!

4 km