Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Monday, December 25th, 2017
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Mississauga, Ontario
Baby Blue

I went to visit Gelda’s residence. The family runs a food business that supplies Walmart, some airlines, and other outlets.  Of particular interest to me is their business supplies great alternative sugar substitutes, brown rice and a line of other pro-health products.

“The demand is on,” said Mukesh Gelda, one of the managers whose birthday happens to fall on mine, “People want to go more organic and wholesome.”  Sounds like food fit for God.

While at his home, he brought me to his altar where daily prayers take place.  We also looked outside the window to view the baby-blue vista—a fresh snowfall, icicles and a bright clear sky to give pleasure to the mind.

It was really the only Christmas outing for me today and that’s fine.  I needed time to write and to pace—it so happened that it had to be indoors, just one more day.

I am truly drawn to the snow and the crisp challenge of it.  One call I received from Saskatchewan was their forecast for tomorrow, -51°C.  The one good thing about plummeting temperatures is that it brings everyone close together.  Body heat comes in handy at times.

As pointed out by Krsnadas, my good friend whom I’ve spent much time traveling with as monks, “This Christmas Day is the quietest day of the year.”  He’s right.  Fewer cars.  That is like heaven.

Could we have just one day without cars except for emergencies?  For Planet Earth’s sake?

May the Source be with you!

4 km


Sunday, December 24th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
J & K

Christmas Eve, for the Krishna followers, means Krishna carolling.  Our usual Sunday community converged on the temple for singing, dancing and feasting.  We were singing the praises of Krishna, although we do love Jesus, too.

Jesus came to the world as the Prince of Peace.  He traveled on foot from place to place, like a swami.  He is sometimes depicted as one carrying a staff, much like a walking stick.  He was determined to spread mindfulness and overall wellness.

Krishna had a similar agenda.  Three thousand years before Jesus descended, He was born in a prison, then transferred for his safety to a quiet village near a manger.  In Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad-gita, He  explains His purpose for coming—to establish dharma and finally prema (chapter 18).

As a babe, He was protected from the evils of King Kamsa.  In the life of Jesus, we hear that His foster parents, Joseph and Mary, fled with their infant to escape the atrocities of King Herod.

In the traditions of both Christianity and Krishna-icity, there is emphasis given to the power of sound, the name of the Divine, by the usage of words like ‘holy’ or ‘hallowed’.  In Sanskrit, the language of Krishna, the term used is shabda brahman, to denote spiritual sound vibration.

We encouraged our group of people to sing and chant as a way to purge the heart.  This is as Jesus and Krishna would have it.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Saturday. December 23rd, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
The Road Not Taken

Another one by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.”  It’s somewhat appropriate for me because I did not take a road at all today, but just a church’s balcony; pacing back and forth.

I really love this one.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Friday, December 22nd, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Something from Robert Frost

La neige—snow—finally did come and it compelled some of us, Nick, Vijay and I to strap on our boots, pull out the shovels and start clearing the outside stairs and sidewalks.  Neighbours love it when you remove the excess stuff lying on the paths and walkways.

We see it as a service to the community.  We extended the favour and shovelled the drive and walkways next door, which is known as Grant House, a facility for women implicated with the law and who are starting a new life.

When the job was completed and we entered the cozy warmth of our ashram, I saw I was sent a poem by Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

Whose woods these are I think I know.  

His house is in the village though;  

He will not see me stopping here  

To watch his woods fill up with snow.  

My little horse must think it queer  

To stop without a farmhouse near  

Between the woods and frozen lake  

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake  

To ask if there is some mistake.  

The only other sound’s the sweep  

Of easy wind and downy flake.  

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  

But I have promises to keep,  

And miles to go before I sleep,  

And miles to go before I sleep.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Thursday, December 21st, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Will Smith Getting It

It was the spring of 2003 and I was on my second trip across Canada, on foot of course.  I started on the east coast, Newfoundland, then Cape Breton.  Finally came Nova Scotia and a town, Monastery.  I had with me a support team of three.  There was Deva Datta, who originated from southern Ontario.  Also on board was Tattva Darshan, originally from Alberta.  Finally with us was Benjamin Barnes, a fellow from the U.K. who was the childhood friend of George Harrison’s son, Dani.

We got to talking about having a break by watching a video, a movie.  It wasn’t our practice to do so, but someone amongst us had the idea for our group to view the film, “The Legend of Bagger Vance.”  It is a modern take on the Bhagavad-gita.  Matt Damon played the role of an ex-golfer who had lost his sense of swing.  His name was R. Junuh.  Bagger Vance, meaning Bhagavan or Krishna, was played by Will Smith.

We enjoyed this film, both because routinely we weren’t seeing movies—not much relevant material out there—and we’re busy.  Will played a pretty good Krishna; very detached from the world and yet very helpful to R. Junuh.  He does a jig on the sea shore, with a smile, at the end of the movie.

Very recently he came to Mumbai, India, for a promotion of a new movie.  He tells a reporter, speaking about India, “I love the history.  I am 90% through the Bhagavad-gita.  To be reading that and to be here…my inner Arjuna is being channeled.”

Way to go Will.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Wednesday, December 20th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Priorities

I started today’s afternoon trek by going through Ramsden Park which is situated across the street from our temple ashram.  I took a winter photo shot of the park, which is now newly renovated.  The barriers were recently removed and the neighbourhood can benefit from its valuable usage.  I missed the unveiling, if there was one.

What’s so good about it?

First of all, the children’s section was completed before anything else.  The badminton courts, ping pong tables, grassy chill-out zones with trees, and a sizeable dog play area came later.  Kids come first and so the priorities are right.

Secondly, the materials used were biodegradable.  Swings, climbing devices and a small fort are smartly done—plastic free.  Jaya!

Formerly the space was a brick-making factory.  The place has been transformed over time.  A triumph.  The park also sits at the edge of what’s called an ‘ancient trail’, where the Hurons roamed along what was then the shore of Lake Ontario.  http://www.blogto.com/city/2013/10/what_yorkville_looked_like_when_it_was_still_a_village/

Anyway, good stuff!

I proceeded to hit Yonge Street, another place of gradual transformation.  Huge condos are going up.  I also ventured into a shopping mall—the Eaton’s Centre—spanning from Dundas to Queen; the place goes on forever.  It’s busy.  95% young people.  It’s Christmas, it’s crazy.  Not Christ.

I turned back and reached the ashram in time for kirtan, chanting.  As I entered the building, I caught a whiff of the smell of bleach.  At least the floors are clean.

I sat on a large mat with others to partake in the kirtan.  Graham sat next to me.  He smelled like a barn.  I told him so.  It reminded me of my childhood.

May the Source be with you!

9 km


Tuesday, December 19th, 2017
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Edmonton, Alberta
Just Arrived

Vira Krishna is a teacher at Edmonton University, who moved here from Brazil with his wife and daughter.  What a brahmin he is.  He carries himself as such and even has his brahmin thread hanging to the right from under his sweater.

When we use that term, brahmin, it could come across as ambiguous.  Many stories to do with brahmins in the Vedas portray this class of people as proud, easily angered and ambitious.  Then there is an opposite version of the brahminical group depicting them as caring, learned, visionary, etc.

I would say the latter is a more accurate description of our dear Vira, who also claims to be an avid walker.

“You’re my kind of person, Vira,” I said, referring to his brahminical side, which I admire as much as his ‘pedestrianism’.

Vira, with family, and a host of other community bhakti-yogi members came to hear about the topic of change.  ‘Change’ is mentioned in the Gita in connection with reincarnation, whereby the soul alters his/her body.  You change your bodies within one lifetime (2.13) just as you would go to your wardrobe and change your clothing.

We went on to discuss with the group that it is a selection choice.  You determine your own destiny through your desire.

It was a very focused audience, largely due to the fact there were fewer kids.  Don’t get me wrong, I love children.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Monday, December 18th, 2017
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Edmonton, Alberta
The Ice and the Bird

It is not the most walker-friendly area to get around, but then again drivers in this industrial district are fairly courteous as the pujari (priest) and I maneuver along on foot.  This is day number two, when for an hour and more, we brave prairie-winter weather.  Actually, even that, we cannot complain about, because instead of the usual coarse temperatures at -20° Celsius or lower, you are looking at just below freezing.

The streets are glistening and without snow, meaning that white and black ice dominate as ground cover.  But in the sky, oh yes, in the sky, our feathered friend, the magpie, is truly in charge.  Have you ever seen or heard those aggressive creatures?  They seem to transcend.  They are tough birds.  I don’t see them flying south for the winter.  If it wasn’t for them, nature’s more jovial side wouldn’t be so present out here on the prairie.

Purbajaya, the pujari, doesn’t know much English—although he knows warmth and kindness—and the magpie is just one more item of the north he isn’t familiar with.  Well, I always say, “Get to know the place you’re in.  Familiarize yourself with your surroundings.  Know, at least, who’s the king of the sky around here.”

In this southern portion of Edmonton—where hockey really matters (the Oilers)—and being near the Radha-Govinda Cultural Centre, where I’m staying, you try to avoid the slip and slide of the ice.  Sidewalks are few; remember, it’s an industrial area.  To balance the easy life of the many hours of comfort in the centre, I am committed to meet the rawness of the outdoors and view those black, white and blue birds in the air.

I’m signing off for a program at the home of Yogendra.  https://instagram.com/p/Bc5PjX0lGBp/

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Sunday, December 17th, 2017
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Edmonton, Alberta
Suddenly

I was supposed to be in Miami this weekend, but, that being cancelled out, a window of opportunity opened up for going elsewhere.  In pronto fashion, divine intervention had it that I would not venture south, but west.  Bala Krishna, our leader in Edmonton, booked me right away.  It was an overnight red-eye flight from Toronto.  The last light piece of humour I recall before arriving at near 2:00 a.m. was a remark by a passenger behind me as she was wiggling her way into the seat. “Excuse my fat ass!”

There were two programs set up whereby I had the blessing to speak on the topic of bhakti-yoga; one was at the home of Adhokshaja, where a fabulous kirtanwas held.  Harmonium, violin and tabla made it special.

The second—or rather first, in order—was my talk from Chapter 12 of the Gita.  Love these verses, 18 and 19.  “One who is equal to friends and enemies, who is equipoised in honour and dishonor, heat and cold, happiness and distress, fame and infamy, who is always free from contaminating association, always silent and satisfied with anything, who doesn’t care for any residence, who is fixed in knowledge and who is engaged in devotional service—such a person is very dear to Me (Bhagavan).”

It was a captive group of listeners, and I arranged for the youngsters to be in the front, close to me.  Successfully, from the speaker’s chair, we sold two hundred eighty-eight Bhagavad-gitasthrough the sponsorship program.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Saturday, December 16th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
I’ll Help Jay

It’s been hectic at the ashram and what contributes to this dynamic is the visit by Vaisesika and Nirakula.  They are a divine couple who pop by every six months, encouraging the community in the gift-giving exercise of sastra dana.  What this means is that if you sponsor a text, like the Bhagavad-gita, some lucky person can become the recipient of the book.

While a crew of volunteers became engaged in the art of book distribution I provided some back-up through cleaning the ashram.  Then I took advantage of the time to go for a much needed walk.  At 65, you just have to take action.  It’s day number three since returning from Winnipeg and I’m embarrassed to say it could have been day number three of no walking.  I got antsy.

Jay, 27, joined me.  As we trekked a trail down the ravine over nice ice and low snow, Jay had a thought on his mind.

“Only one thought, Jay?”

“Well, one pressing one.  Should I become a brahmachari (a monk)?”

I had questions for him, one of which was, “You’re working?”

“Yes.”

“Well, why not try coming on weekends for a stay over?  Come and learn the philosophy.  Chant and serve.  Make friends.  Give.  Receive.  See how you like it.  Go at it gradually.  In the event that you really like it then you might try working while staying at the ashram.  Most men do get married—the ones who come through the ashram doors.  After time given to the ashram experience you can decide, ‘Will you marry a woman or will you marry the mission?’  You give it some thought.  I’ll help in any way I can,” I said.

May the Source be with you!

9 km


Friday, December 15th, 2017
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Etobicoke, Ontario
The Right Food and Routine

They sat me down for dinner and before me was presented a very cooked-down veggie prep, popular in Mumbai—a mix of cauliflower, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes spread on a bun.  There was also exquisite salad with balsamic dressing, a butternut squash soup and wraps.  I was spoiled.  Oh, and biryani was also on the menu.  I try to avoid rice preps.  I find rice bloats me up more than I need.  I’m still a sucker for wild rice though.  It’s actually a food in the aquatic-grass category and is not a grain.

Our program, held in the household of Nimai and Moksha Lila, was not all to do with potluck food.  The gathering of several families is a spiritual-social event.

A reading from the Bhagavad-gita is included and this evening I was asked to conduct a class on Chapter 2, to discuss sense control.  It is a lovely section of the Gita, summarizing the basics of the entire philosophical output of Krishna’s message.  The lesson concentrated on regulating one’s gratification of the senses.  Enjoying your physical body and also the pleasures of the more subtle self are not taboo.  They are controlled through training and through the practice of family life.  “Don’t go overboard in sensual pleasures,” is the message I addressed.  “Fill your thoughts with the Absolute and channel or dovetail the sensual tendencies.”

It is a happy bunch that gets together once a week.  A good model.  Friday evenings are special for those who are routine.

May the Source be with you

0 km


Thursday, December 14th, 2017
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winterpeg, Manisnowbha

I looked out the window of Vishal’s home only to find a whiteness which has awakened a stillness.  It’s beautiful really.  Shanti!  There is peace.  Tranquility!  Tranquility of mind.

I don’t mind winter and it is usually full-blown here in Winnipeg.  One devotee from Kazakstan, who drove me to the airport, expressed, “It’s actually pleasant out today—only about -14° Celsius.”

Yes, that’s true, I thought.  Winter, especially in Winnipeg, is indeed ‘epitomized harshness’ so far as weather is concerned.  And December is that time of great reflection.  Walking by the Red or Assiniboine Rivers are ideal locations for this kind of reflection or introspection.

I tend to remember the image of the iconic two—Krishna and Arjuna—poised as teacher and student.  It was at this time of year that the dissemination of wisdom by Sri Krishna took place.  Arjuna possessed a mind of turbulence.  Krishna was calmness personified.  The weak required the strong.  Weakness is something to keep in check.

I’m especially excited to see Krishna charging with His horses, headed toward the enemy—the enemy ultimately referring to vice.  Lust, anger and greed are the vices identified.  This is the image I see in my mind’s eye after hearing the description in the Bhagavad-gita of Krishna and Arjuna setting out to task, to duty.

And when the opportunity arises to glance at the Gita’s cover depicting the two just before the charge, when Arjuna is at his lowest point, it beckons me to enter into the mysteries of life.

So, Winnipeg—your snow conjures up good thoughts.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Wednesday, December 13th, 2017
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
What We Do Have

We have no temple or official centre for Krishna Consciousness, in Winnipeg, of substantial size as of yet.  Operations at 108 Chestnut Street have been running successfully under the careful guidance from Vrinda’s home for some time, and have more recently shifted to an area of St. Vital’s where a group of young couples reside.  They call this group the’Bhakti Village’ and I’m so proud of them for conducting courses in devotional education.  I’m confident we’ll see a steady growth and progression.  May speed be a reality.  Blessings!  Thank you Vrinda for being the teacher.

One of the younger householders, Vishal, and his wife, Ankeet, are hosting me.  As part of starting operations I thought to approach Vishal and say, “I have a quota of kilometres to walk.  Can you join me for an outside experience?”

Vishal is from India and is somewhat apprehensive about the Winnipeg ‘winter wonderland’.  “Let’s go!” he said, putting faith in the swami.  I made no conditions and put no time limits until well into the walk.  All went fine.  I then suggested one and a half hours.  It was a little more than he had in mind.  We just kept going, exploring streets and trails.  Twenty minutes became thirty, forty.  We were climbing with time.

“Okay,” I said when we reached the Hindu Temple at St. Ann’s, “What time are we looking at now?”  We were now well past the halfway point where we had needed to  turn around.  When we reached the finish point, his home, it was exactly 1.5 hours later.  Our chanting and chatting had caused time to fly.  What an achievement, Vishal!

We achieved a fine distance despite winter weariness.  We also came together as a larger group to discuss the power of devotion in the form of chanting.  Just ask Yamaraja!  From the Bhagavatam, Canto 6, he glorifies and gives a boost to chanting.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Tuesday, December 12th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Good Day in Winterpeg

Daruka was my support person for one and a half trips across Canada, ending in 2014.  Along with his blue-front Amazon parrot, we appeared to conquer a good chunk of this planet simply by trekking along over diverse terrain and meeting people, many of whom finish each sentence with “eh.”

This afternoon was a little reunion for the three of us at Daruka’s loft apartment in the neighbourhood.  Daruka found himself in three major accidents—none being his fault—beginning at our departure in 2014.  His mother remarked, “You never had these problems with the Swami.”  Daruka is fortunate to be alive.  And alive he is, with a full beard and moustache.

Walking in Winnipeg was unfavourable outside with weather being what it is.  My host, Visvambhara suggested the newly opened Dakota Fieldhouse, a privately owned community workout facility.  We walked in and met the fellow at the desk.

“It’s $30.00 for a monthly membership.  For a drop-in, it’s $5.00!”

“I just wanted to walk on your running track.  I’m a monk.  Here for two days.  Have walked Canada four times and the U.S. just this summer…”

“Wow, well you don’t have to pay anything.  Here’s your entry wrist band.  Have a great walk.”

So, I did, and what a fine track we are looking at.  Thank God for such community centres.  With my Kyboots on I felt like flying.  I only had to worry about keeping an eye on figures—the time.

Incidentally, I recall reading that overhead banner at the Thunder Bay Airport before coming here.  What was being promoted I couldn’t understand but it read, “A beaver can take down a tree in 20 minutes!”  Incredible figure!

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Monday, December 11th, 2017
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Thunder Bay, Ontario

Taking Pictures

Today I became practically housebound, perhaps not by choice. I remained in the home of host, Prem Kishor, and did some quality pacing in his basement. Through the windows I could see those beautiful flakes of snow descending. “Flakes” is a word appropriate for nature. When applied to a human, it is somewhat derogatory.

I was hoping to capture with my phone camera some imagery like on all other days, but being inward-bound I was limited. The weather turned to swirly snow and I wasn’t so well prepared –footwear-wise.

Only in the evening, for the 7:00 p.m. arati at the Vedic Culture Centre on Victoria, did I get the chance to get out and view more interesting images. Before I began giving a Gita class—broadcast online—my eyes caught the image of the mrdanga drum, I had just sat in place. I had to snap an image of that, finding the instrument to be all-attractive. The additional features of the text, The Gita, and a pair of kartals—hand cymbals—became irresistible for accompanying the drum. These are all very sacred items.

I also noticed at the base of the shrine there are images of das avatar, the ten prominent avatars, or incarnations. My eyes gravitated to the picture of Vamana, the monk who is a dwarf and is hailed for being a walking God. Only three glorious steps of his put Him in the Vedic “Hall of Fame.”

I returned to Prem’s home and there I saw on his (de-caffeinated) coffee table, a copy of the Thunder Bay tourist magazine called, “Thunder Bay Experience.” On the front page is featured the Colour Fest of this past September, staged by Prem Kishor himself. “You’re a champion, Prem!”

I snapped that image also.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Sunday, December 10th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Cold? No Problem

It is a two hour flight going northwest to Thunder Bay from Toronto.

Surely there would be snow in this town, being closer to the Arctic! As we landed it was confirmed. The white stuff had made a light covering over the area. No problem for me.

It’s also no problem for Jayosh, 53, the flight attendant who sat next to me for a good fifteen minutes. He’s quite devotional. He chants on his beads and told me that on one flight that was particularly bumpy—turbulent—when all passengers were told to remain seated, he also sat and began his routine chanting. Two ladies nearby saw his lips moving and this was translated as prayer and they assumed the plane was definitely going to crash—as if he knew something they didn’t. They became very restless. “Freaking out,” as he put it, and he had to allay their fears, like a good flight attendant.

At the terminal I was greeted by Prem, a hero for me. He’s got the Colourfest down and annually throws the best colour/powder party in Canada—this year in September, when new students were freshly arriving in town. The Marina Park overlooking Lake Superior was the location for the fun.

Incidentally when I meet those students, many of whom are from warmer climates, I have to get my sermon out that cold is good. “Mind over matter,” and “if you warm up to the cold the cold warms up to you. Dress warm and no problem.”

Not being a hypocrite in this regard, I passionately did two sessions of walking in the now soft, snow-bound streets, all bright and clear, and relished the trek near Mount McKay.

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Saturday, December 9th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

New Home

Arjuna offers his apologies to Krishna. This is evident in verses 41 and 42 from Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad-gita, which I used as a reference at the home blessing of Rajasuya and Surabhi’s house. The passage is as follows:

“I have in the past addressed You as, “O Krsna,” “O Yadava,” “O my friend,” without knowing Your glories. Please forgive whatever I may have done in madness or in love. I have dishonored You many times while relaxing or while lying on the same bed or eating together, sometimes alone and sometimes in front of many friends. Please excuse me for all my offenses.”

Approximately ten couples and children sat to hear and explore the topic of relationships and how especially in a spiritual community the exercise of personal dealings is of paramount importance. Communication and fair listening skills become key ingredients in creating a successful relationship. It’s something that you shape—or “cultivate,” as our guru, Prabhupada used to say. The principle of ‘Respect’ needs to be implemented, and one must push familiarity far away as it does have a tendency to conjure up contempt.

How precious it is to have a life partner who is spiritual in heart and practice, on top of being a mate.

Breaking a pattern of familiarity can be realized from the realm of humility, and sometimes apology, when applicable. It’s what Arjuna used to make his relationship with Krishna deeper and stronger.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Friday, December 8th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

Forgive Them

People appear to put in many a mile, or kilometre, for their shopping, thus it is a marathon they are on this season. It’s quite an odd game—a mad rush to get to the finish line marked by December 25th.

I was walking today on Bloor and a thought came to my head. If Jesus was walking right next to me, I would like to see the expression on his face when he sees that it has all come down to this. He just may do what he did when he entered the temple and, angered as he was, turned over the tables and let vendors have it.

The quote from the gospel of Matthew 21:12-13 reads like this:

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,” but you are making it “a den of robbers”.’ New International Version-UK.

The shops on Bloor are not places of worship, but for merchandise. However, a fiasco—or nothing short of one—is in our midst. An event, formerly celebrated as the birth of a person whom we refer in Sanskrit to as a shaktyavesh avatar (a God-empowered person), has turned into a very mundane time. It doesn’t have to be like this, Sweet Jesus.

With him at my side, (I’m dreaming really, but if he were) I would say, “You do have the faithful ones, but for a lot of folks I may have to say something you said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Thursday, December 7th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

Thursday With a Friend

Ahhh! Thursday. I think it’s a day people look forward to. Why? In the West–maybe limited to North America–is Thursday, perhaps, special? Well, the stores are open later on Thursday and people seem to like shopping. And with Christmas and all, I could see a kind of frenzy this night on my walk.

Also, Thursday means nearing the week’s end and approaching the parties and outings. Spirits are lifted. Compare it to Monday morning—what a contrast!

There is this gentleman who has routinely come for darshan (deity viewing) at the temple, for years, and just before I left the building for my walk, I saw him enter. “Oh I know what day of the week it is!” I said, and we had a good chuckle.

I received a call today–again about Thursday–that was just before I met “Mr. Thursday,” (the Lord knows I can’t remember his name) and on that call I was asked, “Maharaja, is it true that your guru, Prabhupada, never liked to travel on Thursdays?” and I confirmed it was true, so if he had to be on a voyage he would pack and have his luggage set and ready to go a day prior as if to be leaving not on the Thursday. Whether it was an old family practice, I’m not certain, but I’m going to find out.

Lastly, on this Thursday evening, I did dare the dark, but not so dark—city and Christmas lights were lit.

I like Helen Keller’s statement about walking in the dark. “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”

With me was God, Paramatma, on this night.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Wednesday, December 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Varadero / Toronto

More About Appreciation

The plane landed, Air Canada, Flight 1741 at 2:00 p.m. Passengers applauded. They don’t always. They showed their appreciation. It’s what the world needs now. Like your pilot who lands you safely.

I received an e-mail from Chaitanya Priya, our stalwart trooper in Havana. The message read, “Thank you to be inspired us. (She’s learning English.) All devotees are very happy with your visit. I’m would like that you have a good travel. We wait for you to next year. Please, excuse our offenses.” Of course, there weren’t any.

I’m glad that everyone feels that way about the visit from Hayagriva and I. We also know that our timing was right. A well-known musician in Cuba had his mother pass away and our communication or conversation with him and his wife made a difference, especially after we gave him, or rather sang for him, the maha-mantra.

Also, a woman from eastern Europe was in a quandary about her life regarding soulmates and we suggested she make God her soulmate. That, and more discussion with her on life in general, gave her a fresh start to her thinking.

These last two situations occurred randomly. We had no idea that we would factor them into our schedule, but they were meant to be.

Also, in Matanzas, at the main city square, Hayagriva and I, upon our arrival there yesterday, were rather hungry. We ate pizza, a Cuban version, and people came up to Hayagriva and recalled how he had led some great chanting sessions right there in public. They remembered the monk, and the group with him, singing their hearts out. They expressed their gratitude.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Tuesday, December 5th, 2017
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Santa Clara / Matanzas
Cuba: Close to the End

At Club Video, we conducted our last formal presentation in Cuba.  Followers of Deepak Chopra came, as did the regular bhakti yogis of Krishna.  We went rather enthusiastic with our own aerobics and became like children in a playground.  It’s great to see adults become like that.  I was the guy on the drums thumping away as best I could. https://instagram.com/p/BcX_8ielLqo/

It was a long drive to Matanzas and to the cathedral at Monserrate where we made lasting connections with residents who practise devotion.  We touched three generations there.  Each one loves the attention and the greatest goes to the youngest.

Our final stopover was the overnight stay in Varadero.  We are now in the habit of thanking our cab drivers who really do a fine job of delivering the goods—us.  If there’s a garland to circle his neck or a group of people to chant upon his arrival after transporting his passengers, it really makes the difference.  Appreciation for any endeavour goes the longest distance, probably around the world.

I’ve found that a healthy pat on the back for the guys and a respectful bow to the female devotees also offers them an incredible boost.  After all, I only come once a year for a week, which is just a drop in the bucket as far as encouragement is concerned.

In many ways Cuba is cut off from the rest of the world culturally, socially and politically.  This has its advantages.  I love the Cubans.  Their warmth is unsurpassed.  My trip winds up soon, as does the year.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Monday, December 4th, 2017
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Santa Clara, Cuba
Life of Mixed Blessings

I believe there are more horse-driven buggies in Rodas than there are cars, thus, you’re looking at heaven.  The few motorized conveyances in this town spew out dark fumes, thus, you’re looking at hell.  The area around is blessed with great agricultural soil.  That’s good.  There are vegetables, fruits, sugar cane, beans and rice.  On the road leading to town, harvested rice kernels are strewn out on one of the lanes of the highway for drying.  That’s how infrequent a vehicle comes by and how co-operative, respectful and efficient things can carry on in Cuba.  It’s sweet, really. https://instagram.com/p/BcVZQ1GlNdu/

A diesel-fuelled car drove us to Santa Clara, a city of left-wing attitudes.  Here we had a meal of local yucca, beans and rice, cane juice and flavourful cucumbers.  The casual visitors to our hostel room were also delicious—nothing to do with cannibalism, of course.  They prescribe to Krishna devotion—Indradeva, a vet student; Devananda, a retired metal engineer; and Dhanvantari, a young charismatic aerobics and martial arts teacher.  That’s Santa Clara.

When in Havana, Hayagriva and I walked along the Malecon, the sea wall.  People are rather poor, more so in the city.  A man was catching fish for a meal.  He left one by his side after the catch.  We felt sorry for the discomfort of the fish but it was the man’s prize, not our jurisdiction.  The only water in sight for relieving the little fellow of his suffering was the ocean with it’s life-threatening waves and over a deep wall.  What were we to do? https://instagram.com/p/BcPjV_al2Ng/

The average salary, I’ve been told, is less than $25.00 a month.  If you live in the countryside, you’re probably better off.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Sunday, December 3rd, 2017
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Rodas, Cuba
The Food For Us

In the bush, not far from Havana, where we have land, a fabulous soup was cooked up in the out-of-doors, with all ingredients from that spot.  There was yucca, carrots and cabbage, some greens and raw turmeric.  It was just missing some sea salt, however, cheers to the cook, Nanda Tanuja.  How organic can you get?

And today, after a rough three hour ride to Rodas—rough because the exhaust filters through into the car’s interior—Sruti treated us to some simple buns with a unique veggie paste inside.  Yummy!  I can see that in these smaller places Krishna Consciousness is having some impact through food.  Mainly it’s the ladies who convert to a veg-based diet first.  And with today’s talk, the attendance was overwhelmingly female.  It seems the guys were outside working on machines.  I’m not judging here.

One question that popped up from one of the guests, “I still eat meat and eggs, but is it okay to offer Krishna fruit, flowers and water?  Do I qualify or do I only offer items to the Lord after I get free from meat eating?”

Answer is, “No, you perform whatever service you can.  Don’t delay.  Do it with love and pray that Krishna provides you with the means to get closer to Him.”

Another question was, “What do you tell a person who says to you, ‘Christ is the only way?’”

My answer is, “You just closed the door on me because we can’t have a two-way conversation.”

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Saturday. December 2nd, 2017
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Havana, Cuba
Good Day, Sunshine!

Eddy Alejandro is not an ordinary Cuban.  He’s a well-known musician, and his son, Christopher, is following in his dad’s footsteps.  Eddy had lots of questions about the life of a monk and it was natural, since his more deepened quest for life set in recently as his mum just passed away.  This doesn’t mean to say he’s contemplating a life of renunciation at any time in the near future.  His gorgeous wife wouldn’t have it.

“How do you live?  No salary?  When you do your walks? Where do you stay at night?  How do you see the world?  Really, no wife, no love?”

Slowly I answered those questions of his with translations by Caroline, a friend from Toronto of forty-two years.

“When you live that life of simplicity, where less is more, the world can be viewed from a very different angle, objectively.”  And so, in addition to chatting with him, we were encouraged to step into his recording studio and do a take on mantras, something he’s never been exposed to before.  He said it relieved him.  The chant was soothing.

Another event today, which served as a mind pacifier, was the yajna, conducted by Hayagriva, on the land maintained by Chaitanya Priya and Carlos, who ceremoniously received his first initiation today.  Now with a new name, Krishna Surya, he was still, as usual, Mister Content, in smiles and peace.  He’s not only the expert gardener, but he treated everyone to his own, homegrown coconuts and demonstrated his mastery with the machete so we could drink.

In the morning, we only had thirty minutes for our presentation of Krishna Consciousness at the Institute for the Science of Religion.  For that, there had to be something very stimulating.  There were sixty or so students, and their participation in the kirtan was vital.  Without force, but rather by self-inspiration, all partook in the dance and chants.  Everyone appeared to be in the state of felicidad?

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Friday, December 1st, 2017
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Havana, Cuba
Here and There

The Resort, Varadero:

One woman was super curious to know about soulmates.  Is there a soul that you’re meant to be with from life to life?  The answer we offered was, “Allow God to be your actual soulmate.”  In consideration that she is twice the age of her boyfriend with thirty years difference, that was sound advice.  “Go to the top male,” I said.

A second person, a Montrealer, and originally from Poland, had spotted Hayagriva, and swore she’d seen him in the Metro–subway–in Montreal.

“You were handing out pamphlets.  It was winter,” she said.

Hayagriva confirmed that most likely it was him.  The very sweet woman had concluded that he and I were some kind of Zen masters.  It took some time to let her know that we are of the Krishna order.  “It’s somewhat different, older, more seasoned, with directions—bhakti, love and devotion.”

She didn’t quite comprehend.

A Home, Havana:

Here we met followers at the home of Chaitanya Priya, who is the Krishna stalwart of Cuba.  And it was here that kirtan was led.  Then we discussed the list of eight qualities of a mahatmaas delineated in the Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 9.  Of all the qualities, we put the spotlight onto the practice of continual chanting, satatam kirtayanto mam.  What that phrase means, essentially, is to constantly express appreciation for the blessings that have come to you from above.

Chaitanya Priya was rough in terms of her cuisine products when I began to come to Cuba in the first decade of the 2000s.  Now, with her Indian spices, she’s doing great.  She’s excelling.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Thursday, November 30th, 2017
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Matanzas, Cuba
Connections in Cuba

“Are you Musulman?” asked one of the employees at the Starfield Resort.

“No, we are not Muslim,” Hayagriva answered back in Spanish.

Another employee asked if we were monks and the answer was positive.  A woman approached us about setting up an appointment to discuss reincarnation.  We are booked then for tomorrow morning.

Oleg, a Russian, came up to us by the ocean front and began to recite the pranatis (prayers) to our guru, Srila Prabhupada.  Quite amazing!  He happens to know the big shots amongst our swamis from the eastern block—Bhakti Vijnana and Indradyumna Swamis.  Unfortunately Oleg is well acquainted with the product of breweries.  We felt for him and pray he will take up the fight.

Some of the Russian and Canadian tourists have had a good experience with Krishna monks from their homeland.  They may even break into a jig upon seeing us, all in good fun.

Behind the work-out gym in downtown Matanzas, there lives Gonsalez, a seventy-four-year-old Reiki master, and he was host to our talk tonight.  He requested the topic: How energies can help transition a person’s higher consciousness! Basically, we spoke then on the transformation of shakti (energy) to the realm of bhakti (devotion).

We cited Arjuna as an example of someone whose enthusiasm toward duty was low; it was his guru, Krishna, who suggested he channel all talents and energies into love, and to transcend duty.

Life’s mission is to bring our lower nature to oblivion and permit elevated consciousness to prevail.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Wednesday, November 29th, 2017
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Varadero, Cuba
At the Edge of Cuba

It was some seven years ago, or so, that I sat on the grass outside our resort, called Memories, teaching the verse from Chapter Nine of the Bhagavad-gita.  Actually it was a memorization of raja vidya regarding the potent message of the Gita itself being the “king of knowledge” and the secret of all secrets.  When assimilated and put into practice, or into the world of action, it is joyfully performed.

The group, my students, memorized it well.  They rolled their Rs very well and found the Sanskrit language to be very mystical.  Pronunciation was just tops.

Since it is the day to celebrate Gita Jayanti, the anniversary of when the sacred dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna was spoken, I reflected on the event of five millennia ago.  Temples around the world call on congregants to come together and recite, in union, the seven hundred verses that contain actual secrets to life’s success.

Hayagriva and I honoured the Gita’s descent to the world at the Atlantic shore in Cuba.  We came to a volcanic cliff edge and sat/stood in meditation on the ocean’s might and how it is indeed one of Krishna’s opulences.  The ocean, its waves, and power of current, opened up our chakras of thought.  It brought to mind Chapter Ten, which highlights nature’s prominence in this world.  We also swam in the welcoming waters.  Both of us have been on a marathon of bhakti and felt that the swim and the sun was a way to oil our machines—bodies—and prepare for a helluvahectic week, teaching the Gita’s wisdom.  https://instagram.com/p/BcHYSX-Fwr7/

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Tuesday, November 28th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Before Cuba

I took some time in packing and readying myself for the annual trip to Cuba.  There’s really not much to pack, to be honest.  Between myself and travelling companion, Hayagriva, we have our clothes, toiletries, bhakti books in Spanish, Indian spices to leave with Krishna devotees, and our own reading and writing material.  Hayagriva, of course, has his computer. https://instagram.com/p/BcE5Me2lfYo/

While it’s a day for placing installments into my carry-on suitcase, I also took the time for people.  There’s an actor friend who came to see me.  He’s been struggling with an addiction but is making headway into pulling away from his attachments.  Good for him.  He’s taking more refuge of Krishna.

There is also a woman, blonde, who has that striking resemblance to Joni Mitchell.  I had a few words with her, as well as Fred, who comes by almost every day to our Govinda’s for a great meal.  Fred works in retail and shows up quite exhausted after dealing with the Christmas madness.  Fred is from Timmins and has his connections with celebrity Shania Twain.

“She had a rough upbringing and lived for a while eating mustard sandwiches,” he said.

Anyway, I don’t really known Shania, only that she’s famous and was after my time.  I became a monk in ’73 so I missed a lot of the entertainment material.  Perhaps, I didn’t miss much.

What do you think, readers?  After Joni Mitchell was there much to listen to from the musical, secular point of view?

May the Source be with you!

3 km

Monday, November 27th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
A PM Trek

“Let’s take to walking to or through the Brickworks,” I suggested to Marshall and Mahaprabhu.  This is a section of the city I’ve mentioned before as my place of training.  Training is actually an awkward word to describe walking, because it comes natural to all of us.  It’s the endurance part of it, the marathon scope, which requires some mind over matter dynamics and qualifies this motion as some form of training.

Our trek to the ravine which led us to the old brick factory off of Bayview became a two hour pleasant endeavor.  It was actually a pleasure in the 4° C weather with sun upon us which made it a treat.  To confirm, at the onset, a stenciled message painted on the sidewalk read, “Be Kind to Yourself.”

Okay, we are, because merely by walking you are kind to yourself.  When we say ‘self’ we should refer to the whole being—body, mind, intellect and soul.  Ultimately the soul is the real ‘me’.  The body is a layer that you shed.  You, the soul, continue a journey at death.

The three of us became embodied by the tan-roofed warehouse at the Brickworks.  We approached the old edifice, as it was part of our route; we entered it, walked through and came out before reaching the ponds or wetlands.  In this way, we go through life entering bodies, make a temporary stay and then exit.

After the second hour, we arrived back from where we departed at 243 Avenue Road, the ISKCON Temple.

May the Source be with you!

10 km


Sunday, November 26th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Top Monks

Tapasa brahmacharyena

Samena ca dhamena ca

The above is a quote from the Srimad Bhagavatam, 6.1.13, and it is in reference to life as a Vedic monk.  Tapasa is defined as austerity.  Brahmachari means celibate practitioner.  Sama refers to control of the mind.  Dhama refers to a harnessing of the senses.

The above qualities are the natural semblances of an ascetic who accepts voluntary inconveniences for a higher end.  These austerities form the basis or foundation for a “good man.”  A healthy restraint of the mind and senses is a great way to prepare for the second phase of one’s life, the ashramcalled grhasta or householder lifestyle.

I raise this topic because a little extra saffron cloth came to visit us in Toronto today.  My support team for the U.S. walk, Hayagriva and Marshall, came to visit in the morning before our launch to Cuba on Wednesday.  It is a pleasure to have them.  Hayagriva has been giving a series of talks in the area—talks based on bhakti.  Yes, talks on bhakti basics.

By the way, my favourite brahmacharis, monks, from the Vedic literatures are Bhisma, whom we can hear about in the epic Mahabharat, and Hanuman, who is detailed in the Ramayana.  Incidentally they are both warriors, famous for their fortitude in protecting the vulnerable.  They are loyal, faithful and demonstrate the highest level of servitorship.

Narada Muni is another favourite.

May the Source be with you!

2 km


Saturday, November 25th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Happy Times?

When you step outside in the dark you are liable to see lights, not necessarily the luminaries of the sky, galaxies or the milky way, like the twinkle twinkle little stars the skies above Utah.  It’s actually all those Christmas lights which pump up the bucks for the optimum cash flow of the year.

The lights of November and December don’t always get me “lit.”  I’m a Scrooge in spirit for the commercial hype.  I do love Jesus but not the Christmas that is not his.

Anyway, may we tolerate the yuletide.  I can think, however, of the optimism just around the corner. In four days there is something called Gita Jayanti, the birth of the ‘words’ spoken by Krishna and Arjuna.  Vaishnavas will celebrate the occasion.

As I walked from Rasesvara’s condo, at Richmond and Spadina, to home, I was witnessing the fluff of this season and it came to mind that I hope Gita Jayanti will not rise and fall like “All Saints Day,” which has become almost completely lost in the ghoulish Halloween we now know.  I hope that Easter might return to Jesus and take the Easter eggs from the bunnies’ hands.

I’ll admit that the stroll was pretty, and Queen West remains as one of the most hip streets of the nation.  It’s dominated by the youth and here, on Saturday night, you’re likely to feel some kind of hope.  It’s hard, though, when you hear that Sufis in the number of over 300 were killed by ISIS in Egypt.  Our guru, Prabhupada, had admiration for this group of devotional people, the Sufis.

It’s tragic really.  Very, very tragic!

Thanks, Corry, my cousin, for coming to visit after so many years.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Friday, November 24th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
I Met Fellows

Mahaprabhu is a rather seasoned Vaishnava and is comfortably set in his orthodox ways in both looks and behaviour.  He and I went for an evening trek through Rosedale, a neighbourhood of stately homes.  With his stark white dhoti and almost-shocking, bold tilak on his forehead, set against a deliciously dark pigment, he could easily come across appearing tribal/terroristic in this established neighbourhood.

I believe that after thirty years of my floating through this hood (and I say that because I do feel light, and safe perhaps, in this residential nook) people have come to know me.  But Mahaprabhu, well, he’s new and different.  I’m proud of him for being a staunch monk.  I assess him as such even though his visit to our ashram is short—two weeks.

Having spent a good long day in the ashram, I met with others, mostly fellows, who had come around to visit, to hear, to view, to eat—all things that happen at the ashram and temple.  There was Michael Gilbert, a renowned photographer, who lives in both Paris and Hawaii, who came down for lunch at our Govinda’s.  He told me of a photo assignment in Nepal, one April, when he was trapped in snow at a 14,000 foot altitude.  Thought he was going to die.  Then he started the mantra “Hare Krishna” and it gave him the fuel to keep walking down the mountain’s descent.  Hope came to him.

I also met Nicolas from Florida who showed me his mantra card he’s had for years in his wallet.

Ryan from London, Ontario, also came by.  He’s got that fascination for Krishna.  And then there was Amit, smitten with love, going through a relationship crisis.  “Chant!” Mahaprabhu and I told him.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Thursday, November 23rd, 2017
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Mississauga, Ontario
The Two S’s

It was an interesting way to get to the wedding of Bhupender and Divya.  I took the subway—the underground commuter train—to the end of the line at Sheppard West, then walked to beyond Highway 400 on Sheppard where Nimai Nitai picked me up for a drive to the destination, a gorgeous banquet hall next to the Ram Mandir.  We made it.

Have you ever been to an Indian wedding?  It’s lavish, the food is good and the people are cheerful.  It can be endless and have a semblance of Chapter 11 from the Gita—many forms, colours, no beginning and especially no end.  All my friends were there, community members and disciples/students.  Kratu and his wife were there.  I remember when he joined.

When we arrived, the puja (rituals) were underway.  The bridegroom sat on a royal-like couch.  I was asked by the pundit (priest) to chant.  With no musical instruments in sight, Kratu was quick to grab a china plate and knife.  This helped to keep a rhythm with the knife beating on the plate.  That was innovative. I chanted Hare Krishna and all responded.

The bride, Divya, appeared  She sat next to her new husband.  Kratu spoke.  He offered a big congratulations to all.  Divya’s dad, R. Raman, spoke as well.  I spoke.  Wisdom is what the Emcee asked for, in brief.

Okay, to Bhupender and Divya, who are both doctors, I offered this advice, “Follow the two S’s.  The first S stands for sanga—keep good company, holy company.  The second S stands for seva—service to God and others.  The best to you!”

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017
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Newark, New Jersey
Daring?

“Life is a daring adventure or not at all.”  Helen Keller

The above is a quote by an amazing woman—a quote I picked up from the screen on the United Airlines on my journey back to Canada.  That journey involved a seven hour stopover at La Guardia Airport.  It was difficult trying to see an adventure coming out of hanging around a busy airport.  If you can’t extract excitement out of a day, then some dynamic is likely to make a little fun out of it.

For starters, as I went through security, I lost my phone.  It was with me five minutes earlier on the skytrain.  The folks at the security check sent me all over the place.  “Check with the people in the red suits.”  So I did.  I went here and there.  Finally we found it was with security.  The phone had slipped out of my bead bag before entering the screening machine and it had just literally fallen through the cracks.

Okay, my vital device was found.  I had no panic attack.  A swami must keep his cool.

While waiting that long wait, a fellow came up to me and asked, “So what kinda monk are you?”  I’m sure he wasn’t implying whether a ‘controlled’ one or not.  It was an inquiry more along the lines of, “What order do you belong to?”

“I’m a Hare Krishna.”

“Oh yeah?  I used to visit you guys in Boulder, Colorado.  I’d sing and dance.  The food was great….”

Anyway, those two incidents were the bright lights in my day.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, November 21st, 2017
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Last Day in BA

Antonio, one of the novice monks, took me around to the quieter streets before class.  Antonio, like many members, is of Italian origin.  The city, Buenos Aires, seems to be smartly laid-out.  I say that as a walker, and not a driver.  There are plenty of parks and trees lining the streets.  That is always good.

The class, delivered by myself once again, focused on Narada Muni’s words to his students, the Pracetas.  Narada is one of those all-time favorites of monks. He was expert at disseminating wisdom.  There is this incredible waterfall in the state of Washington, high on a mountain, and it is named after him.  I was stunned to see that and the plaque which identifies his name as a Hindu saint, or mystic.  https://youtu.be/T3LC95dyRZk

In today’s verse, from Canto 4 of the book, Bhagavatam, we learn of him saying that the source of self-realization is God Himself.  In other words the Supreme is motivated to assist souls in their effort to free themselves from this worldly entanglement.

Of course, not all souls in this world are interacted in such a liberation, being somewhat conditioned in their cozy situations.  People tend, too often, to be lost in their subjectivity, forgetting that a human has a mandate beyond just being in the survival mode.  It appears that many folks trolley their way to a more zombie-like approach to life, through various intoxicating methods.  I’m afraid it dulls the brain.  https://instagram.com/p/Bbqi0VeF8pD/

We don’t need that do we?

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Monday, November 20th, 2017
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Before and At the Park

After a chilled-out theatre workshop with those inclined, as well as the less inclined to such an exercise, all participants felt more apt to go at it during a future opportunity.  Theatre can be therapy.  You thrust your soul out into an irregular scenario.  You imagine yourself to be someone else and hang your own identity onto a hook for a while.  You explore new motives and fresh agendas.  You may not have liked the new territory but it was a good exploration nevertheless.  It’s a form of soul transmigration.  https://instagram.com/p/BbwoYJ0l83C/

As you probably realize, I see the wonders of drama.  It is an equal to my walking, which today measured out to be just over 5 km.  It was in Holland Park that a few of us ventured for a loosening up of limbs and an apparent clearing of the mind.

We sat at a park bench, by the white geese, some afloat and some grass-bound.  They do leave their mercy droppings which are substantial in size.  One of our co-walkers mistook them for dog dung.  “No, my friend, Seva Kunj, I know from Canada the size of geese poop.”

It was on that park bench that I shared with the group the topic of the importance of japa.  “Japa is therefore a wholesome thing.  It becomes that special time to communicate with the Absolute.  There might not always be such an encouraging endeavor or atmosphere around you for picking up those japa beads, but if you feel that call of duty and act on it, you will, in time, see the results.”

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Sunday, November 19th, 2017
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Missed

I missed the procession of Jagannatha.  Too busy.  To the very last minute, our crew was preparing our drama for the stage.  We did perform.  There were some glitches, but overall, the audience, which usually patiently awaits what theatrically is in store for them, was very focused.  That’s not always an easy thing to achieve in an outdoor setting.  The people liked the story.  “Thumbs up,” said they, but it’s a work in progress for sure.

Every year that the Chariot Fest is pulled off in any city, that is an accomplishment.  The work and sacrifice, especially the lack of sleep, cannot be underestimated.  In this regard, I have my heroes list in Buenos Aires that I mentally and by the heart do check.

There’s Mahahari, the president of the local community.  Left with a son to raise after his terrific wife, Gandarvika, recently passed, he does everything in the light-hearted spirit.  Without him the show does not go on.

Then we have Merudevi, who with the coolest head and permanently etched “yes” on her face, looks after the stage agenda, administration and assembly.  There may be more that she does which I’m unaware of.  As a monk, I don’t search deeply into the female affairs, even if devotional.  All I know is she’s a steady pillar in that department.

When I visit yearly, I share a room with Gauravani Swami, German-born, and we have the most meaningful chats.

Finally, I do not forget Gunagrahi Swami, who’s like a big bro to me and who introduced me, along with Murari from Miami, to the community.  He is absent, being in Vrindavan, India, stricken with cancer.  He has had so much to do with building up this community.  Bless him!

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Saturday, November 18th, 2017
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Marathon Practice

Seva Kunj, our sound man, held up a pecan and said, “This looks like my brain.”  Then he snapped the pecan in half to indicate that his lack of sleep had numbed his brain.  It was done without resentment.  We were all, our whole crew, on a marathon to assemble a new drama for tomorrow’s fest.

Playing one of the principle roles is Lucas who had saved his former dreadlocks and, as a prop, is sewing those precious hair pieces to a toque.

We went beyond 2:00 a.m. with practice, and with the script still not completed, before hitting head to pillow, our minds lingering in uncertainty.

It was discipline, but we saw the exercise as fun, as well as a challenge.  Patience is what comes as a glorious result.  To keep our weary selves excited we would, in unison, shout out cheerleading cries like, “We gotta go, go, go, go!  We gotta fight, fight, fight, fight!  We gotta win, win, win, win!  We gotta go, fight, win!”

In addition to that, each member carries their japa beads with them for the divine reminder of our connection with Krishna.  Snacks also make their way to the tight yoga room to enliven our senses.

The story in our drama, “Walk the U.S.A.” is nicely layered with the philosophy of what we believe in.

The production is an offering.  https://instagram.com/p/Bbqi0VeF8pD/

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Friday, November 17th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Be SATTVIC!

One of the brahmacharis—monks—led a group of us to a lake, twenty blocks away.  “Very nice,” he said, before we embarked on foot.

Many of the sidewalks are uneven with tiles wide or narrow, and some cracked, but that’s all okay for a walker.  An uneven terrain is always advantageous for foot contact, and I like the fact that streets are hosed down with the abundant water available early in the morning.  It is routine that condo owners have their portion of the walkways cleaned.  https://instagram.com/p/BbnmobQFVjS/

Eventually we made it to the lake, a haven in a bustling city.  Trees are happy here, yet trees are plentiful also in most residential areas.  There are some brains used in city planning.

The brahmachari who led our group, to and fro from the ashram,is a humble soul.  The ashram here is a storehouse of renounced young men.  It reminds me of the old days when I joined and many young Canadians took up monastic life.  Argentina is perhaps a less perfect place.  Money, political stability and comfort are in less quantity.  Perhaps it becomes an easier fit for young folks for these reasons.

I did have to correct the brahmachari’s walking technique since I found he was shuffling his feet, leaving his feet to not lift high enough.  I told him, instructively, that he needed to use his knees just a little more.  “Walk in a sattvic way.”  This means ‘thoughtfully’.  “And be nice to your shoes.”

In the class I gave, based on Canto 4, I emphasized the point of doing and being sattvic.  To act in goodness is the launching pad for establishing real love, bhakti.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Thursday, November 16th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina
A Decision Made

I had no time to walk the streets today.  I arrived by plane and there was greeted by Markendaya, who drove me through an ocean of cars.  A warm homecoming took place in the form of kirtan, at Ciudad de la Paz 394, the Hare Krishna Centre.  This is one of my homes.

I realized I hadn’t much time to assemble the play of my choice, a play called “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”  There’s not enough actors, or leading men and women, to carry a good show for the weekend’s “Chariot Festival.”

I sat down with our meagre crew and looked at options of three in number: No. 1- Work on the play that was planned, with high hopes that spontaneity would take its course and volunteers would come in at the last minute.  No. 2- Work on something the group has already performed, with some tweaking done from the director—that’s me.  Or we have No. 3- Start with something fresh.  New.  From scratch.  Something that is doable and practical.

I just finished writing an article for the official magazine of the Krishnas, the BTG, and it details the adventures of the U.S. walk I just completed.  Everyone was for that one.  It would be contemporary, have live music by Seva Kunj.  Yes!  That would be the decision.  So, we started practice and we’ll see how it evolves over the next two and a half days.  Show time is Sunday.

Wish us luck readers!

May the Source be with you!

0 km