Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Tuesday, April 24th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Nick Came

It was really pleasant having Nick over from St. John, New Brunswick.  He and his wife, Sara, run a Krishna Centre there. People are responding really well in that small city, with a  population of about  150,000 in the area.

Nick came over early for the morning sadhana, arriving at 5:00 o’clock for a purifier.  At that time, I was reading from the Bhagavad-gita, a passage from Chapter One: Observing the Armies. Verse 15 goes like this, “Sri Krishna blew His conch shell, called Pancajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta, and Bhima, the voracious eater and performer of herculean tasks, blew his terrific conch shell, called Paundra.”

The above verse addresses the goings-on on the field of battle, when action was about to begin.  Conches were blown by warriors to indicate, “We are ready and able.  We are about to start.”

Nick came over to start his day, not armed with conches but with beads and an open heart. The morning sadhana completed, after a bite to eat, we sat down to discuss how we can effectively approach the New Brunswick public and take charge.  It doesn’t require the blowing of any horns, but some promotion through the internet. What is not tackled these days through cyberspace?

If we want to inform, alert or announce something of value, then we communicate with the use of current weaponry, but we can only be as effective in this communication as we are strong in our preparation.  Through sadhana we can prepare. Through sadhana we can purge and show power.

May the Source be with you!

2 km


Monday, April 23rd, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Walkers Not Safe

Well it looked like a bright day.  The sun was ever present.  And in Toronto the public was excited about their team, the Maple Leafs hockey team, going for the play-offs.  They just had to win the game against the Boston Bruins in order to remain in those play-offs.  I know this because when Jai and I took our walk, on what appeared to be the best day of the year, a pedestrian, a woman, wore a Maple Leafs sweatshirt and she filled us in. Other residents also wore proudly the blue and white shirts.  The team did win, 3 to 1.

Then the bright day went dark.  I received calls from Vancouver, Calgary, Hawaii, Montreal and elsewhere.  People were talking on the street saying, “Yonge and Finch.”  That location became the scene of a cowardly crime, something that shook the earth, leaving people with disbelief.  “What! In Canada?  Toronto?”

A maniac got behind the wheel of a van, drove on pedestrian turf and mowed down innocent walkers, leaving ten dead and fifteen injured.  It became dark for this reason.  I called my sister, Pauline, who lives in that region.

“Are you okay, Pauline?”

“Yes, I was walking in that very area one hour before the incident.”  She was grateful to be alive.

So now is prayer time for the innocent folks who left this world in an untimely manner.  I call on all to pray/chant for these souls and for the suspect, now in police custody for this heinous act.  We never thought it would happen in our backyard.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Sunday, April 22nd, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Too Good

They were singing that song from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons—“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”  That was the other day.  A group of adolescents went at it at the top of their lungs while walking down Walmer Street, perhaps in celebration that Spring had finally arrived.  The sun had shone that day.  The temperature was fine and perhaps love was in the air.

It did strike my curiosity how the group of millennials knew that sixties song. Anyway…

Excitement was in the air, today, again.  I recruited, rather spontaneously, a group of congregants to take a trek down the ravine in passing by Evergreen Brickworks and beyond.  https://instagram.com/p/Bh81i2WggkT/ Just about everyone was out to honour this most attractive of seasons—spring. Bursts of colour were to gaze at—everything from flowers to intense orange goldfish.  People were attentive in three ways: to nature, to themselves in conversation, and finally to other pedestrians.  

And I also burst out, saying to my companions, “Really, this is the way it should be—everyone going about in a leisurely way.  And a personal desire, or dream, is if just one day out of the year, we could just mobilize ourselves through walking.  NO CARS!  Absolutely none!  Wouldn’t that be Vaikuntha(heaven)?”

It was also a great day to launch the season for Ratha Yatra,the Chariot Fest.  In our temple room, a yajna(sacrifice) was executed.  It involved a fire display and feeding that fire with herbs and spices.  It was very festive and engaging and… “it was too good to be true.”

May the Source be with you!

8 km


Saturday, April 21st, 2018
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Brighton, Ontario
At Farms

We arranged a sangha for farmers in the Brighton area and its objective was to support socially the noble initiative of a simple lifestyle.  It happened at two locations close to each other.  Some of us came from the city to go to the country and get a taste of what moksha—liberation from the body—might have a resemblance of. I’m rather serious when I say that.

What a relief it was from urban madness!

First we got acquainted with the animals at Jai and Rasa’s place.  Goats, zebu cows, bulls, even a white and warm turkey gave us their company. She just sits there like a pure white snowball.  She loves to be petted.  Then we dove into a potluck meal in the rustic setting of their home, situated on Old Shelter Road.

The second venture was to a kale chip factory http://solarrawfood.comwith a kirtanin the upstairs studio.  Extolling the glories of life with plants and animals became the subject of discussion. Also, what can a small rural community do to impact a chaotic world?  Is it even possible to go closer to the basics?

A number of us felt the sun’s embrace in a much craved-after break from winter. We indeed went for that walk on a rural trail. In general we all benefitted from the breath of fresh air, especially near the manure pile.  Nostrils broadened and expanded.

The plants haven’t as yet risen but the animals in both locations demonstrated their individual personalities, which made it all totally entertaining.  https://youtu.be/GMIBmUYrj-o

Oh yes, and bulbs of asparagus were dug up and distributed. 
That was nice.
May the Source be with you!

3 km

Editor’s Note: Solar Raw Kale chips are sold across Canada and available in many grocery and drug stores. The business is devotee owned and operated. 



Friday, April 20th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
People of Beliefs

“Jesus loves you!” said the bearded fellow while I was walking on Bloor.

“I know he does,” I responded.

“He’s coming!” he persisted.

“I’m aware.”

“Yah gotta prepare yourself,” he said.

With my beads in hand, which I lifted up, I remarked, “I am!  See!”

That exchange more or less culminated my walk with Jai, which went for a good hour and a half, up through Little Korea and back.  The bearded bro was really determined and he was the second person of my day who demonstrated a strong conviction of purpose.

The first person was Henry, whom I hadn’t seen for twenty-five years.  He came to visit Govinda’s restaurant at which time he decided to come upstairs and knock on my door.  Somehow or other we got to talking about the world situation, the secularization of it, the breakdown of family, and a future globe of alienation and loneliness.

Henry is firm in his belief of Brave New World and 1984; both novels reveal a future of control and horror.  Henry is this truly nice guy who’s visited India about eighteen times and is rather thoughtful.  Both he and I ended up on the same page regarding conspiracy theories.

Our, guru, Srila Prabhupada, offered a solution to a troubled world ahead, and that is to get serious about spiritual life, build rural communities, etc.

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Thursday, April 19th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Become Light

Every morning is relishable for me—when not experiencing jet lag—as it begins with a mangal arati, a service involving chant and dance. It is at a surprising hour of 4:30 a.m.. Surprising—only for those who haven’t experienced that magical hour in a state of wakefulness.

Another special time this last week was just sitting down to hear a different speaker, each morning, delivering a class with discussion from the 10thCanto of the book Bhagavatam.  The topic involves the activities of the Divine Most High.  

What is God saying to souls who are pure?

What is that conversation all about?

To make the day even lighter, I opened my file cabinet—I’m on drawer Number 2—and pulled out irrelevant, dated material.  This is called ‘spring cleaning’.  It is like karmabeing lifted.  The sensation is great.

Finally, for the last few days I’ve gone out on that evening walk.  Tonight Tom accompanied me down Yonge Street.  I pointed out to him the corner of Yonge and Bloor, where forty-five years ago I was stopping people to get their attention and show them the Bhagavad-gita.  If they showed interest they would purchase and I would be thrown into ecstasy.

We walked further south to the corner of the iconic place of “Sam the Record Man.” In the sixties just everyone had to go to Sam’s.  I used to meet Sam, a prominent Jewish business fellow.  He was nice to me and would give a smile.

Nostalgia can also make you light (lit) when the memories are sweet.

What you do now will be nostalgia for tomorrow.

May the Source be with you!

4 km


Wednesday, April 18th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Choices of Trails

Before we go for that afternoon stroll we decide the route to take.  We have the options: a busy retail strip, a quiet residential area or a trail/path in the woods.  It’s one of those very important decisions in life, isn’t it?  Well, not really.  Where you go is not paramount but what is, is the fact that you go.

Guru Prasad, Tom and I were determined to go along the quiet streets of Rosedale, a neighbourhood of fine Victorian homes.  Thank God there is never a rush hour to deal with in this neighbourhood. There is no major thoroughfare. It is an enclave of winding roads, very conducive to a leisurely walk.

And that it was.  Also, the air was fresh and clean, a blessing after the freak storm.  The three of us were happy about the choice made for our walking venue.  There was shanti(peace).

The other day, at the Yoga Show, a fellow asked me something about choice in the realm of yoga.  He first asked what form of yoga I practise and teach.

“Bhakti yoga,” I said.

“Is that like raja yoga, dhyana yoga, astanga, etc…?  Aren’t they all different paths?”

When he asked that question I tried to clarify.

“These various paths are all on the same track, one leads to another and they culminate into bhakti yoga.  But if you can take a more direct trail then you can avoid taking all these trails that wind around and eventually loop back to the original, direct route.”

“Bhakti means devotion.  It is very beautiful.”

May the Source be with you!

4 km


Tuesday, April 17th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
In Awe    

Well, we walked by a gallery window

And what did we see

A painting of a bison

My mind was full of glee

I was transported to Alberta

Where a herd was close to me

Twas the walk of ‘96

Sacred herd, oh so free

I lie down in their grasses

Tired from the road

They gawked at me so curious

Right there in their abode

And I gave a good stare at them

Inquisitive as hell

The feeling was so mutual

We looked, as in a spell

The herd was awful big, my friend

And they stood there oh so still

Until I made a jerk, and then

The alpha feared, “Don’t kill!”

They followed him in awesome haste

Shaking earth with hooves

The dust stirred up so high, oh yes

They vanished by the hill of blues.

© Bhaktimarga Swami 2018 

May the Source be with you!

5 km 


Monday, April 16th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
New Monk

A new monk has come to town.  Dwarkanatha, 29, is from Vrndavana, India, and he recently has joined our crew to help in the cooking department.  Apart from being a chef, he also plays a lovely sitar and is quite good at the mrdungadrum.

From the musical side, it is a relief.  When here, I’m the one to play the beats, but now I can enjoy a break and have a realdrummer play away.

When weather improves, I’ll take him to the nearest ravine to experience a taste of urban-green walking.  It will be novel for him, being in a modern Canadian setting.  Even flying overseas is a first for him.

I am left to reflect on my first journey, not by plane, or by boat—when I was 5 my mother took me to Holland by one of those ocean liners—but my first experience in a temple.  It was like a foreign zone, something like church, but more.  I felt so much joy cut off from mundane-ness.

That initial journey was in Montreal, the winter of ’72, when Krishna devotees had rented a spot on the third floor of an apartment building on Park Avenue.  It was actually a former bowling alley.  The markings of the bowling parameters were still there.  In those days no one sang Bol! Or even Haribol!

A friend of mine, Durward, also had his first venture into Krishna culture in Montreal. He tells me that in that old bowling alley a person, a visitor, had set up a tent inside and had his pet iguana with him.  That was novel too.  In those days it was rather more of an open door policy.  Anyways, welcome Dwarkanatha.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Sunday, April 15th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
April 15thin Toronto

April is very deceptive.  Just when you think spring has burst through, or is about to, then a merciless storm crushes all you want to do.  They have reported over a thousand accidents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  There are high winds, and piercing-cold pellets of rain coming down, leaving a precarious situation at ground level. Slush!  Mush!  It’s weather that bends things out of shape—your windshield wipers, for instance.

Billie and I trudged through the mess.  Its newly-formed mountain ranges and rivers, we attempted to navigate through to get to our destination—the Convention Centre and to the ever-popular Yoga Show.

Most attendees are downtowners who braved the weather.  They are not discouraged.  They are here to see people bend, but not out of shape,rather in shape.  There was a session of ecstatic dance.  It only needed a mantra to make it complete and qualify it as kirtan.  Someone by the name of Sandeep gave a free head massage.  Oh, and I met friends I hadn’t seen in years.  It was a stupendous event lasting for three days. I like the yogis as much as they like our food (prasadam).  Many yogis also like kirtan.

Billie went around with mantra cards promoting kirtanand the monthly “Evening of Bhakti.”  Thank you Billie.  Thank you Demi, for co-ordinating the food section.  Many heroes emerged from the kitchen department of Krishna food distribution.  Thousands were fed.

May the Source be with you!

2 km


Saturday, April 14th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
At the Yoga Show

We had to cancel our spring Farmer’s Conference, which was to be held in Brighton, Ontario, due to sleet and icy rain.  It is postponed until next Saturday, April 21st.  By default, I then redirected myself to the attention of the Toronto Yoga Show held at the Convention Centre.  To my delight, the attendance was great, despite the occurring weather.  Where do all these people come from? I had to ask myself.

Although the numbers of people were phenomenal and the draw to the event has much to do with wellness, simply stretching limbs in tight clothes has its limitations.  Of course there are some great products for sale by exhibitors and there is also the food court, with Govinda’s being one terrific food outlet.  The line-up is long.  Apparently people like the prasadam(blessed food).

What really made me feel complete about the event was the presence of kirtanconducted by the Gaura Shakti group.  The set-up took a while for their hour-long allotted time, but once the band began their songs, the massive hall at the convention centre, the entire place, transformed in sound.  People sang and got up to dance.

I was also pleasantly surprised by meeting Adrien, a massage therapist.  Why so?  I met him on the Trans-Canada Highway in 2012 when I was in stride, walking, and he was in a van supporting a cyclist’s club who were travelling across Canada, raising money for a charity.

“Are you The Walking Monk?” he inquired, when he met me near the food court.  From that question was triggered a recollection of the instance on the highway.  “And you had that guy with the parrot?”

“Yes, Billie, the parrot.”

May the Source be with you!

2 km


Friday, April 13th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
On This Day

I never in my life held any superstitious attitudes toward Friday the 13th. However, in a Vedic context, when it is said by some astrological authority that one is under the influence of the dark planets, Rahu and Ketu, I take it a little more seriously.  I personally survived a period of my life, said to be a Rahu period.  It wasn’t nice and I won’t go into minute detail.  What is important was how I approached this negative period.  I started a long walk to the distance of 8,000-plus kilometres on Canadian soil.

That was in 1996.  I also took to a lot of chanting.  Many days, it was 64 rounds on the japabeads.  The combination of walking, chanting and some speaking opportunities/engagements kept me going.

It was this afternoon that I took a mini-walk with Dave, not to counteract any ill omens of bad fortune Friday the 13thmight bring—I already explained my position on this.  Dave and I strolled along some of the laneways of the posh shops of Yorkville, just for a break from what we were both doing.  Trying to bond a bit might be what we were trying to do.

Dave serves food at Govinda’s and does some of the dishes when needed.  I was administratively engaged.  So we walked and talked.  No chanting was done, but that’s okay.  The friendship building is what was important.

It was Dave’s idea to go for this first walk.  “I’ll take up your offer on it,” he told me.

“Really, when did I ask for the walk?” I hadn’t remembered I had done so.

“You wrote the invite to walk, on a card, and I’ve been keeping that card.”

“When did I leave you the card?” I asked.

“About five years ago,” he responded.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Thursday, April 12th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

A Thirst for the Spiritual

Maybe I was a fool to dare weather with no overcoat, not even a light jacket, while on foot to Yonge and Queen—and all the way back.  I see everyone in some winter/spring attire.  I was informed that at 6:00 p.m. the temperature was 13°C.  It didn’t feel it to be quite that warm.  Maybe I am a polar bear braving what others might perceive as cold.  In any event, I started walking with just a slight chill but soon warmed up with no problem whatsoever.

The only thing to trouble me is the culture.  Am I getting old or something?  I’m looking at not a cold or cool climate but a cool bunch of people going up and down the street with seemingly nil purpose.  I’m taken aback by the lack of interaction with each other, but then when I walked some streets in Flacq, Mauritius, the other day, it wasn’t much different.  People there just go about their business, although there you have a strong Hindu population and pedestrians do respond to the saffron-clad, walking on their level, with some reverence, of course.

But look, there’s a man who breaks into all smiles as soon as he sees me—a Caucasian, not a Hindu.  Then as I plod along some blocks more, I get some pranamsfrom white folks, and “Hare Krishna” remarks from brown folks.  I’m happy for these people who greet, and for me, first of all, because I need attention and so do they.  I certainly don’t require the looks I get for my own ego, but I do adore the fact that attention is given for what I represent.  The attention is an indication that there is a ‘thing’ for the spiritual.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Wednesday, April 11th, 2018
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Dubai / Toronto

3 Gitas by 1

My return to Canada was okay.  Emirates airlines flew me back to Toronto, with so many other passengers, of course.  That means so much more luggage at the carousel upon reaching the Toronto terminal. The planes with Emirates are huge. It’s quite the battle for space when it comes to finding your cargo.  A little stress.

The trip is also a long one from Mauritius—6 1/2 hours to Dubai, a 5 hour wait in Dubai followed by 13 1/2 hour flight to Toronto.  A little more stress.

On these longer voyages, I like to take the Gita with me, but three instead of one.  First of all, I’ll carry Bhagavad-gita As It Iswith translation and commentary by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.  In addition to this priceless piece, I also pack my smaller carry-on with Bhagavad-gita: Talks Between The Soul and Godby my dear friend and God-brother (Go-Bro), Ranchor Prime.  For a final squeeze-in, I have Gita Wisdomby Joshua Greene—aka Yogeshvara—also a dear friend and Go-Bro from New York.

The latter two translations are inspired by the first, and on their own they have the parent As It Is to package the message—the same one—in words inspired by each of them in a way which would appeal to different audiences.

I compare the notes.  In Dubai Airport, with leisure—also sleepy time—I looked up 5.18 from As It Is.  “The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle Brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater.”  From Talks, it reads, “The wise see with equal vision a learned and gentle priest, a cow, an elephant, a dog and an outcaste.”  GitaWisdom, translates it as, “The wise see with equal vision all beings: a learned Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater.”  All similar.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, April 10th, 2018
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Rose Belle, Mauritius

Avocado Finish

There is a tiny centre, an actual house with temple facilities, near the Mauritius Airport, in Rose Belle.  The group running the centre asked if I would plant an avocado tree. How could I refuse?

Some space for trees is allotted along the edge of the land. The tree, which was no taller than a foot and a half, has a chance to rise in a short enough time.  One lady in the community said it might bear fruit after two years, so that’s not bad.  Remember, winters in Mauritius are warm.

While that little project was started, our stay in Mauritius was ending.  A last dip in the Indian Ocean, a farewell to actors who had come from various countries to help in the production of “Many Mothers, Many Fathers,” and good-byes to the local Mauritians, marked the end of my stay here.  Lovingly, a good number of them turned up at the airport for a last minute send-off.

The project—working with the Vaishnava youth—once again this year, had been successful through classes on bhakti, theatre workshops, staging a Shakti Show,and, overall, just being there for them. However, it was now over.  The comments from the local Krishna followers on what I had done as a conduit on behalf of guru and God was so positive.  A great visit it was, with the finishing touch of being handed a small shovel, a tree and some dirt.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Monday, April 9th, 2018
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Grande Bay, Mauritius
Together and Water

The soul that sits behind the ego always resists.  This is the condition of the spirit soul.  Surrender or submission to the Supreme is not the priority.

A few of us discussed this and other topics at Grande Bay, a place on the northern shore of the ocean.  It was a bonding time—community time (common unity)—for devotees from Phoenix and Bon Acceuil.  Sixty of us came together to picnic, swim, talk and look at the odd sea urchin.

We talked about the story of Sudhama and Krishna as classmates in school.  In the water, the men formed a circle and sang the guru prayers.  Tourists, some from France, took some interest in what we were up to.  I won’t forget the innovative percussion sounds we created just by the movement of our arms and hands.

I met Sanjay, a miserable man who runs the food booth, and asked for a mantra that would access him to money.  He had refused the maha mantrafrom others, but when he met the Swami—me—he decided not to resist, but to take it and have a go at it.

A second level of gatherings occurred at the Bon Acceuil temple where we read of, “Ill Motivated Dhrtarastra,” the blind king who couldn’t or wouldn’t allow a clear vision to be part of his life.  He was physically blind and spiritually blind.  He sat on a throne behind his ego.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Sunday, April 8th, 2018
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Phoenix, Mauritius
People Coming Together

From an overnight stay at Haridev’s, a small group of us ventured through a quiet, gardened neighbourhood.  It was wet after an evening shower; typical weather dynamics since being here.  These massive spiders abound.  Intentionally permitted to trapeze their way through these enclaves?  Or not? I don’t know.  Are they there to protect the fruit from bugs?

Anyway, as Trump would say, “They’rehuuge!”

Some of the fruit trees were also covered with man-made mesh, apparently to protect the trees from bats with an appetite.

Today was the second day for our performance in the best theatre in Mauritius, the Serge Constantin Theatre, and we had a full house again at this matinee. Our play was preceded by an impressive mrdungadrum demo.  After that program, we proceeded to the ISKCON temple for a talk I led, based on the Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 10, verse 9.  This passage highlights the pleasure derived from keeping our conversations positive and spiritual.  The joy of this approach is also directed to the Divine.

On the same theme, we then held a sangha,in Flacq, focused on appreciation of each other’s part in the play. I mean, this was a real party—people were coming together to express their love for individual input in a project, which created a harmonious bubble of safety and satisfaction.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Saturday, April 7th, 2018
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Phoenix, Mauritius
The Shakti Show

We started with a walk at Belle Mare, then a swim, and then a discussion from the Bhagavatam1.1.1., right on the beach.  I did not have a book with me to read or reference from, directly, but I have that verse memorized, better in Sanskrit than the English. My favourite aspect of the verse addresses the issue of separating reality from illusion.  That discussion, plus our chanting on beads and singing—while in the water—the prayers to the guru, in my opinion, made a morning program of sadhanarather complete.

Time was short today as we had to rush to another section of the island, the central part, near Phoenix.  It was near Phoenix that we staged “The Shakti Show.”  Hats go off to Kala, a French descendant of Mauritians, who organized the program.  Held at the venue “Serge Constantin Theatre,” you could not find a better location.  It seats only three hundred, but it was full, and there’s another show on Sunday, a matinee, tomorrow.

The program began with a kirtanby local devotees, followed by an instrumental ensemble called “Confluence,” local artists on sitar, vina, violin, mrdangam and tabla.  With no vocals, it lent itself to the pure sound of raga.  They were good.

Finally our local talent, in addition to Pariksit’s co-direction and some South African input, presented, “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”  WOW!  They were good.

We still have a distance to go in terms of real fine hosting of a program on a stage, but Sambha did well enough behind the microphone.  Overall, presentation wise, I believe our guru, Srila Prabhupada, would be pleased. 

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Friday, April 6th, 2018
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Belle Mare, Mauritius
At Belle Mare

There is this decent trail of sand amidst green trees that we embarked to walk upon. Japa is the rule before fun. Chant first, have fun.  Swim second, have fun.  This is our morning sadhana.

Once hitting the water, we sing in praise of Guru, Prabhupada.  That is also fun, while reverential.  Then we use the ball; volley it to each other while in the water. The ball is blue.  It represents Krishna.  You bounce it to each other on a count and you try not to have it contact the water.  The goal is to reach 108 hits with the ball.  At one point, we made the goal 174.  That’s our game.

It is a real pleasant workout.  You are forced to reach, to stretch and to keep Krishna from being out of His devotee’s grip.  After all, the players, who are actual players—being in the play (drama)—need this relief.  They work harder, harder than I—at least physically.

Our drama is, “Many Mothers, Many Fathers,” and while some experienced key players such as Pariksit, Jambhavan, Sukadeva and Govardhan are with us from the Mayapura experience, we also have our local volunteers.  They are doing wonderfully.

The whole crew comes together at Amar’s place.  We practise and bond.  The parents and friends of the actors come and bring food—prasadam.  It is such a wonderful gathering each year.  I’m in my element.

Walking, chanting, swimming, mingling and drama-ing.  That’s the life.  

May the Source be with you!

4 km


Thursday, April 5th, 2018
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Flacq, Mauritius
Shiny Leaves

It is like the monsoons here.  All night and practically all day, the rains have been coming.  The plants are happy, I can see.  They are so alive and their leaves possess a sheen and a shine from the water pouring on; a truly wet look.

Massive snails, with that army tank for a shell, crawl everywhere.  You have to watch your step.  They are citizens too.

Unfortunately, the torrential rains restrict a walker’s movement.  I’m seeing trees, plants and snails from a veranda. Indoors is the place where we are harbouring, but we are busy with youth.  In the meantime, I also took the opportunity to care for body and feet. My doctor, Jagannath Misra, recommends propping my feet against the wall to address varicose veins.

“Let the blood run down,” he’s told me.

For dealing with arthritis—it’s in the knees—mustard seed oil application—external use—and an ayur-vedic mix of black pepper, ginger, walnuts, almonds and blackberry to be drunk with hot water.  For my kidneys, I’m taking amrita-dhara.  Something called Janardan—a name of God which means “maintainer of all”—is supposed to help the liver and blood circulation. With these daily doses, I’m feeling more like a healthy plant.

I am saddened to hear of the departure of my spiritual sister, Padyavali, who passed away from Parkinson’s.  She was a good soul, devoted to humanity.

May the Source be with you!

2 km


Wednesday, April 4th, 2018
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Flacq, Mauritius
Watch the Lightning

Dinanatha had an incident six weeks ago.  He was doing some work on the roof when lightning struck.  He woke up in the hospital hours later, fortunately alive. We asked him what happened but he can’t remember as he became unconscious during the incident.  It’s just that now his memory of things in general is waning.

Dinanatha, however, is undeterred in his devotion.  His chanting, his puja—home worship—and family responsibilities with two teenage boys are admirable.

Such is the case for a number of people I know here in Mauritius.  There are duty and bhakti-bound folks here.  No one is perfect and not all relations are smooth-going according to Kala, who knows a lot about interactions and dealings in the community.  “Some are doing great,” he says.

The young and old, who accompanied us on this morning’s trek through the sugar cane route, were up early with good treads on—some not so good.  We took the trail of large worn stones and puddles, on up-and-down terrain.  Rain came down just as we completed our walk at 7:00 a.m.

It’s a quiet island.  Folks are shy and simple and we love them.  The youth are being engaged by us in our production of “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”  This is to be staged twice this weekend.  It’s now annual that I come to the island for a cultural presentation in what we have coined as the “Shakti Show.”

I wish to mention about my dear godsister, Padyavali, who has passed after a long battle with  Parkinson’s. My prayers are with her soul. 

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018
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Durban / Jo’burg / Mauritius
A Scene Next to Me

Three airports and a cozy house in Flacq, Mauritius is where four of us were headed. Out of the four, one, Jambhavan, from South Africa, ventured on a slightly later flight.  The balance—Parikshit from India, Sukadeva from South Africa, and I shared the misfortune along with Jambhavan of having no chance to walk on a trail today.

Somehow Parikshit and Sukadeva ended up in business class and both of them begged me to take the luxury seat to Mauritius, but I was satisfied and preferred they had the good rest.

A family of two young boys was to my left.  Their father courageously told his six year old to not spend any more screen time after the first two films were over.

“I want you to spend a little time to read now,” he smoothly insisted.

“No! No!” said the son, ready to throw a tantrum.

“Now you’ve had enough time in front of the screen.”

The boy refused to listen.  I cast my eyes over toward the dad and volunteered to address the addiction with a smile.

“You’ve got a modern day challenge that you have to shoulder.”

“I do,” said the father.  Then he asked if I could give it a try.  

“Ask him to read; that it’s good for his brain.”  I decided not to participate.  

The young boy was adamant, and so the modern day scenario plays out—an endless drama. Such is Kali-yuga, the age of little compromise.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Monday, April 2nd, 2018
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Durban, South Africa
A Walk Within the Fest

A component to this 30th Festival of Chariots was the organized walk along the Promenade this morning, featuring The Walking Monk.  At 7:00 a.m., a group of forty people assembled at the Blue Waters Hotel for an hour of communication and fun while taking steps under the sun.  The fun was just that—walking while meeting and greeting.

Durban is one of those progressive cities that looks to the needs of its citizens. Maybe not on all levels;  I’ve heard about the Medicare system.  It’s not perfect, but it is there.  The installment of a broad promenade that we tread is smart, and makes the beach all that more attractive for tourists. The inter-locking, laid, is a mix of rich earthy tones, and curves in snake-like patterns.

I believe that for mingling with people who are drawn to out-of-doors, a walk like this is a must for community development.

Physical walking wasn’t all.  A smaller crew headed for the beach after the walk.  I was one of them.  The current at Beachfront was very strong.  Life-guards were on duty.  Such therapy it was.

My devotional presentation at the Festival site was as Dance Mastain the Bhakti Cloud tent.  For a half hour, I “cut-the-rug,” a pre-’50s saying.  In between presentations of sorts, I always try to make room for listening and offering solutions to trying situations.

The pen I’m using to write with has a caption, “Take the long way home.  It makes up for the fries you ate.”  Well, fries I did eat.  I can’t resist a bit of junk food at this annual event.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Sunday, April 1st, 2018
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Durban, South Africa
Talks With the Guys

It was great sitting—after walking—with a group of young men, at the amphitheatre, and talking about the things which are important to them.  Two of them have aspirations toward being big musicians. I offered a reality check.

“Perhaps less than 1% of musicians make it big, and of those, many of them have a tough life. Perhaps your music is a hobby and not a career. I was basically relaying some messages about practicality and the responsible role of a man in the society.

“What are some of them?  Let’s try being good listeners, good executors, good providers and good protectors. Build, maintain and disassemble when needed.  Know what it takes to groom yourself for being good dads and good husbands.”

The batch of boys are from the Zulu community.  They appreciated talking about such life matters.  I gathered that it’s not often that some older guy chats with them about these things.  They see me as a coach.  After all, I’m directing them in the play.

The play, “The Queen’s Secret,” was performed for the last time this evening. The young men and women in the drama did splendidly.  They were lit.  Stellar performances.  Standing ovations were well deserved each night.

I do feel like I’m walking with these actors in some way in this life.  Within a matter of less than a week, we bonded amongst ourselves in a strong family sort of way.  We were looking out for each other.  South Africa is a lot like that.  Thieves galore; friends galore.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Saturday, March 31st, 2018
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Durban, South Africa
Falling Object

I became aware of a new sign, tacked onto a palm tree, which read, “Caution—Beware of Falling Fronds.”  It’s a decent warning for those who walk along the temple’s moat, which is lined with indigenous trees, and also the odd invasive flower from India.  Often a frond—branch of leaves—makes its descent when old, dried-up and brown.  It comes as a surprise and can hurt.

Things do fall from the sky.  Ask Chicken Little.  Natural things and sometimes aeroplanes come down for unfortunate landings.  I’ve been always in the clear when it comes to falling objects and only got close to getting struck, in the Fall of 2015, when walking from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania.  Those bountiful black walnut trees send those nuts in bullet-like speed from top to bottom.  I was not able to dodge those bullets, but was lucky to be missed.

Apparently we, as souls, fall from grace, from a spirit world, and enter the world of martya-loka, the place of death, somewhere along the line.  Anyway, here we are.  Let’s make the best of it—the best of our karma.  Look at the goods you have.  Look at the bads you have.  Look at the combination you have and offer that package deal to the Supreme with bhakti, with devotion.

Life is all about sacrifice, but be prepared for death.  It can come at any moment.  You don’t know when a heavy object, or even a light one, will strike the head and crack it.  Will you be prepared in the right state of mind when death comes knocking on your door?

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Friday, March 30th, 2018
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Durban, South Africa
First Night of the Show

The young man who plays the leading role in our drama is Boikanya from Pretoria.  He told me, after his splendid performance, “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

Boikanya was like a hot ocean of salt water when we embraced.  He was hot and sweaty, like all the boys whom I exchanged hugs with, to express my gratitude for their effort.  With the girls, I offered my pranams and an additional air hug.  Remember, I’m a monk.  All the performers were in thick costumes, on a stage with hot lights overhead.  The movement of air was almost nil and the dance/martial arts moves built up body heat.  The audience was no less than two thousand—a packed house.

Boikanya said, “It was scary.”

It’s understandable that he was nervous.  He plays the role of Karna, a tragic character from the epic, The Mahabharat.  Before he came to Durban, he had never heard of the story before, let alone the main character.

I let him know he was a natural as an actor playing a warrior.  “It’s in you.  It’s like walking.  We are designed for that.  Walking takes little training.  Totally natural.”

I really appreciated that Boikanya and all the other marvelous boys and girls in this production of, “The Queen’s Secret,” gave it their all.  The audience stood up in approval when the entertainers came for their curtain call.  And that was over the recording of Nina Simone’s soothing voice in “Here Comes the Sun.”

I love that piece of music.  It’s like the voice of an elder Kunti, Karna’s mother, expressing resolve.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Thursday, March 29th, 2018
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Durban, South Africa
Good for the Feet

I’m doing some barefoot moving around.  The campus at the ISKCON Centre in Chatsworth is kept very clean.  Every space is either swept or raked or hosed down with water.  At least there’s water here in Durban.  Cape Town is running dry.

There is a moat around the temple, and it’s there on the pathway next to the moat, that I walk.  You will find colourful Koi fish in the moat.  And there’s no animal scat to worry about.  I’ve never seen a dog on the grounds.  Maybe a cat.  Monkeys, definitely.

So, things are clean.  Suci.  Sucimeans clean.

The interior of the temple, where our bhakti yoga sadhana is performed, is wiped daily with a mop.  I don’t see that happening in all temples.

I was going to continue my barefoot boldness at the site of the Durban Festival of Chariots venue, the Old Durban Drive-In.  Old DBN Drive-In doesn’t sound too exotic.

Upon arriving at the site for practice, I realized it was smart to wear my kyboots.  The pavement has an accumulation of years of broken glass, mostly liquor bottle remnants.  I would have gone, ouch.

We humans are bad.  We are expert at ruination.  The sastras—ancient Vedic texts—describe a spiritual world where the ground you walk on is of chintamani—divine gems.  That’s probably good for the feet.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Wednesday, March 28th, 2018
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Durban, South Africa

Work is Good

Hard work is good, especially when devotionally channelled.  You don’t mind it because there’s a good result.  The result I’m referring to is the learning that is reaped from such endeavours.  Even if the fruits of one’s labour are not up to one’s expectations, we can learn detachment from the world, from losing and not always winning.  So that is a good thing.  Humility is life’s embellishment.

We may also conclude, “I’m not really in charge around here.  There is someone else who is the Supreme Controller.  It’s not me.”

To assemble a production as we are, with “The Queen’s Secret,” is intense work.  Who ever said that work is not play and that a play is not work?  There is a tremendous amount of energy that goes into something like this hour-and-fifteen-minute production.  Sweat? Yes. Tears? Well, the actor has to feign the weeping.  Blood? Not yet in this production, but we did incur some injury.  The fellow playing the lead role as Karna slipped and fell and thus experienced a dislocation of the hip.  Luckily, there was “a doctor in the house.”  People are vulnerable at any work-site—in this case, play-site.

When the young man collapsed, he had lots of support from all of us.  Actually he was such a good sport.  His mood was, “The show must go on!”  It must go on for the higher purpose.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Tuesday, March 27th, 2018
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Dubai / Durban

The Poster to Surprise Us

Today I flew between the two cities, the two D’s.  I was happy to come upon Pariksit at Dubai’s airport.  We were then off together to Durban to prepare for the city’s Festival of Chariots.  It’s my 19th year here.  It’s Pariksit’s first.

Working with him recently in India on the drama “Many Mothers Many Fathers,” went so well.  Through my helper back home, Rajasuya, a ticket was arranged for Pariksit to come to South Africa.  We have but three days to get a major production together.

This year’s drama piece is called “The Queen’s Secret,” based on the epic story from India, The Mahabharat, and Queen Kunti, who reluctantly left her newborn in a basket, subject to the whims of a river.  It will be a marathon, like some of the walks I’ve taken.

Perhaps it was smart to do some preparatory work for this project.  The majority of our time in the air was pleasantly consumed by lining up the sound tracks for the drama, in addition to auditioning online while on the plane.  Can you believe it?

Our hosts in Durban really believe in us.  After clearing customs and then getting driven to Chatsworth, where we are accommodated, my eyes seemed to deceive.  Along the freeway, throughout the city, the poster of our play, “The Queen’s Secret,” is set on all the lampposts—the show that the audiences will relish.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Monday, March 26th, 2018
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In the Air / Dubai
Activity in the Airport

One realization that came to me as of late is that the airport—any one—is full of pedestrians.  My route for destination Durban is Toronto, Boston, Dubai, and then Durban.  In each and every one of these airports, people meet, readying themselves for a major journey somewhere on the planet.  They number in the millions per day.  No longer do we find foot travel a popular means of transport.  Cars and planes have replaced that.  Some downtowns still carry a vibrancy of pedestrian-friendliness.  New York is one.  Many places in Europe, too, excel.

On my travels I physically see multitudes, and they see me for the dhoti, kurtaand utariya, in faded orange.  I see folks walking long corridors—better exercise than many get on a regular basis.  The bridge walkway to Terminal E is a good one.  It takes you over several wide motorways.

I was in ecstasy trekking that facility.

The only problem with flying is the sedentary nature of it.  For hours you are still, and only the blessing of nature’s call allows for movement.

In airports you are either on the ‘go, go, go’ trying to reach your gate, or then ‘sit, sit, sitting’ at your gate. Or lastly, if time allows, you ‘eat, eat, eat’.  That’s what people do, and when seated in a chair for the ‘eat, eat, eating’ or the ‘sit, sit, sitting’, 75% or more are on their phones.

This is just an observation.  In some terminals I check out the prayer room.  The last one I visited, I found some folks engaged in ‘sleep, sleep, sleep’.

May the Source be with you!

2 km in the airport.

Sunday, March 25th, 2018
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Brampton, Ontario

Victory to Rama

It was the anniversary of Rama’s birth today, and to celebrate, world-wide temples, institutes and homes of Rama devotees go out in a big way to honour His appearance, which occurred in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Ayodhya.  I was channelled to Brampton to give a talk to a lively crowd there at the ISKCON centre.

People ask about Rama versus Krishna.  There is no conflict of interest.  If we embrace the wholesome concept of oneness then it is easy to accommodate two personalities in one, and it doesn’t mean that one is resorting to schizophrenia.  The Absolute has the capacity to hold fathomless characterizations.  Rama and Krishna are different aspects of the Divine.  To simplify, my humble suggestion is that we see it like an actor who plays many roles.

In our tradition, we are content to say “Krishna,” “Rama,” and “Radha,” in one breath through our daily mantra of Hare Krishna.  Indeed, Radha is used as Hare in the mantra, meaning the Divine Female.

I was very impressed by the turnout at the Brampton ISKCON Centre.  The chanting was enthusiastic and the prasadam—sacred food—was delicious.

From Brampton, I was driven to the airport in preparation for the festival in Durban, South Africa.  There is little rest for me, these days, what with trying to fulfill obligations.  There is a problem when I am not able to walk and take some footsteps in the ravine or through the forest.

May the Source be with you!

2 km


Saturday, March 24th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
A Message Came

What showed up on my phone screen was the following:

You have a new message:

Message Details:

Subject – I was humbled and inspired

Message – Greetings, I wanted to pass on my best wishes and share with you a few thoughts.  When you travelled through Jackson, California last summer I met you at the local park.  I was enthralled at your tales from the trails.  I was humbled and inspired.  Since that chance meeting I have walked in the woods weekly.  Your card is attached to my backpack and your presence keeps me grounded as I put one foot in front of the other.  Thank you.  You have added something to my life that I can’t explain but I hope someday to understand.  Safe journeys… Robert

Sent on: 24 March, 2018

Thank you!

And thank you Robert.

What a ‘good feel’ message that was, as I was just about to board a plane at O’Hare Airport.  I wish I had some forest to walk through today, but I’m satisfied knowing that someone is doing what we all ought to do.  For the sanity of the world, let us walk.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Friday, March 23rd, 2018
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Honolulu / Chicago
No Swimming, No Surfing, but Chanting

In late 2015, I trekked from Pearl Harbor to the north shore of Oahu, where waves are ideal for surfing.  However, I haven’t seen that many people are taking advantage of the waves the south shore has to offer.  It’s mostly middle-aged men who very religiously show up at that early hour to catch the best wave possible.

This year, Gurudas, Kapu and I walked along the beach at Magic Island, aka Aina Moana, where the exotic banyan trees tower above grassy domains, while the surfers pull out their boards.  Speaking for myself, I’m looking for that perfect moment when I’m chanting with clarity, and with attention.  Often I find myself missing the boat, so to speak, but making an endeavour to sound it out right, softly, while using my beads.

As we leave the surfing beach behind and pace along with more walkers, it’s a greeting of “Hello!” and “Good morning!” in mutual exchange.  Kapu and I are in traditional garb.  It catches people’s attention.

Kapu, 23, who is a native Hawaiian, was demonstrating to Gurudas and me how they used to greet one another.  “It’s rare to find someone doing it today,” he told us.  It’s interesting.  “You put your foreheads together, even noses, and take your right hand to brace the other person’s neck.”  Rather intimate isn’t it?

Kapu also told us that it was illegal to speak Hawaiian until more recently.  Rather sick, I would say.  Can you imagine living in a place where it is illegal to chant on beads, something that you’re thoroughly accustomed to doing?

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Thursday, March 22nd, 2018
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Directions

We sat in front of a statue of King Kamehameha I (approx. 1736-1819) who was King of the Hawaiian Islands.  A group of us were exploring the downtown, when we came upon his statue at the Supreme Court.  Now the king was like most conquerors, who set their own standards in order to meet his own agenda.  Now that the monarch has passed away, tourists can enjoy this facility of finely cut grass and palatial buildings.   https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamehameha_I

While sitting here, after covering a few blocks by walking, we reflected on the power of chanting.  How blessed we are to have the engagement of japa.  I reminded the young men with me that the mind is either your friend or your enemy.  When we allow it to go astray, it’s our foe, and when we keep it in good direction it is our angel.

“Whatever you guys end up doing in your lives, have Krishna be there for you, and feel His presence in His name.  Never let go of your beads for chanting.  Take them with you, forever.”

For standards of chanting, I facilitated a “Kirtan Standards Seminar.”  I was so glad to see the core group of Krishna devotees, some of whom travelled with our guru, Prabhupada.  This seminar is something that is appreciated wherever we take it.  A faithful assistant, Dhruva, from Montreal, is someone who has presented this informative seminar along with me.

Guidelines for such endeavours are always necessary, otherwise it’s easy to go in a whimsical direction, and then everything can be spoiled.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Wednesday, March 21st, 2018
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Hilo, Hawaii
Taking Shelter

If I wasn’t a monk involved in a culture of mantras, I would likely have ended up doing rain-gazing.  It is Day #3 on The Big Island and there is a consistent discharge of water from the sky.  Practically no break.  Time, however, and commitment, allowed for some walking near the oceanside.  Gurudas and I heard the news that one fellow today had been collecting a shelled creature.  A wave pulled him in and he was found four miles from the shoreline, dead.

That’s how powerful the waves were today.  Gurudas and I observed their might.  There was lots of water and more water, and so we kept our distance.

Whoever invented the umbrella…may they be blessed.  Apparently Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, and Indian citizens, as well as royalty, have made use of the umbrella, since as early as the 4th century B.C.  Our book, the Bhagavatam, tells of one avatar, a young brahman boy by the name of Vamana, who sported an umbrella, centuries ago.  It was not used to shield the rain, but the sun.

Anyway, we benefited from the large mushrooms—our term for umbrella.  A good portion of today was spent sheltered in our rustic, cedar, resort house called, “Heaven’s Doors.”  In the comfort and protection of that home, Gurudas set me up to broadcast the morning Bhagavatam class via cyberspace.  Devotees of bhakti-yoga were tuned in from various other islands.

Today we took shelter of buildings, umbrellas and books.  By the way, you might check out SHELTER, from the hardcore punk-rock music scene.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Tuesday, March 20th, 2018
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Kilauea, Hawaii
Volcanic Viewing

I took to Highway 11, walking on The Big Island, aka Hawaii Island, which, being clear to us, was in the shape of a bear’s head.

No bears here—no game of any substantial sort, but they do have wild pigs.  They were apparently brought over when the first inhabitants of a Polynesian race discovered these islands.

I met a road construction fellow.

 “Where are yah goin’ to?”

“To Hilo.”

“That far?” 

A sign nearby indicated I’m 13 miles away. “I’m a walker.  Finished doing the U.S. last summer.”

“How long did it take?”

“Six months.”

We parted, but before that I gave him my card with a mantra on it.  I got picked up by Gurudas, Anala and Mayapura Lila.  We then proceeded to the volcano at the Jaggar Museum.  We just had to get away from the crowds, so we walked along the cliff of this impressive, huge crater called Halena’uma’u and finally reached the amazing steam vents. https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/jaggar_museum.htm

There is something called vog, and it is the smoky substance emanating from the volcanic fires.  Also interesting is the stark black residue which are solid rocks and formerly the hot lava coming to the district.  When lava flows it destroys everything in sight, including trees, which burst into flames. https://instagram.com/p/BgmAw0dHfsW/

Our beautiful day of trekking, smelling, and seeing, ended with a sanga at the home of Ramananda.  There we met Go-bros and Go-sis’ (God brothers and sisters), whom we had never met before, Gopa Vrnda Pal to name one.

May the Source be with you!

8 km


Monday, March 19th, 2018
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Hilo, Hawaii
Getting Around

There are numerous islands which constitute the Hawaiian Islands.  Today, Gurudas, Anala, Mayapura Lila and I made contact with the Big Island, the Hawaiian Island via Hawaiian Airlines.  A rented car took us to Hilo where we went to Mahesh and Brhan’s home in Kana.  My goodness, they are fine musicians.  Mahesh plays the flute and Brhan, the harp.  They teach music and here they chanted for us.

Altitude is rather high at mountain Maunakea.  They air was thin.  There was a drizzle and fog, whipped by a real cold chilly breeze to accompany it.  There really wasn’t much you could see, however. On the way up and down, you view these lava rocks of varying colours.  Black rock was so stark, and the gray rock, hard to traverse.  This is all lava turned hard.

The native folks have a version of the Lava Goddess, Pele, within Hawaiian mythology.  Her hair appears like the flow of the hot stuff itself.

One true highlight of the day was a visit to Urmila, my godsister.  She’s a grandmom and soon to be a great grandmother.  She’s also a scholar, actress—I have engaged her in theatre in the past—teacher and author.  Also a cook.  She cooked up a wholesome meal of bean soup, homemade bread and guacamole—ingredients all local.

The day was wet but the soul never gets that way.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


Sunday, March 18th, 2018
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Honolulu, Hawaii
They Paved Paradise

There’s Joni Mitchell’s famous song, “Big Yellow Taxi,” with lyrics that go, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot / With a pink hotel a boutique and a swinging hot spot.

“They took all the trees, put ’em in a tree museum / And they charged the people a dollar and a half just to see ’em.”

Gurudas, Kapu and I were walking along the beach with surfers nearby, and runners and walkers moving past, when Kapu, a native Hawaiian, said, out of the blue, “The pink hotel, Joni Mitchell sings about, is right here, downtown.”

“On our way back to the temple, can we take a look at it?” I asked Gurudas, our driver, out of curiosity.

So we did, and we imagined the green that was there before erecting the monster, and, of course, the parking lot.  Interesting!

I delivered two classes today—one was on the topic of the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16thavatars as listed in the book, Bhagavatam,and at 5:00 p.m. I spoke from verse 9.6 of the Gita regarding the wind contained in the sky and how even the forceful is under control by the Divine.

These were stories and concepts that lingered in my mind, which occasionally veered over to the theme of Joni’s song.  It’s in the chorus.

“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone / They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

We take so much for granted.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Saturday, March 17th, 2018
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Aloha!

My morning began with a walk on what everyone calls Magic Island.  With a group of young followers of bhakti,we executed our individual mantras on our japa beads.  “How did you like the walk?” I asked the crew, who all seem to represent a different part of the world.

“Great!  Awesome!  Fantastic!” and more.

Who would ever consider a simple beach trek to be all those things?

At ISKCON Honolulu, I met Reverend Tim of the Unity Church.  Very devotional.  He quoted 18.54 from the Gita about devotion being undivided and how this type of devotion brings one to see Him standing before you.

After another smaller trek, halfway up the mountain valley outside of the city, another small group and I went to see the property of Mayapur Lila from Canada.  Quaint and breezy it is.  We also included a look at Butter the cow, Cinderella the sow and Radha, from the breed of gircows—Indian origin—at a farm nearby.

I was getting some well-needed sun.

Reverend Tim came to meet us, once again, at Gurudas’ home, the location of a house-packed sanga.  I spoke of how I joined the ranks of monks.  I opened with verse one of the Isopanishad, on accepting what we’re given.  In this regard, one devotee offered to say a quote from Gandhi, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Friday, March 16th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto / San Francisco / Honolulu
Moving West

Long, stretched out airport wings or corridors became my only walking venues for the day.  Long was the day—an additional six hours going west to Honolulu with stopover in San Francisco.  In San Fran I had the opportunity to call, write and wait, also to reflect.  My reflections were mostly a delving into the past few days.

When at the home of Janmastami, before a group of young and old, some compliments came my way.  “You had the students from the Academy in stitches!” regarding the class given.  “That was the best Bhagavatam class in five years.”  Also, there was a generous remark, a big “Thank you!” in reference to the completed walk across the U.S.  I pray that such kind statements don’t go to my head.

My reflections of gratitude also go to Murari Gupta who put me up and took me around in Miami, as well as to Ananta Shesha, my good host at Alachua, Florida, his wife Vaishnavi and their sons, Aravind and Gopal, who are both good at the mrdunga.

My anticipation of a good week in Hawaii is strong.  A Kirtan Standards session is up for my presentation, in addition to speaking on the system of varnashram—the four social and spiritual orders.  I also look forward to nature’s presentation, including a trip to the Big Island where there’s a promise of the flow of lava.  Thanks to Gurudas for getting me to Honolulu and the application of mustard oil on knees, legs and feet.  There was a decent follow-up dose.

May the Source be with you!

3 km